A lot of drums have been beaten in recent days at the Pacific Forum Leaders Summit in the Cooks Islands but none more hollow than that of the unholy alliance of Fiji’s four main political parties. The SDL – the governing party deposed by Frank Bainimarama in 2006 – joined forces with the Fiji Labour Party, the National Federation Party and the United Peoples Party to present a joint submission to the Forum leaders. No-one is saying they were not entitled to do so. But it is a self serving document that stretches the truth in several key areas and is aimed squarely at damaging Fiji in the eyes of its Pacific neighbours. The submission is rooted in the abject fear of all four political groupings that their days are numbered because the racially-based voting system on which their power has always depended is being swept away.
The eleven-page submission asserts that “there is a misconception in some quarters that Fiji is truly on the road back to democracy and constitutional rule.” Set against the facts, this is a deliberate attempt to deceive. As of this weekend, nigh on half a million Fijians have registered to vote in the scheduled election in 2014. At the same time, members of the Constitutional Commission are touring the country hearing submissions on a new constitution, which will be implemented next year. That constitution will be more democratic than anything Fiji has ever seen before. Why? Because it will provide a level electoral playing field for the first time in the country’s history – not a system weighted in favour of the indigenous majority but one based on equal votes of equal value. In other words a real democracy, not the sham on which these four parties once thrived. How can there be any misconception about this?
The truth is that the standard of democracy in Fiji envisaged by the Bainimarama Government passes a much higher test than that of its opponents. It has laid out several fundamental principles that ought to apply in any real democracy yet is facing strong resistance to what ought to be the bleeding obvious. Let’s just go through these principles one by one and then judged for yourself whether they constitute any grounds for “misconception” about who really stands for genuine democracy in Fiji.
(i) a common and equal citizenry. The Bainimarama Government wants a common identity for everyone, for all citizens to be known as Fijians. The SDL and the UPP want only i’Taukei to be called Fijians and the rest of us to be labeled Fiji Islanders. The SDL also wants the i’Taukei language to be declared the country’s official language.
(ii) a secular state. The SDL – in several submissions to the Constitutional Commission – has called for Fiji to be declared a Christian state in spite of the fact that 40 per cent of Fijians are non-Christian. In a multi-faith country, they want one faith to be given special status.
(iii) the removal of systemic corruption. The Bainimarama Government set up FICAC, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption. It has directly led to the conviction and jailing – on corruption charges – of the SDL leader and former prime minister, Laisenia Qarase. And there are proceedings pending against the Labour Party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry.
(iv) An independent judiciary.
(v) elimination of discrimination. The Bainimarama Government has ended the preferential treatment of indigenous Fijians that was the hallmark of the SDL government it deposed. This included two major pieces of legislation that made non-indigenous people second class citizens in Fiji – the Qoliqoli Bill and changes to land title to advantage the i’Taukei.
(vi) good and transparent governance. The standard of service delivery to isolated areas of the country has been dramatically improved after years of neglect by successive governments, including the SDL and Labour.
(vii) social justice;
(viii) one person, one vote, one value. In stark contrast to most of its opponents, the Bainimarama Government stands for the most fundamental democratic principle of all – that each person in Fiji should have the same voting power as their neighbour.
(ix) the elimination of ethnic voting. Another fundamental principle opposed by the Government’s opponents, who are arguing for some seats to be reserved for the various races. This continues to define Fiji along racial lines when genuine unity depends on a multiracial future. In their Forum submission, all four parties advocate the retention of racial voting, declaring: “This is a crucial issue in ensuring racial harmony and must be put to open discussion so that a fully representative system can which respects the rights of minority communities and assures them due representation in Parliament and Cabinet.”
(x) proportional representation.
(xi) voting age of 18 years. Why has it taken the Bainimarama Government to finally empower Fiji’s young people? The 18 to 21 year old segment of the population is one of the biggest yet has been denied a voice until now.
None of the above can possibly be regarded as undemocratic set against international norms yet this is the lie perpetuated by the SDL, the FLP, the NFP and the UPP. The truth is that they live in terror of these principles being implemented because it spells the end of the cosy consensus on which they’ve always depended – Fiji as a collection of tribes rather than one nation. The country is tired of the division these parties represent and wants a fresh start – first and foremost a level playing field for everyone. No-one is saying these parties should be excluded. They are entitled to compete like everyone else if they meet the test that eventually emerges from the constitutional discussions. But the days of them expecting special consideration are over.
These people evidently believe they are not only privileged but that they are above the law. How else to explain the section of their submission to the Pacific Forum that protests against the jailing of the SDL leader, Laisenia Qarase, and the pending trial of Labour’s Mahendra Chaudhry? A court has found Qarase guilty of nine counts of corruption – six of abuse of office – in a unanimous verdict. Do they seriously believe this entitles him to contest the 2014 election? Do they similarly think that the serious charges against Chaudhry should just be quietly dropped because he wants to contest the polls? Well yes they do. Because their submission casts these criminal proceedings as a “restriction” placed on those who want to seek election and was signed by all four leaders – Solomone Naivalu -the president of the SDL -Mahendra Chaudhry, Raman Pratap Singh -the president of the National Federation Party -and Mick Beddoes, the leader of the United Peoples Party.
In a breathtaking conclusion, they say the following: “The signatory parties to this submission won 98 per cent of the votes cast in the last general elections held in 2006 and therefore hold an overwhelming mandate to speak on behalf of the people of Fiji.” No gentlemen, you speak for yourselves and those around you. The rest of the country wants to turn its back on the divisions of the past. It wants change.
Graham,
You are delusional – these parties have a political mandate – maybe not NFP – who the hell is Bainimarama to tell us what sort of Fiji he wants – just because he gave you citizenship (EDITED FOR OFFENSIVE CONTENT)
“Enlightenment”, if you want to abuse me, go somewhere else. I have edited your comment. Do it again and you’ll never grace this site again.
Enlightenment you are suerly delusional-haven’t you noticed whose running the show in Fiji, its a sure case of like it or lump it you can’t do shit even if you wanted it! Fact remains many don’t agree with coups but only a few ever got up and voiced their opinion. Right now we all standing in shit because we ‘passed’ the ball when it was in our court, we all can claim to be wiser after the fact but why didn’t we put a stop to coups when the first came around. Now we brand and tarnish everything in sight just cause its ilegal, well no spoke up of the illegality Interim Govt of Qarase when the court ruled-did you! Did you? Yes we may have reached rock bottom but it was at the doings of power hungry people then, what some see now is a light be it candle light or torch light whatever you want to call it but its sure as hell an education for the iTaukei that never has happened before. That in itself is an achievement-the bullshit has to stop some where & realities faced-that is what Vorqe is attempting, maybe he has gone about it the wrong way but it sure a hell beats the crap we had feed before which was mainly to keep an Elite in power. Its the mind set that has to be changed democracy YES , YES but not at the expense of keeping people in BONDAGE so the same old carries on!
