News and Comment Wednesday 29 February 2012

MEDIA FREEDOM SITUATION IN FIJI.  Interviews on YouTube,

PNG CRACKS DOWN ON INTERNET  dissent.  We'd have heard of this, courtesy of RadioNZ International and other "unbiased" media, had it been Fiji.
TONGA SUPPRESSED REPORT. Click here. We'd also have heard of this!
BLOG ATTACKS MICHAEL FIELD. Click here.

NAMOSI JOINT MINING VENTURE website.
 

 THANKS TO FIJI FOR PEACEKEEPERS.  The  Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) director-general, Ambassador David Satterfield has thanked Fiji  for her endless support. “I’m delighted to be here in Fiji, to have the opportunity to formally thank the Fijian Government and the Fijian armed forces for the superb work that Fijian soldiers have done, men and women in Sinai with the MFO since we stood up almost 30 years ago this April,” Ambassador Satterfield said. He was welcomed with a 50-person Guard of Honour at Nausori International Airport and later made courtesy calls on the PM, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, and the Minister of Defence, Joketani Cokanasiga. Readers will recall that Australia and NZ have made repeated calls for Fiji to be excluded from UN peacekeeping duties.

THE FAKE PHOTO.  The Coup4.5 "apologists" (excuse the pun) have defended Coup4.5 by saying it was satire and obvious fun.  Well, it fooled almost all of its readers who commented.  They did not think it as satire or a bit of fun.  They took it at face value. Yet you'd hardly say Coup4.5 is too clever for its readers. Would you?
 
FIJI RANKED THIRD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION. Norway and the USA were ranked first and second.

CHURCH HEAD ON RAPE CHARGE. The case in relation to the Head of All Nations Church Epeli Ratabacaca will now be called before Suva High Court Judge Justice Paul Madigan.

MOI BRIEFS. 1.Ministry Responds to PM’s Call - The Ministry of Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment today donated cash and kind assistance to the Ministry of Provincial Development and National Disaster Management. 2. MINISTER FOR WOMEN TO TOUR WEST - The Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni will tour this western division to meet with women groups beginning tomorrow and ending on 16 February. 3. BALANCED APPROACH NEEDED: DR LUVENI - Addressing the issue of teenage pregnancy needs a balanced approach. While awareness is one side of the coin, getting youths to work together to curb this social stigma is as equally important. 4. WAF lends a hand to flood appeal - In an effort to restore the lives of those that were affected during the recent flooding, management and staff of the Water Authority of Fiji this morning contributed $3704.15 to the Prime Ministers flood appeal. 5.People’s health comes first: Seruiratu  People living in evacuation centers will not be told to return to their homes for the sake of emptying the centers. That was the assurance given the Ministry of Provincial Development permanent secretary Mr Inia Seruiratu. 6. Revocation Of The Environment Management (Waste Disposal And Recycling) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 And The Environment Management (Container Deposit) Regulations 2011 - Cabinet has approved the revocation of the Environment Management (Container Deposit) Regulations 2011 and the Environment Management (Waste Disposal and Recycling) (Amendment) Regulations 2012.  7. Cabinet Approves Drafting of Optometrist Decree - Cabinet has approved the drafting of a law to regulate the practice of optometrists. The law would be known as the Optometrist Decree. 8.Cabinet Approves Amendment To The Public Hospitals And Dispensary Act On The Board Of Visitors - Cabinet has agreed that the relevant sections of the Public Hospitals and Dispensary Act dealingwith the Board of Visitors be amended. The Public Hospitals and Dispensaries Act Cap 110 is an existing Act for the regulation of public hospitals and dispensaries and includes schedule of charges in public hospitals.

Coup 4.5 Stoops to New Low

Look closely at the photo. It's a fake created by using Photoshop or similar software, and knowingly published by Coup 4.5. Read their weak explanation. Then read on for the comments of their loyal and gullible readers. Of over  40 comments, most are hostile, some are threatening and all but one take the photo at its face value.  One reader even asks: Can this photograph of the drunked dictator be sent to all international gov and media and published as paid advertisment in all overseas countries news papers please. Circulate to all people in fiji-mobile/email.  

But one reader spotted the fake. Anonymous writes ...PHOTO -SHOP................BOTTLE DOESN'T HAVE A SHADOW BUT THE CHAIR DOES...AND THE COCONUT TREE LOOKS FUNNY WHEN COMPARED TO THE GRASS!! CHEAP SHOT?

A word of advice to Coup 4.5 readers: Be more cautious in taking what they publish. This is not the first time they have fooled you.

Coup Four And A HalfThis blog is a result of the heavy censoring of the media by Fiji's military regime. Monday, February 27, 2012

Fiji's self-appointed PM naps at the beach

No idea where the picture was taken or what the occasion was - or even if there was one. But as they say, a picture paints a thousand words. We leave it to readers to draw their own conclusion. The picture ... and the caption .... has been printed as it was sent to Coupfourpointfive.

42 Comments:

 Taukei. said...

Bati ni wai Vore & his many RFMF friends having a quiet drink.

February 27, 2012 8:27 PM  

 Anonymous said...

Remember the infamous quote "chiefs should go drink home brew under the coconut tree"....?

February 27, 2012 8:35 PM  

 Radiolucas said...

Many - where are they? Frank - this can't be good - won't they let you back into the bowling club anymore?

Kevin Rudd's Pacific Neglect by Graham Davis

Rudd has gone, having lost his leadership challenge against Julia Gillard,  but Richard Marles may be no better. -- Ed.]

Ru

Rudd  (L) with NZ's McCully

Frank Bainimarama – Fiji’s prime minister and the current chair of the four-nation Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) – has joined the chorus of criticism of Kevin Rudd in advance of Monday’s leadership vote in Australia, accusing him of having neglected the Pacific as foreign minister.

He said Canberra’s lack of attention to the region – and especially its policy of shunning Fiji – had weakened Australian influence in the Pacific and had created a vacuum that bigger powers were moving to fill. Countries such as China and Russia were building relations with the smaller island states and strengthening their presence in Australia’s backyard. “They should be worried but they’re not”, he said. “ I don’t think they are taking it very seriously”.

