Back in June, three Supreme Court judges ruled that John Rabuku was ineligible to be acting DPP because he had been found guilty of professional misconduct and Rabuku was forced to relinquish the position. But seven months on, he is back running the ODPP in defiance of the Supreme Court while the substantive DPP, Christopher Pryde, is absent answering the recycled allegations of misbehaviour laid against him after he was exonerated by the recent judicial Tribunal.
The person who made those allegations – Nancy Tikoisuva, the acting DPP who took over from Rabuku after the Supreme Court ruling and then, outrageously, made him the substantive Deputy DPP – has relinquished the position now that Christopher Pryde has been reinstated. She is now a lowly state prosecutor. But with Christopher Pryde on leave answering her allegations against him, it is John Rabuku who now steps up to run the ODPP despite the Supreme Court ruling that he lawfully cannot do so.
In the usual sleight-of-hand we have come to expect from the Judicial Services Commission and its head – the rogue Chief Justice, Salesi Temo – John Rabuku isn’t being described as the Acting DPP but that’s what he is while-ever he signs off on cases or does anything that the DPP would do in his absence. It is normal practice that a Deputy DPP steps up to be acting when a DPP is away. But because Nancy Tikoisuva insisted on appointing someone guilty of professional misconduct, the law says he can’t be there.
Now, senior members of the legal profession are reportedly complaining that no-one seems to be in charge of the ODPP to get sign off on important matters in the courts. Is it because John Rabuku knows that as soon as he does so, the grubby little secret that Salesi Temo is trying to hide will be exposed and there will be a fresh crisis about the state disregarding judicial rulings? It sure looks that way.
The JSC has issued a statement saying that all media enquiries in relation to the ODPP should be directed to it until Christopher Pryde returns. But in the meantime, we have a de-facto acting DPP in John Rabuku who simply shouldn’t be there. And a breakdown in yet another legal convention because Nancy Tikoisuva appointed a Deputy DPP who can never be Acting DPP. So that the crisis and illegality erupts again every time the substantive DPP is away.
The law of unintended consequences from a bunch of cowboys who are unfit to inhabit the upper echelons of the state’s prosecution service, quite apart from their outrageous conduct in recycling old allegations against Christopher Pryde that have already been dealt with to save their jobs and exalted salaries. Yet another scandal at the top.
POSTSCRIPT 1 :
Don’t cha love it. The JSC says the media should refer all queries about the DPP to it but then doesn’t answer those enquiries. What a farce.
POSTSCRIPT 2 :
No statement from the Fiji Law Society about this.
Areh Temo and Rabuka, what’s going on with DPP Office?? It appears these 2 old farts are determined to expose how incompetent they both are in doing their jobs!
Never seen anything like this in any other country. But hey let’s review the constitution first! Dumb bunch of old men attempting to run the show. These guys time is up! Retire and save yourselves more embarrassment at this age. SMH.
What Fiji needs is sanctions from the Five Eyes nations. But I guess that will cause Fiji to turn to Russia and China.
RFMF Commander should be charged for treason. Typical selfish and coward ‘chief’.
What you smoking bro? The problem is the Judiciary not the military who don’t want to have a bar of it.
The military is now being run by a real man. Not stupid idiots like your friend Bainimarama who believed whatever stupid people like you tell them.
Whatever Bai did to try and look good for the people, it didn’t take away the fact that he was not intelligent. He was smart enough to surround himself with other smart people, but they all thought they were saviors of Fiji when the reality of the matter is they were just trying to save their own asses. We’ll now he is going to go to jail again, along with his smart kaidia. Unfortunately Dr Sharma, who is a kind man and good hearted got involved with the wrong crowd. What a sad way to retire.
Disappointing development for law and order in Fiji.
A person who is clearly incompetent as judged by his professional peers and the law is back in leadership.
This detestable person has also shown contempt for the rule of laws of our country in the recent past.
A typical Banana Republic person.
Looks like everyone in Fiji is interpreting law using chatGPT.
Even the Law Society.
The Coalition lack the intelligence to know the difference between forming a government and making appointments based on merit and expertise, and forming a pack (of like minded attack dogs).
How much anime does Graham watch all day?
Isa ko Viti. Who would have thought that Rabuka could have been capable of doing so much damage. From one crisis to another, this coalition is like a drunken sailor. No respect for the rule of law.
All the makings of a banana republic are in full display. The fact that Rabuku is back running the ODPP is testament to this.
