Big NZ Plans for Early Learning: Chris Hipkins and the PM

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Education Minister Chris Hipkins has announced what he calls a "bold ten year plan looks to restore the Government’s commitment to quality in early learning." 

This includes all 100 percent qualified teachers in early childhood education centres and improving adult:child ratios. The draft plan,, He taonga te tamaiti, sets the direction for early learning for the next 10 years and is open for consultation until 15 March 2019.

And if you didn't receive a letter from the PM, read mine. Show off!

Our Racist Education System

By Laura Walters*.  Republished from Newsroom

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New Zealand has one of  the least equal education systems in the world and experts tell Laura Walters colonialism and racism are largely to blame. 

A new report has found New Zealand has one of the least equal education systems in the rich world, with Māori children lagging behind Pākehā.

PM's New Year Message

Pn7. Bula Vinaka and a very Happy New Year to you all.

As we end the past year and celebrate the coming of 2016, I hope you are all able to take the time to reflect on what we have been able to achieve and focus on the path ahead of us–a path that will take Fiji and all Fijians to even greater levels of success and prosperity.

In 2015, we completed our first full year as a true democracy, and the Fijian people had the opportunity to see their votes and their voices become actions.

2015 was indeed a year of action. It was a year of achievement and it was a year in which Fiji truly came into its own as a model Pacific Island country. 

We witnessed how successful a Government can be when it remains untainted by ethnic considerations and division. How effective it can be when it awards on the basis of merit. How fair it can be when it embraces common and equal citizenry for all Fijians. And how successful the country can be when we focus on growing the economy for the well-being and prosperity for all. These values have led us to become a more unified country, and the world has taken notice.

This year, I had the opportunity to visit the Fijian diaspora around the globe and tell them what we have been able to accomplish as a new Fiji. I let them know that Fiji is back, better than ever before, and that we are open for business.  

The changes that we have implemented were long-awaited by many of our Fijian brothers and sisters overseas -- and it was an emotional time, as we reconciled with many people who were told that Fiji was no longer home for them. They recognised the progress we’ve made, and many committed themselves to walk side by side with us towards an even more prosperous and united future for our country.

As we recapture what we lost, and rebuild relationships with many Fijians who were driven away, we will strengthen our global presence. And with their knowledge and investment, and together with our home-grown talent, we will take our economy to even greater heights. That is why reconnecting with our people living abroad is so important.

My fellow Fijians,

Last year I asked you all to capitalise on our transition into democracy, and I am proud to say we are meeting that challenge every day. In 2015, we built upon our education revolution, we continued to improve and modernise our infrastructure – connecting more and more Fijians to roads, water and electricity - and we logged our sixth consecutive year of economic growth.

Our schools continue to equip our children with new technology in the classroom that will keep our students, and future workforce, competitive on the regional and global stage. Our infrastructure continues to develop, bringing essential services to every corner of the country. Our economy is improving every day, and my Government will remain committed to making sure that the benefits reach every level of our society. All of this was made possible because the vast majority of Fijians are focused on the future, they don’t live in the past, and they don’t want to go back to the politics and ways of the old. They have stood as one people, together, to confront the obstacles that came our way and now step into the future confidently. 

My fellow Fijians,

To strengthen our stand as one modern nation, free from its colonial past and to give ample opportunity to Fijians of all ages, and in particular our youth, to further contribute and consider what symbols most rightly represent our wonderful nation; my Government has decided to further extend the feedback period for designs for the new national flag to 29 February, 2016. The Government has received a number of new submissions since the 23 designs were published earlier this year.

The new time frame will be as follows: From 1^st to the 19^th of March 2016, 5 designs will be chosen, through the PM’s Office, for you all to vote on. Members of the public will have 3 months to vote on the 5 designs through public consultations, social media and text messaging. It is expected that the design with the most votes will be announced on 1 July to be our new national flag. The new national flag will be raised on Constitution Day which is on September 7.

I urge you all to join our pursuit for a flag that represents who we are today, rather than our past and one we can fly proudly into the future.

With that said, my fellow Fijians, our work can’t stop here. There is much that is left to be done, not only to reach our potential in the short-term, but also to pass on better opportunities to our future generations. That means leaving our children and grandchildren a world, and environment, that we can be proud of. 

Recently, I was in Paris at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change advocating a strong deal that addressed the threat climate change poses to our region and demanded real action on the part of developed countries.

At the start of this month, the UN laid out the Paris Agreement. It’s not everything we asked for, but it is still a step in the right direction. But now, more than ever, our commitment will be tested as we continue to fight to make sure the strong words printed on the agreement take the form of real, binding cuts on emissions through the developed world.

I am counting on other small island Leaders to stand fast, as we have in the months leading up to the Conference, and on our development partners to continue collaborating with us as we push forward in mitigating the effects of climate change. By having a national co-ordinated approach, we will mainstream climate change issues to all the Government Ministries and ensure that we are able to source the right levels of financial support and allocations.

My fellow Fijians,

I hope that you have been able to spend quality time with your families and loved ones this holiday season. Families are the backbone of our country, and we must do what we can to protect the sacred bonds of trust that hold our families together. That is why I have committed to using every available opportunity I have to condemn domestic violence and sexual assault that plague our society.

The law punishes these crimes severely, but we need to create a culture that disgraces anyone who even thinks about abusing or assaulting our women and children. And people who commit these atrocities should be mortified to show their faces in our communities and in our society.

When we allow violence to persist in our most private settings, when we have such a fundamental breach of trust, it creates an epidemic of destructive and immoral behaviour that spreads throughout our society, and it is our collective responsibility to prevent that from happening. As Fijians, we should be able to look at ourselves in the mirror and know that we are doing our utmost to protect those who cannot always protect themselves. So, I call on all of you to join me in this mission to ensure that every Fijian woman and child lives a fulfilling life that is free from violence and abuse. 

As we close out 2015, let us, above all, thank God for the many blessings, and let’s resolve to do our best to keep building a better Fiji.

Wherever you are on this New Year’s Day, I wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2016.

Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you.

