The sight of the sky-blue Fiji flag among the forest of flags borne along the River Thames for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee pageant was a startling reminder that despite being suspended from the Commonwealth, Fiji is still part of the Commonwealth family. It’s a bit like a wayward sibling at any family celebration. No-one wants to condone their … [Read more...] about # 89 ELIZABETH, QUEEN OF FIJI
#88 A PROMISE KEPT
“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service”. Of all the millions of words being written about the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, one sentence echoes across the decades – the simple promise she made on her 21st birthday to serve. It has been a promise kept, surely a wondrous achievement in … [Read more...] about #88 A PROMISE KEPT
#87 A CLAYTON’S RE-ENGAGEMENT
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)