How to Overthrow Dictators, Non-Violently! Read HERE |
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CONFUSION ENDS HERE: To end all doubts, HERE is the FINAL DRAFT CONSTITUTION handed to the PRESIDENT OF FIJI
The Draft Ghai Constitution | The Explanatory Report | Appendage to Draft Constitution | Professor Yash Ghai's Final Statement
MINED NBF TO DUST: Viti Mining Ltd director John Sanday owed collapsed Fiji national bank $131,775; in 2007, VML had $631 in bank, recorded net loss of $5,584, and no financial asset. As Mineral Dept processes VML license to mine manganese in Fiji, Fijileaks will be publishing VICTOR LAL's on-going findings into the collapsed bank, Sanday's debt and history of VFL
Viti Mining Limited director John Sanday presenting at the Mineral Resources Department in Nabua, Suva, 1 March 2013
Pakistan Taliban confirm recruiting Islamic jihadists from post-coup Fiji; The Defence White Paper 2004 had warned: "Fiji Muslims potential incubator for Osama bin Laden and Taliban"
Friend or foe of Fiji Muslims?
Shortly before the 2006 coup, VICTOR LAL had exposed in his then weekly column in the Fiji Sun, the highly controversial and secretive Defence White Paper 2004, and later argued that the Report was one of many factors which prompted Frank Bainimarama to seize power. Many Fiji Muslims were unhappy with the Report and hastily joined the illegal regime or became its cheer leaders. The Report, while calling for the downsizing of the army, had also warned that Fiji Muslims could become the fifth column of Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban, "a potential incubator for religious zealots in the age of al-Qaeda related global terrorism". Now, reports from inside Pakistan quote the Taliban as saying: "A few months ago, we even welcomed some (two or three) people from Fiji for the first time!". Fiji Police Commissioner Brigadier Ioane Naivalurua has directed his officers to verify the report, with Fiji police using their network abroad to assist in the investigation. Read Pakistan still global jihad hub. On Defence White Paper, Fiji Muslims and Osama bin Laden connection, read here. We know the Pakistan military is Taliban's Godfather. The illegal A-G Aiyaz Khaiyum and Brigadier Aziz Mohammed had drafted Bainimarama's takeover speech based on the "Doctrine of Necessity" arguments from Pakistani military and coups. See Victor Lal here. Editor: If the reports coming out of Pakistan are to be believed, the US, Australia, New Zealand and the European Union must come down hard on the Fiji military which in its submission to the Ghai Commission wanted Fiji to be ruled under the "Pakistan Model".
Commonwealth Secretary-General unhappy with decrees - keeping tab on Fiji developments
 Kamlesh Sharma
“Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma notes with concern recent decrees issued by the Government of Fiji, and wishes to emphasise the importance to the Commonwealth of inclusive, independent and credible constitutional and electoral processes, conducted in accordance with fundamental Commonwealth values. In relation to elections, it is essential that political parties are able to freely participate under fair, consistent and agreed rules and on a level playing field. It is equally important that the electoral process be conducted by an independent election management body. The Secretary-General reaffirms the Commonwealth’s desire to welcome Fiji back into the Commonwealth family, upon the restoration of civilian constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and full respect for human rights, in keeping with Commonwealth values. Mr Sharma reiterates the Commonwealth’s readiness to provide support to Fiji toward these ends.” - Commonwealth Spokesperson Richard Uku
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Former SDL registers as Social Democratic Liberal Party with Registrar of Political Parties
Logo woven Fijian traditional mat symbolising the many races and peoples of Fiji
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OPERATION LIGHTHOUSE: As Commander Viliame Naupoto marks one year as Minister for Youth and Sport in the illegal Bainimarama government, Fijileaks looks back at Naupoto's role in ordering the beatings of George Speight and other Nukulau bound State prisoners in 2000; how he destroyed photos taken onboard RFNS Kiro of the beaten detainees: "If you try anything, you will die...I saw people [navy officers] punching them (detainees) but I did not stop them. I was in contact with [Lt Commander Sanaila Vitau] Naqali throughout the operation and I was directing the operation from my office throughout...I directed LCDR Naqali not to show sympathy to them but to roughen them up...I ask the Board that the information that is given to the Board today be safeguarded as it can be used against our families"
By VICTOR LAL
Part Three of his investigation based on The Board of Inquiry Report, August 2000
"LCDR NAUPOTO is also to be charged for not limiting the roughening exercise up to a certain degree that could be easily controlled. He is to be charged under Section 69 of the Army Act 1955, Conduct to the Prejudice of Good Order and Military Discipline. It is also recommended that he should be admonished for the maintenance of morale in the Naval Unit and the technicality arising out of lack of foresight at higher level of command of the improper employment of the Military Police in the transportation of the State detainees to Nukulau" - The Recommendation of the Board of Inquiry Report on beatings of George Speight and other Nukulau bound state prisoners on board navy ship RFNS Kiro, August 2000
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ON 23 February the Fiji SUN ran an article highlighting Viliame Naupoto's one year in office as Minister for Youth and Sport. "Commander Viliame Naupoto, the Minister for Youth and Sports, celebrated his one year in office with students of Nilsen College, in Vatukoula. Mr Naupoto, sworn in as Minister for Youth and Sports on February 22, last year, was the chief guest at Nilsen College at its prefects’ induction ceremony on this anniversary." “I am glad to celebrate my first anniversary as a minister with student leaders of this school,” said Naupoto.
