The Rotten State of Fiji

The Orwellian Circus in town

2007-11-07T21:47:00.000+12:00

I haven't been blogging much lately. Partly because I've given up. There seems little hope for this country. Just when I thought Qarase was bad and things will get better, Bainimarama and his bunch of thugs seem to be making things worse. There isn't any light visible at the end of the tunnel now and it seems to be getting darker by the day.

The latest conspiracy theory cooked up by the regime is so Orwellian. Animal Farm to be exact. They are so paranoid and self centered, that they've lost grip of reality.

I've always though Teleni was related to pigs and now, there isn't a shadow of doubt.

Do we deserve such a rotten state?

2007-09-13T16:04:00.000+12:00

I am no political scientist nor am I a sociologist. I can't help thinking though, that the state of our nation is mostly due to us!

I have several theories as to why and they are as follows:

Our low expectations (example our roads).

Look at our roads. Nobody in this country, especially the educated and well to do residents of Suva, Nadi and Lautoka seem to be really complaining about our road conditions. I am not talking about the backroads or the roads in the rural areas, I am talking about the pathetic condition of city streets.

It's not just the potholes I am talking about. Look at the smoothness of the roads. They have so many sinks, it's unbelievable!
Look at the patching of the potholes. All too often they're done late by which time the surrounding patch of sealing is all too week and the stretch of road becomes very weak and new potholes continue to spring everytime it rains even for just an hour.
Look at the way patches are applied. Sometimes patches are filled with river gravel! Other times they are at least an each above the normal surface. The end result is a potbump and all too often people are satisfied!

We vote with our hearts not our minds.

Does anyone vote because the party or candidate has put up a good manifesto? Of course not. I am sure in this country nobody getting ready to vote ever knows what the party manifesto really is.
We vote for Labour or NFP if we're Indians or SDL and other Fijian parties if we're Fijian. Simple!
The voting system was contrived by the dimwits (Vakatora and Brij Lal) who ensured votes for their parties by enacting the compulsory voting system! Where's democracy in that?
The same political dimwits ensured partisan voting by enacting the electoral system which is race based.
Who were these dimwits? People like you and me and without common sense!

We don't think hard enough.

We don't really think about things really. We don't think about the consequences of our action.
Look at the workers patching the roads. Patching potholes about one inch above the normal surface of the road. Where's the rationale behind that?
Infact why blame the pothole patchers when the road engineers responsible don't seem think of the actions of patchers working for them.

We're all very racist.

Let's face it, we are all racist! I am, you reading this are and so is your neighbour and perhaps even the dog.
I grew up blaming the Fijians and they grew up blaming the Indians? For what? Whatever really! It's all their fault. Us (Kaindia's or Kaicolo's) are not the one's to blame.
Blame the previous generation for leaving their racist thoughts with us.

We're not really proud of our achievements.

We're not proud of any our achievements. That's because we don't achieve much. Why? Because we're satisfied with mediocre.
We hardly even celebrate our independence day?

Our land tenure system.

Do the Indigenous Fijians really deserve the 90% of the land reserved for them, when they only make up just over 50% of the population?
Does all the Fijian land need to be managed by the NLTB?
Can't the indigenous individuals get a piece of the Native Land under their own name? Why does it have to be communally owned?
Fijian land remains unproductive because although it belongs to the Fijians, it doesn't really belong to the individuals and families at the grassroots. It thus remains the responsibility for no one and everyone.

Lack of tolerance.

We are bunch that can't tolerate. We don't respect anyone's culture and infact we remain indifferent and ignorant of them.
Indians and Fijians have lived side by side for several generations now. The remain next to each other but they remain in ignorance.

Much remains unwritten in this post, but I am beginning to think we really are to blame for the state of this nation.

The illegal regime remains because of our inaction. Unless we take things seriously, they will continue to rape this country and it's citizenship for their selfish gains Unless we voice our opinions, they will remain. Unless we respect each other, they will continue to belittle the citizens. Unless we tell our men and women in uniform that the rule of law is above the rule of self righteousness, we will continue to be bullied by them.

The illegal regime remains because the Indians in this country have to stop thinking of revenge. They have to abandon their vote for FLP and stop supporting the criminals in them.

Infact we have to stop race based politics altogether. I'd hope for a few united Indian/Fijian parties contesting the next elections. I hope to see the that race based electorates are done away.

Dictatorship and it's perks...

2007-09-11T23:38:00.000+12:00

Rape while you can! That's the motto for illegal regime.

The dictators in power will hopefully have their day in the docks. Preferably after a long Guantanamo style incarceration.

Today Teleni managed to get a pay rise in a matter of days whilst the poor nurses and other public servants will have to wait months and perhaps years for their pay cuts to be reinstated.

I wonder if we as the citizens of this nation deserve such treatment and daylight robbery of our hard earned dollars. Perhaps we do. We do because we sit idly by whilst these criminals continue to rule with impunity.

Nurses aren't slaves to their oath!

2007-08-03T01:58:00.000+12:00

And why in the world would anyone think that the nurses are their first and foremost to serve the sick! That for some reason, their oath comes ahead of their personal needs and those of their families. The nurses are paid to do a job. No pay, no work. Simple. And like with with any other profession, if you don't like the pay for the work you do, you ask for what is rightfully deserved. The nurses are doing just that.

To hell with the sick. The nurses aren't meant to slave over them without being paid adequately. The nurses are providing an essential service alright, but at the end of the day, they too have to feed their families like all of us. Give them what they deserve, keep them happy and we will have much happier patients in this country then otherwise.

Netani Sukanaivalu the Cry Baby!

2007-08-02T23:16:00.000+12:00

The illegal Education Minister cried like a cry baby in front of the media today! Hurray for the strikers.

The members of the regime need to be made to cry.

Coup sympathisers galore!

2007-08-01T23:51:00.000+12:00

It's amazing how many dimwits support the coup. The Your Say section of Fiji Times is full of them.

Take this one for instance from a know Chaudhry boy:

Nikhil Singh of Australia (2 days and 12 hours ago)
I totally agree with the FLP's statement that the preparatory work needs to be done first before the countrycan go through a free and fair election.

Under the Qarase Government Fiji has gone through two general elections that were no doubt questionable. For eg, names missing from electoral rolls, extra ballot papers printed by the elections office. The elections held in 2001 and 2006 cannot be called free and fair.
Fiji has not had a census for 11 years.
I cannot help but agree with the FLP President that the ground work must be done first before holding the next general election. This is the only way Fiji will enjoy true democracy and the not the forced democracy experienced under the SDL Government.

"Forced democracy"? Is there such a thing? An SDL government which the Labour Party was part of? So the Labour Party was part of a "forced democracy"? What an Idiot this boy really is!

Then there's this one:

Dr. Jim Anthony of United States (2 days and 10 hours ago)

This subject is a no brainer.
I said months ago that elections alone do not lead to democracy.
There ought not to be elections until a number of other aspects of a subculture of democracy are in place.
I also feel that a special administrative niche ought to be created for the military--a Ministry of Defence, perhaps. For some time to come, so it seems to me, given Fiji's recent ill fated experiment with what it thought was democracy, the whole situation needs now to be reviewed, re-evaluated and reconfigured. Boundaries, electoral registers and so on ought to be looked at for sure but a number of other no less important areas also need to be examined.
One swallow does not make a summer any more than elections alone make democracy.
A review of the constitution must be done. A determination must be, after proper inquiry, as to what happened with the last elections--what went wrong, how and why? Smart people look at the past so that they might understand the present and preapre for the future.
Patience is important. It takes several ingredients to make a cake. If you tried to make a cake with just flour you are not going to get a very good cake. Making democracy with just elections is not going to make a very good democracy.

Everything he is suggesting to be undertaken before an election, is to be done by the current Illegal Regime. Everything it does not have to mandate to undertake. He is nicely word wanked the obvious. Of course elections alone don't make a democracy. He forgets though, that under the current regime, no one has the voice. The current regime is a dictatorship. The previous government was democratically elected and it governed with a semblance of consensus. Regardless of it's flaws, it guaranteed people the basic freedoms. The courts were means of seeking redress if one didn't like the governments decision.

There are plenty of others on that site who appear a lot less sophisticated with the opinions and these are the retards who really need a reality check.

On a separate note, the Illegal Regime seemed to be showing it's true dictatorial attitude. Today, they detained Taniela Tabu of FICTU and literally physically abused him. All with the blessings of Mahendra Chaudhry, Aiyaz Saiyed Khaiyum, Bernadette Ganilau and their colleagues in the IG. These are the dirty tactics used by them to silence opposition. If actions weren't enough, the attitude of Frank Bainimarama on TV this evening showed how contemptuous a person he really is. Not to mention retarded.

I mean his reason for why the unions are asking for the resignation of Mahendra Chaudhry as the Finance Minister is racial motivation. Does he really think we're stupid? Someone please take this idiot to the hospital and give him his daily dose of sanity drugs.

Tomorrow the FICTU members will go on strike. Good luck to them. Hopefully they will stay the cause and fight for what they deserve.

Last but not least. FICAC today withdrew the case against Abbas Ali and Josaia Rasiga. Media coverage of this issue was scant, but there's much more that needs to be investigate as to why they did that. They've wasted tax payers money and valuable time of the courts. Not to mention the humiliation they've caused to the individuals concerned. I hope they sue...

Nurses strike and the need for dialogue?

2007-07-26T20:44:00.000+12:00

I haven't written for a while but, I've been rather busy lately. I must admit, at times I've felt that reason and good sense evades most who have been subjects of criticism via this and other blogs. Not to mention the scathing editorials and letters-to-editors in the Fiji Times. Despite all these, the Illegal Regime continues to ignore and continue with it's dictatorial activities in government.

One group though has shown that it can stand up to fight for it's rights regardless of which government or thugs that have the power on the day. Of course I am referring to the nurses (whereas I could have included the members of the FPSA and the FTU, the leadership of these two organisations have completely betrayed them.)

The nurses have shown, that this regime can be overcome. That when faced with what is right, the regime cannot be heavy handed. Threats and intimidation are all it has left but as time goes, even that will disappear. I hope time emboldens the average citizen to take action and react to the thugs in power.

Many though have said that the solution to the nurses issues are in dialogue. Granted, a solution needs to be found and found it will be if all concerned work together. This (working together) seems not have been the case with this crisis. Whereas the FPSA and FTU leadership sold out to their friends in the Illegal Regime, the nurses were left to their plight. The other parties in the CPSU have shown, what hunger for power can do for solidarity. The IG on the other hand decided unilaterally to reduce civil service pay by 5%. Where was consultation and and working together then?

What escapes me, the time it takes for dialogue to start making sense to leaders. I wonder what kind of dialogue it is that takes place every time the leaders concerned meet. This trade dispute had been brewing for months, yet all the dialogue so far hasn't solved anything.

I reckon the nurses should go the distance. If nothing else then at least the nation will wake up to the reality of the future in this country under this regime. Perhaps then we'd be out there in the streets fighting for what is rightfully ours. Our rights to a free and fairly elected government and not one imposed by the gun toting retards in green.

Go you nurses, fight for what is rightfully yours!

It's been a while between posts...

2007-07-05T23:06:00.000+12:00

It's been a while since I last posted; over a month now. What can I say, I've been busy.

Anyway, I've spent a lot of time reading the FijiTimes.com site during this period. They have been better then any blog sites related to Fiji. Especially their "Your Say" section. Appears unmoderated and full of raw opinions from the public.

In any case, the dimwits in control of the country continue to show their dimwittedness on a daily basis.

More soon...

Ali the racist!

2007-06-03T23:00:00.000+12:00

RFC (http://resistfrankscoup.blogspot.com) has moved to a new home WFC (http://whyfijiscrying.wordpress.com). Earlier in the week, I took time to read the site to see if the change in URL and name has changed anything and it seems to have not.

Anyhow, I went through some of posts and the comments and commentator writing as "Ali" caught my attention. What a pathetic loser! I attempted to respond to one of his comments and it was posted by the WFC as a post in the blog under "C’MON ALI, BE REAL!" (http://whyfijiscrying.wordpress.com/2007/05/31/cmon-ali-be-real/) . In any case, I'll save you the jump and here is the post reproduced:

Ali,

You’re one of the most narrow minded Indians I’ve seen write. Racist to the core. I am an Indian, yet I wouldn’t paint the Indian achievements in this country in such glowing terms. Yes many of us have prospered, yet many remain poor and under achievers like any other man, woman or child.

“Give us any piece of land anywhere in Fiji, no matter how arid it is, we will turn it into a goldmine.”
What a load of nonsense! I know many Indians who had leased land for cane farming and after 99 years, they still remain poor. Infact if you remember correctly, they were given handouts by the Chaudhry government in 99/2000.

“Fiji is no different than many African countries - high levels of corruption, nepotism, provincialism, crime..you name it.”
Infact Ali, Fiji is very different to African countries. Unlike those countries, ours have two distinct ethnic populous. If there is any similarity then it’s with the corruption, nepotism and crime. Come to think of it, these problems are very much a part and parcel of most countries including India. Surprised!? Unlike Africa, the corruption, nepotism and crime in this country are committed by both ethnic groups. So you see Ali, Fiji is the way it is, thanks to corrupt, nepotistic and criminal Indians as well. Do I need to make it any clearer?

There’s much more I can say about the so called “achievements” of Indians in this country, but it’d wise for me to stop now and stop locking horns with a racist, stupid person like you…

Anon Blogger

Fiji people want the Military back on the streets?

2007-05-23T23:14:00.000+12:00

According to the Illegal Minister for Tourism, Bernadette Ganilau, Captain Esala Teleni of RFMF has apparently received files and files full of letters from the people requesting the Military return to the streets.

