Government Directs NLTB to Implement New Land Rent Distribution Formula

The Government has directed the Native Lands Trust Board to immediately address matters that may impede a decision on the equal distribution of all money’s received by the board on all native land.

In a letter to NLTB senior management, the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama stressed the importance of the board complying with the Government decision.

“Please ensure that all matters are immediately addressed and that Government’s decision on equal distribution of all moneys received by NLTB is implemented with due dispatch,” Commodore Bainimarama said.

Potato Import Substitution, Grassroots Governance and Rural Shops, I'taukei Defined, Thai-Poosam

N0039. POTATOES IN FIJI'S LITTLE ISRAEL. When Jews set up kibbutz (agricultural villages) in British Palestine from  the early 20th century until the 1950s, they turned land only fit for grazing into highly profitable farms.  In a smaller way this is what is happening at Tadravula near Seaqaqa in Vanua Levu.

There 1,600 acres of land, previously owned by the then Native Lands District Commission that had been idle for 20 years, is being turned into a large integrated vegetable and fruit farm that will produce potatoes as its major crop. The farm is being operated by an Australian company Farm 2 UFresh Fiji Limited that so far has sunk $2 million into the project.

Managing director Aaron Sharma said they are planting 25 acres of potatoes every week and will soon harvest the same amount in a sustainable system to ensure continuous supply. Sharma hopes to harvest more than one million kilograms in a year.

The farm is seen as a major player for import substitution, and part of government's intention to ensure that all available idle land is brought into production.

N0040. RURAL SHOPS,  many little more than stores serving only one village, require a licence to open, and the price of licences has gone from $30 a few years back to $200 today. 

During a talanoa session with the PM last week villagers in Veinuqa, Namosi, complained this was too much but all their complaints had fallen on deaf ears.  They'd merely been told the $200 now covered all essential services such as the National Fire Authority. It didn't seem to matter that a fire engine could not get to the village and even if it could the whole village would be in flames before it arrived.

The PM has asked the Commissioner Central and the Provincial Development permanent secretary to look into the matter with the authorities concerned. The villagers hope to open a shop in the near future. -- Based on 2011, No:0071 /MOI.

N0041. ITAUKEI MUST DEFINE THEMSELVES.  Institute of Indigenous Studies CEO Emitai Boladuadua has called on itaukei to be educated in their history, culture and language or run the risk that "others will define who we are and what we are ...  We have continually seen ourselves as others did. We have yielded and ceded to them the authority as well as the legitimacy to define us. We need to act now [to change this], he said, drawing particular attention to the need to reinforce the i'taukei worldwide view about the centrality of relationship and reciprocal obligations. Head of the Institute's Academic Unit, former USP university lecturer and deputy PM in the short-lived Chaudhry government, Dr Tupeni Baba said: “We need to repair and rediscover our place in our land. We cannot change the past. however, we can correct and repair the damage that has been done to our culture and identity.”

N0042.VAARSHIKA THAIPOOSAM THIRUNAAL. Thousands of Hindu devotees  gathered at the Sri Siva Subramanya Swamy Temple in Nadi to celebrate the 85th annual Vaarshika Thaipoosam Thirunaal yesterday. The ten-day celebration is expected to attract devotees from around the country and from abroad. People of all races and religions are welcome to take part.

Vaarshik Thai-Poosam Thirunaal is a time of fasting and meditation when devotees show their respect for the Hindu god of war, Subramaniam, who symbolises the victory of good over evil. The festival takes place during the 10th month of the Tamil calendar, which is called Thai and on the day the full moon passes in front of the star, Poosam.

Devotees carry the karvadi (a burden in which a load is tied to the ends of a pole and carried over the shoulders) but many have gone beyond the simple burden and in return for a blessing, they pin themselves with silver needles, long metal spikes and fish hooks. A Thai-Poosam devotee purifies himself by months of a vegetarian diet, and abstinence from alcohol, cigarettes, sexual activities and other forms of contamination. Only after the prayers, does he return to a normal life.

Drugs, Fuel, Comparisons with NZ, Teachers, Wages

Check out the new Quote for the Week in the right sidebar and 

scroll down to Friday's postings and Weekend Reading.

NOO33. ESSENTIAL DRUG PRICES DOWN 30%. Prices of 74 basic essential pharmaceutical products that are under price control will be reduced by an average of 30% from next Friday but "lifestyle" drugs, on which pharmacists will be able to make high profits, will not be affected. Pharmacies will be required to display the basic drugs under price control.

In making this announcement Commerce Commission chairman Dr Mahendra Reddy said “Government has been concerned for some time with regard to the high and increasing prices of pharmaceutical products, in particular, essential drugs, and  their variability within a small geographical location.” he said.

Dr Reddy said there were several implications from these two issues: First, low income households could be deprived of accessing essential drugs; secondly, an unhealthy population creates additional costs to Government’s health system, and  thirdly that  lack of full information on drug prices implies those seeking drugs may end up buying drugs from pharmacies whose prices are much higher relative to those whose prices are low.

N0034. BUT FUEL PRICES ROCKET. Today the price per litre of motor spirit will increase by 16 cents to F$2.37, diesel by 12 cents to $2.07, Premix outboard fuel price by 20 cents to $2.33. and kerosene by 11 cents to $1.68. This will obviously impact heavily on the transport industry where govenment controls prices.

The Fiji Bus Operators Association said they are ready to absorb the increase as no further submissions will be made to the government to cushion the effects of the increase.

However, Fiji Taxi Union general secretary, Rishi Ram said he will write to the Transport Minister and LTA Board requesting them to consider the earlier submission for the survival of taxi industry.

Fiji has no control over the price it pays for imported fuel which has recently increased in price due the Northern hemisphere winter where fuel is also used for heating and power generation. This is a major reason why government is pushing micro-hydro and other local fuel saving projects.--  Based on 2011, No:0083/AG

N0035. NZ FUEL COSTS EVEN HIGHER. Fiji is now paying F$2.37 a litre for standard petrol, but New Zealand motorists are paying NZ$1.975 or  F$2.785,  41 cents a litre more than Fiji.  If only we'd had a coup, I could blame it on John Key.

N0036. NO JOY FOR NZ. Unlike Fiji's anti-govt bloggers who rejoyce at every economic setback for their homeland, I take no comfort from the fact that the NZ economy is barely growing and may have actually shrunk late last year. This fact is recorded to show that many of Fiji's economic problems have nothing to do with the 2006 Coup.

N0037. MORE TEACHERS RECRUITED. the Ministry of Education reports it will recruit 200 to 240 new teachers this year to replace the 167 who retired last year, those who have changed occupations, who are on in-service training and others who left for overseas. Deputy Secretary Josefa Sania said the "teachers will be replaced by graduates from Fiji's tertiary institutions ...  We have enough graduates from these institutions."

