The debate over the use of the term Fijian to describe all citizens rages on, with some very strange twists. The strangest to Grubsheet was the spectacle of Mick Beddoes, the Kailoma (part European) head of the United Peoples Party, rejecting the use of the word for anyone other than i’Taukei. While at the same time, one of the most senior indigenous chiefs in western Fiji, Ratu Tevita Momoedonu, said he favoured Fijian being used to describe all citizens irrespective of race. Ratu Tevita did so in a submission on behalf of the people of Vuda, one of the most influential groups in the Vanua. Having provided Fiji with two of its most outstanding leaders of the modern era – Timoci Bavadra and Ratu Josefa Iloilo – Vuda has again displayed a level of progressive leadership that sets a standard for the whole country.
What is one to make of these two opposing submissions to the consultative hearings of the Constitutional Commission? Both these men come from western Viti Levu – Beddoes from nearby Sabeto – but they may as well have come from separate planets. Why is a mixed race politician defending the position of indigenous supremacists who argue that the Bainimarama regime has no right to unilaterally call everyone Fijian. And why is one of the most senior indigenous chiefs disagreeing with him and bestowing the appellation on all citizens? It’s certainly food for thought as to which of these individuals represents the old Fiji and which one represents the new.
In his submission – reported by the Fiji Times – Ratu Tevita said all Fiji citizens should be known as Fijians and the indigenous people should be known as iTaukei, precisely the Government’s stance. But in his submission, Mick Beddoes said that only the i’Taukei should be called Fijian and the rest of the population should be called Fiji Islanders. This is precisely the stance of Mr Beddoes’s political allies in the SDL, the former governing party removed by Frank Bainimarama in the coup of 2006.
In an interview with Radio Australia, Mr Beddoes said his principal objection stemmed from the fact that no public discussion had accompanied the change – that it was simply imposed by an unelected government. “The introduction of the name Fijian comes from armed insurrection, I mean it comes from a military intervention into the political process of the country, and …. they’re trying to change the political direction of the country through means of arms, which is really not acceptable on any level”, he said. Mr Beddoes said any decision to use the term Fijian for everyone needed to wait for the restoration of democracy. “ It’s up to the people. If they want to be called Fijians, that’s fine, I don’t have a problem with that provided the conversation is held and the people agree collectively in an inclusive manner in that yes, that’s what we want.” he said.
All well and good. Except when you look at the numbers. We know from polling commissioned by the Citizens Constitutional Forum that only 20 per cent of i’Taukei want all Fiji citizens to be called Fijians. Given that the i’Taukei make up roughly 60 per cent of the population, that means 40 per cent already oppose the change. Which means that it would take only slightly more than 10 per cent of the remaining 40 per cent of non-indigenous citizens like Mr Beddoes to oppose that change and it would be scuttled. And with it any chance of non-indigenous Fiji citizens benefiting from the common name that the Bainimarama regime wants adopted to give Fiji a common identity and present a unified face to the world.
Now you might call that democracy but is it an enlightened choice that ordinary people are making of their own free will? Because the truth is that an insidious campaign is being waged to persuade indigenous people that adorning their fellow citizens with an English language description that has been exclusively theirs somehow represents a threat to their identity. It’s an appeal to base racism and the antithesis of inclusion – a form of descriptive apartheid that makes no rational sense whatsoever.
No Australian or American would permit the sequestering of these descriptions of place for one race or segment of the population. If you’re from Australia or America, you’re entitled to call yourself Australian or American. Not just the indigenous people of those nations but every citizen. Anything else would be inconceivable. An Australian islander? An American continental? Democracy or no democracy, it would be unacceptable. So why should it be any different in Fiji?
A Fijian is from Fiji. It doesn’t matter what race he or she is. It’s a statement of attachment to place. An i’Taukei, on the other hand, is a custodian or owner, carrying the clear implication of a greater sense of belonging. It is the correct way to describe an indigenous Fijian. And it imbues the i’Taukei with a status of first among equals as the First Fijians.
To be fair, Mick Beddoes parts company with the SDL in several areas of his own submission, advocating, for instance, that the English, Fijian and Hindi languages enjoy equal status when SDL submissions thus far have advocated Fijian as the sole official language. And he opposes the SDL insistence – also in those submissions – that Fiji be declared a Christian state, declaring that religion and state are separate. Yet as well as insisting that only i’Taukei be known as Fijians, Mr Beddoes places strict conditions on dual citizenship.
