After half a century in journalism and having collected my fair share of enemies, death threats aren’t par for the course but they have happened before. You just alert the relevant authorities, revise your personal security and press on.
But the latest death threat is from Fiji and is more startling than usual because of the manner in which it has been conveyed, not directly but through an intermediary – a journalistic colleague who was on assignment in Suva and my name came up.
This person is a well-respected member of the foreign media in Australia and Fiji is part of his beat. He pulled me aside at a recent social gathering to tell me something I already know – that I am not exactly top of the pops in Fiji. I am frequently told that I am hated by politicians and others who have been the subjects of my articles. But this warning was more sinister than usual.
The journalist – who deserves to remain anonymous – told me that in a conversation he had with “a senior member of the government”, this individual expressed the wish to “have Graham Davis killed”.
If you think that’s a strange thing for a member of the Coalition to be telling a visiting member of the foreign media, you’d be right. But given the stature of the person relaying the story to me, I have no reason to doubt him. He proceeded to tell me the bleeding obvious – that I must not go anywhere near Fiji for a long time, if ever.
But would the Coalition government have me killed in Australia? Who knows? Desperate and repressive regimes in other parts of the world, along with criminal elements, routinely kill journalists to silence them, and sometimes using the most gruesome methods.
In 2018, the Saudi authorities – reportedly acting on behalf of the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman – lured the distinguished journalist, Jamal Kashoggi, into a Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey, killed him and dismembered his body with a bone saw.
Do I have to be careful to steer clear of the Fiji High Commission in Canberra, where the Prime Minister’s mate, Ajay Amrit, is in residence? He’s already advised me not to return to Fiji if I want to avoid being arrested. But has anyone seen anything that looks like a bone saw being carried into the HC building in Beale Crescent?
Seriously, though. This threat tells us the following:
- That the political temperature in Fiji is rising steadily in advance of the 2026 election and is already approaching boiling point more than a year out.
- That those in the government who are already violating the rule of law will to stop at nothing to remain in power.
- And that little ‘ol Grubsheet is making them very edgy.
- Why? Because in common with Victor Lal over at Fijileaks, we are alternatives to the mainstream domestic media who are widely read and they can’t control.
Not that killing the “irrelevant old man” and “alcoholic” is going to make a jot of difference.
Just scanning today’s media headlines tells us that much of the country is descending into savagery and removing one dissident voice isn’t going to arrest that descent.
They say that countries get the governments they deserve. Maybe Fiji deserves the Coalition. That’s what those in power certainly think.
On the other hand, there’s always the bone saw of the ballot box. Tick, tick, tick.
GD
The essence of being an objective journalist such as being critical and investigative reporting is not an easy task for any journalist around the world . Once Fiji had renowned journalists who were exactly doing what you doing today such as likes of Yunus Rashid, Asha Lakhan, Mala Jagmohan and Jale Moala to name a few. We don’t have that type anymore. Today commercial interests overrides journalism ethics and we can see this openly happening now in comparison to subtle ways as before.
If the mainstream media gets compromised, people will opt for social media or blogs such as yours to consume information in order to remain abreast. Mind you, your credibility is much higher than the mainstream media in Fiji and this keeps your readership intact. At many times I come to loggerheads with your opinion, but you remain reliable and relevant and it’s worth a fight to engage in.
Your incisive stories intrigues many people but someone has to do it.
The current pool of editors and news directors are not covering the issue critically and it appears they are under pressure that commercial interest is paramount.
The longstanding issue in Fiji is that journalism profession does not pay well except for few on top. This therefore does not attract quality people and most of them join the legal profession or NGOs.
On your safety issues, you are in a great country, where freedom of expression and criticism towards good governance is the cornerstone for a democratic society to prosper and those who abuse powers are held to account. The only thing to remember is that you be conscious of the places you go to and the people that you interact with.
Keep writing and we keep fighting for a good cause. After all as a journalist, you can’t please everyone.
Stay safe GD. In the madhouse that is noqu Viti anything is possible. Watch the headlines for future decadence and depravity where horror comes naturally. And the current acts of depravity, drugs, alcohol abuse, domestic violence, high crime rates, HIV, gangs peddling drugs n girls, and a societal mental block on realities aided by an overdose of increasing fundamentalist Lotu sadly means the Itaukei are plotting their own demise. And this Government will pull out all stops to continue the headlong descent as long as they retain power. Even a dose of fetanyl in the Vino.
