The Lagilagi Controversy: Government and the People's Community Network, Part I

Lagilagi housing. pn409

Lagilagi housing in Suva has been very much in the news lately. Government has referred its management to the police and the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) , and the estate,  managed by the NGO People's Community Network (PCN), has been taken over by government after alleged abuse of funds.  These actions have been reported by the media but I know of no published response by  the PCN.

Knowing most of the main actors involve, I am puzzled  by these events,

White Person Saving Dark People's Lives????????

• Civil Society
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• Vanuatu

Ambae is Vanuatu’s story, not just a global media backdrop

By Pacific Media Watch -

October 5, 2017

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A pre-evacuation village meeting near Nduidui on Ambae Island, Vanuatu. Image: Dan McGarry/Vanuatu Daily Post

OPINION: By Dan McGarry in Luganville, Vanuatu Pn19,

It happens every time disaster strikes in the developing world. The inhabitants of the place become background players in a drama about selfless aid workers saving lives in the furthest corners of the globe.

To be fair, most aid workers reject that narrative. I should know. I’ve been one. When category 5 cyclone Pam devastated Vanuatu, I helped the UNICEF communications team deliver some of the first reports from the storm-ravaged country.

The image of the intrepid white person (let’s not dance around it) saving dark people’s lives is an inevitable and apparently unavoidable product of people’s need to understand. For you millions sitting at home, in the car or on the train, reading or listening to the news, all you’ll ever know — all you can know — about these far-flung localities is what you get in the 90-120 seconds that the media can give you before you move on.

If the scene contains familiar faces, it’s easier for you to relate. If it’s spoken in your language, it’s easier still. It’s all about making you care. And your care saves lives.

But we have to find a way to remember that the people in this story speak their own language. They have their own culture, their own values, their own sense of what is right.

Forced into exile
The defining aspect of the Manaro volcano story is how quickly and effectively people all across this country mobilised to support Ambae’s population after the volcano forced them into exile.

Goods were being collected from the moment people began to filter down from the hilltop villages that were the first affected by ash and acid rain. Nobody waited for authorities to tell them what to do.

Family comes first in Vanuatu, and we are all one family when faced with adversity such as this.

The islands of Ambae and Maewo have always enjoyed close ties, and nowhere was this more evident than in their warm and well-organised reception for the evacuees. One by one, chiefs from north to south designated which groups would be their respective wards.

Villagers throughout Maewo stepped up, establishing spaces for them in their villages, digging latrine pits, designating cooking areas, building shelters and providing food, water and other necessities.

People from end to end of the island of Pentecost have turned out and done everything within their power, not just to accommodate, but to welcome Ambae’s exiles. Pangi village in the south is famous for its land-diving.

Chiefs there gathered evacuees together and welcomed them with a feast, literally slaughtering a fatted calf for them.

No scenes of pandemonium
Nowhere has the effort been greater than in Luganville, Santo, which is hosting over 5300 evacuees. As the ships began arriving, some carrying as many as 1000 at a time, there were no scenes of pandemonium so commonly associated with mass migrations.

An eyewitness wrote, “People everywhere, trucks and cars everywhere, but everyone [was] calm, no panic, no one upset as the community welcomed them.”

THIS IS THE AMBAE STORY: THE AMAZING AND INSPIRING WILLINGNESS OF THE PEOPLE OF VANUATU TO DO EVERYTHING—AND GIVE EVERYTHING—NECESSARY TO LOOK AFTER THEIR OWN.

Only one person—an elderly man—has reportedly died so far, and he died of a broken heart at being uprooted from his land.

Vanuatu’s government is not absent in this picture; it is an inseparable part of it. The grassroots Ambae Manaro Organising Committee has worked hand in glove with the National Disaster Management Office to ship donated relied supplies, first to the island of Ambae itself, and now to Santo, for distribution to the large evacuee population there.

The foreign donors, aid organisations and NGOs who know us best will be doing the same: integrating their efforts into local endeavours.

Evacuees to be employed
The Ambae Manaro committee yesterday reported that they would be seeking to employ people within the evacuee population itself to provide essential services to their companions. The Santo Ambae Support Community echoes these sentiments.

“It’s so important for the evacuees were welcomed and cared by the community from Ambae, they can talk [the] same language and still feel [at] home.”

Those NGOs with a permanent presence here in Vanuatu know the value of fitting in, employing Ni Vanuatu staff and consultants in key positions in order to ensure that they operate effectively and with sensitivity to local concerns.

In spite of all this, millions of people who know nothing of Vanuatu but its suffering will only see images of military planes, bales of supplies, ships and expat workers doing what they can to help.

On TV screens, tablets and phones, the people of Vanuatu will be reduced to the backdrop against which the soap opera of disaster relief unfolds its all too predictable melodrama.

Swamped news feed
It doesn’t have to be that way, but sadly, it probably will be.

So today, at least, before our news feed gets swamped with images of Hercules planes, Black Hawk helicopters and crisply uniformed military officers, let’s take a moment to remind ourselves: This is Vanuatu’s story. It’s a story about fellowship, about buddies in bad times, about pulling together, and about helping at all costs.

