An excellent Post from 4.5 that is worth circulating.

Waqavonovono: ‘RFMF should not fear Fiji citizens and politicians’

The youth activist, Peter Waqavonovono, says the recent comments of the ‘outgoing Army Commander Frank Bainimarama’ blaming politicians and external factors for the 2006 mutiny are ‘irresponsible and unnecessary.’
Waqavonovono especially disputes Bainimarama’s claim that his departure from the Queen Elizabeth Barracks should not be met with ‘fear’.

Waqavonovono: Political parties not a threat.

“Soldiers in the Royal Fiji Military Force should not fear the Citizens of Fiji,” says Waqavonovono.
“Nor should they fear the comments coming from politicians and political parties in the lead up to September General Elections.
“Politicians gather their opinions from those around them, and so far, no political party or politician should be considered a threat to the military – they may be a threat to the political ambitions of Frank Bainimarama, but not to the Security of Fiji.
“I ask that the RFMF instead respect the will of the People who have embraced the call for Elections and are keen on taking Fiji back to a democracy.
“Through voter registrations and discussions at campaign outreaches, the people of Fiji have decided to endorse the system and will go to elections under the new Constitution.
“If the Constitution must be changed, that will happen in a democratically elected Parliament.”
Waqavonovono says the only person who can thwart ‘the elections and prevent our desire to regain our democracy is the Prime Minister unelect Frank Bainimarama.’
“Even after he resigns from the RFMF as Commander, he is still Constitutionally the head of the RFMF and through the interim cabinet, still influences the RFMF that indirectly is still in control of Fiji.
“Politicians and Community Leader’s want a Peaceful transition to Democracy and there is no reason to fear the will and the voice of the People of Fiji.”
Waqavonovono says the 2000 mutiny & 2006 coup were influenced by internal elements within the RFMF and ‘we should stop blaming ‘external factors’.
“In reality the actors trying to dismantle Bainimarama’s grip of the RFMF were military officers.
“It has always been military officers.
“The time has come for the RFMF to align and reconcile themselves to the WILL of the People.
“The majority of citizens of Fiji did not want the 2006 coup; and after the tortures of hundreds of citizens at various army installations since 2006 and after two deaths at the hands of our RFMF, a reconciliation between the people and the security forces is needed.
“I invite the RFMF to now walk hand in hand with the people and vote freely with the best for Fiji in their heart’s.
“You should also attend political rallies and read up on party manifesto’s and make up your own mind on what is best for Fiji.”

UFDF PRESS RELEASE – the Collapse of the Fiji Fishing Industry

STATEMENT FROM

THE UFDF

[No 9/2014]

[Jan 24, 2014]

The UFDF said today that the suggestion by Minister for Fisheries, Forests & Agriculture Lt Col Inia Seruiratu that another committee be set up to ‘look into’ the plight of Fiji’s Fishing Industry’ is too little too late given that this problem has been allowed to escalate over the past 7 years to the point that more than 8,000 citizen’s incomes will now be adversely affected.

The UFDF said today that the suggestion by Minister for Fisheries, Forests & Agriculture Lt Col Inia Seruiratu that another committee be set up to ‘look into’ the plight of Fiji’s Fishing Industry’ is too little too late given that this problem has been allowed to escalate over the past 7 years to the point that more than 8,000 citizen’s incomes will now be adversely affected.

And who might the members of this committee be? The same officials that have been unable to resolve the issue over the past 7 years and they will advise the Minister how he can resolve an issue they have failed to address in 7 years? Have any of the stake holders been asked for their opinions and input? A quick check yesterday revealed they have not been asked to be part of this Ministerial solution.

The UFDF said while courting China into funding its various projects [all loans no aid] the regime has ignored the fundamental problem that has caused this matter to ‘come to a head’ and that is the ongoing presence of 1,800 or so foreign fishing vessels with licenses issued by our island neighbors. A significant number of these vessels mainly from China operate in international waters surrounding Fiji and other Pacific Islands.

The UFDF said one does not have to be a ‘rocket scientist’ to work out how long our fish will depleted when 1,800 foreign fishing vessels are catching our resources in our backyard 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Not to mention the damage done to our reefs, our sea life by the trawlers. The loss of other types of seafood that get caught in the process as well as the waste and debris from these vessels.

The UFDF said what makes it even more ridiculous is that these foreign vessels are subsidized by up to $US350, 000 ($F662, 000) per vessel to cover costs, fuel, maintenance and they are the only vessels that can sell to China, our Fiji owned and operated vessels cannot sell their catch to China and not one of them are subsidized.

The UFDF say some of the blue painted Chinese subsidized vessels anchored in Suva Harbour can’t afford to operate even with their $F662, 000 subsidies it’s not too difficult to work out why our local boat operators are unable to sustain their operations.

The UFDF says it understands that a major scam is being perpetrated by foreign vessel operators against the Chinese government where operators are falsifying documents and logs of their catch to qualify for the generous subsidy, while remaining anchored. At least 20 officials are reported to have been executed in China for the scam.