He says no Fiji citizen who is also a citizen of another country should be allowed to vote in any election, they must declare all earnings in Fiji and pay tax on those earnings and “not actively seek paid employment that would displace a local from work”. Hardly a statement of equal opportunity. For a start, it’s tax without representation – a breach of one of the fundamental principles of citizenship. Imagine the furor if the same restrictions applied to Fiji citizens who happen to have gained citizenship of Australia, New Zealand or the United States? But again – in the mind of Mr Beddoes – Fiji is different.
Doubtless Mick Beddoes will again attack Grubsheet for highlighting the contrast between his apparent desire to accommodate indigenous opinion and the enlightened stance of Ratu Tevita Momoedonu, who was speaking on behalf of the people of Vuda at a Constitutional Commission hearing in the chiefly village of Viseisei. But it’s high time that someone asked him when he is going to start standing up for the interests of those he’s traditionally represented. If Mr Beddoes is the best that the Kailoma and European communities in Fiji can throw up to put their case, then perhaps it’s a good thing that racially-based voting is being abolished. Because rather than confronting the exclusionary policies of the more extreme elements of the indigenous majority, he seems determined to accommodate them. He looks less like a leader than an appeaser. Vuda leads. Sabeto follows.
Taylor says
WHAT AN IDIOT! Didnt someone tell him that there’s no migrant communities in FIJI!
Everyone is born in Fiji. Those migrated cant vote unless they acquire citizenship!
Is this donkey really a leader of some people. Probably explains why this community is always looking for a handout! HOW CAN THIS IDIOT WANT 2 NAMES TO CLARIFY OUR NATIONALITY? No country in the world has such stupidity.
ONE THING FOR SURE- HE IS NO LEADER FOR FIJI. A leader is the guy who makes tough decisions that favours the country even if it is unpopular. Indians need another leader as no one trusts that crook. Generals need a new leader as this guy is a proven donkey
Miration Agent says
The term MIGRANT RACE is yet another fallacy in FIJI>
The real description of MIGRANT is a person who leaves a country to resettle in another country.
Indians DID NOT migrate to Fiji. They were brought in is foreign workers (expatriates in todays terms). THE REAL MIGRANT WAS LUTUNASOBASOBA- !!!
He LEFT ANOTHER COUNTRY AND CAME HERE TO LIVE, PERIOD!
Also Africans are the real MIGRANT RACE- they have migrated to more countries than Indians anyday! There are 43 Afro countries outside Africa- PNG, Haiti, Fiji,
Domonica, Grenada etc etc. HOWS THAT? Yet another fact
Joeli Ditoka says
Thats actually quite funny – have to admit that I never really thought in those terms.
Just a question though – don’t expatriates eventually repatriate to country of origin?
Those that stay and forfeit original nationality then become migrants also…and if I recall my primary school social studies lessons – the expatriate indian labourers were given the choice of repatriation or settlement.
So I think we are all migrants if you want to be really technical.
Although, generally, I think the first settlers are generally considered the indigenous race…eg Maoris?
varanitabua says
Joeli we really all migrants anyway you look at it-if we want to believe that we all came out of Africa, doesn’t matter you blue, purple or khaki! Funny thing is the original mob from Africa are now migrants too-it brings me to a story i was told that all those that came to Fiji came thru from ancient pledges reason been that the “debts” (vaka vinavinaka vanua) had to be repaid. Those that had travelled thru the various countries to get to Fiji had pledge to those that helped them on their journey that they will be remembered-funny how we seem to have conviniently forgotton those legends. But if one cares to read into varoius ancient stories-yes it written in some cultures they will might be not just legends but could very well be true!
varanitabua says
Mick needs to give it a rest-politics yes it was ok for a while but slowly and slowly the degree of stupidity begins to creep in. He can’t seem to understand what has already been mentioned by Taylor how can you have 2 names to clarify your Nationality? Talking about not even thinking of what you going to say before you open your big mouth! This is how they will announce when 3 people who have won a Silver & Bronze at the Commonwealth Games- the Siver medal goes to Mick a Fijian from Fiji and the Bronze Medal to Beddoes a Fiji Islander from Fiji! The ulukau medal goes to Mick Beddoes a part European (which part we don’t know) from Fiji also! A clean sweep for Fiji in the 2 metre dash! You have to laugh at the level of stupidity of the last lot of politicians we had!
losalini says
i am fijian and believe me, the majority of fijians do not want other races to be called fijians. (this illegal government stole our name and gave it away). fiji could revert to fiji islands and all citizens be called fiji islanders like it used to be. why don’t you report Ratu Filipe Tuisawau’s submission too. it differs to the other ratu from vuda, who is also a supporter of the illegal dictator.
Graham Davis says
“Losalini”, it’s not your name, it’s the name of people who come from a country called Fiji. And that includes members of every other race in Fiji.