If that is true, then this certainly is a very popular coup. But of course it is true! It's true because Ms. Ganilau said so. She is such a truthful and credible person of course. She must know it to be true, because her illegal government and the RFMF are bedfellows with the "Suger Daddy" Chaudhry leading the pack. I haven't seen these files full of letters she is talking about, so I can't really rubbish her claim...hang on...I think I can. What a load of bulshit!

It's hard to believe this woman was a respected citizen of this country not so long ago. And now she's shooting off her mouth with all this filth. Come on Ms. Ganilau, stop treating the citizens of this country as though we're all some homeless shoeshine boys. We all know that you used this coup to fast track your political career. That makes you no better then your bedfellows...

Strange times...

Anomally does not equal Fraud

2007-05-17T23:06:00.001+12:00

In the Fiji Times today, this letter to editor shows how narrow minded some people can really be. He doesn't understand the difference between "fraud" and something that may have gone wrong. The two concepts are mutually exclusive Anendra Prasad. Mere Samisoni got it just right. Anomalies shown are no proof of fraud and you know it. If you can show clear cut acts of fraud, please feel free to write about, otherwise get your head of the sand. In fact the irony is that Anendra writes very eloquently, it's a pity he can't grasp basic english.

Missing papers
MERE Samisoni's long and winding letter on the question of missing ballot papers (FT 13/5) appears to make a couple of points that provide an interesting insight into SDL's election ethics or lack of it.
One, she makes the point that the alleged anomalies at the Elections Office do not constitute fraud ("they are merely signs something may be wrong'').
How could something have gone wrong, Mere Samisoni if the Elections Office had followed all procedures outlined in the Electoral Act?
How many wrongs are you prepared to allow before you admit that "there was a method to the mess''. As far as I am concerned, the Elections Office is like Caesar's wife she has to be above suspicion.
This is why the Electoral Act went to great lengths to spell out every step of the way clearly and rigorously from voter registration to preparation of
the electoral rolls, calling of the election, polling, counting to the storing of ballot papers at the end.
The former Supervisor of Elections appears to be quite eloquent on radio and TV. I assume he is able to read and understand provisions of the Electoral Act.
He had an onerous responsibility to follow the Act precisely in a general election where there is no room for anomalies.
That something can very well reflect on the credibility of the elections.
In my opinion, too many things went "wrong'' in the 2006 election for it to have any credibility.
As for the missing unused ballot papers, Ms Samisoni's claim that it should have been picked up by candidates during polling is laughable.
It shows her utter lack of understanding of the electoral process.
Need I say more?
Anendra Prasad
Samabula

Blog Spot Block!

2007-05-17T22:31:00.000+12:00

The dimwits in the Military and their equally dimwitted dogs in the so called interim government (more like illegal government) are at it again. This time trying to silence the voices of dissent. Trying to block blog sites which openly disagree with them.

This action in trying to influence FINTEL to block blogs of dissent such as resistfrankscoup.blogspot.com clearly show how stupid these people really are. Cleanup Campaign my ass! This is dictatorship at it's worst.

Not too long ago, the self appointed illegal regime downplayed the importance of our relations with Australia and New Zealand in favour of Asians. The populous which supported them I am sure didn't expect them to court the Asians so much so, that they even use their methods to try and stop dissent. Classic example being the Chinese.

Welcome to reality people of Fiji. This regime is here to stay and dictate for as long as it takes. I can already see Fiji heading the way of China, Zimbabwe, Burma and North Korea! Blocking blogs is just the start. Watch out for suppression of political parties and other independent voices of dissent. The day when local media fall into the hands of the Military and it's cronies and Google starts making deals with blocking sites for Fiji. The day when we will be free no more...

I am normally reserved in my words, but this time I'd just rather blog it. To hell with Frank, Chaudhry and the rest of dictators in this country!

Blog on bloggers!

Is Chaudhry the most CLUELESS Idiot of the lot?

2007-05-11T22:38:00.000+12:00

Ever since his second loss in as many general elections, the Labour Party Dictator in Mahendra Chaudhry seems to have become extremely bitter. This man has shown how clueless he has been in not being able to accept the reality of his loss.

Now his illegal cronies have gone on to investigate the elections office. They come up with some of saddest results of the investigation in a desperate hope to the prove that the last election was unfair. What a laugh really. All the independent observers during the election saw nothing seriously wrong with things, but this sore loser just couldn't just accept it. If that isn't crybaby like behaviour, then what!

Anyway here is the Fiji Times report on the finding of his investigation:

Elections 'rigged'

MARY JOHNS
Wednesday, May 09, 2007

More than 650,000 unused ballot papers printed for the last general elections are missing, according to an audit by the Finance Ministry.

In a press statement yesterday, interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry said this was proof that there was a direct attempt to "interfere with and manipulate the results of the 2006 general elections".

He said the report found that the Elections Office failed to keep a diligent record of ballot papers issued to polling stations or to ensure that proper returns were filed by every returning officer at the end of the polls.

The audit report also revealed that close to 1,985,640 ballot papers were printed against a total of 842,594 votes cast, more than double the requirement.

"These are very serious breaches of the Electoral Act and the Public Service regulations," Mr Chaudhry said.

"They are tantamount to gross dereliction of duty, if not direct attempts to interfere with and manipulate the results of the 2006 general elections."

The mere fact that a total of 665,256 unused ballot papers were unaccounted for, is in itself sufficient to raise serious questions about the credibility and integrity of the 2006 general elections, he said.

Mr Chaudhry said the report found the Supervisor of Elections Office guilty of gross extravagance, wastage, failure to keep within budgetary allocations, failure to return equipment and failure to submit proper reports on funds spent as required under the Public Service Commission's accountability procedures.

He said he had handed the findings of the audit to the anti-corruption unit.

"I have handed the findings of the special audit report to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption for a proper investigation to be instituted into the conduct of the 2006 general election and criminal dereliction of duty by the Supervisor of Elections," he said.

Furthermore, Mr Chaudhry said a detailed audit of ballot papers was impossible because the Elections Office:

q Did not keep a record of ballot papers issued to each polling station;

q Failed to maintain a master record of ballot papers against which reconciliation could be carried out of used/unused ballot papers;

q Did not carry out a reconciliation of used and unused or spoilt ballot papers after the elections as required under the Electoral Act;

q Burnt a large quantity of allegedly spoilt and unused ballot papers, which was in direct breach of the Electoral Act. The explanations for this gross misconduct was "administrative error";

q The Supervisor of Elections is required by law to Gazette the results of the general elections based on reports submitted by Returning Officers.

Mr Chaudhry said the audit found the report as gazetted by the Elections Supervisor contradicted reports submitted by Returning Officers and that not all Returning Officers submitted reports after polling to the Elections Office as required under the Electoral Act.

Former Elections Supervisor Semesa Karavaki last night said all the records were intact when he left the post.

"They have an agenda. There is no credible information on hand, the records were all there when I left," he said.

"Unfortunately I am not there to answer those queries.

"I don't know who they spoke to because no papers were missing."

"They did an audit when Chaudhry came into the Ministry of Finance and they found nothing missing."

He said after the elections he had directed an audit be carried out.

"It was about to be completed in December when the coup happened," he said,

"The Ministry of Finance took these results but they didn't use it.

"I think this was done to further someone or some people's agenda or their perverted ways."

He said given the opportunity, he could have easily discredited the audit's report.

"If there is any credible information they should take it to where it's supposed to go to court," said Mr Karavaki.

"The elections process was supervised by the whole world and it was endorsed that it was free and fair.

"All these things they are saying are a waste of taxpayers' money.

"Nowhere in the world do you print the exact number of ballot papers to match the number of registered voters. You have to equip each polling station

"What happens if there are 50 ballot papers in a book and only five people turn up to vote that particular day these are things that need to be taken into consideration," he said.

According to Mr Chaudhry, the Act requires presiding officers at the end of polling each day to prepare a statement (inventory) for each constituency detailing:

The total number of ballot papers entrusted to him;

Total used unused ballot papers;

Total spoiled ballot papers; and

Totals tendered ballot papers.

"If these specific instructions were followed, why are 665,256 unused ballot papers missing?" he asked.

And here is the Fiji Times editorial which tried to bring some sense into him:

Valid figures, not hot air, please

Thursday, May 10, 2007

INTERIM Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has done his best to shock the nation with claims of massive electoral fraud and mismanagement.

There were, he said, more than 650,000 unused ballot papers missing after the May 2006 general election, which meant there had been a direct attempt to "interfere with and manipulate the results ...".
That a large number of ballot papers were printed and never used proves absolutely nothing, and is in no way relevant to the outcome of the election.
At worst it may show up some wastage of money and a lack of some proper procedures within the Electoral Office.
It is totally irrelevant how many ballot papers were printed and how many were unused or even if they were destroyed or not. Once the election was over they were nothing more than waste paper.
What is important is how many votes were cast in each seat compared to the number of people on the electoral roll and those essential facts seem to be missing from this so-called'audit'.
An election is nothing more than simple mathematics. There are a certain number of people entitled to vote in each seat. Over the course of polling a number of them will vote and a number of them will not, for various reasons. At the end of polling the votes are counted and obviously the number of votes cast should never exceed the number of people enrolled.
The number of votes cast should also match the number of names crossed off the electoral rolls by the polling booth staff.
In every election far more ballot papers are printed than there are registered voters for the simple reason that, as people are allowed to vote at any of a number of polling stations, each has to have sufficient papers to cater for however many people may turn up.
For instance, how many Rotumans could be expected to vote in Suva and at which polling booths? It is almost impossible to know.
Complicating this even further is the lack of a recent census. Using the Rotuman example again, how could the Elections Office possibly know how many Rotumans lived in Suva and at which polling stations they would vote? Because those facts were not, and could never be fully known beforehand, the Elections Office had to ensure there were enough ballot papers available at every polling station on a "be prepared" basis.
It is difficult to believe a seasoned politician such as Mr Chaudhry does not know all this.
Let us also not forget that the election was overseen by a number of independent teams, including the European Union, the Commonwealth, the US and even a local contingent from the University of the South Pacific.
They all gave the thumbs up, acknowledging that while the election was not perfect, the mistakes had no bearing on the outcome.
Were these teams incompetent or corrupt? It is difficult impossible, in fact to believe so.
Mr Chaudhry now needs to provide proof that his audit team knew what they were doing. He needs to provide the real figures that are needed the number of electors registered in each seat, compared to the number of votes cast.
If they show significant differences, he may then have some hope of convincing the public the election was rigged.
Until then, it is all just more political hot air.

And here is this thick headed moron's response:

Ballot papers
YOUR editorial (FT 10/5) on the missing unused ballot papers shows an unfortunate lack of understanding of issues involved, particularly the enormity of the fact that more than 600,000 unused ballot papers cannot be accounted for.
Equally surprising is the fact that an issue which your paper thought was important enough to hit the front page (FT 9/5) should hours later become merely "hot air".
It says a lot about the credibility of your editorial team, than that of the Finance Ministry's audit team.
The issue at stake here is not just one of about 600,000 unused ballot papers, although that is worrying enough. The main concern is 665,256 missing unused ballot papers.
The Electoral Act makes absolutely stringent provisions for the accountability of every printed ballot paper, issued or otherwise.
And rightly so, because the integrity of any general election hinges on such accountability.
Sections 85, 86 and 87 lay down very specific instructions for the handling of and responsibility for all ballot papers used, unused or spoilt.
The ultimate responsibility for the safety and accountability of ballot papers lie with the Supervisor of Elections. He stands accountable under the law.
He must tell the nation what happened to the 600,000-plus ballot papers.
That they were used to stuff ballot boxes cannot be easily discounted.
This is why the matter is with the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption for further investigation.
The Finance audit team found discrepancies which must be thoroughly investigated.
The fact that the Supervisor of Elections failed in his duty to keep a master record, failed in his duty to ensure every Returning Officer filed returns as required under the law, made it impossible for the audit team to probe further. FICAC will now look into these and other issues that have come to light. Let the Supervisor of Elections and others of his ilk answer to the investigating team.
There are a number of other highly disturbing features of the 2006 and 2001 general elections that need to be fully investigated.
Indeed, there is enough compelling evidence to warrant the setting up of an independent commission of inquiry into the conduct of the 2006 election.
In the past, such complaints were brushed under the carpet. Complaints regarding irregularities and electoral malpractices were lodged after the 2001 election but no action was taken by those in authority people who were part of Laisenia Qarase's gravy train.
When police started their investigations under Commissioner Andrew Hughes, it was found that relevant records could not be found. We must prevent records being destroyed this time.
The accountability and integrity of the electoral system is a must, otherwise the exercise becomes a mockery and a farce.
Needless to say, an alert, impartial and informed media, in its capacity as the public watchdog, has an important role to play in this respect.
Mahendra Chaudhry
Interim Minister for Finance
National Planning
Sugar

You be the judge.

Coups and Racism

2007-04-24T23:02:00.000+12:00

Another post appeared on resistfrankscoup blog today, exploring racism and this coup. Read more here: http://resistfrankscoup.blogspot.com/2007/04/coup-myth.html

It appears from the comments on that post, that racism continues to rear it's ugly head. Most comments seemed to be hinting at violence against the Indians once the resistance has triumphed. Scary prospect. What hits home is the realisation, that no matter how hard the Indians try, acceptance as equal citizens of this country will perhaps never happen. Indians have suddenly become immigrants without root once again and I guess it's the reason why most who could are finding a way out. This will continue...I am afraid.