Fiji has approximately 5,000 primary and 3,000 secondary teachers. The overall pupil-teacher ratio has decreased slightly to about 20, but like most averages the ratio is misleading.  Rural school ratios are sometimes as low as 1:10 but in urban schools, most particularly in Suva and Lautoka, the ratio is between 1:45 and 1:50. -- Based partly on 2011, No:0056/MOI.

N0038. BARR KEEPING FINGERS CROSSED. Chairman of the Wages council, Fr Kevin Barr, is keeping his fingers crossed that the PM's Office would consider its recommendation and move forward the implementation date for the new Wages order which is expected to come into force from May this year. He said more detailed information is needed on the workforce to ensure appropriate levels of wages are paid for the various sectors.The lack of information on numbers employed in each sector and the work they perform is a challenge in setting out fair levels of wages and salary.

It is understood that government wants three economics professors to determine minimum wages but the Wages Council prefers a formula, used by many other countries, based on the cost of living. Employers prefer one based on inflation and productivity. The Wages Council would also prefer determination to be made by a group more representative of the social sciences.

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

WEEKEND READING ♦ Women in Fiji by Nazhat Shameem ♦ Who's Who in Government (Still in draft.  Hope to publish it this weekend.)


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.

Double Feature. Lifeguards; the FRU Lottery

Lifeguards 

I refer to drownings, road accidents and human behaviour. Human beings have the highest intelligence in the animal kingdom. Have you ever seen a dog or cattle or horse or goat cross a flooded river? Have you ever seen one of these animals drinking something that will make them drunk and scream and yell at night? During the tsunami in Indonesia all the animals  had long gone into the hills or up to safety well before the tsunami happened. The animals didn’t run to the shore to see the big wave come it. The human beings did. Next time you hear a judge tell a person on trial that he acted like an animal, tell the judge not to judge the animal, because they rarely act irrationally. Animals don’t know the meaning of irrational and thus they remain safe.    

When the rainy season is about to happen you will see long lines of ants coming into your home, they don’t wait around to see how high the water will get then move. During the rainy season and when little drains overflow, do you see animals going for a swim and having fun? No.  We of the higher intelligence will. So, we will never be able to stop drownings and road accidents; it is our destiny.  

However,  top marks to the police in their effort to provide lifeguards at beaches during holidays. But may I be permitted to ask why the life jackets? And looking  at pictures. Why the long pants and cut off shorts?  A drowning person can cause a lifeguard to drown. A fully clothed person going to the rescue and saving a drowning person only happens in movies. A lifeguard is someone who is a strong swimmer and is dressed only in swimming togs ready to dash out to a save someone and he will do it with speed. How fast can someone swim with a life jacket and long pants! We have the correct idea in providing lifeguards but I am wondering how they will perform with all the attire.

What we may need now is to get trained and be certificated as lifeguards with proper equipment like a lifeline that will be tied around the lifeguards waist when he or she swims out to a drowning person. And Speedos only.  

By the way, life jackets are meant to be worn on boats, not on dry land. A story comes to mind of a friend who flew with me to Labasa a few years ago. During the flight I asked him what he would do if the plane was to catch fire, he shook his head in disbelief that I didn’t know what I was talking about and said, “Allen, Allen , Allen, Are you stupid or what! Just reach for your life jacket, put it on and jump from the plane. It will act like a parachute and it will keep you afloat when  you hit the water. "  Yeah right.!

So let's get the lifeguard details corrected, please.   The concept is great but not the gear as shown in the photos. 

 FRU Lottery Solution

I have a solution for the FRU ticket saga. May I suggest that all $10 tickets are refunded including all those whose tickets were not included in the draw.   

Many winners are saddened by the thought that there will be a redraw and see their prize that was almost within grasping distance float away into the distance. They may have planned in buying a home, car, education for the kids, paying of debts, trip overseas, a new life overseas and many more things. At the moment it all seems like very grim fairy tale that almost came true only for the princess to die even after the prince kisses her a few hundred times, and in the process gives her CPR.

Some people  loyal to rugby may offer to give the money as donation, we will thank them from the bottom of our hearts. To those who will want a refund, they deserve it. I say this so we are fair to the winners. To those who didn’t win, we ask them to try again next time.

To sum up, refund all the $10s and the tickets that were not in the draw and let the initial winners take their prize, if there is anything left.

And in the meantime carry on with investigations.

Women in Fiji Society

By Madam Justice Nazhat Shameem

        I accepted this invitation to address you at this important occasion with some trepidation.  Firstly because I knew that I had to exercise great caution to avoid talking about anything that is, or is likely to be before the court.  Given the current eagerness of the legal profession and other groups to bring litigation before the courts, that does not leave me with much to talk about.  Secondly, the sights and sounds of judges speaking their minds in public have become a growth industry in the last year.  I do not want to join the gang and add to the controversy.  One of my colleagues told me very unkindly that I cannot avoid controversy, it seems to dog my steps wherever I go.  So be it.  If I am to be controversial, so long as I avoid the pending litigation hurdle, then at least tonight I am enjoying the experience, surrounded by women of intelligence and concern for society.  The women of the Soroptimist International Club.

Small Animals Suffering, US-Fiji Relations, North Developments, The B Roadmap, Simple Stats

PHOTO OF SICK DOG REMOVED. I AGREE IT IS TOO DISTURBING.

N0028. SAINT FRANCIS WOULD NOT LIKE THIS.  I'm unsure whether the shortage of veterinarians in the West  is due in any way to Fiji's political situation or its poor relations with Australia and the UK, but a concerned reader says there are now no trained vets and a severe shortage of drugs for small animals in the West Division than includes the provinces of Ba, Ra, and Nadroga and Navosa.  In the past, assistance came from UK and Australian visiting Vets to the SPCA West - which is served exclusively by voluntary help. All local vets left long ago.

Large animals fare a little better though assistance from the Dept of Agriculture in Lautoka but again the service is haphazard due to shortage of trained staff. Any developments in Tropical Agriculture and Animal husbandry require full and reliable veterinary services 24/7 365 days of the year. 

The reader says "the SPCA in the West would welcome a visit from diplomats who wish to support the good work being done on a shoe-string, out of sheer love for dumb creatures. They deserve recognition and support."

N0029. US-FIJI RELATIONS. At a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, US Ambassador C. Steven McGann  said America would continue to look for opportunities to strengthen cooperation with Fiji in areas such as humanitarian assistance, disaster response, public health, law enforcement, border controls and port security.  He welcomed Fiji’s strong voting record at the UN on issues affecting both nations.  And both parties agreed on a mutually acceptable framework to facilitate appropriate visas for Fijian officials seeking to attend meetings at the United Nations and other multilateral fora. -- Based on 2011, No:0064 /MOI.

N0030. L0OK NORTH REVISITED.  For many years Fiji's second largest island, Vanua Levu, has lost population and its economy has stagnated. 

