Highlights from the 2019 Fiji Budget, a comment by Rabuka, and a note on Green and Blue Bonds

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Whatever you may think of the Government, you'd have to concede  their 2019 at least look impressive — and to this inexpert eye it certainly is. 

Government's economic performance may have come at costs, but there have been definite improvements along a broad front, despite Cyclone Winston that wiped out the equivalent of a third of the value of the county's GDP in 2016. 

This year's Budget was  preceded by an unprecedented level of  consultations, mainly thanks to an online Facebook page that had 50,00o visitors. This is good news, and promises well if Government also extends consultatons to people's organisations, and on other issues.  

Watch Bai and ASK Body Language at PM Swearing in

Body language often tells us more about human relationships than words.  Watch the body language in this video (at the beginning between Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mere Bainimara and between  them and Voqere Bainimarama 3 minutes in) at the PM's swearing in ceremony. And then tell me again that Bainimarama is Khaiyum's puppet! pn191

If Your Proof is Real, Go to the Police

The anti-Government blog  Coupfourpointfive awoke after a year-long hibernation two weeks ago with a virulent attack on its old favourite Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, whom they accuse (for the umpteenth time)  of illegal money dealings.  Since then they have accused two other Indo-Fijians of similar illegality.

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 There are three main points of interest: Why do they only target Indo-Fijians?  How did they obtain their 'evidence' and why was it so long forthcoming?  Why publish now on only this one topic, just weeks before elections? 

And one big question: if their evidence is real, why do they not report it to the police?  They did the same before the 2014 election, accusations of illegality they did not report to the police.

Rantings and Ratings: Actions and Reactions on Rumour and Misinformation

N0169. GOD, SATAN AND THE BEAST.  If you find references to God, Satan and the Beast unusual in a so-called pro-democracy protest march  call, you're  in for a surprise.  From Semi Draunitutu in Australia, read these words, quite unedited but with key words underscored,  addressed  presumably only to Christian ethnic Fijians living in Fiji.  No one else counts.

"WE ARE THE CHOSEN PEOPLE CALLED BY GOD TO MARCH THE SREETS OF SUVA TO SAVE OUR CHILDREN OUR PEOPLE AND OUR BELOVED FIJI. WE MUST BE EFFECTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE.
WE MUST DESTROY SATAN AND THE DRAGON BEAST OF THE DEMON THE COMMANDER, THE MILITARY AND AG [Attorney-General].
THE PLAN OF GOD IS NOW AT HAND.
God has spoken and his fulfilled action plan and prophecy is overflowing with results in the middle east. The “People Power” for Fiji is here the action plan, is a GRAND MARCH” through the city with placard “GOD IS GREAT FIJI IS FREE” “FRANK AND KHAIYUM OUT” ”RFMF DEAD FIJI ALIVE
‘ILLEGAL MINISTERS TO THE GALLOWS. FLEE WHILE STILL LIVING'.

The “Peoples Power” through peaceful demonstration and march through the city this FRIDAY March 4th from Sukuna Park, is our act of obedience to God Almighty to save the future of our generation and our country. The Spirit of God Almighty is calling us the “People of Faith,” to declare war against the Demonic Dragon and the Snake Beast of Satan headed by an Alkaida Muslim spirit of Anti-Christ[AG] and a 666 Damnable spirit of Lucifer [PM Bainimarama]that is ruling and running our beloved country to economic ruin and social and cultural disaster since 2006."

Inshallah! (God willing). So far three anti-government blogs have published, without comment or moderation, Semi Draunitutu's call for the protest march in Suva on Friday.  Last year he called another one, and no one turned up. Draunitutu lives in Australia and is active in Tui Savu's Fiji Democracy and Freedom Movement that has also had indifferent success in calling Australia's Fijians to marches. But that does not mean he should not be taken seriously. 

N0170. SAI LEALEA'S Fiji Coup 2006 was one of the blogs that published, without comment, Daunitutu's rantings. Yet Sai, in an earlier posting, had called for a "return to democratic rule via a negotiated settlement." It is difficult to reconcile such moderation with his implicit support for Draunitutu.

N0171.  DELIBERATE MISINFORMATION. A Suva informant writes: "I have today discovered that there is a strategy of deliberate misinformation being spread in Suva. There was no ammunition found in the President's house and no one has been charged with sedition or is in custody. The misinformation falls into two categories,
(1) that the President is about to be removed to be replaced by the PM with the AG becoming PM and the Muslims then taking over the country, and
(2)  that there is a witch hunt of officers and other people and that people are being badly beaten by police and/or army."

I replied, "This supports my impressions from the avalanche of misleading items  being published on the anti-government blogs, and attempts to do the same on my blog.  Please keep me updated.   Why doesn't the Govt have better PR.  They bring much of the present confusing situation on themselves.  I was talking with ABC's Bruce Hill earlier today and no one in government will tell him anything.  He's anti-coup but his interviews are fair and reasonable probing. Is there any way to get to get the PM to change their  approach?"

N0172. WHY IS GOVERNMENT SILENT? The failure of government to respond to any of the deliberately misleading rumours (other than the PM's brief statement that Aziz is still at work) must be seen as a major factor contributing to their increase and wider circulation.

Government's failure to respond to requests for information from responsible overseas journalists is a sure way to get its position misrepresented in the overseas media, and a sure way of entrenching the present opinions of politicians in Australia, NZ and elsewhere who might be persuaded, through the media, to change their approach to Fiji.

Government's  failure to inform its own citizens about rumours that will not go away is equally serious because it  could be interpreted as a sign that their opinions do not matter. This is hardly the message Fiji citizens need to hear if the government intends genuine dialogue on the constitutional and electoral reforms.

These days, every reputable organization and government (and many not so reputable) take public relations (PR) very seriously except, it would seem, the Government of Fiji.  In the absence of a free media, rumours become the news.  To ignore some rumours is understandable; to ignore them all is to play into the hands of your opponents.

Litiana Loabuka nee Bainimarama, Revenue Collection, Freedom of Information, HIV/AIDS Decree

QUESTION: FIJI LIVE. Are any other readers having difficulty accessing FjiiLive? Google repeatedly tells me the site is suspicious and visiting it could harm my computer.

N0097. ALLEGATIONS OF FIJI SPORTS COUNCIL NEPOTISM. Several readers have stated, some more politely than others, that the appointment of Litiana Loabuka, the PM's daughter, as the CEO of the Fiji Sports Council, was a "further example of jobs for the boys" — and the anti-government blogs took up the chorus. This sort of accusation has followed almost every new government-related appointment.

I asked Peter Mazzey, President of the Fiji Chamber of Commerce, hotelier and Chairman of the FSC, for his comment.  He replied that the position was  advertised twice in local papers, 13 people applied and three were shortlisted for interviews by the full ten-member Board that, besides Mazzey, includes sports and youth directors and selectors, a lawyer, an accountant, the Commissioner Eastrn, and the Ministry of Sports Assistant Director. The FSC is a government statutory body and the appointment of the CEO requires the Minister's approval.  Board members are appointed by the Minister of Education, Youth & Sports, Filipe Bole, for a period of two years.

Referees of the shortlisted candidates were all contacted for formal comments. Each candidate was asked to respond to the same 22 questions relating to requirements of the position (as advertisement) and the Key Performance Indicators established for the position. These were prepared by Human Resource Manager and the Board. Assessment of each candidate's responses was based on points awarded by each Board member and then averaged.  Each Board Member was also had the opportunity to question candidates. Candidates were then asked  how they would move the Sports Council forward.

Litiana Loabuka was unanimously recommended by the Board to the Minister of Sports who approved the appointment.

Litiana was more qualified than the other candidates. She has a BA in Economics and Management and Public Administration from USP. To take up the position she resigned as Commercial Manager of Telecom Fiji and as Secretary of Fiji Netball. Her salary and allowances are the same as the previous CEO and she dropped salary to take up the position. [There goes another wrong accusation!]