Can we get through this without international help? Not a chance. We know it’s offered in the spirit of camaraderie and friendship.

We’re grateful, too. But when you talk to the international media, please don’t forget who was there first, and who will remain when you’ve gone back home.

Dan McGarry is media director of the Vanuatu Daily Post. Asia Pacific Report republishes VDP articles with permission.

Discussion in Fiji, Silence in NZ; Police Getting Serious; Election Groundwork Needed Now; Focus

WEEKEND READING ♦ Allen Lockington Column  ♦ People's Charter Pillar 5 (Achieving Higher Economic Growth): For Discussion  ♦ Is the PNG Land Grab Relevant to Fiji?

Photo: The University of the South Pacific Laucala Bay campus was built on the RNZF base for Sunderland flying boats which were then the only way to reach many islands in the region by air. The road on the left is Queen Elizabeth Drive that now dissects the upper and lower campus,  and the one from top to bottom of the photo is Laucala Bay Road.

N0292. PUBLIC DISCUSSION IN FIJI .  Restrictions on open debate could be improving in Fiji despite the retention of PER, the emergency regulations.  On Wednesday, USP held a public forum on the large loan recently taken out by Government, Fiji’s Second International Bond Issue. Speakers included Filimone Waqabaca (Ministry of Finance), Dr Mahendra Reddy (Fiji National University), Prof. Warden Narsey (USP), Norman Wilson (ANZ) & Dr. T.K Jayaraman (USP). Notable is the inclusion of Prof Wadan Narsey, a well known  government opponent. The audience would have heard more than one side of the argument.

My understanding is that the Fiji Times taped the debate so we may see something of what was said in the print media. They published a short item today with arguments for (Waqabaca) and against (Narsey). Hopefully, more will follow. 

Biased Reporting in New Zealand
Radio NZ International, however, mentioned only Narsey's position: "Fiji's interim administration is being criticised for burdening future generations with debt after raising about 250 million US dollars in foreign bonds."   This overtly biased reporting on Fiji is now standard fare (unfair) for RNZI. Witness Johnny Blades's report on the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting published earlier today (N0290) that made no reference to the leaders' support for Fiji's reforms and elections in 2014, and compare with the report by Radio Australia.

Radio NZI and its reporters need to remind themselves that New Zealanders pride themselves on fair play. On-going, one-eyed, biased reporting is not fair play. One wonders why they are doing this? Is it because the State broadcaster, in today's difficult economic environment, fears funding cuts unless it kowtows to government policies?

N0293. POLICE GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT CLEANING UP THEIR ACT. Three policemen have been sacked in the Northern Division  this week. A Police headquarters spokesman said: "The consequence of abuse of power by law enforcers shows how serious the new administration is about the rightful use of power vested in the officers.We want to make Fiji a safe and secure place. We want people to place their trust and faith in the Police Force. We can't have the same people in the Police Force who have threatened and abused people. We will not condone such cases."

Fiji Today, the only moderate anti-government blog, had this heading today: "Rumor says that the Police Force has set up an Internal Investigation Unit that is operating behind the scences to reduce curruption in the police force. This force needs to be cleaned up if it is to have any credibility in the eyes of the public."

N0294. CRITICAL GROUNDWORK FOR ELECTION 2014 DATE MUST START NOW.
The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum is encouraged by the confirmation of the 2014 election timeline by Government (Fiji Village 30/3/11) and wishes to highlight that even prior to the event, the State, Civil Societies and all the key stakeholders need to start addressing the critical preparatory groundwork now.

“Going by best practices experiences of recent history of transitional governments similar to our experience, it has shown that prior to the elections itself critical landmarks such as dialogue on key issues including the Constitution, Electoral Reform and ongoing public consultation and dialogue at all levels needs to start now for a sustainable transition,” states Reverend Akuila Yabaki.

He added that, “All stakeholders need to be engaged in some critical dialogue on the processes and the content of the Constitution.”

With regard to “ironclad assurances” by the Foreign Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, on the timelines towards 2014, Reverend Yabaki “finds this warmly reassuring and strongly recommends that a good first step would be the lifting of PER.” -- CCF Press Release.

N0295.  FOCUS is the Government newsletter published in English, Fijian and Hindi. The latest issue has, as might be expected, a swag of articles on government's development initiatives,  but it also has letters to the editor, an extensive list of government job vacancies, information on the Order of Fiji, and lots of photos.

If you are interested in  having a look, it may be downloaded from the Government website by  clicking here.

Fiji 'Playing Politics' at MSG? Pacific Islands Trade, Disabilities, Gays have Human Rights

WEEKEND READING ♦ Allen Lockington Column  ♦ People's Charter  Pillar 4 Public Service Efficiency: for Discussion   ♦ Father Arms Corrects Me on the Charter's Proposed Voting System   
♦ Kevin Rudd Takes His Eye off Pacific Islands

I had hoped to publish " Two Viewpoints on the Alleged Torture of Detainees"   but this will now be deferred for two weeks due to  the Amnesty International NZ CEO being temporarily unavailable. 
 
Photo: A comment on last year's Engaging the Pacific meeting that was held when the MSG meeting was cancelled by then Vanuatu PM Edward Natapei, some say due to Australian pressure.