Enlightment, the parties you are talking about, once had the mandate. As opposed to your has mandate.
Enlightenment,
I’m pretty sure Graham Davies was born and bred here thus granting him citizenship.
Bainimarama is new school. He took the race card out of the whole voting process and that in itself is a landmark achievement.
FYI, Carly, yes, I was born at Nurse Morrison’s Maternity Unit at the CWM hospital in Suva at 2350 on October 7 1953. I am a Fiji citizen and will say what I damn well please.
“No gentlemen, you speak for yourselves and those around you. The rest of the country wants to turn its back on the divisions of the past. It wants change.”
SPOT ON GRAHAM! RIGHT ON THE MONEY-
Mahen & Beddoes have no chance of winning anything if one man one vote same value applies in the next elections. These two in particular will jump up&down like the kid who lost their marbles.
Isa lei, Graham, pot calling kettle black
When it comes to you, you yield the censorship knife and yet allow unrestrained attack and abuse on Victor Lal and others, as witnessed in the previous posting about the bust-up in the FLP
@ Enlightment,
“Blogger” in the previous blog had hints of racism with dhoti references…meaning “Indians”……such cowards need appropriate responses…
and the scum had the galls to talk about freedom of speech and information…
I think most of you guys just don’t get the concept of freedom of information and speech and what is acceptable conversation….how could you guys when your visions and thought process (if you have one) are clouded by racism/elitism and mongrel cin cin.
You guys are lucky that your posts (how silly it may seem) is given space on Grubsheet without the “knife”, unless you have crossed the lines of human decency.
And yes, human decency is defined by us the enlightened ones with common sence and a respect for all peoples with different views.
That does not mean I will shy away from responding to scum bags ia a way scums understand.
From a move scrip..”laaton ke bhoot baaton se nahi maante”…simply translated as : the devil that only understands the language of the boot (kick) will not understand a decent conversation….what say Nath!!!
Chand, I have removed the attack on Victor Lal referred to here that had racist overtones and one from you that has offensive language in response. I am travelling and unable to keep an eye on this blog 24/7.
Please note, EVERYONE, that racist and offensive comments will be deleted. No exceptions.
@ Graham,
Ok I get this…the blog of mine that you deleted was in response to Blogger who used the reference of Dhoti…..etc.
I believe my response was not in the extreme…..references to colonialism, colonialist mindset and dogs trained by colonists, elitism….dhoti flying on your face…..are these “offensive” as you put it.
I believe the annonymous scums who insult through veiled references to ones being must be responded to in kind.
Having said that, I respect your judgement…..have to go now ….need to take my blood pressure tablet.
Kind Regards
@ Chand
Please bro, take it easy…as my Indo-Fijian bro’s always tell me “dhire, dhre chalo”…..aiste…aiste…baya”
Am always following your posting…
All the best
“Enlightenment”, I do not censor anything unless it is racist or offensive. What you said was crude and unacceptable. If you don’t like it, go back to your kai vata at 4.5. They’re anonymous cowards and they censor whatever they don’t like. But they’ll readily accept what you said about me so take it to them.
Well the dogs are at it again
NFP and FLP could not stand each other, qarase and chodory could not be in the same room.
Now they are jointly giving submissions at the pacific forum.
The old theory has come to life; all fluffers are uniting to win the last battle as the revolutionary change coming to Fiji will wipe them out with their expired ideologies.
People in Fiji should open their sense and vote for change or I think ALI, a while ago said may be we have to have a military government for at least 15 years till the old leeches do not exist anymore.
lets hope it does not come to that.
Graham its a simple case of making sure that the same old, same old system remains so those who want to lead us are doing so not for our future but to line their pockets. The 1 man 1 vote gets rid of the likes of Micky mouse Beddoes, it brings back the likes of Chaudry and Qarase not that they did any good for Fiji because were very poor quality leaders to begin with but worse still look at the SDL and Labour party today do their look like partys that will lead us into the future? It tells you where we headed to if we are to see the same old, same old ‘expired user by date Leaders” who should very very quietly realise Fiji has to move on. They can’t contribute to what Voreqes advocatng because its simply beyond their understanding. Nothing to do with democarcy. If democracy was really important can we get the former PM Qarase or any Leader from the SDL or Methodist Church stand up and say that Rabukas & George Speights coups were wrong and bad for Fiji that they were just self serving coups to keep a whole lot of leaders in power!
They all suppored the previous coups so why not now? Because they all became irrelevant-this time it was an iTaukei kicking another iTaukeis arse and they sure as hell didn’t like it. I sure hate coups BUT i thought hang on you guys all supported the previous ones and when i spoke up then you basicially kicked my arse well this time you need me to balance the BOOKS let me support this one! So its a case of the ‘the shoe is on the other foot”
While we are talking about elimination of enthic voting how about elimantion of the Senate.To costly for Fiji and did not serve any purpose except for jobs for the boys.Did not matter which party you belonged to it was jobs for the lazy boys.
Peni you try to make sound good it was really for the ulu kaus (an insult to the ulu kau association) to be sitting in the Senate- half of them were sleeping, half drinking water to keep themselves awake- the toilets were surely used well for pissing. Can’t say much else if its empty upstairs!
hey patch!
trotting past the old new lilac theater set you off. come on bro…u get urself killed attacking hub caps and bumpers…..yeha i know they are plastic now and u can leave ur mark…but calm down fella, suva’s getting civilized now….mid-city, MHCC, Village Six.
and u cant lift ur leg no more..ok
@ Mongrel,
Glad you can see civilisation in Suva now, it was always there but it took some time….never too late to sniff around for better food…eh
Hope we won’t need the leash anymore…..good going. Or is it once a mongrell, always a mongrell
Vinny – that idea of a Military Government for the next 15 years until the leeches are all cleared off the face of Planet Earth sounds very enticing to me right now. As a thoroughbred bureaucrat over the past 40 years, my biggest learning curve from these guys in uniform within the past six years since they came aboard is their unconscious display of NIKE’s “Just Do It”. The ordinary man, woman and child at the end of the production line cannot wait forever while bureaucrats theorize and synergize and hypothesize and sensitize for hours on end – to the ordinary citizen’s demise. I too initially protested at the NIKE approach – and I got kicked out – I joined an International Org and got posted to a smaller Pasifika nation for a year. Then I repented and am back in the game of Go Fiji Go – Letz show the world we can do it our way ! Thank you Graham – for eliminating the racist and offensive comments. It allows us to discuss in decency !
After coming through this past 07 years of this Regimes rule, it is obvious that there are definately people out there espescially overseas news org who are puppets to their masters. They feed their masters [govts] with their favourite dog foods so that they & poor readers who look up to these masters for whatever reasons are led to believe that they are always right. Fijian Politics has never seen any light of REAL DEMOCRACY. We are always led to believe in the past that we are being Governed by a Democratically Elected one…a Govt who practices racism….changes & ammends laws willingly using its democratic numbers to do so….and in doing so…the two big bullies sit , stare and agree because Democracy is on show…What axactly is Democracy….I have never enjoyed living happily with my Indo-Fijian neighbours than these days….Elections or No Elections….the current administration is far much better than all pasts Govts…What Fiji needs now are young talented, honest, transparent Leaders who are for the people and not for themselves….