But racists (on all sides) and Fijian ultra nationalists have always existed. A sad aspect of being in this country.

Blog Commentators and Racism

2007-04-20T18:19:00.000+12:00

Earlier today I posted a comment in response to some of commentators commenting on the http://resistfrankscoup.blogspot.com/ blog. The comments I was responding to were made on the post MAHEN & FLP A TIME BOMB TO PEACEFUL INDO -FIJIANS

RFC bloggers instead put my comment (FIJI & RESIST FRANK'S COUP MOVEMENT IS FOR ALL!) up as a separate entry (which I have no problem with). The entry itself generated some interesting comments.

I have noticed a lot of racist comments on blog posts on lot of anti-coup blogs. It's something that needs the attention of blog comment moderators, otherwise the quality of some of these blogs will deteriorate and people will have second thoughts in taking them seriously. Freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly.

More on racism later...

Roll Call of Fiji Anti-Coup Bloggers

2007-04-18T19:33:00.000+12:00

Over the past few months, a number of anti-coup blogs have sprouted up (some in the list have existed before the coup). Some are more popular then others and some are better written then others. Some amongst them have drawn the current illegal regime's attention.

It is a great relief to read some of the items on the blog. A way for me to overcome the frustrations of the daily goings of the illegal regime. The media is full of the propaganda from them.

To all the bloggers out there: Keep up the good work fella's...

A list of some anti-coup blogs:

http://resistfrankscoup.blogspot.com/
http://freemyfiji.blogspot.com/
http://goodmenandwomendoingsomething.blogspot.com/
http://hydenceek.blogspot.com/
http://illegalcoup2006.blogspot.com/index.html
http://kaivitifreedom.blogspot.com/
http://fijimediafreedom.blogspot.com/
http://discombobulatedbubu.blogspot.com/
http://www.fijifreespeech.info/
http://www.intelligentsiya.blogspot.com/
http://stuckinfijimud.blogspot.com

Frank has frankly gone mad!

2007-04-14T14:53:00.000+12:00

Everyday is a new day in the Fijian coup drama. Over the past week, the GCC refused to accept Frank's nomination for the Vice President and in retaliation, Frank decided to suspend the GCC and all it's activities. In the same period another of Frank's crazy colleague in Pita Driti (the Land-Force Commander), decided to deflect attention by naming the diplomatic heads of Australia, NZ and US as plotters of the original coup against Frank.

The latest, move by the Frank and his crazies are to remove all security barriers from in front of the US embassy in Loftus Street and ban all meetings in public places.

This lot are making a real mockery of this country. As can be seen by the incompetencies of the people involved in the Illegal Government (not the Interim Government).

Frank has gone completely mad! I wouldn't be surprised if he is sentenced to the mental ward of St. Giles once all this is over.

A lot of stupid Indians here continue to support Frank and his cronies. This isn't helped by the vengeful mob of Indians settled overseas in Australia and NZ. In the media, they continue to support Frank. Infact, I reckon, Australia and NZ should send those lot back to Fiji and ban them from returning. This lot support a terrorist in power. Not to mention, the stupid Kiwi lawyer who has been hired to defend Frankie and his men against the case brought by Qarase. This stupid man should be labled a terrorist supporter in NZ perhaps be tried.

Everyday is a frustrating one in this damned country.

Guilty by default...

2007-04-02T08:58:00.000+12:00

So I make $40,000 and live a life not commensurate with that sort of an income. That is, I own 10 houses and 5 of them overseas. The burden of proof is on me to prove that I have legally acquired them, or else I am guilty of an offence. Not sure which one, but an offence perhaps for owning 10 homes and still only earning $40,000 a year. This wisdom is brought to you, courtesy of the illegal Interim Attorney General, Mr. Saiyad Khaiyum.

Well such is life under the current thuggish regime and will perhaps continue for sometime...

The Deafening Silence

2007-03-29T22:18:00.000+12:00

Once we had good people like Richard Naidu tell us the other point of view. Richard and and other bold people's silence is in fact deafening. In their absence, the propaganda machine of the current illegal thugs in power, continues without check.

Where once the CCF and Reverand Akuila Yabaki were vocal in the aftermath of coup in 2000, they remain silent in the face of threats from the army.

Daily we hear of atrocities committed by the army and yet, we as the people remain silent. The latest I heard were two separate instances where the army personnel at checkpoints made youths dance and run for extended periods simply for enjoying music from their loud car sound systems. How pathetic and childish is that! Shame on the army for behaving like schoolyard bullies. I guess we can't really expect much from the pea brained retards anyway.

The only ray of hope are the Unions right now. Their leadership have remained vocal and defiant despite clear threats from the Army.

The army and the thugs in power are claiming that the country continues to be governed within sort of a Public Security Decree. What nonsense! What security? What a load of BS!

At least bloggers like us are continuing to call a spade a spade! I hope Richard and others who spoke the truth do return to enlighten us on the REAL rights and wrongs.

Academics gone mad?

2007-03-21T22:22:00.000+12:00

First it was Steven Ratuva and now it is Satendra Nandan, publicly supporting the coups and praising Bainimarama. Earlier on Fiji One News, I had the dis-pleasure of watching Mr. Nandans statements in support of the coup.

He described the coup as a necessary evil and one which is lesser of the two evils. He went on to describe Bainimarama as a modern leader. This coup he reckons is the one coup which will wipe off all coups to come. I am not sure what he means by that, but one phrase which stuck out was his description of the Qarase government as "racial terrorism". The merits of the phrase aside, it is something I first heard used by Mahendra Chaudhry.

It all started making sense after that. Mr. Nandan is a Labour Party member and considering the dominance of the party in the illegal dictatorial regime current in the country, it is hardly surprising. The fact that Mr. Nandan is considered a prominent academic, it would easy for me to speculate on the policies of the Labour Party and it's origins. "Racial terrorism", is a word wank created by the party to appear more legitamate. They probably think that adding terrorism to any description makes it more credible. It's a cunning propaganda, which goes down well with the Indo-Fijian community.

What baffles me most, is how the so called academic in Mr. Nandan justified his support for the coup. He reckons that although the coup maybe illegal or unconsitutional, it is ethical and moral. What, as an academic he fails to understand, is that ethics and morality are not measurable and is totally subjective. Legalities though, are measurable and designed with great effort and care. Morality and ethics manifest differently in different people, whereas legalities are there to safeguard the society from whims of moral and ethical behaviour of others. Remember Hitler, Mussolini? Well now we can add Bainimarama/Chaudhry, Speight, and Rabuka to the list.

In a soccer match, the rules are there for all players all the time. Not at the mercy of some who may decide to change them half way through the match, for their benefit. The soccer match that was being played in our country had it's rules changed by Bainimarama and his bunch of losers called the RFMF. Along came others to join his team, those that didn't like the original rules and disagreed with the referees decisions. This bunch of losers can aptly be called "sore losers".

The so called academics should stop fooling the world by voicing their opinions to disguise the true ambitions of their political affilliates. In case of Mr. Nandan, I hope that he quitely retires to maintain the remaining brain cells in the old and senile head on his shoulders. He is starting sound more like an old fool then one who should be remembered as a wise old man.

The Big Bullies aka "The Gun Toting Cowards"

2007-03-12T20:39:00.000+12:00

Yesterday (Sunday) the military using their firepower illegally took over a piece of land belonging to the Nivis Motors in Nabua.

This is the end result of months of legal wrangling over the piece of land which the then Qarase government wanted to help "ease" the traffic jam issue around the Nabua roundabout. I am not sure what the issue was really about, but if the retarded roads engineers in this country ever thought that the acquisition of that piece of land was going to be the solution to all of the traffic issues in the Suva-Nausori corridor, then they seriously need to get their heads examined. The whole traffic related issue in that corridor needs a comprehensive solution and not just trying to easing traffic in a small stretch of about a quarter mile.

Nivis Motors had even provide a solution for the standoff documented in their website: www.nabuaroundabout.com. Of course our roads and traffic management authorities have pulled a wool over their eyes to the whole issue and have now sought the assistance of the Big Bullies in town, the Gun Toting Cowards in the RFMF.

What a sad case! It shows real maturity of our people in this country. These bastards are continuing to make laughing stock of us around the world. It is so embarrassing to carry around a Fijian Passport nowadays.

To Nivis Motors: Fight on guys. Stick one to the bullies, through the courts.

Retards in our Society

2007-03-10T10:28:00.000+12:00

Life can be a frustrating experience especially when living side by side with those members of society who obviously belong in a prison or a mental asylum. Unfortunately when these people gain control of a state, life can become living hell.

I can imagine how frustrating life would have been for the Germans in the two world wars, the Italians during Mussolini's reign, the Soviets with Stalin, and the Americans with George Bush. I can imagine because, amidst this, so called society in Paradise, we have bunch of people who have made life a very unsavory experience.

These include people who we thought of as beacons of hope in our fledgling nationalistic democracy during the SDL government days. People we least expected to guide us into a life of hopelessness, dictatorship and ruin.

The roll call include the following:

Frank Bainimarama (leader of the RFMF retards, who somehow think they are better qualified to investigate corruption. What a laugh!)
Mahendra Chaudhry (the most bitter man in Fijian Politics)
Aiyaz Saiyad Khaiyum (no beacon in the past life of our nation, but a new breed of opportunist)
Bernadette Ganilau (probably the most retarded of the bunch)

These people have not only usurped power by illegal means, but continue to use the local media to push their own agenda. They make statements as if the people of this country are either incapable of understanding the issues or are stupid.

This makes me wonder how intelligent or mentally stable these people really are?

Speculations about Frank's mental state should perhaps be taken seriously. One of those rumors have been that Frank was actually treated at the St. Giles hospital (Fiji's only hostpital to treat and care for the mentally handicapped).

Chaudhry is perhaps still bitter about losing two general elections and this illegal act makes it quite obvious. This man's action reeks of revenge. How else do you describe his participation into something blatantly wrong. He seriously needs to examine everything he ever stood for. His principles have been compromised and he can now never be trusted. Like most of his fellow perpetrators, I hope to see him rot in jail one day.

Aiyaz is simply, a very stupid person. He has now shown, that he has no ethics. A permanent apologist for the regime and their main legal "wanker" (equivalent to "word wanker").

Ms. Ganilau is perhaps the most disappointing person on the list. Considering her standing in the society, I have no idea why she has chosen to be part of something so wrong. It looks very much like a stupid move. That makes her the most retarded of the bunch.

These are the real retards of our society and such should be treated with the contempt they deserve. A real threat to our society's coherence and the sooner they are put behind bars the sooner we can move forward.

The rotten Shaista's and "Statesmen" have been busy...

2007-03-08T22:43:00.000+12:00

...Busy making fools of themselves and trying really hard to fool the populace. Looking very foolish in the process, but succeeding only to scare the silent majority. The gullible are becoming more vocal knowing the side they're on have the power.

All aside, I am back writing again.

Since I've been hibernating, Shaista Shameen of Fiji Human Rights Commission has threatened to take the US Human Rights report on Fiji (http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78773.htm) to court. Obviously the report wasn't clear enough to Ms. Shameen so the US Government will "...have some explaining to do if required by the court under Order 52 of the High Court Rules." (The Fiji Times - 07/03/2007). To deflect attention she will quickly clog the court system up with another useless case. What a joke! In case Ms. Shameen missed them, she might want to ask Amnesty - http://www.amnestyusa.org/regions/asia/document.do?id=ENGASA180012007 for some explanation as well.

Ms. Shameen is definitely in the running the Rotten Statesperson of the day award.

Hiatus

2007-02-12T16:47:00.000+12:00

This blog will be on hiatus until for another 3 weeks. Reasons: withheld.

Rotten Fijian of the Day - Neumi Leweni

2007-02-04T11:54:00.000+12:00

This sad excuse for a man.

Rotten Fijian of the Day - Mahendra Chaudhry

2007-01-31T17:59:00.000+12:00

Mahendra Pal Chaudhry

Corrupt Necessity (Part 1)

2007-01-30T10:20:00.000+12:00

This latest coup has quite cleverly been labeled as a “clean-up campaign” by the criminals who committed it. According to them, it is a clean up campaign to rid Fiji of corruption. I can only imagine what such noble cause will lead to. For many, this is nothing about ridding any corruption, but simply another coup. A coup much the same as those committed in the past and one that will lead to future ones.

Few days ago I had conversation with a colleague, agreeing with the premise that corruption can be cultural. Ours is a society with two large and distinct cultures. The Fiji Indians (Indians) and the Indigenous Fijians (Fijians). Although what I will be writing from this point forward may sound simplistic and one without research backing, I believe it is central to our failings since independence.

The Fijians have what is commonly called a “kerekere” culture. A culture where borrowing and giving from and to friends and family is a norm. This maybe cultural to the Melanesians as it is similar to the “won tok” system of the Papua New Guineans.

The Indians are considered money minded and selfish. They will usually do anything to make a buck. They are usually independent and quite opposite to the Fijians in that sharing (“kerekere”) is something they will avoid at all costs.

Both cultures above live side by side, but live very distinct lives. Lives governed by completely different cultural values. It is a generally held belief that whereas Indians are very cunning and guile, the Fijians are naïve and gullible. This leads to automatic conclusion that Indians will with their guile use the system to their advantage leaving the Fijians behind and at times exploited. This was what gave rise to the first coup in 1987. The Rabuka led illegal act decided to usurp the political power all for the Fijians. Rabuka sought to right a lot of wrongs in the society. He sought to eliminate the perceived dominance of the Indians.

