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The High Court judge presiding over the corruption trial of deposed prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, has confirmed the guilty verdict delivered yesterday by the assessors. Justice Priyantha Fernando endorsed Qarase's guilt on all nine counts. He set down a mitigation hearing tomorrow, where Qarase's lawyer, Tupou Draunidalo, is expected to plead … [Read more...] about #120 QARASE JUDGMENT -NEWS FLASH

So it has finally come. Oceania’s greatest power –Australia- has finally bowed to the inevitable. That five and- a-half-years of trying to destroy the Bainimarama Government in Fiji has failed. That one of its island satellites has thumbed its nose at its big neighbour and determined its own course in the world. That for all its economic and … [Read more...] about #119 AUSTRALIA’S HUMILIATING BACKDOWN

In another major development this afternoon, Fiji and Australia have agreed to the full restoration of diplomatic ties for the first time since 2009. The two countries will exchange high commissioners, in a move which the Sydney Morning Herald describes as "a signal of faith that the troubled Pacific island nation is back on the path to democracy". … [Read more...] about #118 AUSTRALIA REPAIRS TIES WITH FIJI

Momentous events in Suva as Fiji's deposed prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, is found guilty on all nine charges in his corruption trial. Here's a link to the story from the Fiji Village website. The three assessors took just two hours to return their verdict and High Court judge Justice Priyantha Fernando will give his judgement tomorrow. Under … [Read more...] about #117 QARASE FOUND GUILTY

With his i’Taukei mother and Indo-Fijian father, Ben Padarath ought to be a poster boy for the new multiracial Fiji. Yet instead of being a standard bearer for greatness, Ben has grown up the classic naughty boy - a 42-year old still behaving like a juvenile delinquent and every parent’s nightmare. Each opportunity he gets he seems to blow, whether … [Read more...] about #116 THE TROUBLE WITH BEN

The thaw in relations between Fiji and New Zealand continues with the announcement of a $2-million  contribution towards preparations for the 2014 election. While the precise allocation has yet to be finalised, $500,000 will go the Constitutional Commission and the balance towards the process of voter registration and education. The thaw has … [Read more...] about #115 COMING IN FROM THE COLD