So, as we used to say to detractors in my younger days, "Put that in your pipe and smoke it." Being the PM's daughter was not the reason for Litiana's appointment, and the PM is not privy to the Board's deliberations or its recommendations to the Minister of Sports.

It is surely time the anti-government blogs and commentators made some effort to check the "facts" they want to believe in before rushing into print. Constant error undermines their credibility. Soon only their core faithful will believe their lies.

N0098. REVENUE COLLECTION HIGHEST EVER. Government collected $1.3 billion in different forms of taxation last year,$91 million more than in 2009, and surpassing the revised projected revenue by $22.3 million. The increase was largely a result of improved collection but tax arrears (some $52.3 million) remain a problem. The revenue forecast for 2011 is $1.496 billion.

N0099. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION. Government is working on the implementation of a Freedom of Information Decree, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum  told lawyers at the recent A-G's Conference. He did not say why this is needed with the Media Decree in place or whether it would result in more public information. It is regrettable that the implementation of the Media Decree has not yet resulted in the lifting of PER, as intimated prior to its passing, or a better flow of information.

N0100. HIV/AIDS DECREE 2011. Victims of HIV/AIDS in Fiji and the rest of the Pacific have new hope this month, with the interim Fiji Government adopting the HIV /AIDS Decree 2011. The decree has been widely praised locally and internationally for leading the way in the Pacific for dealing with HIV/AIDS.Its proponents argue more people will have the confidence to be tested without fear of discrimination and will have better treatment options. Listen to the ABD interview with Laitia Tamata, Pacific Islands AIDS Foundation Legal Trainer and Policy analyst

If you've missed it, scroll down to the Weekend Reading 
(♦ Fiji's New Diplomacy ♦ Why the Roadmap Pt II) and 

check out the new Quote for the Week in the right sidebar.

N0086. A LAUGH TO START THE WEEK. It seem that if Francis Kean becomes the new chairman of the FRU, his brother-in-law the Prime Minister may become the president (again.) I don't see why one position depends on the other but Michael Field says this is so, and we should never question Michael Field even though former FRU Board member Charlie Cousins says there is no other likely candidate so Frank may become president with no thanks to his brother-in-law.

Frank certainly wants to be at the World Cup to be held in NZ, whether or not he's the president, but if both he and his brother-in-law are respectively appointed president and chairman, the IRB will pay both their expenses to New Zealand. There's only one hitch.

Sir Lancelot, the NZ Foreign Minister (and shadow Minister for Border Security) Murray McCully, says not over his dead body. New Zealand is a sovereign nation and there are travel bans against the likes of you two.

The Field scoop seems to be just another example of a journalist making the news, but McCully did miss one thing: Fiji is also a sovereign nation.

N0087. FIJI TIMES. Australian Brian O’Flaherty  has replaced Dallas Swinstead as the  General Manager of the Fiji Times. He is a former News Ltd employee and a former publisher of the Fiji Times. His wife Adrienne was also a journalist. The O'Flaherty's  know Fiji well having lived and worked here during the 1990s in the period leading up to 1997 Constitution under former PM Sitiveni Rabuka.

N0088. LABOUR SLAMS COUP 4.5 MISCHIEF. An article in the Fiji Labour Party website  has slammed as "mischievous lies a report in the Coup 4.5 blog that Mahendra Chaudhry and Felix Anthony are organising a protest march for next month."  The report continued:

"This is yet another example of baseless and malicious reporting by Coup 4.5. The integrity and credibility of this blog has already been seriously undermined by false reporting in the past.

“It is pure fabrication. I want to ask Coup 4.5 and their collaborators who are political detractors of the Fiji Labour Party (and whose identities we are clearly aware of), when are they going to desist from such malicious propaganda against the FLP leadership?” asked FLP’s assistant secretary-general Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi.

N0089. NEW TOURISM RECORD. For the very first time ever annual tourist arrival numbers have exceeded the magical 600,000 mark, nearly 78,000 more than last year's record. Tourism Minister Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum said Tourism Fiji will have its work cut out to maintain and grow these numbers but he thought it could be done with good marketing strategies and alliances.

The industry also now needs to concentrate on on developing quality tourist shopping and other local ancillary services and, with Government help, establish a data base for better synergies and hotel intelligence. More attention also needs to be given to emerging markets such as India and China. One thing the Minister did not mention was the possible effects of the Queensland floods on the Fiji industry.

N0090. NEW REGIONAL HQ IN SUVA. Last year it was all about moving regional headquarters from Fiji though none were moved. This year starts with the Center for the Development of Enterprise (CDE) that will soon set up its  Pacific headquarters in Suva. This was announced on Friday by Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and visiting CDE Director Mr Jean-Eric Romagne and the Head for the CDE Pacific office to be based in Suva, Mr Jean-Pierre Mathey. -- Based on 2011, No: 0240 /MOI.

The CDE is an ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific)/EU joint institution created in the framework of the Cotonou Agreement and its finances mainly come from the European Development Fund (EDF). Its objective is to ensure the development of professional ACP enterprises operating in the private sector. CDE provides non-financial services to ACP companies and to joint initiatives of ACP and EU economic operators in various economic sectors, with the main aim to increase competitiveness of ACP enterprises.

N0091.ALLEGED MURDERER BACK IN NZ. Devesh Shama, accused of murdering his wife Ranjeeta, was charged with murder in the Hamilton District Court on Saturday. Extradicton from Fiji was unnecessary as he returned voluntarily to NZ following his arrest by Fji Police. His 4-year old son Akesk is being cared for by NZ welfare authorities as Akesh has no close relatives in New Zealand.

2011 Budget Address - Full Text

2011 NATIONAL BUDGET ADDRESS

“Enhancing Economic Growth and Inclusive Development”

You may also hear parts of the address on FijiTV 6pm News by clicking here.

Blog Lies and Trash, Fiji Sympathy on Mine Disaster, Citizenship Education, Teachers Trilingual, Vengeance Advice, Bua Chip Mill, First Report on Budget

WEEKEND READING.

I hope to have more on the Budget and the Government's previous notice to delay minimum wage increases for a further six months over the weekend or early next week.

♦ Allen Lockington column 

♦ Why the West Is Losing the Pacific to China, the Arab League, and Just About Everyone Els

♦  Fr Kevin Barr on the Wages Councils

 ♦ Why We Need Good Leaders by Sudarsan Kant

PM NOT ILL, DYING OR DEAD: JUST LIES.  CoupFourPointFive continues with its claims the PM collapsed, was shaking, suffered a stroke, went to China for treatment and not to meet with investors, was hospitalised, looked unwell. 

My information is the PM did NOT collapse at the airport. He did not go to China for heart surgery.  He did not have a stroke. His heart is fine. He  had no stroke. My informant spoke with him several times while he was in China where he did meet investors, and he has arrived back in Fiji this morning, suffering from nothing worse than jet lag.

FIJI LABOUR PARTY ON COUPFOURPOINTFIVE "TRASH". This blog has previously commented on the recent sharp decline in the quality of reporting by CoupFourPointFive. It is now joined by the FLP spokesman Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi who writes:

"It seems Coup Four Point Five is trying to detract attention from its own failings and inaccuracies by reverting to Chaudhry bashing again. The blogsite is becoming quite notorious for its sensational and false reporting and we have had occasion to point this out before.

"Its latest attempt to discredit Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry is yet another bit of malicious propaganda which actually fails to live up to its promo to shed sensational new light on the Chaudhry tax case. The matter is now before the courts as Coup Four Point Five should well know and is subjudice. But such legalities don’t seem to matter to the blog when it comes to maligning certain people.

"The writers well know that the issues highlighted on the blog are the very same as those raised in a frenzied media hype some three years ago which had led to the appointment of an independent inquiry by the interim government. The inquiry cleared Mr Chaudhry of all the allegations. The findings of the inquiry were accepted by the interim government as acknowledged in a letter from the Prime Minister to Mr Chaudhry and as stated in a media release issued by the interim Attorney General.

