.

Saturday, 29 December 2012

Leaked Draft Not Final Document

Fiji Constitution Commission member Peni Moore has said the document posted on the internet is not the final draft that was handed to Fiji’s President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau last Friday.

Speaking to FijiLive, Moore said the "leaked" draft constitution is in fact a copy of the first draft.

“There is one more draft,” Moore said. The preamble is wrong and some of the election section will be different, but it is close, she said of the alleged draft constitution posted online. The final draft that was handed to the president, she said “involved a completely new preamble and changes to the electoral chapter.” “And I think a bit of editing but no real change in concept, but it is not the final draft.” She said the final draft also bears the signatures of all five members of the Constitution Commission on the second page.

The alleged copy of the draft constitution highlighted the need for a constitution and made provisions for the awarding of immunity to prescribed persons as set out in Section 7 (4) of the Fiji Constitutional Process (Constitutional Commission) Decree 2012 (Decree No. 57 of 2012) and in Section 8 (3) of Decree No. 58 of 2012. Immunity the document said will be granted provided the prescribed persons, before a witness, signs and swears or affirms the Oath or Affirmation of Reconciliation and Allegiance which is noted in the document. The document also called for the restoration of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs) with newly-defined role, that the parliament consist of 71 members, the formation of a Natonal People’s Assembly tasked with making crucial decisions for the betterment of the country including the appointment of the President and has the power to consider, debate and vote on proposed amendments to the Constitution. The National People Assembly include the President of Fiji or any former President, speaker and deputy speaker of Parliament, the PM, members of the Cabinet, leader of the opposition, 10 members of Parliament, the Ombudsman, 10 men and 10 women appointed by Constitutional Offices Commission and 36 men and 36 women nominated by civil society. The alleged draft constitution said Fiji should be a secular state and proposed the formation of a National Security Council which should include members of the parliament and commanders of the security services tasked with supervising all security services and ensuring national security.

By Mereani Gonedua

Welcome Guest! You are currently viewing this from 222.154.123.133 Saturday, Dec 29 2012 12:35 AM Login Free Membership RSS Feeds Fijilive FijiLive.com :: Newsletter Subscription NEWS Fiji News Business Entertainment World Technology Lifestyle/Fashion Celebrity Offbeat Health/Fitness FEATURED IN FIJI NEWS 41 evacuation centres still open 41 evacuation centres still open 41 evacuation centres remain open providing shelter to 1202 evacuees in Fiji’s western and northern divisions in the wake of Cyclone Evan. Online copy not the final draft: Moore Online copy not the final draft: Moore Fiji Constitution Commission member Peni Moore has said the documents posted on the internet is not the final draft that was handed to Fiji’s President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau last Friday. SDL welcomes meeting permit suspension SDL welcomes meeting permit suspension Fiji’s Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) has welcomed government’s announcement to further suspend the requirement to obtain permits for meetings in public places. Ba Centre inmate on the run Ba Centre inmate on the run A 28-year-old inmate escaped from the Ba Corrections Centre yesterday afternoon. SPORTS Football News Rugby News Sports Gallery FEATURED IN SPORTS NEWS FFA hopes to identify more referee assessors FFA hopes to identify more referee assessors Fiji Football Association will hold a referees’ assessors course on 6-7 of January at its headquarters in Vatuwaqa specifically to identify more assessors for the southern division. Walters double helps Stoke stun Liverpool Walters double helps Stoke stun Liverpool Jonathan Walters scored twice as Stoke beat Liverpool 3-1 in an entertaining affair under the lights at the Britannia Stadium today. Bale treble sinks sorry Villa, puts Spurs fourth Bale treble sinks sorry Villa, puts Spurs fourth Man of the match Gareth Bale claimed his first Premier League hat-trick as Tottenham Hotspur won 4-0 at Aston Villa today to climb to fourth place in the Premier League. Fiji skipper among top 10 sevens players Fiji skipper among top 10 sevens players Fiji 7s skipper Setefano Cakau was one of the top players on the HSBC World 7s Series in 2012, according to a panel comprising some of the best coaches, commentators and staunch supporters/critics of the shortened code. MORE SPORTS NEWS » CLASSIFIEDS Edirectory Realestate Jobs Classifieds Tenders FEATURED IN JOBS LATEST CLASSIFIEDS LATEST JOBS Mohammed is Digicel Fiji CFO Farid Mohammed has been appointed the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Digicel Fiji. ANZ appoints Vishnu Mohan as CEO Pacific ANZ has appointed Vishnu Mohan as its chief executive Pacific in addition to his current role as chief executive Fiji and Pacific Central region. Hotel Reservation Sy ... Japanese Spitz puppi ... English bulldog pupp ... Flat to Share ... Hotel Reservation Sy ... Japanese Spitz puppi ... English bulldog pupp ... Flat to Share ... Application Developer ... Events Coordinator ... Pharmacy Assistant ... Vocational Tutors ... Expression of Interest ... Grant Database Analyst - ... Agricultural Field Techni ... Research Assistant ... Financial Controller / Co ... I need a babysitter and D ... GUIDES Fiji Magic TV Guide Movie Guide Fiji Weather FEATURED IN FIJI MAGIC TV GUIDE LATEST WEATHER Pacific dream holiday promoted in UK The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)in collaboration with its National Tourism partners from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tahiti and V New Tourism brand identity unveiled Tourism Fiji now has a new global advertising and marketing campaign which will be launched to the world in early 2013. The new ca Fiji One Fox Movies Star World ESPN Cartoon Network Nickelodeon Australia N/W CNN Asia Pacific Discovery MTV Super Channel Bollywood Xtra BBC World Star Movies SKY Pacific Parivaar Enter NHK 29 ° SUVA Light Showers Rain Detailed Forecast 30 ° NADI Scattered Clouds Detailed Forecast HOT STUFF My Fiji Gang Fiji Dating Fiji Jokes EGreetings Birthdays MY FIJI GANG PROFILES Preety01 Salvin87 Innocense Sunila3 FIJI DATING 33,Male 60,Male 23,Female 29,Female LATEST EGREETINGS Merry Xmas Season Gre Happy New Merry Chri LATEST JOKES Sitting High.... Round Of Golf.... Are You Free.... Ladka Paida.... Google Kaur.... Memory Card.... Romance Mathematics.... A Cowboy's Tombstone.... Five Rules For A Happy Li.... Your Average Voter.... EXTRAS Best of the Web Science/Environment Women Motoring Food/Recipes Travel Currency Converter BEST OF THE WEB The perfect man exists - there are 5 types out there 'Nymphomaniac of Munich' found dead Faecal transplants may be used to treat patients Sqeezing malignant breast cancer cells stops them from spreading: Research WEBMASTERS Web Design | Hosting/Domains MOBILE RBT True Tones Games Videos Subs LATEST JAVA GAMES J2037 J2060 J2062 J2069 J2080 LATEST WALLPAPERS W12178 W12157 W12147 W12146 W12141 LATEST TRUETONES 5 O'Clock - T12115 You Da One - T12629 I Cry - T15964 Starships - T13780 Dance Again - T14470 Party Rock - T8943 As Long As You Love Me - T15219 It Will Rain - T12025 VIDEOS Videos Picture Gallery Quick Documents LATEST VIDEOS PM's 2013 budget add - 1 PM's 2013 budget a.. PM's 2013 budget add - 2 PM's 2013 budget a.. PM's 2013 budget add - 3 PM's 2013 budget a.. PM's 2013 budget add - 4 PM's 2013 budget a.. PM's 2013 budget add - 5 PM's 2013 budget a.. Qarase's sentencing Qarase's sentencin.. EVENTS GALLERY Juan Manuel Marquez celebrates after defeating Manny Pacquiao by a sixth round knockout in their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.@AFP Juan Manuel Mar.. South Africa's Stephan Dippenaar (R) is tackled by Portugal's Jose Vareta during an IRB Sevens World Series rugby union match in Dubai.Portugal won 12-10.@AFP South Africa's .. Supermodel India Aastha Sidana appears in her swimwear during the finals of the 2012 World Supermodel Pageant at the Pearl South Pacific Resort in Pacific Harbour. Photo: Avikash Chand. Supermodel Indi.. Fiji’s historic gold medal winner, Iliesa Delana is congratulated by a fan during his victory parade from Suva's Flea Market to Albert Park.People of all races got together to welcome and congratulate him on his achievement.Photo:Avikash Chand Fiji’s historic.. An emotional Suva captain and goalkeeper Emori Raqata is hugged by teammate Inosi Cava after their 1-0- victory against Ba in the final of the 2012 Fiji FACT at Govind Park in Ba.Photo Avikash Chand An emotional Su.. Bollywood actress Veena Malik poses during a shoot for her movie Supermodel in Lautoka.Photo:Avikash Chand Bollywood actre.. LATEST PHOTO GALLERY Wilisoni Tuikei.. Bollywood actre.. Members of the .. Bollywood actre.. FIJI NEWS Online copy not the final draft: Moore December 28, 2012 04:54:33 PM A+ A- | print | email | mobile Bookmark and Share 0 inShare Follow @ Twitter Fiji Constitution Commission member Peni Moore has said the documents posted on the internet is not the final draft that was handed to Fiji’s President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau last Friday. Speaking to FijiLive, Moore said the "leaked" draft constitution is in fact a copy of the first draft. “There is one more draft,” Moore said. The preamble is wrong and some of the election section will be different, but it is close, she said of the alleged draft constitution posted online. The final draft that was handed to the president, she said “involved a completely new preamble and changes to the electoral chapter.” “And I think a bit of editing but no real change in concept, but it is not the final draft.” She said the final draft also bears the signatures of all five members of the Constitution Commission on the second page. The alleged copy of the draft constitution highlighted the need for a constitution and made provisions for the awarding of immunity to prescribed persons as set out in Section 7 (4) of the Fiji Constitutional Process (Constitutional Commission) Decree 2012 (Decree No. 57 of 2012) and in Section 8 (3) of Decree No. 58 of 2012. Immunity the document said will be granted provided the prescribed persons, before a witness, signs and swears or affirms the Oath or Affirmation of Reconciliation and Allegiance which is noted in the document. The document also called for the restoration of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs) with newly-defined role, that the parliament consist of 71 members, the formation of a Natonal People’s Assembly tasked with making crucial decisions for the betterment of the country including the appointment of the President and has the power to consider, debate and vote on proposed amendments to the Constitution. The National People Assembly include the President of Fiji or any former President, speaker and deputy speaker of Parliament, the PM, members of the Cabinet, leader of the opposition, 10 members of Parliament, the Ombudsman, 10 men and 10 women appointed by Constitutional Offices Commission and 36 men and 36 women nominated by civil society. The alleged draft constitution said Fiji should be a secular state and proposed the formation of a National Security Council which should include members of the parliament and commanders of the security services tasked with supervising all security services and ensuring national security. By Mereani Gonedua

