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

NZ Paints Itself into Corner, Fijian 'Refugees', Taxi Union, Typhoid, Empowering Rural Women

N0145. NZ PAINTS  ITSELF INTO A CORNER.  This note from a reader:

"Why on earth we have allowed ourselves to be painted into a corner on Fiji I have no idea.  It would be naive to assume that when some sort of accommodation is reached and the rhetoric has it that we can return to 'normal' relations that relations will return to normal. 

It seems to me that both Fijians and a number of Pacific Islands governments and peoples will have watched the reaction to Fiji with a certain unease.  New Zealand realises that it gets huge support from the 14 Pacific Islands votes in the United Nations.  At the moment Fiji will be absent.  Who knows how PNG would vote and there will be one of two others perhaps who may fall into the 'false friends' camp.  That is, as I see it."



N0146. FIJIAN 'REFUGEES' SHOULD BE ASHAMED. Fijians who have been rejected as refugees to Australia are now appealing against rulings at a rate second only to Chinese citizens, 11% compared with 29%. Some 243 Fijians applied for review last financial year, compared with 59 the previous year.The number has fallen this year. Of course, the number of appeals is related to the number that have been refused refugee status, and it would seem Australia refuses most Fiji applications.

One wonders why we hear nothing about Fijian refugee applications, refusal and appeals in NZ. One wonders also whether the activities in Australia of Tui Savu and the Fiji Democracy and Freedom Movement have scared Australia's ethnic Fijians into really believing their lives would be at risk if they returned to Fiji, or whether the appeals are a last ditch attempt to stay in the land of Oz.

Anti-Government blogs hold the Fiji military responsible for nine deaths, five following the mutiny in 2000 (six years before the Bainimarama coup); the remainder quite unrelated to political activities. Those seeking asylum should note that three former prime ministers, all hostile to the Bainimarama government, walk freely in Fiji. They should pluck up courage and return to Fiji — or at least be honest. Life in Australia is easier. And as one appeal fails, they can appeal again, and again, and their stay is extended for many more months.

N0147. PM ADVISES TAXI UNION. Speaking at the Fiji Taxi Union's AGM, the PM  has urged members to come up with a unified position -—like their counterparts in the Fiji Bus Operators Association— to facilitate solutions.

He said Government measures to assist the industry such as concessions on the import of LPG/CNG vehicles, the reduction in duty of vehicles up to 2500cc and the increased focused and resourcing of the Fiji police force, and longer term, policies to increase wages, to grow the economy by way of tourism and robust economic activity will all directly contribute towards increased business activity for taxi operators. Government recognizes the importance of the taxi sector and looks to the Fiji taxi union to co-operate with all the stakeholders to ensure a new look and viable taxi industry that has modern cars and has operators and drivers who are Fiji and customer focused. Bainimarama assured members that Government will work with the union to find fair and creative solutions to address the industry's problems.

N0148. TYPHOID. To put the record straight, The "outbreak" claimed by one anti-Govt blog is confined to the villages of Nasava, Narokorokoyawa, Korovou and Sawanikula in Wainimala, inland Naitasiri. The villages were placed under curfew after ten villagers were hospitalised. The number  remains at ten. A major vaccination  programme was conducted last year in high risk outbreak areas but villagers still need to practise better hygiene. Health Ministry spokesman Peni Namotu said clinical, environmental and awareness approaches are being used to tackle the problem. Fiji has one of the highest rates of typhoid fever in the region with regular outbreaks occurring mainly in remote areas.

N0149. EMPOWERING RURAL WOMEN. Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Minister Dr Jiko Luveni is on the island of Ovalau this week visiting ten villages where she will listen to women's difficulties and the ways Government can help them. She will inform them of Government’s plans and achievements especially those that relate to them as outlined in the Roadmap for Democracy Sustainable Socio-Economic Development (2009 to 2014).

Her trip is part of Government's  outreach programme that is aimed at empowering rural women financially and socially.  -- Based on 2011, No:0449/MWSPA.

A Minibus Owner's Story; Tonga Warns AustNZ Over Fiji

N0122. CANCELLED LICENCES PROOF OF 'JUNTA CORRUPTION'. I was alerted to the public transport situation by a letter in FijiToday by a minivan driver who warned all of the blog's readers not to "do any business in Fiji at present" because "justice in business depends on who you know in the right place."

The writer said he had been issued a permit to run a minibus service between Lautoka and Ba but after two weeks the licence was revoked along with the licences of ten others. A Ministry of Transport official told him he and other minivan owners "were causing bus companies to go broke." He thought complaints by the bus companies were the cause of the revoked licences, adding "Surely this is part of the corruption that this government was going to wipe out."

I commented on Peter Firkin's FijiToday blog sympathising with his position and advised him to complain through the Chamber of Commerce and contact me if he thought I could help.