"It is shameful that the attacks on the Coup Four Point Five blog continue to be launched in a most cowardly manner under the protection of anonymity. Nonetheless, we are well aware of the identity of those writing such crap, and what has prompted this sudden switch to Chaudhry bashing.Let me assure our detractors, that they gain nothing by their attempts to malign and discredit the Labour Leader where it really counts. His respect and support remain intact."

FIJI EXPRESSES SYMPATHY TO NZ. The Government and the people of the Republic of Fiji are deeply saddened by the loss of 29 brave miners in the Pike River mine explosion said the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola in his letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Mr Murray McCully following the death of 29 mine workers.

 “Our heartfelt condolences goes out to the families and loved ones of the trapped miners and to the nation of New Zealand as you come to terms with the tragic loss,” he said in his letter. "Our prayers and thoughts are with you.”  -- 25/11/10 No.2002/MOI.  [The mining disaster is the worst in New Zealand history.]

CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION PROGRESS. Earlier this month the team from the Ministry of Education's Citizenship Education Project  conducted workshops for Head Teachers and Classes 3-4 teachers throughout the country. The workshops were part of the process involved in developing Citizenship Education teaching resources for primary schools. Classes 3-4 material is now at the National Implementation Phase where teachers are trained on how to integrate the CE programme into the teaching and learning programme and in the school culture as a whole.

Teaching resources have already been drafted for Classes 5- 8 and Forms 3-7, and are at varying stages of pre-testing, trialing and piloting in selected primary and secondary schools around the country.

During the workshops, there was a rousing response from all the Head teachers and teachers who felt the programme was long overdue and needed the support of everyone. Many felt the programme provided a clearer vision and direction for teaching and learning that was meaningful for teachers and students. -- Based on 4th 2010, No:1835/MOE.

TEACHERS TO BE TRILINGUAL. FNU Vice-Chancellor Dr Ganesh Chand is  interviewed on what ABC called bilingualism. They forgot English. In future all  new teachers will be required to speak Fijian, Hindi and English.

VENGEANCE IS MINE. I am increasingly disturbed by the number of threatening comments on this blog and on the anti-government blogs that advocate violence and warn those supporting the Bainimarama government (and even those sitting on the fence)  of retribution.  I would remind those who make such comments, if they are Christian, to re-read the Holy Bible.  In Romans 12:19 it is written:

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." 

Similar advice is given in Deuteronomy 32:35 and Hebrews 10:30. 


WAIRIKI PINE CHIP MILL, BUA. Fiji Pine Ltd reports a five-year contract with NZ's chipping company Pederson Group to manage the Bua mill where a first shipment of pine chips valued between $3m to $5m is expected to be exported by April next year.  Board chairman Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba says thadt when the mill is upgraded and exports commence the “Benefits to the local community [will be] enormous because they will be involved and there will be employment opportunities at the mills.”-- Based on 25/11/10, No. 1993/MOI.

FIRST REPORT ON 2011 NATIONAL BUDGET. Attorney General and Acting Minister for Finance Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has delivered the 2011 National Budget Address.

The budget has a total revenue of $1745.7 billion against an expenditure of $1961.7 billion, leaving a deficit of $216 million. Capital expenditure has been set at $526m with much of this also going towards the sugar industry.

On the much talked about $150m bond debt that matures next year Sayed-Khaiyum announced that Singapore and Hong Kong-based brokers are acting on government’s behalf to refinance the bond.

"The US $150 m global bond raised in early 2006 is due for payment in September next year. Fund members based in Singapore and Hong Kong have been identified as government t international brokers to manage the refinancing of this global bond. Part of next year’s debt is expected to be financed through this global bond roll over. This strategy will release limited reserves in the domestic financial market for private sector investments and supplies."

On the sugar industry Sayed-Khaiyum reaffirmed government’s commitment saying 200,000 people or almost 20 per cent of Fiji citizens rely on the sector for their livelihood. He announced strict cost cutting measures and reforms for the Fiji Sugar Corporation and says government will work with development partners for technical assistance. The total allocation towards the sugar industry came to $123 m.

“An appropriate provision of a $110m has been allocated in the 2011 budget to support FSC - which will have an impact on the sugar industry as a whole. In addition $6m has been allocated for cane replanting, $1m for cane quality payment, $5m to South Pacific Fertilizers and $1.5m for the Committee for Better Utilization of Land, in total $123m has been allocated for the support of the sugar industry.”

On socio-economic and poverty alleviation issues – government announced a host of policies aimed at supporting the vulnerable in the community. This includes support to 10,000 new recipients of the family assistance scheme.

“In 2011 we have allocated an addition of $3.6m to issue food vouchers of $30 a month to 10,000  new recipients. Within this schemes based on the means test - the elderly over 70 years of age who are currently not receiving any form of government assistance, pregnant mothers who are currently falling outside of the eligibility for receiving family assistance allowance and disadvantaged family and school children will be eligible. The Ministry of Strategic Planning will release final details of this scheme before Christmas.”

Government has also allocated $10m housing assistance for first time home owners – a policy that was introduced last year but could not be implemented due to the effects of Cyclone Tomas and the Operation Kadivuka campaign.

A 3% increase on alcohol and tobacco products has been imposed.

The Fiji Judiciary received an increase of $5m dollars for next year’s budget. Government says the increase will help facilitate and improve service delivery within the judicial system.

“The judiciary has been increased by $5m from $11m to $16m in the 2011 budget to cover for the full operations of the staffing of the judiciary. This is in view of the new appointments of the magistrates and judges in particular. Increases have also effected into the budget of the AG’s chambers and the DPP’s office to improve service delivery. Grant to the legal Aid Commission has been increased from $.6m to $.8m. This is very important for the access to justice.”

Allocation for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has also increased.

A notable absence was the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji Sada Reddy. FBC News was informed that Mr. Reddy is on leave.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama was on his way from Nadi to Suva when the budget address was delivered. Bainimarama has just returned from a two week trip to China, meeting industry and business leaders there.

Melanesia and Fiji, Women and Violence, Rumours Disintegrate, Unions and the Budget, Investor Environment, Street Solar Lighting

MSG APOLOGY AND FIJI-SOLOMON CO-OPERATION. Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) special envoy, Patterson Oti, met with  Foreign Affairs Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, yesterday to discuss the reconciliation ceremony scheduled for December 15 to 17 in Honiara. The ceremony is for Vanuatu Prime Minister, Mr Edward Natapei to offer his apology to Fiji. Mr Natapei, who was the MSG chairman, refused to attend July's MSG summit in Fiji where he was to hand over the chairmanship position to Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. This led to the cancellation of the summit.

Mr Oti's delegation  also met with the Attorney General and Minister for Industry and Trade Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for discussions on cooperation and collaboration on trade and investment, and Fiji's Commerce Commission, the Consumer Council and labour laws.

WOMEN SAY NO TO VIOLENCE. More than 400 women will march to the Suva City Council foreshore today to mark the official launching of the 16 Days of Activism on the elimination of violence against women and children. Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni said she had seen alarming statistics of violence against women and children in the recent past and there needs to be a concerted effort to curb it.

The programme launched today will end with the Human Rights Day on December 10. Dr Luveni is calling on people from all walks of life to join  in celebrating this day as we all need to work together to eliminate violence in our society.”

Department of Women director, Mrs Salote Radrodro, said the ministry had organised training with police officers to raise the level of awareness about the Domestic Violence and Child Welfare Decree. They also want  people to report cases of domestic violence by ringing 919 and 917.The ministry hopes to be able to declare communities violence-free. So far Koroipita in Lautoka and Vatutavui have been declared violence-free, and next week another village in Ra,  Namuimada, will follow suit. -- Based on 2010, No: 1988/MOI.summit. --  2010, No: 1990/MOI.

