Samoa PM predicts 2014 election in Fiji won’t happen
Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
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The citizens of Fiji and the international community are again being led down the cassava patch with promises of free elections in 2014.
Asked of his views on the recent uplifting of the Public Emergency Regulations in Fiji, only to be replaced by more repressive public order laws, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said;
“Promises from the military regime of general elections in two years’ time are a pipe dream. It’s just more deception and creating more false hope among Fiji citizens and the international community. It is synonymous of those who rule by the gun without a mandate from the people.
“This (public order decrees) is just the latest in what’s become an endless litany of lies and excuses to hold on to power.”
Prime Minister Tuilaepa believes Commodore Frank Bainimarama has gone too far.
“The public service has been fully militarized with unqualified army colonels occupying top-level public service positions. The commodore cannot take away their fat salaries and round them back to the military barracks. It’s beyond him now. He’s gone too far and lacks the strength and smarts to pull Fiji back to democratic government..and governance. It’s just survival for him now at whatever cost.”
Those close to the Commodore, the Prime Minister said, are ‘shamelessly milking the taxpayers’.
“The Attorney General who constantly feeds Bani with legal fodder, I’ve been told, holds five different government portfolios collecting five different pay cheques. How much is he getting? A million dollars in just six months? How can you pocket that amount of public funds while people in Fiji are slaving away? Obviously there continues to be a lack of moral consciousness among Bainimarama’s band of thieves. What he set out to do – to remove corruption – he is now rolling in the mud enjoying and indulging in every facet of it.”
The Prime Minister said Fiji could soon experience the Pacific version of the recent Arab Spring. A “South Pacific squall”, he called it.
“The Fijian people are gradually awakening. And one cannot continue to suppress people indefinitely. People power is always mightier than all the guns in the world. Bainimarama must avoid at all cost a South Pacific squall.”
Drawing parallels to Samoa, the Prime Minister said.
“It’s extremely odd and embarrassing to see soldiers patrolling the streets of Suva with bazookas. The Pacific Islands region is not used to seeing these frightening images of trigger-happy idiots in full war garb trudging up and down the road.
“If what is happening in Fiji happened in Samoa, long ago people would’ve come out of their homes, from the plantations, from the mountains and countryside and a 100,000 would march the streets of Apia. Old women armed with brooms, particularly, would be climbing over each other to get their hands on the regime. Bainimarama and his co-cohorts would now be safely behind bars, if this had happened in Samoa of course.”
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- PRESS RELEASE 27 January 2012
By Tupuola Terry Tavita
- PRESS RELEASE 27 January 2012
Frank’s reaction to Fiji flood not soo responsive like in 2009
During the January 2009 flood, tyrant Frank Bainimarama was soo eager to show Fiji Islanders and the world just how committed he was to help the flood-stricken families. And he did a good job of it by entering the danger zone at the height of the flooding and even assisted in the evacuation process.
His good samaritan pictures were plastered on his propaganda Fiji Sun newspaper and Fiji government website. He even used the flooding as an excuse not to attend the Pacific Forum Leaders meeting at PNG but instead, he sent his side-kick Aiyaz Khaiyum who was later dressed down and put in his right place by those democratically elected Pacific leaders.
Frank’s attitude towards the recent Fiji flooding have somewhat changed.
He was not seen wading through the flooded towns in the Western side of Fiji, nor was his Qorvis Communications spin doctors or his other mouth-piece Sharon Smith-Jones tweeting or churning out pictures of a hands-on dictator reaching out to the flood-stricken locals. That Qorvis woman, Tina Jeon ditched her luxurious tweeting boat ride with the dictator. Accompanying the dictator through muddy waters is not her thing, she only wants the touristy type of boat ride and getting her hands and feet dirty with flood debris is not part of their US$40,000 per month PR terms of engagement.
They all remained silent during the deluge.
What happpened cranky Frankie?
Well, it’s not too hard to speculate on the main reason behind his slow reaction.
For starters, he as Fiji’s Minister for money is now scratching his head on how and where he will find the extra money required to rehabilitate affected people and areas in a flood that took everyone by surprise causing damages that is more severe than recent ones. His free for all spending habits have emptied the public kitty long time ago and he has been borrowing heavily to fund his regime’s activities.
He borrowed FJ$500 million in bonds alone last year and is again borrowing $195million local bonds as we blog. Actual total borrowings todate remain hazzy due to his refusal to publicise the Auditor General’s report and other unreported loans he’s been getting from China.
His 2012 budget is an unsustainable one with major revenue centers like direct taxes and indirect taxes on VAT and Customs expected to take a nose dive this year with dimishing activities in the private sector due to his incoherent policies and corrupt, non-transparent processes, punctuated by a compromised judiciary heavily influenced by the whims of Frank, Aiyaz (and Nazhat).