Telling the PM, Corruption Deep-Rooted, Pacific Backs Fiji ACP Re-entry - Except Samoa, Rumour

WEEKEND READING. ♦ Allen Lockington column ♦ Why the Roadmap? Part III by Crosbie Walsh

N0106. PM TO LISTEN TO VILLAGERS' CONCERNS. The PM's  visited Ba earlier in the week to open the new road from Magodro in Ba to Nanoko Village, Navosa, commission the new solar system at Nubutautau Village, in the interior of Navosa, and listen to villagers. Commissioner Western Col Joeli Cawaki said they were expecting people from all nearby villages and tikina in the two provinces to raise their concerns with the PM, advise him on the constraints holding back increased agricultural production and tell him what they think can be done by the government to assist.

N0107. CORRUPTION IS DEEP-ROOTED. Government's "Clean Up" campaign, given as one reason for the 2006 coup, clearly has some way to go. When corruption and misuse of public office are deeply rooted in a country, it is a far harder task to uproot than Bainimarama first thought.

The  resignation this week of two Government-appointed Fijian Holdings Ltd executives, the Chairman and the CEO. would appear to be related to misuse of office and possible "double dipping."

 Government is carrying out proper assessments on the performance of the people appointed to statutory boards to ensure that they remain focused and address issues relating to corruption, fraud and abuse of office.    

An investigation is  also underway into  dealings by former executives and board members of a major Fijian company. The West-based construction company is alleged to have been awarded tenders to construct a port and sawmill as well as upgrade a supermarket owned and managed by subsidiaries of the major Fijian company. The allegation is that the company also did work on the homes and private businesses of the executives and board members for which they did not pay or had received a discount from the construction company. Investigations are continuing.

N0108. FIJI GETS PACIFIC BACKING. Seven Pacific countries belonging to the African, Caribbean and Pacific group which is supported by the European Union,  have pushed for the restoration of Fiji's full participation in future ACP meetings.

One Pacific delegate said that it was good to see some of the smaller countries speak up with strong and unconditional support for Fiji. Samoa was the sole dissenting voice, citing Fiji’s suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum as the reason it cannot be allowed back to ACP meetings, organised by the Forum’s secretariat.
Fiji’s participation at the ACP trade officials and ministers meeting in Apia this week has been made possible at the invitation of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, of which Fiji remains a member.

N109. RUMOURS.  This interesting letter published by Fiji Today on rumour

The Tongan Elections

by Crosbie Walsh

When I lived in Tonga nearly 50 years ago, parliament comprised 7 nobles representing 33 nobles,  7 elected commoners representing about 25-30,000 adults, and a Cabinet of 8 which including the Prime Minister, appointed by the much loved Queen Salote.

I doubt many people were concerned about this inequality.  Nuku'alofa was barely urban. There was little industry or commerce. Most people were subsistence or semi-subsistence farmers. Few Tongans had been educated overseas and overseas communities were small.  There was a weekly Heron flight to Fiji but most overseas travel was by the Tofua or Hifofua that took five days to get to New Zealand.  There was a weekly foolscap-size government broadsheet but no newspapers and one government-owned radio station.

'Eakalafi Moala and Baroness Onora O'Neill on Media Freedom

Media, a Destructive or Constructive Force in Peace and Development? Lessons from Tonga *
By 'Eakalafi Moala

CEO, Taimi Media Network 
(with a concluding note by Baroness Onora O'Neill)

 "  I believe in media freedom, but I also believe in media responsibility and media accuracy and commitment to truth. I also believe that Pacific Island media is under no obligation whatsoever to follow a Western format, as in politics, of media coverage based on conflict."

Spearhead Reconciliation, US Ambassador, Tui Cakau, Methodist Conferences Again - Just, Qarase's Sermon, NZ Law Society May Help

PIGS WITH TUSKS. Newly elected Vanuatu PM, Sato Kilman,  left for Honiara earlier today for the meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. He was  accompanied by Foreign Minister, Georges Wells, the chairman of national Council of Chiefs, Gratien Alget, and six paramount chiefs representing six provincial governments. Chief Alget and the six custom chiefs will perform a custom ceremony tomorrow to reconcile Vanuatu with Fiji, donating pigs with tusks, mats, kava and food. The  meeting should see Vanuatu hand over the MSG chairmanship to Solomon Islands for it to pass it to Fiji. Photo: a custom chief. skardu.net.

MCGANN AGAIN. There seems to be some confusion about the US Ambassador's recent location and his present status in Fiji.  The Fiji media reported that he had be called in to see Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola but a reader said he was already in Washington.  Then we had a statement from the Ambassador (presumable from Washington) saying that he was updating people there about Fiji and looked forward to discussing things with PM Bainimarama when he returned to Fiji. On top of which came two statements, both presumably from the PM; one asking the people to let him know what he should "do" with the Ambassador; the other saying he looked forward to hearing from him.  All this just about sums up my dilemma on Fiji: which story do I report: one, both or neither? The only thing that's sure is that whatever I decide, the usual anti-government critics will put the least complimentary interpretation on my decision.

Here's the most credible report:

"It is reassuring that the American Ambassador Steve McGann is currently in talks with Washington and briefing them on the issues that the Fiji Government have raised over the past few weeks,’ said Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

"In a press statement released by the US Embassy it states ‘that the Ambassador has been working on these issues since the 5th December in order to expedite visa applications, he will also be briefing the Prime Minister upon his return to Fiji. ‘Given the Ambassador is currently in talk with Washington regarding Fiji, it puts a positive light on our diplomatic relations’ the Prime Minister said. --  2010, No:2157/MOI.

