Corruption, Transparency International, Melanesian Spearhead Group

NEW QUOTE FOR THE WEEK in right sidebar.
WHAT I BELIEVE ON FIJI. I have updated my position vis-a-vis the Bainimarama Goverment. Click on the AIMS-PRINCIPLES tab above.

ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY. Last week those who knew about it celebrated International Anti-Corruption Day.  In Fiji, the anti-corruption watchdog Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) organized an event in Sukuna Park where FICAC’s deputy commissioner, Mr George Langman appealed for everyone's help: “The task of eradicating corruption cannot be done alone by FICAC. Though we have been mandated to carry out this task, we need your support and co-operation.”

He said FICAC fights corruption in two ways: by investigations and prosecutions, and by what he described as "aggressive awareness campaigns." The toll free mobile line has been one effective tool made available to the public. We have taken people to court within 48 hours of receiving a call through a toll-free line.”

So far 41 cases have been tried with 23 convictions. Corruption comes in many forms and the number of cases  continue to grow.  This has meant the recruitment of specialised trainers to up skill staff. He advised people to think twice before succumbing to temptations.“For anyone tempted by easy money, I offer this advice, the worst day at work is still better than the best day in jail.”

The theme for the day was “Don’t let corruption kill development”. Exhibitors included Transparency International, the FICAC, Border Control, the Police, and Immigration.-- Based on 2010, No:2128/MOI.

TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL AND CORRUPTION. A reader Walker Texas Ranger writes:
With regard to the whirlwind of corruption in which Fiji has been immersed over many years, it might now be timely to ask why the local board of Transparency International in Fiji saw fit to remain silent on matters which were brought fully to their attention in the past five years: human trafficking, organised criminal enterprise (of many categories), the failure of the judicial system to address matters coming before it with integrity and expeditiously?

They were requested repeatedly to ask for overseas assistance with the functioning of the Fiji Courts: with funding for an electronic court reporting system, assistance with cameras and remote television capacity for women and child victims of Crimes Against Humanity, safety and security within the court precincts not only for victims of violent crime including murder but also for judges and court officials. None of this was seriously attended to or addressed.

Several members of the board resigned during this period (for various reasons). On one occasion a former local employee of TI Fiji was found abusing TI-funded hospitality in an overseas hotel. What was going on here? If members of the board of the world's foremost integrity organisation were found wanting in this way, we must ask ourselves, surely, how ordinary members of society in Fiji would be behaving?

Corruption is insidious and Conflicts of Interest undeclared are corrupt and corrosive. Neither the board of TI Fiji nor other board members in Fiji appeared to comprehend or grasp the seriousness of prolonged conflicting interests in decision-making positions. Look at Fiji Sugar Corporation; look at Air Pacific; look at the Fiji Development Bank; look at FNPF; look at many other institutions which have failed the taxpayers of Fiji on many fronts.

But in the area of integrity and the declaration of interest, they have profoundly muddied the waters of governance. Those who sat on multiple boards of directors with almost no women members should look closely at themselves and their intentions. All boards in Fiji should now be mandated to have women directors as is the case in the Scandinavian countries: Denmark/Sweden/Norway. These women should be qualified to sit and have demonstrated successful experience of business. However, a 'caveat': the person who abused overseas hospitality paid for by TI funding was female, qualified and trained by Transparency International. Corruption knows no gender and it takes many forms.

TO HONIARA WITH LOVE. Contrary to earlier statements the new PM of Vanuatu Sato Kilman will be attending the Melanesian Spearhead Group "reconciliation" meeting in Honiara this week.  PM Bainimarama had earlier said Ratu Inoke Kuboabola would represent Fiji because Vanuatu, that had caused the breach with Fiji, was to be represented by its Foreign Minister. The reconciliation ceremony is to hand over the chairmanship role from Vanuatu to the Solomon Islands, which will decide on whether it will hand over to Fiji. One hopes it does because if it doesn't, its hard to see how the meeting will have reconciled anything.  It's probably too late for the PM to attend but we hope he sends his love.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE WEEKEND READINGS.

The March That Wasn't

By Crosbie Walsh

For most of last week we were the victims of a preposterous hoax that rolled out of Sydney's FDFM blog to Wellington's Fiji Coup 2006 blog (and Auckland's CoupFourPointFive) and on to its final destination in Suva.

There was to be an anti-Government march on Friday at Sukuna Park of some 10,000 to 20,000 people (including 10,000 school children!), timed, purely by accident, to coincide with an authorised Human Rights march of women and children.  Government banned both the real and unreal marches — just to be sure.

The ban, however, did not stop Fiji Coup 2006 blogger Sai Lealea,  strengthened from singing Psalm 91:1-16, urging the troops onwards from behind.

"We will March tomorrow in force," Sai wrote from Wellington, "and let the government know that we mean business and will not be deprived of our rights to be heard by the President. To all ordinary men and women of Fiji – the cancellation only depicts that Frank Bainimarama’s government is very afraid and wishes to cling on to power by removing the only legal authority our President." Sai seemed unaware that strictly speaking the President is no more legal than the PM.

Of course, there was no march. In "free" Sydney the bloggers could only muster 60 people, including children.