Contributing factors to out-migration have been education, employment and the non-renewal of land leases that resulted in many Indo-Fijian tenant farmers leaving for Viti Levu, some joining other refugees in the Lautoka area. To counter the decline the Qarase Government launched the 'Look North' policy in 2002 which has been revived and extended by the present government.

Commissioner Northern LtCol. Inia Seruiratu says that things are changing and urges people to stay to help build the economy. He says a special alloction to Vanua Levu was made in the 2011 Budget that will see further developments.  “Priority one is infrastructure – in infrastructure development we will see a lot of changes in the conditions of our roads, the creation of new roads, in the buildings of wharves and jetties, extension of  FEA grids, water, health services and education.” -- Based on 2011, No:0058 /MOI.

But change takes time and not everything is going to plan.  It has just been announced that the Nabouwalu-Dreketi $30-million road upgrade project has been delayed as government is forced to put more money in the troubled sugar industry. The Commissioner pointed positively to the bauxite mine and pine chip mill in Bua. But the former is unlikely to be in production anytime soon and there are further delays at the chip mill that should have been completed last November. The PM  visited the mill yesterday to find that construction of the 16,000m² bed area was held up by delays in the arrival of ready mix concrete.The first shipment of pine chips weighing about 23,000 tonnes and valued at about $4m is due to leave the country in April for the Japanese market. The contractors say the mill will be ready in time.


N0031. WHERE IS THE BL---Y ROADMAP?  It's probably the most frustrating issue raised by readers, and Doubting Thomas's don't think it exists.  They say it's another hoax by Government to keep the public hoping for favourable outcomes.

I know the Roadmap exists, all be it in draft form, and there's ample indirect evidence of its existence.

Witness the numerous departmental corporate plans that say they aim to comply with its directions (so someone must have seen it), and the constant references from all and sundry in government to the descending organizational pyramid of the Peoples's Charter, the Strategic Framework for Change, and — the Roadmap. The Charter and most corporate plans have been published but not the Roadmap.

If I can think of just one thing that could so easily put a feather in Government's cap, and a prick in its detractors' backsides, it is the publication of the Roadmap.  It need not even be in its final form.  The draft copy will do. The public of Fiji deserve its publication.

N0032. SIMPLE STATS ON FIJI.  If you want a quick reference to Fiji's population, climate, economy, trade, employment, tourism, health, education and much more, click on the Bureau of Statistics  website and then click on  Quick Reference>2010 Facts and Figures.

The latest information is actually for 2009 but some useful comparisions are made with earlier dates.  My only gripe is that while ethnic Fijians are now i'taukei, the Bureau still persists in calling Indo-Fijians Indians.  We have shown in earlier postings this week just how offensive and inaccurate this label is.

WEEKEND READING ♦ Allen Lockington column ♦ Women in Fiji by Nazhat Shameem ♦ Who's Who in Government

PM in Namosi, Media/Blog Botch Doctor Figures, Police & Prisons, Whose Propaganda, Religio Warned

N0023. RIDE 'EM COWBOY. This item as much for the Fiji Sun photo (I couldn't resist it) as for the story. The PM visited remote Wainiyavu Village in the remote interior of Namosi province earlier in the week. The Turaga ni Koro Petero Matavutuka said: “I’ve lived my whole life in the village. This is the first a Prime Minister ever visited us. There is no road that leads to the village but still he came. We waited for him to come and experience first-hand what we face every day in order to get to the town or city to sell our produce.”

The PM said government knows the Tikina o Veinuqa has transport and service difficulties.  What is needed is a a bridge at Namado and Wainiyavu so people can easily transport their vegetables or root crops to the urban centres. Funds have been allocated for the bridge which will cost $1.2m. The PM gave 20 horses to the villagers which cost $6000. In 2010, Government had provided over $400,000 for developments in Namosi province, which included farm and non-PWD roading, forestry, a building grant and eleven self-help projects. The applications of some 939 social welfare recipients had also been approved.

N0024. FIJI TODAY/FIJI SUN BOTH TOTALLY BOTCH DOCTORS FIGURES.   You can't altogether blame the moderate anti-government blog Fiji Today for getting its facts wrong when  it reported "Recent statistics released by the Ministry of Health shows that out of the 850 trained doctors in the country 400 have left for greener pastures last year." They were merely quoting the Fiji Sun. But they said this equated to more than one doctor per day and really rubbed it in by adding "Good one, Frank. You are building a better Fiji." Click on both  hyperlinks above to check that I've got this right, and then read on...

The figures they cite are completely wrong, and the journalists responsible have no good excuse because they should immediately have queried obviously suspicious figures and because there were quick ways to do so. I looked at the figures and thought 850 trained doctors? Fiji only has 8,000 teachers and they can't possibly outnumber doctors by only 10:1.

So I checked the Bureau of Statistics website that showed there were only 416 doctors in 2009, and as a further check I consulted the Ministry of Health's  website. Their Strategic Plan for 2011 states that it aims to maintain the number of doctors at 54 per 100,000 population. This would give 480 (not 850) doctors in an estimated 2010 population of 888,000.  So the Fiji Sun and Fiji Today are way off the mark.

And then, incredibly, they made a second error by saying the loss of 400 doctors occurred in one year, when the figure is for the past 10 to 15 years, that gives a loss of between 40 to 27 doctors a year. Still a large number but locally graduating doctors and overseas recruitment should make up much of the loss.

I hope the Fiji Sun and Fiji Today editors blush with shame, with the latter offering Frank an apology.

N0025. POLICE & PRISONS JOIN FORCES. A MOU signed last year between these two services is expected to result in greater efficiency, less recidivism and lower costs. Information and intelligence will be shared through regular liaison and there will be joint training programmes, operational activities, and media releases whenever necessary. Further, they will share human and technical resources for investigatory and training purposes, and the supervision and monitoring of rehabilitation of former prison inmates.-- Based on 2011, No:0055 /MOI.

N0026. WHY PRINT GOVERNMENT PROPAGANDA? "Anare" asks why I publish government releases with no comment, saying it makes the blog look like "a mirror of government propaganda."  I rely on numerous news sources, including government, and the source is always acknowledged. The original release is usually abbreviated and sometimes commented upon. News releases from government sources are more conspicuous because I cannot provide a hyperlink. I added the source (usually -- Based on ...) at the end, where it stands out.  

But I do publish a lot of government news.  This is because much is not used by the local, and almost none by the overseas, media that seem more interested in the personal and sensational than in "boring" news on developments that cumulatively show progress towards Charter goals.

N0027. RELIGIO WARNED. Police in Nadi have warned a religious leader against preaching against other churches and to stop making racist remarks. Failure to heed the warning will result in the cancellation of the church's permit to hold gatherings.