In an interview with Grubsheet in Suva, Commodore Bainimarama revealed that both the United States and New Zealand had broken ranks with Australia and had renewed their official contacts with Fiji, severed after his coup in December 2006. No Australian diplomat or minister has had a formal meeting with the Fijian leader in the intervening five years in protest at the removal at gunpoint of the elected government of Laisenia Qarase, which Bainimarama claimed was racist and corrupt. Yet the United States no longer has such qualms, evidently concerned that Australia’s continuing hard-line stance has driven the Fijian leader into the arms of the Chinese.

He Said it. He Said it Not

QUOTE OF THE WEEK.
Fiji is a hall of mirrors even for someone with a local background. So God help any outsider trying to make sense of it all. I'm convinced that this is the problem with the international media. There are so many layers of disinformation, so many agendas being pushed, so many febrile rumours on the coconut radio, that it's a wonder any truth emerges at all.-- a Reader. 

He loves me. He loves me not.

The latest round of articles on what Bainimarama was supposed to have said in 2000 and later is unusual in that Bainimarama's version of events has been published in the international media, or to be more precise, by the NZ Herald.

It started with two articles by Victor Lal and Russell Hunter and an ABC interview with Hunter of the attempt by the Fiji police to have Baininimarama arrested in New Zealand immediately before the coup in December 2006, and with allegations that Bainimarama had planned for three coups, in 2000 and 2004 and 2005, before the coup that took place in 2006.

There was little new in these claims.  They have been circulating the anti-blogs for several years. What was new was that Lal and Hunter provided a little more detail, none of it verified except by reference to "leaked documents." It will be remembered Ratu Tevita Mara also claimed to have documents that would prove all.  But he — and so far Lal and Hunter—  have not made the "documents" available for inspection.

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

Allen Lockington is a self-employed customs agent and business consultant who has regular articles published in Fiji. I thank Allen for permission to reprint some of them in this political blog. They remind us that life goes on, whatever the political situation. And it's good to know that.

Traffic Officers

I was in the suburbs of Suva this week especially places that I used to frequent during my young days.

One of the things that I noticed is the people.  -Goodness, I've never seen so many people all together in one place. I am reliably told that the population of the city is going down. Probably because of the growth of Nasinu  but it didn't look that way. The market was full of people and the streets  full of people. I think I have been away from Suva for too long. Because Autoclave is not congested like Suva.

And another thing that I noticed is the traffic office in Raiwaqa. Right near the Raiwaqa market pedestrian crossing, I spotted a woman police officer, standing on a box and visible for about six car lengths. What a delight to see this. 

 

I am from Lautoka and we could do with a few traffic officers on point duty (as it is called) at critical points during the morning and afternoons. The important thing is the flow of traffic at intersections. The bad one is the intersection at Vomo Street and Drasa Avenue adjacent to the Red Cross office. The condition of the road is not a help at all.

But a big thank you to the police officers on point duty in Raiwaqa who kept the traffic flowing and controlling pedestrians. 

Isa!  I remember my primary schools days in Suva when police officers would be on point duty and it was a delight to watch some of them. Their arms never stopped and traffic never jammed. One of the police officers was so good that he looked like he was doing a make (dance).

It was a delight to watch.

When watchdogs become lapdogs: Some New Zealand media in spotlight

By Thakur Ranjit Singh*

Noam Chomsky

With the fall of Murdoch Media Empire and Wikileaks Scandal, the concept of a free media has taken almost a fatal hit. With recent developments in mainstream television, controversies and questionable decisions by some media outlets in New Zealand, one is forced to revisit Herman and Chomsky's Propaganda Model.

News and Comments Friday 24 February 2012

Photo: Fiji Times

TWO NEW CABINET MINISTERS. Viliame Naupoto is now the Minister for Youth and Sports and Jone Usumate the Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment. Naupoto was previously Permanent Secretary of Fisheries and Forests and earlier the Director of the Immigration Department. Usamate is a former CEO for the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji (TPAF) and . the Director for Technical and Vocational Education at the Fiji National University. --- FBC.

THE DEMOGRAPHICS OF TOP GOVERNMENT POSITIONS. The new Cabinet of ten includes 8 I'taukei, 2 Indo-Fijian; 4 men military or former military officers, and one woman.  The demographics of the 22 permanent secretaries are 14 I'taukei, 4 Indo-Fijians, 2 Part-Europeans and 2 Europeans; 6 military officers, and 5 women. And all four district commissioners are male, I'taukei and military. This is not an unreasonable representation at this time but there need to be more women, more Indo-Fijians and, over time, less military involvement at the top end of Government. 

'One Fiji, One People'

I am conscious that Government seeks to downplay the ethnicity of appointments in its plans for an "All One and Equal Fiji." But this should not mean hiding the rich diversity that is Fiji.

 Knowing the ethnicity, gender and career background of government appointees — and knowing the ethnicity-related variables in Bureau of Statistics census, tourism, and employment reports — is important because they also provide a means of monitoring progress towards Government's stated goal of a socially healthy, economically viable and united Fiji.    

FLOUR FROM BANANAS, CASSAVA AND BREADFRUIT. Cooperation between a Rotary Club in Melbourne, two Fiji Government ministries and Indonesia will soon see Fiji women making flour from  bananas, cassava and breadfruit. Minister of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation says the project will be piloted at the Raibevu Women’s Centre in Tacirua, Suva and the skills taught will be shared throughout  Fiji. 

The  project complements government’s Export Promotion and Import Substitution Programme, promotes food security at the subsistence level, and encourages female farmers to become creative in the use of local produce  to earn money.  To begin with, bread will be sold locally and later on, the ministry will be looking at expanding the market for these local producers, she said. 

Comment.  For a long time, as a geographer,  I've wondered how long it would be before the Pacific Islands adopted  some of the agricultural technologies of peninsular and  Island SE Asia.  Agricultural advisers from temperate Australia and NZ, with little to no tropical knowledge, declared land that would have been farmed in the Philippines unproductive in PNG and Fiji, and local crops (with processing potential)  and local animals (whose quality could have been improved) were largely ignored in favour of introduced crops and animals. In Niue  the annual report recorded an unchanged — and unproductive — sheep population for over a decade until they were eventually killed and eaten by  villagers and their dogs.  