The Fijian name for Fiji is Viti. So if you wanted to argue exclusive rights over anything, you’d be a Kai Viti (from Fiji) or Vitian, at a stretch.
Australians and Americans are designated as such no matter where in the world they originally come from. Why should you be any different? You are insisting on a privilege than no other person or group in the world insists on. The indigenous people of Australia are the First Australians. What’s wrong with being the First Fijians?
Your position is illogical for this reason alone. Couple that with the fact that you insist on exclusive access to an English word and it’s doubly illogical. Worse, it smacks of petulance, an English word at the centre of a political row reduced to “it’s mine and you can’t share it”. That isn’t just illogical but inconsiderate.
Nothing is being taken away from you. Indeed you have exclusive rights to a much more powerful Fijian word in i’Taukei to indicate a level of belonging that no other race can attain in these islands.
You are i’Taukei, we are all Fijian in that we all come from Fiji, a name chosen by Europeans, not the i’Taukei, as the English derivative of Viti. or Fisi, as Tongans like Ma’afu pronounced it. This later became Feejee and then Fiji. Please explain why this name is “yours” when you didn’t even bestow it in the first place. It was bestowed on you by outsiders.
I am not obliged to report the submissions of everyone to the Constitutional Commission. This was to make the point that the people of Viseisei – long regarded by some as the first landing point for the original inhabitants of Fiji – are happy for the name Fijian to be shared and a Kailoma up the road in Sabeto doesn’t agree. I won’t be the only person in Fiji to regard that as strange. You can be sure of that.
Kathy says
@ Losalini
Would you be happy if we used the following descriptors?:
Indo-Fijians for those of Indian descent
Sino-Fijians for those of Chinese descent
Euro-Fijians for those of European descent (kai loma’s etc)
Solo-Fijians for those originally from the Solomons (kai Solomoni)
Rabi-Fijians for those on Rabi
Tuvalu-Fijians for those on Kioa
Rotumans (lets keep that name as it already established)
Afro-Fijians for the taukei (considering that we originated from Africa and that we are now using English language descriptors to identify our ethnicity)
There is nothing wrong with using the English term AFRO-FIJIANS. In the US they use to refer to black Americans, so there is international precedent.
The other alternative is to describe the taukei as ABORIGINAL-FIJIANS. Thats OK too coz its used in Australia to describe the indigenous people there.
Or would you prefer to use a bona fide Fijians language word that has always been used down the centuries TAUKEI to refer to the original inhabitants, the owners of the land, the indigenous people of Fiji.
As Graham points out the term ‘Fijian’ is an English word. If we gonna use English words then lets use the suggested dscriptors above to clrify our respective ethnicities.
Na cava o namuna?
hamoboy says
Hi, I just want to mention this fact: Fijians don’t come from Africa (they just have a superficial resemblance to Bantu Africans), that’s a myth that has been disproved many times. Fijians are the result of Melanesian and Polynesian admixture, and their descendents from both sides originate in S E Asia. They’re only as African as whites and asians, according to the Out Of Africa theory of human evolution and migration.
Mick Beddoes has a point that this should ideally be left to vote on. Just as there are iTaukei people that want the term “Fijian” to include all the races of Fiji, there are non-iTaukei people who don’t want the descriptor. Personally, I think everyone from Fiji should be able to call themselves “Fijian” but like I said, this should be put to a vote. There are groups in Fiji like Rotumans (that old guy from Motusa notwithstanding), Kioans and Rabi Islanders that might be ambivalent about being called Fijians.
Also, I’m pretty sure the USA also collects (or tries to) taxes from citizens living abroad (not that I agree with that). And I think “American” is a pretty poor example of the use of national demonyms, since the USA people have stolen the demonym of an ENTIRE CONTINENT for the exclusive use of their lone country. The American continent and nearby islands is home to more than 30 other countries, all of whom cannot call themselves “American” without plentiful clarifications and explanations.
Something shouldn’t be “OK” just because other countries around us are doing it. It should be OK because the population supports it and it conforms to good principles. Especially when talking about indigenous rights and identities, let’s not use the USA and Australia as examples please? They don’t have the best track record.
varanitabua says
Polo -Fijians for those with a ceke!
Joeli Ditoka says
Bula Mr Davis
You present very cogent arguments.
It is very true that the name is imposed.
That, however, does not change the minds of those who identify the ‘word’ with the iTaukei.
I have no difficulty in sharing it or surrendering it completely! I am in complete agreement that the term iTaukei gives me a level of recognition that is intimately associated with the first settlement and indeed “ownership” status over the inalienable iTaukei lands that belong to my Mataqali in perpetuity.
