WEEKEND READING (published 8:40 — 9:00 am Saturday
♦ Allen Lockington column
♦ Fr Barr on Productivity and Stability
♦ Peter Gleick on Fiji Water
♦ Fire at Fiji Museum by Roderick Ewins
NATAPEI OUT. Vanuatu PM Edward Natapei has been ousted from office in a 30:15 no confidence motion. Former Deputy Prime Minister, Sato Kilman has been sworn in as Prime Minister.
The move happened while Mr Natapei was out of the country, on his way to Cancun for the UN Climate Change Conference, and was driven by unhappiness over his push to have five opposition MP's suspended from the house, and also over his refusal to hand over the rotating chairmanship of the Melanesian Spearhead Group to Fiji, many said because of Australian pressure.
Mr Natapei was to officially apologize to Fiji for this action in a reconciliation ceremony in Honiara next week. Mr Kilman will now presumably perform this task for him
ELECTION DATE REAFFIRMED. The Strategic Framework for Coordinating Change spokesman Edward Tunidau has assured those attending the Fiji, Australia and New Zealand Business Forum that elections will be held in September 2014. He said the implementation of government's Roadmap and the Strategic Framework for Change was high on the agenda of the Public Service Commission. Mr Tunidau highlighted issues of good governance practices and how they planned to achieve this.
"Our commitment to the betterment of Fiji is continuing and we are now focusing on the economic and social development from 2009-2010. From 2012-2014, we will focus more on political development," said Mr Tunidau.He said the Constitution would be developed by 2013 with public consultation by September 2012. Other changes to be expected include electoral reforms that will be implemented under the new electoral system. "The voting age has moved to 18 years and there will now be a one-person-one-vote electoral strategy," said Mr Tunidau.He said good governance relied heavily on accountability and transparency. He said this had been taken up by the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption.
THE 2011 BUDGET. I will reserve my comments on the Budget until after I've obtained a copy. Meanwhile, here is a link to straightforward summary with some tables, and here's a polemic critique by Prof Wadan Narsey. Comments on Wadan's article (from Pacific Scoop, copied unacknowledged by Coup4.5) by economists would be particularly welcome.
PACER PLUS AND PIPSO. Fiji was barred from Pacer Plus meetings following its suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum. It seems, however, that Australia and New Zealand have recognized Fiji's economic importance in the region and indicated that they wish for some Fiji participation in the negotiations. The result is that Fiji will be "represented" by its private sector at the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisations second Business Forum in Nadi December 8-9 where topics for discussion will include PACER Plus, funding availability in the region, how the region can benefit from the current economic boom in PNG and the expected economic boom in Guam as a result of the multi-billion dollar relocation of US Marines to the island country.
CHIEF 'JUST A VILLAGER'. Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the paramount chief of Cakaudrove, has not yet met the PM after saying a month ago that he wished to do so. Cakaudrove is the only province to withhold its support for Government which, given Ratu Naiqama's extreme nationalist politics, is no surprise. Cakaudrove chiefs and the provincial council, however, do not all agree with Ratu Naiqama's position and this is probably a reason why he said he wished to meet the PM.
Now, Ratu Naiqama is playing games. He says the PM "is a busy man and needs to set a time and date in which they can meet" and the PM is saying "if Ratu Naiqama wants to talk, he will have to make an appointment like everyone else."
Ratu Naiqama says “I’m waiting for him, the reason being, him being in that position of Prime Minister, it is a very busy position. Me on the other hand, I am just a villager in the village, so I think it is only proper that he provides the time and date as to when he wants to meet me. As for me, I am ready anytime.”
FISH FOR EUROPE? Fiji may soon re-commence fish exports to the $100million worth European market. Fiji was banned from exporting fish to the EU after it failed to fulfill phytosanitary conditions in 2008 and lost the market, which at that time was worth $100m. The report of an EU Food and Veterinary Office mission in September is likely to give Fiji a clean slate which could mean exports may recommence in 5-6 months time..
CHINESE CEMENT AT SIGATOKA? A Chinese delegation from the Northern Heavy Industries Group Company is currently in the country to hold talks on the proposed establishment of a cement factory in Sigatoka.