N0258. SNIPING FROM THE SIDELINES. The  Melanesian Spearhead Group is meeting in Suva this week and next. Last year's meeting was abandoned because the then MSG chairman, Vanuatu PM Edward Natapei, refused to hand over his chairmanship to Fiji whose turn it was to host the meeting. Natapei denies he was influenced by Australia and NZ in his decision. This year, no longer chairman and no longer PM, he tells Radio NZ International that Vanuatu should reconsider its membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group because the MSG is now — and for one brief term only — "chaired by a non-democratically elected government.”

Thank you, RNZI, what would we do without you to keep us informed on what we should think about Fiji? Having obtained Natapei's statement RNZI journalists ferreted out another negative comment on the MSG meeting, this time from Auckland University's (and formerly USP's) Dr Steven Ratuva who is usually not known for negative comments.

Steve warns the MSG not to become "a tool of geopolitics."  He says (or is reported to have said) Fiji's chairmanship of the MSG meeting "consolidates Commodore Bainimarama’s power in his scrap with Australia and New Zealand, and he may feel he’s now the new regional leader to be reckoned with."

“Perhaps in the long run that kind of thinking may be counter productive to the MSG which really needs to be focused more on economics and trade rather than in terms of fighting the political battle. So if [Commodore] Bainimarama uses the MSG as a means by which it can leverage politically then it might not be in the future interests of the MSG.”

But, Steve,  since all politicians play politics (that's what they do), why can't Fiji join the game? Fiji did not kick itself out of the Pacific Islands Forum, or the PACER talks (it wanted to participate). Australia and NZ influenced the Pacific's Forum members to make that political decision. Fiji did not ask the Commonwealth to be excluded from the Delhi Games. Australia and NZ urged the Commonwealth to take that political decision. Fiji did not ask the EU to suspend aid to its sugar industry. Australia and NZ were at it again. And Fiji has not placed travel bans on Australian and NZ sportsmen and women. That's Australia and NZ again. So if Australia and NZ are playing politics, is this also not the "the future interests of the MSG — and the Forum? As the saying goes, "If it's good bad for the goose, it's good bad for the gander."

Perhaps we can now get some worthwhile coverage of the MSG meeting by Radio NZ International — or any other media news source for that matter.  It's not often we get so many Pacific leaders together.  They should merit some mention.


N0259. MSG TRADING PARTNERS. The Director of Trade and Investment at the MSG Secretariat, Mere Falemaka, has told MSG delegates that while there has been an increase in trading among the MSG countries, there's a long way to go before the trade potential is fully realized. She urged all MSG countries to explore areas outside their traditional trading boundaries.

Australia continues to be the Region's biggest trading partner in both imports and exports followed by Asian countries (China, Japan, Indonesia, Korea and others) with whom trade it rapidly increasing. New Zealand comes next.-- based on No:0722/MOI.

N0260. FIRST LADY LAUNCHES DISABILITIES WORKSHOP. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) two-day workshop on empowering the deaf was launched by the First Lady Adi Koila Nailatikau on Thursday. The workshop was by the Fiji Association of the Deaf. The association has received $38,000 funding from the European Union for a one year period. The workshop focused on issues relating to employment and health. -- Based on No:0717/MOI.

N0261. FIJI AGAINST GAY DISCRIMINATION. Fiji joined 84 other countries recently in released a joint statement at the UN Human Rights Council in  Geneva on "Ending Acts on Violence and Related Human Rights Violations Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender  Identity." Local NGO, Women's Action for Change director Peni Moore said her organisation was pleased with the action taken by the Government.

"For those of us who've been working in this area for a long time, it gave us great pride to see what the Government has done," said Mrs Moore. She said she was honoured to be a member of one of the first Pacific island countries that was a signatory to the statement.

The US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, said the event stressed a commitment by the US to human rights through dialogue, open discussion and frank conversation, according to a statement yesterday. "Gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights," Mrs Clinton said.

The CCF's Suggested Way Forward

N235. WHY SO FEW COMMENTS ON AKUILA'S POSTING?  Part II of Critical Engagement and Future Scenarios was published  last Saturday (N205). Few people took the opportunity to comment.  I republish the conclusion to the Rev. Akuila Yabaki's paper and urge you to read it, comment, and read the full document.

Fiji 2011: Critical Engagement and Future Scenarios (Part II) - Akuila Yabaki

Speech given by the Rev Akuila Yabaki Chief Executive Officer, Citizens' Consitutional Forum, in February 2011 during his New Zealand tour. I consider it the most important paper to be written on Fiji this year.

Part II. Critical Engagement (continued) and Future Scenarios

Part I was published last Saturday.

N205.

Charter

The April 9, 2009 Court Case was a significant event in the impact it had on the CCFs engagement with government. Without any constitutional basis to support the actions of the Bainimarama government meant that CCF would have to disengage itself completely in its parallel work with the State and discontinue its involvement with the Charter and the Charter process.

That does not, however, diminish in any way the States commitment to the Charter which though much criticized, mainly by those who knew very little about its content, objectives and principles, was actually in our view, though a product of an illegal regime was in fact good and progressive in principle.