UK, French, EU Trade, Minimum Wages, Workplace Discrimination, Development Multiplier Effect

N0019.  TRADE WITH EUROPE. Primary Industries Minister Joketani Cokanasiga met with British High Commissioner Mac McLachlan (right) and French Ambassador to Fiji Michael Montagnier yesterday to discuss bilateral trade opportunities.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss issues relating to bilateral trade opportunities between Fiji, United Kingdom, and France and with the European Union as a whole.

The issues discussed included capacity building and training opportunities within the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Fisheries and Forestry; technical expertise on  legislation' market excess, and government’s focus on export promotion, import substitution and poverty alleviation.”

Help was also sought on the EU ban on kava exports and the wish to extend the FairTrade Act to non-sugar agricultural commodities. -- Based on 2011, No:0039/MPI.

N0020. MINIMUM WAGES— AGAIN. Government backed down from implementing minimum wages last year due to employer pressure. The issue, however, is not dead and Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment, Filipe Bole, has confirmed that the ministry was actively engaged with the tripartite social partners at the Employment Relations Advisory Board to finalise new minimum wage formulae to be adopted by the Wages Councils.

After the three special sittings of the Wages Board last year the social partners unanimously agree to adopt the wage setting criteria in the ILO Convention No. 131, especially Article 3, as the basis to objectively review the minimum wages under the WRO. This included an appropriate national minimum wage formula compatible with the economic and social realities of Fiji. The Board also agreed to engage local professors of economics to recommend formulae for the sectoral minimum wages and national minimum wage to the Board before final formulae are recommended to the Minister for Labour for Cabinet’s consideration. The Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment under the Peoples Charter to move  towards a national minimum Wage in phases to help alleviate poverty. 2011, No:0042/LABOUR.

Comment: The phases seem more likely to help employers, and not those in poverty. Once again we see the difficulty government has in juggling conflicting interests. Small employers especially are finding things difficult in the present economic climate but even when things were easier some employers paid the least possible wages. And if the conditions are difficult for employers, those living on wages below the poverty line will be finding it even more difficult.

N0021. DISCRIMINATION STILL IN WORKPLACES. Labour Minister Filipe Bole said the Employment Relations Promulgations of 2007 prohibit all forms of discrimination in the workplace. But despite this discrimination  and unlawful segregation work cultures between races and gender continue. The Regulations state entitlements to fair labour practices and equal opportunities in employment for all workers in accordance with the 1998 International Labour Organisation Declaration on the Fundamentals Principles and Rights at Work that Fiji has ratified.

Under these parts, no employer or person shall discriminate against any worker or prospective worker on the grounds of ethnicity, colour, gender, religion, political opinion, national extraction, sexual orientation, age, social origin, marital status, pregnancy, family responsibilities, state of health including real or perceived HIV status, trade union membership or activity, or disability in respect of recruitment, training, promotion, terms and conditions of employment, termination of employment or other matters arising out of the employment relationship.

The Minister said one of the biggest challenges his ministry faces is the promotion of non-discriminatory labour practices in private and public workplaces. All employers need to adopt and practice Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) values and behaviours that are also in line with the Peoples Charter and Government’s firm commitment to introduce equal citizenry and non-race-based electoral and political systems.-- Based on 2011, No:0042/MOI.

N0022. DEVELOPMENT IN NORTHERN DIVISION. Over 1,350 projects have been funded by the Northern Development Programme over the past three years. NDP manager Waisale Tuidama said the projects cost $7.5million,about $3.5m funded by NDP and $3.9m by other banks.  Sectors funded  include 553 projects in dalo and yaqona farming, 217 fishing projects, 127 sugarcane projects, 39 rice farming projects and 105 livestock projects. The multiplier effect is estimated to be about $35m.

The Manager said, "The NDP was focused towards establishing fishing projects during the first two years. Now we are trying to develop livestock, dairy, rice and other commercial farming projects to utilise the natural resources and become self-sufficient.We hope to introduce cluster farming whereby a farmer is involved in numerous farming projects. This will also make it easier for the farmer to market the products."

Lottery Scandal, No One Indian People, Schools Name Change, Mai TV, Land Bank & Mining, Scholarships & Manpower Training, Roads, Apostolic Whoops!

N0010. LOTTERY FUNDS MISUSED. Several serious allegations have surfaced in the Commerce Commission Report in relation to the Fiji Rugby Union lottery case. The Commission says the FRU lottery bank account showed it had $104,000 The Commission findings, however, showed that as at 30th December the  balance in the FRU lottery bank account totalled only $104,000. With lottery sales  the  balance should have been  $350,000.

Some money could still be coming in from vendors but it appears that only half the tickets were sold. It also appears ticket money has been used for  airfares, accommodation, visa application and game tickets for the 2010 Hong Kong 7s for a senior FRU Lottery Director. Government  has asked the FRU Board and Executive to resign.

STOP PRESS. Bill Gavoka  has resigned as FRU chairman but remains on the Board. Rafaele Kasibulu, who will lead talks with Government to discuss its demands, is effectively the interim Chairman.

N0011.WHEN IS AN INDIAN NOT AN INDIAN.  My  article on this topic published on Saturday in Weekend Reading was republished by AUT's Pacific Media Centre.The photo, courtesy of PMC, is Indo-Fijian girls performing a Pacific dance item.  The article drew this (slightly edited) comment from a reader:

"This is interesting and a helpful discussion on a subject which has been fraught with far too much emotion in the past.

My advice has always been: strive for cultural understanding, but guard against cultural stereotyping. I believe the word "Indian" describes only one's nationality. In the Fiji context it has overtones which lead directly to ethnic stereotyping and profiling. Otherwise educated analysts tell us that the "Indians" want one or other political solution, or that they want to preserve their cultural identity. Who are these "Indians" who think in such a homogeneous way? The same mistake has been made about the  i'taukei. That they should be united and think as one.

"Really? The best situation for Fiji is that we accept that all individuals regardless of culture and ethnicity should be able to pursue their individual dreams. Not to be driven by the narrow walls of what they ought to believe. In fact in the current political situation in Fiji, there are persons of all ethnicities which oppose the government just as there are persons of all ethnicities which support it.

"There is no Indo-Fijian way of thinking,  just as there is no "European-Fijian" way of thinking. When the British tried to codify custom in the Fijian Administration, the most significant mistake they made (apart from creating new "customary" institutions such as the Fijian courts) was to assume that there was one homogeneous Fijian way of life. Nayacakalau wrote of this in the most gentle  way. There is no one Fijian people, just a number of individuals who share some cultural characteristics. And they all think differently from each other.There is no one Indian people in Fiji or elsewhere.

It is time to grow up and to stop defining people's thoughts, politics and aspirations in terms of their ethnic origin.I liked your article very much. Thanks, Nitesh."

N0012. SCHOOLS CHANGING RACE-BASED NAMES. All schools with race-based names are now being changed.