Read more at: http://www.fijilive.com/news/2012/12/online-copy-not-the-final-draft-moore/50284.Fijilive

Copyright 2012 © Fijilive.com Welcome Guest! You are currently viewing this from 222.154.123.133 Saturday, Dec 29 2012 12:35 AM Login Free Membership RSS Feeds Fijilive FijiLive.com :: Newsletter Subscription NEWS Fiji News Business Entertainment World Technology Lifestyle/Fashion Celebrity Offbeat Health/Fitness FEATURED IN FIJI NEWS 41 evacuation centres still open 41 evacuation centres still open 41 evacuation centres remain open providing shelter to 1202 evacuees in Fiji’s western and northern divisions in the wake of Cyclone Evan. Online copy not the final draft: Moore Online copy not the final draft: Moore Fiji Constitution Commission member Peni Moore has said the documents posted on the internet is not the final draft that was handed to Fiji’s President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau last Friday. SDL welcomes meeting permit suspension SDL welcomes meeting permit suspension Fiji’s Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) has welcomed government’s announcement to further suspend the requirement to obtain permits for meetings in public places. Ba Centre inmate on the run Ba Centre inmate on the run A 28-year-old inmate escaped from the Ba Corrections Centre yesterday afternoon. SPORTS Football News Rugby News Sports Gallery FEATURED IN SPORTS NEWS FFA hopes to identify more referee assessors FFA hopes to identify more referee assessors Fiji Football Association will hold a referees’ assessors course on 6-7 of January at its headquarters in Vatuwaqa specifically to identify more assessors for the southern division. Walters double helps Stoke stun Liverpool Walters double helps Stoke stun Liverpool Jonathan Walters scored twice as Stoke beat Liverpool 3-1 in an entertaining affair under the lights at the Britannia Stadium today. Bale treble sinks sorry Villa, puts Spurs fourth Bale treble sinks sorry Villa, puts Spurs fourth Man of the match Gareth Bale claimed his first Premier League hat-trick as Tottenham Hotspur won 4-0 at Aston Villa today to climb to fourth place in the Premier League. Fiji skipper among top 10 sevens players Fiji skipper among top 10 sevens players Fiji 7s skipper Setefano Cakau was one of the top players on the HSBC World 7s Series in 2012, according to a panel comprising some of the best coaches, commentators and staunch supporters/critics of the shortened code. MORE SPORTS NEWS » CLASSIFIEDS Edirectory Realestate Jobs Classifieds Tenders FEATURED IN JOBS LATEST CLASSIFIEDS LATEST JOBS Mohammed is Digicel Fiji CFO Farid Mohammed has been appointed the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Digicel Fiji. ANZ appoints Vishnu Mohan as CEO Pacific ANZ has appointed Vishnu Mohan as its chief executive Pacific in addition to his current role as chief executive Fiji and Pacific Central region. Hotel Reservation Sy ... Japanese Spitz puppi ... English bulldog pupp ... Flat to Share ... Hotel Reservation Sy ... Japanese Spitz puppi ... English bulldog pupp ... Flat to Share ... Application Developer ... Events Coordinator ... Pharmacy Assistant ... Vocational Tutors ... Expression of Interest ... Grant Database Analyst - ... Agricultural Field Techni ... Research Assistant ... Financial Controller / Co ... I need a babysitter and D ... GUIDES Fiji Magic TV Guide Movie Guide Fiji Weather FEATURED IN FIJI MAGIC TV GUIDE LATEST WEATHER Pacific dream holiday promoted in UK The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)in collaboration with its National Tourism partners from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tahiti and V New Tourism brand identity unveiled Tourism Fiji now has a new global advertising and marketing campaign which will be launched to the world in early 2013. The new ca Fiji One Fox Movies Star World ESPN Cartoon Network Nickelodeon Australia N/W CNN Asia Pacific Discovery MTV Super Channel Bollywood Xtra BBC World Star Movies SKY Pacific Parivaar Enter NHK 29 ° SUVA Light Showers Rain Detailed Forecast 30 ° NADI Scattered Clouds Detailed Forecast HOT STUFF My Fiji Gang Fiji Dating Fiji Jokes EGreetings Birthdays MY FIJI GANG PROFILES Preety01 Salvin87 Innocense Sunila3 FIJI DATING 33,Male 60,Male 23,Female 29,Female LATEST EGREETINGS Merry Xmas Season Gre Happy New Merry Chri LATEST JOKES Sitting High.... Round Of Golf.... Are You Free.... Ladka Paida.... Google Kaur.... Memory Card.... Romance Mathematics.... A Cowboy's Tombstone.... Five Rules For A Happy Li.... Your Average Voter.... EXTRAS Best of the Web Science/Environment Women Motoring Food/Recipes Travel Currency Converter BEST OF THE WEB The perfect man exists - there are 5 types out there 'Nymphomaniac of Munich' found dead Faecal transplants may be used to treat patients Sqeezing malignant breast cancer cells stops them from spreading: Research WEBMASTERS Web Design | Hosting/Domains MOBILE RBT True Tones Games Videos Subs LATEST JAVA GAMES J2037 J2060 J2062 J2069 J2080 LATEST WALLPAPERS W12178 W12157 W12147 W12146 W12141 LATEST TRUETONES 5 O'Clock - T12115 You Da One - T12629 I Cry - T15964 Starships - T13780 Dance Again - T14470 Party Rock - T8943 As Long As You Love Me - T15219 It Will Rain - T12025 VIDEOS Videos Picture Gallery Quick Documents LATEST VIDEOS PM's 2013 budget add - 1 PM's 2013 budget a.. PM's 2013 budget add - 2 PM's 2013 budget a.. PM's 2013 budget add - 3 PM's 2013 budget a.. PM's 2013 budget add - 4 PM's 2013 budget a.. PM's 2013 budget add - 5 PM's 2013 budget a.. Qarase's sentencing Qarase's sentencin.. EVENTS GALLERY Juan Manuel Marquez celebrates after defeating Manny Pacquiao by a sixth round knockout in their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.@AFP Juan Manuel Mar.. South Africa's Stephan Dippenaar (R) is tackled by Portugal's Jose Vareta during an IRB Sevens World Series rugby union match in Dubai.Portugal won 12-10.@AFP South Africa's .. Supermodel India Aastha Sidana appears in her swimwear during the finals of the 2012 World Supermodel Pageant at the Pearl South Pacific Resort in Pacific Harbour. Photo: Avikash Chand. Supermodel Indi.. Fiji’s historic gold medal winner, Iliesa Delana is congratulated by a fan during his victory parade from Suva's Flea Market to Albert Park.People of all races got together to welcome and congratulate him on his achievement.Photo:Avikash Chand Fiji’s historic.. An emotional Suva captain and goalkeeper Emori Raqata is hugged by teammate Inosi Cava after their 1-0- victory against Ba in the final of the 2012 Fiji FACT at Govind Park in Ba.Photo Avikash Chand An emotional Su.. Bollywood actress Veena Malik poses during a shoot for her movie Supermodel in Lautoka.Photo:Avikash Chand Bollywood actre.. LATEST PHOTO GALLERY Wilisoni Tuikei.. Bollywood actre.. Members of the .. Bollywood actre.. FIJI NEWS Online copy not the final draft: Moore December 28, 2012 04:54:33 PM A+ A- | print | email | mobile Bookmark and Share 0 inShare Follow @ Twitter Fiji Constitution Commission member Peni Moore has said the documents posted on the internet is not the final draft that was handed to Fiji’s President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau last Friday. Speaking to FijiLive, Moore said the "leaked" draft constitution is in fact a copy of the first draft. “There