Brij Misreported, Fiji's Poor Children, Fiji Economy Upgraded, Mutiny Trial Continues

N0141. TVNZ  STANDS ACCUSED.  Late last week I published an item (N0138) that criticised TVNZ for choosing Prof Brij Lal to comment on Fiji's tourism upsurge. I thought a tourism specialist would have been more appropriate. TVNZ reported Brij as saying there were several causes, including publicity gained from the Fiji Water incident and Oprah Winfrey's visit.  For the record, Brij has assured me by email:

" I did not ever utter a word about Fiji Water or Oprah Winfrey. That is the honest truth, the factual record. As I recall, I was asked about why tourist numbers to Fiji were increasing. I said that it could be because of the strong Aussie dollar, the threat of violence and instability in places like Bali and a certain 'fatigue factor' about coups in Fiji.That is all that I said." 

TVNZ  reported this also, but they seem to have made up the rest.  When dishonesty or sheer fabrication is added to incompetence in their reporting on Fiji, we must ask why the NZ taxpayer is funding this media outlet. I had presumed TVNZ is commissioned to disseminate news and does not have a political agenda. Now I  am not too sure. And the same can be said of RadioNZ International.

N0141.WHILE THE POLITICIANS PLAY. This note from a reader:"We asked why they had not taken him to hospital and were told the family was poor and did not have enough money to take him to hospital.  The funeral was a sad occasion. The little fellow had only begun school this year. In the grave on top of his coffin they placed his school bag."   This happened in Fiji last week.

USA Philanthropists help Fiji's poor children. Nuskin, a US-based philanthropic organization will be supplying free vita-meal to children in Fiji, From next month some 3,300kg of the vitamin-fortified rice and lentils will be supplied to Fiji on a quarterly basis. The Ministry of Health says the food, which will do much to help our malnourished and undernourished children, will be distributed to health centres and hospitals around the country.  Fiji is the first Pacific country to be included in Nuskin distributions.-- Based on No:0447/MOH.

N0143. FIJI UPGRADED. Standard and Poor, the company that grades countries on their investment risk, has upgraded Fiji from stable to positive. The announcement said the upgrade ‘reflects the improvement in Fiji’s external position, including in the level of foreign exchange reserves’. The PM welcomed the new rating, saying it is "expected to strengthen investor confidence and attract investment, which will enhance economic growth prospects ...[the improved ratings] ‘reflects well on government’s policy objectives which include prudent management of Government finances and a transparent and accurate recording system.’

The PM said the new ratings coupled with government’s reform agenda would inter alia improve ‘Fiji’s external position and Fiji’s ability to raise funds in the international financial markets. [The government will] ‘continue to improve financial discipline, focus on further facilitating private sector investment and continue with the necessary and targeted capital expenditure and policies to provide economic stimulus.’ 

N0144. TRIAL OF RATU TAKIVEIKATA. Ratu Takiveikata is charged with one count of inciting to mutiny between 6th August and 24th September 2000 where it is alleged that he knowingly incited Captain Shane Stephens and Sergeant Manoa Bolafasio to unlawfully take over the Queen Elizabeth Barracks where an attempt was also made to kill Cde Bainimarama. This is a link to Monday's court proceedings — and to Tuesday's. CRW refers to the Counter Revolutionary Warfare unit that staged the mutiny. Sections had previously actively supported the 2000 Speight coup. The unit was disbanded in 2000.