The document still remains a key roadmap for the State. Two areas which have seen significant progress include Pillar 2 A Common and National Identity and Building Social Cohesion. A national Identity for all citizens under the name Fijian, indigenous Fijians called iTaukei and the removal of all racial or ethnic labels from public institutions is a progressive step towards unity. Pillar 6 Making more land available for productive and social purposes has made some steps forward through the Land Use decree allowing for the establishment of a Land Use Unit, A land bank allowing for Landowners and prospective tenants an alternative to land lease arrangements apart from the NLTB. The land bank and the Committee for the Better utilization of Land (CBUL) is working hard towards identifying idle land for use. It is still too early to measure the impact and effectiveness of these changes.

Fiji 2011: Critical Engagement and Future Scenarios (Part I) - Akuila Yabaki

Speech given by the Rev Akuila Yabaki Chief Executive Officer, Citizens' Consitutional Forum, in February 2011 during his New Zealand tour. I consider it the most important paper to be written on Fiji this year. Photo: Rev Yabaki and Croz Walsh, Wellington, February 2011.

 

Part I. Introduction, Militarization of Government and Critical Engagement

Introduction

The Fiji Court of Appeal ruling of 9 April 2009 in the case of Qarase versus Bainimarama, which was contrary to the Fiji High Court judgment of 10 October 2008, stated that under the 1997 Constitution Fiji’s President did not have the powers to dissolve Parliament and appoint the interim Fiji governments in December 2006 and January 2007. The Rulings went further to add that the President could only make those decisions on the advice of the Prime Minister and the cabinet. Following this judgment, Interim Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama resigned from his position. A day later, then President the late Ratu Josefa Iloilo (purportedly) abrogated Fiji’s 1997 Constitution and reappointed Bainimarama and the Attorney General back to their positions. The other government ministers were also reappointed to their positions.

Decrees then became the order of the day creating a new legal and political order. The decrees in particular, placed limitations on the powers of the courts and entrenched decision-making powers in the Executive’s hands. Some of the decrees in content and intent sought to bring in genuine improvements, but others may violate human rights and good governance principles. A few have been introduced after public consultations, others without any or with very limited consultation. Apart from the good governance processes one major concern about the new decrees is the provision in many that the decisions made by the current government cannot be challenged in any court or tribunal in Fiji.

A Public Emergency Regulations (PER) Decree was imposed on 10 April 2009, which has been extended every 30 days since, and remains in place despite the complete lack of civil unrest in the country. The PER provides broad powers to police and military officers to search premises and arrest and detain people from two to seven days. The PER also provides powers to the disciplined forces to stop any meetings or public gatherings. Organisations now have to apply for a permit for any event that requires a gathering of people. The PER further gives powers to the Permanent Secretary for Information to apply censorship to any print or broadcast material which they do not want the public to see and hear.

Lawyers Guilty, Don't Preempt Dialogue, Indian NGO to Help Amputees, Sukanaivalu Resigns

 Commissioner Connors and the Attorney-General.

Photo: Commissioner Connors and the Attorney-General.Fiji Times.
N0184. LAWYERS GUILTY.  Three prominent lawyers, Muhammed Shamsud-Dean Sahu Khan, Mehboob Raza and Vipul Mishra, have  been found guilty of professional misconduct by Independent Legal Services Commission Commissioner John Connors. Mitigation for the lawyers will take place on 28 April and sentencing on 4 May. Readers in any doubt about Government charges of corruption, negligence and malpractice in the legal profession, and the earlier need to sideline the Fiji Law Society, should read the full article.

Speaking last year on Commissioner Connor's appointment, Attorney-Gereral Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum said, “The Bainimarama Government is determined that lawyers gain public trust. Having confidence and trust in the legal profession assists, and is an integral part of the proper and effective administration of justice.” Today's decision is part of that process.

N0185. PREEMPTING DIALOGUE?  Although the main elements of the People's Charter are well-known and generally accepted by fair-minded people in Fiji, Wednesday's  statement on the format of the 2014 elections by Director of Strategic Framework for Change office Joeli Besetimoala (and his further statement that work on the new electoral system is continuing) could be seen to preempt the dialogue on the electoral reforms scheduled to occur in 2012.

He says, “The voting system dictates the composition of political parties - the voting system that will come in the next coming election – it will be the Open-list Proportional Voting System – there won’t be any ethnically based voting, the communal seats will be done away with and we can call the seats to be open seats, so if you want to appeal to particular ethnic group to win the election the voting system will be un-friendly to you so it will not allow any particular party to that level.”

There is nothing surprising in this but Besitimoala should make it absolutely clear that the Charter is a draft document and the work of the SFC are only recommendations that will be presented once fuller, citizen dialogue commences. He has also not made clear whether the SFC committee that once included citizens is still functioning or whether the "work" he describes is only that of his own officers.

He is right in stating proportional voting systems "provide more accurate representation of parties, better representation for political and racial minorities, fewer wasted votes, higher levels of voter turnout, better representation of women, greater likelihood of majority rule, and little opportunity for gerrymandering" and probably right in saying that PR, even one particular form of PR, will be used in the 2014 elections. But he should make sure that his words are not taken to preempt the dialogue process.