It could have been the ban, but more likely few ordinary people in Fiji took the bloggers seriously,  and no one turned up — other than those photoed above. I doubt the  blogs would have much support for a march other than from those whose gravy trains were upset  by the Coup.  I'm surprised, however,  that Government did take them seriously, and even more surprised at their stated reason: the release of a travel advisory by the US Embassy.

The Ministry of Information said the US Embassy sent out an alert on Wednesday 8th warning American citizens that "these marches may have an anti-government tone and it is possible that assembled groups may become unruly". This may be so but the advisory was little different that the one issued on 19 January that advised: "American citizens in Fiji should remain vigilant -- particularly in public places and near military activities in the greater Suva area -- and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful could turn confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly."

The only updated advisory I could find was the Australian: "A protest march may take place in Suva on 10 December 2010. We recommend Australians avoid demonstrations, street rallies and public gatherings." The NZ advisory remained unchanged from 3 November 2009: "There is some risk to your security in Fiji and we advise caution."

But Government went further and summonsed the US Ambassador Steven McGann  to a meeting with Foreign Affairs officials "amid a widening rift between the Embassy and our Government." The PM even thought there was a link between the advisory and the earlier refusal to grant visas to senior government people seeking to attend UN and UN-related conferences.  Sorry, Prime Minister, this is most unlikely.  The US advisory on the 19th January and 8th December were standard issue, just like the Australian. It is the duty of all government to warn their citizens about possible dangers when overseas. The visas are a separate issue.

It was, of course, the Fiji Government's prerogative to remain quiet about the supposed anti-government march, but I think they would have hurt blogger credibility and won support had they exposed the blogs' preposterous claims the day before.  The anti-government blogs are visited by over 5,000 people a day, well over a thousand of them in Fiji. They would be visited by fewer people if their ongoing misinformation were exposed, and if the Fiji media  published more information and opinions on important issues. Anti-government sentiment feeds on rumour.

Far better to have arrested those without a licence to march (if any turned up) than ban the women's march. The Embassy was just doing its job, and its advisory seems a most unlikely excuse for the ban.

My own opinion is that is was a great pity the Human Rights march was cancelled. It could not have been on a worse day and for a more worthy cause. There is little doubt the cancellation will receive wide international coverage and will be used as further evidence of Government intractability. Government's rating among moderate people in Fiji is also likely to have dropped.  Looked at in this way the FDFM (and anti-Government forces generally) won the day — without the march.   Government lost an opportunity and was shown to be nervy and heavy-handed.

 Unless Government really expected the parade to be hijacked by busloads  of anti-Government protesters (and their security antennae should know whether this was a possibility),  they should, in my opinion,  have let the women’s march go ahead.   And if any of Pita Waqatairewa or Sai Lealea’s SDL bati turned up to misuse the march, sheltering behind the women's sulus, they should have been arrested for breaking PER.  This way Government would have exposed them for what they are.

Government seems slow to realize that it is fighting a propaganda war where its good work is too often being crowded out by its inappropriate reactions to challenges like this. Far more subtlety is needed.  And once again PER shows itself to be a clumsy instrument.  All the new and upgraded roads, electricity, water, better schooling and health access in the world will count for little, in the long run, unless Government also “wins the hearts and minds” of the people.  Last week was not the way to go.

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

 SCROLL DOWN TO OTHER WEEKEND READING  

♦ Gerald McGhie on The Vexed Question of External Aid  

♦ Graham Reid's second article on his Fiji visit 

♦ Teaching Men and Boys by Sharon Bhagwan Rolls 

♦ The 2011 Budget: Claims and Counterclaims 

♦ And Friday's long post.

 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.

Cyclone Control

From records when there is a cyclone alert, civil servants are usually told to stay at home, or there could be some kind of instructions, for their benefit. Some years ago during a cyclone civil servants were told to go home, it was because government cared for their welfare and of course they had other responsibilities. And that they should go home and perhaps secure their homes. Government offices were to be secured and made safe.

The 2011 Budget: Claims and Counterclaims

I will try to publish this item today or tomorrow but I still need to read, and digest, the 90-odd page 2011 Budget Supplement that I only received yesterday.   Sorry. Insufficient time.  Will publish next Saturday or possibly earlier.

The Vexed Question of Effective Aid by Gerald McGhie

Gerald McGhie is a former NZ diplomat who cut his Pacific teeth  with a three-year posting to Samoa in 1960. Later postings included Consul General in Hong Kong, High Commissioner in PNG, Ambassador in Moscow and Seoul. He was also Acting HighCom in Zimbabwe and Tonga, and led the NZ component of the ANZ peacekeeping mission to Solomon Islands.  

More recently he has been the National Director of the NZ Institute of International Affairs, Founding Director of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation, Hon.Vice-President of the NZ Institute of International Affairs, and until this year Chairman of the NZ Chapter of Transparency International.  He was awarded  the Queen's Service Order (QSO) in 2004.

Graham Reid's Second Article on his Fiji Visit

The second article by NZ Journalist Graham Reid on his visit to Fiji.  The first article was published last Saturday.