is one more draft,” Moore said. The preamble is wrong and some of the election section will be different, but it is close, she said of the alleged draft constitution posted online. The final draft that was handed to the president, she said “involved a completely new preamble and changes to the electoral chapter.” “And I think a bit of editing but no real change in concept, but it is not the final draft.” She said the final draft also bears the signatures of all five members of the Constitution Commission on the second page. The alleged copy of the draft constitution highlighted the need for a constitution and made provisions for the awarding of immunity to prescribed persons as set out in Section 7 (4) of the Fiji Constitutional Process (Constitutional Commission) Decree 2012 (Decree No. 57 of 2012) and in Section 8 (3) of Decree No. 58 of 2012. Immunity the document said will be granted provided the prescribed persons, before a witness, signs and swears or affirms the Oath or Affirmation of Reconciliation and Allegiance which is noted in the document. The document also called for the restoration of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs) with newly-defined role, that the parliament consist of 71 members, the formation of a Natonal People’s Assembly tasked with making crucial decisions for the betterment of the country including the appointment of the President and has the power to consider, debate and vote on proposed amendments to the Constitution. The National People Assembly include the President of Fiji or any former President, speaker and deputy speaker of Parliament, the PM, members of the Cabinet, leader of the opposition, 10 members of Parliament, the Ombudsman, 10 men and 10 women appointed by Constitutional Offices Commission and 36 men and 36 women nominated by civil society. The alleged draft constitution said Fiji should be a secular state and proposed the formation of a National Security Council which should include members of the parliament and commanders of the security services tasked with supervising all security services and ensuring national security. By Mereani Gonedua * Xmas Special: Download - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town by Justin Bieber on ur phone * Download Instructions: RBT: Type Tone R9262 & send it to 304. Truetone: Txt T12167 & send it to 4444 * Get local and international footbal news, gossip & live updates/results on your phone. Txt VSOC to 333 now. * Get local and international rugby news & live updates/results on your phone. Txt VRUG to 333 now. PREVIOUS STORY SDL welcomes meeting permit suspension NEXT STORY 41 evacuation centres still open More Related Coverage Draft constitution is excellent: Chaudhry Dec 28, 2012 01:36:55 PM Nailatikau reads draft constitution Dec 25, 2012 08:23:21 AM Final Constitution not in our hands: Moore Dec 24, 2012 09:35:41 AM Immunity is nothing new: RFMF Dec 22, 2012 05:36:44 PM Commission to conduct audit of their work Dec 22, 2012 04:06:31 PM We hope our efforts will not be in vain: Ghai Dec 22, 2012 11:58:58 AM Post a Comment Email this Story Print this Story Bookmark and Share Posted Comments No comments, but you can post the first comment! FijiLive Comes To You: News on your Mobile RSS Feeds eNewsletters Send Your Tips Wilisoni Tuikei,Jerry Volavola,Milika Volavola and Sereiama Tuikei of Nadera,Nasinu enjoy their day out at the Nasese Foreshore.Photo:Avikash Chand Fiji Dating Movie Guide Fiji Birthdays Fiji Jokes Fiji eDirectory TV Guide Fiji eCards Mobile Should all local road workers who will be made redundant soon be employed by the overseas contractors hired to fix our roads? Yes No Poll Results: Current | Previous LATEST NEWS BUSINESS Air Pacific redesignFiji’s airline, Air Pacific new design was voted the best new-look redesign globally according to Brand New, a division of UnderConsideration, whose sole purpose is to chronicle and provide opinions on corporate and brand identity work, redesigns and new designs. 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Read more at: http://www.fijilive.com/news/2012/12/online-copy-not-the-final-draft-moore/50284.Fijilive
Copyright 2012 © Fijilive.comWelcome Guest! You are currently viewing this from 222.154.123.133 Saturday, Dec 29 2012 12:35 AM Login Free Membership RSS Feeds Fijilive FijiLive.com :: Newsletter Subscription NEWS Fiji News Business Entertainment World Technology Lifestyle/Fashion Celebrity Offbeat Health/Fitness FEATURED IN FIJI NEWS 41 evacuation centres still open 41 evacuation centres still open 41 evacuation centres remain open providing shelter to 1202 evacuees in Fiji’s western and northern divisions in the wake of Cyclone Evan. Online copy not the final draft: Moore Online copy not the final draft: Moore Fiji Constitution Commission member Peni Moore has said the documents posted on the internet is not the final draft that was handed to Fiji’s President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau last Friday. SDL welcomes meeting permit suspension SDL welcomes meeting permit suspension Fiji’s Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) has welcomed government’s announcement to further suspend the requirement to obtain permits for meetings in public places. Ba Centre inmate on the run Ba Centre inmate on the run A 28-year-old inmate escaped from the Ba Corrections Centre yesterday afternoon. SPORTS Football News Rugby News Sports Gallery FEATURED IN SPORTS NEWS FFA hopes to identify more referee assessors FFA hopes to identify more referee assessors Fiji Football Association will hold a referees’ assessors course on 6-7 of January at its headquarters in Vatuwaqa specifically to identify more assessors for the southern division. Walters double helps Stoke stun Liverpool Walters double helps Stoke stun Liverpool Jonathan Walters scored twice as Stoke beat Liverpool 3-1 in an entertaining affair under the lights at the Britannia Stadium today. Bale treble sinks sorry Villa, puts Spurs fourth Bale treble sinks sorry Villa, puts Spurs fourth Man of the match Gareth Bale claimed his first Premier League hat-trick as Tottenham Hotspur won 4-0 at Aston Villa today to climb to fourth place in the Premier League. Fiji skipper among top 10 sevens players Fiji skipper among top 10 sevens players Fiji 7s skipper Setefano Cakau was one of the top players on the HSBC World 7s Series in 2012, according to a panel comprising some of the best coaches, commentators and staunch supporters/critics of the shortened code. MORE SPORTS NEWS » CLASSIFIEDS Edirectory Realestate Jobs Classifieds Tenders FEATURED IN JOBS LATEST CLASSIFIEDS LATEST JOBS Mohammed is Digicel Fiji CFO Farid Mohammed has been appointed the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Digicel Fiji. ANZ appoints Vishnu Mohan as CEO Pacific ANZ has appointed Vishnu Mohan as its chief executive Pacific in addition to his current role as chief executive Fiji and Pacific Central region. Hotel Reservation Sy ... Japanese Spitz puppi ... English bulldog pupp ... Flat to Share ... Hotel Reservation Sy ... Japanese Spitz puppi ... English bulldog pupp ... Flat to Share ... Application Developer ... Events Coordinator ... Pharmacy Assistant ... Vocational Tutors ... Expression of Interest ... Grant Database Analyst - ... Agricultural Field Techni ... Research