PINE PAYS FIRST DIVIDEND. For the first time ever Fiji Pine Ltd has handed over an interim dividend of $1 million to Fiji Pine Trust and dividends will be paid to landowners.The Trust has also bought back $500,000 of government shares in the company.
Ministry of Fisheries permanent secretary Viliame Naupoto is the new board chairman of Fiji Pine Co.Ltd, replacing LtCol Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara who was chairman from April 2009. Ratu Tevita is currently on extended leave from the military.
QARASE BAKANI IN COURT. Former PM Laisenia Qarase and former NLTB General Manager Kalivati Bakani appeared in court yesterday for the consolidation of their fraudulent conversion charges.
The FICAC prosecuting lawyer told the court that during his tenure as Minister of Fijian Affairs, Qarase had submitted a paper in cabinet for the approval of a $100,000 grant to invest in the Vanua Development Corporation, a corporation created for the purpose of investing money from indigenous landowners.
Qarase and Bakani face six counts of fraudulent conversions each.The case was adjourned to January 24.
14 comments:
Croz, Bula
FISH FOR EUROPE?
For what it's worth, the $100m value for exports of fish to the EU quoted in the Fiji Times is a fairly spectacular exaggeration.
Fish exports were close to $135 for 2008, and to imply that approximately 72% went to the EU is poppycock.
About 65% of the fish catch here is albacore and is sent to the canneries - at that time, either to Pago Pago or Levuka.
Any numbers you see quoted in the local rags should be treated with extreme caution. (I see in a letter to the editor where one reader thinks that the three Tokulauan lads drifted 30,000 kms in 60 days!!! Not bad that - 500 kms a day.)
Lets look at a few of Tunidau's comments
"Elections in September 2014"
Great, so far so good.
"FICAC is responible for good governence and transparency"
Really ? I thought they where about stamping on corruption. What powers do they have on good governance and transparency.
"Economic development 2009-10"
Well 2010 has all but finished. What now and what of the poor economic performance (except tourism)in 2010 and the four years leading to it ?
"2012-2014 political development"
For parties to form, create policy and campaign they will need to be doing this well before 2014. Also it's a bit worrying that public servants are responsible for "political development"
"Voting age changed to 18"
So that's already been decided hey ? No consultation ?
Finally with all of this talk of transparency and good governence when might we see this government take the lead ?
Publish the roadmap for example ?
@ Croz
"Elections date, 2011"
Wow, what a heading. Finally some flexibility from the military man and then on re-read i saw the coma.
It got me thinking though. Great leaders need to be flexible and I can't think of a single time in the past 4 years where our self appointed PM has been flexible or listened to suggestions.
This site has had hundreds of simple, practical ideas that could make a difference to the peoples acceptance of what our PM says he is doing.
Time to put that letter back up Croz. Sing it and send it to the PM. Get on the phone to your mate Sharon.
Sadly none of us on the ground can do any of that for fear of being branded anti government and all the retribution and problems that brings on individuals and families.
Our PM is not being honest or upfront here. Not only will future governments have the debt of previous governments to worry about but the massive debts of HIS GOVERNMENT.
Fiji looks to extend debt repayment time frame
Friday, December 03, 2010
http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/fullstory.php?id=32690
Representatives of overseas funding agencies are in the country to work out a plan with government on extending the time frame of paying back debts left by past governments.
This was revealed to FBC News by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
Bainimarama says representatives of two funding agencies are in the country to hold talks.
They are expected to leave the country soon and will return next week for further negotiations.
Bainimarama says government is also negotiating with the government of India on extending the time frame of the repayment of the $86 million loan for the upgrade of the sugar mills.
He says the government that will come into power in 2014 will continue with debt re-payments as the current government cannot pay it back all at once.
Report by : Apisalome Coka
Croz
congratulations on your hotline to sharon - not that we seem to get much info from Minfo? Do you have a hotline to other dictatorships like North Korea, Burma and Zimbabwe as well?
Croz
Is being a 'villager' a bad thing? Perhaps a little thought before you write could enable more sensitivity to some of the things you that you put in your blog?
I'm sure most readers will find value in the thoughtful, informative, critical and helpful comments of the first four people commenting. I certainly did.
