News and Comments Friday 17 February 2012

WEEKEND READING • Allen Lockington Column • Keeping Ambassadors in Touch • Fiji and the French Connection • Rabuka Needs to Tell the Whole Coup Story •  Claunch Foresees Investment Opportunities • Fiji and Investment
17.2.12
AMENDED DECREE DRAWS CRITICISM. Serelisoni Moceica in the Fiji Times (abbreviated.) The Citizens Constitutional Forum and Fiji Media Watch have come out strongly against the State Proceedings Amendment Decree. FMW executive director Agatha Ferei said the decree challenged the independence of the media and limited the people's freedom of expression of citizens."FMW does not support the amended decree," she said.

"This is because in granting immunity to the press, the decree suppresses the freedom of the media to operate independently."Ms Ferei said the decree also prevented balanced and transparent reporting because people would be disallowed from sharing their views openly. She pleaded with media organisations to stick by the Media Code of Ethics.[The CCF criticism was published earlier in this blog.]

RATU TEVITA MARA had an article in the DominionPost last Friday. It was a reply to the A-G's opinion piece published three weeks earlier. He said the A-G's article was "yet another exercise in propaganda by a master of spin" who wants people to believe he "represents a liberal reforming government" that empowers Fijians, while the opposite is the case.  He said he knows because to "my eternal regret, I was part of it." (see story below). His argument, in sum, was that Fijians have no say in their destiny; they are ruled by force and threats "at the point of a gun"; repression continues; the police have usurped the powers of the court; corruption flourishes, and the economy has gone down the glughole.  So what's new!

MARA "ORCHESTED" ABUSES.WIKILEAKS FROM US EMBASSY,SUVA,MARCH 2009. "Christmas Eve 2006 Detention, Assaults and Abuse ... six pro-democracy activists were forcibly removed from their homes and taken to the RFMF headquarters at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva. According to independent statements by several of the individuals, during the course of the night, RFMF personnel subjected them to humiliating and degrading treatment  ...

While much of the alleged abuse was perpetrated by lower ranking and unknown RFMF soldiers, those detained reported that the following high ranking RFMF personnel were present, orchestrated and in some cases perpetrated the abuse: (1) Tevita Ului Mara, Colonel, Chief of Staff, Land Force, and Commanding Officer of the RFMF Third Infantry Regiment, DOB: 25 May 1965 (2) Pita Driti, Colonel, Land Forces Commander, DOB: 29 October 1960(3) Sitiveni Qiliho Tukaituraga, Colonel, DOB: 30 December,1969..."  [Mara has claimed Bainimarama was present; not him.Thanks FijiToday for this.]

NEVER GETTING IT RIGHT. "Over the past decade many have been pointing the finger at the Fiji government for not doing enough to grow the economy. They were making comparisons with PNG which had been growing between 5 to 10%. But PNG is expanding because of mining so Gov decided to boost mining....people said no we don't want mining. So Gov decided to boost agriculture through land reforms....but no people do not want land reforms. So Gov wants to promote tourism in the remote areas but again many complain that it will erode cultural values, and some go abroad and shout at the top of their voices that tourists should think twice before stepping foot in Fiji. Still not beaten Gov decided to promote FDI/tourism through casino's...but again omg  what will happen to our social fabric (as if it wasnt torn already)....phew...everyone wants growth..but no wants wants to accept change." --Rishab Nair in Facebook's Fiji Economic Forum.

A PENSIONERS’ PETITION TO THE PM FOR JUSTICE  is circulating in the larger centres. Those signing:

• Believe they have been discriminated against and treated unjustly and unfairly by the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) and the Government in the changes to the Fund’s pension system.
• Contend that their existing pension contracts have been broken by the FNPF and wish to have this,and other issues, addressed in court. As a first step they request support from the Prime Minister to deal with the gross injustices of the Transition Decree and the substantive FNPF Decree that follows it.
• Assert that their fundamental rights have been breached in a number of areas and that the changes are also in violation of the Peoples’ Charter which provides the guiding influence for overall Government policy.
• Call for the establishment of a full independent inquiry to consider and make recommendations on all the issues, contradictions and discrepancies that surround the actions of the FNPF in its proposals for change.
• Seek constitutional support for the rights of pensioners.

For further information, contact  Emelita Wilson on 3300855 or 9496332.