The bread story above illustrates one benefit from the Fiji Government's Look North programme.  In the long term, current Australian and NZ embargoes may turn out to be a good thing for Fiji. I'm less sure whether they will be a good thing for them. 


 CHIEFS URGED TO USE RESOURCES. Commissioner Westsern Cdr Joeli Cawaki told a workshop attended by chiefs and turaga ni koro that "despite being rich in resources, I'taukei’s are still poor." He said people must move away from spending a lot of time in the village and spend more time using their land and sea resources. He added that leaders can only be respected by the people if they are seen to be using their time wisely and making good use of the available resources.

Comment.  The limited involvement by many rural I'taukei in "modern" entrepreneurial activities due, in large part, to their emphasis on communal — as distinct from individual — activities was a concern of later colonial administrators as seen in the Spate Report, anthropologist Rusiate Nayacakalou, and post-Independence governments.  The protectionism inherited from the Gordon administration seemed to have put I'taukei in a time-warp cocoon. How, modern leaders have asked, is it possible to synthesise the best in old traditions and new "Western" approaches to permit a full and equal engagement of I'taukei in the modern Fiji economy that will also, incidently, help destroy stereotypes of "lazy" I'Taukei and "stingy. grasping" Kaindia.

These "punches from the shoulder" by Government spokesmen to I'taukei, addressed primarily to chiefs and turaga ni koro, to help themselves and their people and rely less on Governnment is a welcome change to the demeaning patronage of some earlier administrations.

ACT ON COMPLAINTS: POLICE CHIEF.The Police Commissioner BrigGen Iowane Naivalurua   has issued a stern message to his senior police officers to deal with public complaints received by the Prime Minister's Office and Police in relation to the force.  Some 1,372 complaints were received by the  Office  and 1,290 by Police from all divisions. Figures for January: Complaints to the PM's Office 179; to the Police 164.

'PREPONDERANCE OF NEGATIVES.' The IMF  says Fiji faces a preponderance of negative risks "given political uncertainties, structural weaknesses, and the fragile global economy."   For the IMF's full report on Fiji,  click here,  and to hear Prof Wadan Narsey's comments from Townsville, Queensland, click here.

DISSECTING THE 2012 BUDGET. Eighteen speakers, including USP Economics Professor Biman Prasad, Commerce Commssion Chairman Dr Mahendra Reddy, and FSC Executive Chair Abdul Khan, will dissect the 2012 Budget at the Nadi Chamber of Commerce Industry and Trade annual meeting on Saturday. Secretary Shalendra Prasad said that whatever the outcome, the opinions of speakers and members will be forwarded to government for consideration.

MERE SAMISONI'S BAIL CONDITIONS have been only slightly modified. Less reporting to police but no overseas trips.

WHAT'S ALL THIS ABOUT? YouTube clip on Facebook. I'taukei in Australia?

 WEEKEND READING. • Allen Lockington's Column  • The Media: When Watchdogs Become Lapdogs

News and Comments Wednesday 22 February 2012

Clockwise: Lal, Hunter, Peters, Hughes

ERRATUM. Apologies to RealFijiNews for including them among the anti-blogs that published the Lal-Hunter article.  It was RawFijiNews.

But what a reaction to my error!  "Crosbie Walsh needs to visit a Psychiatrist or an Optometrist...The above is what the anti democracy, anti freedom, anti human rights, anti rule of law, anti good governance, pro Frank Bainimarama dictatorship blog Crosbie Walsh has falsely alleged Real Fiji News had published. Perhaps someone in NZ could kindly wheel this anti democracy blogger to the nearest psychiatrist or optometrist because we published no such article and therefore are not obliged to publish any such response to same."  I would also have apologized on their blogsite but they appear to have made no provision for readers' comments.

PETERS REJECTS CLAIMS  NZ was planning to arrest Bainimarama.

ANOTHER FIJILIVE POLL. "Do you think the Department of Roads is doing enough given the poor state of roads across the country? Yes 6%, No 94%."

DRITI PLEADS NOT GUILTY. Former military Land Force Commander Pita Driti has pleaded not guilty to two counts of uttering seditious comments and one count of inciting mutiny at the High Court in Suva last Friday. The case called before High Court judge Justice Paul Madigan was adjourned to March 16 for mention and his bail has been extended. [Co-defendant Ratu Tevita Mara is presently indisposed overseas.]

BA MAY BAN KAVA, The Ba Provincial Council supports the call for a kava ban for three weeks in flood affected areas in the West. In the absence of a declaration of a public health emergency, several villages have banned yaqona sessions, church and other mass gatherings, and movement in and out of their villages.  Seven people have so far died in the west from flood related diseases.

Yesterday the Fiji Broadcasting Commission reported the Health Ministry would only implement the public health emergency in the West if the number of confirmed cases of typhoid, leptospirosis and dengue were tripled. It quoted permanent secretary Dr Eloni Tora as saying that many of the confirmed cases were already in existence before the floods. "Before the floods there were 18 confirmed cases of typhoid which has increased to 20, dengue fever had 16 confirmed cases before the floods and this number has increased by six to 22, while leptospirosis had 27 confirmed cases before the flood with the number now standing at 28," the FBC reported. It said the ministry said the situation was under control and there was no need yet for the implementation of a Public Health Emergency.


MOST (82%) DEATHS DUE TO NCDs. Food processors, distributors and manufacturers have joined hands with the Health Ministry in its battle against Non Communicable Diseases. NCD Advisor Dr Isimeli Tukana says a major concern is the increase in fast food consumption, and at a meeting in Suva yesterday food distributors agreed to find ways to reduce the fat, sugar and salt levels in all food products they sell to the public.

OOPS!  More "good news" from FijiToday: "82% of Fiji's population continue to die every year [sic!] from Non Communicable Diseases."  So, next year only 18% will be left? See above for how they got it wrong. 

OOPS! I THINK SHE MEANS THE OPPOSITE.  "The impact of the mass media encompasses about 80 per cent of the country's population but with the arrival of new technologies, this number is quickly diminishing, say Fiji Media Watch president Asilika Uluilakeba."Fiji Times.

Bainimarama's Four Coups and New Zealand's Involvement

Clockwise: Lal, Hunter, Peters, Hughes

The NZHerald has  published Victor Lal and Russell Hunter's article on Bainimarama's supposed four coups and the refusal of the NZ police to comply with the request of Fiji police commissioner Andrew Hughes to arrest Bainimarama when he was in NZ for his granddaughter's christening just before the December 2006 coup.