N0013. MAI TV has launched a free 24 hours web channel aimed primarily at overseas Fijians. Besides the news broadcast at 7pm you will be able to watch a range of popular programmes and more will be launched over the coming weeks. All you have to do is register with an email address and password on the Mai TV’s home page www.maitv.com.fj  Note, however, that the company reserves the right to charge for services sometime in the future.

N0014. LAND BANK & BAUXITE MINING at Nawailevu in Bua is expected to start by March according to the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources on an area of Native land previously leased to Fiji Pine. Aurum Exploration Fiji paid Fiji Pine $1m so that the land could revert to landowners from the Mataqali Nalutu, Mataqali Noro and Mataqali Naicobo.

In turn, the mataqali offered the land to the Government Land Bank, and last week the PM designated the first parcel of  land for bauxite mining.  Aurum will have a 99-year lease on the land and a surface mining licence is expected to be issued in March. The Land Bank is a government initiative aimed at giving leasees more secure tenure, landowners an assured income, and bringing more land into productive use.-- Based on 2011, No:0025 /MOI.

The PM said “The significance of the activation of the Land Bank is that many of our idle lands could now be leased through the Land Use Decree 2010 and be made productive for the betterment of landowners, investors and the country as a whole. Landowners who willingly choose to have their lands leased through the Land Use Decree will now be in a position to reap fair and just returns. They will also receive the full quantum of the premium and land rent. I know that this is one of the key issues that landowners have been calling for in the past decades." Government will also ensure the investors security of tenure. -- Based on 2011, No:0023 /MOI.

N0015. MINING PREDICTED AS TOP EXPORTER EARNER. In an ABC broadcast chairman of Fiji's Mining and Quarrying Council, Harvey Probert,  predicts mining will be Fiji's main export earner within five years.

N0016. SCHOLARSHIPS & MANPOWER TRAINING. Some $14million has been allocated for Government Scholarships and Training, under the Public Service Commission and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Scholarship Programme for 2011.  The money will assist about one thousand continuing students in Fiji and overseas, and about the same number of new students.  The fund will be administered by the PSC which also coordinates training programmes funded by bilateral partners.

PSC PermSec Parmesh Chand said there will be a completely new set of criteria in place next year as required by virtue of principles enshrined in the People’s Charter for Change, Peace & Progress and the Roadmap for Sustainable Economic Development & Democracy. Government's focus is on capacity building, and the PSC will ensure a prudent use of resources to enhance the knowledge, skills and expertise of the civil service, as well as the private sector.  -- Based on 2011, No:0010 /PSC.

Mr Chand emphasised that a professional, committed and ethical workforce can only be achieved through on-going capacity building, and for this reason, a supportive training culture is encouraged, so that the training needs of the nation can be effectively addressed.

N0017. ROAD WORKS. Potholes may be a thing of the past on major roads if government manages to complete current and intended road works by 2014. The Ministry of Works  is concentrating on tourist areas, along with the main roads and farm roads. The Nadi Back Road is half complete and work will soon commence in Ba, Sigatoka and Rakiraki.

N0018. WOOPS! FIJI SUN IN ORBIT. The heading read "Apostolic congress hailed by Catholics." But  it wasn't.  The article was about the Catholic Apostolic Church that originated in England in the 1830s.  The (Roman) Catholic Church is just a little older. You can't always believe what you read in the press.

Incremental Rural Development, Averted Stike & Redundancies, Fiji NAM Membership, NZ Cattle Imports

IMPORTANT NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS. See previous posting. 

N0005. ONGOING RURAL DEVELOPMENT. Work on the Somosomo Hydro plant in Taveuni should begin in earnest this year with the completion of the dam and site designs by Chinese investors.The $20m Chinese aid funded project was a solution to power problems on the island that was  heavily reliant on diesel powered generators. --Based on 2011, No:0005 /MOI.

Another small project is the micro hydro project in Buca, eastern Cakaudrove, that will be commissioned this month. The total cost of the project is $945,000 shared about equally between Turkish International Cooperation and the Department of Energy. It is expected that electricity will help raise local living standards, fish refrigeration, small businesses among women and better study facilities for children. -- Based on 2010, No:2268 /MOI.

And on the "big island" some 300 villagers in remote Taulevu, Naitasiri, will now have safe drinking water  thanks to eight 10,000 litre tanks provided by government at a cost of $22,000. -- Based on 2011, No:0016/MOI.

And so the little things continue to add up all over rural Fiji.

N0006. AVERTED STRIKE; ABUSED REDUNDANCIES. A strike that threatened the Sheraton/Westin resort at the peak of the holiday season was averted thanks to mediation by the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment.

The agreement reached saw  the employer agree to pay wages increments and the Union to not activate the strike mandate. Minister Filipe Bole thanked both parties for acting in good faith to resolve the dispute, adding:" In this new year, we urge all employers and workers to act in good faith, 'come to the table', talk about their differences and resolve them amicably.” -- Based on 2011, No:0020 /LABOUR.

The Minister was less pleased with the increased reporting of probable employer abuses of the law's redundancy provisions. Under Part 12 of the Employment Relations Promulgation (ERP) 2007 on unfair employment terminations, he reminded employers that they "must provide the workers, their representatives and the Permanent Secretary not less than 30 days before carrying out the terminations, with relevant information including the reasons for the termination contemplated, the number and categories of workers likely to be affected and the period of which the terminations are intended to be carried out." 

The law also requires employers to give workers or their representatives an early opportunity for consultation on measures to be taken to avert or to minimize the terminations, and on measures to mitigate the adverse effects of any terminations on the workers concerned such as action to attempt to find alternative employment or re-training." The Minister warned that employers not following the social responsibility requirements under Part 12 of the ERP will be taken to task.-- Based on 2011, No:0021 /LABOUR.

N0007. FIJI SOON TO BE NAM MEMBER. Fiji expects soon to be endorsed as a member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) that aims to represent the political, economic and cultural interests of the developing world. The purpose of the organisation, that comprises  118 developing countries, as stated in the Havana Declaration of 1979 is to ensure “the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of non-aligned countries” in their “struggle against imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, racism, and all forms of foreign aggression, occupation, domination, interference or hegemony as well as against great power and bloc politics”. NAM members represent nearly two-thirds of the United Nations’ members and 55 per cent of the world population.

N0008.  FIJI TO IMPORT NZ CATTLE. Two shipments of 350 Friesian Cross cattle whose big feet make them well suited to warmer climates will be imported from New Zealand from February. The shipments included 150 impregnated heifers, followed by about 180 heifers and 20 breeding bulls.

The cattle are one of the rehabilitation strategies employed by the Ministry of Agriculture after the devastation wreaked by brucellosis. Government will spend $1.3m on the project that also includes the renovation and upgrade of the the Koronivia Research Station between Suva and Nausori that will initially receive the livestock. -- Based on 2011, No:0008/MOI.