Assistant ... Financial Controller / Co ... I need a babysitter and D ... GUIDES Fiji Magic TV Guide Movie Guide Fiji Weather FEATURED IN FIJI MAGIC TV GUIDE LATEST WEATHER Pacific dream holiday promoted in UK The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)in collaboration with its National Tourism partners from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tahiti and V New Tourism brand identity unveiled Tourism Fiji now has a new global advertising and marketing campaign which will be launched to the world in early 2013. The new ca Fiji One Fox Movies Star World ESPN Cartoon Network Nickelodeon Australia N/W CNN Asia Pacific Discovery MTV Super Channel Bollywood Xtra BBC World Star Movies SKY Pacific Parivaar Enter NHK 29 ° SUVA Light Showers Rain Detailed Forecast 30 ° NADI Scattered Clouds Detailed Forecast HOT STUFF My Fiji Gang Fiji Dating Fiji Jokes EGreetings Birthdays MY FIJI GANG PROFILES Preety01 Salvin87 Innocense Sunila3 FIJI DATING 33,Male 60,Male 23,Female 29,Female LATEST EGREETINGS Merry Xmas Season Gre Happy New Merry Chri LATEST JOKES Sitting High.... Round Of Golf.... Are You Free.... Ladka Paida.... Google Kaur.... Memory Card.... Romance Mathematics.... A Cowboy's Tombstone.... Five Rules For A Happy Li.... Your Average Voter.... EXTRAS Best of the Web Science/Environment Women Motoring Food/Recipes Travel Currency Converter BEST OF THE WEB The perfect man exists - there are 5 types out there 'Nymphomaniac of Munich' found dead Faecal transplants may be used to treat patients Sqeezing malignant breast cancer cells stops them from spreading: Research WEBMASTERS Web Design | Hosting/Domains MOBILE RBT True Tones Games Videos Subs LATEST JAVA GAMES J2037 J2060 J2062 J2069 J2080 LATEST WALLPAPERS W12178 W12157 W12147 W12146 W12141 LATEST TRUETONES 5 O'Clock - T12115 You Da One - T12629 I Cry - T15964 Starships - T13780 Dance Again - T14470 Party Rock - T8943 As Long As You Love Me - T15219 It Will Rain - T12025 VIDEOS Videos Picture Gallery Quick Documents LATEST VIDEOS PM's 2013 budget add - 1 PM's 2013 budget a.. PM's 2013 budget add - 2 PM's 2013 budget a.. PM's 2013 budget add - 3 PM's 2013 budget a.. PM's 2013 budget add - 4 PM's 2013 budget a.. PM's 2013 budget add - 5 PM's 2013 budget a.. Qarase's sentencing Qarase's sentencin.. EVENTS GALLERY Juan Manuel Marquez celebrates after defeating Manny Pacquiao by a sixth round knockout in their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.@AFP Juan Manuel Mar.. South Africa's Stephan Dippenaar (R) is tackled by Portugal's Jose Vareta during an IRB Sevens World Series rugby union match in Dubai.Portugal won 12-10.@AFP South Africa's .. Supermodel India Aastha Sidana appears in her swimwear during the finals of the 2012 World Supermodel Pageant at the Pearl South Pacific Resort in Pacific Harbour. Photo: Avikash Chand. Supermodel Indi.. Fiji’s historic gold medal winner, Iliesa Delana is congratulated by a fan during his victory parade from Suva's Flea Market to Albert Park.People of all races got together to welcome and congratulate him on his achievement.Photo:Avikash Chand Fiji’s historic.. An emotional Suva captain and goalkeeper Emori Raqata is hugged by teammate Inosi Cava after their 1-0- victory against Ba in the final of the 2012 Fiji FACT at Govind Park in Ba.Photo Avikash Chand An emotional Su.. Bollywood actress Veena Malik poses during a shoot for her movie Supermodel in Lautoka.Photo:Avikash Chand Bollywood actre.. LATEST PHOTO GALLERY Wilisoni Tuikei.. Bollywood actre.. Members of the .. Bollywood actre.. FIJI NEWS Online copy not the final draft: Moore December 28, 2012 04:54:33 PM A+ A- | print | email | mobile Bookmark and Share 0 inShare Follow @ Twitter Fiji Constitution Commission member Peni Moore has said the documents posted on the internet is not the final draft that was handed to Fiji’s President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau last Friday. Speaking to FijiLive, Moore said the "leaked" draft constitution is in fact a copy of the first draft. “There is one more draft,” Moore said. The preamble is wrong and some of the election section will be different, but it is close, she said of the alleged draft constitution posted online. The final draft that was handed to the president, she said “involved a completely new preamble and changes to the electoral chapter.” “And I think a bit of editing but no real change in concept, but it is not the final draft.” She said the final draft also bears the signatures of all five members of the Constitution Commission on the second page. The alleged copy of the draft constitution highlighted the need for a constitution and made provisions for the awarding of immunity to prescribed persons as set out in Section 7 (4) of the Fiji Constitutional Process (Constitutional Commission) Decree 2012 (Decree No. 57 of 2012) and in Section 8 (3) of Decree No. 58 of 2012. Immunity the document said will be granted provided the prescribed persons, before a witness, signs and swears or affirms the Oath or Affirmation of Reconciliation and Allegiance which is noted in the document. The document also called for the restoration of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs) with newly-defined role, that the parliament consist of 71 members, the formation of a Natonal People’s Assembly tasked with making crucial decisions for the betterment of the country including the appointment of the President and has the power to consider, debate and vote on proposed amendments to the Constitution. The National People Assembly include the President of Fiji or any former President, speaker and deputy speaker of Parliament, the PM, members of the Cabinet, leader of the opposition, 10 members of Parliament, the Ombudsman, 10 men and 10 women appointed by Constitutional Offices Commission and 36 men and 36 women nominated by civil society. The alleged draft constitution said Fiji should be a secular state and proposed the formation of a National Security Council which should include members of the parliament and commanders of the security services tasked with supervising all security services and ensuring national security. By Mereani Gonedua * Xmas Special: Download - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town by Justin Bieber on ur phone * Download Instructions: RBT: Type Tone R9262 & send it to 304. Truetone: Txt T12167 & send it to 4444 * Get local and international footbal news, gossip & live updates/results on your phone. Txt VSOC to 333 now. * Get local and international rugby news & live updates/results on your phone. Txt VRUG to 333 now. PREVIOUS STORY SDL welcomes meeting permit suspension NEXT STORY 41 evacuation centres still open More Related Coverage Draft constitution is excellent: Chaudhry Dec 28, 2012 01:36:55 PM Nailatikau reads draft constitution Dec 25, 2012 08:23:21 AM Final Constitution not in our hands: Moore Dec 24, 2012 09:35:41 AM Immunity is nothing new: RFMF Dec 22, 2012 05:36:44 PM Commission to conduct audit of their work Dec 22, 2012 04:06:31 PM We hope our efforts will not be in vain: Ghai Dec 22, 2012 11:58:58 AM Post a Comment Email this Story Print this Story Bookmark and Share Posted Comments No comments, but you can post the first comment! 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Friday, 28 December 2012