TUI CAKAU TO MEET PM. Cakaudrove Provincial Council chairman Emetai Boladuadua has confirmed that the Tui Cakau will meet the PM next Monday. Both leaders have expressed their willingness to meet to resolve issues and help move the country forward.

METHODIST RESTRICTIONS PARTLY LIFTED. Two years ago Government, not without cause, banned the traditional annual meeting of the Methodist Church on the grounds that it would be used by extremist Church leaders for political purposes. Permission has now been given to hold next year's annual conference or Bose ko Viti but must be held on one day.  Permission was also given to hold the annual meetings of each division or Bose Vakayabaki, and the quarterly meetings or Bose Vula Tolu. Church leaders have decided the quarterly meetings will be held in March; the divisional meetings in May and the Conference in AusgustThe Bose ko Viti usually features choir competitions and other fundraising activities.

The decision was welcomed by acting general secretary Rev.Tevita Nawadra who  called the decision God-inspired and "a stepping stone of getting things right with the Government." the Church would ensure the meetings were conducted according to the conditions set.

Rev. Nawadra did, however,  request that government allow the church to hold its annual bazaar next year as this was a major source of funding, typically some $800,000.

QARASE INVITED TO GIVE SERMON. Speaking after the announcement, the PM said government almost reversed its decision to allow the Methodist Church to hold its annual conference next year when it learnt that a politician, the former PM Laisenia Qarase, gave the sermon at Suva's Centenary Church last Sunday. Bainimarama again warned the church to stay away from politics. Inviting the man largely  responsible for the problems the country is now in to deliver a sermon in Suva's largest Methodist Church was not the way to mend  relations with government. Approval had been given so the church could do its spiritual work better among the people, not to allow itself to be used as an instrument for political influence.

NZ LAW SOCIETY MEETING POSITIVE.  Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary for Justice Christopher Pryde met NZ Law Society  President Jonathan Temm in Wellington last week. This was after Mr Temm indicated he would be unable to attend the Attorney-General’s Conference in Denarau that was attended by 360 people.

The Solicitor General described he meeting as "very positive. We discussed various issues concerning the legal profession in Fiji and Mr Temm has agreed to look at assisting the Fiji legal profession in providing continuing legal education courses in the New Year.”

Trees, Wadan and the Blogs, Two New PMs, Teachers, Multi-Ethnic Devolution, AusAID, Debts, FNPF, Fiji Water

NEW QUOTE FOR THE WEEK. See right sidebar. Scroll down for Weekend Reading.

TREES, GIFTS FOR THE FUTURE. More than half a million trees have been planted around the country in response to government's “Plant a Million Trees – A Gift for the Future" initiative, and another half a million trees is expected to be planted to ensure the full implementation of the campaign. --  FBCL News.

'NADAN' BLOGGERS THE IMAGINATION. The Blogs FDFM copied by Coup4.5 wrote:

"  Quoting the work of Nadan (sic!) Warsey (sic!) ... the military will have busted its annual budget by $700,000,000 if it's allowed to continue until 2014."

What Wadan actually wrote was: "Roughly, between 2000 and 2010, the military has illegally overspent by $225 million ...If the present trend continues ... the military will have taken  ... some $700 millions over and above their normal pre-2000 allocations between 2000 and 2014."

There are four elements: 1) Wadan's "normal" pre-2000 allocation of $50m a year; 2) the increase in the military budget that started under Qarase, 3) the over-spending that has continued after Qarase, and 4) the expenditure guestimate from now until 2014.

The anti- blogs attributed all the increase and overspending to the Bainimarama government, choosing to ignore the Qarase period from 2000-2006. Their $700m does not mention the pre-2000 "normal" expenditure.  And a less than careful reader could assume the $700m is annual.

Wadan was also a less than honest. He made no allowance for inflation, the 20% devaluation, and the troubled times since 2000, blaming the military, and no one else, for the 2000 and 2006 coups. Of course military expenditure will increase in a country where race is used to create civil unrest that could — and did — threaten other citizens.

He also made no allowance at all for the extended work of the military since 2006  in the administration of the country from district to national level, or the civic work now being done for example by Army engineers. The engineers have always performed civic tasks but the magnitude of the tasks has increased in recent years.  In the last three years, for instance, they have worked on hurricane evacuation centres, school buildings, church repairs, the Fiji School of Nursing,  bridges, river embankments, the Nukulau and Naboro prisons, the Quarantine Station in Rotuma and the Sigatoka Hospital.

In planting his flag so firmly in their camp, Wadan should look very carefully at his new comrades. They only partly understand what he is saying (and misuse what they think they understand); they are likely to want a very different Fiji from the one he wants — and they don't even know his name!

BAINIMARAMA WELCOMES TWO NEW PM's. In his congratulatory letter to the new Vanuatu PM Sato Kilman, the Fiji PM said, 'I am confident that your appointment will provide a new momentum and marks a new impetus in the ever growing close bilateral relations between Fiji and Vanuatu.”   And to new Cook Island PM Henry Puna he said, “With your leadership I believe that the existing warm and friendly relations between our two countries will be further strengthened in the years to come.” A third Pacific nation Tonga is expected to announce its new PM in the next few days.