However, I do not have any difficulty believing Losalini’s assertion that the majority if iTaukei are not comfortable with the idea. And although I do not share their reservations, I believe that those that think that way are entitled to their opinion.
Perhaps the government could do a little explanation over the rationale in the rural area in particular and over the radio and other newsmedia.
And I don’t mean these 30 second shorts where people of different races say “I’m Fijian”. They need to be clear, concise, cogent explanations in the iTaukei language.
I spent Friday night at a village near to Suva explaining certain constitutional concepts to the Youth Group there. (Note: Not the Methodist Youth or Mataveitokani but the Soqosoqo ni Tabagone which is secular).
There would have been around 30-40 young people there. The Bose-vakoro or Village meeting had directed the Youths to discuss what they wanted to contribute to the main Village submission.
The topic came up and at first there was a clear divide. Mostly, those who had progressed beyond secondary level had no difficulty in sharing the name. The vast majority and even some who had tertiary qualifications however, disagreed very strongly.
I then advocated my position, which was quite a tongue-twisting exercise in the iTaukei language and within 10 minutes, a good portion had changed their minds – I gave the same reasons you outlined…I’m part Tongan and am quite aware of the “Viti – Fisi – Feejee – Fiji” development.
There were a few who still had slight reservations and if I’m honest with you, I can understand why. We grew up knowing that the name was ours – regardless of origin. It is perhaps just reflexive stubbornness not to part with it?
I believe with the proper advocacy the issue can become non-contentious relatively quickly.
But please try to keep an open mind because from a legal standpoint – these roughshod methods are undesirable also. The sooner we return to democratic government the better, because the mandate helps to validate the law. And we need to have parliamentary sub-committees properly review some of these decrees.
Sorry, rambled a bit there, but thats my 2cents…Sa Dri Yani…..
Graham Davis says
Bula Joeli,
Vinaka vakalevu for your valuable contribution. I agree with you completely that the current views of ordinary people need to be acknowledged, respected and patient efforts made to explain the logic of any alternative. You are perfectly right to say that more of an effort needs to be made to do this.
You are also perfectly right to say that there needs to be more of an emphasis on persuasion than dictating when it comes to these things. Equally, some elements of Fijian society need to be made aware that some things are non negotiable – like equality of opportunity and the right of every child in Fiji, irrespective of race, to grow up in the knowledge that their stake in the country is guaranteed and protected.
Joeli, people like you are the glue that binds the country together, who use the knowledge they’ve gained through their exposure to a wider world to open other eyes, not make them more blind by exploiting prejudice. As you say, there is no threat to the position of the i’Taukei and much to be gained for every Fijian in striving for a more unified and happy country.
A comment like this really makes my day – a real person expressing a view that is provides insight and is inclusive. Thanks for making my Sunday and I hope you have a great one too.
Joeli Ditoka says
Bula Again
Thank you for the response, I was glad that you had an opportunity to read it because I wanted your take on my perspective.
But I have to be honest, even though I have no problems thinking things through and then reaching my conclusions which I hope are fair…..
My initial gut-reaction was far from balanced…… because there is a real reluctance to part with something that I grew up with and took for granted…..I actually had to mull over it for some time to come to the realization that it wasn’t a rational response.
I sincerely believe that Fiji is a wonderful place to live and can be a home to all her diverse people…but our mindsets need serious realignment….we have deeply entrenched, institutionalized racism.
To my shame, I still have difficulty with separating people from their racial stereotypes: not just other races but my own as well…..kai viti ga na kai viti…..kai idia ga na kai idia…..as so forth…..
I find I have to constantly keep myself in check….
I feel we should celebrate our diversity and indeed our differences because I think they make Fiji what she is today!
Children need to be brought up celebrating the differences that make each race unique in the world….and acceptance needs to be actively encouraged…
We are a product of our upbringing but we need to strive to improve ourselves and only pass along the positive aspects of it to the next generation…
Have a Blessed Week
Taylor says
LOSALINI- FIJI is the name of our country and the term FIJIAN clarifies nationality
IT IS NOT A NAME OF A RACE-!!!!!!!!!!!
Fiji was discovered by Dutch sailor Abel Tasman in 1643. He named the islands FEEJEE. Had he named it Little Holland after his homeland,
you wouldnt be LITTLE DUTCH either!!!!!!!
Also go out and educate the people with some history. The term FIJIAN was NEVER a Taukei word or has ANY linkage to the native population!.
JUST because people always thought it only belonged to you so we should make it for them only is sheer stupidity! For example the same people always thought 2 plus 2 equals 5- NO DONT EXPECT THE MATHMATICS ASSOCIATION/WORLD TO CHANGE! 2+2=5 JUST BECAUSE YOU ALWAYS THOUGHT SO
The answer is simple- TWO PLUS TWO EQUALS FOUR-!! THAT IS HOW ITS GOING TO BE SO GET ON WITH LIFE!
