Yesterday’s Fiji Times was notable for the dramatic front page photo of Inia Seruiratu trying to flee local journalists and for the return of the once ubiquitous Richard Naidu after many months. But buried in the paper is another gem from Professor Wadan Narsey, who deserves an Order of Fiji and the nation’s gratitude for his one-man mission over many years to explain the complexities of national life.
Because there was so much happening in these columns yesterday, I have held Wadan Narsey’s latest article over and he very kindly sent me the original to make it easier for my own readers to take in it without having to navigate the usual hotchpotch of screen shots from the Fiji Times.
Well here it is – all you need to know about the unconscionable parliamentary emoluments package that is tearing the two main political parties apart and has disgusted most Fijians for its breathtaking excesses.
Professor Narsey slams the People’s Alliance, SODELPA and those FijiFirst rebels who supported the package, reminding us that only the NFP opposed it. He slams Lynda Tabuya and the rest of the Emoluments Committee. He slams the UNDP consultant on whose recommendations the pigs at the trough have shoved their snouts in even further. And he ends on a note of bitter disillusionment.
“Before the 2022 Elections I went to considerable lengths… to support the election of the Rabuka/Prasad Coalition Government, who scraped in by just one vote in Parliament. Since then…like many members of the public I have been steadily disappointed by the Rabuka Government’s poor performance.
NOTE: Screenshots from a Word document. Pardon the red underlines.
I said this just two weeks ago.
UN agencies in Fiji must stop acting like they are a Fijian agency. They are international UN agencies and must act accordingly.
They must also advocate for better leadership at all times rather than staying quiet or pushing their agenda.
The UN agencies based in Suva are acting as if they work for the Government of Fiji. It is becoming a concern.
Doesn’t Fiji Government pay the office rent for all UN agencies in Suva?
Professor Narsey nails it bang on. Numbers and data does not lie, something that the bonking Minister will never be able to comprehend as it’s beyond her level of intelligence.
The learned professor as usual hits the nail but there are a few things that must be challenged:
1. Composition of NZ’s equivalent rem committee is used but those who are members of this committee clearly have either a political influence and/or ability to be influenced. Therefore, they may not be as independent as is portrayed, but certainly more independent than the Fijian one.
2. The debt to GDP comparisons need to take account of structural shocks, ie COVID. While Qarase had a relatively lower debt-to-GDP ratio, the economy was under significant stress in 2006, as a result of which government had to borrow offshore. The debt to GDP ratio before COVID was in line with global benchmarks and had it not been the case, the borrowings during COVID would’ve been restricted.
3. The portrayal of Qarase as a model and moral leader is simply not justified. Qarase benefited heavily at a personal level as FDB head. Under his leadership, the FNPF would’ve collapsed and the higher pension rates that the learned professor has been trying to reinstate, was the reason.
Agree with point 3 of Patriot”s post.
May I add,
4. Professor either understands the Banking system or not. If not, then he is ignorant, and that is OK, but otherwise he is playing politics which is unfortunate but unavoidable under this Westminster system that has become a curse to our nation and the West.
I have been making a call and a case for a One Party State. Under such a system, myself and the good Professor could be heard, with so many others, and very likely have some input into the well being of our country. What we have running our country is two gangs fronted by two warlords with Satan knows who pulling strings behind the scenes.
The NBF created and made available credit in the period after the 1987 coupe. Over an approximate 5 year period after the coup it pumped some $450 million dollars into the economy. ( Today’s money – $1.5 billion ). Whether this was done consciously or not is hard to determine. I somewhat tend to the later, but in any event, this money pumped into the economy saved it from utter collapse, in fact, the economy thrived whilst maintaining inflation below 3%. I maintain that the credit created could have been better directed, but in any event, it saved our country from what could have been infinitely worse if left to the foreign banking cartel with their branch offices in our country applying austerity measures aka consolidation.