BOLE THANKS TEACHERS.  School ended for the year on Friday, with Education Minister Filipe Bole extending his "sincere gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to all 9,826 of the country's teachers for their immense contribution to education in Fiji."  The Minister hoped they will enjoy their Christmas break and be refreshed when schools reopen on January 24th. -- Based on 2010, No: 2073 /MOE.

DEPT OF MULTI-ETHNIC AFFAIRS. As announced in the 2011 Budget Address, the functions, staff and assets of the Department are to be "devolved" to relevant line ministries. Public Service Commission permanent secretary, Parmesh Chand, said the proposed devolution "is in line with provisions of Peoples Charter for Change, Peace and Progress to remove ethnic bias in government programmes and [is] also commensurate with reforms in the Public Service to remove duplication, maximise use of resources through rationalisation and bring about improvements in service delivery." -- Based on 2010, No: 2065/MOI. [The general aim is a worthy one but in some matters each of Fiji's ethnic groups needs special attention. It is to be hoped that they will not be lost in the devolution.]

AUSAID IN FIJI. Australia has allocated $F37.2 million to its its volunteer aid programme in Fiji for 2010-2011. There are currently 35 volunteers working in areas such as education, health, disabilities, poverty reduction, protection, climate change/environment and humanitarian emergencies.

DEBT REPAYMENTS. Representatives of overseas funding agencies are in the country to work out a plan with government on extending the time frame of paying back debts left by past governments. government is also negotiating with India to extend the time frame of the repayment of the $86m loan for the upgrade of the sugar mills.

FNPF RETURN $198 MILLION.The Fiji National Provident Fund's fixed income portfolio FYE June 30 was recorded at $198.3m. Earnings from the portfolio make up 87.9% of the Fund's investment portfolio and 90% of the total investment income. Fund CEO Aisake Taito said total investments in government bonds for the financial year were $317.30m, compared with $268.82m in the 2009 year

FIJI WATER: ONE OUT, FIVE IN. I didn't know that Fiji Water had "paid less than $F1 million in total corporate tax since its inception, and received up to $F5 million UNDERLINE a year in value-added tax refunds for its export sales." Hamish Macdonald  tells all in this article in the Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/world/bainimarama-shows-hes-the-full-bottle-but-challenges-await-20101203-18jvg.html

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

President's Address, Rika to ANU, Work for Elderly, Fruit Flies, More Anons

PRESIDENT'S FIJI DAY ADDRESS. President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau paid tribute to all the leaders who over the past 40 years had contributed to the development and modernisation of Fiji.On Fiji's relations with the international community, he said, "We have been criticised and shunned by some for determining our own destiny, but we will not be deterred. We will work closely with those who care to consult with us and to understand our deep complexities.We will embrace their assistance in helping us to find suitable solutions [and] to those who have closed the doors on us, we will tirelessly seek through quiet diplomacy to reopen those doors, including those doors of the Commonwealth."

NETANI TO NOT SO IVORY TOWER. During the Viet Nam war, anthropologists in northern Thailand and Laos were unsuspectingly passing on information about the Hill Tribes that helped the US war effort.  Over a longer time period, banks of audio equipment in laboratories at the East-West Center in Hawaii helped students learn hundreds of languages, many spoken by people in politically unstable areas of interest to American Intelligence. Further back, prestigious colleges at Oxford and Cambridge offered scholarships and training for Britain's Third World Elite, and Harvard produced a world-wide generation of right-thinking economists and businessmen, who we now see got it all wrong.

Further south, in Australia the National University (ANU) has  programmes, scholarships, workshops and conferences to inform and support its government's policies and "win the hearts and minds" of  overseas scholars from countries in which Australia has a special interest.  Fiji has moved up this list in recent years. It is largely thanks to ANU that we have heard the opinions of ANU academics, Jonathon Fraenkel and Brij Lal, both vociferous opponents of the Bainimarama government. It was ANU that gave former Fiji Land Force Commander Jone Baledrokadroka a scholarship to research the military. And it is ANU that has just given former Fiji Times Editor Netani Rika a scholarship to write up his memoirs.

The Australian  reports that Rika  will "spend time in Canberra writing his account of the almost four years he has spent contesting military government control of the media." Intriguingly, Rika said, "We were always willing to print both sides of the story. But the censors allowed only one side. In such cases, the paper spiked the stories altogether to spare readers being misled."

I have little doubt he truly believes this but an independent, objective content analysis of the paper from 2006 on (and before for that matter) would, in my opinion,  show most definitely that if both sides were printed, they were never printed equally. I stand by my crude assessment of a 3.5:1 ratio of opposition to Government. Content Analysis is a research method where qualitative data are measured and quantified, in this case by categorising the frequency, placement, coverage, extent and "bias" of newspaper headings and articles.

RADIONZI GIVES NEW MEANING TO OLD PHRASE. "Fiji's self-imposed (sic!) prime minister says his country is on track for elections in 2014 provided the international community does not interfere."  They also provide a "Rika" example of how to publish their side of the story while purporting to report another.  Click here.