But what is the point of the next two?
@ Hotline ... this is just a nasty comment with no real substance. You demean yourself.
@ Just a villager ... The words are the Tui Cakau's, not mine. But do you really think he thinks of himself in this way? He was certainly not 'just a villager' when he told chiefs at the Cakaudrove Provincial Council meeting that they should not go against what he says. As for your comment on my supposed lack of thought and sensitivity: it is unwarranted and insulting. It is not the way to discuss differences with other people?
Both of you: criticize the Bainimarama government (and me) if you wish. Sensible criticism is welcome; wild, irrational, personal and nasty swipes are not.
Croz,
Your choice to highlight the Tui Cakau's words the way you did is no doubt designed to suit your own insulting characterisation of my High Chief. This has been your practice to date.
All he is doing is comparing his current occupation and location to that of the illegal PM noting it is sensible for the meeting date and time to be set by Bainimarama as the busier one - an indication of consideration by the Tui Cakau I would have thought. Instead you have gone to say the Tui Cakau is playing games - for us that is insulting to say the latest and again confirms your untutored attitude and disregard for things Fijian.
@ Kai Cakau ... You cannot really think that is all he is doing. After the Provincial Council meeting it was said he would ask the PM for a meeting. He appears not to have done so yet. Why has he not asked for an appointment, as Bainimarama suggests? This is the normal way people seek appointments with a PM.
In the modern world chiefs can wear several hats. If he chooses to wear his political hat, he is vulnerable to attack on political grounds. His traditional authority is confined to i'taukei in Cakaudrove. His political record shows that his overriding purpose extends to include all Fiji and all Fijians. He was jailed for his political actions, not for his chiefly authority. The distinction is important.
Croz,
You must talking through your head. The facts are, a letter seeking an appointment withe the illegal PM has already been submitted some time back as agreed to at the Cakaudroove provincial Council meeting.
All the Tui Cakau is doing is waiting on the response from the illegal PM's office, hence his note about the illegal PM being the best person who need to be setting a suitable time.
No doubt, all Fijians, not I Taukei, as this is an illegal reference, will be all aware yet again, of your vindictive attacks of matters Fijians from your untutored musings as a retired and bitter academic. Moce mada...
@ Kai Cakau ... I have no way of verifying whether a letter has been sent. All I know is that the letter was supposed to have been sent and that the PM said the Tui Cakau should seek an appointment. This suggests the PM had not received the letter. If, however, you are correct, Bainimarama is also playing games.
My comments on the Tui Cakau's political record and agenda still stand. Traditional loyalty should not mean political loyalty. If it did, people would vote only as their chief directed. This is not the way modern societies work. It is also not democratic.
Why do you have to be so insulting when you write? It is possible for people to disagree more politely.
It's great to see that back-stabbing Ni Vanuatu, Edward Natapei, finally get stabbed in the back himself. Or was it in the front.
His appalling behaviour towards Fiji in canceling the Melanesian Spearhead meeting in July without having the courtesy to tell anyone, makes him totally undeserving of any pity. Bye-bye Eddie and good riddance.
Oh, and Croz, you're absolutely right about some of these rude people on your site. Strange how having no manners usually means having no valid argument either. Ignore them.
@ Kai Cakau... I've been informed the letter was received by the PM's office last Monday requesting an appointment. It would seem the PM was unaware of this. So, other that Tui Cakau's posturing about just being a villager, I stand corrected.
@ kai cakau
Leadership - no matter where in the firmanent of public affairs - requires a cogent understanding of the needs of the people which must be placed first and foremost. Without humility this may not be achieved. Sensitivity to the fact that the people must be served ahead of the self would determine this and determine it unequivocally.
"Salus populi suprema est lex".
(The good of the people is the chief law).
This statement which is worn on the sleeve of every serving Fiji Police Officer is there to remind all of what was written 2,000 years ago by the Roman Senator Marcus Tullius Cicero (146 - 43BC). It is as relevant today as then: the people must come first and their needs must be served ahead of self. Humility and sensitivity are the values required along with unceasing hard work to achieve "summum bonum" (the highest good). It is this continual striving for excellence which develops and moves countries ahead.
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