FIJI CLUB v. FIJI TODAY. The Fiji Club of NZ commended the French Government for its help with the floods but Fiji Today accused the Club of a "Begging Bowl mentality" saying "We should be able to cope with the regular events that are part of life in the tropics,"  adding, "Australian and NZ military aircraft are banned from Fiji airspace. But Fiji has always accepted aid when natural disasters strike. NZ has just announced $2.2m for "disaster preparedness" and it military aircraft did reconnaissance work during last year's hurricane.  Fiji also donated to the Christchurch earthquake appeal. Nations do not beg during such times. Other nations offer and their offer is accepted. FijiToday perpetuates a false image of an Island Nation.

NOW HEAR THIS. ANTI-BLOG REALFIJINEWS says: "If ANZUS does not exterminate Bainimarama, instability will worsen in the Pacific." If they are seriously suggesting an invasion, someone at RFN needs to visit a psychologist, and not just because ANZUS would not consider it. 

FIRST WOMAN APPOINTEE. Fulori Rainibogi  has become the first woman appointee for the Deputy Divisional Commander of Police Northern.There are 879 women police officers in Fiji, making up 20 percent of the force.

News and Comments Thursday 16 February 2012

16.2.12

CHAUDHRY MAY CONTEST 2014 ELECTION. Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry said he will contest the planned 2014 general elections if the party wants him to stand again. Chaudhry has retained his seat since the 1987 elections and led th16.2.1 FLP coalition to win the elections in 1999 when he was appointed Fiji’s Prime Minister. Chaudhry has told Pacific Beat that he may contest again but it all depends on the FLP.

[I'm not sure Fiji needs any of the old politicians or, indeed, the old parties, with their personal antagonisms, adversary tactics, and appeals to racial loyalties. One would think that new faces, fresh collaborative ideas, and genuinely multi-racial parties are what is needed.]

UNIONIST ANTHONY CRITICISES DECREE IN FIJI VILLAGE.  The Fiji Trades Union Congress has  raised concern on the State Proceedings Amendment Decree. National Secretary, Felix Anthony said the decree basically allows the media to print the criticism from the government and gives a wholesale license to make personal and defamatory remarks against their opponents in the lead up to the general elections in 2014. He said  the decree also raises questions on the intent of the government and he asks why it should only protect itself when they have no ulterior motives, adding that if the ministers speak the truth and have evidence, they do not need such a decree. The FTUC went on to ask why the general public is not given the same privileges so that open and frank discussion is held on the future of the country.

FIJI TIMES EDITOR SAYS SELF-CENSORSHIP REMAINS BIGGEST DANGER FOR MEDIA
SUVA (Radio NZ International / Pacific Media Watch): The editor-in-chief of the Fiji Times, Fred Wesley, says self-censorship remains the biggest danger for Fiji’s media. He says his paper has remained vigilant about this before and after the lifting of the Public Emergency Regulations which put official censors in Fiji newsrooms. Wesley says The Fiji Times is still testing the water since the rules were lifted in early January.

“This was sort of like an enemy for us, the self-censorship issue so journalists were always told when you get an assignment, do the assignment. There is no question about whether it is going to go in or not going to go in, whether the censors will pull it out or not. Your job is to go out, get the story, make sure it’s fair and balanced and put it into the system.”

Fred Wesley says there has been no interference from the interim government since the lifting of the PER and communication with the Ministry of Information has improved.

THE SICK SHEET SCAM INVESTIGATION is complete. Minister for Works and Transport Col. Timoci Lesi Natuva says the scam has seen 91 civil servant contracts terminated: 58 were terminated last year and 33 were removed last week. UPDATE. The doctor who wrote the certificates is to face a disciplinarey hearing.

News and Comments Tuesday 14 February 2012

FLOOD UPDATE. • The State of Natural Disaster for the worst hit areas in the Western Division has been extended for a further ten days. • Floods Cost Update. A recovery progress report has indicated that an initial estimate of damages sustained by the floods are $16.8 million. Australian Flood Relief money now stands at F$2.3m.

Why the State Proceedings (Amendment) Decree? 

Government needs to keep its eye on the ball

The anti-Government blog FijiToday reported RadioNZInternational saying: “A lawyer in Fiji says the anti-defamation decree was prompted by at least one threat to sue the interim Attorney General for potentially slanderous public comments earlier this year.”