MORE ON THE RUMOURS.  A reader 4.5 cents in the dollar left this comment in answer to another reader who thought we should apologize to the anti-government blog CoupFourPointfive:

"I'm sorry. I must have missed something. Which reports emanating from Coup4.5 have turned out to be true? That Frank Bainimarama is seriously ill? I've just heard him saying he's alive and well enough to play in the Rugby World Cup next year. That the so-called new order is crumbling and Frank's fellow officers are preparing for the next? Oh yeah, plenty of evidence of that up at the camp. Not. That Frank and Aiyaz have been arrested? Oh, that was a beauty. That Frank is too scared to go to India because of what he did to Mahen? Wow, amazing. And today, that Suvavou House is on fire? Oh, but sorry, just one office on the second floor and it's not as bad as we thought. And so it goes on. Can someone tell me one thing that was true? Oh, Harry Dugdale called Frank a dickhead. Oh, David Roth had lunch with Roko Ului. Just so much yabber, yabber, yabber and blah, blah,blah. They should give up over at that miserable cyber dump and so should you. Fancy having the cheek to come over here to say "we told you so" and demand an apology. More front than MH's. Coup 4.5. Natural home of the unsubstantiated rumour and propaganda lie. Certainly - after Solivakasama - the most dodgy reception on the Coconut Radio dial. Credibility? Zero. Deserving of an apology? #*#* off!"

UNIONS EXPECTS A TIGHT BUDGET. The Fiji Trades Union Congress expects a tight 2011 budget tomorrow in line with government’s policy of living within its means. National President Daniel Urai  says ordinary people will want to see a further reduction in prices of basic food items, electricity charges, and an increase in wages. However the FTUC understands that the budget will have to work within the parameters of the finances available to government. Urai says government is also expected to spend a lot of money on education, infrastructure and health services while improving the tourism and sugar industry.

IMPROVING THE INVESTOR ENVIRONMENT. Speaking from China on Tuesday the PM said that Budget preparations were progressing well. An important focus will be on "improving efficiency in various regulatory bodies including FIRCA ... Turn around times and clear and transparent rules are imperative to improve business, investor and public confidence" and unnecessary "bureaucracy will be removed to enhance reforms."

"It is essential to remove bureaucracy and engage the services of capable personnel even if it means recruitment of expatriates, if that’s what has to be done to bring reforms, then the government will proceed,” he said.The PM's criticism of ineffective government services comes on the heels of talks held both in China and Fiji that highlighted the need to improve the service delivery of government bodies."If we are to attract investment, we must have the right environment and attitude to facilitate these investors."  -- Based on 2010, No:1977/MOI.

TOWNS TO GO SOLAR. Ministry of Local Government director, Mr Josese Rakuita, Government is committed to reducing fuel consumption by installing solar-powered street lights at local municipalities.Businesses have been invited to show expressions of interest  for the supply and installation of 70, 80 and 125 watt solar streetlights. The solar system will be installed in Tavua as early as next year. The town was selected to trial the project because of the sunnier weather in the West.The installation, which will cost around $7000 including power poles, will indicate likely saving in terms of fuel consumption.  Other Western and Northern towns will follow.  -- Based on 2010, No: 1986/MOI.

REMINDER (ANOTHER ONE):  Anonymous comments will not be published. Write your name or pseudonym in the "Name/URL" space.

Bainimarama Alive Despite Blogs, PM Reports from China, Sayed-Khaiyum to Deliver Budget Speech, FNPF Huge Turnaround, Civil Servants' Three Year Contracts

REMINDER:  Anonymous comments will not be published. Write your name or pseudonym in the Name/URL space.

RUMOURS OF MY DEATH HAVE BEEN GREATLY EXAGGERATED

Mark Twain said this; it could have been Voqere Bainimarama.  It's pleasing to see so many anti-government people concerned about the health of the PM. First was their story, subsequently shown to be untrue,  of his supposed collapse at Nadi on the way to China, and Jone Baledrokadroka's revelation that the PM suffers from a longstanding heart condition. This had me surprised. Why would the PM undertake so many gruelling journeys if his health was threatened, and continue a journey after he'd collapsed?

The official reason given for the PM's China visit was to meet with officials and investors of whom there've been a number in Fiji lately.  But the rumours said he was in China for medical attention. One source even suggested he'd chosen China rather than India because he couldn't trust the Indians after he'd dismissed Mahendra Chaudhry.Their imagination had them seeing a masked Indian surgeon with scalpel poised. 

Then came the "evidence" which on balance said Bainimarama must have had a hidden reason for his visit because they'd  chosen not to hear his unhidden reason.  They had not heard about him meeting any Chinese officials or investors, which a Chinese academic said was not at all unusual. Ambassador Jim Ah Koy was not involved in the  visit  and they said he did not know where Bainimarama was.The rumour-mongers thought this sinister. And they said there were no reports back of meetings with Chinese business people. In fact the online Fiji media and the Ministry of Information had published several.

Then, yesterday,  a posting by Victor Lal on CoupFourPointFive, written in a sloppy style unusual for  him,  reported a "Chinese Embassy official in Suva  who chose to remain anonymous" as saying that the PM was "very sick," and "other sources, especially in the Prime Minister’s Office, the likes of Ratu Epeli Ganilau and others are jumping ship because they are acutely aware of the dictator’s frail state of health."  If Victor really wrote this article, his English has deteriorated.

"When asked why the dictator has stopped visiting India for treatment, the sources [my italics] in the Prime Minister’s Office claim that he fears that after he ‘liu muried’ his former illegal Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry by putting him on trial for fraud and money laundering, the Indian doctors might exact revenge by “administering wrong medicine to him”. The Chinese official was said to have asked: “Have you seen the Fijian leader on Fiji Television?”  suggesting that the dictator is too frail to publicly show his face to the nation. Hence the explanation of why he will not deliver the Budget speech on Friday.

Finally, I was told to apologize to CoupFourPointFive because one of their rumours had proved true.  I'm not sure which one, and it's certainly not this one,  but who would congratulate a marksman for hitting the target once out of ten attempts?  The big question is who is spreading these rumours and why.

Bainimarama speaking from China (and not the grave) at 4 o'clock this afternoon Fiji time  said the rumours of his death "had been invented in New Zealand."  He accused  the New Zealand media of reporting unsubstantiated rumours that he had died from a heart attack.   "I guess the rumours will continue seeing that they have not been able to achieve their aim in Fiji, so they will continue to assist their government in rumour mongering. It'll be a while before they can kill me, that's for sure."

Earlier today  I received this email from Fiji that also suggested a NZ source:"You will probably hear or read this very soon that the PM has died in China. I just got off the phone to him, and he is in fine form. The rumours are coming out of NZ."

There is little doubt in mind about the sources.  It's the blogs CoupFourPointfive, Luvei Viti (an ethnic Fijian thinktank and blog at Victoria University in which Elisapeci Samanunu plays a big part) and Sai Lealea's FijiCoup2006 blog. The mainstream media has understandably stayed clear of their "news."

I make no claim that I know why the PM extended his trip to China or why he will return to Fiji too late to deliver the Budget speech.  But — and this is the important point —  neither do the blogs, Victor Lal or the "Chinese Embassy official in Suva  who chose to remain anonymous." I really cannot believe an Embassy official would be so indiscreet. The blogs' purpose is transparent. They are fabricating rumours to destabilise the Fiji government.

I do not believe them.  They have cried wolf too many times.  But I applaud their cunning in forcing authorities in Fiji to deny their rumours —  and me to waste valuable time doing likewise.

PM REPORTS FROM CHINA. The PM  has rounded up meetings with Chinese investors and interested parties in Shanghai over the last two days. Bainimarama is due to arrive in Fiji on Friday – although he has already indicated that he will not deliver the 2011 Budget address.

An aide accompanying the Prime Minister says Bainimarama today met with officials from the China Railway No.1 Construction company who are currently dredging the Rewa river and have been awarded the contract for Housing Authority buildings at the Tacirua Plains.

On Tuesday Bainimarama met officials from the Shanghai Urban Construction Ltd - a construction company currently in a consortium with Templetec and engaging in various construction and rehabilitation projects in Fiji.

Bainimarama says the visit has been very successful and has assured current and potential investors that Fiji remains a lucrative and safe destination for their investments.The PM adds his visit is indicative of the growing interest of Chinese investors in Fiji and Fiji's growing "investor confidence environment" which is being taken advantage of by many interested parties.