The UFDF said none of the foreign vessels are known to hire local crew but if they did it was a minute number, so other than a license fee, there are no real benefits to the Island nations and the areas valuable fishing recourses is being depleted on a scale that will cause catastrophic failure because of the issuance of an excess of fishing licenses by upwards of 400%.

This the UFDF says is despite well researched and sustainable numbers of fishing licenses recommended to all island nations. The recommendations on limiting the issuance of licenses are being ignored for short term financial gain without any regard for the catastrophic long term consequences that will follow the current excesses in fishing of our resources.

The UFDF said the other part of the problem is the local mismanagement of the resource. In Fiji too many licenses have been issued and the resources’ have been depleted.

The problem has nothing to do with migratory fish or seasons it’s all to do with the mismanagement of resources.

The UFDF said the MSG has failed to adequately and prudently address this issue for the long term sustainable benefit of all the island nations and the current discord among the members over the West Papua issue will unlikely allow them to urgently resolve this major economic catastrophe currently unfolding in the region.

Authorized By                       UFDF

UFDF PRESS RELEASE – One law for the nation, another for the Military

STATEMENT FROM

THE UFDF

[No 7/2014]

[Jan 21, 2014]

The UFDF said today that statements attributed to Lt Col Netani Rika as reported by the Fiji Sun and Frank Bainimarama as reported by Vijay Narayan and Mohammed Feroz show clear breaches of the Civil Service Standing Orders [2011 revision] and abuse of office.

The UFDF says the Civil Service Standing Orders on Campaigning Sec 1222 states quote ‘  Campaigning or political activity by a Civil Servant while on duty is forbidden. Civil Servants must not be canvassing or by any other means attempt publicly to further the activities or aspirations of a political party, or the election or return of an individual (whether a member of a political party or not) in any election to the House of Representatives or to a local Government body including Provincial Councils unquote

The UFDF says Lt Col Rika’s comments are political in nature and breach The Civil Service Standing orders 1222 that disallow quote ‘canvassing or by any other means attempt publicly to further the activities or aspirations of a political party’ unquote. There can be no doubt that Lt Col Rika was canvassing for Bainimarama’s party and as Commissioner Eastern he is abusing the privileges of his office as well as Sec 14 (1) (c) (d) of Decree 4 of 2013.

The UFDF says in the case of Frank Bainimarama he remains Commander of the Military and according to his Regimes own decree No 4 of 2013 he is in breach of the following provisions-

POLITICAL PARTIES (REGISTRATION, CONDUCT, FUNDING AND DISCLOSURES) DECREE 2013 DECREE NO 4 OF 2013

Restrictions on public officers in a political party

Sec 14    (1)          A public officer shall not-

(c)           Engage in political activity that may compromise or be seen to compromise the political neutrality of that person’s office; or

(d)           Publicly indicate support for or opposition to any proposed political party or a political party registered under this decree or candidate in an election

(2)           For the purposes of this section, ‘public officer’ means any person-

(c)           Holding any office in the public service, the Fiji Police, Fiji Corrections Services or the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

(4)           Any public officer who intends to be an applicant or a member of, or hold office in, a proposed political party or a political party registered under this decree, must resign from the respective public office prior to applying to become an applicant or a member of, or hold office in, a proposed political party or a political party registered under this decree.

(5)           A public officer is deemed to have vacated his or her office mentioned in subsection 2 immediately before the time at which he or she applies to become and applicant or a member of. Or hold office in, a proposed political party or a [political party registered under this decree.

The UFDF says the Commander’s repeated statements about forming his own party and contesting elections is in clear breach of Sec 14 (1) (c), (d), (2) (c) and (4) and (5) of Decree 4 of 2013. Just as Lt Col Rika’s statements are in breach of the Civil Service Standing Orders.

The UFDF says Lt Col Rika and Commodore Bainimarama have broken the law and the Acting Commissioner of Police and the Civil Service Commission are obliged to uphold the laws that govern these public office holders and appropriate and immediate action should be taken against them just as they would apply it to any other citizen.

The UFDF says if the newly elected Electoral Commission is serious about ensuring free and fair elections  and remaining impartial and independent then it cannot ‘look the other way’ when clear abuse of office and breaches of the law as reported are committed by their employer.

Authorized By                       UFDF

UFDF PRESS RELEASE – Who are the “liars and troublemakers”?

STATEMENT FROM

THE UFDF

[No 36/2013]

[Dec 18, 2013]

UFDF CALLS ON THE PM & LT COL SULIANO TO NAME & SHAME THE ‘PAST POLITICIANS’ THEY CALL LIARS & TROUBLE MAKERS AND PROVIDE THE EVIDENCE THAT SUPPORTS THEIR CLAIMS!

At his recent Christmas celebrations with the RFMF the Commander again claimed to have created a new path forward for Fiji but warned the military to be on guard against ‘past politicians who caused problems?

But who are these faceless and nameless ‘past politicians’ he keeps referring to and what exactly is the problem they are being accused of causing?

The people need to know who these trouble makers are and more importantly what kind of trouble it is they are being blamed for causing?

