Australia made secret plans to invade Fiji, according to a startling report that is bound to heighten suspicion and deepen the already significant rift between the two countries. The Weekend Australian reports that defence planners prepared a detailed scenario for an invasion as part of an overall strategic review for the Rudd government in 2009.
The paper says a top-secret chapter of the government “white paper” outlined how Australia would react militarily if large-scale civil strife erupted in Fiji. It canvassed in detail the use of Australian amphibious ships, the number of troops needed for the invasion, the urgent evacuation of Australians in the country and how the Fiji military might react.
The Fiji invasion was reportedly among a number of scenarios canvassed that also included military intervention in Papua New Guinea. This detailed how Australia would response to a “fundamental breakdown of order” in Port Moresby – the capital – and the challenges of getting enough Australian troops to PNG to evacuate Australians and “secure the government”.
It’s already been revealed that the same report canvassed several scenarios based on the possibility of hostility erupting between Australia and China. Plans were made to halt mineral shipments to China and use submarines to blockade Chinese ports. It also canvassed the possibility of a Chinese missile attack on the joint US-Australian communications facility at Pine Gap in the Northern Territory.
The Weekend Australian quotes “a senior Canberra insider” playing down the significance of the latest disclosures. “All militaries do this. We have plans for wars with lots of countries, which we’ll never use of course.” But in the ranks of the Fiji military, the revelations will reinforce existing suspicions that Australia is essentially hostile towards Fiji. Aside from the irksome travel bans on military personnel and their families, there’s already resentment about Australia’s attempt to get Fiji excluded from United Nations peace-keeping operations. This was thwarted largely by the United States, which argued that Fijian troops were too valuable to UN operations and the western alliance’s “war on terror” to be included in any sanctions against Fiji for the Bainimarama coup of 2006.
An Australian invasion of Fiji was briefly canvassed after the first coup in 1987, when the then Australian defence minister, Kim Beazley, raised it as an option when discussing possible responses to the Rabuka coup against the Bavadra government. It was quickly dismissed because of the potential for heavy Australian losses against a Fijian force with a fearsome reputation and fighting experience in some of the world’s worst trouble spots.
The history of the Australian military when it comes to Fiji isn’t encouraging. A naval show of force before the Bainimarama coup in 2006 ended in humiliation when an Australian Blackhawk helicopter crashed into the sea off the main island – Viti Levu – while attempting to land on the deck of HMAS Kanimbla. Two Australian servicemen were killed.
VIDEO LINK: Dramatic footage of the Blackhawk crash off Fiji in November 2006.
This article has subsequently appeared on the front page of the Fiji Sun and in Pacific Scoop New Zealand.
This is an example of the ‘white mans burden’ that underpins Australia’s (and NZ) imperialistic ambitions in the Pacific. I find it apalling that when most of Fijian troops are deployed on behalf on ‘Western’ interests on peacekeeping missions in various parts of the world, that Australia would take it upon itself to mount and invasion of Fiji. That would be the moral equivalent of a ‘king hit’…….assaulting someone when that persons attention is drawn elsewhere. In Fiji, this is referred to as the ‘one side’ and is only used by cowards or people unsure whether they will win.
Such an invasion (heaven forbid) would have been Fiji’s ‘Pearl Harbor’. Of course the USA understood what this meant and fortunately objected to Australia’s plans to invade Fiji.
Which raises interesting questions; if the Aussies did indeed invade Fiji, who would they have handed power to? In other words, what would be the political objective of such an invasion? Was it to put Qarase and his ethno-nationalists back in power? Then to again hold elections under the 1997 Constitution which in essence would lock Fiji into the soul-destroying politics of ethnicity for more years to come? What about the social dislocation and damage to infrastructure that is all part of the the ‘collateral damage’ factor that is the real cost of such interventions? Innocent Fijian families of all races would have been killed by Australian military power.
The idea of a predominantly white Anglo-Celtic military force (the Australian military) taking out an small island nation desperately trying to take off the shackles of ethnic politics imposed by the colonial influence that Australia was very much a party to in the first place, would not have won Australia any plaudits in the court of international public opinion. Australia would be guilty of destroying an island paradise. And it is indeed in the court of international public opinion that such an invasion would have been lost.
All the aforementioned costs are lost on those canvassing the invasion scenario. Qarase treid to get Aussie PM John Howard to mount such an invasion in the aftermath of the 2006 takeover. John Howard was a far more pragmatic statesman than the eccentric and ambitious Kevin Rudd, who could not even garner support from his own party to keep him (Rudd) in power. Thank heavens we had the saner John Hpward at the helm at the time. And thank heavens too we no longer have Kevin Rudd at the helm of Australia;s government.
The costs of the invasion scenario is lost too on the ‘invasion advocates’ like Tevita Mara and John Baleidrokadroka and other closet ethno-nationalist of the same ilk. These guys have urged Australian authorities to consider the invasion scenario as a way of resolving Fiji’s current political problems. These men (Qarase, Mara, Baleidrokadroka et al) are egotistical, self-serving wannabe politicians who have never seen the real effects of war, yet are keen to promote and have its devastating effects visited upon the innocent population of Fiji.
I do note however that Australia is going ahead with its plans to develop an ampbibious capability for what they refer to as ‘humanitarian’ missions in its immediate geographical region. Ya, right. Pull the other one, mate!