Jukebox says
Losalini,,,,, was mick your school teacher?????????????
Bula Mada says
Mick Beddoes is like a trainee ice skater, he is neither here nor there or anywhere for that matter. Mick you are a decent guy……It’s time to bow out of politics and save yourself any further embarrassment.
Vuda bay says
Mick Beddoes if you aren’t part of the solution then you are obviously part of the problem! You have had your day it’s time to retire back to the farm in sabeto! P.s why haven’t you called a meeting of the UPP party to see if you still have support of the people that you lead down the garden path !
moto bitu says
Sometimes you wonder how some people come to a decisions, It makes more senses for all to be called Fijian, imagine for a while if Fijian were for i taukei and Fiji islander for the others, what would our sports teams made up of all races be called, say for examble, the Fijian and Fiji islanders football team or Fijian sevens team, Fiji islander golfer(Vijay Singh) both amonst the best in the world but if the terminology is allowed it confuses people, some of whom might even think its two different country. Fijian in front of all sports team sounds inclusive and when they perform we all share the joy.
Pate says
I think mick baddose has gone past his use by date and has become obsolete
Indo-Fijian Watcher says
The non-i-taukei are insufficiently loyal to merit consideration as Fijians.
Graham Davis says
Loyal to what? Talk about racial stereotyping and primitivism. I might just as well say that one needs to be very careful around i’Taukei in case one gets clubbed and eaten.
Where is the evidence that Indo-Fijians are disloyal? Many of them have left Fiji because they were deprived of a viable future. They stayed after independence and 17 years later, it all blew up in their faces. That’s when they started leaving in numbers. You might just as well say that i’Taukei living overseas are disloyal. I really despair when I see this kind of comment.
Anonoymous says
@ Indo-Fijian watcher
Go check the Honour Roll listing Fiji’s war dead at the War Memorial in Veiuto.
There are more kai lomas and kai valagi’s on that list than all other races put together.
Up till Feb 1979 there were no Indo-Fijians on that List. Now there is one: Vidya Sagar from Labasa. When he was killed in action in Lebanon the international Press referred to him as a ‘Fijian soldier’
Taylor says
So people who are hardworking, law-abiding , who pay 80% of the taxes and made the country the best in the region are inefficiently loyal.
AND the guys who demand everything for nothing , go around rioting, looting, robbing just because his ancestors came earlier,have high crime rates that shoo away investors, and destroying the future of tthe country and their own next generations are LOYAL?
SEE A DOCTOR – U NEED HELP
Ali says
I was going to reply to “losalini lia lia” in the same context as you did Graham but you did it even before i read her thread. I think you did a better job then i would have. I still can’t get over the level of understanding or lack of it that some i taukei have on important national issues. I was recently sitting in on a Constitutional Commission sitting in Nadi and frankly i was appalled and alarmed at the same time at the level of ignorance and stupidity in Fiji. Judging by what i have seen and what i read on the racist blog sites i am not sure if Fiji is ready for an election even in 15 years. I think Frank should rule Fiji for 15 years and set about a serious educational plan about democracy and the ways of a civilized modern country in the high school system in Fiji. His only hope of realizing his vision for Fiji is lying amongst the youth of this country. Most of the old folks are too set in their stupidity to change. I mean seriously with Fiji having so many national issues from our roads to our water systems people are actually making submissions about same sex marriages, what should the Fiji citizen be called and other dumb thinks like that.
Kathy says
Wait a minute Ali.
Frank has been encouraging everyone to go have a say on whatever issues they feel are important to them.
Already the feedback from Satendra Nandan is that there is a lot of poverty out there which seems to indicate that a more socially democratic system (or Constitution that embraces these principles) might be the way to go for Fiji.
Cin Cin says
Graham,
Correct me if I’m wrong but hasn’t Fiji experienced, or endured, taxation without representation for the last 6 or 7 years? Mick is merely reinventing the wheel – inadvertently, one suspects.