Since Independence, the only thing that has caused the greatest problems for Fiji and her people, are the 4 coups carried out by certain officers of the military command and possibly some ‘old political & self-serving individual collaborators’. Perhaps these are the people that the Commander regularly refers to.

When it comes to calculating the cost to the country and her people, there is enough evidence available that places this figure at approximately $10 billion dollars or more in lost economic activity, growth, employment and development and the individual loss to our citizens by way of their lives, jobs, homes and the accompanying ‘trauma and stress’ inflicted on them is a cost too high to be accurately measured.

If the PM is referring to politicians who ‘colluded with the military to over throw past elected governments? Then its time he named them and shamed them? And a good place to start would be his own cabinet.

Then there’s the standard veil threat once again from the military command and this time around coming from Lt Col Suliano who refers to the ‘threat caused by liars spreading lies’?

But what is the ‘threat?’ What are the lies? Who are the liars? Unless he can back up what he says with facts, then generalizing as he does amounts to nothing more than lies and rumor? The people have a right to know the TRUTH behind what he is claiming.

Fiji is supposed to be just 10 months away from returning to democratic governance and at this stage of proceedings the regime, indeed the Prime Minister, the Military Command as well as the Fiji Sun and other pro regime media organizations should be at least attempting to ‘walk their talk’ and start ‘practicing’ some of the democratic principles they claim credit for and espouse from time to time, but seem to still have great difficulty keeping in line with.

There is a lot at stake for the people of Fiji in the coming 10 months and veil threats of unproven allegations has no place in a free and open society if indeed that is one of the democratic principles that is part of the Bainimarama promise to the people of Fiji and the world.

The UFDF calls on Lt Col Suliano and the Prime Minister to stop referring to faceless and nameless past politicians and making baseless generalized allegations and challenges both of them to name the past politicians and liars they refer to and clarify the ‘lies’ they are spreading and state exactly how these alleged lies constitute a ‘threat’.

Lt Col Suliano is also quoted as saying ‘the RFMF would stand firm to make sure that the ‘transition of power’ after the 2014 elections would be smooth.

Are we to take from that statement, that even if Bainimarama and his party fail to win a single seat in the next elections that the RFMF will ‘stand firm’ and ensure the Bainimarama Regime hands over power to the new government elected by the people?

Is this ‘true’ or just another lie?

Authorized By                       UFDF

For further elaboration or interviews on our statements please contact anyone of the following:

Mick Beddoes – 830524;  Laisania Qarase – 9993113;  Mahendra Chaudhry – 9921865

 Attar Singh – 9921184;  Tupeni Baba – 9373364

UFDF PRESS RELEASE – Madiba – Ending Apartheid with Compassion & Forgiveness

STATEMENT FROM

THE UFDF

[No 35/2013]

[Dec 7, 2013]

As we in Fiji share the grief of the Mandela family and people of South Africa at the passing of Madiba, we also celebrate the extraordinary life of this great freedom fighter, unifier, reconciliator, statesman and founding father of the rainbow nation of South Africa.

Nelson Mandela succeeded in liberating his people through his defiant, persistent and disciplined approach towards the repressive apartheid regime that subjected millions of black South Africans to many indignities and much suffering by stripping them of their rights, freedoms and basic humanity.

The suppression of basic rights and freedoms continues here in Fiji, under the repressive Bainimarama regime, who represent all that Nelson Mandela spent his entire life opposing.

We can draw strength and inspiration for our own struggle from Madiba’s willingness to forfeit his own freedom and liberty for the greater need and good of his people.

After sacrificing 27 years of his life in prison he became, at 76 years of age, South Africa’s first democratically-elected President. His choice of weapons for unifying a divided people was forgiveness, compassion and reconciliation. He embraced his enemies despite decades of harsh and inhumane treatment. Although he could have remained in his job for life, as many leaders try to do, he relinquished power after just 5 years.

Nelson Mandela shows us that outright rejection of any form of imposed rule and fighting for people’s rights, freedoms, humanity and dignity is not only just and moral. It is also a responsibility and obligation we all have towards each other. By endeavoring to adopt the same persistence and discipline of Mandela, and armed with the courage of our own convictions, we can and must restore our peoples’ freedoms, rights and dignity.

Authorized By                       UFDF

For further elaboration or interviews on our statements please contact anyone of the following:

Mick Beddoes – 830524;  Laisania Qarase – 9993113;  Mahendra Chaudhry – 9921865

 Attar Singh – 9921184;  Tupeni Baba – 9373364

LOCAL MEDIA REMINDER

FIJI INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT DECREE 2010

(DECREE NO 29 OF 2010)

 

Schedule 1

Media Code of Ethics & Practice

 Sec 1: Accuracy, balance and fairness: (d) ‘Media organizations have a duty to be balanced and fair in their treatment of news and current affairs and their dealings with members of the public’ & (e) Editorial comment in any medium must be clearly identified as such and kept separate from news reports.

