Cane farmers in Fiji upset over low payments says union leader

Radio New Zealand International  - 31 March 2010

A political and union leader in Fiji says cane farmers are angry their latest payment is less than half what they were expecting.

The leader of the Fiji Labour Party and general secretary of National Farmers Union, Mahendra Chaudhry, says the payment of two US dollars and 61 cents per tonne, is far below the six dollars and 22 cents that was expected.

Mr Chaudhry says the poor performance is a result of frequent breakdowns at the mills, which led to wasted cane, with much of the juice not being converted into sugar.

He says it’s the first time the Fiji Sugar Corporation has failed to make its forecast payment, and they are considering seeking compensation for farmers.

“The possibility is being looked at at the moment, but the industry institutions on which farmers had a voice they have all been disbanded by the interim regime. So farmers actually are without a voice at the moment in the industry, which again is a matter of concern because technically they have a 70 percent stake in the industry.”

Mahendra Chaudhry says the 180 million dollars in aid from the European Union, which the industry lost through ongoing sanctions, would have been a godsend for sugar farmers.


Comment on Matavuvale.com


http://www.matavuvale.com


Why cry over spilt milk Chodo...you were part of the problem, if not the biggest problem that faces the sugar Industry. You knew the troubles; but you choose to play politics instead of looking after the farmers interests.

You supported the Dictator to coup the Qarase government, but opt out when your dirty plan did not work out. What are you going to do now...run back to Bai...or wait the never, never election of 2014?

It might be better to live in India then Fiji, if Bainimarama continues to steer the ship of state towards China. The Indian businesses will be in much competition and troubles, as the Fijian lands.

I know that it's difficult for our Indian Fijians to realize that the war against tyrany is not the Fijians alone. Now is the time to join your Fijian brothers to find a solution to our problems, or we will all be bought before we know it!

Bainimarama do't have you in his focus; he has the Chinese, whose promise of athonol,wealth and help rings "Ching tauwa, tauwa" in his ears.

Dining with a Despot Dictator When Sleepless in Suva

31 March 2010

http://dalecarruthers.blogspot.com/

For my final night in Suva, I went out for a bite to eat with a few good friends to a downtown restaurant. As I’m sitting around enjoying me fleeting hours in Fiji and some delicious fish fingers, I notice him walk into the restaurant.

Yes, I would recognize him anywhere, though I’ve never met him or seen him in person before.

As I stare at his face, I stop eating – something I rarely do.

First, a woman approaches him and shakes his hand. Then another woman gets up from her table to exchange some words and a warm handshake with him.

I, however, have absolutely no desire to do anything of the sort.

After all, this is the man who threw several of my colleagues at the Fiji Daily Post in jail. This is the man who sends a government censor to my newsroom every night to decide which stories are suitable to publish. This is the man who overthrew Fiji’s democratically elected government.

The man standing a mere 10 feet from my table is Frank Bainimarama, Fiji’s military dictator.

Just like people always seem to say when they see most celebrities, I notice he’s much shorter than I imagined.

But then again, dictators aren’t known for their height. Napoleon was 5’6”; Kim Jung Il is a mere 5’2”; Stalin was only 5’4”; and Hitler was only 5’9”.

Perhaps it’s an extreme little man complex that drives these tiny men to become dictators in the first place.

After greeting some of the restaurant’s patrons, Bainimarama and his entourage are seated in the back corner of the restaurant. There is one plain-clothed guard accompanying the party.

I turn my attention back to my friends, and my neglected fish sticks, yet I can’t help but wonder why Bainimarama chose to dine at Bad Dog’s Grill. Then I realize that he’s at Bad Dog’s for the exact same reason I’m here: it’s the only restaurant in Suva open past 9 p.m.

I guess dictators have to eat too.

3 Senior Government officials let go

Intelligentsiya - 31 March 2010

Hopefully other aspiring supporters of Bainimarama's illegal and treasonous regime heed the valuable lesson that their tenure is never guaranteed, as 3 Permanent Secretaries are now painfully aware. 

It will be interesting to see whether Bainimarama's military boys: Neumi Leweni, Pio Tikoduadua, Viliame Naupoto and Manasa Vaniqi OR Bainimarama supporters: John Prasad, Pita Wise and Solo Mara also retain their positions.