The moderate anti-government blog thinks PR is "a step in the right direction" but hopes several parties will contest the election. They believe a Pro Government and Opposition type party standoff will not give the true results of a PR voting system. I agree.

N0186. INDIAN NGO HELP FOR AMPUTEES. A team from the India Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), Jaipur, the world’s largest prosthesis organisation will be in Fiji for month from early April. The team will  provide free 300 artificial limbs to registered amputees and train local prosthesis technicians to produce artificial limbs of a better standard.-- Based on No:0533/MOH.

N0187.SUKANAIVALU RESIGNS. Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Netani Sukanaivalu notified the PM on Wednesday of his intention to return to managing his family business, a work he could not dedicate quality time to as a Cabinet Minister. In accepting his resignation the PM  acknowledged what he called his immense contributions to the country’s development first as Minister of Education and recently as Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources where  he has been instrumental in setting up the Land Bank and bringing idle land into production for agricultural and industrial use. -- Based on No:0536/MOI.
  
Don't forget to check the Weekend Readings, and comments from postings earlier in the week.

NZ Earthquake, Treason Trial, Tui Cakau, SDL Offices, Tourism Initiatives, CCF, PER

N0173. EARTHQUAKE CONDOLENCES. The PM signed the condolence book for victims of the Christchurch earthquake at the New Zealand High Commission yesterday. His visit to the High Commission follows his sympathy letter sent to his counterpart  John Key last week.  A formal reply is expected later when one also hopes Fiji's condolences will be reported by the NZ media. Confirmed deaths  from Christchurch now total 155 and could rise to 240. New Zealand's worst earthquake death toll was 256 in Napier on 3 February 1931.

N0174.TAGIVEIKATA TRIAL UPDATE. Monday

N0175.PM TELLS TUI CAKAU NO MORE TALKS.  In earlier talks Ratu Naiqama told the PM to step aside and reconvene the Great Council of Chiefs to appoint an interim government.(see N014).

N0176.SDL PARTY OFFICES SEARCHED. SDL senior executive Mataiasi Ragigia  says police searched the SDL headquarters and the staff was ordered to leave. Ragigia described police manners as aggressive, but “None of us were taken in for questioning. We were just told to leave. They got into the office with a copy of the search warrant and a list of the items they wanted to take. They’re looking for some documents that will lead to some charges being laid against some people.”

The SDL had been distributing an anti-government DVD to Fijian villages as a means of countering growing government popularity among rural Fijians.The SDL claim the popularity is misplaced.

N0177.TOURISM INITIATIVES. The PM said several initiatives, such as the highest ever budget for Tourism Fiji, tourist VAT refunds and a tax free zone, have resulted in a dramatic increase of tourist numbers.

Other initiatives include the participation of i-Taukei landowners as equity holders in hotel properties, the relaxation of foreign investment rules, zero rating of tourism items, duty concessions on tourism related equipment such as jet ski’s, yachts and buses, and the introduction of the Super Yacht Decree.

“The equal distribution of land lease monies from i-Taukei owned lands, the modernisation of our penal code, the upgrading of our roads and water systems and the introduction of the Domestic Violence Decree all have either directly or indirectly and positively impacted properties, new tourism development, problems related to staffing and social justice issues.” Tourism now contributes 31% of GNP; it is a major source of employment,business activity foreign currency earnings. -- Based on No:0517 and 0518/MOI.

N0178. CCF CALLS FOR END TO EMERGENCY REGULATIONS. SUVA (Radio NZ International/Pacific Media Watch): Fiji’s Citizens' Constitutional Forum says the Public Emergency Regulations need to be lifted so proper political dialogue can start. The PER were implemented in April 2009, and were to have been lifted when the media decree came in last year, but were not.

The Forum’s head, the Reverend Akuila Yabaki, says the regulations are an infringement on people’s right to participate in the process of reforming the country’s political process.

“I think government could listen to more ideas. And the people have a right to be heard. There’s no civil unrest and I think you cannot prepare people for a new mode of democracy, without opening up and getting rid of the Public Emergency Regulations.”

Reverend Yabaki says while some good work is being done, it needs to continue.

Note:  I support the call in principle but think the timing unfortunate given the uncertain situation this week, but a clear signal from Government to lift PER soon would do much to reduce the rumours and ease the situation.

Why Government Needs Fuller People Empowerment NOW; Land, NLTB, VAT, Tourism

ALL LAND LEASE MONEY WILL BE DISTRIBUTED EQUALLY    Previously, the NLTB took 15% of lease money as administration cost. After that, 30% went to chiefs at different levels (5% to the Turaga i'Taukei, 10% to the Turaga ni Yavusa and 15% to the Turaga ni Mataqali). The other landowners — the ordinary people — then shared the remainder.  --  Fiji Sun.

Doing the Right Thing — the Wrong Way

 

  Citizens Constitutional Forum's CEO, Reverend Akuila Yabaki, says that while his organisation welcomes a greater democratisation in the distribution of lease money to indigenous landowners, more consultation is needed.

