There’s something distinctly perverse about Australia and New Zealand maintaining their so-called smart sanctions against Fiji when their personnel are taking part in the registration of voters for the promised elections in 2014. Two electoral experts – one from each country - have joined the team that’s about to sweep through Fiji, updating the … [Read more...] about #87 A CLAYTON’S RE-ENGAGEMENT
#86 M.A.D (REVISED JUNE 9TH)
(This posting contains new material from Mick Beddoes, the former Fiji opposition leader, challenging Grubsheet's analysis) There have been few things more startling in recent weeks than the prospect of a political union between the party of indigenous supremacists in Fiji and the only Indo-Fijian ever to become the country's prime minister. … [Read more...] about #86 M.A.D (REVISED JUNE 9TH)
#85 LIGHTS GO ON IN “GOD’S OWN”
“I think Fiji finally looks like gaining economic traction as well as diplomatic credibility.” Nevil Gibson. Editor, NZ National Business Review. For a country that’s always prided itself on its Pacific ties and its knowledge of the region, New Zealand badly misread the situation in Fiji. In common with Australia, it clearly thought it could … [Read more...] about #85 LIGHTS GO ON IN “GOD’S OWN”
#84 SAMOA’S RACIST LOUT (UPDATED 25/5)
“See this middle finger. Fark you Palagi” (SCROLL DOWN FOR THE UPDATE - WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE) Oh dear, some people never learn. Barely a fortnight after having to castigate the Samoan prime minister’s media advisor, Tupuola Terry Tavita, for his racist comments, Grubsheet feels obliged to give him another figurative cuffing. Yes, it's … [Read more...] about #84 SAMOA’S RACIST LOUT (UPDATED 25/5)
#83 THE AUSTRALIA-FIJI DISCONNECT
As argument rages over Japan bowing to Australian pressure to exclude Frank Bainimarama from the forthcoming PALM summit of Pacific leaders, we're newly reminded of the striking disconnect between the attitude of the Labor Government and ordinary Australians towards Fiji. Pick up any newspaper and the tough rhetoric of its politicians in the news … [Read more...] about #83 THE AUSTRALIA-FIJI DISCONNECT
# 82 AUSTRALIA ENGINEERS JAPAN SNUB
Japan has damaged its close relations with Fiji by bowing to an Australian request not to proceed with plans to invite the Fijian leader, Frank Bainimarama, to an important regional conference this month. The Australian newspaper says Tokyo had been keen to ask Commodore Bainimarama to come to Japan for the triennial PALM Forum of Pacific leaders. … [Read more...] about # 82 AUSTRALIA ENGINEERS JAPAN SNUB