I couldn’t bring myself to watching the “rubbish talk” episode last night. My sleep was more important. Narayan hasn’t got a clue what it means to talk straight. Waste of time and space.
Hopefully some patriotic people will rise up soon to help get our beloved country back on track. No more recycling of this current crop of conmen and women.
It is also quite revealing how silent the former critics of the previous government are now, especially when the chaos of this current administration is so visible.
So many other hard pressing issues are facing the country, but all Rabuka is concerned about is the review of the constitution. What a joke he is as PM.
What you smoking? Rabuka is not capable of damage?
Crawl out of your hole dears
Imagine what they doing with the billions of dollars in AID given by Australian Government.
These Muppets can’t understand or follow the Law correctly. And they want to throw out the 2013 “imposed” Constitution and come up with another one! What a mess they are going to make of the new constitution.
You can’t just throw out the entire document with all the sound content of it because you don’t like the lawmakers. What are they going to drastically change in it that is life enabling to the citizen – Thou can steal and Thou can commit adultery ?
Vulagis must understand that changing the constitution is panacea for all itaukei ills.
Once the 33 identified but mysterious changes are made all difficulties of the community will be remedied-poverty will disappear, HIV/AIDS will instantly be cured, drug use will stop, the lost tribe will be found, Fiji will become a very wealthy nation.
Milk and honey will have nothing on us.
Most importantly everyone-ALL itaukei will be “liberated” — from what or whom is none of the vulagis business.
If itaukei don’t know what or whom they will liberated from, who cares?
Vulagis worry too much that the devil is in the details. You people just chupp karo, pay your taxes, and be subservient to the lost tribe who will magically pay off the $3m owed to the airline!
Everyone must understand the constitution is the huge problem, stupid. It is stuck in our throat.
If you believe any of the above, we got some high quality snake oil to sell you.
Very well put and explained. The Constitution is th cause of all the ills in the country. Vulagis are a second cause. Once the Constitution is changed and the vulagis are gone, they will resolve problems like they do in PNG and the Solomons – the right way. It is paradise in PNG and the Solomons. Alternatively, they will do what they do in Israel. They recycle the PM there for the lst 3 decades just like they do in Fiji, and both countries are f**ked.
This whole mess is attributable to one person – Salesi Temo the CJ. He is the person who created this by ignoring the Constitution and the established rules that apply across the world on the appointment of judicial officers.
John Rabuku was never qualified to be the acting DPP and this was confirmed by the Fiji Supreme Court in June, when three Supreme Court judges ruled that he was ineligible to be acting DPP because he had been found guilty of professional misconduct.
So we now have a CJ taking actions contrary to the ruling of the Supreme Court and the Constitution.
As for Rabuku he appears, like the CJ, to just ignore the laws of Fiji and its Supreme Court.
Those thinking working or investing in Fiji take note!
I think the initial culprit is Siromi Turaga – the incompetent first AG of the coalition govt.
2 S’s, Salesi and Siromi, but it’s Siti who has the final say despite his endless denials and deflections. Thus, 3 asses!
The more dodgy you are, the more qualified you are for the job in Fiji. Starting from the pedo President, the idiot Prime Minister, the dickhead CJ, the kaila gang in the ODPP, the drink driving Chief Registrar, the Ministers, the coalition partners, and various appointments by this government not to mention the “prominent lawyers”.
But, what is amazing is that is exactly what the people of Fiji want including many in this forum. They believed that an idiot from 38 years ago would fix Fiji’s problems. If ever there was a survey, I am sure Fiji would win Gold for the highest proportion of idiots on a per capita basis. Another world record to be proud of.
It just gets better and better or should I say badder and badder everyday. Now we find out that Ms Mason has legal matters against her back in NZ? What kind of a cluster-fk are they running back there? Sheeeesh. Somebody pour me a drink, pleassse!
If you looking for angels, you will never find them in this world. Wait till you cross over to the other side then your expectations will be fulfilled.
Only in Fiji.
We’re running the government and independent bodies like a village cooperative dairy.
Why ? Because village idiots are in charge.
All the cases Rabuku prosecuted in his first stint as DPP would’ve been invalidated outright in any other jurisdiction because he doesn’t qualify because of a professional misdemeanour.
But in Fiji, we give lawyers with indiscretions that render them unfit to hold office a second life.
What a quandry. I guess we just wait for elections.