Teaching Men and Boys by Sharon Bhagwan Rolls*

On the eve of World Human Rights Day, listeners to the suitcase radio broadcast on 89.2FM in Labasa were reminded that faith based organizations and men are key partners in championing the cause of non-violence:

The Lies of March, UN Move to China, USP Cuts Income, New Churches, Jailed For Heeding Lawyer, A Compliment, RBF Reddy Resigns

WEEKEND READING  ♦Allen Lockington column ♦ Gerald McGhie on The Vexed Question of External Aid  ♦ Graham Reid's second article on his Fiji visit  ♦ Teaching Men and Boys by Sharon Bhagwan Rolls  ♦ The 2011 Budget: Claims and Counterclaims.

CANCELLATION OF MARCH. The annual Coalition of Human Rights march planned for tomorrow in Suva has been cancelled because of a warning to American citizens from the US Embassy that the march could be used by anti-government elements and become unruly. The planned march was of women, children and families to show their support for human rights.

The Ministry of Information blamed the American Embassy of causing confusion by issuing an alert based on an "anonymous blog which suggesting the march was not going to be a peaceful one."

The MOI does not normally "react to this type of information because it has proven time and again to be inaccurate and detrimental to the country. However, on this occasion for reasons unknown,  the American Embassy has chosen to take heed of gossip and rumour rather than seeking to confirm the facts with the Fiji Government." -- Based on 2010, No:2131/MOI.

 "... AN INDOFIJIAN PLUS MARK MANNING." These two people evidently merited special mention by Usaia Waqatairewa of the Australia-based Fiji Democracy and Freedom Movement.

He was answering a CoupFourPointFive question on who turned up to last Sunday's FDFM anti-Fiji Governmment march in Sydney where 200 had been anticipated. Waqatairewa said, “About sixty people attended …  mainly indigenous Fijians, part-Europeans and an IndoFijian, plus Mark Manning.”

But a blogger thought the number was closer to 30, or 15 if children were excluded. (see Mark Manning's photo to form your own opinion.) There are an estimated 100,000 people in Australia who were born in Fiji so whether it was 200, 60 or 30 is really immaterial. The march was not well supported.

CoupFourPointFive went on to ask him about the supposed planned march in Suva today. Waqatairewa thought it could attract 10-20,000. He said he didn't know who was organizing it but urged the SDL and Methodist Church to get involved. It now seems likely the anonymous organisers intended to piggyback on the Coalition of Human Rights march.

Waqatairewa said he wasn't concerned about PER. "The regime do not have the resources to arrest and detail [sic!] 10 or 20 thousand people." He thought people could get hurt. “If the Military wants to beat the hell out of them than that is their prerogative,” he said, and then referred to the “thugs in government [and the] animalistic aggressive nature of the security forces and the people illegally in charge such as Khaiyum and Bainimarama.” 

And so it went on, like the ramblings of a deranged man. A big thank you to CoupFourPointFive, for exposing this FDFM lunacy, and for publishing this comment by one of your readers:

"FDFM, stop lying to the people of Fiji ... even those in Australia are not with you ... People like you at FDFM are strong SDL supporters ... It's easy to see how you are campaigning and trying to brainwash the people of Fiji by [getting them] joining in to an unknown march initiated by a Mr Nobody. Please come yourself and stand up with us here in Fiji if you are genuine." 

And the reader who  wrote  in reply to another comment: "Not all i'Taukei support ethno-nationalism as you seem to portray ... You obviously do not work with the grassroots i'Taukei and have no idea of their needs."

FDFM  claims it has serious support in Australia and Fiji. Its latest showings show its support is almost zilch — plus Mark Manning.

PM PROPOSES UN MOVE TO CHINA. The PM  says the US government through the US embassy in Fiji is not fulfilling it's international obligations by failing to give visas to high level Fiji Ministers and officials to attend major international meetings.Denying senior government officials visas is preventing Fiji's voice being heard in important international meetings.I agree for the reasons given yesterday. Tongue-in-cheek, the PM suggested the UN Headquarters be moved to China.

USP REDUCES DEMAND ON GOVERNMENT. The University of the South Pacific will further reduce the money it receives from government. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajesh Chandra said they voluntarily reduced government’s contribution this year and next year they will reduce the allocation by a further 2% — a saving of $5m for Government in the triennium period of three years.

USP is mainly funded by contributions from its eleven member countries, and Australia and New Zealand. The voluntary reduction is being made because the university's finances are once again in good shape; they think they can be more cost-efficient and still offer quality courses, and because the Fiji Government "is going  through difficult times and its very important for USP to be sensitive to those financial difficulties.”

GROWING CONCERN ABOUT NEW CHURCHES. Pacific Conference of Church General Secretary Fei’loa-ki-tau Tevi  is concerned about the growing number of new churches arriving in Fiji, claiming that  many of them disturb people’s way of life. He also intimated that the new churches were divisive and unconcerned with social and economic issues.

"The fundamental belief of Christianity is social justice in which we should care for the vulnerable and the excluded and the poor and not the rich people," he said. "Your belief as a Christian is more than just praises.

The way you understand yourself as a Christian is more than just every Sunday. I go to church. More churches are coming. Groups and movements and we are not in the business of saying this is ours and you don’t come in , no. What we are saying is to try to improve the lives of people but if you just come in for the sake of building churches and hence having more people and more members, there is no point because you are just doing more harm then doing good.”

Similar concerns were echoed by Methodist minister Rev.Navitalai Qerea speaking about villages on the island of Kadavu. He said the "huge number of religious groups in the Kadavu province has caused a lot of differences and weakened traditional relationships among the people." he called on church leaders to strengthen relationships with the Vanua while maintaining their spiritual beliefs.