The Month that Was: December 2012

December was another month crammed with news and comments on Fiji.

In the first half, we had allegations by the Fiji NGO Coalition on Human Rights that the police and military had used excessive force in the re-arrest, in September, of six bank robbers. No local media outlet published their statement probably because after the elapse of ten weeks, their protest was no longer newsworthy. The event had been well covered by the media at the time (see this Fiji Times report) and Government had launched an investigation.

They did not mention the escape was facilitated from outside and there are suspicions the trail of destruction they left across Suva was intended to trigger general unrest, that the escapees were armed when they resisted arrest, and that the prisoner who eventually lost his leg was diabetic. Information Permanent Secretary Sharon Smith-John said,"Such incidents are unfortunate and the government makes it clear that behavior of this nature is unacceptable."

The story was taken up by overseas media and the anti-blogs but none of them provided any background into the arrests. Amnesty International called on government to address allegations of torture inside Fiji prisons. NZ Amnesty International chief executive Grant Bayldon, said it had reliable research the escapees had been beaten, one so badly his leg had to be amputated. The statement seemed to be based on public knowledge, and ignored the fact that the Fiji Government was already investigating the claim.

Unfortunately, as I itemised in a post a year ago, AI can no longer be considered a credible independent source of information on Fiji, especially if Apolosi Bose is still its Fiji representative.

The Trade Unions

The overseas trade unions — ACTU, NZCTU, TUC and AFL-CIO—urged the ANZ, US and Fiji governments to support the FTUC submission to Fiji's constitutional commission asking, among other things, that government to hand over control to an interim administration three months before the 2014 elections.

The Economy

Despite claims by Navosanavua in Fiji Today of: "Years of economic decline and deteriorating schools, hospitals, water supply and roads..." infrastructural work continued, Queen's Road has been improved beyond recognition, and the Asia Development Bank's local representative Caroline Currie had given a general thumbs up, despite the January floods (and before December's Cyclone Evan). Growth is excepted to be 2.5% up,revenue collection and tax compliance have improved;, tourist numbers are up, there are improvements in the sugar industry, stronger investment activity, more private credit, and new players in the private sector.

Independence of the judiciary

Allegations of lack of independence continued, most especially from the FLP with Mahendra Chaudhry now on trial and his son's legal credentials withdrawn, but none of these claims have been substantiated. They are claims with no supporting evidence, and most seem unaware of what a judiciary can and cannot do. For example, as one of my legal informants, said:

"Someone mentioned judicial review which is the ability to challenge the decision of an individual appointed under a law on the basis of unreasonableness or arbitrariness. Judicial review operates to review the decision of the individual; it has nothing to do with reviewing the actual law and has nothing to do with the merits of the decision only the process by which the decision was made. They seem confused with the US which can strike down laws if they are arbitrary, vague, or unconstitutional but this has never been the case in Fiji, or NZ for that matter."

"As for Amnesty International, their demands are contradictory. They want the judiciary to be independent then in the next breath they are demanding it overthrows its decisions. Where have AI been for the past earlier? If they were so concerned, why have they not voiced an opinion earlier. They have not read the judges' findings on the judgments they now condemn? They do not understand that corruption, no matter when it happened, and I refer here to the charged against Qarase, is still a crime, and FICAC was only established in 2007. Prior to that it was a free-for-all. That's how Qarase got away with it for some many years. Some of these human rights organisations are backing the very people who have abused human rights for years."