Are you really that stupid, Every nation in the world makes contingency plans for invasion of a country, America makes plans of what would happen if Aliens came to our planet. Have you noticed yet how well endowed Australia is, how nationally wealth country is. The current government would have no reason to even think about invading another country to gain wealth. Australia is part of this thing called the UN meaning that we don’t agree with people having there rights removed, which usually happens in a coup.
If Australia had indeed invade Fiji they would have faced an insurgency never before seen in any theater of war.
A long time ago when I was living and reporting on security in the US, the Guardian reported they had found that the Pentagon had a plan, signed and sealed, for the invasion of Canada; remember vividly the reply – military forces around the world have contingencies for everything … and a fair bet is that the ADF has a plan, somewhere, for the occupation and rule of New Zealand.
Indeed, here on mainland Australia we have an abiding fear of the Tasmanians invading us from the south, aided and abetted of course by those pesky Kiwis on the other side of the ditch.
For those of us on the mainland we are inspired by those Churchilllian words “we will fight them on the beaches” etc.
‘Contingency planning’ by the military can reach ridiculous heights.
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brother senitiki is right, australia should never thing of fiji as they think of solomon islands or png. They use RAMZI as a cover to further their imperialist agenders in small island nations.By the way what do people think of the fijian army, they are the best at jungle warfare so fiji would be australias veitnam.
That bastard qarase does have any shame by requesting foreign forces to step in his country of birth. long live the RFMF.
Graham,
I saw the article as headline on the front page of the weekend australian.It really made me very angry.Either the Australian has run out of news or the newspaper really wanted to continue its relentless attacks on the multiple blunders of the current Australian government leadership which have been exposed over the last week or so.If I can list those issues again :
1.The never ending saga about this playboy MP Craig Thompson
2.The very poor handling of the issues surrounding slaughtered cattles in Indonesian abattoirs and which is now showing its rippling effects
3.The issues surrounding refugees and people smugglers
Number 2 above and now this latest story about invasion of Fiji and Intervention in PNG just brings to light the sheer arrogance of Australia.
John Howard must have listened to your advice in 2006 Graham when he said after refusing the request by Qarase and I quote ” the Fijian army is very well trained ” and if my memory served me correct in 1987 after Rabuka’s first coup you appeared on Ray Martin’s show and you said ” the Fijian army is very well trained and very worldly respected and influential ” or some words to those effects
But this latest article just confirms that Australia in its endeavour to be the dominant and influential power in the region ( where it is known that it repeatedly lectures countries in the region,Indonesia included on just about one and sundry issues ) does not know whether its coming or going !!
Thank god it did not happen.It would be Australia’s Vietnam.
What an Alarmist headline. You make it sound imminent that a bunch of men in cammo gear will be marching down Victoria Parade singing Waltzing Matilda.
Every military makes plans for different scenarios. I am sure the RFMF have got plans to invade Tonga.
It would be a dereliction of duty if the Australian military did not have plans in place to evacuate Australian citizens in Fiji. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that the end of the military dictatorship in Fiji may lead to violence. History is littered with examples of how the move to democracy ends in violence.
There was a debate on Grubsheet not so long ago I think you were saying that the Western style of confrontational journalism was wrong for the South Pacific. Here we have an example of the most sensational and confrontational journalism. I am not sure if it is the worst or the best I have seen in the Pacific. You know this will only inflame the paranoia of the dictator Bainimarama and yet you use the most confrontational head line you can think of.
More Hypocrisy from Grubsheet me thinks
Think about the lives lost if this invasion went through… On both sides, I am certain more with Fijian lives. It’s unthinkable.
This notion about invading Fiji if things became very bad is absurd. I mean it’s fine if things started getting bad, citizens can be asked to get out of that particular country; like it’s been done in many scenarios in middle’s to save its citizens. Know at present many Australian citizens work in main land china, so what ADF is saying is that if there is a massive democracy uprising in china and there is chaos everywhere , they are going to invade china to save its citizens.. yeh sure, they will have their tails between their legs and will have many qantas flights picking Australia citizens.
But if it is a tiny island nation, ADF can bully and invade at their will, so equal rights and mutual sovereign respect is only applicable to similar in size nation or bigger nation but any small nation, invade them. What a faking way of taking about western values…………………….?
Smugler, The headline is pure fact. Australia has a plan to invade Fiji. So how you can argue a sensationalist beat-up is beyond me. However much you may be concerned that it inflames “the paranoia of the dictator”, that is neither here nor there. It happened.
“Australia’s Fiji Invasion Plan” is a sad reflection of the following:
1/ There is no confidence in Australia that the Fiji military and police are capable of maintaining public order. Yet the paradox is that they’ve been capable of pacifying an entire population after seizing power in a coup.
2/ There is so little trust and confidence in the relationship generally that armed intervention has become an option. This would see Australian troops fighting and killing Fijian troops and the same thing happening in reverse.
3/ There is an element of supreme arrogance in Canberra that an invasion of Fiji is even a viable option. Fijian troops are prized by the British for front line action in Iraq and Afghanistan. They’re also put into front-line positions by the United Nations. They have a proud history of guerilla warfare in the most arduous conditions in Bougainville, the Solomons and Malaya. They know their own country even better, are fiercely patriotic and will fight.
4/The RFMF is not to be trifled with and any country which takes them on better be prepared for the political fallout of a steady procession of body bags emerging from Fiji. Australia also needs to consider the political fallout of hundreds of thousands of ordinary Australians being dismayed and disgusted that a country they love is subjected to attack.