For your information GD, under Christopher Pryde’s leadership, ODPP office had a long line of competent and yes dangerous at times prosecutors who are no longer serving in the office namely Jayneeta Prasad, Juleen Fatiaki, Semi Babitu, Yogesh Prasad, Sherlyn Kiran and Shirley Tivao.
Ever since they left office, the whole place crumbled. It will take years to make a team like that.
It’s a “dog eat dog” situation, for now and I’m offering juice, but “Is the juice worth the squeeze”?
Let’s see!!
Queen of Tarts is no longer an MP. Expelled from PAP.
Sa dina? I very much hope this is true. We eagerly await the official announcement.
If true, let’s hope others will follow her very soon, including those ODPP SMT clowns led by John Rabuku, who last week “was directed to fix the English translation of the transcript and was cautioned to refrain from having briefings with the witness.” https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/judgehaltstrial/
But the thing is, he will be promoted and confirmed eventually by, as an earlier reader said, the 3 asses.
Vakamadua dina (so embarrassing) that the serial law breaker is the country’s lead prosecutor.
Democratic Fiji, man!
It sounds like there’s quite a bit of frustration with the current situation in Fiji. It must be frustrating when there’s a perception that decisions aren’t being followed or that the leadership is inconsistent, especially when it involves matters of legal integrity and the rule of law.
The case with John Rabuku, especially after the Supreme Court’s ruling, seems like it’s raising serious questions about the balance of power, accountability, and respect for the Constitution. It’s tough when it feels like those in power aren’t fully adhering to judicial decisions, as that undermines trust in the institutions meant to protect the country’s laws. It must be particularly challenging when the Prime Minister appears to lack direction or consistency.
A reminder of how excellent leaders foister respect and polite relationships with our country neighbours, and a reminder how Fiji can easily succumb with the increasing winds of global warming. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mToRkmeQH3o
Three Supreme Court judges ruled that Rabuku was ineligible to be acting DPP because he had been found guilty of professional misconduct. Respectfully, he was removed from the position. Now within 6 months, after appointment of the president and the confirmation of CJ, Rabuku is back as DPP.
Did someone say about Fiji,
– the rule of law is upheld?
– there is independence of judiciary?
– all citizens are treated equally?
– there is no racial discrimination?
– everything is hunky-dory?
You got to be kidding, you need immediate medical attention.
Sales Temo, Chief Justice and Chair of the Judicial Services Commission, is at the center of the growing confusion within the judiciary, the Office the Dirrector of Public Prosecution (ODPP) and FICAC.
Temo’s appointment seems to be calculated, enabling him to execute questionable actions aligned with PM Rabuka’s agenda, putting itaukeis in top positions irrespective of whether they are suitable. Temo’s blatant disregard for the constitution, rule of law, and the Supreme Court ruling on Rabuku is nothing short of the monumental act of contempt of court.
Despite this, no corrective action has been taken, raising concerns about judicial impartiality and integrity.
What is particularly troubling is Temo’s apparent favouratism towards Rabuku and Barbara Malimali.
Equally alarming is the defeaning silence from the President and the Commander of the Fiji Military Forces. Their inaction calls into question their commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting Fiji’s democratic framework.
If Temo’s actions continue unchecked, the credibility of Fiji’s justice system will further deteriorate.
Temo must be removed immediately before any further damage is done, and those responsible for his appointment- including Rabuku and Nancy, must face consequences for disregarding the Supreme Court decision.
The Supreme Court did not issue a ruling as there was no case. So there cannot be a contempt of Court as Court did not order anything.
They gave an opinion to Cabinet. It is not binding. It just gave direction to Cabinet and the PM.
Too many idiots drowning in their tea cups.
This is Aiyaz’s take on the DPP saga, posted on his Facebook page earlier today.
“We had a Tribunal that cleared Christopher Pryde after nearly a year of allegations, investigations, delays and a hearing.
The initial complaint was by Siromi Turaga that Christopher Pryde should not have spoken with Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at a Japanese Embassy cocktail. The Judicial Services Commission, chaired by the then acting and now confirmed Chief Justice, recommended the suspension of Christopher Pryde to the then President Katonivere. He was suspended by the then President.
Following much delay, another allegation was laid against Christopher Pryde. The Judicial Services Commission which advises the President on the terms and conditions of the DPP’s employment (and would have his personal file) and its secretary is the Chief Registrar, alleged that Christopher Pryde without authority overpaid himself.