Taukei Bang on Target-its what they fear! Once you soon come to realise the bull they have given us all these years they have no more lies to paddle, its not about race , colour, land, custom, sea , air our tradition, vulagis r we were th first settlers- its about keeping people in BONDAGE! And what better way to do it than use FEAR! So how many are still in bondage or living in Fear-many but they sure as hell won’t admit to it.
The 4 parties joint submission is a case of “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”. Graham you are right. These next non-racial elections will offer independents the best chance of winning. In the last (2007) census 43% of the population was under 21, and 71% under 40. In the last 5 years these census numbers would be even more skewed. The 4 parties are lead by dinosaurs, promoting extinct ideas and manifestos that are completely out of touch with the new young Fiji – the Facebook / MTV generation – a generation that has largely not been seen yet, because there have been no national polls for 8 years. The 2014 polls will be the first time the majority of this new group will be heard, and thankfully on a completely level paying field. There will be a lot of surprises as to who will win and who will get beaten by whom in the straight popularity contests. What is going on here in Fiji is not a clash of cultures, religions etc, but a generational clash. Young people will stand up and tell the geriatrics like Chaudhry, Beddoes, Naivalu and their ilk “thank you very much, we have seen your politics and, frankly speaking, your ideas don’t work. It’s now time you all moved off the stage, and let us have our turn at fixing the problem.”
These 4 leaders are the welleducated and have great experiences in political arenas.,They have courage to step up and make a very good move to voice their concern on the current situation regarding Fiji non elected government lead by the Frank Banimarama and of couse his right hand man Aziz Kaiyum. The well structured written presentation to the Pacific Island Forum last week by these 4 political parties was done in a very appropriate manner of presenting such matter to this level of international meeting. The presentation was read and it brought some great insights and great vision for betterment of this beautiful country of Fiji., Dont blame these long serving Fiji political leaders, but make your time to read their submission and think about it.,,God bless Fiji.,,
Just to prove a point i once raised that without Fiji the Forum is basically in shit-well might be bit harsh but really many of the islands are only good enough for uto/breadfruit trees! Pm Gillard took off back to Aussie cause 3 of her soldiers got killed in Afghanistan! So could we have not asked the head of the military come to the Cooks and they have press conference from there? Either the Forum ain’t that important or the deaths of the soldiers was not expected-what does she think going to war is it sure ain’t no ‘playing marbles Gilly? The longer you stay in Afghanistan the more the chances of people getting killed. The Russians with all its military might couldn’t conqure a bunch of Mujhaadins now it looks like the The firepower of some of the most power in the World are losing interest, waste of time, money and lives but at least you got out of the Forum really quickly cause you soon reliised as soon as the as soon as you got off the vatavata there too mnay dumb, dumbs and “yes madam” around good excuse to hightail it back to Aussie.
By dumping the Forum and heading back to Oz after the deaths of the five Aussie soldiers, Julia Gillard has been criticised in some quarters for political grandstanding.
Every time an Aussie soldier is lost in battle (and that is always a very sad occassion for everyone), Gillard is handing the Taliban a media scoop in that, in a rather inverse way, her appearance hands the Taliban a victory of sorts in that it publicises their ‘victory’.
Gillard has less about 30% approval rating with the Aussie public, so she needs every opportunity she can get to earn public relations kudo’s.
Au nanuma sara na ambush mai Wadi Jilu, Liban, e na August 1979 ka leqa kina e lewe tolu vei keda, ka mavoa e tolu tale. Daru yadravu tu na veidelana lomani eso mai Liban e na gauna oya. Me da kerera vua na noda Kalou me solia na vakacegu vei iratou na lewe ni matavuvale ni sotia ni Ozzie era sa leqa oqo mai Afghanistan. (English: I recall my time in Liban when 3 Fijian soldiers were killed in an ambush at Wadi Jilu and 3 others were wounded. We ask the Lord God to give His blessings upon the families of these brave Aussie soldiers who gave their lives).
Graham,
Do you (or anyone else) have a copy of a the 11 page submission to the PIF or do you know where it can be accessed. It would be useful for the purposes of a careful analysis of the full submission and the rationale for the views taken in it.
Chandra – don’t even waste your time and energy reading it – it was a submission from a group of dinossaurs to a dinossauric entity – an old legend called the PIF – even the Gen X and Gen Y voters in Fiji don’t know what it is – so is it relevant anymore to the new and better Fiji that we are building? Secondly their political ideals were inherited from yesterparties and yesterminds – they haven’t even reviewed or readjusted it to modernity. Let’s move on folks – now’s the time for our ow n brand of Pacific Democracy! Go Fiji Go – let’s do it our way!
Chand, I apologise for the delay in responding but I’ve been travelling in Fiji’s west and only accessing the blog intermittently.
The submission can be found by clicking the following link:
http://www.mediafire.com/view/?o1ife5lwt8r11x2
You’ll be interested to know that I crossed paths with Mick Beddoes at a wedding in Nadi yesterday. I offered my hand and he shook it and said hello. Given the stick we have both given each other in recent times, I was impressed. However much we might disagree, Mick is a civilised man worthy of respect.
@ Graham
Yea, Mickey is a decent fellow…he means well…..a great host …..he lives FIJI….you gotta give him hm credit for that.
@ Graham,
Micky is a decent fella indeed mate. But when it come to politics, Micky all the decency is gone. Otherwise, he is really a good guy.
GRAHAM= Please while you are there , can you please gauge the support Mahen Chaudary has in the west (or anywhere in the country). AND IMPORTANTLY- those who support this man- WHAT EDUCATION LEVELS THEY HAVE
Thanks Graham.
(if your reference to my name is in error my name is Chandra and not Chand)
It is an interesting submission which takes selective quotes out of the Court of Appeal decision in Qarase & Ors v. Bainimarama. Initially the Court had asked Counsel acting for the appellants to make submissions in relation to the relief to be granted (para 150). Counsel was to bear in mind that “Mr. Qarase appeared to have resigned, that his fidelity to the Constitution had come late in his political life and it is now more than two years since the events of December 2006. The Court also observed that whatever the constitutionality of the events the subject of these proceedings, as a matter of practical reality one cannot ignore the fact that there has been an interim government in Fiji for more than two years.”
Following the giving of undertaking by counsel for the appellants, the Court observed problems with the proposal put forward. The Court observed that the proposal was in effect asking that “… the Court should ignore what has in fact occurred. In our opinion at this time the dismissal of the Qarase Government is simply incapable of being disregarded, reserved or undone.”