Business people feel they’ve been ostracised by his overly socialistic budget aimed at killing the hen that lays the golden eggs, and they are getting tired of working the engine room for the unappreciative megalomaniac dictator and his deceitful right hand man, Aiyaz Khaiyum. Most of them have either packed up and left to invest elsewhere or have simply down-sized their unprofitable Fiji operations.
Yesterday, Frank launched his unappealing flood appeal, well after his “unco-operative enemies” (as he like to call them) Australia and NZ gave their pledge to donate $1million on Australia Day.
Are we to expect another tea party fund-raising appeal at his office soon like in 2009? Or are we to expect a blue-label whisky party?
Colonel Yaura Sasa
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SOLDIERS TAKE ARMY COMMANDER CAPTIVE IN PORT MORESBY, PNG ON LOCKDOWN
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (Thursday 26 January 2012) - There has been a military mutiny in Papua New Guinea, with a group of rebel soldiers taking the commander of the country's defence force captive in Port Moresby.
A senior source in the PNG defence force says a group of between 12 and 20 soldiers overpowered guards at the Taurama barracks at around 3:00am this morning.
They took the commanding officer captive, then moved to Murray Barracks and placed the head of the defence force, Commander Francis Agwi, under house arrest.
The source says the former defence attaché to Indonesia, a Colonel Safa, has now declared himself commander.
At this stage it is not clear if the incident is related to the conflict between Peter O'Neill and Sir Michael Somare over the country's prime ministership, or if it is the work of disgruntled soldiers.
When the conflict erupted last month, Commander Agwi recognised Mr O'Neill as the country's legitimate prime minister.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is warning Australians in Port Moresby to avoid travelling in the city this morning.
Sir Michael was ousted as prime minister and replaced by Mr O'Neill in August last year after his seat was declared vacant while he received medical treatment in Singapore.
In December, the Supreme Court ordered his reinstatement as prime minister and as an MP. But despite that order, Mr O'Neill remained the effective prime minister with the support of the public service, police, defence force and most MPs.
Last week there were rowdy scenes in the parliament when Sir Michael walked in brandishing the court order and demanding his reinstatement.
He was warned by Mr O'Neill that he could be arrested if he shows up again.
More soon...
You may wonder if these people at the bus stop are waiting for a bus or a punt at Naweijikuma Settlement, Nawaka backroad.
"There are no tourists stranded on the islands. I believe that all boats are running currently from the Yasawa group into Nadi. The report that we have had so far - there are no tourists that are currently affected by the floodwaters."
Colonel Seruiratu is thanking boat operators in Denarau for evacuating tourists in time.
The Eastern division has not been spared by the current spell of wet weather and strong winds.
Flooding has been reported in Ovalau causing water supply disruptions and road closures.
Permanent Secretary for Information Sharon Smith-Johns says other outer islands have also been affected.
"There have been reports of strong winds and heavy rain in other parts of the Eastern Division including Kadavu and the Lau group resulting in minor landslides. However - there have been no major incidences."
And in the North - all roads that were closed yesterday are now open to traffic.
Minor damage to infrastructure - including roads and bridges has been reported.
The regime says consultations will start next month but there will be no negotiation on a lowered voting age of 18, a system not based on ethnicity, and the guarantee of equal suffrage.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum would not confirm whether all voices would have their say in the process but pointed out some jurisdictions may not allow neo-nazi parties.
“You need to be able to put those things into perspective, but at no stage has ever comment been made that anybody will be excluded from the consultation process.”
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says 16 political parties remain registered in Fiji.
He criticised Fiji’s last constitution which was abrogated by the regime three years ago and compared it with South Africa’s which includes provisions on socio-economic rights.
“If you look at the 1997 constitution, it did not have those provisions it had purely what are generally termed civil and political rights but not the economic rights and the social rights. So these are the sort of things that are up for discussion.”
Mr Sayez-Khaiyum says the main aim of the process is to get Fiji people’s views.
It's gone up from 100 Fiji dollars to 150. That's prompted one major travel company, Flight Centre in New Zealand, to offer customers who've already booked a holiday in Fiji the chance to switch their deposits to another vacation destination instead.
Fiji's permanent secretary for Tourism, Elizabeth Powell, says the increase is not that much really, and Fiji needs the money to maintain things like roads and bridges.
The timing can never be wrong. It seemed that Elizabeth Powell and Aiyaz knew what was coming but never warned the citizens in the West that suffered immensely in this current disaster. The picture above will be a common scene in Fiji after the heavy flooding.
HILL: Well, there has been some reaction already. Flight Centre in New Zealand is quite upset by this and they're actually offering their passengers who prebooked flights and holidays to Fiji the chance to transfer the deposits to other destinations in the Pacific. Are you concerned about that kind of reaction?