This could be true if the  alleged defamation was written but it is extremely unlikely that a case against the A-G would proceed or be successful without stronger evidence. If we are to accept this explanation, we must ask why the A-G would go to so much trouble when the lawyer slighted did not even launch defamation proceedings against him, and if he did not then, why should the A-G be afraid of him now? To accept this explanation it is necessary to accept that the A-G is afraid and seeks protection under the Decree. But this would only be temporary because the decree expires in 2014, and there's no time limit on the lawyer suing the A-G.  The story of alleged defamation may well be true, but I doubt it is the "reason" for the Decree, whose purpose remains a puzzle that, unsolved, will continue to feed ongoing speculation.

If I may speculate, my bet would be that the Decree continues what PER started:  a  means of isolating the A-G and others in Government from unwanted "distractions." With PER lifted and no Decree, one or two smart lawyers, still carrying chips on their shoulders from Government's attack on the Fiji Law Society, could tie Government up in legal proceedings that would leave it with little time for its other work. Government needs to keep its eye on the ball.  Well, it's an idea. Wonder if RadioNZ International will publish it?

DIPLOMATS MEET. Heads of Mission who represent Fiji in 14 countries will meet on Wednesday to "discuss common concerns, major government programmes and developments.”  Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola said the meet will provide government and heads of missions the opportunity to look at foreign policy objectives and strategic issues.

NEW WORK REGIME FOR NURSES. The Health Ministry has changed nurses' working hours in a bid to improve working standards and patient care. Currently, nurses in Fiji are expected to work 40 hours a week on rotational basis. The ministry has changed this in its new pilot programme, assigning nurses to only 36 hours of work a week for 12-hour shifts a day, three days a week.

"The intention is to optimise health care," ministry spokesman Peni Namotu said. "It also considers the quality of life of nurses to reduce sicknesses, eating disorders and health risks associated with a hectic work schedule." The programme has been implemented to also cater for the increase in the number of established nurses in Fiji.

In 2008, a total of 1500 nurses were registered under the ministry. There was a huge increase towards the end of 2011 and 2012 with more than 2000 established nurses registered. In March, the ministry expects another 120 nurses graduating from the Fiji National University and the Sangam School of Nursing in Labasa added to its list. In 2013, an additional 215 nurses are expected to be registered. The Labasa Hospital has spearheaded the programme with the Colonial War Memorial and Lautoka hospitals expected to begin the new nursing hours before the end of the month. -- Marvin Masi posted in Fiji Economic Forum.

News and Comments Monday 13 February 2012

 Check down for the Weekend Readings.  13.2.12 

Four to One: Uneven playing field

IS THE STATE PROCEDURES (AMENDMENT) DECREE NECESSARY? The Decree seems to give Ministers and the State absolute immunity from civil suit and criminal prosecution for speech and published word. The media is covered by the same immunity for publishing what the State Ministers say. However, incorrect reporting of Ministerial speeches does not cover the media nor does the publication of other people's words and speeches if, for instance, they are defamatory.

I do not know whether this adds to powers under the original State Proceedings Act which this Decree amends, and I have no idea why the Decree is seen to be needed at the present time. It would seem to be in the same order as the Essential Industries Decree: unnecessary, repressive and unlikely to win friends.  Government needs to fully explain the need for its decrees and post them promptly on their website.   The A-G's assurance that the powers will not be abused is not enough. Could someone close to Government seek an explanation of what this is all about.

UN ASSISTANCE IS TIMELY --- Citizens Constitutional Forum Press Release. Accepting the offer from the United Nations to send a Needs Assessment Mission is a timely decision by the Bainimarama Government and should be used to undertake further steps in ensuring there is transparency and full participation in the Constitution Development Process.

Citizens’ Constitutional Forum CEO Reverend Akuila Yabaki says the lending hand from the UN should be welcomed in recognizing the need for assistance in preparations for elections in 2014 from the International community as the citizens of Fiji are eager to make an attempt to finding solutions which would ensure sustainable democracy.

 “CCF is hopeful that the NA Mission would prompt the international community and partners to reconsider their current stance and engage in areas where assistance can be rendered to allow free and fair elections and transparency and accountability in the constitution making process,” says Reverend Yabaki.
CCF believes that the Bainimarama government should also consider allowing an Independent observer mission to monitor the process and appoint an independent constitution commission to oversee the constitution drafting and making processes, including the national consultations.