JAILED FOR HEEDING LAWYER'S ADVICE. I don't know all the details but on the face of it the jailing of former CEO of FNPF, Olota Rokovunisei, for not turning up to court on 30 November on the advice of his lawyer, Kafoa Muaror, is a miscarriage of justice. The lawyer stated in court that he had “instructed his client  not to attend court on November 30 because he was of the understanding that the date was only to allow the defence to file an affidavit. He told Rokovunisei he would only be required in court on December 10.” (Fiji Times, 7 Dec.) The lawyer himself did not appear in court on 3 December when Rokovunisei was sentenced: he was attending the AG’s Conference.

Justice Sithambarampillai Thurairaja remanded Rokovunisei in jail till 1st February when the court will decide on his bail application. This means that he will spend the Festive Season in jail only because he listened to his lawyer's instruction.  If this is the case, the judge jailed the wrong man and Rokovunisei should be released on bail immediately.

A COMPLIMENT FROM A READER. I get some pretty terrible comments from some readers so it's a nice feeling to receive a compliment like this from a NZ reader: 

"Your own blog with its commonsense, knowledge and continuing ability to provide useful information on Fiji is a shining light.  The problem is (if one thinks it's a problem) you probably make people -- particularly the establishment -- feel uneasy."  Reminds me of a Churchill quote: “You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.”

DISQUIET ON REDDY RESIGNATION. Reserve Bank Governor Sada Reddy  has resigned.  Reddy, who has NZ permanent residence where his family lives, worked for the Bank for 35 years, the last 17 as Deputy Governor and Governor.  Deputy Governor Barry Whiteside will act as governor until further notice.

The circumstances of Reddy's resignation are unknown but anti-government blogs (which objected to his appointment in the first place, saying he lacked experience!) accused him of transferring his savings to NZ immediately prior to the devaluation of the Fiji dollar, avoiding a 20% loss. There was also talk that he was not happy about Government's heavy overseas borrowing. Unfortunately, there is no way of confirming or refuting either accusation in an environment where almost every accusation has a political purpose but Reddy, Government and the RBF Board have certainly given no hint of any friction.

In announcing Reddy's resignation, RBF sub-committee chairman Deo Saran said:  "The board sincerely thanks Mr Reddy for his long and distinguished service throughout his time with the Bank and wishes him and his family well for the future."

EU to Engage, Kisan Sangh Supports Sugar Reforms, More Fiji Water, Rural Development, Soqosoqo Vakamarama Welcomes Funding

EU WILLING TO ENGAGE ON ROADMAP. The European Union has indicated its willingness to engage more with Fiji on its Roadmap for the Return to Democracy in 2014,  according to  Fiji’s ambassador to Brussels Peceli Vocea, who said a letter outlining the EU’s position has been signed by Catherine Ashton, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commissioner Development Andris Piebalgs.

“That’s a very interesting development." he said. "I think a letter was just sent to Fiji signed by the Commissioner Development, and Catherine Ashton, that they are looking forward to working with Fiji on the roadmap – with regards processes Fiji may need to put in place for 2014.” He described the letter as a very important gesture, and a very important development for Fiji with the EU.


FIJI'S OLDEST UNION SUPPORTS GOVT REFORMS. The Fiji Kisan Sangh (Farmers'Union) has called on cane growers to get together and support government’s plan to reform the sugar industry. Sangh national general secretary Pundit Om Prakash reiterated PM Bainimarama’s earlier statement to farmers that too much political interference in the past caused the downfall of the sugar industry. With an allocation of $123m set aside for the sugar industry Pundit Prakash says this clearly indicates how much government is committed to reviving the industry.

Pundit Prakash has also welcomed the $6m allocated for the cane replanting program saying that farmers should be thankful and work hard to make full use of this initiative. He says farmers can also be rest assured that things will run smoothly within the FSC as government has indicated it will monitor the income and expenditure of the company from next year.

Kisan Sangh was the first farmers' union formed in Fiji in 1937. The Wikipedia entry is well worth reading, just in case we forget the Colonial Sugar Refining Company.

FIJI WATER.  A reader thinks I erred in linking to the Sydney Morning Herald article on Fiji Water without further comment. He wrote: "You start it with I didn't know that Fiji Water had 'paid less than $F1 million in total corporate tax since its inception, and received up to $F5 million UNDERLINE a year in value-added tax refunds for its export sales.' A valid point, he says, but I should have said they were given a 12-year corporate tax exemption when they set up. Nor did I mention "the reason they get their VAT back is that they are the country’s most successful exporter and they are complying with one of this very Government’s policy to encourage exports. A plan that has worked spectacularly well in the case of Fiji Water. You do not mention the royalty they pay to Yaqara ...the millions in duty [and] PAYE they pay, [and] the millions they make in FNPF contributions."  I hope this redresses my omissions.

RURAL GOOD WORKS. Works Ministry spokesperson Sainiana Waqainabete said this government is committed to improving the lives of people living in rural areas by providing them with proper infrastructure. Developments taking place include major upgrading of roads, electricity and water provision, focusing in the immediate future on Labasa, Tailevu and Nadroga.  She said there are indications that some people who have migrated to urban areas return to their villages once proper roads, electricity and piped water are supplied.