5/There’s a supreme irony in Australia opposing the one force in Fiji – the RFMF – that was capable of arresting the country’s steady decline into racial inequality – the supremacy of one race over the others. It deserved understanding and support, not approbation and punishment. As it stands, it is because of the RFMF that Fiji will hopefully have – after 2014 – a purer democracy and more equality for all its citizens.
6/ Australia could have been part of that process. It chose not to be and that is its sovereign right. But to plan an invasion of a country with which it has had always had close ties displays an extraordinary lack of confidence in the relationship and, yes, a betrayal. People will argue, “oh, but it’s just a contingency plan”. Where’s the contingency plan for New Zealand? No Australian visitor has ever been targeted in any of the coups since 1987 and there is simply no reason for formulating such a plan.
Even if there was a coup against Bainimarama and resulting civil disturbances, Australia and Australians would not be part of the conflict and all the evidence indicates that they would be protected.
7/ This invasion plan says a lot more about the minds of Australian politicians and military planners than it says about any Fijian. They evidently regard Fiji and its people with suspicion and, in this case, hostility. Yet the experience of ordinary Australians is that Fijians will always look after them in Fiji, often to the detriment of themselves. We saw repeated instances in the recent floods of Australian visitors expressing deep appreciation for the way in which ordinary people helped them when they were left with nothing. They didn’t rob them or try to gain an advantage, they helped them. Why? Because most Fijians are decent, caring people who deserve Australia’s support, not to have their country subjected to an invasion plan.
This is the ultimate tragedy of the disclosure of this portion of the white paper – the profound lack of trust in Canberra when none is deserved. That is one thing. Put it into effect and Australia will surely rue the day that any of its troops set foot in Fiji.
Any Government worth it’s salt would have such plans. It’s not about Australia wanting to lord it over any other Pacific Nation, it’s about the protection of people property and the law, without which no country or it’s rulers can properly serve its citizens or their best interests.
Let’s face it, in both PNG and Fiji to say the least there has been a serious degeneration of proper process and the people that have suffered most are the man, women and children on the street, the normal average citizens that suffer at the hands of those that struggle for power at almost any cost.
In my view Australia has been very remiss at helping solve the problems that plague our smaller neighbors but what doesn’t help is the stubborn anti Australian rhetoric which comes from the corrupt leaders in these places because it suits them to keep the turmoil going while they rob the coffers. This is particularly the case in PNG.
One thought I have had of late is if Australia needs 1700 workers for mines in W.A. Why couldn’t they be employed from places like PNG, Fiji, the Solomon Islands etc. The injection of income into these Island Nations would no doubt be of great impetus to their local economies and the FIFO Jet doesn’t care where it lands to pick up and drop of employees.
Boffo, while you and I clearly have different ideas about whether such a contingency plan is appropriate ( and the Chinese were enraged by the section of the white paper relating to them so one can hardly be surprised about any adverse reaction in Fiji) , your suggestion of using Pacific workers in the mines of WA is a brilliant one and ought to be pursued. Unfortunately in the case of Fiji, ordinary workers seem bound to be disadvantaged by the present political standoff. It needn’t be so now that Fiji is part of the Pacer Plus negotiations. So let’s hope that the Australian Government approaches your idea with an open mind.
I am surprised so-called Pacific experts who should know better are laughing this of. Comparing Fiji situation with US military designs on Canada – is this the best you can come up with Mr Field? Enough of the silliness.
Truth is, large-scale strife/violence cannot to ruled out in Fiji. This is a banal fact obvious to everyone, let alone our ‘Pacific experts’.
This is symptomatic of the pathetic coverage the region receives from foreign reporters who think they know the region and tend to treat it like a joke.
It is logical and sensible that ADF is thinking about Fiji erupting, and is preparing for such a scenario. That’s its job. Self-styled Pacific journalists are too busy trying to be cynical and funny to provide anything meaningful. The same journalists who are sniggering now will be the first to accuse the ADF of being caught with its pants down if it is slow to react to an implosion in Fiji.
In case of trouble in Fiji, ADF has a legitimate right to protect its citizens. As the regional power, what di people expect from Australia – surely not sit on its backside while Fiji goes up in flames because the Fiji military well trained? Fiji’s military is not be messed around it. But let’s be real here. The ADF is not be belittled either. It is a force t be reckoned with, and has served with distinction in far worse places than Fiji – need I mention them?
“Fiji-Australia”, where is the contingency invasion plan for trouble in Indonesia? Or for Vietnam, Cambodia or any number of places Australian citizens live in or visit? There is none because the reality is that Australian power can’t project that far. But a bunch of Canberra bureaucrats evidently sit around seeing Fiji as an invasion prospect.
It isn’t without the potential for huge Australian and Fijian casualties. And what sane person wants to see that? I simply cannot envisage any situation which would warrant such an intervention. Fiji is a peace-loving country but alone of its island neighbours carries a big stick in its highly trained and motivated military. The notion that they would simply roll over and surrender is ridiculous. They will fight. Because if they’re willing to fight to the death in Iraq and Afghanistan, they will fight to the death to defend the sovereignty of their homeland.