At paragraph 153 the Court said: “Moreover, we do not consider that an undertaking to provide advice to the President giving as an option the appointment of one of the former Ministers of Mr Qarase’s Government as caretaker Prime Minister would be appropriate in the circumstances. In the events that have occurred there is a very real question whether Mr Qarase remains Prime Minister of Fiji, notwithstanding that he has not formally resigned. He did seek a pension describing himself as former Prime Minister. Although we are of the view that his dismissal and the dissolution of Parliament were unlawful, at this point in time it is difficult to ignore the fact that, however unlawful, those events have occurred.”
The submission made to PIF is incorrect in that it refers to things that are not said in para 156. All that para 156 of the judgment says is:
“In our opinion the only appropriate course at the present time is for elections to be held to enable Fiji to get a fresh start. We approach our consideration of questions of relief with this in mind.”
The balance of what is quoted in the submission as coming from paragraph 156 is an amalgam of bits of para 160 and 162 and without reference to the provisos contained in those paragraphs. At paragraph 160 the Court, having regard to what it said at para 158 & 159 said:
“These principles would at least enable the President on the advice of an Interim Prime Minister to dissolve Parliament and to issue writs for fresh elections under sections 109 and 60 of the Fiji Constitution in circumstances (a) where the Prime Minister had ceased to hold office in circumstances not contemplated by the Fiji Constitution (b) where he had resigned without a successor being appointed and (c) where no provision was made for that eventuality in the Fiji Constitution. TO THIS LIMITED EXTENT, we believe we can take cognizance of the principle of necessity or the de facto doctrine FOR THE PURPOSES OF THESE PROCEEDINGS” [my emphasis added]. Note the omissions from the submissions of these important limitations.
At paragraph 162 the Court of Appeal started by saying [again my added emphasis]:
“WHILST OF COURSE WE ARE NOT IN A POSITION TO GOVERN THE EXERCISE BY THE PRESIDENT OF HIS DISCRETION, it would seem to us to be advisable for the president to overcome the present situation by appointing a distinguished person independent of the parties to this litigation as caretaker Prime Minister, to advise a dissolution of the Parliament, assuming it is not already dissolved, and to direct the issuance of writs for an election under s. 60 of the Fiji Constitution. This WOULD enable Fiji to be restored to democratic rule in accordance with the Fiji Constitution, …”
(Note that the submission, in relation to the last sentence quoted above says: “This IS TO enable.
Some things that can be said following my analysis of the submission and the judgment of the Court of Appeal are:
1. The Court’s observation that Qarase’s fidelity to the Fiji Constitution had come late in his political life.
2. Given that Mr. Chaudhry had served in the Bainimarama Government, the same observation as per 1 above could be made about Mr. Chaudhry. It is a bit rich for the Labour Party under his leadership to decry the current processes for the restoration of democratic rule in Fiji when its leadership was part of the Bainimarama Government.
3. Those that wrote the submission to PIF have conveniently chosen to ignore the provisos and limitations placed on the sections that they have chosen to quote and in any event the full quote is not from paragraph 156.
4. In terms of the fresh start for Fiji mentioned in para 156 of the judgment the Court did not stipulate a time line. The practical reality of the divisions along ethnic lines in Fiji made it difficult, if not impossible, to hold elections which would give Fiji the “fresh start” that the Court of Appeal mentioned.
5. The Court took into account the practical reality of the Bainimarama Government being in existence for at least 2 years prior to the decision being handed down (paras 150, 152 153). The submission and the four parties making it can’t seem to accept the events (almost) 6 years after the events.
6. The Court did not advise that a caretaker cabinet be appointed. At para 166 the Court proposed to “declare that it would be lawful for the President to appoint a person a caretaker Prime Minister, for the purposes of advising a dissolution of the Parliament and to give advice to the President that writs for the general election of members of the House of Representatives be issued.” That declaration was made (order 2). The actual order declares that it would be lawful for the President acting pursuant to section 109(2) of the Fiji Constitution, or as a matter of necessity to appoint a caretaker Prime Minister.
7. Undoubtedly the four signatories to the submission (and others) would find aspects of Decree 58 objectionable on the basis of their own or their parties’ agenda. And undoubtedly there will be issues, shortcomings and concerns about aspects of the process but the ultimate goal of the process is to come up with a constitution which has at its core the principles which you have nicely summarised in this post. It seems odd that the submission has as its focus the current process rather than the vision.
7. The mandate of pre-2006 is no longer relevant in the current situation and ignores the reality that has existed since 2006. In my view, the four parties, contrary to the view expressed on page 11 of the submission, no longer, hold an overwhelming mandate to speak on behalf of the people of Fiji.
8. The submission is mischievous at best and not in the interests in Fiji in that it appears to promote the continuation of the suspension of Fiji and its isolation despite the progress that the Country is making towards the introduction of democratic rule.
Just a correction in my comment.
In para 2 the reference to “reserved” should be “reversed”
Of course he is a politician by the fullest definition its very close to multiple personality that is what Fiji politicians at its best.
Ok Graham,the gentleman you are to shake his hand, but did you notice his left hand…….no it wasn’t the gift for the wedded couple. It was this, his personal submission to the CC:
“Beddoes wants convicted people like Qarase to contest elections
Publish date/time: 05/09/2012 [14:55]
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An issue that the SDL, Fiji Labour Party, United People’s Party and National Federation Party have raised in their submission to the Pacific Islands Forum is their concern that senior politicians like Laisenia Qarase will not be allowed to contest the next elections after being convicted.
UPP Leader, Mick Beddoes in his personal submission to the Constitution Commission has said that everyone convicted or imprisoned after December 2006 should be allowed to contest the elections.
Fijivillage questioned Beddoes why he wants convicted people after December 2006 to contest as this would open up the door to many such people.
Beddoes said it is much better to give people like Qarase a chance to contest
Story by: Vijay Narayan”
…and Brutus is a good man.
Talking about getting rid of senate and down sizing the elected house of representatives, here is my personal recommendations for the constitutional reforms that have been acknowledged as received(via return email) by the commission’s office:-
LEGISLATIVE AND GOVERNANCE REFORMS
1. A small country like FIJI should ONLY have 1 Legislature: the elected house of representatives (House of Representatives) with only 61 elected Members.
2. Fiji should abolish the Senate as it is not needed at all.
3. New electoral system to be designed which is not race based( ALL Open Seats) or simply 1 person, 1 vote, 1 and equal value ONLY and prefer still to use Preferential Voting system similar to 1997 Constitution.
4. A minimum qualification, moral and ethical standards enshrined for all contestants of House of Representatives, Head of state and all other Govt CEOS and political and Constitutional Appointees.
5. Eliminate the race based ministries and Boards like Fijian Affairs (FAB), transfer FAB and provincial Fijian boards and management to NLTB and let them get their own funding from NLTB since NLTB owns 90 % of all land in Fiji. The taxpayers should not be burdened with any of the expenses related to FAB or GCC.