_________________

Unchanged Utter Rudd-ish, Free Buses, Subsides for Disabled and Elderly, The EU, Increase Sugar Tonnage Price, USP's Token Disaster Assistance

N0268. RUDD: NO CHANGE IN POSITION OR APPROACHES.  Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, cited by the Otago Daily Times, said trans-Tasman  diplomacy calling for democracy in Fiji will continue to be vigorous, and that was often a tendency to focus on what  Australian and New Zealand diplomacy should be doing, rather than putting the onus on Commodore Frank Bainimarama's  military regime. Rudd then went on to talk about Bainimarama sacking its entire judiciary, closing down the media, and not holding elections.

"Bainimarama is the one who must change here ... if he is to  adhere to the standards and the norms of the Pacific Islands Forum, the Commonwealth of Nations, [and] the United Nations." He said Australia and New Zealand were "doing a lot" in pushing for freedom of expression in Fiji, and diplomacy would continue to be active. "It will continue to be vigorous in engaging the Fijian regime. We're not in the business of legitimising what has  been a very ugly military coup ... Bainimarama must change, " he said.

 The article went on to report NZ Foreign Minister Mr McCully's comment last month that there had been little progress toward the resumption of democracy in Fiji, and Amnesty International NZ's allegations of "arbitrarily arresting political opponents, and [subjecting] at least 10 people ...to torture and beatings."

[No comment on Rudd's assessment of the situation other than that it has not changed ... and is not working, whatever the rights or wrongs of the situation in Fiji. Skilled diplomats do not repeatedly beat their heads against a brick wall.  They reassess the situation, and try another approach.]  
Cartoon: Shutterstock.
N0269. UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE RUDD(ER). Excuse the pun.  To watch the video of yesterday's TVNZ interview with Dr  Rudd, click here, or read the transcript.  The interview starts with the interviewer twice checking Dr Rudd for not answering his question. 

GUYON. I didn't ask you that.
RUDD.  That [the Bainimarama Government] is unacceptable.
GUYON. I didn't ask you that. I asked you whether you had cause to believe that there was a need to change strategy at all.
RUDD. .... We're doing a lot in holding the line ... . will continue to be vigorous in engaging the Fijian regime. We're not in the business of legitimising what has been a very ugly military coup.

 He still hadn't answered the question but the inference is clear: no need for change. Alton Shameem JP, chairman of the Fiji Club of NZ, also had some words to say on Dr Rudd's interview.

N0270. DISABLED GET FREE BUS FARES.  Meanwhile, in Fiji, Government continues with its reforms. Some 3,000 ID cards are being distributed to people over 60, who will get a 50% discount on bus fares, and people with disabilities who will have free fares. Forty year-old Pranay Chand, a frequent traveller, was one of them. “I have been disabled since birth," he said,  "and I feel that government really care about the disabled. At the moment I am  staying in Wainibuku. From there to Suva is $1.60 per trip. Then I pay $2 from Samabula to Saint Giles Hospital for taxis every day. So that is quite a lot."

N0271. COMMENTS ON 'SNIPING FROM THE SIDELINES'.  My posting N0258 in which I said Australian and NZ had influenced others, including the European Union, to put sanctions on Fiji, drew these comments: "Get real Professor! The Europeans can think for themselves."

To which  another reader replied: "If they were thinking for themselves how is it that they have allowed such outrageous compromises in the entire field of women's rights to be permitted throughout the Pacific Region since the Women's Parliamentarians' Conference held in Nadi at the Fiji Mocambo Hotel in March 2000?

"Not a word was said about the almost immediate trampling of women's human rights which took place on 19 May 2000? Women parliamentarians taken hostage and threatened with rape, physical and mental violence for 56 days?

"In lieu of taking stock, the EU apparently went along with Canberra and colluded in corrupted elections in September 2001. Despite our vocal opposition. These elections were subverted, bought by the Agriculture Scam and aided in this subversion by the wiles of Mere Samisoni and colleagues. These colleagues in subversion were remunerated by public money and had set an agenda of racism and plunder.

"And where was the European Union in all this? Hanging  onto the coat-tails of Canberra: they knew best. Well, now we know that they plainly did not. There is much  explaining yet to be done. We are still waiting for this. Sanctions are not an explanation. Sanctions represent further damage to the rights and just aspirations of the population. Impositions of this type are as vile and  undermining as any of the ills they deemed to address. What measure of thought is invested here?"

N0272. INCREASE THE SUGAR TONNAGE PRICE. National Farmers Union national president Surendra Lal said expiring land leases and continuous mill breakdowns have hurt many farmers this year but an increase tonnage price  could "see the ailing sugar industry at least in the Northern Division bounce back to its heydays." Rising costs have also hurt farmers.Blended fertilisers that used to cost  $19.50 have cost close to $40 since 2009. Bearing these and other costs in mind, payments of $80 per tonne of cane meant a loss of $30-$40 per tonne. Lal said farmers wanted to see they got a bigger piece of the pie and that had not been happening. "Farmers are losing confidence in this industry [but] if the pricing can be improved, this industry will bounce back," he said.

N0273. USP WAIVES FEES FOR DISASTER VICTIMS.  Following a candlelight memorial service to remember the victims of the recent disasters in Australia, New Zealand and Japan at USP's Laucala campus in Suva last night, the university announced it will waive 2011 fees and offer scholarships for ten students from these countries who "have lost everything." The service marked the beginning of USP’s campaign, entitled USPHope, to raise funds for the scholarships. Over many years USP, the Pacific's regional university, has received considerable financial assistance from all three countries. The scholarships are tokens of thanks, sympathy and reciprocity.

Infant Bank Accounts? NLTB $40m Distribution, School Fees and Funding

N0101. INFANTS SHOULD HAVE BANK ACCOUNTS.  The announcement by Native Lands Trust Board Manger Alipate Qetaki that all itaukei whose names are recorded in the iVola ni Kawa Bula (land registry), including infants, are entitled to a share of lease money, and that once tokatoka and mataqali (land-holding units) have appointed their trustees,the money will be deposited in their bank accounts, was greeted by this, to me incredible, heading and argument from the Fiji Today blog:

"Now lease money will be paid into a single account for each Tokatoka/Mataqali. This is different to the promised payment to each member and open to abuse." 