Sec 2: Opportunity to reply: Media organizations have an obligation to give a fair opportunity to reply to any individual or organization on which the medium itself comments editorially

 Sec 21: Impartially and balance: Media organizations shall endeavor to show fairness at all times, and impartiality and balance in any item or programme, series of items or programmes or in broadly related articles or programmes over a reasonable period of time when presenting news which deals with political matters, current affairs and controversial questions.

UFDF PRESS RELEASE – Why Is There No Immunity For Brig. Gen. Driti?

STATEMENT FROM

THE UFDF

[No 34/2013]

[Nov 28, 2013]

The UFDF calls on the Attorney General, the  PM & Military Commander to explain to the people how Brig Gen Driti who was part of the 2006 Bainimarama team that overthrew a constitutional government and is supposedly covered under  the ‘entrenched’  immunity provisions of  the 2013 constitution has somehow been ‘excluded’ and put on trial?

The UFDF calls on the Attorney General, the  PM & Military Commander to explain to the people how Brig Gen Driti who was part of the 2006 Bainimarama team that overthrew a constitutional government and is supposedly covered under  the ‘entrenched’  immunity provisions of  the 2013 constitution has somehow been ‘excluded’ and put on trial?

The UFDF says if a special decree was passed by cabinet under section 161 of the 2013 constitution that excluded Brig Gen Driti from the protection he is supposed to have enjoyed as a member of the 2006 Bainimarama team, why has that decree not been made public?.

The UFDF says it is ironic that Brig Gen Driti is being found guilty of inciting mutiny against an Army Commander who overthrew a constitutional government?

The UFDF asks how was it possible to have a trial where some of the key characters involved in the alleged crime did not even make a court appearance.

If Driti can be charged and brought to court while supposedly being protected under the immunity provisions, the UFDF asks if this means all those who have aided and abetted the regime who think they are protected from prosecution, can also be removed from immunity protection and prosecuted?

Authorized By                       UFDF

For further elaboration or interviews on our statements please contact anyone of the following:

Mick Beddoes – 830524;  Laisania Qarase – 9993113;  Mahendra Chaudhry – 9921865

 Attar Singh – 9921184;  Tupeni Baba – 9373364

LOCAL MEDIA REMINDER

FIJI INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT DECREE 2010

(DECREE NO 29 OF 2010)

 

Schedule 1

Media Code of Ethics & Practice

 Sec 1: Accuracy, balance and fairness: (d) ‘Media organizations have a duty to be balanced and fair in their treatment of news and current affairs and their dealings with members of the public’ & (e) Editorial comment in any medium must be clearly identified as such and kept separate from news reports.

Sec 2: Opportunity to reply: Media organizations have an obligation to give a fair opportunity to reply to any individual or organization on which the medium itself comments editorially

 Sec 21: Impartially and balance: Media organizations shall endeavor to show fairness at all times, and impartiality and balance in any item or programme, series of items or programmes or in broadly related articles or programmes over a reasonable period of time when presenting news which deals with political matters, current affairs and controversial questions.

Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama the bully strikes again……”Shamima Ali thinks that she is too important but she is not important at all”

Fiji human rights watchdog says constitution changes oppressive

Posted at 01:53 on 12 November, 2012 UTC

A human rights watchdog in Fiji says the interim government’s latest decree on the constitutional process is undermining, draconian and oppressive.

The NGO Coalition on Human Rights says it is concerned at the extreme measures the regime is taking to pressure the constitutional process.

The group’s spokesperson Shamima Ali says decree number 64 of 2012 contradicts regime leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama’s original plan for the process to be free, transparent and for the people.

The decree includes changes to the constitution writing process such as removing further public debate on the draft document before it goes to the regime appointed Constituent Assembly for discussion.

Ms Ali asks why the interim administration has gone to such lengths to silence the people on issues that should be debated and determined by a public forum.

The interim government says there will be ample scope for public discussion once the Constituent Assembly starts its deliberations.

News Content © Radio New Zealand International
PO Box 123, Wellington, New Zealand

 

NGO Coalition calls on PM to ensure draft constitution is viewed

Publish date/time: 12/11/2012 [17:03] Print this page Email this page The NGO Coalition is calling on the Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama to ensure that the draft constitution goes back to the people for their views before the Constituent Assembly sits. Coalition Chair, Shamima Ali said it is only right that people are allowed to express their views on the non-negotiable principles set out by the government. Fijivillage questioned Ali on people freely expressing their views during the constitution consultations from August to October where people also raised issues about some non-negotiable principles. This is the first time that a commission went around the country to get people’s views. She said more time should be given and people have a right to give their views on the draft constitution. Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama earlier told Fijivillage that the non negotiable principles are necessary to bring equality and unity in the country. He also said that Shamima Ali thinks that she is too important but she is not important at all. He said people who are credible will be appointed to the Constituent Assembly. Story by: Vijay Narayan

RFMF and its roll in Government and why the Commodore sees himself as filling the seat a high chief.

Former Fiji military commander reveals research into military thinking

Tuesday, 23 October 2012 03:28

RNZI: A former land force commander in Fiji, Jone Baledrokadroka, says the Fiji military’s role as a peacekeeper in overseas conflicts has helped transform its mindset and influenced its role in recent Fiji politics.