Cin Cin
Rabbit says
Lets hope the ABC Australia Radio doesnt get onto this or it will incite riots…….as was mentioned this morning when discussing the euthanasia debate……
The announcer was asking Brij Lal that if Fiji went ahead with allowing it, did he think the people would take to the streets and protest…..duh
Salacakau says
This Beddoes fella is as dumb as he looks
Jukebox says
Graham,
Nice statement indeed bro. It’s always been the situation here in Fiji. VUDA LEADS… SABETO FOLLOWS 4.5 MILLION Km BEHIND.
varanitabua says
Indo-Fijian watcher before you jump on the band wagon of loyalty maybe you just need a little lesson in Facts not make up what you have heard from around the grog basin. If there are lesser numbers of Indo-fijians that joined the army its for a simple reason:
The Indo-Fijinas were from 3 seperate groups of beliefs:
1. Hindhu
2. Muslims
3. Christians
The first 2 groups had an issue food prepation and taboos especially when it came to eating beef and pork- this was never ging to be accomadated by the elite British Leaders then. The 3 group were Christians so they didn’t have a problem! The second issue that no one discusses is the fact the Indo-Fijians wanted equal pay as the Kai Vavalagis & Kai Lomas now when you going on to a battle field the bullet does not discern if you blue, black or brown! As for the later years why they didn’t join the RFMF ask the the Fijian elite who ran the military -the fear if the Indo-Fijians joined the army they could be ahreat! The usual bull to keep them out -as for those who seem to castigated the Indo-fijian as a bunch of lamus -well guess what its the Indian soldier in the 2 great wars that countered the most VC’s when i last looked! You should hear what the Indo-Fijian soldiers who returned from the WWar say of their treatment by their superiors and also at their countryman ie the Fijian soldiers! So if you have some evidence otherwise lets hear it!
Joeli Ditoka says
Bula Vinaka Varanitabua
Very well explained.
It is perhaps unfortunate that at the point of refusal to work for lesser pay that they earned the implacable derision of the Turaga Talai-ni-Kovana (Ratu Sir JLV Sukuna) and the rest of the Turaga Bale at the time.
Particularly at that time – what the Turaga thought – was echoed unreservedly by the masses of iTaukei.
This point was made very clearly in the Legislative Council at the time.
Although, the relationship remained civil and even cordial in the Halls of Power – it continued to be a sorepoint in race relations between us.
I often wonder though…how long till we can move beyond the institutionalisation of race issues…..and I don’t mean forced to move beyond….but willingly in our hearts and minds?
God Bless Fiji…..whatever happens….this is our home and I just want it to be a place that deserves the name “the way the world should be”…..
varanitabua says
Bula Joeli,
Sa gauni o qoka me sa samaki na binibini lasu e a mai kaburaki tiko baleti ira na vulagi! Its one of the reasons that has keep us in compartments,bonded & segregated which was exactly what our Colonial Rulers wanted and its has worked wonders for the Elites to continue to stay in power or even control power even when they not in power eg GCC! The lies have to lifted to free people from bondage its one of the underlying messages of all the Masters and it doesn’t matter what your beliefs are.
God Bless
Joeli Ditoka says
Yes, I agree that perhaps the Bose Levu Vakaturaga was politicized in recent times, but do you say that it should have been abolished entirely?
I would have preferred it perhaps be realigned to a more advisory role and perhaps ultimate expression of iTaukei sentiments.
Because even though the perception was always that the chiefs did as they wanted, I don’t believe we should generalise things so broadly.
On the other hand – if you propose a complete abolition – what of the remnant of the Fijian administration? The GCC sat at its pinnacle but the Bose-ni-yasana, Bose-ni-tikina and Bose-va-koro are the lower rungs, is it your position that they should also be reformed/removed?
Just an open question, I’m curious as to your opinion.
Kathy says
@ Joeli
As you well know the Fijian Administration subjects the ”taukei to another set of laws/regs that dont apply to other races. The i’taukei are subject to two sets of laws to regulate their lives; one democratic and the other undemocratic and based on fuedalism.
Dont you think that’s a problem? Does that help explain the state of confusion that we taukei suffer from currently?
I agree with Varanitabua. The GCC and its political baggage encourages ‘elite’ politics.
I say we keep the Bose ni Yasana etc but that instead of the GCC at the apex made up of parasitic chiefs from the eastern maritme provinces of Fiji, have a Board of Governors instead and run it like a business aimed at improving the lives of the taukei.
A few years ago a prominent non-taukei businessman in Fiji suggested that the GCC (or its replacement) set up a village welfare & development index listing sanitation, population health, economic livelihood etc, against which each Fijian village should be marked.