Government had said all money was to be distributed equally (and not, unequally by rank, as previously) but no mention was made of how. Of course, one common tokatoka or mataqali account is open to abuse, as is all trust money, but surely Fiji Today doesn't expect every single person whose name is registered in the Vola Ni Kawa Bula to open a separate bank account -- even where there are no banks. My estimate is that this would require over 250,000 new bank accounts.

Fiji Today would be making a more positive contribution to Fiji's future if it criticised government when criticism is due, did its arithmetic, and suggested a better way to distribute the money and prevent abuse. Or they could at least say this is a fairer and more open system than was previously in place where provincial administrations and chiefs at several levels took their cut with the balance being paid to the  grassroots landowners -- Based on 2011, No:0243/MOI

N0102. NLTB DISTRIBUTE $40.1 MILLION. This is the amount distributed in 2010, after NLTB had deducted its 15% adminisitation costs. Rent arrears, $25m at the start of the year, were reduced to $17m by year end.$25 million and by the end of the year it had reduced to $17 million. The NLTB is considering out-sourcing its lease money collection.

N0103. PRIMARY SCHOOL FEES AND FUNDING. State grant-aided primary schools, all of which receive a government fees grant of $30 a child, are not to charge fees over $10 a child unless that have prior approval from the Education Ministry, and anything charged in excess must be refunded. The government announcement follows concerns about much higher fees beeing charged by some schools.  Teachers Association General Secretary-Maika Namudu  says the all-up $40 fee is insufficient to run a school.

Blocked Racist Comment, School Fees, Coordinating Aid, Kiribati-Fiji Relations, Office Rationalisation

N0081. BLOCKED COMMENTS.  Sometimes I block comments that are insulting and distasteful but sometimes it is necessary to publish one to show the sorts of people who do not like my blog (and much else besides). Here is what Boots on their throats boy wanted to leave behind on my "It's Only a (FRU) Game &  Ugly Racism" (N0065) item:

Croz, Has your little mate who is going to stand on our throats run down his hole and peed his pants? As a Fijian said to me today - why doesn't the little roti boy come into the pub here and open his big mouth? If he does I'll tear his leg off and shove it up his arse!!!"  

For those who missed the original comment, it referred to the publishers of an anti-government blog who  had distorted the news. But, despite comments to the contrary, this writer and others chose to believe it was meant for indigenous Fijians.

N0082. EXORBITANT SCHOOL FEES NOT TOLERATED. The Ministry of Education has warned schools that school fees and levies must by approved by the MOE, and that no child may be locked out for unpaid fees.  Minister Filipe Bole said that many school had been charging exorbitant fees and this would not be tolerated. "No child is supposed to owe any money because the government is paying all the fees. However, some managements may argue that such levies are directed towards building grants and few other items.They ought to know that the government has considered all those expenses while allocating grants. Our people have been instructed to obtain each school's audited accounts for verification,” the Minister said. -- Based on 2011, No:0187 /MOE.

N0083. COORDINATING AID. An aid donors round table co-ordination meeting will be held on Friday. The meeting, that will be attended by development partners, regional organisations and financial institutions, civil society organisations and government officials,  will provide government with the opportunity to discuss way in which overseas development assistance and aid resources can be enhanced through partnership with development partners.

The overall objective is to formulate a framework for Overseas Development Assistance in line with the 2005 Paris Declaration commitments to which Fiji and another 91 countries, donor partners and stakeholders are signatories. The meeting will help Fiji prepare for the Fourth High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness to be held in Busan, Korea in November. -- Based on 2011, No:0203/MOI.

N0084. KIRIBATI RESPECTS FIJI SOVEREIGNTY. A delegation of senior government official was in Kiribati from January 13 to 18 to discuss strengthening bilateral ties as  stipulated under the Memorandum of Understanding signed by HE President Anote Tong and PM Bainimarama last September. Areas of cooperation included trade and investments, education, labour mobility, immigration, commerce, retail and taxation, fisheries cooperation, air and sea transportation, health and pharmaceuticals, climate change, environment, security and energy.

During the visit President Tong further underlined his government's policy to continue engaging constructively in recognition of the sovereignty of Fiji to settle its own internal affairs.  He also acknowledged the crucial role that Fiji played in the enhancement of the wellbeing and socio-economic development of the people of Kiribati and the region.

N0085.OFFICE LOCATION RATIONALISATION. The PSC is in the process of arranging for the relocation of various Government Offices to bring about cost savings and "better synergies" in government administration. The "clustering" of related departments is also expected to improve accessibility the public and other stakeholders. -- 2011, No: 0162/PSC.

This was announced on Monday by PSC Permanent Secretary Parmesh Chand who anti-government blogs reported as having resigned a month ago — and they have still not corrected their error!

WEEKEND READING WEEKEND READING (AND LISTENING) ♦ Allen Lockington column ♦  Fiji's New Diplomacy has Implications for the Region by Sandra Tarte ♦ Why the Roadmap: the Politics Under the Bridges Part II by Croz Walsh

Air Pacific Be Wary, China 'No Good' for Pacific, Aziz & FHL, Bus Fare Help Criticised, Japanese Aid

N0055. QANTAS QUERY. Qantas, which owns 47% of Fiji's national carrier Air Pacific,  has invited Government, that owns 51%, to buy it out so that it may concentrate on it budget airline Jetstar. Government is still considering the offer.

While not privy to the intricacies of the issue (Qantas apparently has veto powers on some matters) my gut feeling would be to leave well alone. Government has the controlling share in Air Pacific and seems to have little to gain from taking on more debt. Further, retaining Qantas's financial interest in the airline —at no cost to Government and considerable cost to Qantas— is a handy card to have and hold. Present arrangements should not prevent the intended rationalisation processes and restructuring to ensure Air Pacific's continuing competitiveness.


N0056. CHINA 'NO GOOD' FOR PACIFIC. The Director of the Melanesia Program at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Jenny Hayward-Jones believes China is no longer a force for good in the Pacific due to its activities in PNG and Fiji.  Listen to the ABC interview.