On 23 December 2024 the Tribunal chaired by the Honourable Justice Anare Tuilevuka and aided by Honourable Justices Qica and Lakshman cleared Christopher Pryde of any wrongdoing. The Tribunal recommended that Christopher Pryde be reinstated. Then President Lalabalavu, on 7 January 2025, in eventual compliance with Section 112 of the Constitution, advised Christopher Pryde that the allegations of misbehaviour against him had not been made out and that he had been reinstated. He was also advised to meet the Chair of the JSC, the Chief Justice, upon his return. Christopher Pryde advised that he would recommence work in Fiji on 20 January 2025.
Following this announcement, many Fijians and our development partners breathed a sigh of relief that at least, even though there were unacceptable delays and the actual allegations were proved to be lacking merit, the Constitutional process was adhered to and the findings of the Tribunal were followed – that the President adhering to the process and with the rightful return of Christopher Pryde to his office, would restore to an extent, some level of confidence in the due process and even Constitutionalism and the rule of law.
But on 15 January 2025, about 3 working days before Christopher Pryde was to physically be in office, Nancy Tikoisuva who still held herself out to be the Acting DPP (despite even the President reinstating Christopher Pryde as the DPP), issued a media release. The media release stated that a meeting was held between, rather quizzically, the ‘Senior Management’ comprising of Nancy Tikoisuva, holding herself out to be the Acting DPP, three Assistant DPPs, who as per a 2024 ODPP media release are Laisani Tabuakuro, Paulini Madanavosa, Meli Vosawale, and the Deputy DPP John Rabuku, to ‘review’ Christopher Pryde’s personal file, and that they had decided that Christopher Pryde had allegedly, without authority, obtained various benefits that he was not entitled to. The media release also stated that the matter had been directly reported to FICAC, and that FICAC had already uplifted documents through a search warrant, executed within days of the complaint being lodged. Strangely, the media release also revealed that the ‘Senior Management Team’ had lodged the complaint with FICAC under ODPP’s Whistle Blowing Policy, “Acting DPP, Ms Tikoisuva said, “Following the review of the file, several inconsistencies came to light and as part of the ODPP Whistle Blowing Policy, a complaint was lodged with the FICAC.””
Since the issuance of this media release, a deluge of unabashed vitriol and what is called in your face comments have been posted on social media by John Rabuku and Laisani Tabuakuro of the ODPP.
These extraordinary events, (and though such incidents are now becoming the norm), are a glaring example of how constitutionalism and due process is again being severely assaulted in a grievous manner, and with enormous ramifications.
These anomalies include:
· Christopher Pryde’s personal file was with the JSC for over year (in fact you would assume they would have his personal file with the Secretariat of the JSC at all times or at least have a copy of it) and they had all the time to identify, scrutinize and bring to the attention of the Tribunal any anomalies they would have found. Indeed, they did allege one after the first complaint and it was dealt with by the Tribunal. Yet we have Nancy Tikoisuva and the ‘Senior Management Team’ identify anomalies within days of receiving the DPP’s file, after the President had reinstated Christopher Pryde.
· Does this mean that the Chief Registrar and JSC were so incompetent that even though they had Pryde’s personal file for over a year, they couldn’t identify any other anomalies? Yet Nancy and the ‘Senior Management Team’ were able to do so, amazingly, in a few days, having received the file on 9 January 2025?
· Nancy Tikoisuva stopped being Acting DPP on 7 January 2025 when the President reinstated Christopher Pryde. The media release about ODPP’s ‘Senior Management Team’ looking into Christopher Pryde’s personal file and lodging complaints with FICAC quoted Tikoisuva as Acting DPP. She did not have the authority to go through Christopher Pryde’s file, so why was she? In what capacity did she do so? She did not have the authority to issue media releases so why was she doing so? Wouldn’t the professional and competent step to take by Nancy after the announcement by the President of Christopher Pryde’s reinstatement have been to immediately contact Christopher Pryde and seek directions as he is the boss? Did she do so? Did Christopher Pryde authorise the media release?
· Are the ODPP media releases issued by subordinate officers to tell the public that a formal complaint has been lodged by them against their own boss? What was the point of the media release and media conference by Nancy if not to try and intimidate Christopher Pryde and keep him from returning to Fiji and influence public and institutional opinion?
· Why was the personal file of the DPP with the ODPP even before his arrival back to Fiji? One would have assumed that when he meets the Chair of JSC, as advised by the President, he would have then been given his file.