It’s a tragedy that it’s even come to a discussion like this and a clear sign, if any were needed, of a collective madness and disconnect from reality in Canberra. Can you imagine the historical legacy of any military clash between Australia and Fiji? It’s unimaginable, especially given Australia’s economic interests in Fiji and the long and intense friendship between the two peoples. That would all be out the window if this scenario were ever implemented and let’s not pretend otherwise.
Back to my blog earlier, protect your citizens as much as you want, that does not justify in invading a country, if there is violence ready to happen in Fiji, why will someone attack or harm the Australian citizens when that is the second most important source of income in the form of tourism dollars. Don’t have to flex your military might to a tiny nation to prove anything when there are other ways of looking after the welfare of your citizens. Remember America thought the same about Iraq and look what happened, they left thousands of innocent Iraqis dead and 4486 Americans returning in body bags. These so called Australia experts should go and live on the ground in Fiji for couple of months to see what’s the real story before coming up with all these plans. Finally leaving with a quote from George s Patton .
“No good decision was ever made in a swivel chair.”
Fiji vs Australia,
Yes you go ahead and mention all those places where the ADF has participated, make our day.The reality is that and as how this story started is their blackhawk helicopter crashed and unfortunately killed 2 of their own men even before the mission started.And wasn’t the ADF that provided aid and training to the PNG armed forces which was heavily defeated by the rebels in Bouganville with their BRA? Need I mention more?
@ Fiji vs Australia
No one is doubting the reputation of the ADF. It is beyond reproach. There is no need to mention them. Same too with the RFMF. The reputation of either of these two organisations is not the issue.
As Graham has rightly pointed out the RFMF has demonstrated its capability to exercise effective control of the country throughout Fiji’s history. If law and order should break down, then there is no doubt that the RFMF and the Police etc would move quickly to contain it and it would receive the support of the civilian population.
Australians and other foreigners in Fiji would be protected and respected.
Like Graham, and as a Fijian (taukei), I know that Fijians would never ever turn on Australians and other visitors and subject them to violence of the scale that would justify Australian military intervention. Fijians would protect them even with their lives if need be.
Someone above makes the interesting point that if law and order broke down in China and that if Australian lives there were threatened, would Australia invade China to evacuate its citizens there in the same way that it planned for Fiji? What about in India, Thailand or even Malaysia?
One thing for sure; if the Aussies did ever smash its way into Fiji many good diggers as well as Fijian soldiers, will, sadly, end up in body bags. All because of the ego’s of politicians.
One simple fact they should factor into their planning : unlike other countries Fiji was never taken by the sword. Even the British in 1860’s decided (after an assessment by Colonel Smythe) that it would be more prudent to follow a political strategy than a military one to influence events in Fiji. I am remnded of that old saying; those who choose to ignore the lessons of history will be vound to repeat them” (or word to similar effct)
I am beginning to see where all this is heading, Australia will keeping pushing and pushing with their mischievous plans and guess what, these will drive the RFMF into the corner and they will see no option but may sign a defence security pact china which will come in Fijis defence from external aggression in return for a naval base in Fiji. Chinese are eager to project their naval power around the globe so what better way to have a base in the middle of south pacific at Australia and NZs doorstep. This scenario is what the US is trying to avoid, the experts in Canberra don’t seem to realize that. Fiji is a small country and it will hang on to anything to retain its Sovereignty. I hope they stop know but if they continue this eventuate I believe.
It was not my intention to compare one military against another.
Both militaries have acquitted themselves with courage and bravery.
Fiji-Australia military are brothers-in-warms.
God forbid they should ever have to face off against each other.
Not my intention indulge in games kids play with toy soldiers…it’s far ti serious for that.
Pious says Fijians would never ever turn on Australians and other visitors.
What about Fijians (of all ilk) turning on each other?
Pious pointedly leaves this out, which says a lot about Fiji.
No one wants to see an invasion of Fiji.
There is a thing called a worse case scenario.
In the case of Fiji, chances of an implosion maybe slim…or not so slim.
Nobody can really say with any certainty.
It is the job of any good military to be prepared for uncertainty.
Some on this blog are hoping for the best. They can afford to.
They won’t be held accountable if all hell breaks lose.
ADF can’t afford to exist on hope, simply because it will be held acountable if the waste matter hits the fan.
Like any good military, ADF is thinking about ahead and preparing for the worst instead of being in denial.
Because if Fiji starts to disintegrate, everyone will turn towards the ADF.
Journalists like Field who are ridiculing ADF for its preparedness, will be the first to accuse it of being caught with pants down, and damning it for failing in its duty of care. You can bet tour bottom dollar on it.
In terms of China etc, ADF will do what it can, I am sure.
I am not a spokesman or defender or admirer of ADF and militaries, just stating what should be obvious.
@ Fiji vs Australia
I am heartened somewhat by your reply. There is no need for good Diggers and Fijian ‘Bati’ (warriors) to lose their lives over incompetent analysis and planning by ‘swivel chair’ DFAT bureaucrats and Defence planners in Canberra. And like you, I pray to God that it will never come to this.
You ask; what would happen if Fijian turn on Fijians? My immediate response is – what is the business of the ADF even if they did?
Are they (ADF) the arbiters of indigenous Fijian power plays?
Do they have special knowledge that we ‘taukei’ dont have that would resolve our political diffferences?
What makes them think that they are the ones to come and resolve political tensions within the indigenous Fijian polity when Australia cant even sort out its own Aboriginal ‘problem’ ?