Australia and New Zealand

Both countries have relaxed their position this month. Australia has appointed a High Commissioner elect who will take up office in January, and travel sanctions have been cut back. NA Minister McCully has finally admitted that travel sanctions prevented suitable people from applying for senior government posts, thereby forcing government to fill them with military personnel."New Zealand and Australia want to encourage more civilians into Fiji's government and the travel restrictions were a big deterrent."

Both countries will also be providing significant assistance towards Cyclone Evan relief. NZ is talking of $3 million in response and recovery works.

Constitution Progress

But the big news all came at the end of the month, first Cyclone Evan and then the Constitution Commission's presentation of the draft constitution to the President. This latter event created a cyclone of its own.

Its presentation was followed almost immediately by the departure of Prof Yash Ghai and the other foreign commissioners, and what appears to have been attempts to release the draft to the public before the President had had an opportunity to comment, as was first agreed. Government had also agreed the public would see the draft but only when it went to the Constitution Assembly in January. Instead, some 600 copies were allegedly burnt by the police and — inevitably— some other copies were leaked to the media and anti-blogs. Fiji Leaks, reputedly published by Victor Lal in the UK, published what appears to be a legitimate a copy of the draft and the Commission's explanation booklet.

The futility of book burning was demonstrated by the Fiji Sun reporting on the military response to the draft which included parts of the draft itself.   The anti-blogs are having a field day. I have read all three documents but need more time to make anything more than a quick comment.

On the whole, the draft is a remarkable and most thorough document. It covers, as Commissioner Peni Moore told RadioNZ, all bases and takes into account everyone's concerns. (see report below). The military's stated objection concerns the number of parliamentary seats. It wants fewer than the recommended 71.

I suspect, however, the military has deeper concerns about the Commission's recommendations for the period between now and the 2014 elections and its challenged role in Fiji's future. But more on this when I have had more time to study the documents and confer with informed friends and readers.

Expect much more to follow over the next few days. The potential to destabilize the constitution process has never been higher. One must hope for restraint in Suva, and the forbearance of overseas governments as Fiji works its way over yet another few hurdles.

              Fiji constitution draft covers all bases,
                   says Commission member
http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=73080
Posted at 20:04 on 26 December, 2012 UTC

A member of Fiji’s Constitution Commission, Peni Moore, says the draft constitution covers everything it was required to and she can’t foresee any problems with it.

The Commission handed the document to Fiji’s President last week.

There has been criticism the draft is now in the hands of the interim government without the chance of further public scrutiny before a regime appointed Constituent Assembly debates and ratifies the document.

Peni Moore says anyone who fears what’s in the draft should rest assured.

    “The constitution we’ve written is the most advanced, forward-thinking, promotes everything that is said that they wanted, so there really shouldn’t be a problem with it. It covered everything that they wanted covered. It’s covered in more ways than they could have imagined. We’ve put in amazing reforms that have never been seen before so my feeling is if they read it there’s really nothing to worry about.”

Wednesday, 26 December 2012

PM's Christmas Message

The Christmas story is a magical one that resonates with every Fijian – the birth of a baby and the promise of joy and renewal.

For Christians, the celebration of the arrival of the Christ Child is especially significant. Jesus wasn’t on earth for long, reputedly just 33 years before he was crucified and God’s purpose was fulfilled. But his message of love and redemption continues to echo through the ages.

Christmas is easily the happiest day on the Christian calendar. And the other faiths in Fiji join their Christian brothers and sisters to celebrate because the Christmas message is for everyone.

It is beautifully simple. “Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy. For unto you a child is born. Unto you a son is given”.

Jesus wasn’t born into a wealthy or powerful family. Far from it.

Mary and Joseph – his parents - were poor ordinary people. As the greatest story of the Bible tells us, Mary gave birth in a stable surrounded by cattle and sheep, not in a fancy house surrounded by servants.

What does this mean? I believe that God honours the poor and the humble, not the mighty and the powerful. He sides with the downtrodden and the dispossessed. He gives comfort to the homeless, like those Fijians affected by the terrible force of Cyclone Evan. And he invites us all to reflect this Christmas Day on the amazing power of a simple story about a new-born baby lying in a manger.

When Jesus grew up, he said something very important about how we should all treat each other that applies to people of all religious faiths. “ Love one another as I have loved you”. Christ’s teachings of love, compassion and tolerance are relevant to every Fijian. They are shared by the other great religions in Fiji and should be at the centre of all our lives.

As your Prime Minister, I ask that we reflect on them – along with the values we all share and that bind our beloved country together - as we come together as families and friends to celebrate this special day.

Last week, those values helped us to withstand the onslaught of Cyclone Evan. We came together as a nation and again showed the world our unique Fijian Spirit. We especially thank God that he spared every one of us to celebrate this very special day.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

J.V Bainimarama

Prime Minister

Monday, 24 December 2012

President's Christmas Message

RATU EPELI NAILATIKAU

CF, LVO, OBE (Mil), OStJ, CSM, MSD

President of the Republic of Fiji

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO THE NATION

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Youth and Children of Fiji,

Warm Christmas greetings to you all!

In the aftermath of Cyclone Evan, Christmas 2012 will certainly be different from those of the past years. The nation is now engaged in picking up the pieces and getting life back to normal. Government, led by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, is doing all it can to assist those who were affected by Cyclone Evan.

Government has announced a state of natural disaster for the Northern and Western Divisions and is now directing all available resources to assist our people in the affected areas. The non-government organizations, the business community, and foreign countries, as usual and thankfully, have also come on board or pledged their support. I have no doubt that the collective assistance will see life for many returning to normal in the earliest possible time.

On this occasion, I wish to thank everyone for getting yourselves ready for Cyclone Evan.

In all my years as a member of the Military, the Fiji Red Cross, St John and as a former Minister for Provincial Development, which is responsible for the Natural Disaster Management Office (NDMO), this was one of the most impressive times when the nation heeded warnings and was prepared for a cyclone. The state of readiness, beginning from the advanced cyclone alerts and warnings to the extent of preparation had actually paid off. People heeded government’s directives – you tried to secure your homes and property, stored food and water, and even moved to the evacuation centers voluntarily.

The restriction of movement helped to keep all of you safe either in your homes or in the evacuation centers. Cyclone Evan, projected to be one of the strongest at category 4, had come and gone. Fiji had been very fortunate not to lose a life.

Fiji’s state of readiness on this occasion is a great sign of change. It is a sign of progress from what used to be a laid-back response by some to alerts and warnings to a more pro-active and willing participation. I do not think that we are 100 percent perfect, but the change in response is admirable and strongly encouraged.

As we go about getting our lives back to normal, let me thank each and every one of you for this change in approach. I also encourage you all to continue to always heed the warnings to be prepared. Your lives and especially the lives of our children, and our future leaders depend on our collective ability to respond to misfortunes such as a natural disaster.

I also wish to acknowledge with sincere gratitude the work of all those men and women who worked during the height of the cyclone attending to the essential services. They include the members of the National Disaster Management Team in Suva and in the Divisions, the members of the Military, Police and the Corrections Services.