N0057. CHINA AWARDED CONSTRUCTION JOBS. China Railway First Group has been awarded the contract to build bridges at Naqia and Balekinaga  and a nine kilometre road from the Wailotua to Nayavu stretch at Wainibuka in Tailevu. The existing bridges on King's Road (that together with Queen's Road to west circles Viti Levu) have been labelled death traps. The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank at a cost of over F$22 million should be complete by the end of the year.

N0058. AZIZ AND FHL. BrigGen Aziz Mohammed, a government nominee and deputy Chairman of Fijian Holdings Limited since June 2008  has resigned from the FHL for personal reasons. The Ministry of I-Taukei Affairs is expected to name a replacement soon. [Whatever the reason, the fewer changes the better.  Each one gives extreme anti-govt people more grist for their imagination.]

N0059. FREE BUS FARES CONTINUE BUT BLOG CRITICISES. Nearly 95,000 children whose parents combined incomes was under $15,000 benefited from Government's $12m free transport assistance last year, and another $12m is budgeted this year. School children in all nine education districts are eligible, including those who travel to school by boat. -- 2011, No: 0133/MOI. In another announcement the Education Ministry said that e-tickets that contain the student’s name, his/her identification number, the issue and expiry dates of tickets, the bus stages where tickets are to be used and the subsidy given should be ready by Term II. --2011, No: 0136 /MOE.

Bus fare coupons for Term I have been supplied to District Education Offices for distribution to schools but since this will take some time to accomplish  parents have been asked to pay their children's fares for the first week of school.

This announcement led the anti-blog FijiToday to criticise Government under the heading Twelve Months after "Free Bus Fares" are announced parents are stung with having to pay bus fares at short notice. I would agree with their suggestion that a better choice would have been for Government to pay a bulk fee to the bus companies for this period if the coupons were for all children which they are not.  Only those whose parents earn under $15,000 are eligible.

Once again, we see an ungracious nitpicking.  The blog did not applaud  the Government's free fares in the first place; they never mentioned that the previous government never had free bus fares;  but now, with a distribution glitch in the system, they seek to lampoon a genuine attempt by the present government  to help the poor.

N0060. FREE TEXTBOOK DELAYS. Schools resume next week but free secondary school textbooks will probably not be ready for distribution until Term II because some of the books are still being written.  Last year $1.5m was allocated to provide textbooks for the primary schools but the allocation of $600,000 for secondary schools was insufficient. With some $12m needed, it was decided the only affordable option was for  Curriculum Development Unit officers to write the textbooks. Books for technical and vocational subject are now written and the Ministry is waiting to receive printing tenders, but books for academic subjects will take longer.
-- 2011, No:0117 /MOI.


N0061. JAPANESE DEVELOPMENT AID. The recently opened new water supply system at Lawaki village in Tailevu is one of 13 projects funded by the Japanese Government in its 2010-2011 commitments. The project, which includes a dam, two 5000 litres water tanks and water pipes that carry the water 7km to the village, replaces a 1962 installation that could no longer meet the demands of an increasing village population.

Ambassador Yoshizawa said his Government was committed to the Official Development Assistance policy promoting development to grassroots people and with the modern facilities in place, Lawaki people can now enjoy drinking water from a hygienic safe system. --Based on 011, No:0132/MOI.

WEEKEND READING ♦ Allen Lockington column ♦ The Kaunitoni Story by Peter France ♦ Why the Roadmap by Croz Walsh

Army Engineers, MSG Meeting, Ageing Population, Student Loans in Arrears

N0047. ARMY TO UNDERTAKE MAJOR CIVIC PROJECTS. Army engineers  will use the heavy  machinary recently arrived from China to speed up rural development projects already in the pipeline. The shipment of equipment, valued at $4.1m, includes four excavators, five dump trucks, three bulldozers, two vibratory rollers, a pneumatic roller, two motor graders, two wheel loaders, two loader/diggers, a water truck, a pick-up and a truck with a crane. This is the first time the RFMF has had the equipment to undertake major construction work.

N0048. MSG TO BE TREATED WITH RESPECT. Fiji will host the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting this year, and PM Bainimarama says Fiji will take the chairmanship role very seriously to ensure that Melanesian countries are acknowledged and treated with respect in the region and beyond. The meeting is expected to be held in Suva in late March.

N0049. FIJI'S AGEING POPULATION. Although a young population by development country standards, Fiji’s population is ageing with relatively fewer births, and more people moving into the older 60 years plus age group.  In anticipation of this continuing trend Ministry of Social Welfare, Women & Poverty Alleviation and the Inter-Agency Working Committee (IAWC) are working on a National Policy Framework for the Elderly that will reflect the changing needs of the elderly.

The Policy will be based on the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and related implementation strategies such as the Shanghai Implementation Strategy, Macao Programme of Action, and adapted to Fiji’s circumstances and conditions, following consultations with all stakeholders and service providers.  The Plan will be incorporated into all major development of the socioeconomic sectors.

N0050. STUDENTS OWE $18 MILLION.  Some $18m loans to students from 2001 to 2010 have not yet http://www.fijilive.com/news/2011/01/18/29839.Fijilive been repaid to the PSC. Permanent Secretary Parmesh Chand has urged students who have completed their students to keep in constant contact with the PSC so that arrangements for repayment can be facilitated. The sustainability of the Student Loan Scheme is dependent on the rate of recovery of arrears.

The PSC has, however, recovered $3.079m  which exceeded their target of $2.5m (2011, No:0115/PSC. The different focus of the Fiji Live heading $18 Million Yet to Recover:PSC  contrasts with the PSC release heading PSC Surpasses Loan Recovery Target.

Drugs, Fuel, Comparisons with NZ, Teachers, Wages

Check out the new Quote for the Week in the right sidebar and 

scroll down to Friday's postings and Weekend Reading.

NOO33. ESSENTIAL DRUG PRICES DOWN 30%. Prices of 74 basic essential pharmaceutical products that are under price control will be reduced by an average of 30% from next Friday but "lifestyle" drugs, on which pharmacists will be able to make high profits, will not be affected. Pharmacies will be required to display the basic drugs under price control.

