Grubsheet is taking a complete break for the next couple of weeks and not a moment too soon, judging from the following missive from one of my most devoted readers.
It is a good time to do so, between the second and third readings of the draft constitution bill and before things really hot up, assuming the bill is passed by the parliament in just under a month, we have a referendum and an election date is set.
Wise advice. So I am packing my bags and effing off to put my feet up and have some quality time with my long-suffering Marama. We are heading for a Pacific destination where I am least likely to be detained.
So until I return… sota tale!
NOTE:
Please keep the comments coming in my absence and I will also do my best to clear them. Oh, and to my reader who told me where to get off:
For at least two decades publicly and for 15 years in these columns, I have promoted equality for all ethnic groups and religions in Fiji. The common and equal citizenry, the common identity and the secular state was in the 2013 constitution and it survives in this one.
I can understand your frustration but there you are. You can take out that frustration on me as much as you like but barring another coup to assert indigenous supremacy, there is no turning back.
I can scarcely believe that Sitiveni Rabuka and those around him finally realised that Frank and Aiyaz were on the right side of history with the 2013 Constitution and have adopted its core principles. But they have and so should you.
We all have the same opportunities (under the supreme law, at least), we are all Fijian and all religions are equal in the eyes of the state. Which is as it should be. So do try to get used to it for your own sake. Because kicking the cat – me- isn’t going to make a jot of difference.
Miaow.
For someone to use those words to describe the 2013 constitution, that person sounds like someone who went to prison under the very constitution. You will note it’s only criminals who are upset by laws that govern a country.
Thank you GD for giving sharks, parasites liars and oppressors like Rabuka, Lynda Baiman and others an early Christmas gift. I can picture Lynda opening a Jack Daniel’s and lighting a joint to celebrate.
Most possibly your arse is not good enough ,never will be either , for the 2013 constitution anyway.
It is the likes of racist slobs like yourself that Fiji needs less of.
The 2013 Constitution is still the law of this nation . It deserves the respect of all regardless of what changes may come in the future.
Have a wonderful and very well deserved break Graham.
And don’t mind the haters….just shake them off!
Yes, Lenora Qereqeretabua once told me to my face: “Graham, do you realise you are the most hated man in Fiji?”.
Oh really? For consistently standing up for equal opportunity and good governance? Funny old world, isn’t it?
Thanks for the best wishes for a happy holiday!
Perhaps you will get further inspired on your travels…a la Hemingway… Just make sure you don’t join any guerilla bandidos along the way! The exchanges in the forum are very healthy indeed and a joy to partake in.
I appreciate the way you suck it all up and never let it faze you. Important to have someone calling it out. In a world so warped by those who tow the line for the sake of it…I hate to think what Ai will do to authentic journalism in the future.
Probably why I prefer talking to pure scientists over the average ones who have become so blinded by the agendas set before them.. Somebody told me that we are in the middle of climate change…My response was…Well of course.. It was sunny this morning and now it’s raining!?
I think you should make that holiday a permanent one, no one believes your ramblings anymore. Relevancy should be your operative word from now on. You no longer are!
Oh really? My decades-long campaign has succeeded.The central provisions of the 2013 Constitution relating to the common and equal citizenry, the common identity and the secular state are entrenched in the new draft document. (Unless someone removes them before the next vote in the parliament or they are rejected at a referendum). Sound irrelevant to you? Irrelevant enough for you to be here wishing me bon voyage.
Irrelevance is a toadying white Uncle Tom like you. Go carry Lynda Tabuya’s handbag. You deserve each other.
Don’t worry about the towel boy, Graham. Take it from a Fijian – you are very much relevant. Whether people agree with you is or not is immaterial. But we need the kind of discussions and journalism that you are bringing into the public arena, because our media are totally effed and stupid to boot. Don’t expect any kind of analysis from them.
Without grubsheet, many issues of national significance and concern would not be brought to public attention in the manner that you do. Debate and discussion are lacking in Fiji and we need your input badly. So don’t worry about people sitting on their asses and posting comments but can’t think or write for shit.
Keep on doing what you need to do. See it as a calling and a duty for which I’m afraid you won’t get paid, but for all your trouble, you will attract a certain level of dislike and hatred, because the truth hurts. Often sometimes there is no reward for doing work for the common man.
Very kind of you. Vinaka.
Enjoy your time away and forget about the wankers that don’t have the sense to understand what you write. It’s the sane and sensible ones amongst us that really appreciate the time and effort that you put into keeping us informed about the goings on behind the closed doors.
Take care and will look forward to your return.
Awwww…we need you Graham.
Interesting that the referendum date has been set.
Apparently the third parliamentary vote is a foregone conclusion.
Enjoy your break Graham. Thank you for keeping us informed. Hope you return as soon as you are able.
Amazing! The Parliament is yet to pass the Constitution Bill and will not do so before 2 November and the poll date for a Referendum has already been announced!
The poll date is December 9th and applications for a postal vote is now available to be lodged with the FEO.
Fiji must be the only country on earth where the PM can announce the poll date prior to Parliament passing the legislation for it!