The article, published at 8:40am Saturday, was copied by at least  four anti-blog (FijiToday, RealFijiNews, TruthforFiji and Coup 4.5) within the next 24 hours. These blogs publish links to each other so it takes no time to jump on new stories. I doubt the Herald or the blogs will publish this response.

Bainimarama Planned Four Coups

The article is of interest for two reasons, the first of which is its claim that Bainimarama had planned three coups before 2006. I've read claims (on the anti-blogs, no sources cited) of the first supposed attempt when Bainimarama negotiated the release of Chaudhry and other MPS kidnapped by Speight. But as one informed person put it: "It just doesn't add up against what we've all understood: that Bainimarama handed power to Qarase expecting him to turn the country around and then became disillusioned over his pro-indigenous agenda and plan to free Speight."
 
Most people at that time said Bainimarama was looking for a neutral, non political person to head a temporary government and someone suggested Qarase to which Bainimarama agreed.  Had he wanted to, Bainimarama would have had the means, and a sufficient measure of public support, to take over government but instead he "installed" Qarase. It was not expected that Qarase would form a party, the SDL, and stand in the 2001 election, The root of the tension between Bainimarama and Qarase — and the most probable reason for the 2006 Coup —  can be traced to this time.

Qarase turned out to be far from neutral. He sought to release Speight and other detained plotters (the Tolerance and Reconciliation Bill); he included members of the former extremist Matanitu Vanua (CAMV) party in his Cabinet,  and he proposed "pro-Fijian" discriminatory legislation such as the Qoliqoli Bill that Bainimarama called upon him to withdraw.  Bainimarama felt cheated by Qarase and on several occasions said he had gone back on his word. By late 2006 many others shared Bainimarama's concerns. They thought Qarase's proposed legislation discriminatory and racist and  his regime corrupt. Even the Fiji Times expressed concern at the high level of corruption.

Lal and Hunter claim: "In 2000 during the negotiations that ended the Speight hostage crisis he (Bainimarama) suggested that the military should run the country for up to 50 years but Speight – and the president – would have none of it. In 2004 and again in 2005 he planned to take over the Government but his senior officers refused to commit treason." But they provided no details or evidence to support their claim

The military may have offered to take over government as an interim measure in 2000, though I have never heard it mentioned and they cite no sources. I doubt the "50 years" accusation, but it's possible. Bainimarama's off-the- cuff remarks are well known. What we do know is that no one took the alleged remark seriously.  Only people hostile to Bainimarama would create and elevate its importance, six years after the supposed utterance.

The claim of intended coups 2 and 3, in 2004 and 2005, is more credible though I think they would be better described as increasing tension between Bainimarama and Government.  It is likely the 2006 Coup took a long time brewing so I'm not surprised, or concerned, that there may have been rumblings in 2004 and 2005. By early 2006, however, matters were coming to a head and reported dissension within the mililary seems likely to have been due to diffences of opinion about what the military should do about pending Qarase Government legislation, and rumours that Qarase, and Police Commissioner, Australian Anthony Hughes, were planning to arrest Bainimarama for treason.

The Baledrokadroka Incident, which recalls this period, is reasonably documented in Wikipedia, and the contrary views expressed between Bainimarama and his second-in-command illustrate just how difficult it is to get at the truth. I suspect Baledrokadroka, now in exile and very anti-Bainimarama, is one source of the Lal and Hunter article.

The second reason the article is of special interest comes in two parts: Why was there what one reader called the "spectacular falling out between Bainimarama and Hughes when they'd once been on the same page? Was Hughes doing the bidding of people higher up the food chain in Australia? It may go some way to explaining Canberra's continuing obstinacy about the regime."

The Plan to Arrest Bainimarama in New Zealand
The second part is the action taken by Qarase and Hughes to involve the New Zealand Government. I quote the Lal and Hunter article:

"Fiji’s chief of police made a private call to his New Zealand counterpart urging him to arrest Commodore Frank Bainimarama a few weeks before the military leader seized power in a coup in December 2006. It was reported at the time that a request had been made through Interpol and rejected by the New Zealand Government but only now can details from behind the scenes be revealed.

"In November 2006 then Police Commissioner Howard Broad took the call from his Fiji counterpart Andrew Hughes, an Australian, who wanted to know if Commodore Bainimarama had committed any offence under New Zealand law for which he could be arrested. Teams of police officers from both forces worked over a weekend and agreed the future dictator could be charged  in New Zealand with perverting the course of justice in a foreign jurisdiction. The planned charge related to remarks made by Commodore Bainimarama in New Zealand regarding an investigation into his alleged sedition in Fiji. Mr Hughes sent two senior officers – an assistant commissioner and a senior detective – to New Zealand to liaise in the planned arrest.

“Then Howard Broad had a change of heart,” said Mr Hughes. “He said New Zealand Foreign Affairs preferred a political solution. I argued it was his decision as Police Commissioner as to who should be charged in New Zealand. At the time Commodore Bainimarama was in New Zealand for his granddaughter’s christening and the Foreign Minister at the time, Winston Peters, had taken the opportunity to broker talks between him and elected Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase aimed at diverting Fiji’s lurch towards a military takeover. A day later, Mr Hughes received a call from Mr Broad... In the end, Mr Broad told me, ‘Well, we’re not going to arrest him.” Mr Broad, now retired, told the Weekend Herald yesterday in a written statement that he remembered the call well.

I remember it as a highly unusual request to consider an allegation against the Chief of Defence Force of a neighbouring country’s properly constituted Government. I remember giving this decision a lot of consideration because it contained complex operational, legal and  policy issues. I made the decision but I took a lot of advice. I remain comfortable with it. He said some aspects of Mr Hughes’ explanation did not accord with his recollection but he did not specify what they were."

Hughes said they did not attempt to arrest Bainimarama in Fiji because he was heavily guarded and he wanted to avoid an armed confrontation between the police and the military. So when PM "Qarase waited at Suva’s Nausori airport to board a New Zealand Air Force VIP jet to take him to the Peters-brokered talks in Wellington, he was surprised to be joined by Mr Hughes, who then explained that the arrest plan was unlikely to come to fruition. Mr Qarase was shocked."