Mr Baledrokadroka has been conducting PhD research at the Australian National University and he presented some of his findings to a gathering of Pacific leaders, experts and academics in New Zealand last week.

He argues there have been unintended consequences of peacekeeping that are pervasive in Fiji’s present day military.

He says politicisation of the military also dates from an earlier overseas campaign against communist insurgents, the Emergency of the 1950s.

“It was very much ingrained I say within the military institution from the days of the Malaya campaign where our troops first came into contact with this idea of security, development … this working together of the state, the government, the people and the security forces.”

Mr Baledrokadroka says there needs to be a Commission of Inquiry into the ethos of the military followed by reform of the institution.

He also presented research showing more than 60 members of the military are playing a role in the present day Fiji government.

Mr Baledrokadroka was imprisoned following alleged involvement in a plot to kill the regime leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

His studies also include the demise of the chiefly order in Fiji and he argues the Commodore sees himself as filling the seat of high chief.

– RNZI

A Comment stolen from Grubsheet that I agree with totally…….. All of the coups have been for self serving self advancement and not for the benefit of our Fiji as a country.

Charlie Charters

Posted October 9, 2012 at 7:22 PM

Riverside,

Despite the best attempts of Graham and others to paint me as a vassal of my mother in law, personally, I am not anti-Bainimarama or pro-Qarase. But I am deeply anti-coup. These things just don’t work out as intended.

I was a young reporter working at FM96 during the first two coups. There was a lot of after-the-fact justifying of why the coups were necessary: the easiest to understand narrative was that Fijians/i Taukei had not had fair access to the economic benefits of the country, and therefore the coups happened as a logical consequence of that disenfranchisement.

I always thought that was a lot of self-serving nonsense. For me, the real motivation behind those coups (and subsequent) was that there existed in Fiji a tightly associated clan of business and political figures who felt an overweening sense of entitlement, and whose jobs for life were threatened by the Bavadra victory in April 1987.

It was that unholy alliance of Coup-Enablers that conspired to create the circumstances that delivered 1987, 2000 and 2006.

Certainly there was and remains a huge number of Fijians/i Taukei who feel marginalised and passed over by the many and conspicuous benefits of development (electricity, piped water etc.). But these same disadvantaged people did not lead the coups; the coups were not mass uprisings (along the lines of the Arab Spring); all four coups were events of huge national significance (and great long-lasting economic damage) that were done in all our names but by a tiny few who self-selected themselves based on what they feared they had to lose, and who subsequently have enjoyed the huge trappings that come with high political office, salary, entitlements, pensions, or in the case of the cabal of business leaders, have enjoyed preferential tariff protection, access to loans, etc.

The Office of the Prime Minister presented the mission with entirely new terms of reference, which the ILO found unacceptable. As a result, the ILO mission was asked to leave Fiji immediately.

ILO – International Labour Organization : ILO mission to Fiji aborted

09/19/2012 | 12:45pm US/Eastern

GENEVA (ILO news) – The Fijian government has stopped the  International Labour Organization (ILO) from carrying out a      mission to verify complaints over the lack of freedom of  association made by local trade unions, the ILO said in a       statement issued on 19 September.
The government had initially agreed to the ILO mission, but  then called it short during the first meeting on Wednesday 19      Sptember. The Office of the Prime Minister presented the  mission with entirely new terms of reference, which the ILO      found unacceptable. As a result, the ILO mission was asked to leave Fiji immediately.
The ILO mission was mandated by the ILO Governing Body Committee on Freedom of Association and the unanimously      adopted Resolution on Fiji adopted at the ILO’s Asia and  Pacific Regional Meeting in December 2011.

It’s time to leave, Commodore…FLP

FLP Website

Commodore Bainimarama should stop playing god and listen instead to the pulse of the nation and the hardship our people are suffering under his regime.

The mounting social distress in Fiji, the cries and pleas of our people are coming through very clearly in the submissions of the majority of the ordinary people appearing before the Constitution Commission. Most of them have spoken of bread and butter issues, of the struggle to survive, the deplorable condition of roads, the deteriorating state of our hospitals and health centres – to list a few.

Yet the Prime Minister has the gall to tell the Fiji Sun (13/9/12), “My government will not listen to anyone who wants to tell us how to govern the nation”. He was responding to FLP’s call for a caretaker government to be appointed to oversee the constitutional and electoral process.

Bainimarama’s response is the arrogant hallmark of a dictator. He should listen for his own good. Had he done so in the first place, Fiji would not be the troubled nation it is today.

Look at the mess he has made of the sugar industry in the past four years, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of our people. Cane production has slumped from 3.3 million tonnes in 2006 to an estimated 1.4 million tonnes this year. Sugar produced was down from 310,000 tonnes in 2006 to 165,000 tonnes last year and is expected to decline to 125,000 tonnes this year.