In making this announcement Commerce Commission chairman Dr Mahendra Reddy said “Government has been concerned for some time with regard to the high and increasing prices of pharmaceutical products, in particular, essential drugs, and  their variability within a small geographical location.” he said.

Dr Reddy said there were several implications from these two issues: First, low income households could be deprived of accessing essential drugs; secondly, an unhealthy population creates additional costs to Government’s health system, and  thirdly that  lack of full information on drug prices implies those seeking drugs may end up buying drugs from pharmacies whose prices are much higher relative to those whose prices are low.

N0034. BUT FUEL PRICES ROCKET. Today the price per litre of motor spirit will increase by 16 cents to F$2.37, diesel by 12 cents to $2.07, Premix outboard fuel price by 20 cents to $2.33. and kerosene by 11 cents to $1.68. This will obviously impact heavily on the transport industry where govenment controls prices.

The Fiji Bus Operators Association said they are ready to absorb the increase as no further submissions will be made to the government to cushion the effects of the increase.

However, Fiji Taxi Union general secretary, Rishi Ram said he will write to the Transport Minister and LTA Board requesting them to consider the earlier submission for the survival of taxi industry.

Fiji has no control over the price it pays for imported fuel which has recently increased in price due the Northern hemisphere winter where fuel is also used for heating and power generation. This is a major reason why government is pushing micro-hydro and other local fuel saving projects.--  Based on 2011, No:0083/AG

N0035. NZ FUEL COSTS EVEN HIGHER. Fiji is now paying F$2.37 a litre for standard petrol, but New Zealand motorists are paying NZ$1.975 or  F$2.785,  41 cents a litre more than Fiji.  If only we'd had a coup, I could blame it on John Key.

N0036. NO JOY FOR NZ. Unlike Fiji's anti-govt bloggers who rejoyce at every economic setback for their homeland, I take no comfort from the fact that the NZ economy is barely growing and may have actually shrunk late last year. This fact is recorded to show that many of Fiji's economic problems have nothing to do with the 2006 Coup.

N0037. MORE TEACHERS RECRUITED. the Ministry of Education reports it will recruit 200 to 240 new teachers this year to replace the 167 who retired last year, those who have changed occupations, who are on in-service training and others who left for overseas. Deputy Secretary Josefa Sania said the "teachers will be replaced by graduates from Fiji's tertiary institutions ...  We have enough graduates from these institutions."

Fiji has approximately 5,000 primary and 3,000 secondary teachers. The overall pupil-teacher ratio has decreased slightly to about 20, but like most averages the ratio is misleading.  Rural school ratios are sometimes as low as 1:10 but in urban schools, most particularly in Suva and Lautoka, the ratio is between 1:45 and 1:50. -- Based partly on 2011, No:0056/MOI.

N0038. BARR KEEPING FINGERS CROSSED. Chairman of the Wages council, Fr Kevin Barr, is keeping his fingers crossed that the PM's Office would consider its recommendation and move forward the implementation date for the new Wages order which is expected to come into force from May this year. He said more detailed information is needed on the workforce to ensure appropriate levels of wages are paid for the various sectors.The lack of information on numbers employed in each sector and the work they perform is a challenge in setting out fair levels of wages and salary.

It is understood that government wants three economics professors to determine minimum wages but the Wages Council prefers a formula, used by many other countries, based on the cost of living. Employers prefer one based on inflation and productivity. The Wages Council would also prefer determination to be made by a group more representative of the social sciences.

Lottery Scandal, No One Indian People, Schools Name Change, Mai TV, Land Bank & Mining, Scholarships & Manpower Training, Roads, Apostolic Whoops!

N0010. LOTTERY FUNDS MISUSED. Several serious allegations have surfaced in the Commerce Commission Report in relation to the Fiji Rugby Union lottery case. The Commission says the FRU lottery bank account showed it had $104,000 The Commission findings, however, showed that as at 30th December the  balance in the FRU lottery bank account totalled only $104,000. With lottery sales  the  balance should have been  $350,000.

Some money could still be coming in from vendors but it appears that only half the tickets were sold. It also appears ticket money has been used for  airfares, accommodation, visa application and game tickets for the 2010 Hong Kong 7s for a senior FRU Lottery Director. Government  has asked the FRU Board and Executive to resign.

STOP PRESS. Bill Gavoka  has resigned as FRU chairman but remains on the Board. Rafaele Kasibulu, who will lead talks with Government to discuss its demands, is effectively the interim Chairman.

N0011.WHEN IS AN INDIAN NOT AN INDIAN.  My  article on this topic published on Saturday in Weekend Reading was republished by AUT's Pacific Media Centre.The photo, courtesy of PMC, is Indo-Fijian girls performing a Pacific dance item.  The article drew this (slightly edited) comment from a reader:

"This is interesting and a helpful discussion on a subject which has been fraught with far too much emotion in the past.

My advice has always been: strive for cultural understanding, but guard against cultural stereotyping. I believe the word "Indian" describes only one's nationality. In the Fiji context it has overtones which lead directly to ethnic stereotyping and profiling. Otherwise educated analysts tell us that the "Indians" want one or other political solution, or that they want to preserve their cultural identity. Who are these "Indians" who think in such a homogeneous way? The same mistake has been made about the  i'taukei. That they should be united and think as one.

"Really? The best situation for Fiji is that we accept that all individuals regardless of culture and ethnicity should be able to pursue their individual dreams. Not to be driven by the narrow walls of what they ought to believe. In fact in the current political situation in Fiji, there are persons of all ethnicities which oppose the government just as there are persons of all ethnicities which support it.

"There is no Indo-Fijian way of thinking,  just as there is no "European-Fijian" way of thinking. When the British tried to codify custom in the Fijian Administration, the most significant mistake they made (apart from creating new "customary" institutions such as the Fijian courts) was to assume that there was one homogeneous Fijian way of life. Nayacakalau wrote of this in the most gentle  way. There is no one Fijian people, just a number of individuals who share some cultural characteristics. And they all think differently from each other.There is no one Indian people in Fiji or elsewhere.