ELECTION AND TERM OF PRESIDENT
6. President to elected by the majority in the House of Representative as be the executive and symbolic Leader of Fiji and the commander in chief of the armed forces. The president must be nominated by any elected MPS and votes held in House of Representatives and one who gets the majority votes to be appointed the president. The president then should have the right to pick his Vice President.
7. The term of President to be 4 years at a time with a limit of 2 terms and not to coincide with the elections of the House of Representatives.
8. If and when the President dies and or becomes incapacitate by means of illness and or criminality, breach and or abuse of office or by way of impeachment(to be outlined in detail in constitution) then ONLY Vice president assumes the presidency ONLY to complete the term of the elected president and until the next election and appointment of the new elected president.
9. The house of representatives with a majority vote shall have the full powers to impeach the president for breach and or abuse of office and or criminality, etc. If that happens then the Vice President will be appointed president who shall ONLY complete the elected president’s term in office and until the next president is elected by the HOUSE.
10. Criteria for nominating the president should include:be any person who is a qualified Fiji Citizen with exemplary public service and one who passes the character, morality, ethical and criminality test.
11. The powers of the president to be expressly noted in the constitution that include: when and how can the president dismiss the PM and or dissolve the Legislature, when can the president assume the full powers of running g the country in case of the PM and or legislature being incapacitated such as 1987 and 2000 coups and other unforeseen events.
PM AND CABINET AND ELECTORAL SYSTEM
12. The Prime Minister must command majority in House of Reps and shall be appointed by President.
13. Cabinet size to be enshrined into the constitution and not to exceed 15 in any circumstances unless approved by the 66% majority in the legislature.
14. PM and all cabinet Minster must also passe the character, morality, ethical and criminality test.
15. Other Checks and balance related clauses to be included so that all future based governments are based on Consensus rather then race or partisan politics.
16. Clause to prohibit and punish any one who uses any race based slogans, intimidation, etc or Scare tactics or stirring of indigenous nationalism in Political Campaigns, etc.
17. Change the current legal Voting Age from 21 years to 18 years.
18. Remove all political powers of GCC from politics and downgrade and recognize GCC to that of traditional and cultural significance ONLY. This will enable all political powers including the appointment of President to the elected people.
19. Remove the Multi Party Concept clauses as it creates more political and legal problems then it was actually designed to solve.
20. Redesign the electoral boundaries that is fair and representative of constituents including the current census for accurate voter counts and designing of a systematic and methodical voter registration system that is fair and free of political bias with some audit trail to ensure that no voter is missed out or left behind due to corruption and political bias.
21. Ensure that Elections office and staff are free from political bias to avoid any errors or mishandling including vote rigging.
22. Minimum qualification and character to stand for Public Office to include following:-
(1) At least High School Completion (Form 6)
(2) Must be of good conduct with no criminal records as required of any Govt Jobs
(3) Must have at least 5 years experience in Community service, Social service or at a supervisory level.
23. The term of the legislature to be 4 years ONLY and election dates enshrined in constitution, for example first Tuesday on November every four years like the USA elections. The will prevent the party in power to manipulate the elections date for their benefit.
24. The constitution to also set procedures for by elections and all constitutional appointments like Judiciary, PSC, Police Commissioner, ombudsman auditor general,etc.
LAND REFORMS
25. All current NLTB board to be sacked and replaced with competent professionals. Also review all middle and upper managers and regional managers and sack all incompetent, inefficient and or political/national activists and replace with competent professionals.
26. NLTB needs to be completely restructured, reorganized and streamlined like the rest of Govt appointed Boards.
27. NLTB must be corporatised and such all owners made shareholders and should operate a business.
28. NLTB to open its Employment doors to all qualified Fiji people and not restricted to indigenous ONLY as it is currently. I don’t mind if they include in per-requisite as “Must be fluent in Fijian language” or Must be able to speak Fijian and Hindi, etc. As there are many non-Fijians including Rotumans and Indians that speak, read and write Fijian and are better qualified BUT can not work in NLTB because of their birth race being non-Fijian. Not sure BUT this must also be in breach of Constitution that advocates no discrimination on the basis of race, color or creed, etc.
29. To avoid inefficiencies bred by monopolies, NLTB should be decentralized in 4 corporations (Eastern-Fiji, Western-Fiji, Central-Fiji and Northern-Fiji) or alternatively based on Fijian Provinces so they can compete for the business and remain efficient.
30. NLTB CEOS, Managers and Board must be restricted from Politics or influence of Politicians, Chiefs or nationalists.
31. Good Business governance Policies must be put in place to make NLTB transparent, accountable and responsible with 6 monthly audits.
32. Govt’s only responsibility should be to be a watch dog that the principles fair trade practices are not breached and that tenants are treated fairly.
33. Long term leases (preferably greater then 99 years) with fair market rents and proportional profit sharing of profits in cases where leaseholds are sold/ transferred at huge profits.
34. Equitable and fair mechanism put in place so that the NLTB profits are fairly shared by grassroots indigenous and not just some elites and or chiefs.
35. An independent Body of competent professional (consisting of stakeholders, Land owners, and govt. appointed members) created as a watchdog to over see activities of NLTB and its board.
FISCAL AND MONETARY POLICY
36. Enact into legislation that all fiscal and monetary budgets must be balanced. In other words no expenditure to be allocated if there is no source of funds. This has been done in province of BC in Canada and just recently the Democrats have joined forces in USA to enact a similar Legislation. This will force the elected governments to be more responsible and accountable.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
37. Enact Anti-corruption Legislation that includes the creation of Anti Corruption Tribunal headed by a Qualified Judge with team of qualified investigators including forensic team of accounts, IT professionals, Auditors, etc.
38. Enact a Code of standard practice (including ethical, moral and professional standards for all Government CEO s and political and constitutional appointees. Breaches to be severely dealt with including heavy fines, prison terms and or suspension or sacking where appropriate. These two combined with other good policies and procedures should become checks and balances for accountability, transparency and responsibility and serve as the foundation of the good governance.
CITIZENSHIP REFORMS
39. Every citizens of Fiji to be identified as “FIJIAN”, and not by race or ethnic origin.
40. Change Citizenship Act to Allow Dual Citizenship – Citizenship by birth in Fiji and children of Fiji born in another country to be guaranteed and retained, regardless if some one has acquired a citizenship of another country by immigration( Allow Dual Citizenship similar to NZ, Australia and Canada. This MUST be a persons birth right and humane thing to do. This will encourage many former Fiji Residents like me who have made a lot of wealth overseas to go back
to Fiji and semi-retire while investing in business ventures, land developments or Eco-tourism related projects or simply take the role of Financiers for local businesses. This will speed up the foreign investment and economic recovery process in Fiji. Currently if you acquire Citizenship of another Country then you automatically lose the Fiji citizenship and unfairly substituted ONLY by residency rights for former Fiji Citizens that only gives free entry, residency and exit rights but restricts from working, doing business and or voting etc. Unless you pay $5000 FJD to apply for Fiji citizenship by registration that seems unwarranted when a person is already a citizen of Fiji by birth. Many countries including Canada, USA, Australia, NZ and UK allow dual citizenship, simply because it is good for their economy, familial and social reasons and it is guaranteed to be very good for Fiji as well.