KHAN APPLAUDS WORK FOR ELDERLY. Recent efforts by government to advocate issues affecting the elderly should be applauded says FCOSS (Fiji Council of Social Services) director Hassan Khan. He said senior citizens are the backbones of their family and government has done a lot recently to provide better services to them. Khan also commended the work of non-government organizations.

FEAR OF FRUIT FLIES. The Tuvalu Government says the lack of proper quarantine facilities in Rotuma means it has to maintain the suspension of fruit trade with Rotuma. Trade will resume when clearances are obtained from Fiji’s Quarantine Department. A new species of fruit flies has been found in Vatoa Island, a thousand kilometres in the Lau Group, but so far as is known there are no fruit flies in Rotuma, and the ban does not prevent exports of root crops. Direct exports between Rotuma and Tuvalu commenced at the beginning of the year following heavy investment in port and shore facilities by the Fiji Government. Properly controlled it will provide valuable income for Rotuma and cheaper, better food supplies for the Tuvalu atolls.

ANONYMOUS. Far more pro-government and neutral people wishing to comment on this blog fail to use pseudonyms. The ratio of unaccepted pro-neutral to anti- anonymous comments is 3:1. The imbalance shows, giving the impression that most readers are anti-government.

To restore some of the balance, and keep the anon issue in readers' minds, an occasional exception will be made to the rule ... as in this comment: "Gerald McGhie appears to be an eminently sensible man. He would appear to know and understand much that his own Government has failed to grasp. His experience is in all the things that really matter. Why are some not listening to what he has to say?" The comment was on the Weekend Reading, Resolving the Fiji Impasse: Let the Pacific Lead.
Pacific Lead

Resolving the Fiji Impasse: Let the Pacific Lead

By Gerald McGhie*

Former NZ diplomat, former Director of the NZ Institute of International Affairs,
former Chairman Transparency International NZ

 

Interim Prime Minister Bainimarama’s track record does little to encourage those who look to an early negotiated settlement to the current coup/crisis. But the coup is now in its fourth year and Bainimarama remains well entrenched. Action to date has not brought him to the negotiating table.

"The End of Press Freedom in Fiji"

WHEN A PAPER BECOMES A BLOG. Savea Sano Malifa (photo)  is the publisher and editor of Samoa's largest newspaper the Samoan Observer, and a staunch advocate of media freedom in his own country where he has suffered death threats and court cases, and in Fiji. His story "The End of Press Freedom in Fiji" has been published by several outlets internationally and in New Zealand by  Pacific Media Watch Online. It is an opinion piece, mainly on the Media Decree, and Malifa certainly does not hold back on his opinions.

Methodist Supremacists, MSG Broker Role, Development Journalism, Education & Charter

METHODISTS AND INDIGENOUS SUPREMACY. A recent comment on the blog  by "Wither the Wesleyans" is worth sharing with a wider audience.  He writes:

The current Methodist hierarchy still doesn't understand what it has to do to get the monkey off its back. And that is to cut itself loose from Lasaro and Kanailagi (photo. L - R) the two indigenous supremacists so identified in the public mind with the events of 1987 and 2000. Tugaue and Waqairatu are only caught up in all of this because of the political machinations of these two aging warriors.

The truth is they're impotent to act against them because of their strong political base among the Methodist congregation. But until they do, the Church will be at the margins of national life, kept there by a regime that is determined to crush its influence at all costs.

A sad and sorry situation but pretty much the fault of the Methodists themselves. When they gained their independence from the Australian church in 1964, a huge effort was made to make the Fiji church multiracial, at least in outlook. But it was a process resisted by the likes of Lasaro and Kanailagi, who used their influence to drag the church into the centre of indigenous Fijian politics. Now that the Methodists and indigenous supremacy are synonymous, is it any wonder that the church has lost its moral authority and that the regime is out to destroy its pernicious influence on the country as a whole?

The tragedy in all of this is that commentators and journalists the would over are totally ignorant of the history of the Methodist Church in Fiji. If they did even the barest research, they'd quickly discover the fraudulent nature of the Church's claim that it's being persecuted in Fiji.

It is, in fact, the Church that has been doing the persecuting, successive presidents harassed and removed for not embracing the extremist agenda and non indigenous Methodists marginalised and either silenced or forced to leave. Whichever way you look at it, the hijacking of the Methodist Church for political purposes has been unconscionable by any standards. They love to quote their biblical texts so how about this one: as you sow, so shall you reap. Qori.

SOLOMON PM WANTS MSG TALKS. Concerned about what he sees as escalating friction between Fiji and Australia and the resolution  slipping further away, new Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Danny Philip, wants  a small group of like-minded Melanesian nations "to nudge Fiji back to democracy." With Fiji suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum, the PM thinks the smaller Melanesian Spearhead Group, which also includes Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, is the best forum to engage Fiji.

DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM 'VITAL FOR PACIFIC REGION' Prof. David Robie told a recent Pacific Conference of Churches meeting that development journalism is critically important for media in the South Pacific, and said that some western media had "lost the plot". Too much focus was on conflict and crises and not enough on solutions. He said good development journalism - not the misrepresented version criticised by western media - was investigative, process and solution-orientated.