The elections in 1987 brought into power the Labour Party which was seen to be dominated by Indians. Even though the Prime Minister was Dr. Timoci Bavadra, the man in charge of the government purse was non other then the current man in charge, Mahendra Chaudhry. With dominance of Indians in the commercial sector, another Indian in control of the treasury was perhaps unpalatable to Nationalist Indigenous leaders.

Political Power vs. Business

After the 1987 elections, the Indians were seen as the dominant group in control of all aspects of the country. The Fijian leadership saw this situation as grave and knew very well, of the difficulties they will have in catching up to the Indians. They knew could not easily and quickly catch to the Indian commercial dominance. The one area that could rival the Indians in was the political power. The populous was neatly divided between half Indians and half Fijians. If the Fijians took control over the running of the nation, they could help themselves achieve success in business.

So started the series of coups to right the wrongs as seen by the Indigenous Fijians. Rabuka cemented his leadership for over 10 years. In his pursuit to balance the power he abrogated the constitution and commissioned a new one. His regime oversaw the imposition of “affirmative action” in favour of the Fijians at the expense of Indians. During this period, the National Bank of Fiji collapsed amidst allegations of corruption and the economy remained a slow growing one. The period saw the rise of a new group of elite Fijians. The civil service saw imbalance grow in favour of the Fijians. Indians were marginalised further and further with less and less opportunities.

Regardless of the elections between 1987 and 1999, the constitution remained biased and the government remained in the hands of the SVT (an elitist Fijian party). Without an effective opposition and through civil service control, the Rabuka regime ruled without proper checks and balances giving rise to a new level of corruption.

With a new constitution in place in 1999, the elections were won by the Fiji Labour Party headed by Mahendra Chaudhry. The party’s win was a democratic one and finally, for a moment it appeared that Fiji was heading in the right direction.

But the lack of success by the Fijians in the previous 10 years brought to surface the fears of Indian dominance once again. The Fiji Labour Party though, without paying due attention to such fears, powered ahead putting in place a range reform measures. Measures which weren’t well explained allowed the Nationalistic Fijian leadership to use and amplify the fears of the Fijian people.

This lead to the May 2000 coup which allowed the Fijian Nationalism to take control of the government once again. The nationalism was in the guise of SDL (a new Fijian elitist party) and Laisenia Qarase. With the SDL government in power another round of the Rabuka period was revived. Corruption continued unabated with scant regard paid to the issue by Qarase government.

The divide between the Indians and Fijians meanwhile continued with Indians becoming increasingly marginalised. Since 1987, the Indian population has decreased via migration from a majority to about 40% (my guess – the new census will perhaps confirm this). Indians have also it appeared, had given up any hope of political balance in the country.

This brings us to the current situation.

In part two, I will discuss the political history as I’ve seen it since 1987 and will attempt to tie the relationship between our cultures and corruption.

Rotten Fijian of the Day - Frank Bainimarama

2007-01-29T19:44:00.000+12:00

And today's rotten Fijian of the day is... Frank Bainimarama. Well done Frank.

Fear Tactics

2007-01-26T10:51:00.000+12:00

Angie Heffernan, dared to call a spade a spade and now she is paying the price for it. Richard Naidu called it as he saw it, at least from the legal from the perspective and he has been intimidated. Only time will tell whether he will be speaking his legal mind publicly again. Many others who dared to speak have been silenced. Amongst them Laisa Digitaki, Attar Singh, and Jaganath Sami.

People though are still not waking up to the reality of the new order. An order or fear. An order of abuse and one based on gun power. Some still publicly support the military despite the abuses attributed to them. Infact many seem to question the absence of the same individuals during the events of May 2000. How short sighted and vengeful.

Little do they realise that the events of the past have had totally different dimensions. Such human rights abuse by an institution as powerful as the Military didn’t occur then. Any such events back then were at best, isolated actions of a few and nothing more then criminal acts. The current situation is a contrived and concerted effort by the people in power (and yes I am referring to the so called interim administration) to consolidate their illegal rule by silencing the right thinking individuals of the society. The means are justified under the so called emergency decree. What nonsense!

Some such as Rick Rickman who is regular writer in the Fiji Times letters to the editor, seem to push the focus elsewhere by usually blaming our neighbours for our problems. These individuals seem to think that Australia and New Zealand somehow are responsible for our coup. I fail to understand how their actions in support of democracy can be criticised. They have a right to deal with any nation as they please. Democracy is what is dear to them and the destruction of a democracy surely saddens them as much as it should to any right thinking person. What must be appreciated at least, is the fact, that they at least don’t run their countries with fear.

Our current illegal PM’s mindset says it all. He is happy to deal with countries that have equally bad human rights records. Chief amongst them is China. Infact the last letter by Rick Rickman in the Fiji Times of 25th January, he describes the China as a state which “…is not a democracy, does not have freedom of speech and a free press and does have a great many political prisoners.” I can see that happening in Fiji, if the present situation and the band of criminals continue to keep this country hostage.

Political Correctness and Correct Politics

2007-01-25T13:26:00.000+12:00

Richard Naidu, the well known lawyer who is always willing to risk speaking about the political situation in the country was finally taken in by the bullies. Let’s hope it doesn’t shut him up like it has done to others who were detained by the military. (Easy for me to say, as I write this in anonymity).

But what Richard was talking about goes to heart of the problem in the current political state of the country. He has questioned the legality and rightness of Ratu Iloilo’s position as the president. He has labeled the current presidency as a Military President, as he was appointed by the military following the coup. It’s obviously true however you look at it. Call it a “clean-up campaign” or a military coup, whatever happened on December 5th was not right under the constitution nor in the minds of the majority.

Many in Fiji have somehow gone ahead to accept Ratu Iloilo as the legitimate president of the country. It however remains a fact that he was not elected by the right authorities, therefore his tenure in that position is questionable.

A lot of people in Fiji also have gone on to accept the position maintained by the military that the constitution was not abrogated. It maybe true, but the appointment under the current constitution did not follow proper procedures. For that matter much of what has gone on since December 5th and even after the swearing in the so called interim government, has been extra-constitutional. For instance the the state of emergency decree, the firing of senior civil servants and the detention of members of the public by the military. What constitutional basis does it have? There was nothing in the country prior to December 5th that warranted an unconstitutional removal of an elected government. Whatever happened was plain and simple illegal.

All those in the current so called interim government have been elected someone who has authority only through the barrel of the gun. With the power of the gun, anything can be made to look legal. It does not make it right however.

I can’t finish this post by quoting a hollow statement which shows the indifference of the current regime to the opinions of the learned and right thinking citizens of the country. This is what the current illegal Attorney General had to say in response to Richard Naidu’s comments: “…I can advise people to treat those sorts of comments with a pinch of salt.”

The coup continues and people continue to voice their opinions

2007-01-23T10:38:00.000+12:00

Military Threats

The Military Coup continues and so does the army’s intimidation of the citizens of the country. What a bunch of bullies! Major Leweni threatened to bully the innocents once again. Infact, his statements is directed at keeping the human rights abuses silent and prevent word of it getting out. This is what he is quoted as saying;

''Last, but not least, those individuals who have been blowing this matter out of proportion, should be mindful of the fact that the State of Emergency is in force and they will be dealt with accordingly.''

Immunity Decree

The immunity decree covers the military including officers and members of the military, all military reserves, all members of the police force, all members and officers of the prison service and all other persons who acted under the direction of those mentioned.

What a farce. If the current regime don’t think they’ve done wrong, then why the need for amnesty? Absolutely hippocritical considering the demands Bainimarama made against the Qarase government, one of which was to drop the reconciliation bill.

In Chile, not too long ago, an immunity decree was overturned against the now dead former dictator Augusto Pinochet. Following which he was prosecuted. Of course he died mid-way through the trial, but his death was celebrated majority of the Chileans.

Whilst it make take time for us to bring our own Pinochet’s to courts, I am sure it will happen.

Letters to Editor

Yesterday I wrote about “Stupid Indians”. Later I read some of the letters to editor in the Fij Times and I was compelled to respond and comment on some of them. First was one by Jope Turagaiviu from Nabua. He wrote about the British Army personell of Fijian extraction. What caught my attention was:

“I would also like to tell her that if it wasn't for the reputation of the RFMF, present British Army personnel would be jobless here in Fiji.

It is not fair to belittle an institution that has brought fame to the country. ”

Absolutely laughable! An institution that has brought fame to this country? I can assure you that after all good this institution may have done as peacekeepers for people in war torn countries, it has brought nothing but shame for this country in the last couple of decades. Whilst it may have kept peace and helped defend human rights in those countries, it has done the exact opposite here. When an institution does wrong, it deserves belittling and nothing less!

Then there is Rick Rickman. This person has been writing a lot against Australians and New Zealanders in the recent past. He in his latest letter compares Fiji with it’s larger neighbours as “David and Goliath”.

After all his rant, he writes: “We are a sovereign nation and should be treated as such.”

Of course we’re a soverign nation. It is stating the obvious. But stating the obvious does not automatically mean that we should be treated as if nothing happened. How exactly should we be treated by the Aussies and Kiwis? Should our current illegal government be welcomed with open arms? What does it say for democracy?

He goes on to write this little gem (my highlights): “Let us stop buying New Zealand and Australian products, take pride in Fiji, buy homegrown and home-made products wherever possible. We may be small but we are not soft. We can win this battle.”

What battle? How will boycotting Australian and New Zealand goods bring democracy back to our country?

All I have to say for Rick is for him to wake up and smell the coffee. Yes, perhaps there indeed is more crime in the cities of our neighbours, but at they do have a military which respects the rule of law. They have a government which does not abuse human rights of it’s citizens and they are far more prosperous for it.

Then there is one James Bolavucu from UK. A guy who writes with great sensibility. How I wish there were more people like him in this country. This is what he wrote yesterday:

“Presidential credibility

The President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo has been signing decrees left and right, legalising what was obviously illegal and inthe processbringing disrepute tohis high office.

With due respect to his chiefly status, everytime he signs a declaration or decreehe is jeopardising his credibility.

He should do the right thing andfollow the Vice-President, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, and resign gracefullyfrom his position for he is an honourable chief. He would become the hero if he does so. The reasoning that he will resurrect the country no longer applies. Let the present regimepush their own agenda.”

Ian Simpson is obviously someone with great contempt for the freedoms of the peoples of United States. He quickly overturns a letter from a writer from the US in which she mentioned how she enjoys the Freedom of Speech. His ‘cheap shot” reply quickly deviates to belittle another right the US citizens enjoy; the right to bear arms. In doing so, he has quickly justified the brutality of the army. Come on Ian, perhaps you might try a pinch of smelling salt yourself first.

Beware... a new set of losers are in control

2007-01-22T12:30:00.000+12:00

As days pass in that most Rotten of the States, things are starting to stink even worse. We've had the half dead, in people such as Chaudhry, Bune and Vyeshnoi try their hands in taking the country forward in the past and they didn't succeed. Mostly because they were unseated, unceremoniously in the May 2000 coup. Victims as we called them. They were perhaps on the right track then, but now it seems they're back from the dead for sure. As dead as a Dodo.

A new set of zombies in control, joined by some such as Ms. Ganilau and Aiyaz Saiyed Khaiyum. A bunch people who seem to be hell bent on making the most from this most wrong of situations. They dance to the tune of the Military(, even helping them create some new tunes). An organisation with no track record of having done anything positive for the nation. A leader who is starting appear more evil as days pass. Perhaps only time will tell on how evil he will have become, but for goodness sake I hope it stops before he overtakes the likes of Lenin, Hitler, Mussolini or more recently, Saddam.

All those involved in the current rape of democracy in the country, have now conveniently given immunity to themselves. I am not a religious person, but for once, "I hope they all rot in hell".

Shrewed Double Standards
We've had shrewed lawyers as Attorney Generals and the most recent legitimate one was Mr. Qoroniase Bale. He with all his legal training and experience "justifiably" was moving the Fijian Nationalist cause forward. Now we have another, albeit younger less experienced Mr. Khaiyum. He has now become the chief protagonist in Bainimarama's coup.

In a recent news article in Fiji Times (http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=55549) he has questioned the Fiji Law Society's suspension of military lawyers, yet continues to say little about the human rights abuses and manner in which the Jaganath Sami the CEO of Fiji Sugar Cane Growers Council has been treated by the Military. Him and his illegal government continue to play both judge and jury on all matters and people they seem not to like.

In terms of Mr. Sami, I fail to understand how Mr. Khaiyum has swiftly justified his removal from the office by the military, a day after the a Lautoka court reinstated him. Mr. Khaiyum is doing nothing but legally maneuvering the current regime's illegal activities. A legal word wanker is the best way I can describe him.

Stupid Indians
One of the most baffling things about this coup, is the apparent support of the Indians towards Bainimarama and Chaudhry. I talk to a lot of them and it appears that they'll seem to thinking with their hearts and not their heads.

They've obviously never like Qarase's government and have all too happilly greeted his illegal removal. They've so quickly decided that somehow Bainimarama's on their side and therefore good for the country.

Pretty stupid rationale, and one that could only come from a bunch who are both naive and stupid. Two wrongs don't make a right and it's something a lot of them seem unable to grasp. A revengeful mob I fear.

The madness continues...

2007-01-09T23:03:00.000+12:00

The mad dictator, Frank Bainimarama has now become the Prime Minister of Fiji! What more, he managed to grab a whole bunch of equally mad bunch (http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=54916) into his government.

Chief amongst the mad bunch is Mahendra Chaudhry. This is the guy who has been through 3 coups throughout his political career. This guy almost won the last election, so has a large following in this country. I've spent a lot of my time defending this guy and saying good things about him. I've felt sorry for this guy, for I've always thought of him as one of the unluckiest leaders in this country. He for me is the biggest disappointment. I mean the whole thing about this interim government reeks of a coup progressing to the next illegal stage. And now we have some of the people I've always thought of as intelligent being part of it.