POWELL: I am concerned about it. I mean we are concerned, but it's a matter of curiosity, because it seems like an emotive reaction. Flight Centre's attempting to perhaps sway the decision of peoples destination choice. If the value of Fiji to a New Zealand visitor is $60 difference, then certainly I'm sure they will be swayed. But our doors are open and we're continuing to welcome our New Zealand friends and neighbours to our country and bringing this down to this amount of money is really interesting to me on a sort of business level. I think also that it's curious that a couple of years ago Bruce, we increased the departure tax and there wasn't a word from anyone. Why now that this is that Flight Centre particularly there hasn't been any comment as far as I know from anyone else and certainly no such severe response except for Flight Centre's New Zealand and I'm sure they have their reasons and we respect that, but we also have to be pragmatic. I mean sure that what we're offering our visitors is a quality product.
HILL: Do you think the increase in the departure tax would cause tourists or potential tourists to Fiji to look elsewhere or do you think that it won't have any real affect on their decision?
POWELL: I would be surprised if it did have such a severe affect. Like with anything, I think initially people are a little concerned when there is a price increase. We're all like that. I mean I am if there's a price increase of something that I use. I think the thing is that it could be a concern if you haven't budget for it in terms of the notice may be could be the concern, but there are ways of getting around that as well. I don't think it's such a huge amount to really make a huge impact. It could be that it's now reached a three digit number in terms of local Fijian currency, which as I said before is not in terms of New Zealand or Australian currency that much of a difference.
FSC bridge alongside Naviyago bridge on the Kings Road being washed away! This is where the extra departure tax levied will go to (hopefully).
The tourism body said agencies based in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand or West Coast USA will be preferred for “ease of communication” with incumbent agencies in those markets invited to take part.
North Sydney based agency PMA Communications Group is the Australian incumbent. A spokesperson for Tourism Fiji said PMA occasionally assists the body’s head office in Nadi.
Tourism Fiji’s New Zealand agency is Barnes, Catmur & Friends and US-based advertising is handled by American agency, Marques Communications. It is the first time Tourism Fiji has hunted for a global ad agency.
The successful advertising agency will be charged with developing a new global master brand strategy which the body’s local ad agencies will then implement in their corresponding regions.
The tender process will start with an initial credential pitch from which a shortlist of agencies will be drawn and then invited to participate in a full creative and strategic proposal.
Expressions of interest must be sent to Tourism Fiji before Wednesday February 8.
The tender process is due to be completed before June 2012.
A spokesperson for Fiji’s Meteorological Service, Derry Atalifo, says the tropical depression bringing the heavy rain is now not forecast to move off the country until Thursday.
Fiji police are urging parents to supervise their children at all times.
Our correspondent Ricardo Morris reports.
“The main concern now is in Nadi where they are expecting a high tide tonight and they are expecting water levels in the town to rise overnight. So a curfew will come into force. About a thousand people have been displaced and have been moved to four evacuation centres in action in the Western Division at the moment.”
Meanwhile, Fiji police are urging parents to supervise their children at all times, as heavy rain continues to fall throughout the country on the first day of the new school year.
One man was earlier reported missing after being swept away by strong currents while crossing a swollen river in the Northern District on Sunday.
“We are very concerned for the safety of the people, especially the children. We will be commencing with the new school year of 2012 so we have been advising parents to properly supervise their children because we know that here in Fiji when rain starts to fall you see children all over the place enjoying the rain.”
The Fiji Meteorological Service says the rain is forecast to ease from late Tuesday.
Fiji has been criticised at home and abroad for enshrining the Public Emergency Regulations into national law.
Presenter:Campbell Cooney'
January 26, 2012
The only two surviving members in the forwards from that team that won the Gold Coast Sevens are Captain Setefano Cakau and James Brown. Jimilai Naikadawa teamed up with Vucago and Brown to help the Warriors in the final of the Uprising Sevens last weekend but yet, he has been relegated to the non-travelling reserves list.
Forcing their way back in the squad are Taniela Rawaqa, Nemani Nagusa and Metuisela Talebula.
Multi-talented Sekonaia Kalou, Jone Raqamate, Lepani Botia and brothers Waisea Vuidravuwalu and Avenisi Vusuinubu are the new faces.
Digicel Fiji 7s squad: Setefano Cakau (C), James Brown, Emosi Vucago, Lepani Botia, Sekonaia Kalou, Nemani Nagusa, Osea Kolinisau, Taniela Rawaqa, Jone Raqamate, Metuisela Talebula, Waisea Vuidravuwalu, Avenisi Vusuinubu.
Non-travelling reserves: Jimilai Naikadawa, Malakai Volau, Josateki Naisilisili and Isimeli Taqea
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“If I were to rate the teams at the Uprising tournament, I would say the Wardens should represent Fiji based on their performance and outstanding coaching know-how,” O’Connor said.