Changes to PS positions 

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Only 5 Permanent Secretaries have had their contracts extended by the Public Service Commission. 

The PS for Public Service Parmesh Chand, PS for Public Enterprise Taina Tagicakibau, PS for LabourTaito Waqa and PS for Works Cama Tuiloma have had their contracts extended for three years. 

The PSC has also confirmed Colonel Mason Smith as the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture. 

The PS for Indigenous Affairs Ratu Meli Bainimarama has had his contract extended to the end of the year. 

The outgoing Permanent Secretaries are Maria Matavewa of Lands & Mineral Resources, Josefa Matau of Defence, National Security & Immigration and Sakiusa Bainivalu of Trade & Commerce. 

Bainivalu opted to retire. 

FBC News understands PS for Education Filipe Jitoko is leaving the Ministry for a post at the Forum Secretariat. 

Acting appointments have been made in positions where the posts could not be substantively filled. 

Malakai Nalawa will now act as PS for Lands - Saipora Mataikabara will act as PS for Trade and Commerce and Jale Fotofili will act as PS for Defence. 

PSC Chairman Josefa Serulagilagi says all have received their letters of appointment and their appointments were done in consultation with the PM.

Founding Principles of Frank Bainimarama's Military Government

Posted on Real Fiji News - 31 March 2010

 http://www.realfijinews.com

 

The Military Government of the Republic of the Fiji Islands in furtherance of our sustained commitment to undevelop our partnership with the civilized world believe in the following principles as the core to our governance of the marginalized terrorized populace of the Fiji Islands.

1. 
   
   To disrespect the principles of the United Nations Charter and to use our token vote in the most defiant way possible to send a clear message to the international community that we are a sovereign nation that must not be trifled with due to our surplus seashells on the seashore.
2. 
   
   To resolve international disputes and resolve conflicts by violent uncivilized means and to use force and the threat of force as and when necessary including but not limited to the expulsion of all foreign nationals that do not give us a brown envelope stashed with cash (FJD not Accepted).
3. 
   
   To create division, disrespect and misunderstanding between our peoples for the benefit of our eternal arbitrary rule.
4. 
   
   To defy and disrespect international law at every possible opportunity.
5. 
   
   To perpetually ban democracy and to guarantee the gross violation of human rights on our subjects and to inflict terror in their hearts and mind to compel submission and servitude.
6. 
   
   Monologue and noncooperation with the international community is essential for maintaining the peace, security and stability of our military government.
7. 
   
   To reaffirm our support for the role of the United Nations in this wretched earth so long as our terrorist military personnel are employed in overseas peacekeeping missions.
8. 
   
   To advocate for the continued reform of the United Nations to increase its transparency, efficiency and accountability so long as those alien concepts and universal standards are not imposed on our internal misgovernment of the Fiji Islands State Revenue and the ignorant peoples public Trust Funds and investments on our securities exchange.
9. 
   
   To ratify and enact all conventions and national legislation to counter terrorism, piracy, organized crime, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, trafficking and illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and to enforce same domestically only in so far as monies due and owing to our military government officials are due and unpaid in cash or kind or not deposited in our neighboring rouge transnational crime hot spots in the South Pacific.
10. 
    
    We believe that the collapse of our economy and our continuous sovereign default on international debt is solely due to the global financial crisis caused by our heavy reliance and exposure to the international securities markets which rendered our seashells worthless when wall street collapsed.
11. 
    
    We do not believe that sugar and tourism is the backbone of our economy and must ensure economic genocide on the indians for their sugar and the fijians for their tourism.

12. 
    
    We have taken all necessary precautions to not rely on main stream financing and to embrace and attract the underground flow of illicit global money and provide same with a safe haven to fund our domestic livelihood to prolong terror.
13. 
    
    In this regard we commit to de-ratifying (if there is such as possibility) all international obligations to ensure that we provide the sole commercial environment to attract the best scum of the earth to our country so that we can 'move Fiji forward'.
14. 
    
    We do not need Australia to represent our rouge military government at the G-20 because we do not believe in its importance as a forum for international economic cooperation to tackle poverty reduction.
15. 
    