I personally know the interim Attorney General (Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum) and although I've known him to be a very politically minded person, I can't understand his reason to participate in something so blatantly wrong. There isn't any doubt though, that he is the smartest of the lot so I see this as his first steps into Fijian Politics.

Poseci Bune is perhaps the stupidest of the lot and as Laisenia Qarase aptly described his acceptance as someone who is an opportunist and depends on being in politics and government for his "bread and butter".

Bernadette Rounds-Ganilau is another disappointment. She has lost her political credibility by participating in this stinking venture.

Manu Korovulavula sounds like a bitter man who couldn't get his way when he was in LTA and has now gotten a chance to get his own back. Although he has acknowledged the bad conditions of our roads and has hinted that he may consider moves to keep the money earned from the roads and motorist, for repair of the roads. If he achieves that, then that'd be the best thing out of this coup.

The others are least known and not worth commenting on.

Although the illegality of their participation needs to be determined by the courts, there is no denying that participating in this government is based on a foundation of a coup. A coup which is inherently un-democratic, dictatorial, and self-serving.

This government is a coup in it's next stage. The state of politics in this country, with the current mob of politicians in it, signals a state which is in dire need of a clean-up. And no, the clean-up cannot be done by the current mob. They're a bunch of dictators each with personal agendas...

It's all happening here

2007-01-04T22:59:00.000+12:00

Another eventful day in this rotten state.

A rotten report (PDF) from the Fiji Human Rights Commission. A report which seeks legitimize the coup. A report which seems to have it's timing all wrong. A report which has been dismissed by the Commissioner for Human Rights Shameema Ali:

"The report by Dr Shameem is not in accordance with Commission procedures and policy and I presume it to be her personal opinion," Ms Ali said.
"The report carries numerous errors and fabrications about the roles the Commissioners have played since 2004 and I am seeking legal advice as to what further action I shall take.
"I, as a Commissioner, will consult my colleagues as to the future of the Director of FHRC in light of the serious breaches of procedure and policy in the release of this report."
http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=54616

It has been dismissed by a prominent Suva lawyer in Richard Naidu:

Prominent Suva lawyer Richard Naidu has dismissed a Fiji Human Rights Commission report, saying it was "mostly laughable".
"I don't think any real lawyer will take it very seriously," Mr Naidu said after being asked about FHRC Director Dr Shaista Shameem's assertion that the 2001 and 2006 polls were unconstitutional and "justifying" the 2006 military takeover.
He said that using Dr Shameem's logic, the Chaudhry Government was as illegal as any other one since the 1987 coup.
"After all, it succeeded the SVT Government which was elected after the 1987 coup," he said.
"This would mean also that all laws after 1987 would be illegal, including the law that set up the Fiji Human Rights Commission.
"Somewhere in her academic career, Ms Shameem apparently picked up a law degree.
"Her latest effort illustrates the dangers of allowing academic sociology types to study serious subjects like law."
http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=54613

The Dictator Commander Bainimarama has handed "executive authority" of the nation back to Ratu Josefa Iloilo. Apparently his heart desired to do just that today and so it happened. With such stupid people doing such stupid things it's getting harder and harder to make sensible comments about rotten situations in this country.

...
"I've been asked who is my main adviser,"he said.
Patting his chest, he said: "This is the biggest adviser. It tells you what to do and what not to do. Yeah, your conscience. It tells you what you should be doing and what you should not be doing.
"I don't need any adviser to tell me.
"All I have to do is wake up in the morning and ask myself what should I be doing?"
He said since 2000, people had been advising him.
"Whether I take it on board or not is a different matter but they advised me one way or another."
Commodore Bainimarama said Mr Hughes might have been "targeting"a group of honorary colonels as those who advised him on the coup.
In answer to who the colonels were, Commodore Bainimarama said: "Colonel Paul Manueli, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Colonel Tawakedrau and Ratu Epeli Ganilau."
Commodore Bainimarama said "he wished"prominent Indian businessmen were bankrolling the coup but it was not.
"Oh, I wish but no one's encouraging me.
"No, no one is bank-rolling me.
"When I go to functions people say'thank you for what you are doing'."
http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=54563

With all that has happened in the last month, it is increasingly becoming clear what the real "clean-up" was all about. First was to remove the Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes. With him out of the way, all pending investigations into the affairs of the Army will be thrown out or conveniently forgotten. Second was to remove all those people from important posts they held, who had criticised the Army. The third was simply to remove the current government because they all had criticised the army and had tried to remove him earlier.

The Dictator Commander thought he could find evidence to support his actions but it's very likely that he may either be fabricating them or simply not bothering because none exist. What a stupid stupid man! The only thing he has produced so far was something he obtained from an internationally renowned fraudster in Peter Foster. What a joke. Good going Frankie.

All through this month, the Military has behaved like a big bully. They've abused peoples rights and even subjected them to violence. They used intimidation and acted belligerently in removing people from positions they had no right to. Jaganath Sami for instance was removed simply because he dared to call a spade a spade.

Enough said...this is all getting out of hand. Things are starting to stink even worse then before.

The RFMF Beast

2006-12-30T09:00:00.000+12:00

Following was what I wrote to a friend in discussing the coup.

This is what happens when tax payers money gets spent on a monster like the RFMF. In a country such as ours, where we can never expect to be invaded or attacked by any International force, we continue to breed these monsters. How could we have continued to justify their existence.

All, these beasts have done since 1987 is cause more and more instability in our country. The existence of the RFMF needs to be questioned now. It is mostly comprised of brain dead men and women who didn't do very well in school. What these people hope to achieve and how they mean to do it needs to be questioned now. Shame to the families who have members in the Military Forces and have not been able to influence them into the right direction.

Just as we don't let unqualified people drive, unqualified people practice law and unqualified people become doctors, we shouldn't let these unqualified people carry on holding this country hostage with pretentious efforts of "cleaning up". Infact, once our country returns to what we may believe is normal, we should disband the military and open up a metal recycling factory to melt all the weapons. No one in this country is qualified to carry weapons which only bring sorrow to the people.

It fills me with disgust, as I see images of these beasts roaming the streets of Suva heavily armed and well protected with their body armour. I guess they are really only dressed as such because they are nothing but a bunch of cowards.

Normal times shall never return to Fiji, so long as we continue to breed abnormal beasts amidst us.

Back blogging about this rotten state again...

2006-12-30T00:16:00.000+12:00

It's been a while since I've last posted on this blog of mine. Work pressures, travel and other personal projects forced me to put this aside. Now that I have a little bit more time on hand, I promise to post more often.

Of course the current situation in this rotten state has made the stench even worse. We have a new set of rotten bastards in power and I have a lot to say about that. All in good time though.

It's late now and I think I should continue tomorrow... after a good night's rest.

A Fiji Times Letter to the editor - Television station

2006-02-06T15:15:00.000+12:00

"Television station

I REFER to the letter by Communications Minister Marieta Rigamoto (FT 3/2).

Is she serious when she said there has to be a 'consultative approach with all stakeholders to ensure a broad consensus on the way forward for future TV licencing'?

Why?

Oh, silly me. Of course, the Government cannot issue a licence to TV2 for a second TV channel unless it has the approval of Fiji TV and its influential shareholders, I mean 'stakeholders', can it?

Imagine the conversation. 'The Government is thinking of issuing a TV broadcast licence for a competitor to your tax-free, ultra-profitable, Fiji One.

Will that be all right or not?

What a pathetic bunch we have in government — supposedly looking after the best interests of Fiji Islanders.

A government is supposed to govern, not have a 'consultative approach involving stakeholders' before setting its policies.

The former chief executive of Fiji Television said 'bring on the competition'.

Many Fiji voters are saying 'bring on the election'.

Rani Sadler
Pacific Harbour"

Fiji TV Criticism - "Waste of time"?

2006-01-30T13:41:00.000+12:00

In a letter to the editor, I reckon Summer Kabakoro get's almost right.

I am not sure whether Fiji TV is really the cause of most of the crimes she's mentioned below and I am not really sure as to the number of people who "demand necrophilia, rape, sadism, masochism" on TV.

Voice of the People - Fiji Times Online: "Waste of time

A WORD of advice to the many individuals who write to this column concerning the poor program quality provided by Fiji Television.

Don't waste the ink.

Fiji Television Ltd has ignored ethics, morality and the hundreds of requests, letters, phone calls and pleas of a majority of its viewers for over 15 years.

Writing to this column will result in about the same amount of action on the part of Fiji Television, as the Government has given us on this issue — none.

Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase spends his weekends praying with visiting evangelists while hiding behind an elusive phrase in the Fiji Constitution regarding the offensive and dishonest program practices at our Number One television station.

He claims that his government cannot infringe upon the rights of the few who want to pay for and watch the mostly offensive programming aired by Fiji Television.

We read almost daily, reports on the frightening increase of sexual crimes against women and children.

We hear that our prisons are overflowing to the point that murderers and rapists are being set free by well-meaning, but misguided judges.

We read of calculated crimes against helpless individuals and escalating vandalism and drug use by our youth.

And week after week, we watch as Fiji Television chooses to replace healthy sporting and athletic competitions with yet more episodes of CSI and other graphic programs.

One could suggest that since Fiji Television has insisted for 15 years that the average viewer in Fiji demands necrophilia, rape, sadism, masochism and other perverse behaviours on their television screens, they don't simply charge for those programs by airing them on the very pricey pay channels they operate.

They could then air the 'boring stuff' like rugby, soccer and the Olympics on the free to air channel.

Surely, if the majority of people in Fji desire the violence and sex usually broadcast on free "

Reconcile what? Reconcile with whom?

2005-05-16T21:05:00.000+12:00

The Qarase regime does it again! In case you haven't heard, it is the PROMOTION OF RECONCILIATION, TOLERANCE AND UNITY BILL 2005 that I am referring to.

I don't quiet understand the need for this bill. Who are they trying to reconcile? Who are they trying to unite? It's been 5 years since the May 2000 coup and a lot of the perpetrators of coup have already been brought to justice by the police and the courts. Some are still being investigated and will hopefully see their day in the courts soon.

So who are they trying to reconcile? Is this bill only going to create a ghost commission with nothing to do? Perhaps jobs for a few jobless crooks?

The objectives of the commission are as follows:

" The objectives of the Commission shall be to promote reconciliation and unity amongst the people of the Fiji Islands in a spirit of tolerance and understanding by -

1. assessing, by itself or through its relevant special purpose Committee, admissions and voluntary disclosures received from any person relating to the causes, nature and extent of the violations of human rights committed during the designated period, including the antecedents, circumstances, factors and context of such violations as well as the perspectives and motives of both the perpetrators and victims of such violations;

Can't this objective be dealt with by the Fiji Human Rights Commission (FHRC)? The FHRC is a statutory body.

2. holding, by itself or through its relevant special purpose Committee, hearings for the purpose of carrying out such assessments;

Another story telling session I suppose. And through the creation of yet another "special purpose Committee", more jobs for the crooks.

3. facilitating the restoration of human rights and civil dignity to victims of violations of such human rights and civil dignity by granting them an opportunity to relate their own accounts of such violations of which they were victims;

"Restoration of human rights and civil dignity", what load of nonsense. You mean the victims are still living undignified and without human rights for the last 5 years since May 2000? And somehow relating their accounts of what happened to them is somehow going to restore all of that? Nonsense!

4. granting reparation measures or awarding compensation to any person whose claims as victims of gross human rights violations during the designated period are established;

Victims can already seek such compensation through the assistance of the FHRC, the Police and the courts.

5. facilitating the granting of amnesty by the President to persons who make full voluntary disclosures of all facts relevant to acts or omissions constituting or causing a violation of human rights associated with a political objective committed during the designated period; and,

Ah huh! So this is what this is all about. Allowing criminals such as the already convicted Naiqama Lalabalavu to go free. Hell if this is what this is all about, then why don't they already just do it! They've done it in case of Naiqama and that too without any commission.

For goodness and fairness sake, "persons who make full voluntary disclosures", are confessing to crimes! They ought to be dealt with the law of the land, not set free!

6. compiling full reports on such assessments and facts relevant to them accompanied by recommendations to the President and the Minister on measures to prevent future gross violations of human rights.

Facts are already known on how the state can "prevent future gross violations of human rights"! This exercise is bullshit. If the government needs more assessments and facts, why not employ the FHRC?

This Bill is a charade by the government to divert attention from the important issues affecting the country. A move to create more controversy and appear noble by constantly aligning the proposed commission to the likes of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The South African commission was born out of a greater history of what all abuses were committed during the Apartheid era. In our case, the number of direct victims were far fewer and the perpetrators or also far fewer. The numbers of people directly affected can easily be dealt by the current legal system. The direct victims were all victims of crime and the perpetrators are criminals. The victims can sue civilly and the perpetrators should be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in the court of law.

There are lots of people and organisations quite obviously opposed to this bill. Among them the Army, the Fiji Human Rights Commission (FHRC), the opposition MPs from the Labour Party and the National Federation Party.

Infact, according to the FHRC, the bill might actually be in conflict with the human rights act. What I don’t understand (and I am repeating the point), why the hell couldn’t they use the FHRC to conduct this kind of exercise? Of course I am totally opposed to any amnesty type law, but the cases of abuse of human rights could quite easily be investigated by this body already charged with investigations of this nature.