SOQOSOQO VAKAMARAMA has applauded the increased 2011 budget allocation for the Women’s Plan of Action 2010-2019.  General secretary Adi Finau Tabakaucoro said the increase of $50,000 in the Budget and the allocation of $160,000 for the Fiji Women’s Federation, to total $1.6m, reflect on the government’s commitment  to the development of women in the country. The allocations will help more women to start micro-enterprise businesses and income-generating projects to reduce poverty, especially in rural areas.

Adi Finau said "Government is doing its part. It’s providing the resources and facilitating development initiatives and reforms are resulting in several changes for the better. Now the responsibility rests on the communities, the NGOs and the civil society to play their part to ensure the aims of the Government particularly those outlined in the Roadmap for the Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development 2009 to 2014 is being fulfilled.” -- Based on 2010, No:2103/MWSS.

USA, Fiji and the UN, Vanuatu and the MSG, Chaudhry, 70 New Laws, Sugar

THE PACIFIC MEDIA CENTRE has a new website. http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/ Check it out.

THE US VISA REFUSALS. The US Suva Embassy has clarified this issue.  The visas were not exactly refused; they needed a longer application time. The Embassy said names of key supporters of the coup are  on the Department of State visa watch list, and those on the list have to be cleared by Washington, a process that could take three weeks. There can be no complaint about this. It is the right of all sovereign nations to determine who is allowed to enter — or stay — in their country.  One might have hoped for a better outcome, given Hillary Clinton's promising overtures, but it was not to be.

Some readers have misunderstood my position. I was disappointment with the "decision" but my main concern was the effective denial of access to the United Nations.  The Embassy also addressed this question, saying that "while the US takes seriously its obligations under the UN Charter to facilitate travel to the UN headquarters in New York for participation in meetings – they are not obliged to facilitate travel to meetings that do not fall under the Charter or transit to UN meetings outside of New York."

My point was — and is —  that the United Nations is compromised by this approach. The country hosting all UN-sponsored meetings should not be able to say who will and who will not attend.  The invitations to the Fiji Government officers were from the UN, not the USA. If guests are invited by the owner of the house, they should not be stopped by the butler.  Foreign embassies do not belong to the host country; they belong to the home country.There are a few places in the world, such as the Vatican, and parts of Jerusalem, Mecca, Brussels (EU), Geneva (UN) and New York that are "international." They are special places and should be treated as such.

Some readers said the US was justified because Fiji expelled the Fiji Water CEO. I did not mention this because I did not think the US action was tit-for-tat, and the Embassy clarification bears this out. Yet another warned me I'd be put on the visa watch list as a key supporter of the Coup. If representatives of the most powerful nation of earth read my blog, which is unlikely, I'd assume they are intelligent enough to see that I'm trying to help the best possible outcome for Fiji, which is not a return to the Fiji from 2000 to 2006.

VANUATU AND THE MSG. Vanuatu PM Sato Kilman has decided not to attend the "reconciliation"Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting in Honiara next week because the Fiji PM is not attending.  Representation from both countries has been downgraded. Vanuatu will be represented by Foreign Minister Georges Wells and Fiji by Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.

CHAUDHRY TO OZ. Fiji's former PM Mahendra Chaudhry has been given permission to travel to Australia for medical treatment.Local media reports the Fiji High Court has allowed Mr Chaudhry to leave, despite an impending trial on money laundering and tax evasion charges.

SEVENTY NEWS LAWS SINCE 2007. The A-G Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum told 300 lawyers and other members of the legal fraternity attending the 12th annual Attorney General Conference in Nadi on Friday that there have been 70 changes or amendments in laws of the legal framework in Fiji since 2007 which were made necessary due to changes taking place domestically and internationally.

He invited those attending to question the changes and Government's intentions, saying “If you’re able to rationalise that, then you will be also be able to anticipate the changes in the years to come, particularly in 2014. We need to ask what is the impact of these laws. Are they harmful to anyone? Do they discriminate against anyone? Do they help bringing down the barriers of discrimination.” -- Based on No:2074/MOI. Also  FijiVillage.

BAINIMARAMA BLAMES PAST GOVERNMENTS FOR SUGAR ILLS. He also criticised those who have "been making comments [and] did nothing to salvage the industry." Past politicians did not even visit the sugar mills to see for themselves the  wastage of sugar occurring for the past decade, especially at the Lautoka Mill. In his visit last month he saw  sugar "flowing straight to sea while being crushed." Government had guaranteed FSC loans and made a substantial contribution in the budget to save the industry from collapse. The problems of the sugar industry are not new.

Call for UN Involvement, US Blocks Fiji's Open Access to UN; ACP- EU Fact Finding Mission

CALL FOR UN TO GET INVOLVED. Great, I thought.  RadioNZI has at last published something other than its usual  condemnation of Fiji. The email alert read: "Call for United Nations to get involved in liaising with Pacific neighbours. A New Zealand businessman with extensive interests in Fiji is calling for the United Nations to be brought in to help resolve the strained relations between ..."

So I clicked their website to read the rest of the story and this is what I got: "Error!Invalid Story ID<\p>. News Content © Radio New Zealand International ." We are left wondering why. 