The sugar industry is just one instance of the gross financial and economic mismanagement the nation has suffered under his regime. The fact that private investment levels are now down to 2% of the GDP, the lowest on record, indicates lack of confidence in Fiji by local investors.

Fiji urgently needs a change of government, indeed, a speedy return to democratic and constitutional rule, if it is to avoid becoming a failed nation by 2014.

“Anyone from the military can carry out another coup, abrogate the constitution and start all over again,” the Prime Minister said.

PM: The way to stop coups

September 16, 2012 | Filed under: Fiji News | Posted by: newsroom

By MAIKA BOLATIKI

Debate over immunity or no immunity will not stop coups in the country. This was the response of the Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, to Rewa chief, and Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa’s submission to the Constitution Commission. “Anyone from the military can carry out another coup, abrogate the constitution and start all over again,” the Prime Minister said. He stressed the real answer is the following: “An inclusive constitution, a document that really takes into consideration what the people need will stop the coup and that is what the Government is working on now.” The Prime Minister clarified that the reason why immunity was not given to the 2000 coup leader George Speight and his group was because they failed. “Mr Speight and his group only brought destruction to the country.” Prime Minister Commodore Bainimarama said for the province of Rewa to come up with this submission proved that they were very much aligned to the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL). Ro Teimumu was a prominent member of the ousted SDL Government of Laisenia Qarase. The Prime Minister said the 2006 military takeover was totally different from the 2000 coup. It was successful because it stopped corruption and put in place policies that people benefitted from. Prime Minister Commodore Bainimarama said the immunity now in place provided consistency, validation and work towards the 2014 election. “The immunity is in place to see the smooth running of the country and the people are enjoying it.” The way forward after 2006 is in the People’s Charter and the whole of Fiji supported it except Rewa. “We want to put in a new constitution that will replace the People’s Charter.” The Prime Minister has called on the people of Rewa to make their own submissions and not to give it to others who have political allegiance with other parties. “I must admit,” he said” that the presentation made by Ro Teimumu “is part of the SDL proposal.” He reminded all that the 1997 constitution would not be reinstated because it was a discriminatory document and not good for Fiji. For those wanting the 1997 Constitution to be reinstated, the Prime Minister had urged them to come up with something that would be good for the people. In her presentation Ro Teimumu strongly opposed the granting of amnesty to those involved in the military takeover of 2006. In presenting the Vanua o Rewa’s submission the Rewa high chief said substantive steps should be taken to end, once and for all, the coup culture in Fiji. Ro Teimumu said just as amnesty was denied to the perpetrators of the 2000 coup, so should it be denied to those involved in the 2006 takeover and any person planning similar activities at any time in the future. “We, the people of Rewa, are sick and tired of coups and it has resulted in abject poverty and the denial of opportunities and it has brought about arrogance and the dismissal of rights and privileges,” she said.

There was scant mention in the Fiji media of the embarrassment of Commodore Bainimarama being snubbed by Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-15/apec-who-cares/4263798

After te Pacific Forum…….

The premier of Niue, Toke Talagi, said the media seemed to be obsessed with Fiji whereas it had been only briefly discussed.

Progress towards elections in late 2014 was noted but full membership was for democratically elected governments.

Samoa’s prime minister even went so far as to describe Fiji as being the only superficial issue discussed. Both those leaders are fulsome critics of Fiji’s military commander and government leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

But while there is some support from some island countries for Fiji being brought back into the fold, the picture is not quite how the military led government in Fiji likes to portray it. That is, that it is Australia and New Zealand bullying the rest of the Pacific into shunning Fiji.

Fiji’s foreign minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, used that exact expression – bullying – when he spoke at the Non-Aligned Movement meeting in Tehran recently. “Fiji has learnt not to give in to bullying states,” he said.

This line gets a good run in the Fiji media. Fiji’s attorney-general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, was quoted as saying New Zealand’s prime minister was expressing a minority viewpoint when Mr Key told the Forum news conference about Fiji’s continued suspension.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said that just the week before the Forum, Fiji had received overwhelming support at an event it hosted called Engaging with the Pacific.

Interestingly, although many Pacific countries were represented at that meeting, very few leaders were there. And although Fiji is chairing the Melanesian Spearhead Group, there was scant mention in the Fiji media of the embarrassment of all three of the other Melanesian prime ministers – they’re from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu – not being at the meeting Commodore Bainimarama hosted in Fiji the week before the Forum.

They sent their deputies or other ministers instead.

Calling Frank a liar…………..”The PM said that there will be no more coup, I don’t believe that, because he said exactly the same thing at the Bose Levu Vakaturaga in 2000″

No more Coups: Vugalei Submission

07:16 Today

 

Taken from/By: Report by: Apisalome Coka

Calls have been made again to the Constitution Commission for an end to the coup culture.

The Commission was in Tailevu yesterday.

For the people of Vugalei, while proposals ranged from land and village issues to roads and women’s concerns, Taniela Colamoto had this to say.

If I may say there should be strong wording in the constitution so that we know that there will be no more coup, personally even the PM said that there will be no more coup, I don’t believe that, because he said exactly the same thing at the Bose Levu Vakaturaga in 2000 – may I propose the Great Council of Chiefs be reinstated.