Amnesty, restorative as opposed to the retributive justice! What a load of crock! This Attorney General seems to be quite creative when it comes to the law. If the restorative justice is so much better, why not adopt it as an overriding system to the current one? Of course not! And there’s a definite reason why. It is for this reason this bill is utter nonsense!

Chief prescribes isolation for AIDS - Fiji Times Online Headline

2005-05-05T14:39:00.000+12:00

Judge for yourselves

Chief prescribes isolation for AIDS - Fiji Times Online: "PEOPLE with AIDS should be sent to an isolated island so they do not infect the population says Rewa chief Ratu Isoa Damudamu.

Speaking at a Rewa provincial workshop yesterday, he said since there was no law for everyone to have their blood tested, there should be a harsher move by the Government.

'Nothing can be done because if they are around those who are not infected, they could cause problems including wiping out a whole generation because most people with the disease are still out there.'

He said church youth groups should be abolished because it was a meeting place for youths to indulge in immoral activities.

He said the Coke Games was a meeting place for youths and children to indulge in such indecent activities and could get infected with the disease.

He said since the agegroups of most infected persons were between 15 and 29 years, youths were the main carriers."

What a stupid man!

2005-05-04T22:58:00.000+12:00

All I can say about Vosanibola, is that he personifies "stupid" in the current government. Much like the same office holder during Mr. Chaudhry's term, who's name escapes me.

What is this? A Vosanibola State?

Vosanibola order 'naive': Chaudhry - Fiji Times Online: "AN ATTEMPT by Home Affairs Minister Josefa Vosanibola to intervene in discussions between the police, military and Opposition Leader Mahendra Chaudhry was labelled 'naive'.

Mr Chaudhry said any member of the public had the right to speak directly to the disciplinary services over matters of concern.

He said Mr Vosanibola must be naive to think he needed to go through his office for matters he wished to raise with the two chiefs of the disciplinary services.

'Minister, not only does a politician have that privilege but, in a democratic society, ordinary members of the public must also have the right to an audience with any civil servant, irrespective of status or rank, in respect of matters which concern them that is fairly basic, Sir!' Mr Chaudhry said in a letter of response to Mr Vosanibola.

He was responding to a letter of March 29 sent by Mr Vosanibola titled 'correspondence and information requests from yourself to the Commissioner of Police and the Commander of the Fiji Military Forces'. Mr Vosanibola said 'all correspondence and requests are to be routed through myself and not addressed directly to the Commissioner or the Commander'.

'This will avoid any future misunderstandings or potential political compromise of the offices of the Commissioner and the Commander, or of my role as Minister responsible for both offices.'

But Mr Chaudhry said he was not a civil servant and was not bound by civil service rules. 'As an elected representative of the people, and more so as the Leader of the Opposition, I have personal access to both the commissioner and the commander on legitimate official business and I must thank them for their willingness to co-operate,' Mr Chaudhry said.

Commissioner Andrew Hughes said he would abide by the 'clear' instructions of Mr Vosanibola. Military spokesman Captain Neumi Leweni said Mr Chaudhry had raised issues of national importance.

Mr Vosanibola was in Vanua L"

My money used to build a $20m complex for some old fogies!

2005-05-04T22:31:00.000+12:00

It is unbelievable that $30m dollars have been granted by the government to the Fijian Development Trust Fund. On the other hand, perhaps not so surprising in the murky world of the current governments racist agendas.

What the hell for? Why do we need to fund such trusts? As it is the Natives own most of the land in this country and thus own most of the resources. The government policies are eskewed towards them. They make up majority of the civil service (whether they deserve to be there or not).

With all the investments they've already made from the trust fund, it is quite clear what this racist governments long term agenda is. Simply to create large monopolies with owned mostly by the indigenous fijians. Under the guise of indigenous people's empowerment, nothing will ever be done to in terms of government policy to foster fair competition in private sectors in which these large companies will do business.

Such grants are daylight robberies committed upon the taxpayers of this country.

Dividends are being used to fund another monolith! Do the useless chiefs or this country really need such an expensive complex? I can imagine lots of other ways in which the dividends can be used. I hope the construction quality is of good order though. I hope the ceilings holds for the long term, unlike the parliament house. :-)

Trust funds GCC $20m: "INCOME from $30million in State grants given to the Fijian Development Trust Fund is being used to finance the new Great Council of Chiefs complex in Draiba, Suva.

The Trust earns $1.96m in dividends each year from $20m it has invested in Fijian Holdings, Amalgamated Telecom Holdings and R B Patel Group since 2002.

Prime Minister's Office special projects deputy secretary Jone Navakamocea made the comment during a Rewa Provincial Council workshop yesterday.

He said the Government had given the Trust - which comes under the Fijian Affairs Ministry - $10m a year since 2002 to invest for the benefit of provinces.

'The Government has been providing $10m a year apart from the $100,000 that is given to the provincial councils every year to help with their own provinces,' he said.

Mr Navakamocea said the first dividends that the trust received in 2002 valued at $1.96m were used to start the new $20m GCC complex. He said other dividends earned from the investment in shares over the next few years would also be used to pay off the GCC complex.

Construction is expected to be finished by mid-next year.

Roko Tui Dreketi and Education Minister Ro Teimumu Kepa launched construction of the complex last month.

Mr Navakamocea told delegates that the other $10million given to the trust fund was put on the securities market.

'There is also $11.8million on the securities market and this is something that would be good for the trust,' he said.

The comments come as Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase called for Fijians to support an Act to grant GCC more power.

Opening the Rewa Provincial Council workshop, Mr Qarase said the Government wanted the GCC Act in place before next year's elections because chiefs needed more power to look after the welfare of their people.

Mr Qarase said the Act would look after the GCC's affairs, which falls under the Ministry of Fijian Affairs."

Laisenia "The Liar" Qarase

2005-04-26T21:35:00.000+12:00

Their he goes again. Poor guy is unable to understand why he is labelled a racist. He finds the the concept alien and abhorrent. Wow! Strong words, Mr. Qarase, but honestly, who are you trying to fool?

Come on Mr. Qarase! The largest group of tax payers, the second largest ethnic group in this country, don't have a representative in your cabinet. The same group virtually has no representative even in your party.

Your reconciliation efforts are all but in name. Prayers as a major part of any reconcilitaion activity does not address the issues at hand. Unfortunately the reconciliation ministry has done nothing but organise more and more prayer days and functions! Frankly it only seeks to pass on the Christian messages and seemingly has a christian agenda.

The Fijian Blueprint scheme only seeks to promote Indig-Fijian interests ahead of other ethnic groups in this country! You take from the major group of tax payers and fill the coffers of Indigneous communities and perhaps your own. The Fijian Blueprint in itself is a racist scheme.

The Education Ministry has waived the fees for all Indigenous Form 7 students in this country. Any real statistical basis for it? Racist!

Your government continues to give Indig-Fijians a priority in hiring and promoting as Civil Servants. Racist!

Your government sets huge quotas for taxi permits to be solely given to Indig-Fijians. Racist!

Your government continues set huge quotas in scholarships for Indig-Fijians. Racist!

There's more where that came from Mr. Qarase. You are nothing but a liar and a racist!

Address racial issues: Qarase
"PRIME Minister Laisenia Qarase told Muslims celebrating Prophet Mohammed's birthday yesterday that he was surprised whenever he was labelled a racist.

Mr Qarase told the gathering that racial issues must be acknowledged and addressed because to not do so would be irresponsible and dangerous.

'While I find the concept of racism alien and abhorrent, I do accept race as a fact of life. This is not the same thing at all,' he said.

He made the comments at the national celebration of Prophet Mohammed's birthday at Govind Park in Ba yesterday.

'When someone points to me or to my Government and says we and our policies are racist, in all honesty I don't know how else I can explain our position,' he said. Mr Qarase said his administration had endeavoured to work for the good of all people in the country.

'We created a new Ministry expressly dedicated to multi-ethnic affairs,' he said.

'In another initiative we made the promotion of national reconciliation and unity an actual priority.

'We genuinely seek an inclusive society, where the views of every community and group are listened to and taken into account.

'My government's aim for Fiji is not to return to where we once were but to journey forward together to a place we have not yet been, a Fiji of lasting peace and harmony, where nobody is left behind or goes without.'"

Qarase & Co. - Playing Dirty!

2005-04-20T18:54:00.000+12:00

It must be quite embarrasing when members of the cabinet in current government and senators nominated by them get convicted by a court of law. Despite this, the government and in particular Mr. Qarase continues a his strong support for a couple of convicted criminals! What next?

Well next wasn't too far when both criminals quite conveniently got released to serve their sentences outside. Then yesterday it was revealed by the Attorney General that a bill was going to be introduced to the parliament soon, which if passed would see the Chiefs immuned from prosecution. So the chiefs are above the law now.

When someone like the Military Commander speaks out against the release of the criminals, some useless minister in charge of national security (laughable that such a ministry exists in the country), threatens him to shut up!

Of course Mr Army Commander is right. Their release is indeed a mockery of justice in this country. Does it mean that George Speight & Co. will also soon be released?

The actions of the government, the Commissioner of Prisions leads me to believe that the May 2000 Coup was indeed a success. Just look at all the MP's, Senators and other senior civil servants, reputations tainted by coup related accusations against them. Ratu Naiqama, Ratu Josefa Dimuri, Ratu Jope Seniloli, Viliame Savu, Ratu Rakuita, etc. etc.

Shameless acts like that of this government is exactly why coup like instabilities occur in this country. This government isn't about serving the people, especially the Indig-Fijians, it's about serving themselves and their friends first!

I won't be gagged - Fiji Times Online 20/04/2005
ARMY commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama says he will not be gagged if there is a need to speak out on issues of national importance.

He made the comment after Home Affairs Minister Josefa Vosanibola instructed the military chief to be silent on national security issues.

Commodore Bainimarama said if he felt there was a need to address the nation over the military's position on any issue, he would do so.

On Monday, Mr Vosanibola told Commodore Bainimarama that he could face disciplinary action if he continued to make public statements on issues affecting national security.

The row erupted after Commodore Bainimarama criticised the early release from jail of convicted chiefs Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and Ratu Josefa Dimuri. The chiefs were sentenced to eight months in jail for their role in the unrest of 2000 but were released after 10 days in custody to serve the rest of their sentence outside.

Commodore Bainimarama said the pair's release made a mockery of the military, the police and judiciary.

He said a statement released to the media on Monday by Mr Vosanibola about their discussion on public statements by the military was one-sided.

"He should also let you know of what I told him. Ask him what I told him," he said.

Commodore Bainimarama said he was surprised Mr Vosanibola was threatening to take action against him for speaking out.

"What course of action is he referring to?" he said. Shortly after Commodore Bainimarama spoke to Mr Vosanibola, the army issued another statement on the release of Ratu Naiqama and Ratu Josefa, this time criticising the action of Commissioner of Prisons Aisea Taoka.

Army spokesman Captain Neumi Leweni said the absolute power given to Mr Taoka, his supervisors and the Minister of Justice should be exercised carefully and not used unilaterally.

"Not on how they want it, but how society will readily accept it," he said.

"Only then can the exercise of such power be seen as fair and just and not open to question by society."

Captain Leweni said society questioned the release of former Vice-President Ratu Jope Seniloli under a compulsory supervision order, Viliame Savu and now Ratu Naiqama and Ratu Josefa, to serve their terms extra-murally.

"There have been a lot of questions on the executive decision in the past few days.

"It appears that they will have to live with their conscience considering the secret forces in place before the actual release.

"Taoka should know that all prisoners, starting with George Speight, Ratu Jope, Savu, Ratu Naiqama, Ratu Jo Dimuri and the ex CRW soldiers, were convicted of various offences relating to the May 2000 upheaval and have something in common.

"He and his minister know fully well that the common factor here was that they were all found guilty of politically motivated crimes and should not therefore be classified as ordinary prisoners," said Captain Leweni.

He said Mr Taoka "tried to wriggle out of this widely accepted view by defining a political prisoner as one who is imprisoned without trial".

The Constitution states that the army commander's role is to "exercise military executive command of the forces, subject to the control of the minister".

Mr Vosanibola had said that this gave him the authority to have a say in the activities of the army.

Church fundraisings!

2005-04-18T15:22:00.000+12:00

Last Saturday as I was driving into Suva via Waimanu Rd., I got caught in a bit of traffic jam just in from of the FM96 building. This is just blocks from one of the busiest parts of Suva for those that don't know. Cause of the traffic jam? A few youths carrying tin cans with coins flanking a minibus driving at perhaps 5 km/hr! Wrapped around the minibus was some kind of banner alluding to some fundraising effort by some church!

This is just nonsense. Why the hell can't the churchs involved direct their fundraising efforts in a less chaos causing manner! This kind of fundraising drives are getting increasingly common. I personally feel these efforts are more begging then fundraising.

It's not just the churches though, that involve themselves in such efforts. Cent-a-vote cards and raffle tickets are commonly used by religious organisations such as Hindus for their "fundraising". Worse still, most of these efforts involve children.

If religious organisations need to raise funds, they ought to do it in a less bothersome. They should not be allowed to use children. Infact the state should outlaw the use of children in such frivolous activities.

Below is an FT (18/04/2005) editorial on the issue...

To give or not to give - Fiji Times Online:
"TITHES and donations are generally accepted as important parts of many faiths.

And it has been increasingly emphasised that these have to depend on the willingness of the people to give what they can afford, rather than what the religious leaders except from them.

As long as members are not forced to contribute against their will, it presents no major concern to religious freedom.

Today a new style of soliciting donations is being witnessed. Some church leader encourage their members to go out and sell tickets to the public in the streets.