ACTING FINANCE MINISTER TO DELIVER 2011 BUDGET SPEECH.  It's unusual but not exceptional that the Acting Minister http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/fullstory.php?id=32482 will deliver the budget speech.  With the Cabinet cut two-thirds since the days of Qarase's 36-man Cabinet, most ministers are responsible for several portfolios. All budgets everywhere are team efforts involving public servants, economic and financial advisers, and the PM gave a number of hints about its main content before he left for China

FNPF'S HUGE CHANGE AROUND. The Fiji National Provident Fund has recorded a net surplus of $209.5 million for its 2010 financial year compared to its net loss of $181.2 million last year. The change around is mainly due to improved contribution collection and fewer withdrawals. Interest from its investment portfolio has been stable due to prudent investment decisions,and net assets have increased to $3.53 billion compared with $3.32 billion in 2009.
   
THIRD SUGAR EXPORT. The Fiji Sugar Corporation will export the third and last sugar shipment for the 2010 crushing season next week. It is expected that some 26,100 tonnes will be shipped from Labasa and Lautoka, Fiji sells its sugar to Tate and Lyle Refinery in London and has a contract to export a maximum of 300,000 tonnes of sugar annually until 2015.

CIVIL SERVICE CONTRACTS. All new civil servants and people taking up new positions in the civil service are now being put on three year contracts in accordance with last year's State Services Decree. PSC Commission Permanent Secretary Parmesh Chand  said civil servants who do not get any promotions and remained in the civil service before April 2009 are still on open contracts with no specific period. The PSC has also re-engaged contracts for retirees who are needed to continue in certain roles after they turn 55.

FIRE AT SUVAVOU HOUSE. Today's small fire at Suvavou House where the Attorney-General and Registrar of Titles have offices caused no serious damage, and is not thought to be suspicious.

Total Non-Comprehension, Simple Steps for PM, Smaller Islands Sawmills, Fiji Media

I'M SORRY BUT THEY MUST BE ABSOLUTELY THICK. Last Saturday I published an opinion post on the American mid-term election and its relevance to Fiji.  I showed how the media had taken sides against the President, how negative cartoons portrayed him as non-American, and now both were used to persuade a gullible public to vote against the President's Democratic party.   Incredibly, the Fiji anti-government blog Fiji Democracy Now took my posting of these cartoons as proof that I was a racist. They completely mis-read the point of the article and my purpose in publishing the cartoons.

"We have long harboured deep suspicions [they wrote] that the carping coup apologist, Crosbie Walsh, is driven by a white racist agenda. Now, for reasons best known to himself, Croz has publicly and convincingly declared his deep colour-based racial prejudice in a long article illustrated by highly offensive doctored photos of President Barack Obama. Croz, shame on you! We at FDN idolize Obama. And, yes, we might be simple coconuts but we can sniff out the evil odour of racial prejudice every time it wafts under our noses, no matter how much it’s dressed up as something else."

The effectiveness of the "negative" cartoons cannot be doubted. As Gary Younge wrote in the Guardian Weekly (15-21 October: "If Obama can only convince a third of Americans he is a Christian and less than half that he is definitely born in the US, then what chance does he have of convincing them of his plans for health care or revitalizing the economy?”  It seems some people at Fiji Democracy Now are just as gullible as those Americans who think Obama is a Muslim born overseas — which reflects poorly on their powers of perception and analysis.

For the record, I'm also an Obama fan.


WHAT FRUSTRATES ME ABOUT GOVERNMENT. A reader with this pseudonym had  some suggestions to make on Tuesday's posting "Fiji Not a Lousy Place to Live...

"Croz, What frustrates me is government leaves itself wide open for criticism again and again. Why doesn’t the PM take some very simple steps to show his actions equal his words ? Here is a simple list that would go along way to silencing much of the criticism....

1. Announce a reduction in the size of the military. The PM has asked everyone else to do more with less so why leave the military open to criticism, it is a sacred cow and beyond touching. He does not need aggressive targets and could start with something as simple as a 7% reduction in personnel  and 10% in costs over the next two years.

2. Announce initiatives to create a more racially diverse military. This could include the ceasing of only addressing troops in Fijian.

3. Publish annually the remuneration of government ministers (including salary, benefits, and allowances) and  and any government employee earning more than $80k. This is common in many countries and would show he is true about being transparent. Show us there is nothing to hide, please.

4. All government ministers to declare a register of interests. Like '3' above this is common practice in other countries. It ensures the public there are no hidden conflicts of interest.

5. All military persons who accept appointments to government roles be given the choice of either a) staying in the military on their current base military salaries or b) resigning from the military and accepting the salary of the new position. Option a) would be for true secondments of say 6 to 18 months, option b) would be for permanent appointments. The military at the moment appear to be having it both ways. This removes the criticism that so many in the military have benefited from the coup.

6. Other good ideas published many times include: lifting the PER, publishing the ROADMAP, starting work on election reform and dialogue earlier than 2012. These are not new ideas but they are all worth repeating.

The PM has more unchecked power than anyone has ever had in Fiji. He needs to be doing much more to show us he is doing the right thing. There will always be wild accusations thrown around but most people will see those for what they are."

PORTABLE SAWMILLS FOR SMALLER ISLANDS.  Fiji Pine Ltd plans to install portable sawmills in Kadavu and the Lau and Lomaiviti groups in pursuit of mature 30 year-old quality pine timber for export by its subsidiary Tropik Woods,  and as a means of revitalising the smaller islands economies and accelerate plans by Tropik Woods Limited to export superior sawn timber. Plantations on Viti Levu are too young to produce quality timber. Two portable machines, capable of sawing 10 cubic metres in 12 hours will arrive in Fiji within three weeks. Local island labour will be used in the mills which are expected to boost an island's economy by as much as $50,000 a month. Government is the major shareholder in Fiji Pine Ltd.-- Based on 2010, No:1889/MOI.

A-G AND THE MEDIA. Speaking as chief guest at the Fiji Media Watch Workshop "Empowering communities to be responsible consumers of the media" in Suva yesterday Attorney General and Minister of Communications Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the media in Fiji often lacks a balanced coverage on stories and in-depth analysis of issues. Much media coverage given to the interests of the elite and too little to the marginalized groups in society. The situation would probably improve it there were more incentives for journalists to develop in their field. 

FORMER NZ DIPLOMAT GERALD MCGHIE has started his own blog that will post comments on NZ's foreign relations. Click here.

IDs, Asian Links, 'Doom and Gloom', Tourism, Domestic Violence, New FNU Campus

NEW QUOTES FOR THE WEEK. SUGAR QUESTION ON NA SALA CAVA. Right sidebar.

NATIONAL ID CARD PROPOSAL. The suggestion by Ministry of Defence and National Security Senior Official Joji Washington that Fiji should introduce an national ID card was always going to raise eyebrows. There's no question it would "strengthen the work of law enforcement, immigration, customs, bio-security, border police, AFL security, airline security, port security and outsourced security personnel." It may also prove to be efficient for the general public.

Singapore has had compulsory ID cards for many years and while they seem not to be been misused by the authorities, it could be that people have just got used to having them.  It's handy having only one number to remember for tax, pension, wages, driving, voting, travel and other arrangements. Similar suggestions have surfaced in New Zealand over the years but they have always been opposed by the civil liberties lobby who argued that liberty is more important than efficiency.

In Fiji we can expect similar arguments. Could this efficiency be misused by Fiji authorities? The answer is obviously yes. Few would quibble with a card that will help detection of illicit activities and assist in police investigations. The problem is with its possible use to monitor opponents of the government. But it's more complicated than that. Monitoring activities that could result in civil disorder, threats of violence, bomb scares and assassinations (and all of these have happened) would, I think, be accepted as legitimate uses, but monitoring what in other countries are seen as normal political activities most definitely would  not.