The so called Howard government ‘intervention’ in Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory (complete with an ADF commander and troops on the ground etc) has been a failure!
If you dont already know, there are traditional mechanisms within the indigenous (taukei) Fijian polity for resolving conflict amongst themselves. Trust me, it works. The Samoans and Tongans (as well as other Pacific Island cultures) have similar traditional mechanisms for resolving conflict.
You say that I have left out the idea of Fijians turning on Fijians, and that ‘this says a lot about Fiji’
What exactly do you mean?
In your defence of the ADF and its invasion plans, you mention the idea of ‘worst case scenarios’ as the basis of planning.
The problem with planning based on ‘worst case scenarios’ is that it is the intellectual equivalent of an chainsaw!
It cuts roughly without any regard for the damage it causes and its implications for a sustainable outcome. More importantly, without due regard for its future relationship with Fiji
From a local Fijian (taukei) perspective, by adopting its current approach of leading an ‘isolationist’ strategy against Fiji, Australia (and NZ) has only succeeded in reducing its capacity to shape and influence events in Fiji. And from a strategic perspective that is a major foreign policy failure.
No wonder the USA has adopted a different tack and has engaged Fiji in a more subtle and less belligerent way. And it is working. Last month we had US Jazz Ambassador come to Fiji and mesmerize us with her reportoire, courtesy of the US Embassy. No US gunboats off Kadavu island etc to remind of where we loyalties should be.
This morning I drove past the US Embassy in Princess Road, Tamavua, and let me tell you, even though I am not a US citizen (am a simple taukei trying to live a Godly life), when I saw the large star spangled banner flying proudly at the masthead within the US Embassy compound, curiously, I felt safe and reassured. I couldnt say the same about the Aussie flag at the walled fortress that the Aussies have set up down the road. I just cant understand the wall they have put up around themselves!
Have a Blessed Sunday
I have not seen Australia’s invasion plan and neither have you I suspect. I am sure the main focus of any involvement of the Australian military would be to secure the safe evacuation of Australian citizens. But Australia as the regional power will take the lead in the safe evacuation of citizens of many other countries. I know that the Embassies of France, UK and the EU have had discussions with Australia on these very lines. Australia is not the only foreign country worried that the situation in Fiji could deteriorate. In fact I am willing to bet you every embassy in Suva will have a contingency plan in place on how to safely evacuate their citizens if there is a break down in law and order in Fiji. Even China will have such a plan in place.
The Military have total control of Fiji at the moment. But what happens if there is a split ion the military and an armed mutiny. What happens to law and order at that point? In your interview Bainimarama accused Mara of wanting to remove him as commander. Now that is one instance that has happened are you saying it is impossible for another such incident to happen which may lead to an armed mutiny in the army. It may be unlikely but it is possible and as such Australia has to have plans in place.
To say Australians are safe is at best hopeful. Who knows what will happen if a mutiny breaks out. In 2000 a number of island resorts were taken over by the land owners. Who is to say the same won’t happen again with more damaging results to the tourists.
As a hypocritical journalist you are more than capable of saying it is all very unlikely. But then if the worst happens and Australia had not prepared you would be the first to say how incompetent the Government was.
I am sure the ADF agree with you that the invasion of Fiji is not a viable option. However, for them to come in force to Fiji and to secure a bridgehead so they can use it evacuate people is a very viable option and one which is a sensible precaution.
You keep say the Australian politicians and military regard Fiji and its people with suspicion. You are wrong they regard a military dictator with suspicion. Please stop lumping me and my fellow Fijians in the same company as a megalomaniacal commodore.
Smugler, your hostility towards me as a “hypocritical journalist”- not to mention your overt hostility towards the “military dictator”-suggests acute bias on your part when approaching the issue at hand. That being the case, may I also suggest that you firmly declare yourself for the Australian cause and free us from the tedium of having to explain the bleeding obvious. It is the Queen’s birthday weekend and we all deserve a break.
@ Smugler
Reference: your words “Please stop lumping me and my fellow Fijians in the same company as a megalomaniacal commodore”.
Who are you to speak on behalf of your ‘fellow Fijians’?
Vakamacalataki iko mada mai. (Explain yourself ; Yavusa, Mataqali. Tokatoka etc).
Please stop lumping me and my fellow Fijians in the same company as the ‘megalomaniacal commodore’.
You obviously have a problem with him. We dont
I have no right to speak for all Fijians and neither does Davis. Or for that matter Bainimarama but he does because he has the guns.
I am fed up with Davis saying Austrlai is anti Fiji. They are not they are specifically anti a military dictator.
You are a fan of Bainimarama and that is your’e right.
I am not a fan of a tin pot megalomaniacal commodore, but that is not my right because if I voice that opinion I will be charged with sedition and locked up. Do you see the problem?
There are a great many Fijians who are Pro Fiji and against the dictator. It is called A SILENT MAJORITY.
@Smugler
I am sure Graham will respond appropriately to the substace of your posting above.
The idea of securing a ‘bridgehead’ on Fijian soil without the agreement of the Fijian military, is, to use an old cliche, and idea ‘fraught with danger’.
You cant just come bust the door down in another town and expect everything to flow smoothly on the basis of your reputation. That is the gunslinger scenario of the old US Wild West!
Where will your assembly points be on Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Mamanucas, Yasawas etc and how will you get evacucees to them without the agreement of the local authorities?