“In efforts to ensure that the processes from here on towards elections in 2014 are participatory and there is acceptance of the envisaged changes, it is vital that there is independent scrutiny of the mechanisms and methodology of the constitutional consultation process, as well as the composition of a Constitution Commission as it would pave the way towards legitimacy and public ownership of the new Constitution.”

RAKIRAKI TALKING. Following Government's assistance to businesses and market vendors to help compensate them or revenue lost in the floods,  Special Administrator Saini Raiko http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/72/pm-handouts-cheques-to-rakiraki-market-vendors said: “The fact that the head of government would come to the smallest town with the smallest market to personally hand them assistance in the form of fees for days lost during business – that will be something that will be talked about for a while."

LOGGING HALTED IN THE WEST. All logging operations in the Western Division have been temporarily suspended by the Forestry Department until further notice. The Department is concerned about flood-induced landslides follows the assessment undertaken by French Guardian surveillance aircraft last week. Meanwhile,  the Ministry of Primary Industries has confirmed that all farmers seriously affected by the floods will be assisted through rehabilitation programmes. The technical mission from Sigatoka will also raise seedlings for the farmers.

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION (MOI) UPDATES.• Government has begun advertising for positions for new diplomatic missions, in South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, to be established this year.
•  Fiji’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Mr Solo Mara presented his credentials to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in London last week.

MARA'S FISHING TRIP: THE FISHERMAN HE LEFT BEHIND.  I have removed this story because it is still before the Courts.   My purpose in posting it was not to prejudge Risto but to show how he was used by Ratu Tevita who then left him, and his companion officer former Land Force Commander Pita Driti, to face the music.  I can't accept comments on my original post for the same reason: the issue is before the Courts.  The time to comment comes later.

One Fiji: A Letter in The Fiji Times

One Fiji has left a new comment on your post "Weekend Readings":

This letter in today's Fiji Times perhaps deserves to go on the main page:

One Fiji

IT is so heart warming to note some of the good traits we still have as Fijians. I still see young and old men, when buses are full, giving up their seats to the elderly, to the young and to women and children regardless of race or ethnicity - it just happens instinctively.

I still see cars (no matter who is driving) pull over to the side whenever a hearse drives by with a funeral procession in tow - a sign of respect to the passed one - not something often seen in other lands.

I still see different ethnic groups cheer and cry and rally together whenever our rugby national teams take onto the field for yet another competition and feel the unseen patriotical bond we all share as one nation.

I still see everyone come together whenever we face natural disasters to help out our brother or sister in their time of need regardless; it always stirs my heart.

Fiji we still have hope. No matter our struggles, our shortfalls, we are indeed still one nation in many ways - and for that I am always proud to be called a Fijian.

Hennah Naco
Lautoka
[Ed. note.  Vinaka, Hennah, for bringing this to mt attention.]

Weekend Readings

• CCF on State Proceedings Decree 
• PM Stops Namosi Mining Exploration 

•Allen Lockington Column  

• Those  Mysterious Tourist Deaths

• Bottled Venom:the Politics of Hate by Graham Davis.

CCF Says State Proceeding Decree Unwarranted, Drafted Without Due Process adn Discriminatory.

Media Release
10th February, 2012

Unwarranted State and Media Protection Decree Discriminates

The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) notes that to garner confidence in the current regime, it must desist from ruling by decrees especially if they are determined and drafted without any real due process involving the views of the people and more importantly if they discriminate against the citizens.

PM Halts Namosi Mine Exploration Work

COVER REPORT: Rumblings in the mountain :PM Bainimarama intervenes, halts exploration

Samisoni Pareti

Concerned about growing landowners’ agitation against the proposed billion-dollar copper and gold mine high up in the Namosi-Naitasiri mountains, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has ordered a halt to the miner’s exploration work.

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

Allen Lockington is a self-employed customs agent and business consultant who has regular articles published in Fiji. I thank Allen for permission to reprint some of them in this political blog. They remind us that life goes on, whatever the political situation. And it's good to know that.

Weather forecast spot on

Last week at the height of the bad weather we got three predictions that it would rain again after 24 to 36 hours. They were spot on. Thank you to the Fiji Met office and Nadraki Fiji Limited managing director Neville Koop.  

It is fortunate that we now have better weather forecasters. We will be better prepared. Or rather – we should be better prepared. I was travelling with a group of volunteers distributing rations to people affected by the floods when we spotted a convoy of four-wheel drives.