I also acknowledge the many other men and women who are now part of the rehabilitations efforts.

My thanks also go to the Management and Staff of the Public Utilities like the Fiji Electricity Authority, the Fiji Water Authority, the National Fire Authority, those responsible for our roads and medical services, the Fiji Red Cross, St John, the prison inmates, and all other workers and volunteers alike.

I thank also the management and boards of the schools who again readily allowed their schools to be used as evacuation centers.

Thank you all so very much for your contribution towards bringing life back to normal.

Ladies and gentlemen, Cyclone Evan, like the floods that we endured earlier this year, are minor setbacks to our progress as a nation.

They only served to strengthen our resolve and commitment to do well for our country and all our people.

As we count-down to Christmas 2012, I also take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support towards the ongoing work of re-building our nation since 2006.

I am pleased and thankful to hear the overwhelming support that many of you have expressed and given to the government. Thank you for the faith you have in your leaders.

I confirm today – as you have already been reliably informed - that Fiji’s draft Constitution is now in my possession. This is the document that contains our collective aspirations and hopes for a new Fiji.

A modern and progressive Fiji that is devoid of all forms of discrimination.

I have already begun my reading of this important document – a pleasant task which will occupy me intimately during this festive season. And I do so with the trust that it will bring all of us glad tidings.

I thank all of you who participated in the constitution-making process especially those who made submissions.

Your contributions were important in the formation of a Constitution that is inclusive and that will greatly assist towards building a better Fiji.

The draft Constitution will be given to the constituent assembly which will comprise of representatives from a wide-cross section of our society.

I take this occasion to again encourage relevant organizations and individuals to apply to be considered, as members of the constituent assembly and to play an active role in laying the foundation for a prosperous future for our country and our children.

I also wish to encourage all of us to renew our commitment to living a happy, healthy, wholesome and long life.

We can start through a thorough review of our health status. I encourage you all to be active and help maintain a healthy lifestyle. We can, for instance, control the rise of non-communicable diseases. This is within our sphere of influence. It is within our control. We need to ensure that we eat healthy and eat locally grown food and that we also participate in daily physical exercise.

I have been actively involved in advocating against the spread of HIV and Aids. This is a role I intend to continue in earnest.

I have, this year, visited 25 secondary schools and spoke to over 12,000 students who are part of the most vulnerable age-group in the world and in our country. I advised them to be more responsible with their decision-making, especially on issues relating to practicing safe sex and using condoms. I do this because 70 percent of our HIV and Aids cases were through heterosexual transmission with the epidemic evidently affecting our young people with over 50 percent falling within the age group of 15-29 – the youth, the bulk of the labour force, the most sexually active and the most vulnerable. I will continue my visitations to the remaining secondary schools in Fiji in 2013.

Over the past years since my active involvement in advocating against the spread of HIV and Aids, I have come across many members of society including close relatives of mine who had advised against the use of contraception. Many of the advice were based on religious and cultural interpretations.

I am happy to note, however, that Fiji is now changing, and that the religious organizations now accept the reality which is that we must openly discuss HIV/Aids and sexuality with the hope of finding a solution to saving our nation by saving the lives of our future generations.

I am adamant about the advocacy against HIV/Aids because Fiji sadly, was not one of the 25 countries that featured in the global report of recording a drop in rates by 50% of HIV new infections. Our rates had increased. And our Sexually Transmitted Infections – STIs – are far too high.

I emphasize that HIV and Aids is not just a medical problem.

It is very much a social and development issue that must be addressed in a holistic, pragmatic and timely manner.

The Government and its stakeholders have launched a new strategy towards controlling the spread of HIV and Aids.

The faith-based group comprising of the majority if not all religions in the country has also launched for the first time a strategic plan aimed at addressing the issue of HIV and Aids. I have no doubt that this new approach by the religious organizations will significantly help Fiji to achieve the commitment, of getting to zero - zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero aids-related deaths.

The welcome introduction of the faith based group strategic plan is a blessed comfort as it gives us the added impetus, the pastoral reach, hope and the desire that we will be able to achieve all the millennium development goals.

So I strongly encourage all leaders in society to renew their advocacy towards achieving the three-zeros because we have less than 1000 days before the deadline of the 2015 global aids targets and the achievement of all the Millennium development goals.

Last and certainly not the least, let us not forget to set aside a time to pray for our beloved nation and especially those who were seriously affected by Cyclone Evan.

Cyclone Evan may have had an impact on our physical structures, but we should not allow it to dampen our spirits.

We should also remember our diplomats, the members of our armed forces, and the other individuals who are serving in foreign countries around the world.

May you all have a blessed Christmas and a prosperous and meaningful New Year.

Christmas

Google had only four religious themes (of 388 other themes) on Christmas.

In a recent survey in the UK, some 36% of those answering the question, 'Who was the the Baby Jesus's first visitor?' replied, 'Father Christmas'. I wonder what this tell us about modern society, its values, education, democracy ...

I hesitated before deciding to publish this article written by Ranjit Singh in the aftermath of the Speight Coup in 2000. I think he is far too sweeping in his condemnation of the Methodist Church and the Great Council of Chiefs, and I know some readers will be upset with what he wrote, but there is sufficient truth in the accusations to warrant their publication, and perhaps we all need to be upset about how far away from the Christmas message our words and actions have sometimes taken us.

Postings will be sporadic until after the New Year. Meanwhile, I wish all readers, whatever their political or religious beliefs, a Happy Christmas and New Year.

EDITORIAL –Fiji Daily Post – 24^th December, 2000

A Christmas message from the past: Baby in the manger and homeless people

Below is the Editorial that I wrote for Fiji’s Daily Post newspaper when I was its Publisher in 2000 after the George Speight coup and the atrocities on Indo-Fijian displaced cane farmers that were encouraged by the hatred preached by the Methodist Church in Fiji from their pulpits. The Church in Fiji in 2000 had been a source of shame on Christianity, as it involved itself in politics and spread politics of hatred and religious superiority.

Three wise men

Tomorrow (25 December) we will celebrate what Christians regard as the birth of the Saviour, Lord Jesus Christ.

Apart from praising the Lord and singing in His honour, Christmas is also a time for reflection.

Joseph and Mary were virtually homeless in Bethlehem, as all the inns were full. They had to seek refuge in a manger with animals. Just as Jesus did not become an animal or a horse by being delivered in a manger, similarly those Christians in Fiji who are born to Christian parents or in Christian homes do not simply become Christians. Christianity is more than an accident of birth and baptism. It is a way of life.

Baby Jesus in the manger with three wise men

Fiji has gone through a lot in the last seven months. Tomorrow, or from midnight tonight as Churches throughout the country fill up with those who proclaim to be Christians to praise the lord, we wish to remind many of them about their behaviour and conduct during the crisis facing the country.

How many of them can honestly emulate the goodwill, compassion, forgiveness and neighbourly love that Lord Jesus has been preaching as a simple person born in a manger to a carpenter father? Christianity is not about shouting at the top of your voices in loud speakers without trying to understand Christ and his teachings. Neither is it about causing misery to other people six days of the week only to come to Church on Sundays to ask for Lord’s forgiveness.