But how to draw the line? Joji Washington talks as if the card is more than a proposal, and I've little doubt his suggestion will appeal to government.  But if it does, mechanisms must be put in place to ensure proper use. There must be checks on who can access information on the cards, and for what purposes. Appeal to the courts must be assured in the event of misuse. My advice for what it's worth would be not to go ahead with the proposal.  Coming in the wake of the telephone and cellphone registrations and delays in lifting PER, it will send out the wrong vibes.  Its negative reception overseas is assured (Michael Field has already started the ball rolling)  but if I were in government,  I'd be more concerned about the sense of unease among Fiji law-abiding citizens. It is possibly, with further study,  a good idea for the future –  but for the present, I think it would produce more  loses than gains.

The cards will contain a micro-chip containing personal bio-data, picture, fingerprint, passport system, ID number, and barcodes for TIN and LTA watch list verification.   For Michael Field's abnormally "even-handed" account, click here. His pilot fish blogger associates will join him soon. And this is TVNZ's balanced coverage.

AS WE WENT TO PRESS: 
GOVERNMENT BEGINS NATIONAL ID CONSULTATION "The Ministry of Defence, National Security and Immigration has begun consultations on the proposed national identification  card. Senior government officials of various departments and ministries took part in a consultation this morning on the way forward. Permanent Secretary for Defence, National Security and Immigration, Mr Jale Fotofili says Government believes there is a need for a national ID card. “We made a presentation to Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama on the issue, he has accepted the idea despite other issues pertaining to its implementation,” Mr Fotofili said. “These ID cards, once in place, will expedite the elections within a day – and thus the reason to carry out the exercise.” he says.  He said that all ministries and departments must be consulted before the project was implemented. -- 2010 No: 1711/MOI. 
[Ed. note: Consultations are needed far beyond ministries and departments. What do the genral public think? And if election efficiency is the issue, there is no hurry.  It's far more important to publish the Roadmap. The  ID would only be issued to future voters and the information contained would be limited.]


PM SLATES NAYSAYERS. The PM  has berated "the same group of people who continue to criticize everything the government does." They say nothing positive, everything is doom and gloom.  They influence many people, including the overseas media. He wonders why the media listen to these "same old critics rather than making their own assessments on the situation on the ground in Fiji" and whether "they really know what has been happening to the economy over the years." Many things were not functioning and the country was going nowhere with the way things were done in the past. Roads were not being constructed, electricity was not being connected to rural areas, and not much development work was carried out in the past, but his government was now changing this.

The PM said the critics should know that he is not bothered by what they are saying because he is focused on implementing the social, political, electoral and economic reforms that will bring true democracy in Fiji before the next elections.

Speaking at the launch of a new electricity power service at Natoaika Village in rural Naitasiri,  he said people are being mislead into thinking "everything was okay in the past. He told the villagers that while his government is not an elected one, it is working  hard and has a definitive plan to hand over a better Fiji to a new government in 2014. He called on people not to be swayed by the lies that are spread through by those working to undermine his government.

'Pacific Plate' Moves North

Three short items that support Prof Herr's contention that Australian (and NZ) policies are not helping them to maintain their influence—and business— in the South Pacific.

PACIFIC BROTHERHOOD. Meeting with "interested investors" from China and Singapore this week, the PM urged them to consider opportunities in other South Pacific island countries. “When you invest in Fiji also look at opportunities in Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. We do not want to be just the leader but we want to move forward together with our Pacific neighbours.” -- Based on 2010 No:1670/MFA.


SINGAPORE TRADE OFFICE. Fifteen visiting Singapore business people have urged the PM
to open a trade office in Singapore. “We would love to have one trade office in Singapore because of our strategic location and it will help the Fiji Government in its look north policy,” said one of them.

CONFUCIUS, RENMINBI, WEAPONS, HIGH LEVEL CHINESE VISIT. The Chinese and Fiji foreign ministers meeting in Beijing this week discussed a wide range of bilateral exchanges, cooperation and other issues. China will be establishing a Confucius Institute in Fiji and will explore the notion also of establishing sister cities with some of China’s fast growing metropolitan cities. Ratu Inoke  acknowledged the Chinese authorities’ desire to extend assistance to improve public service excellence by offering places to the Fiji Public Service Commission for training opportunities of Fiji’s senior civil servants in the China Executive Leadership Academy in Shanghai.

The duo also discussed the possibility of including the Chinese fast growing currency; the (Renminbi) RMB, into the basket of Fiji’s trading currencies. “This initiative will assist tremendously in facilitating Fiji’s trade with China and is also part of Fiji’s Look North Policy,” Ratu Inoke said. Further, Fiji is now
seriously looking at the prospect of purchasing weapons from Chinese manufacturers to assist Fiji’s effort in participation in UN Peacekeeping and Peace building Missions. Foreign Minister Yang confirmed that he would like to formally visit Fiji in the near future and advised on the necessity of building strong political and bilateral relation founded on mutual respect and trust. -- Based on 2010
No:1669/MFA.

************

ALL IS NOT 'GLOOM AND DOOM'. Permanent Secretary for Women, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation Govind Sami said Prof Waden Narsey's 'gloom and doom’predictions told only part of the story. He said his Ministry continues to target rural areas that receive 70% of their poverty alleviation funding. To lay blame on the 2006 Coup and to ignore the negative impacts of Australian,New Zealand and the EU was "misplaced. “The sugar industry earnings were always likely to nosedive after the decision by EU to take away subsidies and the failure of the mill administration to moderise, improve rolling stock and rationalisation of operations were thwarted by politicians." -- Based on 2010 No:1667/MOI.

VISITOR ARRIVALS for May were up nearly 10,000 more compared with the same month last year. This represented an increase of 24.9% to 47,062 when compared to 37,666.  Most visitors were from Australia, about 22,941, a 48.7% increase,followed by New Zealand with 7,070,  an increase of 15%.  -- Based on 2010 No:1674/MOI.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. Last month Shamima Ali of the the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre claimed people were unaware of Government's Domestic Violence Decree 2009. The Attorney General and Minister for Justice Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum denied this claim but in response has announced another workshop on the Decree's implementation. Other workshops have already been conducted for the police, prosecutors, NGO’s and the judiciary. The new workshop to be chaired by former High Court Judge Madam Nazhat Shameem  will be held at Suvavou House next Thursday 21st. An invitation has been extended to the Minister for Women and her Permanent Secretary, the Solicitor General, the DPP, the Chief Justice, the Chief Registrar, the Chief Magistrate, the Family Court Judge, the Commissioner of Police and representatives of all relevant non-government organisations for women.

FNU $40m NADI CAMPUS. The PM opened Fiji National University's new $40m Nadi campus last week, saying that the extension to the West makes tertiary and vocational education more accessible to all income groups. With its proximity to major tourism destinations and Nadi international airport it will offer specialized courses in hospitality and aviation. The PM hoped the hospitality training would provide the "opportunity for many of the hotel properties, who hitherto have not done so, to use Fijians in senior management positions." Other specialised courses planned include landscaping and horticulture, and centres are planned for Tavua, Rakiraki, Ba and Sigatoka. Some 5,000 students will be enrolled at the Nadi campus.

Sad When Domestic Violence Turns Political, Tovata Support But Where's the Work on Ethnic Interaction?

WHEN EVEN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TURNS POLITICAL.  In what seemed to be a stand-off slinging  match, the Fiji Womens' Crisis Centre Shamima Ali claimed the Domestic Violence Decree promulgated last December was not in force and is not being implemented. Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khiayum disagreed, saying the decree is in force and is being implemented and Ali is misinforming the public.

To which Shamima replied: "You should check with the courts before slandering us. I never lie about these things. Why don't you talk to me? You all should get your facts right, right hand should know what left is doing ... the Womens' Crisis Centre has more integrity than most. We will never let our women down for our personal gains."

To which Aiyaz responded  that Shamima's information was incorrect. The Decree is very much in operation.  For example, the number of restraining orders that have been issued at all levels. "But if the FWCC believes the Police are not doing their job, they should inform them and or the Ministry of Women, and take a collaborative approach rather than making pronouncements through the media in the first place."