We were told that it was the president and government officials out and about checking homes and speaking to the people. They were also assessing damage. At one village it was a delight to see the president, after talking with village elders, call all the children round to have a photo with him.  

Despite the flooding, he brought reassurance and there was laughter and smiles all around.  

Those "Mysterious" Tourist Deaths

My thanks to Lesley for this well documented exposure of the NZ media on this one issue. Unfortunately, experience shows that their handling of other Fji issues is rarely any  better. Four years ago I thought our media were fair and reasonably balanced. I now know better, and find myself questioning the reliability of most of their stories. Check out what the media reported

Bottled Venom: The Politics of Hate by Graham Davis

#54 THE POLITICS OF HATE

By

Graham Davis

– February 7, 2012Posted in: All

Not so veiled racism

Most countries have laws that prevent religious and racial vilification. Most responsible media outlets – including those on the internet – excise comments designed to inflame religious and racial hatred. But sadly not the most prominent of the websites set up to oppose the government of Fiji’s prime minister, Frank Bainimarama.
That site calls itself Coup Four and a Half – otherwise known as 4.5 – and is supposedly run by journalists. Its name denotes the four coups in Fiji’s post independence history -the two Rabuka coups in 1987, the Speight coup in 2000, the Bainimarama coup in 2006 plus what 4.5 regards as the half coup when Bainimarama’s takeover was declared illegal by the courts in 2009 and he abrogated the constitution altogether, sacked the judiciary and continued to govern by decree.
Now, Coup 4.5 is entitled to oppose the dictatorship, though many Fijians prefer it to the nationalist government Bainimarama overthrew. It’s also entitled to campaign for the restoration of democracy, though many Fijians are happy to accept the regime’s promise to hold elections in 2014. But there’s plenty wrong with 4.5 – unforgivably so – when it publishes the most vile attacks on people based on race and religious affiliation.

Details of Constitutional Processes at End of Month

FIJIAN PRIME MINISTER TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF CONSULTATION 
Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who is currently touring flood affected areas in Fiji, will provide details regarding the timeframe and methodology of the country’s constitutional consultation process, as well as the composition of a Constitutional Commission, in the fourth week of February. 

News and Comments Thursday 9 February 2012

9.2.12   FLP also opposes new decree. Click here.
 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK.  "Most of you commenting here [on Facebook] on our Native Fijian tradition and culture (and anything else on Fiji) should also know your place, you are vulagi's (visitors). We have been kind enough to allow you to leave (live) in Fiji with freedom even to the extend of giving you the vulagis the compulsory to learn Native Fijian as they do in most highly intellectual countries where speaking their the native language is compulsory."

THE STATE PROCEEDINGS AMENDMENT DECREE.The announcement of this decree seems to have raised more questions than answers.  The anti-blogs, Pacific Freedom Forum and several readers of this blog see it as an infringement of media freedom and some Suva journalists are clearly not sure what to make of it. The Fiji Government says it will help open dialogue.  Radio NZInternational, however, see it as "unbalancing the playing field before the elections." They cite a Dr Mark Hayes — who they describe as a "veteran journalism educator in the Pacific" and as a "Pacific media scholar" —  as saying it could be used  "to flush out potential political opponents."

I disputed RNZI's description of Dr Hayes's credentials because they give his comments more credibility than I think they deserve. I have also written to RNZI suggesting they check the credentials of those they interview and that they seek fresh, informed views on Fiji from both sides of the political divide.

Several readers have attacked me (see comments) for attacking the man and not his argument. This was certainly not my intention.  I deliberately did not dispute Dr Hayes's argument because this was not the issue with which I was most concerned, viz,  RNZI's enhancement of his views by crediting him with inaccurate credentials.

My other reason for not commenting on his and other people's views on the decree was because I do not fully understand its  possible use or misuse, or how it differs from similar legislation in Commonwealth countries. I will comment when I receive legal advice.

Meanwhile, it is heartening, unnoticed by the anti-bloggers, that the online Fiji media have published contrary views on the issue:

http://www.fijisun.com.fj/2012/02/09/media-protected/
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=192908
http://www.fijilive.com/news/2012/02/08/39938.Fijilive LISA WILLIAMS
http://www.fijivillage.com/?mod=story&id=090212afc499513f7f28137ab4e10c

QARASE, BAKANI AND DAUKUIDREKETI'S CASES CONSOLIDATED. The Suva High Court has consolidated two cases involving  http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/fullstory.php?id=43499 the three who are accused of defrauding the Native Land Trust Board. The case has been adjourned to March 8th .