He said he won’t be surprised if the Wardens win the tournament.
“Fiji is lucky to have so many talented players. This is one of the reasons we chose to come in and take part to get our players get the feel of playing in an environment such as this.
“This is our preparation for the Series and exposing our upcoming players to this level of competition where they get to play strong teams is good enough for us. We will not get any competition like this in Australia and we are fortunate to be molded by the local teams.”
The Australia Thunderbolts lost to Wardens 15-10 in the Cup quarterfinals.
2. Apisai Domolailai
3. Nemani Nagusa
4. Samu Bola
5. Setefano Cakau
6. Dale Tonawai
7. Iliesa Nadau
8. Osea Kolinisau
9. Metuisela Talebula
10. Livai Ikanikoda
11. Jone Tiko
12. Jo Naisilisili
Manager : Semi Rogoyawa
Coach : Alifereti Dere
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Watisoni Votu at the Nadi International Airport.
Watisoni Votu, closest to camera, with Kaminie Turagava, left, Vereti Turagava, 11, and Kitiana Atani at the Nadi International Airport. The former national 7s rep will not feature at the Uprising Fiji International 7s this weekend. Picture: JAI PRASAD
SEEKING greener pastures, former Fiji rugby sevens skipper Watisoni Votu was farewelled by his loved ones at the Nadi International Airport yesterday.
After weeks of speculation, the Bukuya native jetted out to join the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League competition in Australia.
Votu will team-up with Fiji-born Kangaroos superstar Akuila Uate and Fiji Bati skipper Wes Naiqama.
The soft-spoken strongman remained tight-lipped about his new contract.
"I prefer not to comment now," Votu said.
The former Lautoka flyer has been a vital member of the national sevens team over the past two years since making his debut in 2009.
His mesmerising performances and all-round skills will be sorely missed.
Votu played a key role in Fiji's successes at the 2009 Hong Kong Sevens, the 2009 Wellington Sevens and the recent Gold Coast Sevens.
Wishing Votu well, national 7s mentor Alifereti Dere said his absence would not affect the performance of his troops at the next leg of the International Rugby Board Sevens World Series in New Zealand and Las Vegas next month.
The former national skipper said this would give other players the opportunity to prove their worth.
"We have capable players that can take over from Votu and we wish him (Votu) well with his new club," Dere said.
"He has given his best for Fiji at the international level and we are hopeful of producing more good players of Votu's calibre in years to come.
"Fiji is blessed with an abundance of talent."
Dere has included giant Sekonaia Kalou and hard-hitting Suva flanker Samu Bola with Setefano Cakau and Nadroga strongman Nemani Nagusa in the forwards.
Source: Fiji Times
Monday, January 15, 2012
It came as no surprise to many to hear the naming of former Naval officer, Inoke Male, as the coach of our National 15's rugby team leading up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Not because he is a successful coach but more so because he was a former Naval Officer. It was the same reaction by the rugby public when Alifereti Dere was named coach of the 7's team. Both have no proven record to coach and maintain a winning team in their charge. While Male may possess coaching qualifications to prove his selection, Dere only has a level 1 Certificate which did not qualify him for the position. Assistant 7's coach, Etuate Waqa is more qualified than him.
Inoke Male beats 25 other candidates who applied from overseas and locally.
Read below an article from the Fiji Village regarding his selection:
| Have faith in Male - Tikoitoga | |
| Publish date/time: 14/01/2012 [12:15] Fiji Rugby Union Chairman Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga is calling on all rugby fans to have faith in the selection of Inoke Male as the new flying Fijians coach. Tikoitoga said that he is confident former, Flying Fijians number 8 will bring the results they want if he has the support of the rugby public.. Male coached the Fiji U20 in their best ever finish in the RWC where they were ranked 6th. Also he guided Tailevu to win the Farebrother Sullivan trophy and took Vatukoula to the major union last year. His contract is for 2 years. |
Fiji 7s assistant coach Etuate Waqa says they are disappointed with the Taveuni lad (Radradra) who is expected to leave for Australia on Friday while Votu will have to indicate where his interests are.
"Semi (Radradra) to my understanding will be taking up an offer from rugby league. Just the attitude of some players, they don't come up straight with us for what they are trying to pursue next. From the information which I have recieved from the people handling him, we knew that he will not be part of this trial. As for Votu, I have to have a talk with him to find out where his interests are. He was late this morning and with the rumor of him joining Newcastle Knights, we will have to find out where he wants to be."
Trials continue in Suva while western-based reps will undergo tests in Sigatoka tomorrow. The 42-member squad will be trimmed to 16 following the Uprising Fiji 7s later this month.
Source and Photo: FBCL