    We have abandoned the need to seek to achieve the MDG's as we do not care for the grassroots people, we will focus all our efforts on appeasing the corrupt businesses that have taken good care of our military government for nearly three years.
16. 
    
    We do not need to be part of the Commonwealth of Nations as a citizen of our former colonizer has opined this week they have become irrelevant.
17. 
    
    We do not need to be part of the Pacific Islands Forum because we do not want to sign any free trade agreements with ANZAC and our neighbors nor do we believe in the founding principles that the PIF was established to achieve.
18. 
    
    We will unleash the curse of our natural resources and wilfully seek out fly by night investors that will enable our government to participate in rent seeking and patronage to ensure our eternal rule over the ignorant people and we will defy all cooperation in tackling global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation and energy security.
19. 
    
    There is no need to preserve our ecological system and biodiversity, we will focus purely on sustainable prosperity for our selves and will use our best endeavors to issue all certificates, licences, permits, leases over the indigenous peoples resources to the highest bidder because we need to extract and exploit as much as we can from Fiji the Land and the People before we permanently settle in a non extradition treaty country.
20. 
    
    In the final analysis we have a strong will in a strong body and will punish the infidels.

Sgd: Comdr J.V.B 

(dictated but not read)

Media Talks to go the Same Way as Methodist Meeting

POSTED BY PACIFIC IN THE MEDIA, MARCH 31, 2010

http://coupfourpointfive.blogspot.com

In a week where the world has looked at Fiji and wondered how much further the military leadership will go to rob its citizens of their freedom and rights, the interim government is trying to ‘empower’ women.

It’s promoting a study tour of cottage industries to help upskill women, telling everyone the initiative is in line with its Womens' Plan of Action (2010-2019), which, of course, is one of the pillars of its Roadmap 2009-2014.

The tour is being organized by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation, and according to the government, will be an opportunity for women leaders to have first-hand experience of successful cottage industry projects like vanilla, bee keeping, poultry farming, and bakery.

Many can laugh at the Study Tour to Empower Women and the irony of the Bainimarama government giving power to its citizens. Because in the past week, this government has shown again that people are right to distrust it and to be scornful of its efforts.

Last week, Bainimarama and Co put the fear of God in Methodist Church leaders at a special meeting where it was spelled out the church could no longer criticize the government. It was also made clear the church had no authority to gather, even for AGMs, and that the government wanted people it could work with, not the troublesome old guard.

We’ve also now learned that the military is running Fiji rugby with the appointment of Navy Commander, Francis Kean (Bainimarama’s rellie), as Chairman of the Suva Rugby Union. The role of president, secretary and treasurer went to fellow military cohorts.

So that’s the church and rugby taken care of. What of media? It’s a similar story with the military regime preparing to put the final nail in the media coffin.

The Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported today that the ‘public consultations’ for the new Media Decree will take place next Wednesday in Suva and Lautoka.

Advocates for the new decree insist it will be fair, but the more realistic in our midst say it will be the death of the media.

Like the Methodist meeting, the media talks will see Bainimarama laying down the law and the media forced to obey. And as was done with the Church, the military junta will try to get rid of  ‘problematic’ media. The likes of the Fiji Times and Fiji TV could become casualties like Ame Tugaue and Tuikilakila Waqairatu.

The people of Fiji are right to keep asking the world for help, and the world must not take its eyes off Fiji and the shifty Bainimarama.

International news teams follow EU sanctions on Fiji

POSTED BY PACIFIC IN THE MEDIA, MARCH 30, 2010

http://coupfourpointfive.blogspot.com

The EU's decision to extend sanctions on Fiji was picked up as a story by several international newspapers and news agencies yesterday and today.

The South African newspaper, Business Day, was one of them and another was the global financial newswires, RTT News. The first story is from Business Day, the second from RTT News.

Sapa-AFP) EU nations have extended sanctions against post-coup Fiji for 6 more months, over its failure to respect human rights and the rule of law.

“This decision follows the delay in implementing commitments the Fiji authorities made to the EU,” notably on the constitution, human rights and the postponement of parliamentary elections, the 27 EU nations said in an agreed statement.