DR MERE SAMISONI'S appeal for a bail variation so that she may travel overseas has been adjourned until  February 15th. Her lawyer Samanunu Vaniqi said "she will not flee the country as all her business and assets are here." State representative Helen Whippy did not object to the relaxation of the curfew but needed seven days to file for an affidavit.

ETHNIC TENSIONS DID NOT PRODUCE THE COUPS.  I would agree with Rajend Naidu. Most itaukei and Indo-Fijians got along fine. Rajend argues that bad leadership caused the coups.

Yes and no, depending on what is meant by "bad."  I would argue that the race card played by politicians was the main cause. Too many Itaukei were convinced by their "bad" leaders than the Indians wanted to take over Fiji. So it was not race as such but the use of race to retain political power that was the root cause.

THIS IS NOT THE WAY TO COUNTER AN ARGUMENT. "Looks like you're are one of the few that has gained from the regime or their largesse contract or appointment, maybe family member appointed, probably you should just say that," says regular commentator Sara'ssista who disagreed with the other commentator's interpretation of events, I did not publish her comment. Neither would I publish a comment that  Saras'sista is only against the Bainimarama government because her family have missed out on the perks they enjoyed under Qarase. Many, but not all,  people with opposing views are honest and wish Fiji well, with no personal benefit to them or their families.

Decree Restores Equivalent of Parlimentary Privilege

Subject: Media Release: Government Restores Level Playing Field and Protects Media Outlets

The President has approved the State Proceedings (Amendment) Decree 2012, which provides that no media organization can be held liable for publication of statements, whether verbal or written, made by the Prime Minister or any Minister of Government, whether in their official or personal capacity. The Decree is consistent with the Parliamentary privilege as was applicable in Fiji and which is applicable in countries throughout the Commonwealth; however, it goes further by protecting media organizations. 

The law is intended to facilitate open and frank discussion between Government, the public and other stakeholders in the lead up to Fiji's Parliamentary elections. The Decree will expire upon the date when a new Parliament is convened which will have its usual privileges for statements made by Parliamentarians.

Source: Ministry of  Information. (My emphasis).

UN Assessment Team for 2014 Elections

Republic of Fiji Welcomes UN Needs Assessment Mission for Upcoming Elections

The Fijian Government today accepted an offer from the United Nations to send a Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) to Fiji ahead of the planned Parliamentary elections.

Fijian Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum stipulated that the composition of the mission must be politically neutral and unbiased with regard to Fiji, so it can provide an objective technical needs assessment for Fiji to conduct free and fair elections.

The NAM, which will be conducted by the Electoral Assistance Division of the UN Secretariat in New York, is slated to take place in early March. It will provide technical assessment of Fiji’s needs, such as ballot boxes, staffing and logistical preparation, among other considerations.

The move follows the Fijian Government’s recent selection of the Canadian firm CODE Inc. as Fiji’s vendor for electronic voter registration (EVR).

Fiji continues to follow the recommendations of the European Union's report on Fiji’s 2006 elections, which cited irregularities with voter registration and voting practices, such as 101% voter turnout in one constituency, and the disenfranchisement of certain voter groups.

Fiji has sent out invitations to the international community to participate in the EVR process by way of financial assistance; however, so far no countries or multi-lateral agencies have opted to participate.

-ENDS-

PM’s on Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday and Coup4.5 on Muslims

Read the PM's address by clicking the heading  above and then run your eye over this incredible posting by Coup 4.5.  Where do these people get such cranky ideas? If they are still playing the race-religion card against Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, they should get a more educated person to write their script. I suggest you read each phrase carefully. I've added some comments in square brackets.

"Fiji is going through a false scenario of reforms and modernization to have a new Fiji. This was reiterated by the PM in his address during the November 2012 budget. Sadly it is bound to end up with civilization with darkness.[Uh?]