FREEDOM OF PRESS AND RELIGION
41. Constitution should separate religion and state and every citizen must be free to express their freedom and religion as well as political views but within the country’s laws.
AMENDMENT TO CONSTITUTION
42. The constitution can only be amended by 75% majority in the Legislature.
43. Constitution can never be abrogated and or suspended and shall remain the supreme laws of the land.
Mow who invited these four dummies to the PIF meeting. The Fijian government was not represented. Who dangled the “moci” in their face??????????
Constitutions won’t stop coups-amendments to constitutions etc only as good as the will of the people.
@ Varanitabua,,,
Nothing can stop coups no matter whats in a constitution. As long long as insanity and greed rules stupid peoples numbskull head, coups are here to stay.
On the other hand, the day this insanity and greed gets out of stupid peoples head, we can surely say that the days of coups are really gone.
Mr MAHEN Chaudhry said that his motto in life was ‘Take things as they come but stand by your principles’.
The man is honest!!!!!!!!!!
He has taken milions as they came AND POCKETING THE MONEY MEANT FOR OTHERS PROVES HIS PRINCIPLES HE STANDS BY!!!!!!!!!
I see that Fiji has opened an office in North Korea… hahahahahaha … Whoever is running Fijian foreign policy is obviously been on the grog too much.
@ Petelo,
hey petelo you numbskull mororn. Whose pet are you? Oh…… I forgot….. you are tuilaepa’s pet, Petelo. By siding NZ/AUS you think Samoa will become more significant than Fiji? My ass, you piglet. One day Samoa will come running to Fiji for help. We will help you alright…… only if you run backwards.
Don’t worry Jukebox, North Korea will soon be an approved tourist destination for clowns like you to fly to hahaha You can go there to do the meke to the hungry starving people of North Korea hahahaha
Petelo
Screw your PMTuilaepa
@Castro
It should be PM Tilapia.
Heheheheheeheheeeeeeeeeeeeee
Petelo – if you don’t understand diplomatic terminology then just shut up and go back to your coconut trees where your coconut head belongs – An accredited Ambassador to North Korea does not mean opening an office in North Korea. It means engagement is open for broad-minded nations to co-operate on maters of mutual interst to their citizens such as education, renewable energy, waste management and other sustainable development practices that do not need democracy to function. They just need Leaders who respect each other and their obligations to their country citizens. Duh!
How can you expect Petelo to understand the niceties of international diplomatic behaviour when his own behavioural standards and that of Terry Tavita and that tub of lard, Tuilaepa, fall way short of normal Pacific standards? They respect no one but themselves.
How many foreign missions does Samoa maintain?
Two – in Canbefrra Australia and in Wellington, NZ. They need to be near their paymasters!
So it is not surprising for Petelo to make the mistake that Fiji will open a mission in Pyongyang (does he know whare that is?).
He does not understand what Fiji is doing on the international stage. He simply has no idea. He behaves like a pubescent teenager giigling in the corner and pointing fingers in a peurile way….de fa’afafine na tamata oqo!
Hahaha, I don’t know what is funnier. Fiji’s Military Regime crawling over to North Korea’s hungry people for some crumbs of foreign aid, or the fact that North Korea has no crumbs left to give hahahaha
However, it comes as no surprise that one pariah state wants to go cuddle another pariah state. I just think it is hilariously ridiculous. What possible positive can come from opening up diplomatic relations with a Stalinist state? If you think they’ll give your military some gear, well, good luck. They’ll give you weapons that were relevant in the 1950s lol
@ Petelo
No Sole, its the other way round…the North Koreans came to Fiji a few weeks ago to ask for a ‘relationship’…..yeeooow!…..
Fiji, like Samoa, has plenty coconuts to sell them if they want. We could even export palusami to the starving population.
You see, thats what business is all about….looking for opportunities to make a few tala from them……its called capitalism taking adavantage of a crisis!
Samoa should do the same. We can fly you there on Air Pacific via Hong Kong.
By the way, did you read about that Fijian fellow winning Gold at the Paralympics. We all celebrating in Fiji. You welcome to come share the kavabowl
Sole
We dedicate this song to all our Samoan brothers and sisters in the beautful islands of Samoa. Forever!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGohSXJTkck
@ Sole
Talofa. Another song sung by a Fijian group that explains why the tourists keep coming to Fiji. Enjoy bro
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eyjDx3maRo&feature=related
@ Petelo
Talofa Bro
Here is another Fijian song remix that our Samoan brothers have used for their own….no royalties paid….buts thats OK coz its all about sharing our culture
Notice how in the song….that the Fijians acknowledge their ‘Sole’s” from Samoa. Ya, just shows you bro …………..peace……..
now lets get into the real Pacific culture…Fijian culture with their cultural chants….man we are the Lapita people…….listen and show respect!
Sorry Sole.
Song below
http://www.grubsheet.com.au/?p=3331#comment-3916
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAyKcqywwhw&feature=related
ya, hope this the one
Lolomas
This is malicious mischief-making which can only result in depriving the people of Fiji a way forward out of the political quagmire that the country has been bogged in. The political Parties of yesteryear are just trying to satisfy their own ego and arrogance. If this people were concerned about the citizens of Fiji, They would have not taken this action.
Not in my wildest dream I could have imagined that this people could go down that low. If anyone has Fiji at heart, they would have encouraged the Forum to revisit their stand and resolve the issues.
My suggestion is that Fiji should now stay away from the Forum. If there is an invitation for Fiji to join, we should just say “Thanks but no thanks.”
Just remember that Fiji is the hub of the Pacific. As such we don’t need the Forum but the Forum needs us.
I don’t understand why we are too bothered with these small economies. If we are subsidizing these insignificant ungrateful islands by way of shipping, air-travel, etc then I know what I would do…..HALT THE SERVICES…I assume that ANZ-USA will take care of the short-falls and believe me it will not be easy. Democracy tonga and Samoa ….please read their constitutions and it will reveal the racism within….
@ Bula Mada
Simple my friend. Just get Frank to kick the Forum out of Fiji and give their buildings in Domain to the Arab League who are wanting to set up a regional presence in Fiji. There is talk in the streets for Fiji to do just that.
We will all gather at the Nasese sea wall and sing ‘Isa Lei’ as they sail off in the sunset towards Wellington or Canbera where they will be located.
It would be an absolute pleasure for Samoa to host the Pacific Forum. We will have the tallest building in the South Pacific in two years time when our 15 storey Trade & Finance Centre is built in downtown Savalalo. Please kick the forum out of Fiji, because Samoa would be happy to have them!!!!
@ Petelo
Wow, you guys must be so excited to get a building over four storeys in your capital. Congratulations.