Whats to say that the Fijian military will consider your intervention as that of an invasion force and direct mortar and artillery fire onto your so called bridghead to make it an unsustainable option? And employ snipers to take your good Diggers down ? (Heaven Forbid).
You dream of a Somalia-like scenario in Fiji which is totally far fetched!
You need to take a bex and have a lie down.
I guarantee you will feel better in the morning.
Get a grip of yourself mate!
We who live in Fiji have been living with the expectation of an assisination attempt at any time these past many years.
We have already witnessed one attempt on Bainimaramas life and there have been others contemplated. This REAL, not figment of our imagination. Or people are deaf and dumb.
Graham Davis, you dont have a clue. Have more respect for you commanders. They are not American rambo’s, its a shame you think so.
ADF we citizens appreciate you have contingincies in place.
You must hone them and hone them and do so with the co-operation of the Kiwis,Chinese, French and our neighbours. The logistics of moving great numbers to safety will require common sense, such as dropping persons in Kadavu and nearby environs, were you will get 100% co-operation of the people to protect them.
One destroyer in Suva harbour will negate our our tin boats.
A couple of helicopter gun ships patroling and artillery coverage from naval assets will negate rebel forces who are acting against the population.
Determine rebel units and work with loylist forces, ie. those fighting to protect citizens lives. Have no doubt, if there is a break down of law and order, it will only ever be manifest in the FMF, and in this scenario their will be division.
There is now a large Chinese population to protect. We would not want to happen to them as happened in Honiara and Nukualofa.
If there is a successful assination attempt , you have absolutely no idea how things will turn out and dont pretend to.
ADF you need to be prepared, it is you democratic duty.
If there was ever a blood bath in Fiji due to civil war, and should Australians not act, they will be condemed by the international community, and rightly so.
All innocent blood spilt will be all over Australian hands.
Australian government must make very clear that ADF will turn up, and if Fijians start to kill each other, they will step in to regain order and all murderers will be brought to account.
Thugs and murderers pretending to be nationlists need to be aware that justice will be done in no uncertain terms.
“Mongrel”, you choose your pseudonym well. What a brooding, menacing, frustrated aura you project. Clearly it’s not going your way in Fiji. But dark threats of assassination are hardly likely to advance your cause. How about something a bit more constructive and a lot less bonkers? I don’t know if it’s what you’re smoking – as Bofo suggests – but no-one I know is likely to be impressed with this kind of swaggering belligerence. So why do it?
@ Mongrel
“Thugs and murderers pretending to be nationlists need to be aware that justice will be done in no uncertain terms”
Ya, thats why George Speight and his 2000 crew are now advancing their education in Naboro, thanks to Frank and the military.
I see some are troubled at what China thinks and others are concerned about Australia actually landing troops in Fiji should any particular event warrant it in the eyes of our Political Leaders. Another asks about Australia having similar plans for China.
First of all I could care less for Chinese Politicians or their opinions on Australian Policy. China is without doubt a threat to stability in our region. Take a look at their methods of involment in the Solomon’s and other small nations in the Pacific, namely their tit for tat support of corrupt Politicians played out with Taiwan as the other protagonist. Both giving cars, money and gifts trying to out do each other. China is as all of us know going through a huge muscle flexing exercise getting used to its roll and fit as top dog. A dog I don’t think should be trusted not to bite. It is starting to dispute areas that have long been part of other Sovereign Nations.
Australia or any other country, like a smart individual would not take on a more hefty opponent knowing the outcome would end in their own demise.
As for the chest thumping I’ve read here about Fiji v Australian troops etc, well it’s just that and childish too I might add. When the fighting forces of any two reasonably well equipped
sides go at it, someone is going to die. But having said that I can’t imagine it will come to pass that Fiji and Australia will ever end up in such a situation. And trust me if a beach head was to be established in Fiji by an invading force of any nation it will likely have been pre planned with the blessing of at least some locals.
@ Boffo & Mongrel
You seem to be the one and same perosn, making no sense.
Wot you smoking bro?
@Graham
Listen to yourself; you make it sound to be so bad to be “For Australia”; and so bad to be “hostile to a military dictator”. I find it very strange you take every opportunity to denigrate your own country and at the same time to heap praise on a dictator. I am not “For Australia” I am “For Fiji”. And I am sorry to say your friend the dictator is destroying the economy and much of the fabric that holds the country together and makes it Fiji. Before you say I am racist, I am not and nor was I a Qarase supporter.
As I said before every embassy in Fiji has got contingency plans in place for how to evacuate their citizens if things go south in Fiji. UK, France and the EU contingencies all involve working with Australia. Now Australia is the only country in the region with the military assets who can get ships and helicopters to Fiji in a matter of days. So it is quite right they plan on how to achieve the evacuation. As you say it is risky and fraught with danger. They need to have plans in place and at the same time I am sure they are praying they never have to implement the plans.
As you well know this “Invasion” is not about regime change but about rescue and evacuation.
And yes I stand by calling you a hypocrite. The way the story is written gives the impression that Australia intends to invade Fiji imminently. When the truth of the matter is they have made plans but have no intention of carrying them out unless there is a complete breakdown of law and order. Your story as are most you write very confrontational such as the attacks on Qarase and Chaudhry. Whereas at PINA you were saying that Pacific news coverage should be more peace orientated. Obviously there is one rule for the Palagi journalist and a different one for the natives. That is hypocritical to the extreme if not downright racist.