It is time to grow up and to stop defining people's thoughts, politics and aspirations in terms of their ethnic origin.I liked your article very much. Thanks, Nitesh."

N0012. SCHOOLS CHANGING RACE-BASED NAMES. All schools with race-based names are now being changed.

N0013. MAI TV has launched a free 24 hours web channel aimed primarily at overseas Fijians. Besides the news broadcast at 7pm you will be able to watch a range of popular programmes and more will be launched over the coming weeks. All you have to do is register with an email address and password on the Mai TV’s home page www.maitv.com.fj  Note, however, that the company reserves the right to charge for services sometime in the future.

N0014. LAND BANK & BAUXITE MINING at Nawailevu in Bua is expected to start by March according to the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources on an area of Native land previously leased to Fiji Pine. Aurum Exploration Fiji paid Fiji Pine $1m so that the land could revert to landowners from the Mataqali Nalutu, Mataqali Noro and Mataqali Naicobo.

In turn, the mataqali offered the land to the Government Land Bank, and last week the PM designated the first parcel of  land for bauxite mining.  Aurum will have a 99-year lease on the land and a surface mining licence is expected to be issued in March. The Land Bank is a government initiative aimed at giving leasees more secure tenure, landowners an assured income, and bringing more land into productive use.-- Based on 2011, No:0025 /MOI.

The PM said “The significance of the activation of the Land Bank is that many of our idle lands could now be leased through the Land Use Decree 2010 and be made productive for the betterment of landowners, investors and the country as a whole. Landowners who willingly choose to have their lands leased through the Land Use Decree will now be in a position to reap fair and just returns. They will also receive the full quantum of the premium and land rent. I know that this is one of the key issues that landowners have been calling for in the past decades." Government will also ensure the investors security of tenure. -- Based on 2011, No:0023 /MOI.

N0015. MINING PREDICTED AS TOP EXPORTER EARNER. In an ABC broadcast chairman of Fiji's Mining and Quarrying Council, Harvey Probert,  predicts mining will be Fiji's main export earner within five years.

N0016. SCHOLARSHIPS & MANPOWER TRAINING. Some $14million has been allocated for Government Scholarships and Training, under the Public Service Commission and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Scholarship Programme for 2011.  The money will assist about one thousand continuing students in Fiji and overseas, and about the same number of new students.  The fund will be administered by the PSC which also coordinates training programmes funded by bilateral partners.

PSC PermSec Parmesh Chand said there will be a completely new set of criteria in place next year as required by virtue of principles enshrined in the People’s Charter for Change, Peace & Progress and the Roadmap for Sustainable Economic Development & Democracy. Government's focus is on capacity building, and the PSC will ensure a prudent use of resources to enhance the knowledge, skills and expertise of the civil service, as well as the private sector.  -- Based on 2011, No:0010 /PSC.

Mr Chand emphasised that a professional, committed and ethical workforce can only be achieved through on-going capacity building, and for this reason, a supportive training culture is encouraged, so that the training needs of the nation can be effectively addressed.

N0017. ROAD WORKS. Potholes may be a thing of the past on major roads if government manages to complete current and intended road works by 2014. The Ministry of Works  is concentrating on tourist areas, along with the main roads and farm roads. The Nadi Back Road is half complete and work will soon commence in Ba, Sigatoka and Rakiraki.

N0018. WOOPS! FIJI SUN IN ORBIT. The heading read "Apostolic congress hailed by Catholics." But  it wasn't.  The article was about the Catholic Apostolic Church that originated in England in the 1830s.  The (Roman) Catholic Church is just a little older. You can't always believe what you read in the press.

Namosi Visit QEB, Taveuni Road, Long Outdated Penalties, Child Labour, Education and Poverty, Wage Increases

NEWS SUMMARY. Today's news items show —  Namosi supporting Government, an appeal to Taveuni farmers to take advantage of a new road, the updating of exchange control penalties unchanged for 30 years, work to eradicate child labour and government's related efforts on education and poverty. There's also some good news for the police, nurses, builders and the economy.

Photo: Joske's Thumb and Namosi Highlands from Suva Harbour. Panoramio.com

NAMOSI GIVES PM 'CHRISTMAS PRESENT'. Some 200 Namosi people led by former SDL politician the Turaga na Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanotobua, visited the QEB yesterday to express support for Government and the military.

Receiving them, PM Bainimarama likened their visit to an early Christmas and New Year’s blessings. He thanked the vanua of Namosi for its continued support and took the opportunity to stress the importance of choosing the right people to lead the country after 2014.

“Everyone need to know the People’s Charter for Change Peace and Progress which entails government’s commitment towards a truly democratic government and elections process,” he said. “We do not want a corrupt Government coming in. We want every citizen of this nation to get the fruits of their labour in every little way they contribute.”

The PM also apologized to the vanua for government services that had been slow in reaching them. “We also would like to seek your patience if government services have not been to your expectations. He said government was people-focused and its intensions were directed at improving the living standards of ordinary citizens.  -- Based on 2010, Nos:2184 and 2182/MOI.

TAVEUNI, FIJI'S GARDEN ISLAND: INFRASTRUCTURE MUST PAY OFF. Government has been investing heavily in roading and other infrasture developments in the expectation that it will result in increased agricultural produce, especially from remote rural areas, and so bring jobs and regular income for the producers, increase marketable foodstuff,  and make Fiji less dependent on many food imports. The success of the plan rests on farmer outputs.

In opening the new $900,000 Ura–Soqulu Road on Taveuni island, Minister for Works, Transport and Public Utilities, Cde Timoci Natuva appealed to farmers to raise their efforts beyond subsistence level. The Minister said Government was playing its part. It was now up to farmers to perform their part by contributing more to boost the economy through greater farming efforts. To be commercial, attitudes on  proper time management need to change. “You need to use time better and that would mean that you will need to treat farming like any other job where you need to clock in on time. If urban workers leave for work at 6am or 7am farmers will need to behave similarly.”

Taveuni accounts for around 90% of Fiji's dalo exports worth about $21m last year, and the new road links communities in the main dalo growing area. It is hoped that huge container trucks can load dalo directly from farms in these areas for export. This should significantly reduce travelling costs and thereby farmer’s cost of production. -- Based on 2010, No:2177/MOI.

