A high-level Fijian Government delegation heads for Washington this weekend to try to save the jobs of 15-thousand Fijian workers directly threatened by Fijian trade union action in the United States. Pardon me, you might say. Do I need to read that again? You can almost sense the collective intake of breath around the nation. At first, Grubsheet … [Read more...] about # UN-FIJIAN ASSAULT ON ORDINARY FIJIANS
# CHINA CASTIGATES OZ AND NZ “BULLIES”
China has taken Fiji’s side in its continuing standoff with Australia and NZ in dramatic fashion, startling the region’s diplomats with some very undiplomatic comments in Fiji’s defence. They didn’t come in an unnamed commentary in the Chinese media – where tough statements are usually code for what Beijing thinks – but from the mouth of the … [Read more...] about # CHINA CASTIGATES OZ AND NZ “BULLIES”
# EDGE OF THE ABYSS
The controversial Dr Marc Edge – Head of the School of Journalism at the University of the South Pacific – clings to his job by his fingernails after his recent disastrous “Media and Democracy” conference that led to official protests and open conflict with his fellow academics. Grubsheet understands that the USP has triggered formal internal … [Read more...] about # EDGE OF THE ABYSS
# THE LEAP THAT INSPIRED A NATION
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