Australia's Policy Not Working; Rule of Law, McCully's Carrot; MSG Leaders Endorse Fiji's Plans, Oppose Exclusion; McCully Leads Rudd

N0287. CALLS FOR POLICY CHANGE MOUNTING.  In the last few days we've had Australian Foreign Minister Rudd saying that Australia will not change its approach to Fiji; NZ Foreign Minister McCully wave the carrot of Rugby World Cup attendance if Fiji showed it was serious about elections in 2014; and three Melanesian countries accept Fiji's Roadmap and call for  its re-entry into the Pacific Forum and PACER discussions (see N0290, below).

Now we have Julie Bishop, the Australian Opposition spokesperson on foreign affairs, saying Australia's policy of exclusion is not working, and that it should follow the example of the United States and other European countries and review its policies.

'I believe it's time, she said, 'for the Australian government to review its stance on Fiji, particularly time to assess  whether the sanctions imposed on Fiji are working or whether they are potentially counter-productive. We must  consider the impact of the sanctions on the Fijian people. I am urging Foreign Minister Rudd to refocus his  efforts in the Pacific, particularly on Fiji, to see if there's a better way to restore democracy and the rule of law in Fiji.'

Last week's NSW election routing of Labour and its slender one-seat majority in the Federal parliament seem to indicate that Rudd's Labour is as much out of touch with realities in Australia as it is in the Pacific.

N0288. THE RULE OF LAW. These snippets from a reader's email: "The new Commissioner of Police is very pro-active ...

"We are seeing a great improvement in the courts now ... the Sri Lankan judges and magistrates are helpful and professional.

"I am told we now have five High Courtrooms. Before there were only two and BOTH leaked.  We have six judges  there now. There was a time when there were only two. Imagine: two judges to serve the entire Western Division of Fiji. No wonder we were in trouble."

The reader pointed to the sort of assistance needed from overseas: "We need targeted assistance – especially with the Police Force, violent crime, serious organized crime and transnational crime.  Also with the operation of the Fiji Courts and Judicial System, such as Court recording and remote TV to allow women and children separation from their attackers in courts.

N0289. MCCULLY'S CARROT.  Another reader left this comment: "The fact that McCully even considered dangling the World Cup as a carrot indicates the low regard with which he and his government consider Fiji and the depth of their ignorance of indigenous Fijian history, values and psyche. Is NZ offering to buy the Fiji Government's integrity with the World Cup? What is the World Cup but a piece of silver? Of much greater value is that Fiji does not sell its soul."

N0290. MSG MEETING ROUNDUP.   A TV first marked the Melanesian Spearhead Group  Leaders Summit on Thursday with two hours of live coverage beamed to thousands of viewers from around the region in English, Fijian,  Hindi, French, Pidgin and sign language.

The highlight of the meeting from Fiji's perspective was the unanimous support received from the Melanesian governments. All the leaders recognised the proposed People’s Charter for Change, the Roadmap and the Sustainable Socio-Economic Development and the accompanying reform agendas as credible for Fiji’s development. All the leaders also called for the end of Fiji's exclusion by the international community.  

Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Peter Shanel  called on the Melanesian countries to lobby the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum and the Commonwealth Heads of Governments to support Fiji in its efforts to hold elections in 2014. These institutions, he said, must now recognise Fiji’s sovereign right to decide its own destiny.

PNG Foreign Minister Don Poyle called for Fiji's inclusion in the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus negotiations, and said,  "What Fiji does internally is Fiji's business."

Vanuatu PM Sato Kilman supported PM Bainimarama's call for solidarity to complement efforts at the national level in individual member states. He had earlier said "the Vanuatu Government like other Melanesian Spearhead Group and Pacific countries recognises the importance of maintaining a diplomatic representation in Fiji.We cannot go alone. We need Fiji.”

Solomon Islands PM Danny Philip had to leave early due to political developments in his country overnight that saw the opposition in Honiara to try to dislodge his seven month old government with a no confidence motion. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has sent his Foreign Minister Don Polye, as he had to step aside for two weeks on Monday in line with a leadership tribunal ruling.

Radio NZ International, reporting on the MSG meeting from Suva:

 “Melanesian leaders have endorsed a broad vision on the future MSG economic integration. It involves the possible creation of a common market through the expansion of the MSG Trade Agreement into provisions for trade in services as well as a labour mobility scheme. The Closer Economic Relations agenda also includes a strengthening of the Trade agreement by addressing inconsistencies with other regional trade agreements, while the leaders have approved a timeline to conclude the long-running negotiations with the European Union on the Economic Partnership Agreements, or EPAs, by the end of this year.The MSG leaders have also come out strongly in support of the re-inclusion of Fiji in all regional trade discussions, issuing a broad threat of pushing for a change in the location and management of the EPA negotiations if Fiji continues to be excluded.”