· Nancy Tikoisuva is saying that the complaint was lodged under a ‘Whistle Blowing Policy’. This is bizarre because generally the whistle blower policy means that the complainant remains anonymous, that the complainant goes to a higher authority and that that higher authority is not aware of any anomalies prior to it being raised by the whistle blower. Yet in this instance, the identity or identities of the whistleblowers have been revealed. This complaint was not made to the higher authority, which is the JSC and the higher authority has not identified any such anomalies despite having the file with it for over a year.
· Does that mean that these so called anomalies have been concocted? Does it mean the file was deliberately accessed by Nancy and her in-house investigators, the ‘Senior Management Team’? Does it mean that the JSC would be aggrieved by the actions of Tikoisuva? Does it mean that the President’s Office would be aggrieved by the actions of Nancy?
– Why was the supposed complaint publicised? What was the purpose? Anybody who lodges a complaint must allow due process to take its course, without revealing the subject of the complaint. Does this conduct on the part of Nancy and the ‘Senior Management Team’ show the new levels that they will stoop to, to retain power in this once esteemed office? Is it the height of intimidation that these officers have released such a Media Statement and maligned the incumbent DPP and also tried to pre-empt the outcome of any FICAC investigation?
· The speed with which FICAC acted spells a new level of efficiency within FICAC which still has not attended to complaints lodged by ordinary citizens months ago. Was FICAC so dramatically active because certain members of FICAC are in cahoots to victimize the DPP once again? The media release stated that Christopher Pryde’s personal file was with the ODPP on Thursday 9 January 2025, and the search warrant had been executed by FICAC the following week, on Tuesday 14 January 2025, a day prior to the media release being issued. The exact date of lodgement of the complaint with FICAC has not been revealed, however it has to be within a space of exactly 6 days, within which there are only 3 working days.
· Won’t this stance taken by FICAC further undermine its credibility, given not only the current drama surrounding it but also given its Constitutional mandate and the fact that Fiji has ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)?
· Is all this being done because certain current officers within the office of the DPP feel threatened that they may need to adhere to proper, professional standards and apolitical standards that professional prosecutors in other common law jurisdictions need to adhere to?
· Doesn’t this approach by Nancy and the ‘Senior Management Team’ and the initial lack of comment by the JSC undermine the Tribunal and His Excellency the President? Indeed, doesn’t it also undermine the JSC as an institution?
As mentioned earlier, since the issuance of the media release, a couple of officers of the ODPP have been vitriolic on social media. These in-your-face comments further add to the proposition that the independence of the office of the DPP is compromised. In fact, the comments give even a larger insight as to what perhaps is taking place behind the scenes.
For example Laisani Tabuakuro, Assistant DPP of ODPP and one of the members of the “Senior Management Team” at the ODPP wrote on her Facebook page:
“Christopher Pryde will resume at the DPPs office on January 20, 2025. His return to Fiji will be a wonderful opportunity for FICAC to question him on the allegations of serious financial malpractice that we have found on his files for the past 10 years. Even if he returns and fires me, I am comforted in the knowledge that he will be charged. #JusticeWins”.
Apart from the highly unprofessional approach, Laisani is saying that Christopher Pryde ‘will be charged’. Why is she able to make such a pre-emptive and vindictive statement with so much certainty? Did the current Commissioner of FICAC tell her that Christopher Pryde will be charged? What type of communication is taking place between Laisani and presumably Nancy and John and others and those from FICAC? Has FICAC compromised its independence? Is it acceptable for a senior member of the ODPP to make such a highly prejudiced and unprofessional public statement?
Deputy DPP John Rabuku, also included in the ‘Senior Management Team’ and whose appointment as Acting DPP was revoked by the President following the Supreme Court’s Opinion, has also made various belligerent comments on Facebook pages and groups, responding to commentary on the media release. Isn’t it highly inappropriate and unprofessional for a senior member of the DPP’s Office to be engaging on social media in such a manner? Does it show a particular predisposition and prejudice of the ODPP and John Rabuku? John Rabuku’s almost imbecilic, chatty, and street-style engagement on social media continued despite the Attorney-General Graham Leung who is consulted by JSC, and who had called on Rabuku to step aside following the Supreme Court’s Opinion, again gave comments to the media and asked the ODPP Officers to “End It”.