We in Fiji are thrilled to bits with this new development. We understand your excitement coz wghen it comes to multi-storey buildings we in Suva have ‘been there and done that’.
There is a Chinese investor right now wanting to put up a 25 story building on the Police HQ site at Totogo in Suva – with several storeys carpark, then several storeys shopping ma;llss, then several storeys again as a 5 star hotel complete with balcony swimming pools overlooking Suva harbour, then executive apartments for the new foreign embassies setting up in Fiji eg Brazil, South Africa, North Korea, the UAE etc.
People have criticised Apia for being a Pacific backwater without the multi-cultural vibrancy that Fiji has. Hopefully this 15 storey building will have sufficeint tenants to help pay the bills for you
PS: By the way – I know the Samoans are often regarded as being the Irish of the Pacific in may ways, please Sole, when you build this 15 storey building, dont forget to include lifts coz its a long walk to da top bro! Maybe its good for Tuilaepa and tavits coz they can then lose weight climbing thjise stairs every day.
Per capita, Samoa has the tallest buildings in the South Pacific. For a small city, Apia is rapidly becoming the centre of the universe and is attracting more and more international conferences that are avoiding Fiji. As for big ugly hotels, well no we do not want to follow Fiji. Our hotels are attuned to the natural environment and are eco-friendly and will be sustainable.
Suva has colonial buildings all over the show. It still resembles a British colony. Even the british flag is still on the Fijian flag! Apia is a modern and vibrant city with a beautiful natural harbour. The Port of Apia is kept on the other side of the harbour. It does not dominate the waterfront like the ugly Suva wharf dominates the Suva waterfront. In Apia, beautiful seawalls and parklands lap onto Apia harbour. Savalalo is rapidly becoming the financial centre of the pacific – it will resemble a mini-wall street in years to come.
In short, Suva is a colonial relic from the past. Apia is the beating heart of South Pacific finance and trade into the future. A nice stable, multicultural place to do business.
Check this out Sole. Samoa has to really lifts its game if it is to compete with Fiji on this issue
http://www.fijilive.com/news/2012/09/fiji-named-best-family-holiday-destination/47399/
Thank you Chandra. Much appreciated
Democracy in Tuilaepa’s Samoa?????? My ass !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think I know what this is about….
Air Pacific / Fiji-Bainimarama Airways wants to open up an air route to Pyongyang to get more ‘tourists’ hahahahahahahaha
@ Petelo
Go back to your sty you nasty animal.
Graham – in addition to barring vulgar and racist comments – can you please also bar idiocy by emptyheads such as Petelo – S/HE is provoking empty talk and trivial exchanges that are not conducive to meaningful exchange on this blog site – all s/he seems to be inundated with is laughs and giggles of hahaha/hehehe at the front /end of every destructive line.
Bannings for “empty talk” and “trivia exchanges” eh? If Graham bans on along those lines, there would be nobody left to comment on his blog. You would be the first to go Talei. hahahahahaha <— see what I did there.
No please dont ban Sole Petelo from this site.
He is a harmless Samoan and is the best Samoa has to offer with regard to contributions to this site.
His comments are harmless ribbings. We cant take ourselves too seriously and the Samoans have lessons for us there. Just look at the Laughing Samoans! Their shows, including the ones in Fiji, are always sold out evn before they arrive in the country!
Guys, I think it should be obvious by now that I don’t ban anyone here except for racism and obscenity. Only two people have been formally banned and both on the grounds of racism. They include Tupuola Terry Tavita, the Samoan racist lout who is media advisor to the country’s prime minister.
Some other Samoan idiot – or someone posing as a Samoan – launched a comprehensive assault on the site a few days ago that was both racist and obscene. He or she got short shrift too. But Petelo is welcome here no matter how divergent our own views might be.
And of course we can tell the real haha, hehe Petelo and the one who uses his name/id on this blog. These guys are a diversion to some serious discussion, but we do occationally need to have a football to kick around for a break….
I know Kathy, you are having as much fun as I am and like you, I need a break from a hard days work……
And where do the Petelos go when they are not in the plantations entertaining the vulangis?????
They come right here.
Wellcome
Oh and the tall building….
I remember a couple of years ago a university professor in Australia (who by the way happened to be a Canadian) said something to the effect that the intellect of the white peoples are much superior than the Africans (meaning blacks and other races) because there are no tall buildings in Africa….
Of course he refused to have an intellectual debate with some African students at Mcquarie University…..
And that brings me to Petelo (not the haha, hehe one)….or who cares, which ever one…congratulations on your tall buildings.
Here’s a tip on how to keep all your floors occupied: Ground floor for all the stray dogs. 1st floor for the coconuts, the 2nd for all the MacDonald vouchers from uncle Bob and uncle Macully. 3rd floor for aunt Julia and the rest for your egoes.
Now now Chand, you’re straying into dangerously racist territory there with your rather casual use of “coconuts” in reference to Samoans. tut tut
@ Petelo (haha,hehe and the other one),
I apologise if the reference to coconut seemed as racists….that is not my intention…we in Fiji probably have a lot more coconuts……and yesterday I bought 2 for $4 at the local woolies…and guess where did it come from…yes Samoa….it was good…had sweet lips (Kawango) in lolo.
I understand your concerns about the reference…I’ve heard of some comments here in Sydney during local rugby matches, in reference to Island peoples…they’ve called me curry muncher etc…..
To me these are hollow peoples, devoid of character and cultural values who need to be ignored. Some of these guys cannot match up to our standards…..these people are in the minority…..
I’m with you on this one Petelo….
Having said that, we have to be aware of regional leaders who treat the rest of us with contempt…this is what you should be worried about.
Google pacific Island Forum and read other scribes…esp from ANZ and you will notice the contempt with which the rest of us are treated….
I’d rather be worried about being treated as beggers in the forum than being called curries and coconuts.
Thank GOD we have a leader in Fiji who can stans up to them and thank god I am a Fijian.
@ Graham,
Good on you Graham. Do not ban Petelo. he is keeping things lively here with his piggy comments.
Australia and NZ are the agenda setters of the Pacific Islands Forum…that we know. And we also know that these two countries decide who stays in the forum and who is to be suspended..and who needs to rub whose balls….I mean that is why they invite Terry Petelo Tui.
Here is the Question to those buggers in ANZ ( and I know you all are reading this blog):
If you champion democracy and free speech so much, why don’t you have a secret ballot from member states on whether to admit or still suspend Fiji from the Forum (not that we care for the outcomes)??
Ohh..don’t bother……you guys will run out of spin doctors
@ Chand,,,
Oh no bro…… no secret ballot.!!! You know why?????
Because these rats and piglets breadfruit and sausage munchers will very soon come running to Fiji for mercy. They will beg us to come back into the forum (which forum?), Then we will show them where we gonna kick them.
Jukebox, you’re sounding like a broken record. You need a new tune to sing. I suggest you starting singing “We are Samoa” (Jerome Grey). You will be singing it when you flee to Samoa the next time a coup happens in Fiji.