SAD, VERY SAD.  Hillary Clinton's recent visit to Australia and New Zealand, — and her comments on a fresh engagement with Fiji — led optimists to think the US would take a lead in finding more appropriate policies on Fiji  than the failed policies of Australia and New Zealand that in four years have produced no positive results.  But now, with the US failure to issue three visas to Fiji officials, the forewarnings of the the pessimists have proven correct.

The Chief Justice was to have attended the 9th Session of the Assembly of States Parties at UN HQ in New York. The invitation came from the International Criminal Court.

Permanent Secretary for Fisheries Viliame Naupoto was denied entry to the US to attend an international Convention for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.

The Minister for Local Government and Environment needed a transit visa to attend the 16th UN Conference on Climate Change (COP16) in Cancun Mexico. Fiji attended the 15th Conference in Copenhagen last year that failed to lay out a concrete plan to maintain global temperature rises and legally binding reductions to CO2 emissions. High level participation and involvement of all countries and Governments including Fiji at COP16 in Cancun, Mexico was therefore crucial.

Bigger Issue : US Blocks Access to UN
The failure to issue visas to these, and other Fiji representatives, raises a larger and more general issue: how on earth did the international community allow the United Nations to be located in New York without first ensuring that UN-recognized state representatives were guaranteed freedom of access? 

One must note that similar restrictions were not applied against Communist countries during the Cold War, nor are they applied against BIGGER countries with far less legitimacy and far worse civil rights issues than Fiji.

One reader observed: "This is typical of the bullying of small insignificant states that goes on hypocritically under the radar. Designed to be insulting, and another obvious interference with the Fiji judiciary."

The action (or lack of it) by the US Embassy gives the clear impression that it does not want Fiji, as a small developing country which is vulnerable to the immediate effects of climate change, to be involved in and to address issues such as climate change, global carbon trading system, rising sea levels, emission reduction and renewable energy technology transfer. These issues are of utmost importance to Fiji as an island State and Fiji, like all other countries in the world, must be allowed to raise these issues at the global level."

Fiji Vital to US National Security: Wikileaks. 
There are two other related issues to consider:  In most matters Fiji may be "insignificant" in US eyes but as Wikileaks recently pointed out US documents have listed Fiji’s Southern Cross undersea cable landing in Suva as vital to US national security. Fiji is one of 300 countries listed by the US as “critical infrastructure and key resources located abroad" – also known as potential terrorism targets. US State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told CNN, "Without discussing any particular cable, the release of this kind of information gives a group like al Qaeda a targeting list."

Big Brother is Watching
Finally, another cause for reflection on the "Free World." My blog reader Global Citizen had this to say: "An entirely speculative question here, but one now wonders whether your rights under the visa waiver programme still qualify... you have, after all, and no doubt noticed by Washington, become a lobbyist for a military regime to whom they do not give visas for.... tried visiting the US recently? It is actually a serious issue - you will have been noticed and reported upon. Lobbyist for undesirable regimes is something Washington takes note of. I'd check if I were you; detention at LAX is very tedious. You might even share the facility with an Australian woman from MinFo." 

I'm not a lobbyist nor do I wish to visit the USA, but Global Citizen raises a worrying question for others who may choose not to toe the mainstream line. It is always easier to swim with the current.

ACP- EU FACT-FINDING MISSION. The joint parliamentary assembly of the African, Caribbean and Pacific group and the European Union has decided to send a fact-finding mission to Fiji next year. Solomon Islands representative at the meeting, Milner Tozaka, described the mission as an important and positive engagement with Fiji because it will give ACP and EU MPs the opportunity to get first-hand information from the Fiji authorities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

 WEEKEND READING. Scroll down to —
♦ Fr Barr on Productivity and Stability
♦ Peter Gleick on Fiji Water
♦ Fire at Fiji Museum by Roderick Ewins
♦ Graham Reid on the morality of visiting Fiji

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.

My Lucky Day

Americain  won the 2010 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse, followed by Maluckyday, second, and So You Think, third. I put in a small bet as usual.  It’s a tradition that started a few years ago when I found that you can win something if you are in the race.

A Blow to Productivity and Stability

By Fr Kevin J. Barr 

Chairman, Wages Council but expressing his personal views

1.   Productivity

In a previous article published in the Fiji Sun a few weeks ago I discussed the issue of productivity and showed that it involved a number of inter-related components – not just worker productivity. Worker productivity is only one element in the wider issue of the productivity of a company or business.

Fiji Water, When environment, Politics, and Economices Collide Over Bottled Water

By Peter Gleick

Fiji Water, one of the world’s most well-promoted brands of bottled water, is also one of the most secretive and private. Owned by Lynda and Stewart Resnick (photo), the increasingly controversial Southern California billionaires, Fiji Water is a symbol of both the bad and the good in the world of bottled water. “Bad” because the massive energy cost and plastic waste produced by shipping bottled water thousands of miles from the island of Fiji to markets in the United States and around the world, and because of their interactions with the unelected military regime in Fiji, which came to power in a coup in 2006. The country has been under martial law since 2009. “Good” because of the benefits the company claims to offer in the way of jobs and other economic returns to local communities in Fiji, and because of their much publicized claims to be “carbon negative” – a claim, by the way, that cannot be independently verified with information provided publicly by the company.