Lal and Hunter say: "Had Commodore Bainimarama been arrested in New Zealand the Fiji military would have been unable and unwilling to proceed with the removal of the Qarase Government." The then US ambassador to Fiji, Larry Dinger, in a leaked cable supported this view: "An arrest abroad might be the only way to enforce a criminal charge and remove the Bainimarama thorn.”

Thank goodness the arrest did not go ahead. Labour’s foreign affairs spokesman at the time, Phil Goff, sums up the situation well. "Such a course of action would mean a country lost its credibility as a mediator for dealing with crises. I scarcely think you were going to lure a person here under false pretences only to arrest him. That would be seen as an ambush and bad faith and it wouldn’t have resolved the situation within Fiji. “

And as a reader commented: "Imagine the consequences if the commander of the Fiji Military Forces had been detained in NZ? It would have been seen in the Fiji military as tantamount to an act of war." But that's what Qarase, Hughes — and now Lal and Hunter —  were apparently prepared to risk.

Postscript.
ABC's Pacific Beat has taken up the story with an interview of Russell Hunter and NZ's Foreign Affairs Minister at the time, Winson Peters. Two questions are discussed: could/would NZ have arrested Bainimarama during his NZ visit; and would his arrest have prevented the 2006 Coup? On the first question, Peters says no but Hunter thinks maybe, and on the second question Hunter says yes, and Peters provides a rather muddled I don't think so.

Forever Positive in its Criticisms and Suggestions: CCF, The Voice of Moderate Fiji

 Taking Ownership of the Constitution Making Processes 

The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum stresses that the processes for formulating Fiji’s next Constitution must be led by the citizens of Fiji and people are urged to start talking and discussing in their homes, villages, religious and social groups on how to get involved.

CEO Reverend Akuila Yabaki says that the people must take ownership and prepare to make constructive contribution in the Constitutional Consultation process from the drafting to having a final say on the contents of the document.

“A unique opportunity presents itself to all Fijians to build a sustainable democracy for this country through a Constitution which takes into accounts the dreams and aspirations of all the people of Fiji,” says Reverend Yabaki.
CCF stresses that the Bainimarama government must ensure that the processes are participatory and not just consultative and the end result is a document made by the people by encouraging submissions on the content of the Constitution from all sectors of our society.
 CCF has identified what we believe are ideal guiding principles which should be adopted in the Constitution consultation processes and pave the way towards having a legitimate document in the lead up to elections in 2014.
 CCF recommends that:

• The process for developing a Constitution for Fiji should begin immediately in order to meet the deadline set for holding democratic elections in September 2014.
• The process should seek to develop a Constitution for Fiji, building upon the worthy values and lessons from previous approaches.
• An Independent Constitution Commission should be established to direct and oversee the process for developing a Constitution for Fiji.
• A code based on core set of good governance principles should be agreed and used to guide the process of developing a Constitution for Fiji. (E.g. transparency, accountability, inclusivity etc)
• As much as possible the process must allow for all citizens including ethnic minorities and marginalized groups to have their views represented.
• The process for developing a Constitution for Fiji should begin with an extensive programme of civic education. Civic education should also be incorporated in to the national curriculum of all schools in Fiji.
• All issues, however contentious, should be open to discussion during the Constitution development process.
• All laws that restrict free and open discussion should be lifted during the process of developing a Constitution for Fiji. It must be noted that the provisions under the Public Order Act of 1969 are sufficient.
• Views and submissions to help inform the development for a Constitution for Fiji should be encouraged in every possible format and that the means for putting forward views should be effectively communicated to citizens.
• The role of the international community should be to provide the relevant resources and funding as well observing and monitoring the process of developing a Constitution for Fiji.The role of external experts should be limited to providing technical advice during the process of developing a Constitution for Fiji.

The role of Non-Governmental Organizations and Civil Society Organizations during the process of developing a Constitution for Fiji should include:

• Civic education
• Advocacy
• Public participation
• Lobbying
• Creating submissions
• Consulting with the State
• Representing marginalized groups

The role of the police and military should be limited to maintaining law, order and security during the process of developing a Constitution for Fiji.

A Constituent Assembly should be established to approve and adopt the Constitution for Fiji. With options for a referendum, a transitional government or a government nominated by the Citizens’ Assembly also being considered.

“It is our hope, that every citizen will stand up and have their voices heard in every stage of the constitution making process as it is the right of every individual – regardless of ethnicity, faith, gender or sexual orientation – to take part in the process of creating laws which will lead to lasting peace and democracy. This is a right enshrined in Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states Everyone has the Right to participate in government and free elections,” says Reverend Yabaki.

……………………….
Reverend Akuila Yabaki
CEO - CCF

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

Allen Lockington is a self-employed customs agent and business consultant who has regular articles published in Fiji. I thank Allen for permission to reprint some of them in this political blog. They remind us that life goes on, whatever the political situation. And it's good to know that.

Settee quality 

Fiji and the French Connection

# 55 PACIFIQUE FRANCAISE

By

Graham Davis

 

Keeping the Pacific French (photo: Graham Davis)

The presence of a French military aircraft over western Fiji surveying the damage from the recent widespread flooding has again highlighted the close ties between France and the government of the Fijian dictator, Frank Bainimarama. In stark contrast with Australia and New Zealand – which have shunned Fiji since Bainimarama’s coup in 2006 -  France has continued to engage with the regime and provide it with vital assistance. The Fijian military especially values France’s willingness to give it an aerial reconnaissance and search and rescue capability it simply cannot afford.

Rabuka Needs to Tell the Whole Coup Story

Opinion:

RABUKA NEEDS TO TELL WHOLE  FIJI COUP STORY AND EXPOSE THE PLOTTERS

http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2012/02/rabuka-needs-to-tell-whole-coup-story-and-expose-the-plotters/

By Arvind Kumar

AUCKLAND (Pacific Scoop / Pacific Media Watch): Almost 25 years after committing treason by carrying out a military coup against a democraticallyelected government, Major-General Sitiveni Rabuka recently apologised to the Fiji public.