N0009. FARMER OUTRAGED AT MILL BREAKDOWNS.  Fiji Times.

Unless there is urgent breaking news, the next posting will be on Wednesday at noon.

Important Announcements, Bainimarama's Steps, Bus Fares Unchanged, Government Corporate Goverance

IMPORTANT NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS 10 Jan.2011

New Posting days and times. From this week there will be no postings on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays unless there is very important breaking news.  On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, there will be two posting, the first at noon, the second late in the afternoon. Weekend Readings will be posted at noon on Saturdays.
New article identification. From today, each item in every posting will have a unique number. This will enable readers to refer to individual items when commenting and access these items using the Search facility in the left sidebar.
New map feature. Click on Zoom Map/Air Photo Fiji tab under the main heading, and zoom in to a map or satellite photo anywhere in Fiji or zoom out to see the world courtesy of Google Maps.
New Quotation for the Week.  Posted every weekend in the right sidebar.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE WEEKEND READING.

N0001.  CAFE PACIFIC USES READERS' COMMENTS. It's great to see recognition for the quality of comments to this blog acknowledged on David Robie's blog.  Many deserve far wider readership they they have here tucked in at the bottom of posts.  Click here.

N0002. BAINIMARAMA: ONE THING AT A TIME. Something of PM Bainimarama's thinking is revealed incidentally in his admonishment of government departments that have not used their allocated funds, especially in rural areas.

He said the main reason for increasing the budgetary allocation for capital works in the 2011 national budget was to speed up and complete development work to meet the time frame set in the national corporate plan. He said each ministry has now only one year to reach their required target before government focuses on establishing the new constitution and holding the general elections.

This is a further affirmation that he sees the successful completion of infrastructural developments as essential to winning grassrooots support prior to focusing on political developments. I see the logic behind this , but I see no good reason why consultation and dialogue has to wait until 2012. Indeed, Government would win over more people in the educated, urban "middle ground" if they were included in the political process well before to 2012. Government needs their support at least as much as the support of the largely i'taukei rural grassroots.

N0003. WIN-WIN DECISION ON BUS FARES. Government and bus operators have agreed that bus fares will the excluded from VAT, saving bus operators 15% of the fares, and the fares will not be increase for the next three years unless world price of crude oil exceeds US$145 a barrel. All previous fuel concessions granted by Government will cease from 1 January.

It was also agreed that bus operators will provide 50% discounted services to the elderly (60 years and over) with IDs and provide a free service for disabled persons. E-ticketing will be introduced this year to improve  the bus fare voucher system for school children. These measures are consistent with the People's Charter.-- Based on 2011, No:0027 /MOI.

N0004. CHECKING CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND TARGETS. All government ministries, departments and agencies now have corporate plans that are aligned to People's Charter objectives. The plans are submitted annually to the Strategic Framework for Change Coordinating Office (SFCCO), which is part of the Prime Minister’s Office.

The SFCCO's job, beside coordinating  and monitoring all government development projects and programmes, is to provide an independent advisory service to the PM. The Office has so far received 16 of the 23 2011 Annual Corporate Plan of government agencies, and their prompt return means that the SFCCO will have ample time to consult ministries finalising specific outputs, time lines for delivery and budgetary costs. -- Based on 2011, No:0013 /SFCCO.

Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

WEEKEND READING.  ♦ Allen Lockington column ♦ The Eleven Pillars of the People's Charter  ♦ Critique of Jone Baledrokadroka's Ideas on Legitimacy  ♦ Fr Barr on VAT ♦ When is an Indian Not an Indian by Crosbie Walsh  ♦ The extensive posting published late on Friday.

And don't forget to read the comments to postings. They are just as important, informative — and controversial. 

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.

Mosquito Repellent

After the recent rains we in Waiyavi Lautoka have been attacked by mosquitoes galore. It's a natural phenomenon. They breed and hatch seven to eight days after the rains. With everything so green and roadside grass and many back yards with healthy grass, the mosquitoes have lush homes.

The Eleven Pillars of the People's Charter

This is a resource page  to  assist readers to check the separate developments that are reported almost daily on this blog against the aims of the People's Charter that are also incorporated in the as yet unpublished Strategic Framework for Change and the Roadmap.

When is an Indian Not an Indian

By Crosbie Walsh 

(a Causasian, once English New Zealander with Maori, Pacific and Indian overlays) 

Note: editorial changes have been made to this article since it was first posted.

The Bainimarama government recently decreed that all Fiji citizens would be known as Fijian and ethnic Fijians as i'taukei.  The move, in line with Pillar 2 of the People's Charter*, which is intended to help nation-building, was understandably objected to by many "Fijians," not because they were not i'taukei — which they demonstrably are — but because they had got used to this name, bestowed on them by Tongans, as exclusively theirs. All other citizens, excepting Rotumans,  were vulagi (visitors) no matter how long their ancestors had lived in Fiji. 

Jone Baledrokadroka's Ideas on Legitimacy, Negotiation and Mediation

Opinion by Crosbie Walsh

Photo: Jone Baledrokadroka.

 I quote Jone Baledrokadroka, a former senior RFMF officer now living in Canberra with a scholarship to ANU, writing in CoupFourPointFive:

VAT has Increased to 15%

Kevin J. Barr

This  short article, and an earlier one by Fr Barr on his assessment of the 2011 Budget on the poor, was submitted to two Fiji newspapers. Both chose not to published them.  Whether this was due to direct or self-censorship is beside the point. There is a need for public discussion on such issues.

Building a Social Safety Net, FSC's Alleged Negligence, Some Crook Pharmicists, Lottery Zero Point Five

WEEKEND READING.  ♦ Allen Lockington column ♦ The Eleven Pillars of the People's Charter 
♦ Jone Baledrokadroka's Ideas on Legitimacy  ♦ Fr Barr on VAT.

 
BUILDING FIJI'S SOCIAL SAFETY NET. Food vouchers of $30 a month at a cost of $7.5m were introduced in March 2010 and initially affected 27,000 needy people. In the December 2011 Budget Government announced a further allocation of $4m and a widening of criteria for rural families to cater for another 10,000 people.

Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni (photo) said the additional money will allow assistance to people 70 years and over, and families with children, the sick and infirm, and pregnant mothers living in households where the annual income is under $10,000. The measure is one of several that go some way towards providing a welfare net to Fiji's more needy families. Other measures include:

• Raising the income tax threshold from $9,000 to $15,000
• School bus fare subsidies and free school textbooks
• Price controls
• More rigorous work by the Consumer Council and Commerce Commission
• More worker protection and "promise" of minimum wages
• Exemption from user-pays medical costs
• VAT exemption on essential food items
• Delay on VAT increase until after schools start

A total of 10,000 recipients in rural and remote areas will be identified under the Government’s new food voucher programme. The Ministry's permanent secretary Govind Sami said: "The $4million that has been set aside in the new food voucher programme is only for 10,000 recipients living in rural communities. Categories range from old, sickly and also pregnant mothers in the rural communities who will be visiting rural dispensaries and health centers for their clinics and about 4000 to 5000 families with children attending primary schools.”. Meanwhile, the introduction of the Westpac Handy Cards to Family Assistance (FA) and Care and Protection (C&P) recipients will see social welfare services taken to an improved level.(2011, No:0014 /AG).