To Go or Not to Go (to Fiji)

 By Graham Reid

In this short article NZ freelancer journalist and writer Graham Reid  ponders the morality of accepting a free Air Pacific trip to Suva and  tells something of what he finds when he gets there. This is the first of three articles on his impressions, www.elsewhere.co.nz

Fire at Fiji Museum by Roderick Ewins

The Fiji Times ran this very brief piece on Tuesday November 16.
"A 25th anniversary celebration almost wiped out our 200-year history at the Fiji Museum on Friday night. A fiery dance group of teenaged girls and boys were performing a fire-dance when kerosene they were using spilt on to the floor and burst into flames in front of guests as well as the Ra Marama replica that stood not more than 15 metres away. The dancers attempted putting the fire out with water but induced the "chemical fire". Intoxicated guests rushed in and helpedput the fire out."

Some of the blogs have been a little less guarded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Water Flows, Coup4¼, MSG Reconciliation Meeting, Public Service Training, HIV/AIDS, FDB Bad Loans

FIJI WATER. Here are two links to its Australian coverage in The Australian: One and Two.

The NZHerald reported that "Fiji Water is part of a group of food and beverage companies, and is owned by two Southern California billionaires, Lynda and Stewart Resnick (photo). Court documents submitted by the company in 2008 showed that Fiji Water was owned by an entity in Luxembourg, a tax haven, and recent Swiss financial records showed Mr and Mrs Resnick transferred Fiji Water assets to companies in Switzerland." Read the  full article.

FijiVillage asks Fiji Water how many bottles.

And here's a link to the American website  MotherJones. The posting attracted lots of comments. Check them out.

DEVIOUS COUPFOURPOINTFIVE. First, you told us the army was on the way to Yaqara Note 1, below), and when this information was shown to be incorrect, your "army" transmutes into a security firm comprising, like most other security firms in Fiji, former soldiers.(Note 2, below). You did not back down from the first story and now aim to confuse with 'under guard,' 'soldiers and military officers.'  Would you have us believe the army and a security firm are one and the same?

Note 1. Breaking! Army Heading to Fiji Water factory! ...the army is heading out to the Rakiraki factory.Coupfourpointfive understands the army will arrive at Fiji Water in a short while, one o'clock according to our source.We understand the army will be posted at the factory for two weeks.

Note 2. Fiji Water Factory Under Guard. Former soldiers and military officers are guarding the Fiji Water factory in Yaqara, near Tavua, after the company gave notice it was quitting Fiji. They are part of the security firm, HomeLink, who we understand will be at the factory for two weeks.

MSG RECONCILIATION CEREMONY. Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola will represent the PM at the Melanesian Spearhead Group "reconciliation" ceremony in Honiara on December 15th because the PM "will not back down from what he had earlier stated that he will not attend." This is despite a visit last week by a special MSG envoy Solomon Islander Patterson Oti, to discuss the ceremony which aims to solve the chairmanship issue. Vanuatu PM Edward Natapei is expected to offer his apology to Fiji for his refusal to hand over the chairmanship earlier this year. I think the PM would show generosity of spirit and win more hearts by attending. .

TRAINING THE PUBLIC SERVICE. PSC Chairman Josefa Serulagilagi reports that Permanent Secretaries have recently completed five days of training on various aspects of leadership and how they can more effectively bring about the changes resulting in improved efficiency and service delivery.The training is in line with Pillar 3 of the Peoples Charter and the Roadmap on Democracy and Sustainable Economic Development. Further training which will include Deputy Secretaries and Heads of Departments will continue next year. -- Based on 2010, No:2039/MOI,

FIJI AND HIV/AIDS. Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma launched World AIDS Day at the Fiji School of Medicine yesterday, saying the fight against HIV/AIDS needs to have a change in hearts, cultures and attitudes.

“Neither the UN or bilateral partners nor scientific findings of microbicides or vaccines against HIV; neither the Ministry of Health or Fiji Government nor the churches or any religious organization can solve this problem on their own - it must be everyone and everybody’s business,” he said.

Dr Sharma said less than half of the 354 reported cases of HIV in Fiji were alive today. “There are at least 30 new infections each year and at least 5 people of AIDs related complication every year in Fiji,” he said. “More importantly over three-quarters of those infected ...do not know they have it. We can’t ignore the fact that abstinence and faithfulness to one partner are the ideal and not reality as we are dealing with our own weaknesses and imperfections of the human flesh.”

Dr Ken Chen of WHO cautioned that while Fiji is in the low prevalence HIV/AIDS group, "our Sexually Transmitted Infections rate is high and it’s a risk factor in the prevention of the spread of HIV." -- Based on 2010, No:2050/MOI

BANK BAD LOANS OVER $24 MILLION.The Public Accounts Committee’s scrutiny of the Auditor General’s 2006 Report into the Fiji Development Bank http://www.fijivillage.com/?mod=story&id=011210bea4e47f26acd47e1c59f0f8 shows that its bad loans amounted to over $24 million.

The Committee's audit also found that the mandatory annual reviews on loans and allowances had not always been carried out which reflected the bank’s failure to strictly undertake monitoring and supervision of loans.