@Pious
I could not agree more with you any military action in Fiji is fraught with danger. The risks of such an enterprise are huge and I am sure the ADF would expect casualties.
But that is why they plan in advance for such an operation. They plan so they know where the evacuation points will be. They plan so they know how best to defend themselves. They plan so they know best how to keep civilian casualties to a minimum.
They plan and then they pray they never have to put the plan into action.
But just in case the situation in Fiji deteriorates to the point that Australian citizens are at risk they are ready to move rapidly and decisively.
As the regional power in the South Pacific they will not just be responsible for their own citizens but they will coordinate the evacuation plans with NZ, UK, France and EU countries. They may well work with the US. As for China’s plans I have no idea but they will have a contingency in place. After all they have seen their citizens attacked in the Solomon’s and Tonga. They will have a plan in place for Fiji
Graham thank you very much for keeping the world informed on the actual situation in Fiji. You have been the dove with the olive branch. So good to know that you’re out there. I’m not quite sure what country your Smuglers,Mongrels etc. live in but it doesn’t appear to be Fiji. They don’t seem to realize that the economy has shown positive signs of growth despite the set backs caused by the floods and that infrastructure, education and medical facilities to name a few have improved remarkably and people wherever you go look healthier and happier. Fijians and Indians are intergrating in a way they never did before and Indian women in particular are behaving more confidently as individuals. My job takes me into different work places everyday, in both the private and public sectors, so I see this positive change in behaviour and attitude everywhere.It is very evident.
Sadly Australia and New Zealand have missed the boat. While they were happy to cooperate with other non-democratically elected governments in Fiji, they have chosen to single this one out, while at least 60% of the population (those who showed support for the People’s Charter) are happy with the reforms we are witnessing and living with here in Fiji on a daily basis.
No-one in their right minds supports a coup, but when the last election process was so obviously rigged and when we were faced with extreme right wing policies, the coup to end all coups was welcomed by the silent majority. Since the formation of the Fiji Military in 1943 as Fiji’s response to playing its part in the liberation of the Pacific, the FMF has continued to play an important role in maintaining law and order. I feel very safe and secure in their hands. My job also takes me around the region and I am proud to say that Fiji is the envy of many whose governments are strapped to the arrogance and upper-handness of Canberra and Wellington. God Save the Queen and Fiji Forevermore!
“No-one in their right minds supports a coup”
You said it Mona.
Commodore Bananas, THICKOitoga, Novalorhere, Khaiyum.
They all support the coup
You made my point Mona.
Thank you
Mona Midnite, it’s great to hear that I’m not alone when I question the constant negativity of some people. Thank you. The one thing that I think is inarguable is the important point you raise – that relations between the races have improved dramatically. You could literally feel the tension in the air at various points in the past. Now, there’s a definite relaxation and a sense that everyone has a stake in the country. Yes, there are a lot of problems. But I believe that these can all be overcome if some basic principles are upheld; racial equality, zero tolerance for corruption and mutual tolerance and goodwill. I can tell that you share such a vision and that’s very gratifying. Vinaka.
Mona,
I have just left USP with a journalism degree. I am looking for work and I wondered if you could put in a good word for me with the Ministry of Information and Qorvis. I am one of the lucky ones and have a passport so I could go to Washington.
Yours hopefully.
Thanks
Invading Fiji is a waste of time. There is nothing worth taking, except denarau island. Samoa’s invasion plans would involve stealing denarau island and towing it to Samoa.
Mona Midnite Moonlight whatever your fancy name is
I beg to differ and dispute some of your points above in particular the improvements in healthcare and medical facilities.What a joke !! I happen to work in this area and I have a friend from Australia who is a surgeon and who brings a team of Australian surgeons once a year ( these surgeons donate their time freely ) to provide specialist surgeries as an offer of goodwill.CWM hospital has had to hire a retired anaesthetist.People tell them that before any medical operation it has become an abnormality if all the equipments and everything needed are all prepared and set.Usually there will be a few things short,lijke manpower,no water,no medicines etc.
Another doctor friend who went to visit a relative in CWM told me he got home that night and started crying.When he left CWM and Fiji some years ago,facilities and standards were hundreds times better than what he saw that night that he got so depressed.
Just this last week my elderly mother got admitted to one of the island subdivisional hospital and so I asked the doctor and nursing staff to write whatever medicines needed for my mother on a prescription and fax them to Suva and in case its not available in Suva I can organise them from overseas.When the Suva pharmacy contacted me and to my shock the fax they got was actually a requisition list for that hospitals’ supplies to Government Pharmacy !! I rang the hospital again and they clarified that they have been waiting for their supplies from Government Pharmacy for months !!
And what about the chronic shortage of essential medicines like Insulin ,antihypertensives and and diabetic medicines etc etc !!
And compare that to the chronic wastages at the military hospital in Tamavua which continually get their supplies without any tender given.I have a very close relative who was in charge of the military hospital and he just recently died from complications due to uncontroled diabetes
An what about the non changing rates of mortality from non communicable diseases amongst adult Fijians.If you want real facts and figures ask the NCU team at Tamavua and Dr Isimeli Tukana in particular.