"The goal of development journalism is to reach people and make a change in their lives," he said.He said this was about "empowerment of the people".Church publications - such as the new PCC website launched at the conference - NGO  newsletters and independent publications were important for agenda-setting on the "real issues" facing Pacific communities.

"New media technologies on the net make it possible for every citizen to engage in journalism through tools like blogging, and development journalists continue to play a key role in social change," he said. Based on Pacific Media Centre/Pacific Media Watch): www.pacmediawatch.aut.ac.nz. Pacific Media Centre on Twitter - http://twitter.com/pacmedcentre.

SCHOOLCHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE SENT HOME. Tuition free grants are paid by government for every registered child from Class 1 to Form 7. In that regard, no child should not be sent home. This is Government's commitment to the People's Charter and the UN Millennium Development Goals. Below is how Tuition Fee grants should be utilized by schools:

10% of the total to be used for purchasing Computers, connection of internet or any improvement of Information Communication Technology in the school; 10% for classroom furniture (desks and chairs), school equipment and materials, Office equipment (office computer, copy printer, photocopier, multimedia projector); 10% for school library books; 5% on PEMAC equipment( musical instruments and sports equipment); 5% of the total to be used for purchasing any vocational equipment or upgrading any of the vocational facilities (for schools that have vocational).  The rest should be spent on operational costs.

Levies charged by schools should only be for a computer fee, building fee, sports fee, library fee, development fee, cadet fee and admission fee, and all these fees must be approved by the Permanent Secretary for Education. It must also be noted too that any increase in levies/fees should be approved by the Permanent Secretary for Education.

The Ministry hopes that schools will now understand why the Ministry has maintained its stand on this issue -- that all students must not be sent home for non-payment of levies.-- 2010 No:1444/MOE.

Swinstead's Fiji Times, Grassroots Women's Federation, Closer Pacific Ties with Fiji

ANONYMOUS COMMENTS are still not being published.
SEE NEW QUOTE FOR THE WEEK. Right sidebar.

JOKE OF THE WEEK. A few days ago the anti-government blogs reported that Col. Pita Driti had arrested Bainimarama and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. One called it an early Christmas present.  Before heading overseas late last week the unarrested Bainimarama appointed Col. Driti acting commander of the military. The A-G is still out of the country.

NEW FIJI TIMES PUBLISHER EXPLAINS HIS POSITION. ABC interviewer Geraldine Coutts   asked the Times's new publisher Dallas Swinstead (photo)  how he was going to handle free speech. Swinstead:

"Freedom of speech - my original answer was my parents gave me a pretty fair idea of what you can say and get away with, and when you stepped out of line and they ran the show they knocked you over. So, I mean, I don't like that happening. I am tenacious, but I am a good mediator and a facilitator, and I will be trying to talk to people in government to lead them to understand how valuable a free and open press is. But look, it is a developing country with lots of problems and I am sympathetic to them and I am not angry about censorship or anything else. That's life. 

Local Motibhai Group bought the paper from Rupert Murdoch's News Ltd last week. Motibhai Chairman Mahendra Patel said: "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.”   Read also the Cafe Pacific story.

THE FIJI WOMEN'S FEDERATION. Approved by Cabinet last year, the FWF is an important unit in the Department of Women, which advises the Minister for Women on national issues concerning development and works in partnership with women's NGOs to achieve a coordinated approach to programme implementation. Unlike many umbrella women's organizations in the past, the FWF is open to all races.

Most FWF activities are based on centres and involve a great deal of self-help supplemented by government assistance.  Eight centres should be built by the end of this year and 14, one for each province, by 2014.  The women's husbands and male relatives build the centres; government provides the money for materials. The elected president of each centre sits on an advisory committee at the Ministry.

The centres also work closely with divisional planning offices to identify the needs of women specific to their communities, and training is provided in capacity building, alternative livelihoods, and other activities to help generate income for the women

The Advisory Committee is charged with the implementation of government's Women’s Plan of Action (WPA) 2010 to 2019 that spells out five priority areas for the development and advancement of women:

1. Formal sector employment and livelihoods
2. Equal Participation in decision-making 3. Elimination of violence against women
4. Access to services (Health and HIV/AIDS, education and other basic services)
5. Women and the Law.

FWF informs women about the international Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); its centres are places of informal education and shared experiences, and training grounds, perhaps, for women's greater involvement in politics.

When I met the Minister of Women, Dr Jiko Luveni, in June, she told me of government actions to empower women, and said: "For years we've been waiting for this."  This spoke words for a woman who initially was opposed to the Bainimarama government and whose husband was a member of former PM Qarase's SDL party.

For readers and organizations in Fiji that would like to know more about the FWF, email the Secretariat at   rtavakaturaga@yahoo.com -- Based, in part, on 2010 No:1415/MOI.

AFTER NATADOLA,  PACIFIC CO-OPERATION. Following on from the Natadola meeting (see report on  communique) that was held in place of the abandoned Melanesian Spearhead Group in June, several Pacific Island countries have expressed interest in closer relations with Fiji. Tuvalu, the first to sign a MOU, is now joined by Kiribati, and expressions of interest have also been received from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste.