The measures, originally introduced in 2007 following a coup, largely involve stopping EU development funding for the Fijian government. Aid to the country’s key sugar sector is also hit.

The December 5, 2006, bloodless coup in the southern Pacific island chain was greeted by outrage in the international community and a number of countries including Australia, New Zealand and the US have imposed sanctions. Humanitarian aid and direct support to civil society can continue.

Last month Fiji’s military junta dismissed pressure for elections to be held before those scheduled for 2014 as futile, amid a barrage of western calls for a swift return to democracy.

The European Union statement said that “a credible and inclusive process which would result in progress in the interim government’s reform programme and early restoration of democracy would prepare the ground for new consultations,” on the sanctions. The EU sanctions will now apply at least until October 1.

RTTNews) Fiji's continued failure to respect human rights and the rule of law has prompted European Union to extend trade and aid sanctions against the government of that South Pacific island nation for six more months.

The 27-nation bloc said in a statement that it decided to extend the punitive measure due to "the delay in implementing commitments the Fiji authorities made to the EU," notably on the constitution, human rights and the postponement of parliamentary elections.

The measure means the suspension of EU's development aid to Fiji worth about 30 million euros ($44 million) and the payment of subsidies to sugar farmers in that country amounting to 115 million euros ($169) will remain in force until the end of September this year. 

Last year, the Commonwealth suspended Fiji from its membership after the military government defied calls to hold elections. All Commonwealth aid were cut off and Fiji will not be allowed to participate in the Commonwealth Games due in 2010. Commodore Frank Bainimarama, the country's armed forces chief, seized power in a 2006 coup. He insists that elections can only be reinstated in 2014, as part of his "road-map."

Fijian Minister’s Visit Won’t Change New Zealand’s Travel Sanctions

by  Rory McKinnon - 30 March 2010

Rory McKinnon is a Wellington-based political reporter with Scoop Media.

http://www.scoop.co.nz

New Zealand’s prime minister John Key denies sending mixed messages to Fiji’s military regime – despite inviting a senior Cabinet member to a soccer conference last week in Auckland.

Key told reporters at Monday’s press conference he stood by Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully’s insistence that New Zealand had not dropped its travel ban on Fijian officials.

Speaking at the Hong Kong Sevens last Saturday, McCully told the Associated Press the New Zealand would not lift the sanctions until Fijian Commodore Voreque Bainimarama addressed “real issues around the rule of law and human rights.”

“If Fiji wants us to move on the sanctions, then the answer is obvious: They have to move toward the holding of elections and the establishment of democratic institutions.”

McCully was due to meet with Bainimarama during the Sevens but rejected the offer when Fiji’s military-appointed President Epeli Nailatikau was sent in the Commodore’s place.

But McCully – who is also Minister for Sport and Recreation – made no mention of Fijian Education and Sports Minister Felipe Bole’s attendance at a soccer conference in Auckland just days prior.

Bole attended the Oceania Football Confederation’s ministerial conference in Manukau on Monday along with ten other ministers from across the Pacific region.

The Confederation’s website says the ministers discussed tax exemptions for sports facilities, more support for training sports journalists and waiving visa fees for sports teams and officials visiting Australia and New Zealand.

The Ministers agreed to support further discussion at this year’s Pacific Islands Forum – a regional-wide organisation which suspended Fiji’s membership in May last year.

A spokesperson for McCully said last week the Government reserved the right to waive the restrictions where it felt it was beneficial to the region.

Key reiterated those comments Monday, adding that he did not think the visit sent a mixed message.

“The travel ban applies to those in the regime and the family of those in the regime: that means if they want to travel to New Zealand for a personal or private reason, as a general rule the answer will be no.

“But in the case where we think there might be some regional benefit, we reserve the right to allow them to come in.”

“As a general rule the travel ban remains and we’ve got no intention to change it.”

Key confirmed the meeting could have taken place without Bole but said he felt it was appropriate for the Minister to attend.

Key did not expect Fijian attendance at other regional conferences such as trade talks but he could not rule it out, he said.

Rory McKinnon is a Wellington-based political reporter with Scoop Media.

Mock Invasion of Fiji - Start Planning Now

Sai's Comments:
- Somebody's idea of an attempted invasion of Fiji. I don't really think it will work or solve Fiji's problem but good only for those who love war games.