If you have a bounty on your head, it means you’ve struck a nerve. Siromi, Kamikamica, or Baimaan are capable of hiring assassins. But I’m sure their heads will roll before yours does.
You’ve definitely rattled the clowns. Keep going. There’s more dirt to dig up and report on.
Having experienced it as a child, I used to think corporal punishment was cruel and causes irreparable damage to the developing brain of a child. Recently while out for a early morning walk with my dogs, I had an encounter with 2 drunk high school aged kids which has made me question my views.
I still think devoting more time to our children and using other ways to discipline them is going to be more effective. Corporal punishment should probably be reserved for adults who misbehave…such as our politicians.
Well…..well….well…………you must be doing something right GD!
Isn’t this a fantasy or wish we all harbour from time to time.
Why can’t someone we are jealous, fearful or afraid of could somehow be vanished from the face of this earth. Why couldn’t he/she have an accident, succumb to illness or have anything bad happen.
Believe me there are many others in Fiji on who such a curse or wish, call it whatever you will, remains.
They might just draunikau you GD
Or I might draunikau them.
Can I come and live with Graham? That way he’ll have me around if something happens.
I’ve already got someone living with me who wears a frock.
Mate, I reckon they’re planning shock you to death when you visit Fiji in the future and get a personal tour through the halls of government and get shown all the corruption first-hand with a cheerful tour guide who will tell you “Only in Fiji! The way the world should be!”
They say that what you see of an iceberg is only a tenth of what is underneath. I suspect what you’re seeing and reporting is only the tip.
And people wonder why those who comment on Grubsheet wish to remain anonymous. The fear is real.
As an aside yet even more seriously depressing, recent local reports says the incidence of child sexual abuse in Taveuni show no signs of abating, with 500+ cases so far this year.
Guess where our big chief pedo prez is from?
But they go after journalists speaking truth to power and other critics of bad governance.
We need Richard back. He brought satirical biting wit and comment to criticize government excess and corruption. Where is he now?
Time to wake him up! One of Fiji’s greatest journalist heroes has gone MIA!
Last seen in the swamp with the other crocodiles.
Richard – “Fijis greatest journalist heroes”???!!!!
Crikey!!!!
Don’t get touched by a man from Ra. (they touched Bainimarama then they touched Aiyaz) Both about to die..hahaha.
It’s called Touch-shi-do.
Oi! Kai Ra.
I won’t be surprised if Baiman is among those considering a hit against you as you have exposed the dogla for what he is.
This is his latest budget shenanigan.
As the writer says, this bastard is treating taxpayers’ money like his personal piggy bank to reward friends, cronies and contacts in his network to secure a position once his political life is over after the next election. This from the One Mind One Goal FB page:
“ 🔥 BIMAN PRASAD’S LATEST LIE EXPOSED: $500K FLYOVER FROM SUVA TO NADI? 🔥
Just when you thought Biman Prasad couldn’t stoop any lower in his bag of political tricks—he digs deeper. With elections around the corner, Biman has come out swinging with another laughable fantasy: a Suva-Nadi flyover, supposedly kickstarted with a mysterious $500,000. Let’s be clear—this isn’t a development project. This is a desperate, last-ditch attempt to win votes by fooling the public again—and this time, it’s a cash grab for his family and cronies.
Where was this grand vision in the last four years? Where was the planning, the groundwork, the transparency? Or is this “flyover” just another codeword for a corruption highway—paved with lies, deceit, and millions funneled into backdoor contracts? No serious engineer in the world will tell you a $500K allocation can get a flyover of that scale even past the drawing board. But for Biman, it’s just enough to pay off the inner circle, grease the palms, and print another flashy headline for his followers.
Let’s not forget, this is the same man who before the last elections promised visa-free travel to Australia and New Zealand. Where is that now? Still “under discussion”? Or buried under the same pile of broken promises as the Penang Mill, which he swore would be revived to save the sugar industry? That mill is still dead. The only thing Biman has successfully revived is the art of lying through his teeth.