Petelo
Quit the wishful thinking. By reading your past and current postings you envy Fiji.
Pâté – Petelo not only envies Fiji – he wished he was Fijian. How many coups has Fiji had yet Fiji still tops as the Family destination for Tourists – still ranks amongst the top 5 in the World’s Gross National Happiness Index for 2011 – 2012 ! Google it Petelo – to add to your miserable jealousy – Meanwhile Samoa remains an LDC – with or without skyscrapers! Now who is hahahing and heheheing! Hohoho!
You need to crawl out of your cave and catch up with the latest news Talei. Samoa will be promoted to Developing Country status in 2014. We wanted to remain an LDC for the cheap loans but the UN wanted to upgrade us, so what can we say? Fine, upgrade us if you want but we’re quite happy remaining an LDC because we get easy and cheap loans.
Petelo – Cheap Loans by selling your dignity – once an LDC always an LDC mindset – you poor beggars ! Samoa bosts about being the first PSIDS to get independence in 1962 – even earlier than Fiji by 8 years. And yet still an LDC for the purpose of cheap loans – at least you are admitting it ! It’s a polished form of prostitution – hahehihohu – now watch Fiji roll out its Roadmap – its own homegrown version of Democracy – advocating to Samoa ( the 50 year old ANZ puppet) the need for young nation states who are members of the UN Family of decent nations the universal principles of – equality among States, respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity, non interference in the domestic/internal affairs of states (PIF you reading this?) independence/mutual interdependence only in bilateral and multilateral cooperation – principles that your ANZ puppet of a PM does not understand and likes to tread over in partnership with that archaic dinosaur called the PIF which has completely lost the Original Pacific Plot. Say Talofa to Your PM – and Tofa to you – appreciate me Petelo because no one else will say it to you like I just did – and This shall be my last word on this thread because I have other sensible convo that I’d rather be part of. It was nice engaging with your idiocy as a taste of the Laughing Samoans.
Correction Talei, nation states who want to join the big boys conform to the rules of civilisation as follows:
1. No Military coups
2. The Constitution is obeyed.
3. Military rulers returning country to democracy does not have immunity from prosecution.
Vinaka,
Petelo
@ Talei Dredre
Taura mada vakamalua kemuni. (take it easy sir).
Fiji is not perfect. We have some things to learn from the Samoan system. For example: the Fijian style of drinking kava till four in the morning then sleeping in all day, only to wake at 2.00pm them spend the rest of the afternnon playing touch rugby at the school ground, then back to the kava cycle…is the cause of unproductivity among Fijian village youths.
Where are the chiefs ? You know the grog dopes one people like Qarase built that useless monolith at Nasese for them to meet in twice a year to try and determine the futire of the i’taukei. Then after the meeting, they would collect their per diems, head into town to be serviced by the Korean and Chinese prostitutes in downtown Suva, after which they would head home to beat up their wives etc.
What a shambles
And in case you know not wot an LDC is Petelo ? It is the United Nations classification of a Least Developed Country! Once in a while folks like you and your Prime Minister need to be reminded by folks like me! I am being cruel to be kind. So Letz move on to obstructive dialogue? Please!
Except that Samoa’s and Fiji’s definition of Big Boys differ – Samoa’s big boys are of course the beloved puppeteers ANZ. Keep them please – Fiji doesn’t need them.
Fiji’s Big Boys are everyone else who respects Fiji’s sovereignty and right to self determination – including the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) something your coconut brains knows not yet – and the Powerhouses of :
– The Midadle East ( United Arab Emirates where Fiji just this week opened an Embassy in AbuDhabi)
– in Asia – China, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, South and North Korea
– Latin America – Brazil
– South Africa in Pretoria
– US – Washington DC and New York
– Europe – London, Brussels and soon Geneva
– Pacific – PNG for Melanesia and the Suva based Roving Ambassador for Micronesia and Polynesia (minus some PSIDS who don’t wish to engage with Fiji)
Fiji has Embassies in All of These Big Boys Lands – Samoa will never even smell any of them – ANZ is all you wii ever need – just continue to conform to your points 1 – 2 – 3 above and remain a humble LDC until eternity – and the laughing Samoans will be decent until death. You poor buggers! I feel for you but such is the choice for enslaved ‘civilization’. Tofa Petelo – all I can offer you is my pity and sympathy.
Another swing and a miss from poor deluded Talei.
You know those ‘big boys’ you talk about aren’t really going to come to your aid when the next coup happens. You know this right? They’ll ignore you guys just like the 2006 coup.
As long as Bainimarama runs around free from prosecution after 2014, good old Fijian politics will take its course and as night follows day, Fijian political instability will surely follow the 2014 ‘elections’.
By the way, Samoa has an embassy in Brussels (EU), Beijing (China), Tokyo (Japan), as well as High Commissions in Canberra and Wellington. It also has consulates in Argentina, Germany, Denmark, Sth Korea, Singapore, Austria, UK, US, Italy, and Sweden.
For a small country, Samoa punches well above its weight in the world. It even has had two Judges sitting on the World Court in the Hague in the past 10 years. The current sitting judge (Judge Lussick) sentenced the Liberian dictator, Charles Taylor, to 50 years in prison. Bainimarama better be careful, it would be quite funny if he ends up at the Hague before a Samoan judge hahahahahahaha
Still an LDC – nothing will change that – you’re deluded Petelo – I mean Terry Tavita – confused in identity as much as you are in gender! You poor creature!
Terry tavita masquerading ss petelo
lol…@petelo..jz goes to show samoa only thrives on loan? how do u get them loans? suckin anz ball sack? n chand you have nothing to apologise for..you didnt name em coconuts…the NZ’s did…you are just pointing it out…not being racist dost….
ae hang on…i just noticed that you sad u guys are LDC…still? in this day and age…DAAAYYYMMMM…
I think Fiji has been in the developing countries list along with democracies such as china and india for quite some time with UN ae guys?
Petelo…no offence bro but u just keep defining y NZ people call samoans coconuts with your input….lol
Mate dont worry about us here in Fiji and congrats on you “big” building btw…but c we have had big buildings for quite some time now..and tell me something? does samoa have a man made international class island? we have two my friend..and guess what we will soon be developing….underwater hotels.. seems far fetched…check this out..
http://www.poseidonresorts.com/
WOW…!!!Aint it…
Mate understand this..if the entire populus of Fiji (despite being small)stand in samoa and take a piss you guys might have a huge flood…dont mess with us…we dont need coconut comments…we deal with our shit our way…we dont suck ANZ Balls..ok mate…so Piss Off…!!!
Ah, yes, the old adopt-another-anonymous-identity trick. Terry, you are fooling no-one with your alter ego “Petelo”. He even laughs a bit like you except that it’s haha not hehe.
No matter. “Petelo” is welcome here so long as he refrains from the behaviour that got you kicked off Grubsheet.
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