PENALTIES FOR EXCHANGE BREACHES.Government has approved changes to the Exchange Control Act that will see see fines and penalties that have not been changed for "more than three decades." The new fines of up to $500,000 and a maximum prison term of up to 10 years are expected to improve compliance, and will assist the Reserve Bank in reconciling export receipts. Exporters are urged to contact the Bank if they have any questions. -- Reserve Bank Press Release.


CHILD LABOUR: GOVERNMENT'S EDUCATION AND POVERTY EFFORTS. Government's aim is to eradicate child labour, said Ministry of Labour Permanent Secretary Taito Waqa speaking at the official launch of the Child Labour Research and Actions Programmes in Suva yesterday. He listed government initiaties taken towards this goal which included fee free education, the abolishment of external examinations in primary and lower secondary schools, free transport to students who qualify under a means test, provisions of education facilities to non-government schools and the creation of the parallel skill board for Technical Vocational Education Training in schools.

Child labour is often related to poverty and in this area government had several poverty alleviation policies in place. The Budget allocation for assistance towards poverty alleviation in 2011 had been increased to $70 million compared to $54m in 2010. The allocations of free bus fare and food voucher programmes are $12 and $11m respectively with a cash grant of $40 to $60 per child per month will be paid in respect of orphans.

This was in addition to Family Assistance Allowance of $60 to $100 per month, electricity subsidy of $3.5m, housing assistance of $10m and a tax threshold of $15,000 with Government’s commitment to establish a minimum wage for the first time by 2012.

 “These poverty alleviation policies and programmes are aimed at providing social protection and security for all categories of the poor, including children,” he said.-- Based on 2010, No:2192/MOI.

BUILDINGS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH. The value of building permits issued is an often used indicator of economic growth. Figures released by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics indicate that economic recovery could be on the way. For the first six months of this year the value of permits issued was $61,804 compared with $48,754 for similar periods in 2009 and $13,114 in 2008.-- Based on 2010, No:2168/MOI.

POLICE AND NURSES have been given a nice Christmas present with increases in salary backdated to January 2009 for police and a 3% increase backdated to January 2010 for nurses. Increases for other civil servants will be considered later.-- Based on 2010, No:2188/PSC.

WEEKEND READING. ♦ Allen Lockington Column ♦ 'Eakalafi Moala and Baroness Onora O'Neill on Media Freedom ♦ Graham Reid's third and final article on his Fiji visit ♦ Fr Barr on NZ Aid and Neo-Liberalism  ♦ The intended article on the Budget will probably be again deferred due to an extra game of golf this week — and the celebration of my first hole-in-one!

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.

Money Laundering, Teachers to Need Fijian and Hindi, Police Name Tags, PM Back This Week, Maritime and Land Registry

APOLOGIES FOR LATE POSTINGS.  I usually manage to publish the daily postings before 4:30 in the afternoon but this week domestic chores have taken precedence. My apologies for any inconvenience caused by the later publication.

CENTRE FOR FIJI FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT. The Unit yesterday opened a National Anti-Money Laundering Learning Center which will provide electronic computer based training (CBT) to financial institutions and stakeholders.FIU director Razim Buksh says the AML Learning Center and the CBT courses will be of tremendous value to Fiji’s law enforcement agencies as their officials will be trained without any cost. CBT courses will cover topics such as money laundering, human trafficking, precursor chemicals, search techniques, control deliveries and basic intelligence analysis.

“The main reason for providing such a training forum to law enforcement agencies is basically the nature of crime is quite complex, this is a new era, and we have seen emergence of complex crime in Fiji. Therefore we need to equip our law enforcement agents – so that they are at par with the new methods and techniques. These include coming up with a matrix, linking information through flow charts and link charts and undertaking better management of information if this relates to financial record.”

The Learning Center has been established through a partnership between the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, the British High Commission in Suva, Reserve Bank of Fiji and the Fiji Intelligence Unit.

TEACHERS WILL NEED FIJIAN AND HINDI. Trainee teachers enrolling at the Fiji National University next year will have to learn Hindi and Fijian to be able to teach the language in schools to be awarded their graduation certificate. FNU Vice-Chancellor Dr Ganesh Chand said the level of competency in both languages would need to be at Fijian and Hindi Newspapers "Nai Lalakai and Shanti Dut" level.

He said the move is a response to the number of challenges before Fiji, and in particular one that emerged for teachers in regard to the Peoples' Charter for Change and Development.  He said without language understanding there is not much of a chance for the society to be united. He hoped the FNU initiative will motivate other sectors of society to play their part in ensuring a diverse society that also encourages unity.

POLICE TO WEAR NAME TAGS. The new Commissioner of Police Brigadier Iowane Naivalurua  has announced that all  uniformed police officers will now be required to wear tags, with their name, rank and number.The directive was issued so people can easily identify officers if they have complaints or if they witness their involvement in corruption. It can also be used to commend officers. The directive comes into effect in seven days.

PM BACK LATER THIS WEEK. The PM returns from China later this week after a series of successful meetings with Chinese officials and business leaders. He is expected to announce the 2011 Budget on Friday. Key topics discussed at the meetings included streamlining of Government processes, the need to be pro-active when evaluating investment proposals and ensuring that investment provides employment and training opportunities for Fijians.

The PM  said “These meetings have been important in assuring investors that the Fiji Government is committed to providing an environment where business can prosper, It is important that Fiji has the right platform, infrastructure and a program for fast-tracking quality business investment into the country

MARITIME ZONE AND LAND INITIATIVES. Two current initiatives by the Ministry of Land and Mineral Resources are the proper demarcation and mapping of Fiji’s Maritime Zone and work on a National Land Register, a high priority for Government. The State Land register will be completed in December and it is hoped the whole National Register will be complete by December 2011. The Register will compile information on all land issues,  for instance land tenure, boundaries, ownership, value, land use infrastructure and biophysical features. The data will be stored on GIS (Geographic Information System) which links data to maps which will enable the Department and relevant others to keep track of all land transactions in Fiji.