Claunch Foresees More Investment Opportunties

Promise of democracy opens up investment opportunities in Fiji

 http://www.fdiintelligence.com/Locations/Asia-Pacific/Promise-of-democracy-opens-up-investment-opportunities-in-Fiji?ct=true

Ginanne Brownell | 10/02/2012 1:44 pm | (0 comments)

Political tensions have long kept Fiji off the investment map, making it difficult for the country to capitalise on its natural beauty and its bountiful resources. But with martial law lifted at the beginning of 2012 and the promise of free elections in the coming years, can Fiji convince the rest of the world that it is finally a safe place to invest?

Fiji and Investment

http://www.fdiintelligence.com/Locations/Asia-Pacific/Fiji-PM-looks-to-forge-a-central-role-within-south-Pacific

Fiji PM looks to forge a central role within south Pacific

Ginanne Brownell | 10/02/2012 

From tourism to mining, Fiji’s prime minister, Commodore Josaia 'Frank' Voreqe Bainimarama, outlines where he sees Fiji’s investment future, and explains how the island's attributes and location could see it become the central business destination within the south Pacific.

Keeping Ambassadors in Touch

MEDIA RELEASE: Consultations to Strengthen Fiji’s Foreign Policy

A consultation forum designed to boost Fiji’s foreign policy will also see a shift in ideas for engaging with the international community.

News and Comments Friday 17 February 2012

WEEKEND READING • Allen Lockington Column • Keeping Ambassadors in Touch • Fiji and the French Connection • Rabuka Needs to Tell the Whole Coup Story •  Claunch Foresees Investment Opportunities • Fiji and Investment
17.2.12
AMENDED DECREE DRAWS CRITICISM. Serelisoni Moceica in the Fiji Times (abbreviated.) The Citizens Constitutional Forum and Fiji Media Watch have come out strongly against the State Proceedings Amendment Decree. FMW executive director Agatha Ferei said the decree challenged the independence of the media and limited the people's freedom of expression of citizens."FMW does not support the amended decree," she said.

"This is because in granting immunity to the press, the decree suppresses the freedom of the media to operate independently."Ms Ferei said the decree also prevented balanced and transparent reporting because people would be disallowed from sharing their views openly. She pleaded with media organisations to stick by the Media Code of Ethics.[The CCF criticism was published earlier in this blog.]

RATU TEVITA MARA had an article in the DominionPost last Friday. It was a reply to the A-G's opinion piece published three weeks earlier. He said the A-G's article was "yet another exercise in propaganda by a master of spin" who wants people to believe he "represents a liberal reforming government" that empowers Fijians, while the opposite is the case.  He said he knows because to "my eternal regret, I was part of it." (see story below). His argument, in sum, was that Fijians have no say in their destiny; they are ruled by force and threats "at the point of a gun"; repression continues; the police have usurped the powers of the court; corruption flourishes, and the economy has gone down the glughole.  So what's new!

MARA "ORCHESTED" ABUSES.WIKILEAKS FROM US EMBASSY,SUVA,MARCH 2009. "Christmas Eve 2006 Detention, Assaults and Abuse ... six pro-democracy activists were forcibly removed from their homes and taken to the RFMF headquarters at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva. According to independent statements by several of the individuals, during the course of the night, RFMF personnel subjected them to humiliating and degrading treatment  ...

While much of the alleged abuse was perpetrated by lower ranking and unknown RFMF soldiers, those detained reported that the following high ranking RFMF personnel were present, orchestrated and in some cases perpetrated the abuse: (1) Tevita Ului Mara, Colonel, Chief of Staff, Land Force, and Commanding Officer of the RFMF Third Infantry Regiment, DOB: 25 May 1965 (2) Pita Driti, Colonel, Land Forces Commander, DOB: 29 October 1960(3) Sitiveni Qiliho Tukaituraga, Colonel, DOB: 30 December,1969..."  [Mara has claimed Bainimarama was present; not him.Thanks FijiToday for this.]

NEVER GETTING IT RIGHT. "Over the past decade many have been pointing the finger at the Fiji government for not doing enough to grow the economy. They were making comparisons with PNG which had been growing between 5 to 10%. But PNG is expanding because of mining so Gov decided to boost mining....people said no we don't want mining. So Gov decided to boost agriculture through land reforms....but no people do not want land reforms. So Gov wants to promote tourism in the remote areas but again many complain that it will erode cultural values, and some go abroad and shout at the top of their voices that tourists should think twice before stepping foot in Fiji. Still not beaten Gov decided to promote FDI/tourism through casino's...but again omg  what will happen to our social fabric (as if it wasnt torn already)....phew...everyone wants growth..but no wants wants to accept change." --Rishab Nair in Facebook's Fiji Economic Forum.

A PENSIONERS’ PETITION TO THE PM FOR JUSTICE  is circulating in the larger centres. Those signing:

• Believe they have been discriminated against and treated unjustly and unfairly by the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) and the Government in the changes to the Fund’s pension system.
• Contend that their existing pension contracts have been broken by the FNPF and wish to have this,and other issues, addressed in court. As a first step they request support from the Prime Minister to deal with the gross injustices of the Transition Decree and the substantive FNPF Decree that follows it.
• Assert that their fundamental rights have been breached in a number of areas and that the changes are also in violation of the Peoples’ Charter which provides the guiding influence for overall Government policy.
• Call for the establishment of a full independent inquiry to consider and make recommendations on all the issues, contradictions and discrepancies that surround the actions of the FNPF in its proposals for change.
• Seek constitutional support for the rights of pensioners.

For further information, contact  Emelita Wilson on 3300855 or 9496332.

FIJI CLUB v. FIJI TODAY. The Fiji Club of NZ commended the French Government for its help with the floods but Fiji Today accused the Club of a "Begging Bowl mentality" saying "We should be able to cope with the regular events that are part of life in the tropics,"  adding, "Australian and NZ military aircraft are banned from Fiji airspace. But Fiji has always accepted aid when natural disasters strike. NZ has just announced $2.2m for "disaster preparedness" and it military aircraft did reconnaissance work during last year's hurricane.  Fiji also donated to the Christchurch earthquake appeal. Nations do not beg during such times. Other nations offer and their offer is accepted. FijiToday perpetuates a false image of an Island Nation.

NOW HEAR THIS. ANTI-BLOG REALFIJINEWS says: "If ANZUS does not exterminate Bainimarama, instability will worsen in the Pacific." If they are seriously suggesting an invasion, someone at RFN needs to visit a psychologist, and not just because ANZUS would not consider it. 