That cartel got its way in the end and took away our Commercial Trading Bank. Our leaders fell for it, selling off a piece of our sovereignty. What’s changed ? Our Reserve Bank of Fiji is towing the line, and before we know it we will have a cashless society. Stuff what the people have to say about it, standing in long lines outside in the sun and rain waiting for service from Bank ATM’s and Phone Company Cash Outlets.
Before the end of the year, Banks will not accept cheques. Our leaders of our society are OK with that, another nail in the coffin. Our leaders live in ivory towers and have no clue about rural small town Fiji nor do they care. They consider themselves sophisticated and worldly, and our politicians, gang members, want a piece of that.
To the Professor, I think the term for what happened after C1 was Quantitative Easing. (HA HA HA.)
Good morning GD
This all exposes how corrupt our leaders are.
Most importantly, it exposes Tabuya as a narcissist and wannabe master maneuver with next to no intelligence. It shows her lack of experience in dealing with high level (nonsensical) findings. Anyone with experience would have taken that report and reviewed the comparisons made.
I am sure Tabuya has never worked in any role where critical thinking is applied from an educated person sense. She lacks tact, intelligence, honesty (US$50m scam queen), and clarity of purpose. These has been dangerous traits as recognised by many. She bluffs her way in. And the men around her seem convinced despite knowing she is stupidly dangerous.
I have grown a “yuck” feeling of the i-taukei who hold her in such high regard. Can they not read people and their corrupt practices? Or maybe they simply don’t read but rather watch Tik-Toks all day. Same with Aseri. Why would anyone have this man around their daughters!
So here Lynda is at it again. More than one man this time. And she will retain her portfolio. The PM will again have a lap dance secretly somewhere with Lynda. He is always content with her. Not sure how and why. But something there reeks of more than collegial relationship.
Fiji is in a collision state by the lasa-i-tuba Parliament Bit$h.
I think it is time Fijians take to the street for a protest of No Confidence in this government. This includes the opposition too. They all can leave.
The taxpayers pay their wages. The taxpayers have the right to raise their concerns. Imagine employing these lot in an everyday job. They would be laid off within days.
Fijians, please take to the streets. Hold those candles and demand for a better leadership. You need a government without military interference too as they have failed to uphold the Constitution.
Minister’s are under FICAC investigation.
Judiciary controlled by illegally appointed people.
Ethnic cleansing in all jobs.
Minister’s taking drugs and embroiling themselves in extramarital affairs while in roles.
Police stealing drugs and raping a woman.
Funds misused.
Generally, it is poor leadership under Rabuka.
If these don’t concern Fijians to have a united voice then what does? Wake up. Kick them all out. Gone with these f&ckwits already.
“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”
In this particular sorry saga of campaigning for and achieving the primary objective of seeing the last of the Bainimarama govt, replacing with a Rabuka led govt, which is as admitted by the professor, performing very poorly – it is demonstrated that one can be a highly educated academic but still get it fundamentally wrong with massive consequences. When professors, and others who would have been expected to know better, go on a mission that goes against a time old convention that A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush it shows in some instances one can be an educated fool and a useful tool to guide lemmings.
That folk lesser academically qualified but having wisdom forged in life lessons saw the edge of the cliff coming by going for the gamble of the two birds suggests that less importance and privilege should be endowed on so called academic experts….who wear their fingers thin on a pen or keyboard but don’t have the grit of grime and earth under their finger nails.
The winner in all this is consultant Ken Deveaux who is now laughing all the way to the bank.
ROTFI’s Patriot: “Qarase benefited heavily at a personal level as FDB head.”
Some used to attribute this to: LQ queuing at FDB to submit his loan application; LQ serves LQ from behind the counter; LQ assesses the application and takes it to LQ for approval; LQ approves the application; and LQ returns to FDB to pick up his loan approval.
Seems like the same is happening with the current leadership. And it’s really unfortunate that Wadan’s policy critiques and remedial suggestions were soundly rejected by the past FF government and are being ignored by the Coalition. Key lessons from.him are there for the taking by future administrations.
Indeed. Wadan Narsey has been a fearless analytic of issues, always backed with good evidence and calls spade a spade. He has held very strong views and never takes kindly to critics, but he is ready to engage in open debate and discourse. His piece is priceless.