To which Shamima said they are not able to protect their clients as the courts and the police are not implementing the Domestic Violence Decree and are not aware of it.

To which Aiyaz replied: There has been extensive training conducted with various stakeholders which included lawyers, prosecutors, police, members of the judiciary, government officials and NGOs to ensure its successful implementation to protect women and children against domestic violence.

And that is how two highly educated people resolve or attempt to use (depending on your standpoint) even straightforward black and white issues in Fiji today. One must wonder  just how much of the dispute was political. The Decree either is, or it isn't, or isn't (being implemented) all the time.  It shouldn't take a slinging match to find out.  What hope is there for "genuine" dialogue on other important issues?

VANUA LEVU AND LAU SUPPORT GOVERNMENT. The Tovata Confederacy that comprisesthe provinces of Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata in Vanua Levu, and the islands of the Lau Province to the east and south, have expressed support for Government putting development work before elections as its number one priority. The current government says it has put a focus on rural development and on effective service delivery to people in rural areas.

[Ed.note: I cannot understand why Government continues to present these issues as alternatives, with development having to come before work on elections can even start. Nor am I persuaded that physical and infrastructural development is any more pressing than work on social development, most especially with regard to initiatives aimed at helping inter-ethnic understanding. What work is going on in schools, the public service, the military, the churches and other religious institutions, and among the general public, to develop basic languages skills in Fiji Baat, Hindi and Fijian, and help improved understanding of Fiji's many cultures and cultural values?   Unless these at least start to change before 2014, what value is the elections?]

NEW FEATURE.   In response to the request of a reader, we have included a

Countdown to Elections 2014 feature at the top of the right sidebar.

Double Dipping, You Just Can't Win, Qarase Court Update

DOUBLE DIPPING ACCUSATION. Some of the anti-government blogs are circulating the rumour started, I think,  by Pacific Journalist Michael Field on his blogsite that the PM and A-G are receiving exorbitant salaries. My guess is that Field has used simple arithmetic to add the salaries of several of their respective ministerial portfolios.

Thus, Cde Bainimarama is the Prime Minister, the Minister for Public Service, People's Charter for Change; Minister for Information and Archives, Minister for Finance and National Planning and Sugar, Minister for Provincial Development, Indigenous and Multi-Ethnic Affairs.

And Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is the Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Electoral Reform, Public Enterprises and Anti-Corruption, Industry, Tourism, Trade and Communication.

The rumour is totally untrue. They receive salary for only their more substantive position.  Field and the rumour-mongers may, however, care to note that Cabinet now comprises 11 members compared with 36 in the Qarase Government. They do not ask or reveal what their combined salaries were.

YOU JUST CAN'T WIN. If you check out recent comments to postings, you'll see there's been a persistent demand to "see" the Roadmap and an equally persistent refusal to accept its existence despite all evidence to the contrary. Though where, other than from the Roadmap and the Charter, do these people think Government is planning its reforms on land, housing, health, roads and all its other projects?

My postings that attempted to explain the relationship between the People's Charter, the Roadmap, the Strategic Framework for Change had readers saying "Forget the Charter and the Roadmap. What we  want to see is action."

I suspect some such comments are merely anti-government protestations. The blog has been full of them lately. Whatever Government does or does not do, it will be wrong.  Invariably this line of questioning goes back to the redundant argument, "It's an illegal government that overthrew a democratically elected government at the point of the gun."  Their only way of going forward is to go backwards.

But many readers genuinely want to see these unpublished documents, and some of them still seem to think the Roadmap is only about the constitution and elections.

For those with open minds, the Roadmap is not simply about constitutional and electoral reform. These will come later, in 2012 and 2013 prior to the election in September 2014. For the moment Government's focus is on physical infrastructure and services and on institutional and governance reforms. The Public Service reforms are an example of the latter.

The triangle diagram in the previous post shows the route from Charter to actions and project implementation.

Using the diagram and the example of the new health centre in Bureta, Ovalau,  reported in the same posting, we can trace its origin from Charter Pillar 11 (improved health services for all) to the pinpointing of remote rural areas (Roadmap); to rural health clinics (Strategic Framework for Change and the Health Ministry Corporate Plan 2009-11); to the financing of the building, equipment and staffing of the Bureta clinic (Health Ministery Annual Corporate Plan). The Clinic is now open and its progress no longer needs monitoring by the Strategic Framework for Change Operating Committee.

The Clinic is a product of each of these planning stages that originated in Pillar 11 of the Charter. People in the seven villages serviced no longer need to travel half way round Ovalau for basic medical care or emergencies. They don't yet have a Constitution and there's no election for a while, but they do have a very tangible clinic. Other examples are occurring all around the country. Multiplied, they are bringing about significant change.

QARASE COURT CASE UPDATE. The Suva High Court is expected to deliver its ruling next month on an application to consolidate the cases of former PM Laisenia Qarase and Sitiveni Weleilakeba. The application was made by FICAC Prosecutor Madhawa Tennakoon yesterday morning on the grounds that the two cases are linked.

It is alleged that Qarase whilst being the Managing Director of the Fiji Development Bank in 1991 - 1992 and at the same time a board member of Fiji Holdings Ltd, advisor to the Fijian Affairs Board and advisor to the Great Council of Chiefs, abused his office by increasing the annual dividend on Class A shares (of which his family held a significant number) to 20% . Weleilakaba is alleged to have given false information to the Registrar of Companies causing the declaration of Fijian Holdings Limited as a Public Company.

Ramadan, Rumours, Governance, Lawyers, Australians Turn Cheek, Shipbuilding, Soldiers, PINA & PacMA

MUSLIMS CELEBRATE. Fiji's 55,000 Muslims are observing the month of Ramadan which started on August 10th.

THIS WEEK'S RUMOURS.  There would still be anti-government rumours, of course, even without the Public Emergency Regulations (PER)  but with PER in place it takes that much longer to refute them before they have achieved much of their purpose: to discredit, distract and destablize governnment.  The absence of "free airwaves" also makes the task of checking on the reliability of the rumours much more difficult.

This week's rumours raised questions on whether the government's Roadmap really existed; the Military Council had called for Bainimarama and Sayed-Khaiyum's resignation (always a popular one when they are both overseas); the PM and other Cabinet members with more than one portfolio were "double dipping," and  whether the Attorney-General's Aunt was involved in corrupt practices. I wonder what next week will bring. It's already started with a comment to this post: "Where is Teleini? He has disappeared faster than the natadola communique?" Should be Teleni.  But nice try. Anything else to distract me?

VISIBLE GOVERNING. The PS for the Public Service, Parmesh Chand, says that the visibility of the role and services of respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies is steadily improving. This has been helped by Civil Service Public Week, the Agriculture Show, strengthened rural development machinery and the on-going emphasis by the PM that civil servants should reach out to as many people as possible, particularly those in the rural areas.  The Government Information & Referral Centre in downtown is also playing its part. Seven Ministries and Departments have already exhibited their programmes at the downtown facility.These activities also help Government to get a better feel of public perceptions and the types of assistance they require to improve their livelihood.  -- based on 2010 No:1221/PSC.

These activities stem from the People's Charter general provisions on governance and the Roadmap's more specific targetting.  I hope soon  to have one or more posts that will explain the Charter, the Roadmap and the Strategic Framework for Change structures and functions.

DORSAMI NAIDU FOUND GUILTY. Fiji’s Independent Legal Services Commission has found lawyer Dorsami Naidu guilty of complaints of unsatisfactory professional conduct and professional misconduct. Commissioner John Connors stated details of a total of 18 complaints against Naidu, two of which Connors said were withdrawn because of the unavailability of the complaints.Seven complaints were dismissed. Among the complaints proven against Naidu were five of unsatisfactory professional conduct and two complaints of professional misconduct. Under one of the complaints of unsatisfactory professional conduct, Connors said Naidu billed an estate the sum of $3,750 when the legal services rendered did not justify this amount “falling short of the standards of competence and diligence that a member of the public is entitled to expect of a reasonably competent or professional practitioner”. In another instance, Naidu prepared a sale and purchase agreement for a 10-acre piece of land in Nadi, failing to inform the buyer that the land was co-owned. Naidu is the President of the Fiji Law Society and an outspoken critic of Goverment. The charges against Naidu are part of ongoing investigations resulting from public complaints against lawyers.