He says discussions were talked about but due to media censorship he does not know if any have taken place, and the CCF has been unable to obtain a copy of the relevant decree to examine the details. Rev. Yabaki said “it’s a painful change and therefore there will be people who will feel undermined in terms of their authority but that sort of thing should be all the [more] reasons why there should be greater engagement and dialogue with all stake holders.” He says he is aware of at least one province that has said it does not agree with the changes.

I think it more probable that formal dialogue has not taken place. There would be no point in censoring this information. But the continuation of the emergency regulations (PER) allow rumours to flourish, such as the supposed opposition of "at least one province", and for this reason, its continuance is regrettable. But this criticism of the CCF statement is nitpicking.

Overall, the  statement is a wise and timely reminder to Government that doing the "right thing" is not enough. People need to agree that it is the right thing, and the only way to ensure this is by including those most affected in dialogue: different levels of chiefs, ordinary landowners, the NLTB, and different types of leasees.

Sure, this will give those "chronically opposed" to government opportunities to criticize and perhaps rally some support, but there is no other way.

Empowerment means involvement.  Change that is imposed that does not have public acceptance rarely lasts. If Government is looking beyond the elections in 2014, as it must be, it needs to ensure its major changes are permanent.

What do you think?

Readers are invited to suggest what form(s) of participation (not just on land leases) might be acceptable to the general public and to Government. A distinction should be made been acceptable NOW, and the type of dialogue we can expect in 2012 when constitutional and electoral reform will be discussed. 

 GOVT AIMS TO EMPOWER EVERYONE. Top-down theories sound fine but the reality is that Government needs to provide the institutional structures and environment for people to empower themselves. Nothing else will last.  -- Fiji Village.

MISUSE OF UNCLAIMED NLTB LEASE MONEY. Radio Fiji.

VAT INCREASED by 2.5% on Monday but school stationery will be exempt until after schools resume.

TOURISM LOOKS BRIGHT. With $23.5m allocated by government to promote tourism,  Seeto says prospects look bright.

Mosmi Bhim on Grassroots Citizenry, the Media and Democracy

An exceptionally useful paper that traces the course of democratic endeavour in Fiji and the problems it still has to face.  A long read but worth it.  I had to reformat it from a pdf file. You may need to zoom in. My thanks  to Mosmi and PJR for permission to publish this paper.

Casino Building Plans Have Been Historically Opposed in Fiji

The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) is deeply concerned that the government has invited expressions of interest for the development and operation of a casino in Fiji, despite widespread opposition expressed against that proposal last year.

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.

PER Again, Fiji Times News, International Peace Day, Takiveikata & Chaudhry Cases, Tele Stats

HERE WE GO AGAIN.HEAR NO EVIL,SEE NO EVIL. SPEAK NO EVIL. The Public Emergency Regulation, in place since April last year, has again been extended for another 30 days with effect from today. Many observers were hoping that with the Fiji Times sale, and progress on other fronts, some wise person in Government would have said 'Enough is enough.'

  If there are good reasons to continue these never-ending renewals (and the Media and Public Order Decrees are insufficient to contain them), and well there may be, Government needs to spell them out, and tell  us why they are needed now when they were not needed before April last year?

How on earth can intelligent people be expected to trust and support a government when they are kept in the dark about the reasons for its actions?

NEW PUBLISHER FIJI TIMES. Australian Dallas Swinstead, the publisher of the Fiji Times from 1976 to 1980, has been appointed the new publisher as the Motibhai Group officially took over ownership of the newspaper today.

Motibhai chairman and new Fiji Times Board chairperson Mahendra Patel  said: that the “Fiji Times will operate as an independent separate unit. Dallas Swinstead and his staff are the people that will fashion the editorial content of the paper. We will not interfere with that. The staff are empowered to operate and run independently – of course we will be there to guide, but we will not interfere. “

Swinstead has an extensive and distinguished record in the publishing field and has been a journalist, editor and managing director of many major Australian newspapers including the Herald Weekly, The Age, the Sunday Press and Qantas In-flight magazine.

On whether the Fiji Times would now recognize the the new government and refer to Bainimarama as the Prime Minister, Patel said: “You will find out in due course. Let any changes that happen, happen slowly. We will embrace and change in the fullness of time.”

PEACE INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY. The Citizens Constitutional Forum celebrated International Peace Day in style yesterday with music, songs, a fashion show and the screening of a short film titled “Enduring Hope.” CEO Reverend Akuila Yabaki says peace issues never go out of fashion because even when there is no war the world is not at peace. However he says Fiji has a way forward.

Reverend Yabaki says despite coups, conflicts and instability, the way forward is through dialogue and the rebuilding of relationships in the search for resolution through peaceful means. This year’s theme is “One Nation Diverse People.”

TAKIVEIKATA'S CASE ADJOURNED until October 5.The Naitasiri High Chief is being retried on a charge of inciting the 2000 mutiny which aimed to kill the military commander, Cde Bainimarama. Both  defence and prosecution lawyers asked for the adjournment. Takiveikata had been given a life sentence for the mutiny but in early 2007 the appeal court quashed the ruling and he was released from prison after serving 31 months. Last March, Takiveikata was jailed again when he was given a seven year prison for plotting to kill Bainimarama in late 2007.