The Fiji Times, however, reports that the Ministry is having some difficulty in winning the support of small shops and cooperatives in some rural areas, and intends to re-advertise requesting their participation.

DISTURBING REPORT ON NORTHERN SUGAR. The FSC and the Fiji Cane Growers Association are disputing the amount of unharvested cane in the Northern Division that has been allowed to go to waste. FCGA Labasa Branch President Mohammed Rafiq wants  PM and Sugar Minister Bainimarama to come and see "what is the real story about the sugar industry in the Northern Division."

"We are very much concerned as I have mentioned that sugar cane farmers are suffering a lot. They are crying on the farms because they all had the hope that their cane would be crushed and than they will get something at the end of the day.At least a tonne of harvested cane went to waste after the Labasa Mill ended crushing on 24th of last month, and there would have been more except that many farmers could not deliver all their harvested cane as there were no quota and rail trucks provided.

SCGA Acting CEO Sundresh Chetty says a survey conducted by the council showed that more than one thousand tonnes of harvested cane was not accepted by the Labasa Sugar mill before it ended its crushing season. The Council claims negligence on the part of the FSC in Labasa and as submitted a full report to PM’s office.

PHARMACISTS BREACH RULES. A survey by the Consumer Council that included 47 of Fiji's 55 pharmacists found numerous examples of overcharging (57%), mislabelling (40%), incorrect prescribed dosages, and receipts that did not include the pharmacy's name or address. None of the receipts specified the individual medicine names. The Council recommended the prosecution of offending pharmacies and a review of the functions of the Fiji Pharmaceutical Society with a view to strengthening its Code of Conduct and monitoring its members'  trading practices.

Meanwhile, doctors are being advised and medical students taught to prescribe according to  generic drug names, that Fiji imports in bulk, not the far more expensive branded names. Individuals who can afford originator drugs have the freedom to purchase these items and pay a premium price.  The retail pharmacies can make their margins from these patients.  The role of government is to protect and care for the vulnerable, sick, poor and aged patients of Fiji by controlling the price of common generics. -- Based on 2011, No:0018/MOH.

LOTTERY ZERO POINT FIVE. The Fiji Rugby Union's decision to cut the price of its lottery tickets from $20 to $10 because they had too many unsold tickets would be laughable in most other rugby-playing countries, but not in Fiji where an aggrieved FRU Chairman Bill Gavoka, faced with a likely $125,000 fine for breach of Commerce Commission regulations, could only say "It's mind boggling that the process is in place."  For some reason, NZ Stuff in reporting the event, had to said that "Bainimarama has been at odds with [FRU] several officials, including trustee and former military dictator Sitiveni Rabuka and the CEO Keni Dakuidreketi." What's that got to do with the price of fish -- or a lottery ticket!

But there's more.  FRU chief executive officer Keni Dakuidreketi has now accused the Commerce Commission of acting unlawfully, and hurled personal insults at the Commission chairman, Dr Mahendra Reddy.

I  have no way of knowing what the law says but if it allows lottery tickets to be sold to some customers for $20 and $10 to others, where the prize is the same for both, it is demonstrably unfair and needs to be changed.  This was not a post-Christmas sale with prices discounted 50%!

Naivalurua, Fact and Speculation; Ratu Joni Needed in Fiji, if only by E-mail

NAIVALURUA: OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT & MORE BLOG SPECULATION.
Ioane Naivalurua (photo) has just signed his contract with the Public Service Commission today, so he's likely to be Police Commissioner until September 2013, but CoupFourPointFive obviously doesn't think he'll last that long.

It says he's on Bainimarama's hit list — "It is widely believed Bainimarama doesn't want Naivalurua presiding over both [prisons and the police] because he wields too much power and is therefore a threat."

Despite the blog's forewarning, PSC chairman Josefa Serulagilagi said Government was grateful to have a highly motivated, experienced and dedicated officer such as Brigadier General Naivalurua assume the role of Commissioner of Police.

“This is a very critical position in the public service, which not only demands exceptional leadership qualities and skills but also someone who is prepared to go that ‘extra mile’ in our quest for changes and reforms to build public institutions that are strong, professional, accountable and most of all entirely committed to bringing about improved efficiencies in their operations and service deliveries,” he said, adding that the Commissioner "meets these requirements given his 31 years of service in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and in the last four years the excellent work he did in the Fiji Prisons and Correctional Services.”

For his part, Naivalurua said he had "settled in the job well and had received tremendous support from within the force as well and its stakeholders in turning around the work culture, performance and professionalism in the institution to meet the expectations of Government and the people of Fiji." -- Based on 2011, No:0011/MOI).

CoupFourPointFive, however, claims that "rank and file officers have fed Coupfourpointfive with material they say proves Naivalurua is corrupt." Well! Well! We know there are some corrupt police officers and that it is part of Naivalurua's brief to ferret them out. One cannot help but wonder whether the blog's informants are trying to get their punch in first. The rank and file officers should offer the condemning material to a safe and neutral party so that others may assess its plausibility.

Given the growing list of misinformation regarding appointments and resignations from the CoupFourPointFive blog, one must also ask what steps it takes to ensure the reliability of its information — and why it never corrects its errors when proved wrong.

One further point for the blog editors. They claimed in the same posting that PSC Permanent Secretary, Parmesh Chand, has resigned. "Sources have told us that he has, as we tipped earlier, vacated the post." I checked with the PSC Information Officer. She replied: "Bula Mr Walsh, No he hasn’t. He's still at the job."

He could, of course, resign some time in the future, but what is so sinister about this? I do remember in talking to him last year he was very concerned about the travel bans as they affected his family. He thought it unfair that the bans should apply to career public servants who had nothing to do with the military or the coup. If he does resign, CoupFourPointFive should at least visit the possibility that this could be the reason.

CONGRATULATIONS TO RATU JONI. Radio Fiji reports that former Vice President and High Court Judge Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi has been bestowed the title of Lord Madraiwiwi Tangatatonga by King George Tupou V of Tonga. As a law lord he will provide legal advice to the King and be responsible for the settlement of disputes over noble titles. Ratu Joni is currently serving in the Solomon Islands as one of the two International Commissioners with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  His service to Tonga will be provided mainly by e-mail.