Fine. But there was no mention, no mention at all,  of the Melanesian leaders' political support for Fiji. Not even a whisper.

Compare this with Radio Australia reports "Melanesian Leaders Endorse Bainimarama plans".
No comment!

 N0291.
FIJI: McCully leads Rudd in treatment of pariah regime by Alex Perrottet in Pacific Media Watch

Natapei Out, Election Date, 2011 Budget, PACER, Tui Cakau a Villager, EU Fish, China Cement, Pine Dividend, Qarase in Court

 WEEKEND READING (published 8:40 — 9:00 am Saturday
♦  Allen Lockington column
♦  Fr Barr on Productivity and Stability
♦  Peter Gleick on Fiji Water
♦  Fire at Fiji Museum by Roderick Ewins

NATAPEI OUT. Vanuatu PM Edward Natapei  has been ousted from office in a 30:15 no confidence motion. Former Deputy Prime Minister, Sato Kilman has been sworn in as Prime Minister.

The move happened while Mr Natapei was out of the country, on his way to Cancun for the UN Climate Change Conference, and was driven by unhappiness over his push to have five opposition MP's suspended from the house, and also over his refusal to hand over the rotating chairmanship of the Melanesian Spearhead Group to Fiji, many said because of Australian pressure.

Mr Natapei was to officially apologize to Fiji for this action in a reconciliation ceremony in Honiara next week.  Mr Kilman will now presumably perform this task for him

ELECTION DATE REAFFIRMED. The Strategic Framework for Coordinating Change spokesman Edward Tunidau has assured those attending the Fiji, Australia and New Zealand Business Forum that elections will be held in September 2014. He said the implementation of government's Roadmap and the Strategic Framework for Change was high on the agenda of the Public Service Commission. Mr Tunidau highlighted issues of good governance practices and how they planned to achieve this.

"Our commitment to the betterment of Fiji is continuing and we are now focusing on the economic and social development from 2009-2010. From 2012-2014, we will focus more on political development," said Mr Tunidau.He said the Constitution would be developed by 2013 with public consultation by September 2012. Other changes to be expected include electoral reforms that will be implemented under the new electoral system. "The voting age has moved to 18 years and there will now be a one-person-one-vote electoral strategy," said Mr Tunidau.He said good governance relied heavily on accountability and transparency. He said this had been taken up by the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption.

THE 2011 BUDGET. I will reserve my comments on the Budget until after I've obtained  a copy. Meanwhile, here is a link to straightforward summary with some tables, and here's a polemic critique by Prof Wadan Narsey. Comments on Wadan's article (from Pacific Scoop, copied unacknowledged by Coup4.5) by economists would be particularly welcome.

PACER PLUS AND PIPSO. Fiji was barred from Pacer Plus meetings following its suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum.  It seems, however, that Australia and New Zealand have  recognized  Fiji's economic importance in the region and indicated that they wish for some Fiji participation in the negotiations. The result is that Fiji will be "represented" by its private sector at the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisations second Business Forum in Nadi December 8-9  where topics for discussion will include PACER Plus, funding availability in the region, how the region can benefit from the current economic boom in PNG and the expected economic boom in Guam as a result of the multi-billion dollar relocation of US Marines to the island country.

CHIEF 'JUST A VILLAGER'. Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the paramount chief of Cakaudrove,  has not yet met the PM after saying a month ago that he wished to do so. Cakaudrove is the only province to withhold its support for Government which, given Ratu Naiqama's extreme nationalist politics, is no surprise. Cakaudrove chiefs and the provincial council, however, do not all agree with Ratu Naiqama's position and this is probably a reason why he said he wished to meet the PM.

Now, Ratu Naiqama is playing games. He says the PM "is a busy man and needs to set a time and date in which they can meet" and the PM is saying "if Ratu Naiqama wants to talk, he will have to make an appointment like everyone else."

Ratu Naiqama says “I’m waiting for him, the reason being, him being in that position of Prime Minister, it is a very busy position. Me on the other hand, I am just a villager in the village, so I think it is only proper that he provides the time and date as to when he wants to meet me. As for me, I am ready anytime.”

FISH FOR EUROPE? Fiji may soon re-commence fish exports to the $100million worth European market. Fiji was banned from exporting fish to the EU after it failed to fulfill phytosanitary conditions in 2008 and lost the market, which at that time was worth $100m. The report of an EU Food and Veterinary Office mission in September is likely to give Fiji a clean slate which could mean exports may recommence in 5-6 months time..