Thats a better way to go than the GCC playing polltics with the Methodist Church and openly supporting coup-mongers in out midst in the way that they (shamefully) did in 1987 and 2000.
varanitabua says
Joeli-I don’t have an issue with the way the GCC was run what it should have done was be the Institution for Chiefs-it became almost a nothing when every tomu and pita came onto the scene because these people had their own agendas. Look what happened when Rabuka took over after a coup! The GCC should have stayed its ground and said it was wrong as an august body it would be respected, as it was a representative of all the peoples of Fiji not just one group. It was the guiding light that we need when darkness comes around. To help those that are confused and frightened and need that little help to feel hey! we will look after you! But alas they had to go with the crowd so what happened after that-all those that jumped up an down realised that this Body of Chiefs could be manipulated, bought and sold! It why we still trying to understand why we still having coups! Really? Ni sa cala na gone me vaka vuli sara-not tomorrow, not after a week, not after 2 years! They missed the chance to lead and fell right into the trap of the ‘problem makers’ hook, line and sinker. They have never recovered from that. That was the chance, the opportunity and blessing that they had but it was never to be why? some were playing both sideds of the fence but if they did stand up to the mob-it would have made some of those who was all talk think twice and maybe we would have ended the coup mentality there and then. So can we still other bodies exist yes but who will challenge them when they go off the rails and what about the role of those Institutions that have also supported coups -need i elaborate! We don’t need predictors or forecastors to tell where we headed -what we need is simple common sense-we here today , because of what we did yesterday and if you like to know where we will be tomorrow, just look at where and what you doing today!
Kathy says
@ varanitabua
You hit the nail right on the head.
In 1987 the GCC failed Fiji. It did not show any moral courage to stand up to the treasonous actions of Rabuka. It supported him instead and made it worse by appointing him to be a Life Member of the GCC. What a sick joke that was!
No wonder now the people of Vuda and others i’taukei are calling for the GCC to be abolished once and for all.
Sa oti na kedra yaga
varanitabua says
Isa Adi Losalini-the word Fiji and Fijian ain’t from Viti unless you went to a school in Fiji that told you something different! The people of iTaukei stock who now own the largest share of the land in Fiji are know as the Indigenous people of Fiji? There was no such name or term known as Fiji even when Tua and crew were feasting over the bakola’s or having a BBQ leg of human just about 200 years ago!
The “Viti” was coined from the travellings of the Chief Lutunasobasoba and his children when they were leaving Veisei to travel up to Nakauvadra. The people of Tonga called the people of the these Islands then as Fisi which slowly became Feejee by the various European explorers! The peoples of Tamil & Maliyali extration were also visitors to Viti in ancient times they travelled right across the Pacific to South America and back-but its the Maliyali people of South India who have left their writings on the walls of a cave in Yasawa! So here ends your lesson. Pity when you live in Fiji for so long you don’t know why the other races are there- the ancients had already marked the boundaries of lands for those who will come or had alread come to Fiji -its up in Nakauvadra! The reason is simple good deeds were remembered and were to be repaid hence the old Viti adage ” dou ka kua ni vaka Idia taki keitou”-but thats a Story for only those who are seekers of the truth-you still caught up in terms. The Age of playing Games is over we need to move forward-for the sake of our children-o ira na gone ratai!
Jukebox says
No wonder Mick has lost 50% of his hair. It’s gone to you know where—- his behind. What an idiotic clown he is.
Salacakau says
Fiji Islander Mick Beddoes needs a haircut
Jukebox says
Which hair bro???????????
Jukebox says
Graham
You got this one covered pretty well, mate. But this won’t be the end of Fiji Islander Mick Beddoes. He is on a crusade of making a donkey of himself. The Mars rover “Curiosity” should have taken him to Mars. he really is in another planet.
Yatevatu says
No No pls dont send him to Mars. If he decides to stay back in Mars, his future generations will claim GOD gave the the planet and ONLY BEDDOES decandants can be called MARTIANS. Everybody else on that planet should be called MARS LANDERS! This Idiot can screw up even a planet!
Jukebox says
By the looks of Micks picture, it seems he has just had a feed on LQ’s shit. Full stop !!!!!!!
Prasad says
I believe that the worst submission will come from Mahen Chaudary and my gut feeling is the best submission for the future of Fiji will come from- SITIVENI RABUKA.
I have no doubt Rabuka would be the best man to lead the country if Frank does not win!
This time around Rabuka will smell the rat instantly if Stinsons or ahkois or anyone point fingers at the Indian community for anything.
Mona Midnite says
As much as I fully support our Government and the reforms introduced, the results of which we are currently enjoying, and a much as I oppose Mick Beddoes and the SDL’s submissions to the constitutional review committee, and, as much as I can without restraint declare that I do not have one trace of racism in my blood, I for one disagree that we the citizens of Fiji should be called “Fijian”.
Whether the name comes from the English language or not, in 2012 it is known worldwide and is specific to a certain race of people.
I go back to a point I made before. A British citizen can confidently declare and differentiate him/herself as English, Scottish, Welsh, Indian, African etc. So what we need is a citizenship identity that leaves ones racial origins proudly in tack.