The information is also needed for Government's proposed Land Reforms and the the identification of land designated into the Land Bank for the issuing of 99 year leases. The reforms are intended to promote good husbandry practices with rewarding returns for both tenants and the landowners. -- Based on 2010, No:1971/MOI.

Rumour-Mongers Got One Right, Tonga Okay, MSG Special Meeting, Sect Children Start School, Sugar Production Update, IMF Report, Price Anomalies

See new QUOTE FOR THE WEEK in the right sidebar, and scroll down to the Weekend Readings you may have missed.  Notice also the new blog description above and the new countdown to election facility in the lift sidebar. 

Big fleas have little fleas upon their backs to bite 'em, 

And little fleas have lesser fleas, and so ad infinitum.

COMING BACK TO BITE THEM. Remember the Michael Field story a few weeks back? Unrest brewing in Fiji. Esala Teleni and Pita Driti "dumped" and "sent on indefinite leave." Tevita Mara "removed" as commander of the 3rd Fiji Infantry Regiment "amid wild rumours of further action." Well, Driti and Mara are back from leave and Teleni has been appointed Fiji's next amabassador to China. The latest is from Victor Lal on CoupFourPointFive. Reserve Bank Governor Sada Reddy has been stood down.

"According to highly reliable sources inside the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Reddy had allegedly transferred thousands of dollars to his private bank account in New Zealand last year, shortly before he devalued the valueless Fijian dollar ... More information as we get it." I don't know about the transfer allegation but he's presently on holiday in New Zealand where he has permanent residence and obligations to meet. So I'd expect him to be transferring money on a regular basis." Over to you Victor and Michael.  I hope you will confirm or correct the information as you get it. If you accept bets, I'd be happy to be paid in "valueless Fijian dollars."  Oh, and Teleni, don't do a Falun Gong in China.

THE LATEST FROM C4.5. Their reporting could be improving. In a recent posting their unsubstantiated rumours are no longer stated as facts from usually reliable sources.  Now they have "tips." They surprised themselves with the last one — "One of the tips given to Coupfourpointfive in the past two days has eventuated... " Teleni has been made Ambassador to China. But they sought "confirmation" before publishing it. "We were unable to run it then but its confirmation today, suggests other information given to us is also credible." And the other credible information? Lands Minister Netani Sukanaivalu is "gone"; Brigadier Mohammed Aziz is to be sent on leave, and Neumi Leweni will be put in charge of RFMF Nabua."  But still no correction of previous false tips, and no further mention of Sada Reddy's "absence from office."

 TONGA OKAY BUT NOT FIJI. Concern is apparently growing that Tonga could be headed towards violence as a fragile balance of power is threatened by the country's first democratic elections. Cited are the "emergency powers ..still in place ...after riots in 2006; the King's control and build up of his defence service to use if the 17 candidates elected fail to form a government."

Tongan MP and former police minister Clive Edwards says the new MPs needed to exercise caution. If they [the politicians] don't go along as expected, the army may be used.  Election candidate and Hawaii-based Pacific Islands Development Programme director Dr Sitiveni Halapua said the country was still technically under military rule. Groups had to get permission for any political gathering and a group of church leaders was not allowed to march to pray for the election, which showed, Halapua said, "the power play and the restrictions". -- Based on a Stuff article.

While one may be surprised that Australia and NZ did not impose travel bans years ago, it is to be hoped they will not repeat their Fiji mistake if the present situation does not unravel as they wish. 

SOLOMONS TO HOST MSG MEETING. Solomon Islands PM Danny Philip will host a special Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting on December 15 which will see the transfer of the chairmanship from Vanuatu to Fiji in a traditional reconciliation ceremony.This is likely to involve traditional chiefs from both countries.Mr Philip  said his government is honoured to host the event upon request from the current MSG Chair, Vanuatu PM Edward Natapei.He said engagement with Fiji is one of his government’s policies and the MSG meeting is in line with his views on approaching the Fiji issue.

SECT CHILDREN START SCHOOL. Forty years ago a sect leader in Vatukacevaceva village to the north of the Nakauvadra mountains, the legendary habitat of ancient Fijian gods, founded the Kadrala Church which did not allow children to go to school. This must have been known to the education authorities. The village is only ten kilometres down the road from Rakiraki but it was not until a few weeks ago that government stepped in and banned the church from operating because members' children were not allowed to attend school.The village Turaga ni Koro said, "The church disbanded after talks with Government officials and it is now no longer in existence. All the children are now in school and the members are actively involved in village work." This also is part of the Roadmap.

CANE PRODUCTION DOWN. In the first four months of the crushing season (June — September) cane production fell 9.1% and sugar production 13.9% compared with the same period last year. Crushing for the 2010 season ends at Penang (Rakiraki) Mull on the 19th and the Lautoka Mill on the 25th of this month. The date for Labasa has not yet been determined.

IMF SHOWS CONFIDENCE IN GOVERNMENT REFORM PLANS.The International Monetary Fund has shown confidence in Fiji’s ability to meet most of its reform programs without the Stand By Arrangement Loan.The IMF team led by Jonathan Dunn  applauded the initiative of the government to implement certain changes but urged Government to remove price controls, saying that while the idea "is notable, it is not an effective means of reaching those that really need the assistance." He also thought they would drive investors away.

Minimum interference by government in the economy is part of the IMF ideology, and if the controls were universally applied they could deter investors. But the controls are limited to basic needs items and they are arrived at after extensive discussions with importers, wholesalers and retailers. I would see this as healthy government-private sector interaction. Mr Dunn would have been more helpful had he pointed to more effective strategies to assist the poor and low paid working people.

PRICE CONTROL ANOMALIES which handicap some local manufacturers will be addressed  soon. Flour Mills of Fiji representative Ram Bajeet told a recent forum that the price controls resulted in the manufacturer getting a negative margin whereas the retail trade get a positive margin. "There are those who import and sell here, and they would get a high margin whereas those that bring unprocessed products, process them here and sell them here would receive a negative margin.” Commerce Minister Sayed-Khaiyum agreed and said the matter would be referred to the Commerce Commission.