NZ QC PETER WILLIAMS seems a popular defence lawyer with the anti-government establishment. Ballu Khan George Speight was an early client.*   He wants a non-resident judge to try the Chaudhry case because of his client’s high political profile. He could have a point, though the insinuation is a slap in the face to the Fiji judiciary. But his argument is intriguing: Due to the publicity surrounding a case such as Chaudhry’s, he says, there would be a lot of discussion among the media and communities which could therefore influence the judge’s decisions in the trial. Really! I thought the media were restricted in what they can report until cases are concluded. And if we believe what we hear about PERS and media censorship, they probably won't be able to publish anything anyway. I wonder if the QC has an overseas judge in mind, someone who's been able to close his eyes and ears to the publicity Fiji and the Chaudhry saga has received in the overseas media?  [* A reader writes that Williams did not defend Speight.  I think it was Ballu Khan he defended, but I'll stand correction if wrong again.]

TELECOMMUNICATIONS STATISTICS 2009. Telephones, 14% of the population; mobile phone connections 81%, internet use 10.9%. Internet bandwidth capacity 620Mbps. Internet Providers=3, Mobile Network Operators=2, Mobile Virtual Network Operator=1, Fixed Line Operators=1, International Operators=1, IP Licenced Providers=5.

Another Threat, Sugar Problems, Drought Costly, Naitasiri's Children, Housing, Squatter Progress, Stolen Dollars

ANOTHER THREAT.  Anonymous reader Noqu Viti left this comment on the post "Media Freedom? "Good News" from Fiji Times ..." Note how rumour spreads from insider sources and how he intends to protect my human rights if I ever set foot in Fiji.  Abbreviated.  To see the full comment, click on Comment at the bottom of the "Media Freedom .." post.

"Croz, Your blog is nothing but a rabid apology for an unelected regime in Fiji. I live in Fiji and we are suffering from the misrule and bad impact of the lunatic policies of this illegal regime. Yet you crow only about the niceties, in your untutored eyes, about this regime.

"We're glad the military council is now waking up to the lies and corruption of this regime ... I know this as I have close relatives in the military who are actively working from within to return Fiji to democratic rule where human rights are respected and citizens have the government of their choice. When that happens Croz, you better not set foot in my Fiji ok. Moce Kumal[a] Vula."

PROBLEMS IN THE SUGAR INDUSTRY. Government is aware of the problem the sugar industry is facing and is doing all it can to resolve the issues says Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki.Cawaki says the Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama held a consultation last week on the poor performance of the sugar mills this season. He says they met to discuss how the FSC can be made sufficient as possible to be able to service the community.

“We have some message now according to the consultation or the discussion that we had with the Prime Minister on Friday and we will be implementing some of that. The National Task Force on Sugar have also met and they will be implementing their recommendations on how we can make FSC sufficient as possible to be able to service our community, but whilst in the Western division everything revolves around sugar from Sigatoka to Rakiraki.”

Commander Cawaki says without sugar the economy will go down. “Even though some people are saying that tourism is thriving in the Western division but the unfortunate thing about tourism is only five percent of the dollar from the tourist comes back to the country, 95 percent is retained overseas because these are the business of foreign investors that are here in the Western division.”

DROUGHT EMERGENCY COSTLY. No national state of emergency has yet been declared. Fiji has experienced three seasons of below average rainfall, devastating crops and jeopardising clean water supplies. The Meteorological Office today revealed that if the prolonged dry continues until the end of October, it will have worse social and economic impact on the country than the 1997-1998 drought. That dry spell is reported to have cost the country more than one billion dollars. The National Drought Steering Committee continues to monitor the situation.

ROADMAP IN SAWANIKULA. Gone are the days when  120 children living in Sawanikula, in upper Naitasiri province, will have to cross the Wainimala River several times before reaching school, four villages away, and the days they will be taught in the thatched village hall they have been using will soon be over.  Ten years ago villagers started to raise money for a modern school building. Last week a senior officer at the Commissioner Central Office,  Luke Koroisave, turned the first sod at the groundbreaking ceremony of a new school block to which the villagers have contributed $40,000 and the Government $90,000.  “The aim of the current Government,” he said, “is to develop the least developed areas of Fiji, especially with infrastructure and education and health.”. Yavusa Naboro spokesperson, Mr Alivereti Vurukatawa, thanked the Government for its assistance.  Another small milestone in the Roadmap. – Based on 2010 No:1414/MOI.

HOUSING, SQUATTERS NEGLECTED BY PREVIOUS GOVT. PM WANTS MORE ACTION. PM Bainimarama  says his government has demanded that the Housing Authority and Public Rental Board contribute “in a tangible fashion” to resolving Fiji’s housing and squatter challenges. “Access to adequate and affordable housing is a basic human right,” Bainimarama said at the ground breaking ceremony today for the Housing Authority’s $50 million low cost housing development project on 185 acres of land in Tacirua East outside Suva.

“Adequate housing and home ownership gives and maintains dignity. It empowers people. It assists homeowners to participate as equals in our economy and it creates certainty for the young and our future,” he said.