Two days before he was due in office in Suva, on 17 January 2025 Christopher Pryde received a letter from the Chair of the JSC, the Chief Justice, asking him to respond to a series of allegations of misbehaviour allegedly committed by him as DPP. As seen allegations stem from Nancy and the ‘Senior Management Team’s’ review of Christopher Pryde’s personal file, and Nancy has specifically requested that the Chair of JSC suspend him and set up another Tribunal to hear the fresh allegations levelled against him.
Does this mean that Nancy is now giving directions to JSC? These matters are decided by the JSC not juniors to Christopher Pryde, the DPP. Nancy Tikoisuva does not have the locus to ask the JSC to advise the President to suspend Christopher Pryde pending the outcome of the investigations. Furthermore, this will enhance her own position and enable her to secure the position of Acting DPP, despite being conflicted.
On 21 January 2025, the media reported that Nancy Tikoisuva’s appointment as Acting DPP had been revoked by the President. She later gave comments to the media to say that her appointment in fact came to an end on 20 January 2025, which is when Christopher Pryde was due to be physically present in the Suva office. The media also reported that John Rabuku is currently in charge of the overall management and operations of the ODPP. Another conundrum given that he cannot hold the position of DPP which includes the position Acting DPP, given the opinion of the Supreme Court of Fiji.
Nancy Tikoisuva and John Rabuku are now conflicted, having lodged the complaint with JSC, and having a direct interest in the outcome of the investigations into the fresh allegations levelled against Christopher Pryde. Neither Nancy Tikoisuva nor John Rabuku, and similarly the remaining members of the ‘Senior Management Team’ can be ‘in charge’ of management or operations of the ODPP.
Further more regarding conflicts, the ODPP had taken over the complaint lodged against Barbara Malimali with FICAC when she was appointed as Commissioner FICAC. Barbara as Commissioner FICAC could not investigate a complaint lodged against her in the institution she was heading. Is this why the complaint against Christopher Pryde was first lodged with FICAC by the ‘Senior Management Team’? So that Christopher Pryde does not proceed with any possible charges and prosecution of Barbara Malimali? Effectively, what this means is that Christopher Pryde as DPP will be looking at the complaint against Barbara, and Barbara as Commissioner FICAC will be looking at the complaint against Christopher Pryde. Was the complaint against Christopher Pryde first lodged with FICAC, to keep him from considering charges against Barbara? Both are officers of independent constitutional institutions and have the power to sanction charges and prosecute. FICAC also can investigate but not the ODPP.
The lawyers, normally the SG’s Office, advising the President appear to have unfortunately missed a beat. If the President reinstated Christopher Pryde on 7 January 2025, then any and all acting appointments should have ceased on that day. It does not matter that Christopher Pryde would have been physically present in Fiji a couple of weeks later. He can run the office from New Zealand and his staff can take directions from him even though he is in New Zealand.
Therefore, Nancy Tikoisuva’s acting appointment should have been revoked the day Christopher Pryde was reinstated. So, in a nutshell Christopher Pryde has the been the DPP since 7 January 2025. He still is. It does not matter that he is physically not present in Fiji. He can and should administer the DPP’s office from New Zealand and all staff at the DPP’s office should take instructions from the DPP.
Indeed, the fact that there is currently no acting DPP even though Christopher Pryde is not physically here, reinforces the legal position that Christopher Pryde is the current DPP and the boss of the “Senior Management Team”. In any case, as per Christopher Pryde’s contract any acting position must be recommended by him. This provision it would appear was also not adhered to when various acting appointments were made previously.
The big picture and bottom line is that all of the above, the conundrums, the shenanigans, and the recent legal and constitutional debacles have a negative impact on the rule of law. And as we know negative impacts on the rule of law and a sense of perception that justice is not being done or served fundamentally erodes overall public confidence – for Fijians, the business community, our development partners, visitors, and potential foreign investors. It consequentially has a negative impact on our economy.
These actors who are embroiled in these matters and cabinet ministers and policy makers have to understand and realise that their actions and/or non-actions do not operate in isolation or conversely operate in a bubble. Their actions and/or non-actions have a tremendous impact and ramifications on our public, national, and international standing.
We can only hope that those in positions of political power and influence will soon realise that for the current and long term well being of our country this absurd situation has to be arrested and immediately remedied.”
Vinaka for this. Someone else sent me the link to ASK’s statement but as you know, I am banned from Facebook thanks to Lynda Tabuya.
It is a blessed relief except when I miss a posting of importance or my usual sources don’t screenshot it for me.