Such fundraising drives are within the law if a permit is sought beforehand. But things get out of hand when these people begin to harass members of the public on the streets to donate to the cause. The tickets are thrust into people's faces and they are forced to tick in the boxes how much they must give.

An example of this is what was witnessed at Koronivia outside Nausori where youths stopped traffic to sell their 10-cents-a-vote tickets as part of their fundraising drive for a new church.

In another incident in a street of Suva, a youth from the same church ridiculed a woman because she refused to give him any money.

This is not acceptable and goes against the principle of giving from the heart towards charitable causes.

Many are too embarrassed to refuse when approached in public to give money to religious fundraising. The practice should be stopped because it is tantamount to harassment.

People should be able to be given the choice to give and not be harassed.

Not everyone can afford to donate money because for many, putting food three times a day on the table is a daily struggle. They also have to think about other expenses such as sending their children to school.

The burden of giving to the church has been blamed for holding back the social and economic development of the Fijian community.

Researches reveal that religious donations either willing"

Fiji must admit 2000 coup was wrong: Army - Fiji Times Online

2005-04-18T15:19:00.000+12:00

Fiji must admit 2000 coup was wrong: Army - Fiji Times Online: "THERE will not be any reconciliation in Fiji unless the people recognise that the events of 2000 were wrong, the army says.

Fiji Military Forces Commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said he was 'frustrated, disturbed and disappointed' over the release of Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and Ratu Josefa Dimuri from jail 10 days after being sent there on coup-related charges.

He said harping about reconciliation in recent months was a sham when those responsible for the political turmoil were let loose.

Commodore Bainimarama said the release of the former Lands Minister and a senator 'made a mockery of the military, police and the judiciary'.

'The judiciary has been grossly undermined. One wonders whether the principle that everyone is equal under the law still rings true in Fiji,' he said.

He said all citizens of Fiji should challenge the release of the pair because it questioned the integrity and motives of the decision-makers.

'To compound the matter further, there is now talk of the two convicts returning to the helm of leadership of this country.

'Where are the qualities of good leadership that we have been harping about in the last few months through reconciliation that is supposed to take us forward.

'The RFMF says this is a farce as they only take themselves to court to pretend they were following the rule of law because we are all watching, but they bend the Constitution to suit them, getting their hefty pay packets while serving jail sentences outside jail.'

Commodore Bainimarama said leaders should have a good look at themselves and check if they had what 'it takes to lead Fiji and its people'.

He said there were elements in society who would sacrifice the greater good for their own selfish agenda. Commodore Bainimarama said the release had not taken into account the trauma and suffering of the people of the North.

'It has not taken into account the pain and the stress convic"

Too soon for Serevi to take the reigns as a coach I say.

2005-04-18T15:12:00.000+12:00

Too soon for Serevi to take the reigns as a coach I say. But the boys played well. There is a definite future for this team.

Serevi says sorry for sevens loss - Fiji Times Online:
"SKIPPER Waisale Serevi last night apologised to Fiji rugby fans for the 12-14 semi-final loss to England and said he was looking forward to the major tournaments next year.

'I would like to apologise for last night's loss but we did our best,'' he said after a last minute converted try gave England a berth in the final against New Zealand.

'It is not the end as there are other tournaments in France and London that are coming up as well as the Commonwealth Games,'' he said from the Fiji dressing room.

'I am happy with the boy's performance as this is the first time we are playing together.

'We had desperately needed to win, the spirits were high, it was just not our night.

'I personally had thanked the boys for the brave performance that they displayed and I am happy with it.'

It was a repeat of the Seven Rugby World Cup semi finals when Fiji took on England at the Singapore sevens last night but this time Englishman Ben Gollings sent Fiji out of the competition when he touched down seconds to fulltime 14-12.

Gollings booked his side a final's berth and sent Fiji packing.

Fiji started off as favourite going into the competition after having won the World Cup in Hong Kong a month ago.

England cut short the celebrations.

Minutes into the first half Fiji drew first points to Nasoni Roko who followed in on a pass from Neumi Nanuku who was tackled short of the English try line.

Fiji led 7-0 after a successful conversion from skipper Waisale Serevi.

Roko scored his second after great support play from Mosese Luveitasau passing onto Lemeki Duidomo on to Serevi who cleared to Roko.

The Fijians showed good support play and ball handling skills topped with a sound defence in the first half.

However, England crossed line with a minute to the breather to take the scores to 12-7.

England had the last say from a Gollings try with 90 seconds of play remaining.

The successful conversion "

I am Back!

2005-04-17T21:18:00.000+12:00

Been a bit busy lately. Since I last wrote for my blog, a lot has happened. Fiji won the World Cup Sevens and we all got a public holiday for it. Mr. Charles came and went. An MP and a Senator received year long sentences for coup related offences. A couple of gay guys got jailed for buggery.

Fiji TV Comes First
A few things caught my attention today. First the headline “Fiji TV comes first: Dr Ali”. The gist of the story was the Information Minister Dr. Ahmed Ali admitted that the government’s investment in Fiji TV “has a bearing when it screens applications for new commercial television companies wanting to set up in Fiji.”

Brilliant! At least now we know that this government is not interested in the general publics interested but it’s own. Bugger the public, bugger fair play. There exists no laws which give Fiji TV exclusive free-to-air license, so in theory; other players can enter the market. Well that theory will remain so, until some other provincial council decides to run another TV company with 51% major shares.

Yasana Holdings, the provincial council’s, and this government (100% Indig-Fijian) own Fiji TV. The one commendable thing about this non-tax paying venture is that it is owned almost entirely by the indigenous Fijians, and the indig-Fijians have demonstrated a great business sense by showing more concern for the shareholders then the consumers. When calls were made in the Parliament for the government to show some concern about the contents of Fiji One programs, they quite neatly dodged it, but when it comes to issuing licenses for TV, they suddenly become protective of their investments! How convenient.

What is most appalling about the state of Fiji One, is that despite the fact it is owned by the indigenous Fijians, the amount of programs from Fiji is negligible. When it comes to protecting the exclusivity of TV licenses in Fiji to Fiji TV, the owners of Fiji TV are quick to influence the government, but when it comes to the quality of service, it remains hushed.

Fijian Court System
The GCC has endorsed the introduction of the Fijian Court System. I don’t see too much wrong with that. After all, it is perfectly clear that the Indig-Fijians are somehow special. They are the only ones with a culture in this country. The Indo-Fijians have no culture.

Democracy also no good for Indig-Fijian culture it seems. It’s not me saying it, it’s Ratu Josateki Nawalowalo the chairman of Kadavu Provincial Council. According to him, “…the solutions presented by democracy do not solve the problem in the Fijian way.”

For crying out loud Ratu Jo! When the criminals such as Ratu Naiqama, Ratu Josefa, George Speight amongst others took part in the coup of May 2000, they committed a crime against the whole nation, against all citizens of this country and against the democratically elected leaders of the country! So where do the citizens of this country go to seek justice? Wake up Ratu Jo, it is a democracy we live in and no matter how flawed it may be, at least it provides us with some chance of redress against the wrong doers.

I hope though that this Fijian Court System is not funded by the general tax payer dollars. It is a court system for the Indig-Fijians and it should solely be funded by them.

Sore Loser? Perhaps not.

2005-03-14T23:25:00.000+12:00

Professor Rajesh Chandra, formerly an academic at the University of the South Pacific may certainly appear to be a sore loser, but perhaps he might be right. Not being appointed the Vice-Chancellor at the USP, even though he was more qualified and recommended ahead of Savenaca Siwatibau, certainly looks like a case of something being rotten in the state of affairs at the USP.

For him to come out and make such a charge, that he was overlooked because of his race, is not something a person of his stature and calibre engages in unless it is true.

And for this current, racist government of Fiji to support an expatriate like Anthony Tarr ahead of Professor Chandra, shows exactly why this government is labeled as such.

Anyway, below is the news piece from the fijitimes.com 14/03/2005:

RAJESH Chandra says he was not appointed vice chancellor of the University of the South Pacific because he was an Indian.

Professor Chandra was speaking on Radio Australia yesterday and blamed the Government for not giving him the post.

Anthony Tarr, a professor from Australia, was appointed vice chancellor.

Mr Chandra has resigned from USP to be vice chancellor at the University of Fiji.

Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and Education Minister Ro Teimumu Kepa were not available for comments yesterday.

Mr Chandra said he applied for the post in 2000 but Savenaca Siwatibau was appointed even though a panel of vice chancellors from Australia had recommended him because of his qualifications.

"People will come to the conclusion that an Indian will not be vice-chancellor."

Mr Chandra said it was a race issue and that the Government preferred an expatriate vice chancellor.

Christianity? Religion of Indigenous-Fijians?

2005-02-27T16:44:00.000+12:00

Of late there has been a lot of debate on whether Fiji should be declared a christian state. Especially since the current government promised consideration for it in their manifesto.

Honestly, I am sick of indigenous-Fijians pretentious "holier then thou" attitude towards other religious and non-religious citizens of this country. Bloody hell! Every where you go nowadays, there are people praising the "almighty".

Take for example today. I know it is a Sunday, the "lotu, lotu" day for Christians. They have lots of churchs they can flock to, all around the country. And they do. So what you may ask is the problem? Well, for starters, I got up at around 10, switch my TV on and what do I see? Some stupid Christian evangelistic show from either Australia or US. This is a norm, might I add. This one day of the week, the christians of this country go beserk. It's impossible to avoid them.

For goodness sake, Christians, stay of the box! Why can't I watch something more entertaining like the ABC AsiaPacific on our only free to air TV channel? Why do I have to be bloody evangelised over the box. The box that belongs to all the citizens of this country not just some self -righteous, deluded Christian evangelists.

Since the stupid governments of this country have given Fiji TV an exlcusive licence to broadcast the only free to air channel in Fiji, the least they could have done was to setup some broadcasting standards. The contents of this free to air channel is almost exclusively from overseas.

To make things worse, I walk into Dolphins food court in town to have a quite lunch, what do I have to put up with? Yes you guessed it, blaring christian hyms from the speakers in the food court. Looking around me, I couldn't see anyone, who even remotely looked like the church going type. For crying out loud, this is a public place, not a "christians on sunday" only place. Why the hell do I have to put up with this evengelistic crap.

[breathe, breathe, breathe]

Enough with the ranting for a moment, but one thing puzzles me... Before the arrival of Christianity into this country, how did the Fijians manage? Had they not had any religion of their own? I wish it were true, but I am sure there was something. Like the hill tribes of Papua & New Guinea.

When the May 2000 coup happened, lots of coup supporting Fijian leaders subscribed to the view that democracy was a foreign flower. What is Christianity, I ask? More like a foreign disease, if you ask me...

I wish there was cure...

Deja Vu?

2005-02-27T16:07:00.000+12:00

In 1987 following the coup, the Rabuka government introduced, the so called affirmative action and gave out lots of business licences, taxi permits, bus service operator licences and of course loans to the indigenous-Fijians.

What happened in the ensuing period since, can hardly be called a success story. The National Bank of Fiji collapsed. There is still only one amongst 72 bus operators who is an indigenous-Fijian. Another coup happened in May 2000 and that was because some indigenous-Fijian leaders felt threatened by the dominance of indo-Fijian businessmen.

Since the May 2000 and after the August 2001 elections, some $20 million was swindled by the Agriculture ministry and we have another racist government implement yet another affirmative action plan.

Good luck I say.... after the reading the following article on www.fijitimes.com today, I am not sure how this round of affirmative action is going pan out.

Following 1987, we have seen the government departments dominated with indigneous-Fijian labour, yet the private sector remains out of reach for them. Why? Handouts don't make for a good business plan for any affirmative action. It just helps the rich and the cunning, take advantage of the not so savvy entrepreneurs.

Oh, and not to mention the state of government departments and services. I'll leave that for another blog. Things are certainly rotten in this state.

Now, onto the inspiring article...

FIJIANS should change their attitude and learn to appreciate the assistance provided by the Government, Transport Minister Simione Kaitani says.

He said assistance provided by the Government had been abused adding that most Fijian people had taken for granted assistance under the Affirmative Action or Blue Print by helping other races cheat the governing authorities concerned.

Using the Land Transport Authority as an example, Mr Kaitani said many Fijian people had applied for more than one taxi permit on behalf of Indian businessmen.

An authority board member who wished to remain anonymous said the board was investigating a case in which a Fijian man had applied for 16 permits for his Indian friend.

The member said the incident took place last year and such incidents were only fooling Fijian business people as they did not realise they were being used by their friends of other races. Mr Kaitani said such problems were not new.

"It is nothing new because these kind of cases have happened before. And now we will have to be strict because while we try to help them, they just turn their back on us by cheating which benefits them financially as they can be paid by the Indian business people for getting permits," Mr Kaitani said.

He said the Government's purpose of the Blue Print was to help uplift the standard of Fijian business.

"Out of the 72 route licences for bus companies with LTA, Fijians only own one while 71 belong to Indian business people.

"And the Fijian people who abuse the privileges provided by the Government, don't see this.

They just satisfy their greed and it doesn't look nice on the Fijian people," Mr Kaitani said.

He has called on the Fijian people to be honest and be grateful for the Government's assistance.

The strict laws he will discuss with LTA, as Transport Minister will include heavy penalties such as fines.

No more coups in Fiji...Yay!

2005-02-16T22:05:00.000+12:00

Well! The military seems to be talking tough in stating that no more coups shall be allowed to happen in this country again. I hope they mean to carry out what they're saying... for obvious reasons.

You can never be too sure with these things in Fiji though. There have been three coups already and with such a track record that this country has, I will hardly be surprised if another does happen again.