CHINESE CEMENT AT SIGATOKA? A Chinese delegation from the Northern Heavy Industries Group Company is currently in the country to hold talks on the proposed establishment of a cement factory in Sigatoka.

PINE PAYS FIRST DIVIDEND. For the first time ever Fiji Pine Ltd has handed over an interim dividend of $1 million to Fiji Pine Trust and dividends will be paid to landowners.The Trust has also bought back $500,000 of government shares in the company.

Ministry of Fisheries permanent secretary Viliame Naupoto is the  new board chairman of Fiji Pine Co.Ltd, replacing LtCol Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara who was chairman from April 2009. Ratu Tevita is currently on extended leave from the military.

QARASE BAKANI IN COURT. Former PM Laisenia Qarase and former NLTB General Manager Kalivati Bakani appeared in court yesterday for the consolidation of their fraudulent conversion charges.

The FICAC prosecuting lawyer told the court that during his tenure as Minister of Fijian Affairs, Qarase had submitted a paper in cabinet for the approval of a $100,000 grant to invest in the Vanua Development Corporation, a corporation created for the purpose of investing money from indigenous landowners.
Qarase and Bakani face six counts of fraudulent conversions each.The case was adjourned to January 24.

NZ-Solomons-Fiji, Wages, China, Media, Economy, Health

PACER PLUS WEB LINKS. Apologies to readers were unable to access the links I thought I'd provided on 21 August. Click http://www.aidwatch.org.au/publications/pacer-plus-resources here to access.

NZ WILL HELP "RESTORE DEMOCRACY." PM John Key has again said NZ will "help the Fiji interim regime restore democracy" with personnel or financial assistance. This is great news except that the "restoration" cannot be to the former very imperfect democracy that some would claim was racism in disguise.

The PM also wants the Bainimarama government to "engage with all the relevant stakeholders in Fiji, including other political parties." Re-engage to restore democracy with race-based political parties?

“My government," he said, " has tried to reach out and offer the hand of friendship to Fiji. We want to see democracy restored there and we are working very aggressively to make that happen.”

John, you must know you are asking the impossible. In fact, you're playing the same cracked record Helen Clarke first played  in 2007. We need a new label and a new tune.

However, NZ's recent support to include Fiji in Pacer Plus talks and the reduced travel ban now only for "regime members and their immediate family" might, just might, be the start of something new.  But who, exactly, are the regime members?  Does the definition still includes career civil servants, the judiciary, members of quasi-government and statutory boards, and members of the USP Council?



SOLOMONS AND NZ ON FIJI. New PM Danny Philip restated that what Fiji does is Fiji’s own business. “We are going to make a practical, candid relationship with Fiji on the matter. We are going to embrace Fiji, we are going to talk with Fiji, to have consultations with Fiji.”

His comment followed his meeting with NZ Foreign Minister Murray McCully who in turn said his three visits  to Fiji this year were a sign of engagement with the Fijian administration in Suva. [1. On your marks. 2. Get Set.  3.No Go.]

GARMENT WAGES. The Wage Council has been unable to decide on proposed base wage rates for the garment factory workers as the employers’ representatives were "not available" Chairman Fr Kevin Barr  hopes that the appointment of new Council members by Government will make a ruling possible by the end of the year. Fr Barr acknowledged the need for businesses to remain competitive in a difficult business environment but said the Council will "not allow employers to pay workers extremely low wages."
   
CHINESE INVESTMENT. Minister for Trade Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said that 14 representatives from two Chinese companies have come forward with proposals ranging from setting up a cement factory, slipway facilities, investing in Agriculture, Port facilities as well as hardware opportunities and education, as a result of the Shanghai Expo and the PM's recent visit to China.

GOVERNMENT AND THE MEDIA. Government recognizes that the media plays an integral role in ensuring good governance and sustainable development says Information Permanent Secretary Sharon Smith Johns. But this means "a responsible and non-partisan press prepared to look at all points of view, not reflecting the personal agendas and prejudices of journalists and media organizations. She pointed in particular to what she calls a ‘hostile media campaign’ against Fiji by a number of Australian media organizations saying they lacked an understanding of the progresses the country has made so far.

ECONOMIC GROWTH TOO LITTLE. Economist Dr Mahendra Reddy said Fiji's projected 1.7% growth rate is short of the benchmark, and should be growing by 6-7% annually. For the past 20 years the economy has been growing marginally by 1-2% and last year it contracted by 2.2%. He expected growth to improve with the growth of Fiji's trading partners but pointed to the need to improve internal factors. It is hoped Government measures will improve confidence and investment to ensure growth.