The memorandum of understanding was signed when the Kiribati President the Fiji PM were in New York for the 65th session of the UN General Assembly. Broad areas of co-operation include education, medicine, and fisheries. The PM will deliver Fiji's national statement during the general debate session of the Assembly.



Scroll down to see Weekend Reading.

Missing Dollars, Corporate Governance, Suspicious Transactions, Solomon Logic, Squatters, MicroFinance

THE HALF-MILLION DOLLARS. Predictably, the anti-bloggers saw the Police statements that the $½ million were stolen overseas and some notes were circulating in Fiji as a police -- and therefore a Government -- cover-up. So,  if you believe this, there's not much point reading on.  The latest from the Police is that they now know where the theft occurred and now some notes entered the country and is being distributed. No further information is being revealed at this stage because it could compromise investigations.

POOR CORPORATE GOVERNANCE = LITANY OF ABUSES. Former Fiji High Court judge Nazhat Shameem (photo), now an independent consultant, has again drawn attention to corporate governance issues. Speaking at the Pacific Countries Ports Association Conference in Suva on Monday, Shameem said many corporate bodies do not adhere to their own procedures and rules, scoffing at them as red-tape. Corporate governance, she said, is about trust and honesty and treating other people’s assets with responsibility and care, adding that “greater observance of corporate governance principles and values in Fiji might have spared us the National Bank crisis, the Agricultural scam and the Housing Authority fraud.”


SUSPICIOUS TRANSACTIONS. The Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit reports  that suspicious transactions increased to $26 million last year, up from $10m in 2008. A suspicious transaction is a transaction or attempted transaction which a financial institution has reasonable grounds to suspect may be related money-laundering or other serious offence.

THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON.  following a logic remarkably similar to the Bainimarama government that sees infrastructural reforms as necessary for nation-building and national unity, Solomon Island PM Danny Philip, says that without considering traditional landownership issues, large-scale developments in the Solomons will not be sustainable.  This is because land reforms are needed to give resource owners an incentive to support state institutions.

“We were under the impression and assumption," he said,  that economic development will unite Solomon Islands society and give national cohesion. It didn’t work that way. So [we] have to go back and rediscover ourselves.”

In Fiji, the "engineered" misperception of vast inequalities of wealth along ethnic lines (viewed by Fijians as: Rich Indians, poor Fijians, and by Indo-Fijians as:  Hard-working Indians, lazy Fijians) was what helped to produce the divisive politics of ethnic-based parties, mistrust, misunderstanding and the 1987 and 2000 coups. In fact, it was only the averages that were different.  There were  -- and are -- very poor people of all races.

This is why the first phase of Government's Roadmap is focusing on material improvements, most especially in remote rural areas.  Improved race relations is the only bedrock on which genuine democracy can flourish in Fiji.

 HELP FOR SQUATTERS ON STATE LAND. The anti-government blogs made good mileage out of Land Minister Neumi Leweni's statement that squatters on state land would be evicted, and I also had problems reconciling the statement with governments anti-poverty measures. No previous government has ever evicted large numbers of squatters without making some provision for alternative locations. It was reassuring, therefore, to read yesterday's announcement by Lands Minister Netani Sukanaivalu that squatters living on state land at Vatuwaqa, where there two large squatter settlements, will be relocated with government assistance.

He said a big development project will be carried out soon from Laucala Bay to Wailea in Vatuwaqa where many squatters are residing and this is why they need to relocate those living on government land. Sukanaivalu says they have started development work at Jittu Estate and will be working soon on land occupied by squatters in Wailea and Muanivatu.

What is not clear from the announcement is whether the development work at Wailea and Muanivatu makes any provision for low-cost or self-help housing. Does anyone know what the "big development project" entails?

NEW MICROFINANCE ORGANIZATION.The South Pacific Business Development Foundation that began in Samoa ten years ago will open its doors in Fiji next week. The SPBDF is perhaps the region's most successful microfinance organization having already lent almost $US13 million to 12,000 families in Samoa and Tonga where it started operations last year. Founder Greg Casagrande said the organisation is expanding rapidly.“We will get to six or seven thousand clients in Tonga in short order, whereas Fiji we could easily reach 20,000 clients in the next few years.” The organization aims to "make a significant difference to the lives of poor Pacific Islanders.

For more detailed information click here. For elaboration on the terms microfinance and microcapital, follow the link at the foot of this article or go direct to http://www.microcapital.org  Thanks, R-d.

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.

Forum Mistake, New Solomon Is. PM, Teleni's Resignation, No Place Like Fiji, Decentalising Developments

NEW SOLOMON PM:  FIJI's ISOLATION A MISTAKE.  The new Solomon Islands PM Hon. Danny Philip says the decision by the PI Forum to isolate Fiji was a big mistake.

He announced that Solomon Islands will engage in direct talks with Fiji. Noting how Fiji's history differed from other former Pacific colonies, he hoped to discuss with PM Bainimarama the areas of electoral reform now being embarked upon. He said "it is the genuine commitment that is important, not the exact number days, months or years it will take to hold democratic elections."

FIJI CONGRATULATES NEW SOLOMONS ISLANDS PM. PM Bainimarama has congratulated the new Solomon Islands PM , Hon.Danny Philip, saying that he looked forward to their meeting at the earliest opportunity to exchange views on matters of common interests.