In 1980 Vanuatu made the mistake by declaring all citizens of Vanuatu a “Ni Vanuatu”. Now there is a strong feeling of regret and hope that in time this can be changed because after more than 30 years of independence the question now is who is a “Ni Vanuatu” because non-indigenous new immigrants are openly attempting to claim international aid or development advantages meant for the indigenous people of Vanuatu.
Everyone in the world knows what a Fijian is. There are only about 400,000 of them and each of them no matter what passport they carry, be it British, American, Australian etc. will always call him/herself a Fijian . So is it not more appropriate to leave them to their national and international identity and at this dawning of a new era in Fiji’s history call our multiracial citizens of Fiji, “Fiji Islanders”?
PS Please note I am not a Mick Beddoes or SDL supporter!
Indo-Fijian says
Good points made. Your views are respected Mona.
Kathy says
@ Mona
Yawn……you have posted the same line on this subject before…and the response to that posting by others have made some very valid and compelling points…which places the debate in their favour.
This time around you are regurgitating the same line with no contestation of the points others have raised against your original idea. Where is the intellectual debate on this issue?
You cant win the debate with no additional information to support your argument.
You are repeating the same old tiredlines that you have presented before and quite frankly my dear, no one gives a damn (to borrow that famous line by Clark Gable).
Intransigence seems to be your problem.
A glass of milk before bed will help you sleep soundly.
varanitabua says
Mona Midnie what a flimsy argument you put up with regards to the Ni Vanuatu mob. Surely you can do exacly what Fiji has done use the Vola ni Kawa bula to decern who is Indigenous to Vanuatu and who is not? If one carries an Aussie passport it does not say if you come from a Maori, Fijian or Japanese, or Kai colo background! So lets not mix things up too much where will end up finally realise we just Humans not cats , or dogs or monkeys!
Mahendra Chaudhry Daaku Speaking says
FLP to finalise submission tomorrow August 24, 2012 09:51:20 PM A+ A- | print | email | mobile Bookmark and Share 0 inShare Follow @ Twitter Fiji’s Labour Party (FLP) meets tomorrow to discuss, among searing issues their submission towards the Constitution Commission and the constitutional process. Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry said the conference is expected to generate constructive debate on the credibility of the constitutional process particularly on the immunity provisions and the composition of the Constituent Assembly. Chaudhry said among other matters they will also discuss the reduction in FNPF pensions, deferment of wage increases recommended by the Wages Council, withdrawal of welfare assistance from some 400 recipients, deteriorating state of the sugar industry, shortage of medical supplies and drugs in public hospitals and health centres and the rise in rural poverty levels. He said principal office bearers of the party for the next two years will also be elected during the conference He also said 80 delegates from the party’s 20 branches around the country are expected to attend the conference. By Mereani Gonedua
Read more at: http://fijilive.com/news/2012/08/flp-to-finalise-submission-tomorrow/47084.Fijilive
Copyright 2012 © Fijilive.com
Nikhil Singh says
I nominate MR LEKH RAM VESHNOI to the position of FLP leader to lead us in the next elections and be PM if FLP wins.
This is the Only person who has the honesty and dignity to take over from our honest leader who raise so much money to help the poor
Nikhil Singh says
SORRY IN CASE people dont know who the honest current leader. It is Right HONOURABLE Mahen Pal Chaudary
Indo-Fijian says
MPC was Fiji’s first Indo-Fijian Prime Minister.
He is also the first person in Fiji to become a millionaire through politics – what a record!
All credit to MPC for turning FLP into money making machine for him and his family, using poverty-stricken farmers as a front. Well done!
Bill Carson says
I wonder what the first Prime Minister of Fiji was worth ?
or Rabuka, the man who was made Prime Minister by none other than millionaire Mahen Chaudhary ?
Indo-Fijian says
First PM Mara amassed considerable wealth through ties with leading businesses, but it was never enough, and he the mrs began appropriating monies and properties belonging to the mataqali.
Rambo did much better than he would have as the 3rd ranked army officer – became PM, receives lifetime pension, a vehicle and driver (before they were taken away by Voreqe) and leases large swathes of land in Cakaudrove I think.
MPC, as we all know, collected a cool Aud 2.5 million while masquerading as Fiji’s Robin Hood. His talent lies in completely hoodwinking the people into believing he was the antithesis of corruption and nepotism. Later we find out he is the very embodiment of these vices.
varanitabua says
indofijian would love to see some facts, if indeed fortunes were there ask yourslef this who has it??????? Not the children thats for sure
castro says
Mick bedose un gordo hijo de puta
Mary Hand says
DH