The first and the second coup was Mr. Rabuka's (a military man) doing. The third, was done by the CRW (Counter Revolutionary Warfare) unit of the military led by the bunch of thugs that now are serving time.

The current situation between the government and the military is doing nothing to cement the assurances by the military. The loudmouth secretary in the PM's office is as antagonising as ever. The military security provided to the PM has been pulled out by the commander without warning. With such men in positions of power and such tit for tat actions by the military and government, it doesn't do much for investor confidence in this country.

I have my fingers crossed though...

Honeymoon?

2005-02-14T20:37:00.000+12:00

Aaah! So now I know why the Prince of Wales is coming to Fiji. Silly me for slating the government having to spend so much money for his visit. He is coming here for a good cause. According to "The British High Commission ... Prince Charles would spend most of his two-day visit in Nadi. The trip focuses on environmental sustainability, excellence in public service and community integration." What a noble cause indeed.

I mean the Prince is not here on a Honeymoon! No, he is the foremost authority on environment, public service and the community and his trip is going to benefit our society a great deal in terms of his expertise.

For goodness sake! Enough with the nonsense. Mr. Charles should pay his own way, get his own guards, have a romping good time with Camila in some 5 star hotel and go away!

-----------

On another note, the Chinese community leader in Fiji, believes Chinese nationals should be allowed in the country for any purpose including work, visa free. He reckons the Chinese have a wealth of business experience that could help boost our economy.

Our Chinese community leader is right. Just walk around the Victoria Parade (Suva) after dark. Chinese businesses are everywhere. Massage parlours, prostitutes, karaoke bars, restuarants which double as gambling dens and I am sure drug selling freelancers. I didn't see these business minded Chinese nationals a few years ago, until the relationship between our government and China recently, started to really warm up.

What are we expecting next, a new wave of indentured labourers?

---------

Then there was the case of a former journalist with nothing better to do then to impose his views of morality on general public. Mr. Josua Tuwere feels that the new program "Desperate Housewives" soon to be broadcast on Fiji TV is too "adulterous". So what is he doing about it? Well, anything a righteous minded person would do, collect signatures for a petition to stop the "offensive, with a lot sexual content and immoral teachings" show to be stopped from airing.

Come on Mr. Tuwere! Things can be quite simple, if you don't like it, don't watch it. I mean such offensive, adulterous and immoral programs are abound in Fiji. Just pop into an average DVD rental shop and you'll get to chose from a whole range. Heck, they've been available on VCR's for years and a lot of them even been shown in Village 6.

What may be equally offensive though, are the music videos (amongst others) broadcast on Fiji TV on Saturdays, specifically targeted at the younger audience. Have you even seen those skimply clad women, gyrating their hips in the faces of those rap stars? Mind you, I can't even see the artistic value in them to keep my TV tuned on. If I really wanted to see something like a black american rapper flaunting his wealth and fantasies in his music videos, I'd rather get porn. At least it is a little bit more honest (porn I mean).

Mr. Tuwere, be a little bit more balanced in your opinions and actions. Perhaps, that's the reason you are a "former" journalist :-)

Fiji will spend FJ$400,000 on Prince Charles' visit !!!

2005-02-13T10:43:00.000+12:00

What the f*#@? Who the hell is this Prince Charles? Is he the world's most powerful man? Has he ever done anything for Fiji which as brought in FJ$400,000 worth of revenue to Fiji? Why the hell is this government full of asslickers, spending such a huge sum on his visit? Will such a spend bring in at least double of the sum of money into Fiji i.e. is it an investment spending?

What is absurd is that it will cost us $200,000 per day of his visit! A guard of honour will welcome him at the airport!

Now, if this government spent that much money on Sir Richard Branson, or some other rich businessmen, it would make sense. After all, they may consider some direct investment into this small and poor country of ours. I can't for the life of me see this as a worthwhile spending.

Quite simply, it goes to show the height of lunacy this government has come to!

Below is an excerpt from the Fiji Times article (Saturday, February 12, 2005)

THE Government will spend $400,000 to cater for the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles two-day visit to the country next month.

Home Affairs Minister Josefa Vosanibola said Cabinet endorsed the planning committee's plans for the royal visit yesterday afternoon.

"Cabinet endorsed the proposal by the committee which I chair. They have approved a budget of $400,000 for the two-day visit," Mr Vosanibola said.

He said Prince Charles would be greeted at Nadi Airport with a guard of honour and be traditionally welcomed by the people of Viseisei, Vuda.

"The people of Viseisei, Vuda, will conduct the veiqaravi at the airport," Mr Vosanibola said.

He said there would also be a reception for Prince Charles at Denarau, which would be attended by dignitaries.

"Four hundred people have been invited from the diplomatic corps to attend the Denarau reception," Mr Vosanibola said.

He said the Prince would visit Castaway Resort in the Mamanuca group on his second day of the tour before heading to Lautoka.

"At Lautoka, he will meet Bechu Prasad, one of the oldest citizens of the country," Mr Vosanibola said.

"Then there will be a guard of honour retreat and he will meet the people as he had wished."

Mr Vosanibola said the Ministry of Information would provide more details today.

VAT Increase!

2005-02-12T11:02:00.000+12:00

Below is one of the letters to editors to FT on Saturday, February 12, 2005. I reckon he's hit the nail on the head.

Increase VAT so that the rich can help the poor! Absurdity has it's limits, but this is beyond words... Rote Jone cements his reputation as one of the most incompetent buffoons that has been in charge of our money. This is the same guy that has been asking for supplementary budgets. What the hell is he spending the money on? Half assed, affirmative action?

I am so amazed at the reason given for the increase in Value Added Tax by the Finance Minister Ratu Jone Kubuabola.

He says there was a need to increase VAT because those who were rich would pay more and assist the poor. How on earth is this reason justified?

Can someone from the Ministry of Finance explain to me how does this work? With the increase in VAT two years ago and now the ever increasing price of goods and services, everyone feels the "pinch" and the worst affected are the poor who are barely able to make ends meet.

Has the minister done a survey to find the percentage of rich people in Fiji and if so how does he classify someone who is rich and how has the increase in VAT contributed to reduce poverty in Fiji?

Does this mean there are more rich people than the poor.

The reason stated by the minister makes me wonder if this was the real reason for the increase in VAT.

How much of the increased revenue that was allocated to help the poor and if so why has the poverty rate gone to 15 per cent.

If the minister really wants to make the rich pay and help reduce poverty than the increase in vat should be been placed on the luxury items which only the rich can afford rather than on basic food items.

The Minister should think before he makes a comment. Fiji's literacy rate is increasing so be careful how you word your statements and remarks. Elections are just around the corner.

Vijay Krisha
Nadi

Westernisation is worrying out Assistant Minister for Culture.

2005-02-11T11:14:00.000+12:00

The article below appeared on the fijitimes.com on Friday, February 11, 2005.

I hope our minister doesn't start losing sleep over it, for it may become tragedy.

"Mini-skirts, mini-shorts, tight jeans, tight t-shirts"... hmmm. I can't see it as such a bad thing. I wear "tight t-shirts". It is comfortable. I don't have much of body, but what I wear is what makes me comfortable. How dare someone tell me that is not my culture to dress as such? What is my culture and tradition? One which looks back more often then progress at a decent pace. Cultures and traditions change over time, so do people. The minister needs to realise that there are more important cultural issues then how people dress. We as taxpayers can't seriously be paying someone to standup and tell us how our fashion styles are an issue? What next, ban "Mini-skirts, mini-shorts, tight jeans, tight t-shirts"?

When it comes to language, I hope our minister realises that our primary language in this country is English? It is a language something that has been acceptable by both major ethnic groups in Fiji for eons, and suddenly it is an issue? What's the point of using a language (both Fijian and Fiji-Hindi) is under-developed? Our education system is based on the English language, yet a large number of school leavers level of English at best is poor. This affects in their ability to further their knowledge on anything since all written materials worth any literature value are available only in English. There isn't a problem if our youngsters aren't using Fijian or Fiji-Hindi. The languages have quite simply no real attraction. Perhaps in a few generations it will die a natural death. Survival of the fittest is reality, Minister!

Not to mention some of the the other issues that our minister could have focused on. Such issues as:

Content of Fiji TV (a monopoly in Fiji) and how it affects our beloved culture and tradition
Content of Print and Radio mediums
Creation of state institutes which have a genuine and practical interest in Indig-Fijian and Indo-Fijian

Anyway here goes the article...

CULTURE and tradition has been affected by westernisation and something must be done about it, says Assistant Culture and Heritage Minster Nanise Kasami Nagusuca.

In her maiden speech yesterday, she said there had been a change in dressing and hair style by young Indigenous youths. Instead of wearing a sulu-i-ra, they opt for tight jeans and t-shirts which was introduced by westernisation.

She said for Indian female youths, wearing sarees have become something of the past because they want to wear mini-skirts and tight mini-shorts. She added the Fijian and Indian language was hardly spoken by the young people and this had to be seriously looked into.

Mrs Nagusuca urged the members of parliament to speak in their own language and Fijians in their dialect while presenting in Parliament.

She said the members were role models and should lead by example and if they do likewise it would be a step ahead on enriching our culture and language.

She added multiracialism and diversity could be achieved if both races worked together and help preserve their culture and heritage.

Mrs Nagusuca said she was privileged to be associated and work with a group of matured, forthright and never say die politicians.

"This dedicated group of men and women are charged with daunting task of governing this country through the most difficult period in our history," he said.

She saluted the Opposition members for accepting the duty to challenge the government constructively for the betterment of the nation.

She hoped the opposition members would conduct their task with honourable intention since they were honourable members of the House.

43% Administrative Costs !!

2005-02-08T11:59:00.000+12:00

The NLTB (Native Lands Trust Board) must be providing the best service imaginable when compared to other similar organisations around the world. Surely when someone is charged 43% of their earnings as Administrative costs, the resulting service must be better then that which you get from our 5 star holiday resorts.

Then again, why am I surprised? Which such exorbitant fee structures, it no wonder has managed to create the rift between the landowners and the tenants. It is a perpetual problem. The landowners are never satisfied (and justifiably so), with what little they get from the tenants. However, can we really blame the tenants? The NLTB is not in the business of passing on the earnings of land onto the owners but creating political problems which perpetuate the myth that the Indo-Fijian tenants are the ones at fault. It is an organisation although entrusted with the land of the Indig-Fijians, is more interested in starting up IT companies and filling the coffers of the rich executive management of the organisation....

Below is an article which in the fijitimes.com on Monday, February 07, 2005. The bold bit is what I am referring to.

PRIME Minister Laisenia Qarase has condemned the illegal takeover of properties by landowners but admits that ministries and departments could have compounded the problem by not doing their jobs.

Reacting to the forceful closure of Nawaicoba Public School at Nadi last week by landowners, Mr Qarase said his government did not condone anyone breaking the law. "The Government will never support those taking the law into their own hands," he said yesterday.

"But in some cases lack of communication or failure by some civil servants to perform their duties result in the unfortunate circumstances."

Mr Qarase said while there were rules in government departments to resolving conflicts, there was no guarantee that such problems would not resurface. "Take the coup for instance. We all thought that it wouldn't happen again after 1987. There are some things that you just cannot control," he said.

The landowners from yavusa Lewevunaniu of Yako Village took over the school after the Ministry of Education failed to pay them the agreed premium of $55,000.

Classes resumed when the ministry gave $30,000. The Native Land Trust Board told the clan they would only receive $17,000 because $13,000 would be deducted for administrative costs.

Now, the clan is threatening to close the school again if they do not get the full sum.

Assistant Police Commissioner Crime Kevueli Bulamainaivalu said takeovers by landowners were becoming common now and the police force would no longer tolerate it. "If they have grievances, there are channels to follow like the NLTB and the Ministry of Education in this case. But when they don't, then we will investigate, arrest and take them to court to face the music," he said.

He cited three cases in the past where landowners were charged for illegally taking over property or trespassing.

At Vitogo in Lautoka, landowners were arrested and charged when they tried to repossess a property before the lease expired.

At a resort in Yanuca, landowners were arrested and charged with trespassing and uprooting plants and root crops.

And at Sabeto, Nadi, landowners were arrested and charged after they threatened to close down a school if the lease payment was not made.

"These incidences are becoming common and we are not going to tolerate them," ACP Bulamainaivalu said.

"For Nawaicoba we are monitoring the situation very closely and will be charging people as soon as investigations end."

Education Minister Ro Teimumu Kepa said the ministry should have been more proactive in checking its records on land leases and the payment of premiums to avoid situations the school there now faced.

And that, she said, was something the ministry would emphasise this year.

"Both sides have to play their part," she said. "The Government started paying premiums from 2002 in accordance with the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua's manifesto launched in 2000.

"The schools themselves should be paying the balance.

"But some of them think they can claim for lease payments for the years before 2002.

"That is something that should be clarified."

NLTB spokesman Nimilote Naivalumaira said he would be able to comment today.

The Rotten State

2005-02-03T15:32:00.000+12:00

What I am trying to do through this blog is to provide a political commentary about the state of affairs in Fiji. Affairs in terms of politics, big businesses, racism and infrastructure deterioration.

I am not involved in politics of the country, don't belong to any political party and dont vote in elections (even though it is compulsory). I am just an average citizen trying to make sense of all that is going wrong in this country. Corruption, crime and racism is rife. Religious tolerance is non existent.

The state of affairs in this country may not be as bad as in Haiti or some of the African states, but it is still bad enough to be given international prominence.

Over the coming weeks, I will blog on about things. My reference points are the fijitimes.com and fijilive.com.

...