The Commission moves to the Coral Coast tomorrow.

Bainimaramas past lies make it hard to believe him now……”There is always a chance Bainimarama won’t go ahead with those elections that’s been the position in the past, so we will take it one step at a time.”

NZ’s Key says Fiji’s suspension from Forum remains unchanged

Posted at 19:32 on 30 August, 2012 UTC

The Prime Minister, John Key, says New Zealand is not taking it for granted that Fiji will hold elections in 2014, which is why the island nation’s suspension from Pacific Islands Forum will remain unchanged.

The region’s leaders are meeting on One Foot Island in the Cook Islands for a day long retreat where Fiji will be one of the main topics.

Australia’s Julia Gillard has returned home early after the deaths of five soldiers in Afghanistan.

The other leaders will receive an update about election preparations in Fiji.

But Mr Key until the elections have taken place and the military returned to the barracks, Fiji will remain suspended from the forum.

“There will always be a range of views but from New Zealand’s perspective we do want to encourage the positive signs we are seeing but we don’t want to overstate those positive signs there is always a chance Bainimarama won’t go ahead with those elections that’s been the position in the past, so we will take it one step at a time.”

New Zealand’s Prime Minister, John Key.

News Content © Radio New Zealand International           PO Box 123, Wellington, New Zealand

FLP also raised concern about the absolute powers vested in the Prime Minister, to control the size of constituent assembly.

FLP wants pension benefits restored to former levels

The Fiji Labour Party has called on the Government to restore pension benefits to their former levels, take immediate action to implement the wages increases recommended by the Wages Councils and to reinstate welfare payments.

Following the FLP Annual Delegates conference in Nadi, the party said it also believes that the continuing decline of the sugar industry is a major contributing factor to the rise in rural poverty levels as noted in a recent USP survey.

The Fiji Labour Party delegates again spoke in favour of retaining the 1997 Constitution however with some amendments particularly those relating to the electoral system and good governance, with the additional insertion of safeguards to hold elected governments accountable.

Delegates also raised concern about certain provisions in the two decrees relating to the constitution making process.

The two overriding concerns were the provisions relating to immunity for the perpetrators of the 2006 and earlier coups where delegates felt that writing immunity provisions into the constitution merely encouraged further coups by taking away such penalties for such a treasonous crime.

The FLP strongly recommends that perpetrators of coups be barred from holding public office for life that they be made answerable for the treasonous act.

FLP also raised concern about the absolute powers vested in the Prime Minister, to control the size of constituent assembly.

The party referred to Commission Chairperson Professor Yash Ghai’s comments that the provisions were tantamount to ignoring the essential principles of democracy and negating the independence of the assembly.

Story by: William Waqavakatoga

Frank now crying to rejoin “irrelevant” Pacific Forum.

Superpowers focus on tiny Rarotonga for the Pacific Forum

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US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton … leading largest delegation expected to hit Rarotonga. Image: CSMonitor

Pacific Scoop: Report – By Rachel Reeves in Rarotonga

Some of the world’s most prominent superpowers could converge on the little Pacific island of Rarotonga next week.

The Pacific Islands Forum could be the impetus for the United States, China and Russia to be in the same place at the same time.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is making global headlines this week, as the world wonders whether she is in fact hauling a cargo plane and a delegation of about 50 people to this South Pacific paradise.

While China is not officially an observer country, it will be sending a delegation to the Forum. Yesterday coordinators had yet to receive travel arrangement details for the Chinese.

Cook Islands News understands there is a possibility of a Russian delegation coming to the Forum, though Russia is neither an observer nor a post-Forum dialogue partner.

Media liaison officer Derek Fox says Russia is unlisted, but he understands “there may be some interest in someone from Russia coming”.

That, he noted, is unconfirmed. He took the opportunity to point out that Clinton’s attendance is also unconfirmed.

Notable politicians Other notable politicians attending include Britain’s Environment and Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon and Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and current executive of UN Women, who will be leading the United Nations delegation.

A total of 57 countries and organisations will be represented at the Forum.

The average size of a Pacific Island delegation is under 10. Should Clinton make the journey to Rarotonga, her delegation is likely to be the largest of them all.

In total there will be 15 Pacific Islands Forum member countries represented – they are Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

The secretary-general of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat will be bringing his own delegation of 11 people.

Fiji has been suspended over its military-backed regime.

French Polynesia and New Caledonia are attending as associate members, and the Cook Islands News has confirmation that French Polynesian president Oscar Temaru will be representing the former.

‘Observer’ delegations All up, 12 “observer” delegations are attending – representing American Samoa, Guam, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Wallis and Futuna, ACP Group, Asian Development Bank, Commonwealth Secretariat, United Nations, Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission and the World Bank.

Some countries (or blocs) which are neither members nor observers will be sending delegations to Rarotonga – they are Canada, China, European Union, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Other accredited delegations include Cuba, Israel, Singapore and Taiwan.