FIRST WOMAN APPOINTEE. Fulori Rainibogi  has become the first woman appointee for the Deputy Divisional Commander of Police Northern.There are 879 women police officers in Fiji, making up 20 percent of the force.

News and Comments Thursday 16 February 2012

16.2.12

CHAUDHRY MAY CONTEST 2014 ELECTION. Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry said he will contest the planned 2014 general elections if the party wants him to stand again. Chaudhry has retained his seat since the 1987 elections and led th16.2.1 FLP coalition to win the elections in 1999 when he was appointed Fiji’s Prime Minister. Chaudhry has told Pacific Beat that he may contest again but it all depends on the FLP.

[I'm not sure Fiji needs any of the old politicians or, indeed, the old parties, with their personal antagonisms, adversary tactics, and appeals to racial loyalties. One would think that new faces, fresh collaborative ideas, and genuinely multi-racial parties are what is needed.]

UNIONIST ANTHONY CRITICISES DECREE IN FIJI VILLAGE.  The Fiji Trades Union Congress has  raised concern on the State Proceedings Amendment Decree. National Secretary, Felix Anthony said the decree basically allows the media to print the criticism from the government and gives a wholesale license to make personal and defamatory remarks against their opponents in the lead up to the general elections in 2014. He said  the decree also raises questions on the intent of the government and he asks why it should only protect itself when they have no ulterior motives, adding that if the ministers speak the truth and have evidence, they do not need such a decree. The FTUC went on to ask why the general public is not given the same privileges so that open and frank discussion is held on the future of the country.

FIJI TIMES EDITOR SAYS SELF-CENSORSHIP REMAINS BIGGEST DANGER FOR MEDIA
SUVA (Radio NZ International / Pacific Media Watch): The editor-in-chief of the Fiji Times, Fred Wesley, says self-censorship remains the biggest danger for Fiji’s media. He says his paper has remained vigilant about this before and after the lifting of the Public Emergency Regulations which put official censors in Fiji newsrooms. Wesley says The Fiji Times is still testing the water since the rules were lifted in early January.

“This was sort of like an enemy for us, the self-censorship issue so journalists were always told when you get an assignment, do the assignment. There is no question about whether it is going to go in or not going to go in, whether the censors will pull it out or not. Your job is to go out, get the story, make sure it’s fair and balanced and put it into the system.”

Fred Wesley says there has been no interference from the interim government since the lifting of the PER and communication with the Ministry of Information has improved.

THE SICK SHEET SCAM INVESTIGATION is complete. Minister for Works and Transport Col. Timoci Lesi Natuva says the scam has seen 91 civil servant contracts terminated: 58 were terminated last year and 33 were removed last week. UPDATE. The doctor who wrote the certificates is to face a disciplinarey hearing.

News and Comments Tuesday 14 February 2012

FLOOD UPDATE. • The State of Natural Disaster for the worst hit areas in the Western Division has been extended for a further ten days. • Floods Cost Update. A recovery progress report has indicated that an initial estimate of damages sustained by the floods are $16.8 million. Australian Flood Relief money now stands at F$2.3m.

Why the State Proceedings (Amendment) Decree? 

Government needs to keep its eye on the ball

The anti-Government blog FijiToday reported RadioNZInternational saying: “A lawyer in Fiji says the anti-defamation decree was prompted by at least one threat to sue the interim Attorney General for potentially slanderous public comments earlier this year.”

This could be true if the  alleged defamation was written but it is extremely unlikely that a case against the A-G would proceed or be successful without stronger evidence. If we are to accept this explanation, we must ask why the A-G would go to so much trouble when the lawyer slighted did not even launch defamation proceedings against him, and if he did not then, why should the A-G be afraid of him now? To accept this explanation it is necessary to accept that the A-G is afraid and seeks protection under the Decree. But this would only be temporary because the decree expires in 2014, and there's no time limit on the lawyer suing the A-G.  The story of alleged defamation may well be true, but I doubt it is the "reason" for the Decree, whose purpose remains a puzzle that, unsolved, will continue to feed ongoing speculation.

If I may speculate, my bet would be that the Decree continues what PER started:  a  means of isolating the A-G and others in Government from unwanted "distractions." With PER lifted and no Decree, one or two smart lawyers, still carrying chips on their shoulders from Government's attack on the Fiji Law Society, could tie Government up in legal proceedings that would leave it with little time for its other work. Government needs to keep its eye on the ball.  Well, it's an idea. Wonder if RadioNZ International will publish it?

DIPLOMATS MEET. Heads of Mission who represent Fiji in 14 countries will meet on Wednesday to "discuss common concerns, major government programmes and developments.”  Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola said the meet will provide government and heads of missions the opportunity to look at foreign policy objectives and strategic issues.

NEW WORK REGIME FOR NURSES. The Health Ministry has changed nurses' working hours in a bid to improve working standards and patient care. Currently, nurses in Fiji are expected to work 40 hours a week on rotational basis. The ministry has changed this in its new pilot programme, assigning nurses to only 36 hours of work a week for 12-hour shifts a day, three days a week.

"The intention is to optimise health care," ministry spokesman Peni Namotu said. "It also considers the quality of life of nurses to reduce sicknesses, eating disorders and health risks associated with a hectic work schedule." The programme has been implemented to also cater for the increase in the number of established nurses in Fiji.

In 2008, a total of 1500 nurses were registered under the ministry. There was a huge increase towards the end of 2011 and 2012 with more than 2000 established nurses registered. In March, the ministry expects another 120 nurses graduating from the Fiji National University and the Sangam School of Nursing in Labasa added to its list. In 2013, an additional 215 nurses are expected to be registered. The Labasa Hospital has spearheaded the programme with the Colonial War Memorial and Lautoka hospitals expected to begin the new nursing hours before the end of the month. -- Marvin Masi posted in Fiji Economic Forum.

News and Comments Monday 13 February 2012

 Check down for the Weekend Readings.  13.2.12 

Four to One: Uneven playing field

IS THE STATE PROCEDURES (AMENDMENT) DECREE NECESSARY? The Decree seems to give Ministers and the State absolute immunity from civil suit and criminal prosecution for speech and published word. The media is covered by the same immunity for publishing what the State Ministers say. However, incorrect reporting of Ministerial speeches does not cover the media nor does the publication of other people's words and speeches if, for instance, they are defamatory.