For all of Bainimarama's  doubts about this man (and his of the Bainimarama Government)  he is, in my view, ironically one of the few people who has sufficient knowledge and mana  to ensure that Fiji not only gets to 2014 with the People's Charter principles in tact, but also ensure the principles are embedded permanently in  Fiji society.

Despite their obvious differences, Fiji would benefit if both men would step back from their former positions and explore the principles they share in common.

Unfortunately, “History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.” (Abba Eban).

Why Government Needs Fuller People Empowerment NOW; Land, NLTB, VAT, Tourism

ALL LAND LEASE MONEY WILL BE DISTRIBUTED EQUALLY    Previously, the NLTB took 15% of lease money as administration cost. After that, 30% went to chiefs at different levels (5% to the Turaga i'Taukei, 10% to the Turaga ni Yavusa and 15% to the Turaga ni Mataqali). The other landowners — the ordinary people — then shared the remainder.  --  Fiji Sun.

Doing the Right Thing — the Wrong Way

 

  Citizens Constitutional Forum's CEO, Reverend Akuila Yabaki, says that while his organisation welcomes a greater democratisation in the distribution of lease money to indigenous landowners, more consultation is needed.

He says discussions were talked about but due to media censorship he does not know if any have taken place, and the CCF has been unable to obtain a copy of the relevant decree to examine the details. Rev. Yabaki said “it’s a painful change and therefore there will be people who will feel undermined in terms of their authority but that sort of thing should be all the [more] reasons why there should be greater engagement and dialogue with all stake holders.” He says he is aware of at least one province that has said it does not agree with the changes.

I think it more probable that formal dialogue has not taken place. There would be no point in censoring this information. But the continuation of the emergency regulations (PER) allow rumours to flourish, such as the supposed opposition of "at least one province", and for this reason, its continuance is regrettable. But this criticism of the CCF statement is nitpicking.

Overall, the  statement is a wise and timely reminder to Government that doing the "right thing" is not enough. People need to agree that it is the right thing, and the only way to ensure this is by including those most affected in dialogue: different levels of chiefs, ordinary landowners, the NLTB, and different types of leasees.

Sure, this will give those "chronically opposed" to government opportunities to criticize and perhaps rally some support, but there is no other way.

Empowerment means involvement.  Change that is imposed that does not have public acceptance rarely lasts. If Government is looking beyond the elections in 2014, as it must be, it needs to ensure its major changes are permanent.

What do you think?

Readers are invited to suggest what form(s) of participation (not just on land leases) might be acceptable to the general public and to Government. A distinction should be made been acceptable NOW, and the type of dialogue we can expect in 2012 when constitutional and electoral reform will be discussed. 

 GOVT AIMS TO EMPOWER EVERYONE. Top-down theories sound fine but the reality is that Government needs to provide the institutional structures and environment for people to empower themselves. Nothing else will last.  -- Fiji Village.

MISUSE OF UNCLAIMED NLTB LEASE MONEY. Radio Fiji.

VAT INCREASED by 2.5% on Monday but school stationery will be exempt until after schools resume.

TOURISM LOOKS BRIGHT. With $23.5m allocated by government to promote tourism,  Seeto says prospects look bright.

Two Thoughtful Comments: On Collective Memory and Conventional Media Practices

Moment of assassination of US President John F Kennedy, Dallas, Texas, November 22, 1963. Photo credit: Obrag.org 

COLLECTIVE MEMORY Ni bula, Croz, e na vakatawase has left a new comment on your post "The Tongan Elections":

A great piece, Croz, and yet more evidence that the youthful naivete so prevalent in the island media is no substitute for the age and experience of an old hand like you. When you've been in these parts for nearly half a century, you're fully entitled to express whatever opinion you like, however much it offends the critics. Anyone who remembers the Tofua and the Matua, let alone sailed on them, or negotiated the raised centre aisle of a Fiji Airways De Havilland Heron deserves to be heard with respect.

A recent editorial by Fred Wesley in the Fiji Times reminded me of how little collective memory is brought to bear on current events. In a piece on someone who'd managed to reach the ripe old age on 101, Wesley wrote in apparent awe that there were still people in Fiji who could remember the assassination of John F, Kennedy, the British colonial era and Fiji's independence. I've yet to reach three score years and can remember all three! You go back a lot longer and have accumulated much more knowledge. As the old saying goes, those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

But in the case of Fiji, it's the appalling general ignorance of the past that produces the same mistakes again and again. You've now got to be 23 years old to have even been born at the time of Rabuka's 1987 coup. And you've got to be 40 to have been born at Independence. Is it any wonder that these events are now regarded as ancient history and irrelevant to peoples' lives?

Yet the same racial, political and social pressures remain largely unresolved and blight what could and should have been the brightest of futures. With the Fiji media, it's a case of the blind leading the blind.. You, on the other hand, are able to shine a torch on history and relate it to the present. May your battery continue to hold out for many years to help light the path ahead. Happy New Year!


THE ABC INTERVIEW AND COUP4.5'S ANONYMOUS MR X
 The ABC of getting it wrong has left a new comment on your post "PM's 2011 Message, Great Council of Chiefs Politic...":

Conventional practice in news and current affairs has it that interviewees should only have their identities concealed when there is a clear threat to their positions and the information being imparted is of such importance that there is a clear public interest in granting them anonymity.

The ABC would undoubtedly argue that one of the principals of Coup 4.5 deserves the cloak of anonymity because of the possibility of government retribution. But that's where any justification ends and even this depends on whether the person being interviewed was actually in Fiji and within striking distance of the alleged bully boys of the military.

Is he in danger on the streets of Auckland or Sydney? Not on the evidence thus far. Not only do regime critics thrive there but there's no indication whatsoever that Frank Bainimarama is a Saddam Hussein who orders death squads to pursue his opponents abroad. So how hazardous is this individual's position beyond being unmasked as a regime critic? Would he be captured, tortured and forced to reveal the secrets of 4.5? Maybe in Fiji in more fevered minds but nowhere else,

Where the ABC is really vulnerable to criticism and complaint is that this person's contribution to the debate was so pedestrian. Merely parroting the usual anti-regime line meant that nothing of what he said met the public interest test. There was no new information of such pressing urgency that the public benefited from hearing from the man with the mask.

Now, one might argue that I am anonymous in these columns. But this is comment, not news, an important distinction. And in any event, the whole world accepts that an entirely different set of conventions applies to the Bloggersphere. When it comes to news and information programs on a mainstream public broadcaster like the ABC, the audience clearly deserves better.

Yes, there are times when whistle-blowers deserve anonymity in the public interest, as well as their own, but this wasn't one of them. The whistle wasn't being blown on anything. Bruce Hill and his editors allowed a run-of-the-mill regime critic to sprout run-of-the-mill anti-regime criticism and in doing so, debased not just an importance convention but the credibility of the ABC.