Our reports in the papers give tear jerking situation of displaced farmers and other tenants who have nowhere to go or call a home. This Christmas they will be as homeless and in as hostile atmosphere as Mary and Joseph were on the day the Lord was born.

A displaced Indo-Fijian cane farmer wiping his tears in front of his burnt house during racially-inspired 2000 coup [Photo Courtesy of Rajendra Prasad, Author TEARS IN PARADISE-Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji 1879-2004]

This Christmas as those who call themselves Christians pray to the lord, please reflect on the misery that you may have knowingly or inadvertently inflicted on others in the name of one cause or the other. Please also reflect whether your conduct has been a pride to the religion that was founded around a very simple person with no worldly possession whose biggest virtue was love for His fellow beings.

When one reflects on the recent events springing up from 1987 and repeated since May [2000] this year, one of the biggest casualties of those events have been Christianity and Churches which have not entirely been used as the medium to spread the Lord’s message. There has been immense loss of goodwill from people of other beliefs when the teachings and deeds and actions of their followers went in complete opposite directions.

Another Indo Fijian victim of racially-inspired coup of 2000 supported by Christians, Methodist Church and Great Council of Chiefs.[Photo Courtesy of Rajendra Prasad, Author TEARS IN PARADISE-Suffering and Struggles of Indians in Fiji 1879-2004]

The custodians and guardians of the Churches need to reflect on the actions of their flock and indulge in damage control to redeem the Churches and the religion from any wrongdoing.

Christianity is about behaving like Christians. Tomorrow when the Churches fill up, please spare a moment for the victims of hatred, envy and racism that have taken root in this country. Please pray to Lord to spare all of us from the evils that we have in us.

Hope love and respect preached by Christianity and Christmas theme is shared amongst us.

Only when the teachings of Lord Jesus Christ becomes a way of life for all those who call themselves Christians can we say that we are honestly in a position to merrily celebrate His birth and praise His glory.

May the blessings of Lord shower on you this Christmas and may we all become better people through His teachings. Merry Christmas to you all.

http://fijipundit.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/a-christmas-message-baby-in-manger-and.html

Saturday, 22 December 2012

First Ever PM in Yasawa Village

MEDIA RELEASE: MILITARY TO CONSTRUCT NEW SCHOOL FOR CYCLONE STRICKEN VILLAGE

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has called for the immediate restoration of educational facilities at Bukama School in the Yasawa Group after he witnessed firsthand the damage it sustained from Tropical Cyclone Evan.

The head of government has expressed concern that students who depend on the school will be affected and has instructed engineers from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to begin construction work.

Bemama village was severely affected when Tropical Cyclone Evan struck the village with several houses destroyed and vegetation seriously affected. Bukama Primary School was also not spared.

“Education is always our priority and I want this school to be rebuilt as soon as possible. I’ve asked the FMF Engineers to priorities the building of new classrooms and facilities for the two hundred students of Bukama Primary School,” the Prime Minister said.

The village headman of Bukama village Mr Tomasi Ratusoqosoqo said that the fact that the Prime Minister of Fiji is the first ever head of government to set foot on their village brings relief to them.

“For PM Bainimarama to visit and see for himself the situation that we are in after the cyclone brought a sigh of relief for everyone,” Mr Tomasi said.

The head of government has assured the people of Bukama that more supplies will be on its way with the MV Iloilovatu delivering food and temporary kits to the Yasawa.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and his team are visiting the cyclone stricken villages of Nabukeru, Tamusua and Bukama in the Yasawa Group.

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

Naboro prison

Why Do They Escape?

Around 27 years ago when I was living in Nadera, I met a young man who had been released from prison. While having a yarn he said that he liked to escape from prison because it gave him a high. He had been to jail so many times that he had lost count.

Then he said that escaping from prison was like an adventure, he had to scale the prison walls and then when in town he had to disguise himself, and each time he would go pass a police officer he would look away and pretend to do something. He said that the best part was when the search party was closing on him, he would treat it as a thrilling adventure until he was caught and given a smack on the wrist.

Recently there have been a number of prison breaks and one would ask why do the prisoners choose to escape? Are they like the young man that I describe above? Does it give them a thrill to escape and be hunted like an animal? I would really like to know why they escape because it only increases their prison time and of course they get a beating.

Could someone interview the escapees and ask them why they choose to escape? Is it to visit family, or attended a party or whatever? Or are they fed up of prison life?

The Prison Department could interview the escapees and publish the report.

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.

Tuesday, 18 December 2012

Latest DISMAC Report on Cyclone Situation

DISMAC SITUATION REPORT No:08 – December 18^TH, 2012

Situation Report issued by the National Disaster Management Office. This report covers the period from 0800hrs 18 Dec to 1600hrs 18 Dec 2012. The next report will be issued on or around 2400hrs 18 Dec 2012.

Highlights

- Declaration of State of Natural Disaster effective from Tuesday 18/12/12 for Northern and Western Division.

- Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is now visiting the Western Division.

- Activation of All EOC’s to 24/7 operations.

- 147 Evacuation Centers operational with 8416 evacuees.

· 45 Evacuation Centers are operating in the Northern Division with a total of 3715 evacuees.

· 15 Evacuation Centers are operating in the Eastern Division with a total of 493 evacuees.

· 34 Evacuation Centers have been opened in the Central Division with a total of 2144 evacuees.

· 53 Evacuation Centers are operating in the Western Division with 2064 evacuees.

- Nadi International Airport is in operation.

- Wailoa power station is on and power supply has been restored in 95% Central Business Districts.

- Rewa River burst its bank earlier today. Nausori Town is closed to all traffic.

Flood Warning

A flood warning remains in force for Mainimala, Wainibuka, Waidina River and Rewa River.

A flood warning remains in force for all low lying areas of Navua and the areas adjacent to the whole of Navua River.

National Update on Roads Accessibility

Central

Crossings

-Vatuwaqa Crossing, Serea

-Wainavida, Waila (Nabaitavo) Crossing

-Toga Crossing, Rewa

-Korovou Deepwater Crossing

Roads

-Jalim Avenue Road (underwater)

-Baulevu (from Naduruloulou Fisheries Station) underwater

-Waila Feeder Road, Nausori Junction leading to Vunidawa hospital

Bridge

-Naqali Bridge (underwater)

-Vunidawa Bridge, Nalowai

-Deepwater Bridge (underwater)

-All Naitasiri Bridges are under water (i.e. Muaniweni, Viria, Savu, Waisa, Wairua, Wainikovu, Waiqa, Waibalavu)

Western

-Queens Road Open to all traffic

Eastern

-Nacamaki Village to Tuatua (Koro) still closed (needs machines to clear huge landslide)

-Levuka to Cawaci closed (only heavy vehicles). Seawall damage – FRA working on it now.

Northern

-Junctions, bridges, Irish crossing under water, fallen branches in Labasa, Nabouwalu, Taveuni and Savusavu.

-Labasa/Nabouwalu/Daria – opened to light traffic (machines will be available on Wednesday, December 19^th, 2012 to clear landslides).

-Ends-