HIV/AIDS CASES INCREASING.The number of positive cases of HIV AIDS in Fiji is increasing. The Head of Department of the Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission of HIV, Dr Litia Narube says that unless the country introduces the compulsory testing of pregnant mothers, or their partners, then the trend in Fiji will be as bad as that in PNG where one adult in three could be infected within the next 20 years. Where cases are detected among pregnant mothers, they are given drugs from 7 months into pregnancy until one week after birth. The WHO recommends drugs from 3 months into pregnancy but Fiji does not have the resources.

WHY TOO MANY FIJIANS DIE YOUNG. Fiji has an inactive and lazy population  says Fiji College of General Practitioners President Dr Ram Raju. Statistics show that more than 80% of the population die from Non-Communicable Diseases. Approximately 18% are diabetics, 19% are hypertensive and 81% are overweight.Only 16% of the population is aged over 50 years. This means that men and women in their prime working life are dying too early as a result of NCD’s. Dr Raju says our population appears very lazy and NCD’s are preventable if people exercise regularly, eat the right food, stay fit and lead an active life.

Nepotism, Racism, Sugar; McCully; PACER; Tailevu; Police; Rumours; Termites

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NEPOTISM AND RACIST POLITICS CAUSE OF SUGAR INDUSTRY FAILURE. Poor management and practices by the Fiji Sugar Corporation for the past 15 years and the deliberate non-renewal of leases to Indo-Fijian farmers are two reasons for the sorry state of the sugar industry today, according to Tavua cane farmer, businessman and former FSC director Dijednra Singh.

People were hired for personal reasons, not merit, he said, which forced many qualified technical engineers to emigrate. He said the non-renewal of leases was "a very aggressive policy" that resulted in Indo-Fijians leaving cane farming for work in peri-urban areas in Suva and the West.

McCULLY LISTENING. Reporting on his meeting with Fiji's Foreign Minister on Tuesday, the NZ FM  said the Fiji Government thought the international community hasn’t been listening to it enough. “They would argue that the international community hasn’t taken sufficient notice of their strategic framework for change process. I’ve tried to listen to that discussion and to make sure that the international community and particularly New Zealand’s concerns are understood.”

PACER STALLS WITHOUT FIJI.  The Pacific Islands Forum leaders want the Forum's Ministerial Action Group to work out a way to get Fiji involved in the talks over the proposed regional free trade and economic integration treaty, PACER Plus. The negotiations seem to have stalled and Fiji is part of the reason. It is the second largest of the island economies after Papua New Guinea. Some of the island governments which rely heavily on Fiji for a range of reasons do not seem to be very interested in PACER Plus if Suva is not included.

TAILEVU AND THE PM. A delegation from the Tailevu Provincial Council led by Ratu George Cakobau, Ratu Jope Seniloli, Ratu Mai Namalata  and Chairman Josefa Seruilagilagi thanked Government on Thursday for its development assistance to the province. The PM briefed the delegation on progress on the Roadmap to Parliamentary Democracy; stressed the importance of agriculture and education to rural areas; and said Government would not be bullied into holding early elections. Government, he said, remains open to engagement with those who choose to understand Fiji.-- Based on 2010 No: 1339/MOI.


ALL NEW POLICE JOBS WILL BE REVIEWED. All new posts within the Fiji Police Force that were created by the former Police Commissioner Commodore Esala Teleni will be reviewed.Acting Police Commissioner Joeli Baleilevuka told FBC News - he will be reviewing all the new posts that were created and implemented by his predecessor.

Ed. Note. Unlike the Military, the Fiji Police Force used to have a reasonable balance of all ethnic groups.  It is hoped the Acting Police Commissioner will restore its former ethnic balance.

THEY'RE AT IT AGAIN. So far the only resignation or dismissal the rumour-mongers have not informed us about is that of the PM, though they periodically whisper about rebellion and mutiny. Teleni has resigned (no thanks to the rumour-mongers for that prediction) but forget their latest about Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and  Christopher Pryde.

As PS for Information Sharon Smith Johns said: “The fact of the matter is that the Attorney General and the Solicitor General have been at the forefront of moving Government reforms and are performing well above expectations and have the utmost confidence of the Prime Minister and other cabinet members.” Her advice is "keep focused on moving the country forward,  enjoy the Hibiscus festivities, and ignore these malicious rumours.”

EXTENT OF TERMITE INFESTATION.  Many readers probably don't realize the extent of the termite infestation in the Lautoka area. Some 970 houses and 17 schools are invested, and  627 houses and ten schools have so far been treated with the Termidor Dust. Treatment and re-surveys will continue until the buildings are declared termite free. The Dust needs to be left in holes drilled by the Operation Kadivuka teams for up to four weeks before they can be checked, verified and declared termite free. -- Based on 2010 No: 1301/MPI.

PACER Plus Website Links FYI