I do not know whether this adds to powers under the original State Proceedings Act which this Decree amends, and I have no idea why the Decree is seen to be needed at the present time. It would seem to be in the same order as the Essential Industries Decree: unnecessary, repressive and unlikely to win friends.  Government needs to fully explain the need for its decrees and post them promptly on their website.   The A-G's assurance that the powers will not be abused is not enough. Could someone close to Government seek an explanation of what this is all about.

UN ASSISTANCE IS TIMELY --- Citizens Constitutional Forum Press Release. Accepting the offer from the United Nations to send a Needs Assessment Mission is a timely decision by the Bainimarama Government and should be used to undertake further steps in ensuring there is transparency and full participation in the Constitution Development Process.

Citizens’ Constitutional Forum CEO Reverend Akuila Yabaki says the lending hand from the UN should be welcomed in recognizing the need for assistance in preparations for elections in 2014 from the International community as the citizens of Fiji are eager to make an attempt to finding solutions which would ensure sustainable democracy.

 “CCF is hopeful that the NA Mission would prompt the international community and partners to reconsider their current stance and engage in areas where assistance can be rendered to allow free and fair elections and transparency and accountability in the constitution making process,” says Reverend Yabaki.
CCF believes that the Bainimarama government should also consider allowing an Independent observer mission to monitor the process and appoint an independent constitution commission to oversee the constitution drafting and making processes, including the national consultations.

“In efforts to ensure that the processes from here on towards elections in 2014 are participatory and there is acceptance of the envisaged changes, it is vital that there is independent scrutiny of the mechanisms and methodology of the constitutional consultation process, as well as the composition of a Constitution Commission as it would pave the way towards legitimacy and public ownership of the new Constitution.”

RAKIRAKI TALKING. Following Government's assistance to businesses and market vendors to help compensate them or revenue lost in the floods,  Special Administrator Saini Raiko http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/72/pm-handouts-cheques-to-rakiraki-market-vendors said: “The fact that the head of government would come to the smallest town with the smallest market to personally hand them assistance in the form of fees for days lost during business – that will be something that will be talked about for a while."

LOGGING HALTED IN THE WEST. All logging operations in the Western Division have been temporarily suspended by the Forestry Department until further notice. The Department is concerned about flood-induced landslides follows the assessment undertaken by French Guardian surveillance aircraft last week. Meanwhile,  the Ministry of Primary Industries has confirmed that all farmers seriously affected by the floods will be assisted through rehabilitation programmes. The technical mission from Sigatoka will also raise seedlings for the farmers.

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION (MOI) UPDATES.• Government has begun advertising for positions for new diplomatic missions, in South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, to be established this year.
•  Fiji’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Mr Solo Mara presented his credentials to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in London last week.

MARA'S FISHING TRIP: THE FISHERMAN HE LEFT BEHIND.  I have removed this story because it is still before the Courts.   My purpose in posting it was not to prejudge Risto but to show how he was used by Ratu Tevita who then left him, and his companion officer former Land Force Commander Pita Driti, to face the music.  I can't accept comments on my original post for the same reason: the issue is before the Courts.  The time to comment comes later.

One Fiji: A Letter in The Fiji Times

One Fiji has left a new comment on your post "Weekend Readings":

This letter in today's Fiji Times perhaps deserves to go on the main page:

One Fiji

IT is so heart warming to note some of the good traits we still have as Fijians. I still see young and old men, when buses are full, giving up their seats to the elderly, to the young and to women and children regardless of race or ethnicity - it just happens instinctively.

I still see cars (no matter who is driving) pull over to the side whenever a hearse drives by with a funeral procession in tow - a sign of respect to the passed one - not something often seen in other lands.

I still see different ethnic groups cheer and cry and rally together whenever our rugby national teams take onto the field for yet another competition and feel the unseen patriotical bond we all share as one nation.

I still see everyone come together whenever we face natural disasters to help out our brother or sister in their time of need regardless; it always stirs my heart.

Fiji we still have hope. No matter our struggles, our shortfalls, we are indeed still one nation in many ways - and for that I am always proud to be called a Fijian.

Hennah Naco
Lautoka
[Ed. note.  Vinaka, Hennah, for bringing this to mt attention.]

Weekend Readings

• CCF on State Proceedings Decree 
• PM Stops Namosi Mining Exploration 

•Allen Lockington Column  

• Those  Mysterious Tourist Deaths

• Bottled Venom:the Politics of Hate by Graham Davis.

CCF Says State Proceeding Decree Unwarranted, Drafted Without Due Process adn Discriminatory.

Media Release
10th February, 2012

Unwarranted State and Media Protection Decree Discriminates

The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) notes that to garner confidence in the current regime, it must desist from ruling by decrees especially if they are determined and drafted without any real due process involving the views of the people and more importantly if they discriminate against the citizens.

PM Halts Namosi Mine Exploration Work

COVER REPORT: Rumblings in the mountain :PM Bainimarama intervenes, halts exploration

Samisoni Pareti

Concerned about growing landowners’ agitation against the proposed billion-dollar copper and gold mine high up in the Namosi-Naitasiri mountains, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has ordered a halt to the miner’s exploration work.

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

Allen Lockington is a self-employed customs agent and business consultant who has regular articles published in Fiji. I thank Allen for permission to reprint some of them in this political blog. They remind us that life goes on, whatever the political situation. And it's good to know that.

Weather forecast spot on

Last week at the height of the bad weather we got three predictions that it would rain again after 24 to 36 hours. They were spot on. Thank you to the Fiji Met office and Nadraki Fiji Limited managing director Neville Koop.  

It is fortunate that we now have better weather forecasters. We will be better prepared. Or rather – we should be better prepared. I was travelling with a group of volunteers distributing rations to people affected by the floods when we spotted a convoy of four-wheel drives.

We were told that it was the president and government officials out and about checking homes and speaking to the people. They were also assessing damage. At one village it was a delight to see the president, after talking with village elders, call all the children round to have a photo with him.  

Despite the flooding, he brought reassurance and there was laughter and smiles all around.