“Housing Authority in post independence Fiji played a crucial role in making available housing. However, subsequently and over the years, Housing Authority and the Public Rental Board relented on its core values and principles. Concomitantly previous governments failed to tackle the growth of squatter communities and neglected those who needed housing assistance.”

The ground breaking ceremony signifies the development of 1,050 lots for those who want to build their own homes and 900 housing units in Tacirua East, Stage 2. This project will assist in addressing the growing demand for housing in the greater Suva area, Bainimarama said.The project is supported by the governments of Fiji and China in partnership with the China Railway First Company Limited.Chinese ambassador to Fiji, Dr Hen Ji Heng said the project is a good example of Fiji and China’s bilateral relationship.

“It is the direct embodiment of the Chinese government’s endeavour to support Fiji in its economic development and improvement of the people’s livelihoods.” Heng stated. Housing Authority chairman, Colonel Mosese Tikoitaga added that the project will be the first sub-division to boast land and housing packages that will cater for low, middle and high income earners.

“This new community will have fully developed residential, civic, religious and commercial lots ranging from 200 to 600 square meters. The sub-division will have the provision of single, two and three bedroom houses as well as multi storey complexes.”

Bainimarama outlined future Housing Authority projects including at Waila in Nausori, Tavakubu in Lautoka, Matavolivoli and Waqadra in Nadi, Natadola in Nadroga, Koronisalusalu in Tavua, and Naqere in Savusavu.


ACCEPT STOLEN NOTES.  The Reserve Bank is now saying accept the notes presumed stolen form the Suva wharf. Note numbers are EB 450 001 - EB 500 000.  The RBF says it is working closely with the Fiji Police in their investigations that have now moved off shore.Read  more.

Media Freedom? "Good News" from Fiji Times, Care for Elderly

MEDIA FREEDOM, ANTI-GOVT BLOGGER STYLE. ProGov, an anonymous reader, has left this comment on the post "The Theft, Wage Cuts, Chaudhry Takes on  Government...":

"Dear Croz, I feel it is time to comment on the sad state of blog sites reporting on news in Fiji. Whilst those that strongly oppose the current government cry ‘media freedom’ and condemn censorship their double standards amaze not only me but others that have attempted to comment on blog sites.

In the last week I have commented on several issues posted on Coup Four Point Five but none of the comments have been posted. All comments were worthy of posting and none contained the usual personal attacks that are found all over that site. However they chose not to post them. They seem to only give voice to those that are against the current government, so much for freedom of speech, perhaps they don’t want to hear the truth!

My other issue is the personal attacks that are now becoming popular again, derogatory remarks that have no bearing on the person or subject being written about, these are too numerous to mention.

I realize that you can do nothing about this, but it’s a worthy point to bring up to your readers, and perhaps highlight that there are many who wish to add comment on other blog sites but they simply will not be published." [Have other readers had similar experiences? If so, which blogs?]

MORE "GOOD NEWS" FROM NETANI RIKA. The Fiji Times Editor reports sugar production is well off target.  He points to less cane milled, more cane needed to produce a tonne of sugar, and low and uneven production between mills.  It seems certain 2010 will produce less cane, less efficiently than in previous years. Netani concludes, "In 2006 the FSC crushed 3.25million tonnes and the figure fell to 2.478million in 2007, 2.321 in 2008 and 2.246 in 2009. The number of tonnes of cane needed to produce a tonne of sugar was 10.4 in 2006 rising to 10.44 in 2007, 11.1 in 2008 and 13.4 in 2009.Sugar produced was 310,000 tonnes in 2006, 237,000 in 2007, 207,966 in 2008 and 167,611 in 2009." The Commissioner Western Joeli Cawaki  says much the same thing but he also points to the many things Government has tried to do to improve the situation.

Normally, your news would cause no raised eyebrows.  It is, after all, a statement of fact. But in the present Fiji situation, fact can be used to create the fiction that Government is responsible for all Fiji's woes. Netani, is this the only news the Fiji Times is willing to publish, or do the censors prevent you from publishing some good news?  I sympathise. You  are clearly struggling to maintain sales.  Hence the scintilating  article that tells your readers, "Fat men last longer in bed, while lean gym jocks are prone to premature ejaculation." How low can you go? The Fiji Times has until  September 28th to become 90% Fiji-owned, or close its doors. No wonder some say, not before time.

HELPING LIFE FOR THE ELDERLY. Fiji will soon have a National Policy Framework for the Elderly that will provide a protection mechanism for the elderly to live their lives with dignity, care, self-fulfillment, independence and participation. And on September 24, the first sod will be turned for a special Seniors Park in Suva's Thurston Gardens. The project is being funded by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation in partnership with the Rotary Club of Suva and Suva City Council.

The Ministry’s media liaison officer, Anshoo Chandra, said that the park, the first of its kind, will be an ideal place for the elders to interact socially and participate in recreational activities. The park is designed so elders can spend their leisure time and enjoy the natural environment. “It will be the centre of attraction for our senior citizens and through this initiative we want to tell them that we care for them and we intend to improve their lives,” she said.