Convicted Killer Heads Suva Rugby

coupfourpointfive - TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010

http://coupfourpointfive.blogspot.com

A New Zealand media team is reporting that Fiji military strongman, Voreqe Bainimarama, has installed his brother-in-law, a man convicted of manslaughter, as the head of the Suva Rugby Union.

Stuff says the move marks the increasing militarisation of Fiji life.

Bainimarama's brother-in-law, Commander Francis Kean, head of the Fiji Navy, will be the union chair while the head of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, Lt-Commander Tevita Rokouluilakeba Mara, will become president.

Two commanders and a major are on the board.

Bainimarama seized power in December 2006.

A month later his daughter Ateca Bainimarama married Samuel Whippy. At the reception Francis Kean took exception to a comment by Whippy's uncle, John Whippy, and punched him, fatally.

He was charged with murder but eventually pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 18 months jail.

He served less than a third of the sentence and was freed to take over the navy again.

Kean told state controlled radio that he had given an ultimatum to the former Suva Rugby Union representatives to report to him.

"We need to set the house in order, this is one of the areas we're looking at, there is transparency and that's accountability in the financial affairs of Suva Rugby Union."

In a related development, a fellow coup plotter, Commodore Esala Teleni, has become a director on the Fiji Rugby Union.

He is also the military appointed head of police. Michael Field

Convicted Navy commander new Chairman of Suva rugby

Intelligentsiya - Sunday, March 28, 2010

Navy Commander Francis Kean has been appointed the Chairman of Suva Rugby Union.

Commander Kean was apointed to the position yesterday,along with the Commander 3FIR, Lt Colonel Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara who was appointed President of the Union.

Maika Waqavatu the Secretary, Saimoni Camaitoga the Treasurer.

Speaking to FBC sports,Commander Kean says he has given an ultimatum to former executives to prepare the 2007- 2009 financial report by the 17th of April.

“In order for us to go in with a voice come the FRU AGM towards the end of April. That we get these reports in, as I earlier, we need to set the house in order, this is one of the areas we’re looking at, ther is transparency and that’s accountability in the financial affairs of Suva Rugby Union.”

Newly elected Suva Rugby Union Chairman, Commander Francis Kean.

The other executives that were appointed at the AGM today are Liutenant Commander Lepani Vaniqi of Navy as the Assistant Treasurer, Major Pacolo Luveni of Army the Assistant Secretary, Opetaia Ravai the Games Committee Chairman, Major Samisoni Kafoa the Assistant President of the Disciplinary Committee.

Church (in fact Military) has failed the country: Fiji PM

March 29, 2010

The work of reconciliation, fighting poverty and removing racism from Fiji has been taken up by the government, as the church has failed in doing this work, Methodist church leaders have been told.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama made the statement to church leaders when he met with them last week.

Bainimarama said the military had to step in to do what they did, as they saw that the church was failing to do its part, but concentrating more on politics.

He however promised church leaders that he would not intervene with the administration of the church as he did with the Great Council of chiefs – but the church must now look at how it can get back on track.

Bainimarama also told church ministers that some within their ranks, together with a number of chiefs in the country were acting as if they were God – expecting to be served by the people.

He said it was government, not the church or the chiefs, that would develop the country, but everyone could play a part in building the nation.

Meanwhile, the Methodist Church Assistant General Secretary Reverend Tevita Nawadra has called on the government to provide proof of their current involvement in politics, saying government was talking about the past.

“The proof should be shown. There are so many allegations. We have been asking them to show us the proof that we are involved in that. If they are bringing old issues from a few years ago, that has passed.”

Nawadra Denies Methodist Church Reform Because of Bainimarama

Posted on COUPFOURPOINTFIVE29 March 2010

The Holy Spirit is being blamed for the decision to dump the two most senior officials in the Fiji Methodist Church.

When asked if the church is being forced to reform itself following a call to change the current leadership, acting general secretary Reverend Epeli Nawadra told Fiji Live:  “Reforms are always part of any church. The Holy Spirit works in different ways. We are not being pushed to reform.”