Fijians are no longer fools. We’ve watched this man throw around billion-dollar healthcare promises while clinics run out of basic supplies. We’ve heard his excuses, his tantrums, his rehearsed speeches. But now, even the spin can’t hide the truth—Biman Prasad is a conman in a politician’s suit, using the national budget like it’s his personal ATM. And this $500,000 flyover fantasy? Just another election-time illusion for the history books.
Time’s up, Biman. The people see through you.”
Frank and ASK had their flaws. Under Frank’s leadership the government was a well oiled machine.
I think your platform needs to be used again to bring back the leadership style of the aforementioned duo, if not the duo.
For the sake of the country.
I’m so worried for you now. Fiji is building a embassy in Israel and is probably going to get the Mossad. If anything happens to you..god forbid…you are too valuable a person for mankind in this dangerous world.
I have been a victim of racism where I lost a business in Fiji worth over 3 million dollars and nearly got killed by the Mafia that exists in Fiji…I have a long story but just so people can understand that Fiji is very corrupt with the wrong people running the country.
Everyone has self interests but nothing for ordinary Fijians . Only FFP looked at the wellbeing of all Fijians and this corrupt current government cannot find anything corrupt by FFP and is now doing a political witch hunt. It’s such a shame.
I don’t understand why the military is not stepping in to uphold the constitution??? Is the military compromised now???I hope not…I know a lot of former Fijians now residing overseas who do not want to go back to Fiji with these Bas:;(()))ds in control. Everyone knows how corrupt they are.Biman Prasad is the worst whore in Fiji ever.
G.D take care
GD,
Be careful. Freemation is going on at the government building and the president’s residence and is lethal. Look at the confusion and chaos in the government and the judiciary. It’s mind boggling.
Be careful and pray. Iko na luve ni Talatala.
I am sure the Australian Federal Police and Interpol have a dossier already open on this. If not drop them a line, GD. Keep your guard up all the time. Your best and trusted friend could be your very enemy smiling and sitting next to you. There are many crocodiles, snakes, sharks and the bigger sharks “The Dakuwaqas” plus “lewaruas’ and Phantoms walking around in Fiji.
G.D
You are the saviour to the truth
I’m worried now that Fiji is setting up a embassy in Israel and from the news that you are putting to us…the corrupt government of Fiji will probably engage the Mossad..
Please be very careful and have more security around you… Everyone in Fiji and around the world knows what this current government is doing…going after FFP leaders on a political witch hunt…even when they don’t have any evidence against them…FFP worked for all Fijians…This current government is only self interests only not for all Fijians…I don’t understand why the Military is not stepping in to uphold the Constitution…it is very sad to see the level of corruption…Rabuka did that nasty Coup in 1987 and this current government is just another Coup against the Fijians but in a political way without guns.. The President… Corrupt Chief Justice…corrupt Finance Minister …corrupt FICCAC …corrupt Fiji law society president…Manoa Kamikamica…Lynda Tabuya…. Is there any good that has come out of these mentioned people????
They are just cruel people with no good intentions for ordinary Fijians…only self interests….look at all their pay rises….
Anyway G.D please continue with your good work.
Mr Davis we need you more than most Fijians will admit to. Both you and Mr Lal of Fijileaks are the last of the Mohicans.
Our national leaders cannot make literate rebuttals without personal attacks and passing the buck.
The level of conversation nationally has descended to cheap politics and defensive rhetoric.
Asking for accountability and direct answers is like trying to get water from the moon these days !
With the introduction of social media and its associated influencers and “likes” – I feel the media in Fiji have confused their role as gate keepers and fact checkers to become mouthpiece of political powers seizing any opportunity for a freebie or pose a shot with power.
As a result we see what we see in Fiji today – the loss of objectivity and truth .
The fact that government wants to take out or implies crimes such as killing is evidence enough of the desperation to hide the truth and avoid accountability which ensures suppression of dissent, weakening of democracy, public manipulation and self censorship.
Government is exposing its silly self by daring to even verbalize such threats in the 21st century !
Keep the pressure on these thugs who call themselves representatives of the people of Fiji !
It’s part of the territory of leadership and if they can’t deal with the heat then they should resign !
Long live Graham. You are doing a tremendous job and God is with you 🙏 ❤️