He single handedly kept the previous FFP regime in check and whilst supporting the change we do not deserve, it is good he has at long last come out with his usual candid commentary. It would not be long when he would not even spare NFP who we have given enough time to prove or redeem itself.
Whilst his observation in terms of Qarase and his worth compared to the current mob is spot on, I am sure he understands the situation the previous PM put himself into influenced by ethno-nationalists and racists which led to his downfall.
I am not sure Rabuka even has the ability to understand how he is also been put in the same situation by archaic advisers and ethno-nationalisms of people like Semi Tukana, for example. Moreover, he has shown himself to be devoid of the leadership required to lead a multiracial country like Fiji. It must come as a huge shock to Rabuka and his diehard supporters harboring such racist views that the people of Fiji have moved on from 1987 and the current generation value fairness, freedom and justice.
If Warden Narsey supported the election of Rabuka and his bunch of donkeys before the election, he is one of the reasons why we all are where we are. Anyone who supported a dickhead from 37 years ago to lead the nation needs their head checked, whatever the circumstances.
And now they are all complaining. Idiots. They are everywhere. I mean, how many are there around the country who voted for a well known and well documented crackpot and are now complaining? The whole country is full of idiots, from the top to the Indo-Fijian grog dopeys. They are everywhere and then they all wonder why the country is where it is!!!!
Lots are really disappointed and unfortunately, Rabuka was then the only alternative able to dislodge Bai and Khai. Chaudhry, Gavoka, Biman or Narube could not have done it. Hoping then for credible leadership options at the next vote.
Having Bai and Khai is much better than having donkeys. It is not rocket science and it is a no brainer.
How are people thinking and what are people thinking?
If you let hatred overcome you, this is what the result is. What is more, many thousands will vote for the donkeys again. All God-fearing racist bigots. And it is not limited to Christians.
And the sad thing is, majority idiots are not limited to a Third World country like Fiji. There are a significant majority of idiots in the USA who will vote for a crackpot like “Donald Duck”. There are reports that donations to his campaign are at record levels since his conviction. The people of USA hold similar racist views. And they are supposed to be a first world country!
If a descendant of an Indian immigrant from Kenya can become the prime minister of Great Britain, why can’t a descendant of a Girmitya become the PM of Fiji. Answer: Because Fiji is special. It is full of racist God fearing pretend idiots. They are everywhere. Fact.
I could not agree more with your sentiments.
When you think about it, what has this crackpot done for the country in the last 37 years apart from bringing grief to the country, its economy and its people? Why is he still around? Who is to blame? It can only be the hundreds of thousands of idiots in Fiji who voted for him. But I guess, just like everything with the PM, it is all someobe else’s fault. That is the culture in Fiji. A culture of convenience, a culture of racism. The Minister for iTaukei Affairs is reported to have said just today for the people to go back to the land and not be materialistic. With hypocritical donkeys like this in power, how can Fiji progress? But when you think about it some more, that is exactly what the people want, to be ruled by donkeys. But then, why do they complain so much if they choose to be idiots?