"The truth is Muslims, through Aiyaz Sayed Kaiyum, is colonizing Fiji. They are deceiving the people of Fiji using nice phrases and words such as modernization, a new Fiji without corruption, transparency, fairness to justify their staying in power. [Are these not desirable concepts?] Look at what has been happening:

1. Muslim riding hard on power (RFMF) [There is one senior Muslim officer in the military that is 99% itaukei]
2. Rule by decree [What has this got to do with Muslims?]
3. Increase in the number of key positions in government being given to Muslims or those supporting Khaiyum [Name those in key positions. I can't think of any. Do "those supporting Khaiyum" include itaukei?]
4. Weakening of Fijian institutions and culture and land ownership [Great Council of Chiefs, possibly. But nothing else, and  what has this to do with Muslims?]
5. Nepotism [It was there before 2006. How is nepotism linked to Muslim influence? I can think of  only two possible examples but it could be the people were the best for the job.]
6. Recruiting of non-Fijians, especially kaivalagis, to weaken Fijian's capabilities. [Ah! So it's the Europeans and not the Muslims? And how are they weakening itaukei "capabilities" whatever that means?]

"Wake up Fiji. Wake up to the radical changes in our beloved peaceful and friendly country. Regrettably, Banimarama will not do anything: only he knows why it is Yes sir, three bags full Sir!"

Internal Discussions on the Constitution Must Start Now

Constitutional Awareness meetings have already commenced with meetings in the Suva-Nausori Corridor. The purpose of these village and settlement meetings seems to be to talk about what a constitution is, how important it is,  and the process for creating a constitution.  This CCF release concerns the promised "dialogue" that is due to start soon, probably towards the end of the month or early next.  I hope overseas politicians and media will keep closely tuned to the process as it unfolds.

Temm: Go, See For Yourself

 The standoff, if it can be called that,  between Jonathan Temm of the NZ Law Society and the Fiji judiciary raises a number of important issues.  Temm claims the Fiji judiciary is not independent of political interference and  judicial procedures and decisions are therefore tainted.

This position has some  credence because there have certainly been instances when the Fiji government has brought cases before the Courts on tenuous grounds, where it arguably sought delays in proceedings  and where it tried to influence court outcomes.

But —and this is a very important but— in all cases it failed. The Courts dismissed the tenous claims; admonished prosecutors for being unprepared and delaying proceedings, and there was no influence on the Court decisions, several going against the Bainimarama Government.

Most court cases in Fiji are non-political. Lawyers, magistrates and judges are mostly needed for civil cases.  Without them,  innocent people will be deprived of justice, and the guilty will go free.

The most recent "standoff" is between the Fiji Director of Public Prosecutions, New Zealander Christopher Pryde, and the NZLS which will not allow advertising in its magazine for legal jobs in Fiji. The issues involved in this refusal are noted in the DPP press release below.  My main concern is that Jonathan Timm has repeatedly refused the invitation to visit Fiji to "see for himself."  This is an offer that is still open.

It speaks poorly for a trained lawyer that he refuses to examine all of the evidence but prefers instead to abide with his  prior perceptions. If this is so, one may fear for justice when those of different ethnicities, cultures or class call upon his services in New Zealand. Why does he not go to Fiji to see for himself? How many more invitations are needed?

See also Whaleoil's blog for his take on this issue.

PRESS RELEASE

New Zealand Law Society Censors Fijian Director of Public Prosecutions


The New Zealand Law Society (“NZLS”) has refused to allow the Fijian Director of Public Prosecutions (“DPP”) to advertise legal positions in its magazine, Law Talk.

An email to the Office of the DPP this morning (3.2.12), said “The New Zealand Law Society Board has decided unanimously that the NZLS will not accept advertisements for legal positions in Fiji under the current interim military regime”.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Christopher Pryde, said it was unfortunate that the NZLS was involving itself in politics and preventing New Zealand lawyers from hearing about job vacancies in Fiji.

“It is unfortunate that New Zealand lawyers are being denied the opportunity to decide for themselves whether they wish to take up legal positions in Fiji. By refusing to allow us the right to advertise, the NZLS is effectively censoring what New Zealand lawyers know about Fiji.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in an independent office and the Director of Public Prosecutions has the sole responsibility for criminal prosecutions in Fiji. This is without recourse to any Government minister, including the Attorney-General. The Office in that regard is non-political. People charged with offences by the Police need to be prosecuted through the courts. What shall we do with people charged with rape or robbery or murder? Send them to New Zealand?” he said.

Mr Pryde said he remains concerned that the NZLS continue to have an inaccurate picture of the Fijian situation, in particular of the judiciary and the courts.