SUNIL KUMAR ACQUITTED. Former Nausori Magistrate Sunil Kumar has  been acquitted of trying to prevent the course of justice after it was alleged that he had tried to deter police officers in Nausori from booking anyone for any traffic offence in the Nausori area and allegedly making certain comments in open court.

WHOSE BLUFF? WHOSE CHEEK? Interviewed by ABC, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith was asked "what do you propose to do to try to advance your agenda with Fiji for a return to democracy, because clearly at the moment Frank Bainimarama is heading a long way away from Australia?"  Smith replied:

"Yeah that's regrettable, I mean we will continue, despite any number of rebuffs, continue to try and get a dialogue going with the Commodore and with the interim administration in Fiji to bring Fiji back to democracy and respect for human rights. There's unanimity amongst the Pacific Island Forum leaders that Fiji's suspension has to continue until they return to democracy. The same with the Commonwealth. But we've got to find a way back to a dialogue and we will simply redouble our efforts. It would have been the easiest thing in the world to respond in kind when Commodore Bainimarama expelled our acting high commissioner, but I didn't want to leave our professional diplomatic relationships with Fiji unrepresented in Canberra. So I turned the other cheek on that matter. It's simply a matter of us keeping at it. We are worried about Fiji moving further into an isolationist position, and in my conversations with the leaders of the Pacific and Vanuatu, we all believe absolutely in the need to just continue our efforts for a dialogue to bring them back to their full standing as a democratic Pacific nation."

SHIP BUILDING POTENTIAL. On his return from China and talks with China's largest shipbuilding company, PM Bainimarama is hopeful that Fiji will once again build its own ships and that Fiji Ships and Heavy Industries Limited will become the top shipbuilding company in the Pacific.

MORE SOLDIERS TO TRAIN IN CHINA. Another result of the PM's recent China visit is that more officers will probablt soon be receiving specialised training in China. The trip was fully funded by the Chinese Government as Commodore Bainimarama was the chief guest at Fiji’s National Day Celebrations at the 2010 Shanghai Expo.

PINA MORE MEMBERS THAN EVER. With 21 members, the Pacific Islands News Association has dismissed claims from the newly-formed Pacific Media Association (PacMA) that they only have a handful of members across the Pacific, and mainly from Melanesia countries. PacMA was formed because some members, notably from Samoa and Cook Islands, thought PINA was not sufficiently critical of Fiji's media restrictions and the Bainimarama government.

However, PINA Manager Matai Akuola says PINA is just doing things differently. "The statement put out by the PINA President is that we are not wrong but are doing things differently. In regards to media freedom we are having dialogue with governments and no longer are we putting out statements to please some people. We are working and having dialogue with government we’ve had meetings with the current Fiji government. So, that a progress. That is a move forward. That’s why we are saying we are not wrong we are just doing things differently."

Mahendra Chaudhry in the Spotlight

Opinion

Crosbie Walsh

I have been asked by a reader why I have not published anything on the current charges laid against Mahendra Chaudhry, his supposed detention, and the Attorney-General's clarification of the charges.

The Attorney-General is, of course, correct in saying "no one should comment on the matter as it was now before the Courts." But this should not prevent general  comments on the Chaudhry situation. He is too public and too controversial a figure for no comment, and rumour and speculation is inevitable when questions remain unanswered.  This is one of the drawbacks with the ongoing enforcement of the Public Emergency Regulations.

First, it should be noted that the foreign media once again misreported what had happened. There can be little doubt that that was deliberate, either by them or more likely by whoever supplied them with information from Fiji.

The former PM was not arrested or even detained and then released, as they reported. FLP spokesman Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi said the foreign media reports were not true. Chaudhry's son, Suva lawyer Rajendra Chaudhry, said his father had been asked by police to come to the police station so he could be questioned. He returned home after questioning, and was asked to return the following day when charges were formally made.  He has to report daily to the Suva Point police station close to his home, bail has been set at $1,000, and he has surrendered his passport. The case against him is scheduled for 30th July in the Suva High Court.

Secondly, the charges he faces were brought by the Reserve Bank and involve twelve different counts of alleged money laundering and tax infringements. They do not involve the charges for which he was investigated and controversially cleared when he was Minister of Finance in the early Bainimarama government. The Attorney-General said that on that occasion government had asked a team of lawyers and accountants to look at  general allegations against Chaudhry made through anonymous letters.

Many people have long questioned the impartiality of those who found him innocent of wrongdoing  when undeclared money donated in India finished up in his Australian bank account. At that time he was Minister of  Finance in the Bainimarama government.  People, perhaps unfairly but inevitably, wondered whether this was why charges were not pressed. It certainly did not look good.  Justice was not seen to be done.

The current charges also do not look good. People are again wondering whether the charges against him are politically motivated. There is no way of knowing. Any charges against any political opponent will be seen by some as suspect.  My "gut feeling" is that whether or not the charges are proven, they are based on evidence that the Reserve Bank's lawyers think will hold up in court, and  I am confident the final ruling of the High Court will not be politically influenced.

But this leaves the question of why the Reserve Bank drew Chaudhry's name out of the hat when so many other cases could be more pressing. This decision could have been politically influenced, or if could be that all high profile cases were being investigated. Again, we have no way to know, any more than we would have known had the charges been made in 1997, 2001 or 2007 when he was also a high profile figure.

His previous absolution and present charges obviously raise doubts that are certainly not good for government or the perception of the judiciary.  While I was in Fiji recently, I spoke at some length with several members of the judiciary, and I am as confident as one can be that the judiciary is independent of executive interference and would make every effort not to succumb were government to try to exert influence.**

But this leaves the Director of Public Prosecutions and, in this case, the Reserve Bank, who could be indirectly influenced by government. The case against another prominent figure, Imrana Jalal, certainly looked suspect.  We will have to await the Court judgment.  But if it goes against her, she has a right of appeal. As indeed does Chaudhry.

In the last analysis, people will believe what they want to believe, whatever the actual or circumstantial evidence. With government efforts to rout out corruption and other criminal activities, several prominent figures can expect to be in court in the next few years. Some people will see them all as victims of political persecution, and their successful prosecution as evidence of government interference in the judiciary.

I think all, or to be more cautious, almost all, cases will be judged fairly, and where this is, or is thought not to be the case, the cause will be the preconceptions and prejudices of the judges -- the perennial human failing that happen in all judiciaries -- and not  political interference.

In this particular case, though, one thing definitely points to no government interference or influence: the timing.

Why would government want even a whisper of Chaudhry to steal the limelight in the wake of their Natadola  successes!

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**  The Citizen's Constitutional Forum and the NZ Law Society have questioned the independence of the judiciary.  I expect to comment on the CCF Report soon.

Fiji Sets Vision for a Modern State

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Legal equality, modernising laws and liberalising the economy are the key components of the Fiji's vision of a modern state, says Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
 
Sayed-Khaiyum says the vision stemmed from the belief that there are some fundamental problems within Fiji’s governmental system.

(G) Media Decree: Government Release

COMMENCEMENT OF THE MEDIA INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT DECREE 2010

(MONDAY 28th JUNE, 2010 No:889/AG) COMMENCEMENT OF THE MEDIA INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT DECREE 2010

The Media Industry Development Decree 2010 (“the Decree”) was gazetted by the Government on Friday, 25 June 2010. The commencement date for this Decree has also been issued by the Prime Minister and Minister for Information.

The Decree has commenced with effect from today, Monday, 28 June 2010.

As you are no doubt aware, the Decree was approved by Cabinet earlier this year, and Cabinet also approved for consultations to be held with relevant stakeholders throughout the country. Consultations were held with the media industry and the members of the public in April 2010.