Mr Narsey’s fact and figures are good
Sometimes they say ,it looks good on paper
Anyway, the timing of pay increase was not right and a bit rushed as the current economy is struggling
Yes,we all understand Mp’s when they go around to catch up , than voters has that kerekere attitude of asking for help
Few dollars here and there does add up
Now FFP wants to look good here and take advantage of the scenario that has been created in Parliament regarding pay increase
As Rabuka said the annual figure is around 8 million
Now compare this 8 million to the wastage, corruption,mismanagement by FFP government in last 16 years
Auditors found once ,around 400 million was unaccounted
Than we had 30 million Water Authority scam
Rewa dairy sale
Unaccounted prime minister’s relief fund with heaps of donations for cyclone Winston victims, yet children were in tents at school
CWM uncompleted maternity unit
Today CWM is at is worst condition
Mismanagement in roading projects
Same road if fixed a dozen times and with bloated price
Pay and loan to FBC plus bonus payments to CEO
Walesi Network ripoff
Nadi Airport overcost and mismanagement
Waqavuka scam
Lautoka swimming pool scam
Those so called technical advisers who raked millions and were either friends or family ,if not donors to FFP
Information scam ,where private companies made millions for writing speach and transferring into IPad with a bigger Font
The list can go on and money is in billions not few hundred million
So be realistic of what has happened
All man made and can be changed by man
Increase can be delayed or left for later
Ofcourse Coalition government has let us down
There are some idiots who need to be kicked out as well
It was only Rabuka who could take “head on” with the two dictators
and removed them from power with single vote
Can we name anyone who could have removed the 2 man rule
Would it have been Chaudery,Narube,Bimam
No way
They merely got threshold votes
We should be grateful that commander of RFMF and current President of Fiji didn’t listen to the 2 men or else today we would have listened in Parliament all the bull$^it “Fact of the matter ” by one man
We need someone who can sit with Rabuka and straightened up things and move quickly or else Fiji will miss the bus
God bless Fiji
Where is the Tebbutt Poll for the last 18 months or so? Have they gone to bed with Rambo as well?
Or are they just too scared, in a now free tinpot country like Fiji?
The performance of this Coaliation government for the last two and half years is shocking. They are a disaster ridden government with ethno-nationalistic leaning. My question is to Mr. Rabuka, you have been the PM before and you are the PM now, how have you improved the lives of ordinary i-Taukeis in the last 37 years? Majority of them are living in poverty.
Vinakavakalevu Professor Narsey for the precise analysis that the UNDP Consultant compromised everything for Fiji including its GDP – this analysis is clear and the honorable PM should withdraw this bill to follow the correct process. Lyndya Tabua is only interest of her money to make money out of the public and cares less to the poor. She made a 360 degree turn around and is now a laughing stock to the public of Fiji who knows their basic economics than her bush-law economics…
I say no to all current parties including ffp. You guys are not fit to lead.
Best that new parties with right credentials and credibility be formed to contest.
Get rid of these bloody clowns.
And who does Rabuka thing he is always saying “ that’s my decision” … what were you exactly before coming into power again?? The people have put you there, respect them and stop your arrogance!
You are very right Tevita, it is Rabuka (the snake) who robbed citizens of Fiji a wonderful peaceful life. His coups 37 years ago, and his current leadership is again affecting lives of many innocent citizens. He also destroyed the sugar cane industry of Fiji by encouncraging landlords not to renew the NTLB leases. Once a thriving industry it has been brought to its knees and is now full of lush bushes. It was earning heavty rentals for the landlords before but they are getting nothing.
So much has been said about the pay increase of parliamentarians
Left ,right and centre
Where were all of you when Bainimarama was paid 3000 a day and was globe trotting for almost 365 days of a year
Where were you when body guards were paid for doing fuc%^all
Where were you when abuse and mismanagement of funds by 2 men
Yes,this government is not as good of what everyone thought ,but way better than what transpired in last 16 years
In the meantime the minister of sex and drugs is deleting comments on her Facebook page where she posted the misleading media release and lies about the “process”.
From over 800 comments mostly negative, it is down to 400 and soon less than 20 good comments to he retained to shut down the uproar.
Narsey is wrong about NFP Opposing pay INCREASE
NFP infact opposed Bimans pay cut by $35,000
I’ve looked up to Wadan and Richard Naidu for years because they were prominent critics of the last government. But what has replaced the last government is now clearly a lot worse. We have lost the one saving grace of the last government which was equality of Fiji citizens. I suppose none of us should be surprised as it’s that dunderhead Rabuka again.
But Wadan has the integrity to express this disappointment and continues to retain a reputation.
Well, Richard, what on earth was he thinking? It must be a record torching of one person’s reputation. Quite literally the first thing he did was to create a very serious conflict of interest that affects tax payers and public money. He was the chair of the fiscal review committee – note: not the member he is now calling himself – but the Chair. As the chair he holds the primary duty and IF – and it’s a big IF – he used that position to benefit financially he has some very serious questions to answer.