In another lifetime, a number might’ve swallowed Nawadra’s desperate explanation, but not in 2010 when the people of Fiji are clearly living under a military junta and a self-appointed leader, who this week moved to silence yet another sector of society that has challenged its authority.

Nawadra’s denial the Church is being pressured to get rid of problematic leaders is poor defence for the decision to dump president Reverend Ame Tugaue and his general secretary, Tuikilakila Waqairatu.

Everyone knows it was because of the meeting with the interim prime minister, Voreqe Bainimarama and his aides, just 12 hours before. For the acting general secretary to say it’s the work of the Holy Spirit, sees him breaking two of the Ten Commandments: Thou shall not misuse the name of God and thou shall not lie. He’s trying to save the church's dignity but there’s no concealing the fact, the Methodist Church is bending over for Bainimarama. And that’s breaking another law of God.

Nawadra needs to be asked: Why has the church given in? Who are the elders who called for Tugaue and Waqairatu to step down? What will become of the Methodist Church Constitution? How will the Church work as a religious body without having AGM’s, as it has been told to until 2014? What will the Church do if Tugaue and Waqairatu fight the decision to get rid of them? And why did the Church  lose sight of the fact that one third of the country's population of one million are Methodist and that Bainimarama is scared of the power that represents?

Church Awaits Word on Resignation Push

Fiji Live - March 29, 2010

 

Senior ministers within Fiji’s Methodist Church are awaiting a decision from their president Reverend Ame Tugaue and general secretary Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu on whether they will resign.

Church acting general secretary Reverend Tevita Nawadra told FijiLive that there had been no word from the two ministers since they were asked to step down last week.

The two leaders are yet to comment on their response.

Tugaue has been out of reach while Waqairatu has told FijiLive he is thinking about the matter and will comment later.

The move by ministers to seek a change in the church’s leadership came after a meeting last week between 130 elders of the church and Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

The meeting followed months of pressure from the government on the church to rid itself of politics.

Government spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Neumi Leweni said Bainimarama made it clear to the leaders at the meeting that the government was not against the church but wanted to see it fulfill its primary function of maintaining the spiritual welfare of its members.

The motion for the church’s two senior leaders to resign arose at an emergency meeting of senior church ministers after the talks with the PM.

Nawadra said there was reluctance among some members of the leadership for a change however he said the decision to do so was later agreed to unanimously.

Fiji knows what it has to do for sanctions to be lifted

Posted by Pacific in the Media, March 29, 2010

NZ Foreign Affairs Minister: Fiji knows what it has to do for sanctions to be lifted

New Zealand's foreign affairs minister has reiterated to media in Hong Kong that his government won't drop travel bans on Fiji's military regime unless its Pacific neighbor moves toward democratic rule, despite a recent easing in tensions between the two countries.

The sanctions were imposed after a military coup in December 2006 ousted Fiji's democratically elected government.

Since then, self-appointed prime minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama has tightened his grip on power, overturning the constitution last April, firing all judges, imposing widespread media censorship, expelling foreign journalists and arresting people that oppose him.

New Zealand's criticism of Bainimarama's rule prompted Fiji to expel three senior New Zealand diplomats over the past two years, including its head of mission. New Zealand expelled the head of Fiji's mission in response.

Recent talks have paved the way for New Zealand to reappoint some diplomats to the Fiji capital, Suva, earlier this year, but Bainimarama said last month he won't approve the appointment of a high commissioner unless Wellington lifts its sanctions.

The government, however, isn't prepared to budge on sanctions barring Fiji officials from entering or traveling through New Zealand until Bainimarama shows his commitment to democracy, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Murray McCully said on Friday. Neighboring Australia has a similar ban, making travel from the isolated island state more difficult.

"We want to work to try to improve things, but we can't ignore the fact that there are some real issues around the rule of law and human rights and the makings of democratic institutions that are important to us, that are important to the whole of the Pacific," McCully told the AP in Hong Kong.

"And if Fiji wants us to move on the sanctions, then the answer is obvious: They have to move toward the holding of elections and the establishment of democratic institutions."

Bainimarama initially said he would hold elections in 2009, but later reneged and pushed the date back to 2014, saying the constitution and electoral systems need to be reformed and corruption eliminated.-AP