Temm-pus Fugit, PSC Restructuring, I Stand Criticized, VAT & Inequalities, Pacific Eye Institutute

TEMM TOO BUSY. New Zealand Law Society President Jonathan Temm (photo), a strong critic of Fiji, was invited to attend the Attorney General’s Conference that starts on Friday so that he could speak with members of the judiciary and legal fraternity on law and order issues in Fiji, and —  "see for himself." Mr Temm, who had earlier accepted the invitation, has now informed Solicitor General Christopher Pryde that he will not be able to attend due to his busy work schedule. Instead, the Solicitor General who, presumably, is also busy will travel to Wellington to discuss the concerns of the New Zealand Law Society.

[I doubt it is worth the effort and expense. Temm's mind is made up. A major hardware store here has just released a new cement product called Mind-Cem. One of my sources tell me Temm was at the launch, looking decidedly unwell (his left hand was trembling),  but if I've only learnt one thing this week it is that blogs can't always trust their sources.]

PSC RESTRUCTURING AND JOBS. Public Service Commission PS Parmesh Chand  says the current review to determine appropriate staffing levels does not necessarily mean job losses because civil servants can be re-deployed to other departments, ministries and agencies that are under-staffed.

He said the review will ensure that all expenditure relating to salaries and wages is prudently managed through the government's payroll system and that agencies do not exceed their budgetary provisions for personnel emoluments.

"As part of the Strategic Framework for Change and the need to rationalise functions and eradicate duplication, from January 1 the functions of the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs will be farmed out to different and relevant ministries already performing similar responsibilities. In other words, the Ministry of Culture will now have the responsibility of all cultural aspects, PSC will have the responsibility of the scholarships and the Ministry of Provincial Development will be responsible for rural advisory councils. Such devolution and assimilation will also assist in the removal of ethnic-based development and administration."

I STAND CRITICIZED. A reader asks "if it's entirely necessary for [me] to raise the spectre of Christians bearing false witness by using the Bible to castigate the regime's opponents. Do you really have to embrace the chronic Fijian practice of using biblical tracts to make your case? I think that in a faintly grubby secular political argument like this one, it comes perilously close to breaching that other biblical injunction about taking the Lord's name in vain." Fair enough but I though it an unambiguous way to get the message to them.

Another reader says I attack the Methodists but not the Catholics. I do not attack either. My attacks are very specific. The targets are those Methodist Church leaders who were actively involved in promoting ethno-nationalism to the point of racism and involvement in the Speight Coup.

Yet another reader thinks I was overdoing it in my reports on Bainimarama's health. I made two comments, on Friday and Monday. Both were factual and both attacked the CoupFourPointFive and its sister blogs that had been publishing false rumours of his health for a nearly a week — and have still have not corrected their misinformation.   False rumour-mongering has become a major weapon aimed at destabilising the Fiji government.

Discerning readers will know that I have many reservations about Government.  They have been constantly spelt out on this blog. But I support their declared aims and the general direction of their policies. A failed coup would take Fiji back to 2006 with none of its basic problems resolved.

I do, however, have some agreement with an anonymous reader whose comment, of course, I cannnot publish in the normal way.  He or she writes, "The lies, half truths and the sheer nonsense that appears on blogs about Fiji politics are the result of censorship and media muzzling. Is it really necessary to have the double whammy Permanent Emergency Regulation and Media Decree? If there is nothing to hide, well let the media report. At least you have named publishers who can be held responsible for misinformation."

Finally, vinaka to another reader who thought I could have coined a new phrase with my "let sleeping blogs lie" and thought it an "apt description."

'ODIOUS INEQUALITIES.'Why not tax the rich more instead of increasing VAT? a reader asks. 'Why not reinstitute capital gains tax? Ditto or gift duty. And re-examine ‘progressive forms of taxation’ that do not put regressive tax burdens on the poor. IMF, World Bank, WTO and even the UN have presided over ‘global development’ that has led to unprecedented and odious inequality between and within countries – with the USA and the UK among the worst cases in the developed world.  Inequality in Fiji continues to be of “Latin American proportions.” We have no minimum wage. The Wages Council wage orders are continuously being undermined by the business lobby and, when the government does act firmly, companies like Fiji Water shut their factories.


OZKIWI NEIGHBOURLY  ASSISTANCE — STATE OF THE ART EYE INSTITUTE. The Pacific Eye Institute $NZ2.7 million building in Suva which the PM opened yesterday has been welcomed by the foreign ministers of Australia and New Zealand that provided much of the necessary funding. They said the facility would vastly improve the treatment and training of the ophthalmologists, doctors and nurses from around the Pacific who would now get eye care training in Fiji.

Australian FM Kevin Rudd said: “The new buildings house training rooms for eye-care nurses, doctors and technicians from across the region, along with operating theatres, a laser-treatment room, an optical laboratory, offices and a resource centre” and NZ FM Murray McCully said that up to 80,000 people in the Pacific were blind, and a further 250,000 visually impaired. Making a major improvement to a person's sight is often not  expensive or difficult if there are qualified health professionals on hand to diagnose and treat people via simple surgical procedures. Research suggests that through better access to eye health care and treatment 75% of blindness cases are preventable.”

In 2010 PEI outreach teams undertook over 5,000 consultations and a thousand surgeries,including nearly 900 cataract removals in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, PNG, Samoa and Fiji. Funding for their work is a key component of Fred Hollows New Zealand's $A13.5m Pacific Regional Blindness Prevention Program (PRBPP), which is funded by the Australian and New Zealand Governments in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation.-- Based on 2037/MOI.