“Fiji and Solomon Islands have enjoyed very close and cordial ties for many years.   Our strong relationship has proven to be one of the most significant and unwavering partnership that has continuously contributed to our mutual prosperity and well-being of our peoples. Under your able leadership, I believe that our Governments will continue to work closely to promote sustainable development and jointly address issues of common concerns.

“Moreover, I am confident that with your firm determination, the Solomon Islands will continue to play an essential role in strengthening the Melanesian Spearhead Group cooperation and community building in our region. I also trust that our long-standing cooperation in various regional and international fora will be further enhanced for our mutual benefit.
 

“On behalf of the Fiji Government and its people, I extend my hearty congratulations to Honorable Danny Philip,” Commodore Bainimarama said. -- 2010 No: 1337/MOI.

TELENI'S RESIGNATION. Cdr Esala Teleni resignation as Police Commissioner comes as no surprise and had been welcomed by some readers of this blog.  The Commissioner will perhaps be best remembered for his Christian Crusades and the compulsory attendance of police officers at parades when his brother's New Methodism was "forced" on officers of all religious persuasions. Government thanked Teleni for his services to the Fiji Police Force and to the nation. He is succeeded by Joeli Baleilevuka as Acting Police Commissioner, and will not return to the military.

THERE'S NO PLACE ON THIS PLANET LIKE FIJI," said outgoing Indian HighCom  Prof. Prabhakar  Jha.  He said he'd travelled all over the world, and visited  almost all villages on the  mainland. The love and understanding he has seen amongst the various races in Fiji is something that cannot be found elsewhere in the world and it needs to be preserved. Prof Jia took up office in September 2007. He has said time and time again, that only Fiji can solve its problems and no one else. The international community must allow Fiji to resolve its problems without outside interference.

DECENTRALISING DEVELOPMENT. The latest development initiative to reduce population

pressure on Greater Suva and the West  and develop outlying economies is  Government's $20m funding of a  new Fiji National University campus  to be constructed in Labasa next year.

Three Messages from Port Vila, and McCully Blames Media

KEY MOUTH AND NO EARS.    As the saying goes, "God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we may listen twice as much as we speak." Heedless of this heavenly advice, what does our PM say in response to comment that Australians and New Zealanders are  not  Pacific Islanders?

TVNZ reported that he 'blasted as a "ridiculous assertion" comments by Fiji's Commodore Frank Bainimarama that Australia and  New Zealand should not be in the Pacific Islands Forum because they were "not Pacific Islanders".' And then, with a touch of immodesty that would not have been missed by Pacific leaders, he went on to say: "We've always played a leadership (sic!) role in the Pacific, we're going to continue to do that."

A little later, Kiribati President Anote Tong, who seemed to be agreeing with Bainimarama, said: "There's a feeling there should be more Pacific in the Pacific," adding that he is not alone in thinking more progress will be made with Fiji if New Zealand and Australia are not part of it.

"I think they (Australia and New Zealand) have their own style of doing things. I suspect it's not working very well at the moment. When you are having a head-on collision with somebody you are not the right person to be talking with that person," he said. Tong thought there needed to be a more traditional approach towards Fiji. "Quite frankly I believe that there is more likelihood of exchange among the Pacific countries themselves," he said.

I hope Key was listening, really listening.

FIJI SENT HOME. The Pacific African, Caribbean, Pacific group meeting usually precedes the annual Forum meeting but Fiji, which is a member of the ACP, was absent from this year's meeting in Vila. Cabinet Minister Joketani Cokanasiga and Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Solo Mara were advised not to attend the meeting an they returned home without attending.

The ACP is a major international body based in Brussels, Belgium, and has an aid, trade and development agreement with the European Union.

PACNEWS reports that Samoa was very vocal against Fiji’s attendance, and Vanuatu Prime Minister and new chair of the Pacific ACP Edward Natapei, "brushed aside" claims that the Fiji delegation had been invited to the meeting by the host government.

However, Vanuatu’s deputy prime minister brought up the issue of Fiji’s absence, recognising that Fiji is an important member of the Pacific ACP and needed to be present. This was supported by Kiribati, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, said the government official.The official added that Fiji’s participation should have been resolved by the Pacific ACP instead of involving Australia and New Zealand at the Forum Retreat.

WEST PAPUA CALLS FOR ACTION FROM THE FORUM. "It is the sincere hope of the West Papuan people, who continue to suffer under Indonesian rule, that the Forum will not keep ignoring the genocide and will actively address the truly vulnerable communities in West Papua." These were the  words of West Papuan Church and NGO observers at the Forum.They spoke of  "slow genocide, "more than 100,000 people deaths during 40 years of Indonesian rule, and asked why Indonesia has brought at least 15 “official” members to the Forum dialogue and whether pressure was being exerted to keep West Papua off the Forum agenda. Last month tens of thousands of Papuans demonstrated throughout West Papua calling for a referendum on independence and rejecting Indonesia’s autonomy policy.

And Australia and New Zealand are concerned about Fiji!

McCully  blames media for talks failure ... but all the media did was quote him