Nine CROP (Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific) agencies will be attending – Fiji School of Medicine, Pacific Aviation Safety Office, Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, Pacific Islands Development Program, Pacific Power Association, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program, South Pacific Tourism Organization, and the University of the South Pacific.

Fox says the numbers of security personnel are unlisted, as technically the Cook Islands police – and the New Zealand police sworn in to assist them during the Forum – are responsible for maintaining law and order.

Rachel Reeves is political reporter with the Cook Islands News. CIN reports on the Pacific Islands Forum will be featured on Pacific Scoop, along with stories by AUT postgraduate communication studies journalists and students.

Cook Islands News

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and after an unproductive MSG meeting the bleating to rejoin a Forum he has often called useless and a waste of time.

I guess our Miss World contestant isn’t the only turkey in Fiji.

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PM calls for re-entry into Pacific talks

Forum wrongly using its influence – PM

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama declares we are now “Kai Viti”……….an ethnic slur?

iTaukei are the Kaiviti: PM

13:44 Today

 

 

Taken from/By:  Report by: Apisalome Coka

The i-taukei community will be known as the Kai Viti says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

Bainimarama made the comment after concerns were raised on why all citizens of Fiji are called Fijians.

He says calling citizens, Fijians is to unite us together as a nation and remove racism.

The Prime Minister says the i-Taukei must not be moved by this name as they are the Kai Viti, the landowners.

Bainimarama says those who are trying to take away the name Fijians for all are trying to bring back racism in the country.

The Commander will have a look at the submission and will also make changes

Military’s  submission with PM

August 23, 2012 | Filed under: Fiji News | Posted by: newsroom

By MAIKA BOLATIKI

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) submission has been handed over to the Prime Minister and RFMF Commander, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. This was confirmed to the Fiji Sun yesterday by the RFMF Land Force Commander, Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga. “We have prepared our submission and we have handed it over to the Prime Minister,” Colonel Tikoitoga said. “All sections of the RFMF had made their contributions to the military submission and they had raised some very interesting points,” Colonel Tikoitoga said. “The Commander will have a look at the submission and will also make changes.” He said members of the RFMF were also encouraged to make their own submissions to the Constitution Committee. When asked to elaborate on the RFMF submission, Colonel Tikoitoga said they would leave it for the public to know when they made their submission. But overall, he said the submission was for the benefit for all Fijians as they marched on to live in a “better Fiji for all”. Commenting on the submissions already made, Colonel Tikoitoga said some were, as they had expected, supported Government’s new roadmap but others were too backward. “There is no going back and all submissions must be forward-looking.” In an earlier interview with the Prime Minister Bainimarama he said the military would like to have their voice heard in the constitution because they had started Fiji’s new journey in December 2006. “We started this new journey and we need our voice to be heard in the new constitution,” the Prime Minister said. Colonel Tikoitoga said the Prime Minister would decide when the RFMF submission would be made to the Constitution Committee.

“Without any (Coup) guarantee there is perhaps no purpose of this consultation process.”

Military to serve

August 18, 2012 | Filed under: Fiji News | Posted by: newsroom

Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga

By MAIKA BOLATIKI

A coup d’état is not part of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), a senior Fiji military officer has said.
Speaking also before the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, at the Public Service Commission training centre, Land Force Commander Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga said it was sad that whenever there was talk about the coup in Fiji it was linked to the RFMF.
“The public must know now that coup is not part of the RFMF,” Colonel Tikoitoga said.
“The RFMF is here to protect the people and the nation so it will not engage itself in something that will harm both. The RFMF is for the public and at all times will serve them.”
Colonel Tikoitoga admitted that the RFMF was used by the coup perpetrators “…for their own good” in 1987 and 2000 and vowed that this would not happen again. Colonel Tikoitoga also reacted to some submissions made to the Constitution Commission about the RFMF.
He said those citizens had every right to do so, but reiterated that the role of the military would be clearly set out in the new Constitution.
“The military took over leadership in December 2006 because of bad leadership and corrupt practices in Government. We came to carry out a clean-up exercise and changed things for the betterment of the people of Fiji.”
Former parliamentarian Deo Narayan in his submission said: “Fiji is a coup-infected nation. There had been four coups since 1987. All coups were carried out by the armed forces or a unit of the armed forces.
He added: “I doubt whether anyone can guarantee that there will be no more coups in the future. Without any guarantee there is perhaps no purpose of this consultation process.”
Rewa chief Ro Filipe Tuisawau in his submission said: “The military must be subservient to a democratically-elected government at all times. This must be explicit, made very clear and unambiguously in the constitution. The constitution must specify a coup penalty; either life imprisonment or death.”
The Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua submission said: “It is proposed that the provision in the 1997 Constitution should clearly set out the role and functions of the RFMF, without ambiguity.
The reference in the 1990 Constitution should be deleted.”
The RFMF, Colonel Tikoitoga said supported Government’s roadmap to rebuild Fiji into a non-racial, culturally vibrant and united, well governed, truly democratic nation; a nation that seeks progress and prosper through merit-based equality of opportunity and peace.