“My invitation to the NZLS still stands. They are welcome to visit Fiji and meet and talk to anyone without restriction so that they can obtain for themselves a first-hand appraisal of things in Fiji. In the meantime, we would appreciate the NZLS allowing lawyers to decide things for themselves and allow us the right to advertise” he said.

---END---

3 February 2011

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is an independent office established under section 20 of the State Services Decree 2010. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is motivated by the principle that it is in the interests of justice that the guilty be brought to justice and the innocent are not wrongly convicted.

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

Allen Lockington is a self-employed customs agent and business consultant who has regular articles published in Fiji. I thank Allen for permission to reprint some of them in this political blog. They remind us that life goes on, whatever the political situation. And it's good to know that.

The Plot Thickens

Scrap metal in rivers, creeks unused lots, abandoned cars and ships, road signs, inspection chamber lids, drain grating, steel drive way plates, telephone cables and many more have been taken to be sold for a gain.

I was visiting friends at a place in Drasa-Vitogo Lautoka and noticed a chap at his home checking his solar hot water panels, which were on the ground. Apparently at around 3 am he heard noises coming from the roof and went to check and saw someone on the roof.


The person managed to get away. The resident found his solar panels in the front yard.

Like the story of Alice in Wonderland goes: “Curiouser and curiouser!” Cried Alice.

Or like an older timer said, “The plot thickens.”

All the World's Religions Agree on the Dignity of Work

AN INTERESTING AND IMPORTANT NEW BOOK

A short review by Fr Kevin J. Barr

A book born out of a collaborative dialogue of the ILO with the World Council of Churches, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation as well as other organisations representing Judaism and Buddhism.

There are common threads running through all of these religious traditions on such issues as human dignity, solidarity and above all on the connection between work, social justice and the search for peace.

 

Only a few weeks ago a very interesting and important book was published by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva. It was called Convergences: Decent Work and Social Justice in Religious Traditions – a Handbook.

The book is written against the background of globalisation and the current worldwide economic crisis. It states that, over the past few decades the world has experienced an upheaval from the process called globalisation from which some have benefitted but too many have not. Currently there is a backlash and, particularly following the recent financial crisis, more and more people are feeling angry, frustrated and left out. Human dignity seems to count for little. Moreover it appears that globalisation lacks an ethical foundation.

The ILO’s constitution states: “universal and lasting peace can be established only if it is based upon social justice”. It acknowledges that peace is not simply a matter of preventing war but rather a matter of preserving human dignity and fighting against poverty and inequality in society. As the Director General of ILO, Juan Somavia, says in his Foreword to the book:

“The ILO was born out of real life struggles for equity centred on the workplace as the heartbeat of the economy and society. In work, issues of human dignity, the welfare and stability of families, communities and societies mesh with the productive system.”

The downside of globalisation is commonly experienced in the world of work - through poor wages and working conditions, unemployment, underemployment, child labour, sweat factories, little social protection and restrictions placed on workers unions. There is a need to promote decent work and to bring human values to bear on labour policies. Spirituality and values are essential in the quest for making globalisation more fair and more just.

The book is born out of a collaborative dialogue of the ILO with the World Council of Churches, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation as well as other organisations representing Judaism and Buddhism. The handbook shows that in the different religious traditions there is a great convergence of values on the subject of work. There are common threads running through all of these religious traditions on such issues as human dignity, solidarity and above all on the connection between work, social justice and the search for peace.

Each section of the book looks at what the various religious traditions have to say about issues such as the meaning of work, human dignity, solidarity and security, social justice, decent work, social protection, social dialogue, rights of workers (including the right to form unions and to collective bargaining), child labour, and discrimination in the workplace. Documents and teachings from the great religious traditions are quoted which show that there is a great consensus (or convergence) on all these important issues affecting labour.

The book is very timely and should be in the hands of government ministers and officials, employer’s and worker’s representatives as well as heads of religious organisations.

While governments have often had a close and cosy relationship with investors and the business sector because they consider them the “engine” of economic growth, it seems that many have forgotten that the workers of the nation represent the “heartbeat” of the economy and the nation. Without a proper recognition of the place and the rights of workers and a determined search for social justice there will be no lasting peace. We all need to remember the slogan: “universal and lasting peace can be established only if it is based upon social justice”. The economic system behind globalisation needs to be based on a strong ethical foundation.

The text of the handbook is readily available on the ILO Website: www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/pardev/civil/convergences.htm