So Miss Midnite your claims when it comes to medical facilities and healthcare are may be all wishful thinking and more delusional might say
The link between the tough economic times and its effect on households especially on their healthcare budget is a no brainer.People will just give up buying medications and health foods just to ensure the mortgage is paid and the family survives day to day
Yes all credit to the medical staff for having to do with whatever resources they have.And more so to the people of Fiji for just having to ” smile ” and cheer themselves up and for hoping and praying for better days.
So miss Midnite I bid you good nite and sweet dreams and enjoy the Queens birthday today !! Ni sa moce,Au loloma bibi
Wilson (yawn) we’ve all had our own horror stories to tell about the medical facilities here in Fiji and what we and our loved ones have had to endure and suffer. However compared to 10 years ago one can see the efforts being made to improve upon what was the legacy of past democratically elected governments. Have you not noticed the increasing number of letters to the editor commenting on the improved standards in service at the CWM hospital. Patients who pay an arm and a leg at the Suva Private Hospital are often referred to the CWM. Although we are far from the standards we would like to have, things ARE on their way up. Oh and just so that you know the rise in NCD cases is not a result of poor medical facilities, it comes from one’s own chosen life style.
Miss Midnite and moonlight,
The Suva Private Hospital has never had any major diagnostic equipments like the MRI scanner etc ever since they opened.Patients who need those kind of services have always been referred to CWM.After all the two hospitals use the same set of doctors and specialists.So I don’t see that as improvement.The legacy of past elected governments yes they kept increasing or giving money to the military but this has been taken to another level by this you know government…..to the detriment of we know, all the medical facilities.The letters to the editor were mostly praising the nursing staff and we all know its the nurses who have been the mainstay of the health and medical system when all other systems are dysfunctioning or lacking.
So go back and keep dreaming miss midnite/moonlite
hei Wilson, try going to an emergency in any Sydney hospital and you will still be waiting for at least 8 to 12 hours before somebody looks at you if it is not life threating. Try getting an operation done if you don’t have private health cover if it’s not a life threatening disease. So stop complaining. Fiji is just a small country trying its best to improve. The chronic corruption from Mara to 2006 with all the coups in-between and sanctions did not help. Give some time and things take time to change.
Vinny,I am not complaining I am just disputing what the lovely Miss Goodnite was stating.I understand fully that the healthcare sector all over the world are increasingly under pressure.I for one have always advocated the CWM and public hospital facilities when I was there I always recommend to people that the services are all right people just have to wait.But to say that it has improved since 2006 thats where I beg to differ.Again I give full credit to the medical,allied health and in particular the nursing staff for giving their all and tireless efforts given the increasingly limited resources.In fact what I would ask you Vinny and Miss Goodnite to go and do a survey and study on mental illness in Fiji for the start go and talk to Dr Odille at St Giles Hospital she can give you the figures from 2006 to now also figures up till 2006.Also do a survey among medical staff and allied health and nursing staff I would not be surprised if you can see cases of people being “mentally stressed out”.So the impacts are there.
Wilisoni all these “mentally stressed out ” cases come as a result of increased modernisation and the impacts of globalisation whch no-one can control. We just have to know who we are and stand firm. I think since 2006 the people of Fiji have come to realize more (under the regime) who we really are and we are enjoying that experience.
There’s more cultural integration in liguistic expression, in dress and in food. However, just like the world over, parenting and core family unity is fast beaking down. The mentally stressed out cases in St. Giles and I know of at least 3 cases are not there as a result of the military takeover, but from a breakdown of the family system and the strains of modernization. It is something that has happened over time and allowed to fester by leasders of the time.
Since 2006 it’s been great not having to listen or deal with politicians and the persistent garbage that comes with each and every one of them. I have enjoyed leaving it up to the military to sort out the mess and bring more order, standards and discipline into our lives. Sadly the good times will end when the next election gives us back the same old crooks!
@ Mona
Much of the mental illness problem is also the result of increased cannabis use by young people. The stats at St Giles will confirm this.
Thats why the Police and community attempts to root out those growing cannabis is to be supported as it is destroying the lives of many young people.
But I agree with your the overall tenor of your message; race relations has improved greatly since 2006. As for medical facilties? For one, the dialysis centre in Suva is saving many lives. Many years before 2006 thise with kidney problems had no hope. People from afar as Tuvalu and Kiribati etc are now coming to Fiji to use those facilities. We are getting there slowly
change is slow, as i said initially, this gov. have been in power from 2006 and with all the sancions, its come with some good changes, so lets fix our constitution, equal rights for all citizens, have a stable enviroment for investors and with vision for change it will improve. we can talk of all the faults with the current system but we have to start somewhere.
I reckon that Australia will need to invade countries in the future, as our population is growing and most of Australia’s landscape is desert, it will be necessary. I am also an aspiring politician. If Australia was to invade Fiji, and the RFMF resisted, Australia could crush them, as we are a far more advanced country in terms of technology.
@ Connor,
Aspiring politician eh……not thinking of joining the army….not an aspiring soldier.
Thinking of sending somone elses sons and daughters on the front line while saving your dumb and coward arse.
An Australian and coward not to provide your full name…..aspiring politician.
You don’t need Uncle Sam, we have got Uncle Tom for you to sniff his arse to get your armament.
Did you get your submarine under water yet……
Here’s apassing note: Most Australians are very good and decent people…I know.
Having said that, there are quite a few cowards and scumbags…and don’t worry, Fiji has quite a few as well and I am glad you are following Grubsheet.
Read Fiji sun.
I am sorry, but I am unaware of who this Uncle Tom is.