Just when the nation is looking for heroes, for a unifying force that’s above the political fray, one emerges. Just when we need it most, someone shows us that disadvantage is no barrier to achieving success. Iliesa Delana isn’t exactly the hero from central casting. For a start, he has only one leg. But no-one who witnessed his arrival back in … [Read more...] about # THE LEAP THAT INSPIRED A NATION
# METHODIST CHURCH OF INTOLERANCE
Christian state: A country in which Christianity is declared the official religion. Secular state: A country in which there is a separation of church and state and no religion has more official status than any other: This is undoubtedly the toughest article I have ever written, and the saddest. Because I feel that it is my duty to … [Read more...] about # METHODIST CHURCH OF INTOLERANCE
# RUMBLINGS AT THE EDGEFEST
Journalists and media educators have descended on the University of the South Pacific in Suva this week for a conference on "Media and Democracy in the South Pacific". Not surprisingly, the topic and the timing of this talkfest have caused a high degree of consternation behind the scenes. It was the brainchild of Dr Marc Edge, the head of the USP's … [Read more...] about # RUMBLINGS AT THE EDGEFEST
# DECEPTION AND DELUSION
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 … [Read more...] about # DECEPTION AND DELUSION
# FIJI LABOUR PARTY IMPLODES
One of the truisms of modern politics is that disunity is death. So it’s instructive that two years out from the scheduled return to democracy in Fiji, the forces ranged against the Bainimarama regime seem so determined to tear themselves apart. Hot on the heels of the SDL’s very public self-immolation with its call for a Christian state comes news … [Read more...] about # FIJI LABOUR PARTY IMPLODES
# THE FORUM’S GAPING HOLE
As the VIP jets descend on the sleepy Cook Islands for the opening of the 43rd annual Pacific Islands Forum, one critical guest will again be missing. Fiji’s Frank Bainimarama - the leader of the most influential island state – has been barred from successive Forum summits for the past three years. Yet whatever shape the formal proceedings in … [Read more...] about # THE FORUM’S GAPING HOLE