He braved the heavy rain and forecasted flooding just so that the students of Nilsen College were not let down . Naupoto told the story he knew best, that of his life. For him, sharing personal experiences and the struggles he went through would be more motivational and inspirational, reported Fiji Sun. Naupoto, however, did not share one important aspect of his life with the students - that he joined the 2006 coup plotters to escape charges for his role in the brutal assault and beatings of George Speight, Jo Nata, Tevita Bukarau, Samu Konataci, Metuisela Mua, Rusiate Korovusere and Ilisoni Ligairi in July 2000. Pita Driti and Speight Group: From RFMF Cell to Naval Base - Handover conducted between Driti and Naupoto As I have written previously, the above lot, known as George Speight Group (GSG) were held at RFMF military cell after they had been arrested at different locations. At 3.30am on the morning of 29 July 2000 Lt Col Pita Driti, commanding officer, Logistic Support Unit (LSU) was given the task to transport the detainees from QEB to RFNS Stanley Brown. He was ready for the job, he told the Board of Inquiry (BOI). The time for the actual transfer was for Saturday 29 July at 0400hrs. On the eve of 28 July at 2300hrs the Commander of the Land Force Command gave a very quick briefing as follows: (a) gag the detainees hands behind their backs, and (b) blindfold the detainees, but this was changed when Driti requested for confirmation. By this time Driti had selected 10 military personnel from his unit for the operation. There was one Hino truck and two light vehicles for transportation. When Driti entered the cell block, he briefed the detainees and reassured them (also confirmed by the detainees to the BOI) about their safety and lives. He also told them that they would be separated and their hands would be tied behind their backs. He then called out the list and the detainees followed the instructions. Warrant Officer Class One Ponipate Bainivalu tied their hands at the back one by one with pieces of ropes. Major Ben Lomaloma was also present and he advised Driti to ensure that blood flow was not impeded around the detainees wrists. "We were psyched up and ready for any violent action or behaviour from the detainees. A chair was used to help them to board the vehicle. Once they were all inside the vehicle, I thanked them for their co-operation, but I did not inform them about their final destination. The time was approximately 0345hrs. At 0350hrs I boarded one of the light vehicles, which was the lead vehicle in the convoy and I had two escorts. WO1 Bainivalu was in-charge of the escorts and detainees in the main vehicle. Another light vehicle was the rear vehicle in the convoy," Driti told the BOI. The initial plan was to go through Mead Rd, Princess Rd, Reservoir Rd, Queens Rd and into the Naval Base but Driti changed this as an element of surprise and used the Kings Rd, Edinburgh Drive to the Naval Base. When he arrived with the detainees at RFNS Stanley Brown base, he did not know who was in-charge. The whole base was dark and it was difficult to distinguish people. "It took sometime before I could see LCDR NAUPOTO. I don't think he recognised me in the dark. During the briefing given by Comd LFC he had informed me to brief the naval counterparts to release the ropes tied behind the detainees backs once the ship left the pier. I did not inform him anything about the use of force but I was hopeful that he would have seen the manner in which we handled the detainees and it was firm but fair. When I briefed him about their hands tied behind their backs, he replied that he will decide since the detainees were under his responsibility" Driti told the BOI. Bukarau, echoing other colleagues, told the BOI: "Lt Col Driti briefed us in Fijian saying, "So veikemudou ena vakarau kacivi na yacana mo dou vodo ena lori. Dou na kau ena vanua sega ni yawa mai Suva. Sega ni dua ena vakaleqai nona bula. O ni na yaco bula talega ena vanua ni na kau tiko kina", words to that effect." The RFMF LSU officers who gave evidence along with Driti were Bainivalu, WO2 J. Caginidaveta, Staff Sergeant M. Rakabu, Sergeant V. Vasuca, Sergeant N. Tarovi, Sergeant T. Vakausausa, Corporal J. Turagaiviu, Lance Corporal S. Tamanivalu and Lance Corporal J. Senibici. Operation Lighthouse The navy personnel also gave evidence, and according to Commander Mosese Semi, chief of navy, it was he who recommended that the detainees be transferred to Nukulau Island (and not Makuluva) and the operation be called "Operation Lighthouse". Regarding the violence inflicted on the detainees, the navy officers claimed they were acting on the orders and instructions of Naupoto, who wanted to make a lesson of the GSG. The operation was under MARCOM's (Maritime Command) command. Lieutenant Bradley Thomas Bower was the commanding officer of RFNS Kiro which transported the detainees to Nukulau. The navy personnel who took part in escorting the detainees (and also those involved in the beatings) who gave evidence to the BOI were as follows: WO2 Valerio Codro Nawari, Leading Seaman Walesi Wainiqolo, Abel Seaman Jone Mateyawa, Lt Commander Joseva Atama Turaganivalu, WO2 Nacanieli Waqatoga, Lt Commander Sanaila Vitau Naqali ; Commander Mosese Semi, Chief Petty Officer Nemani Tabutabu, PO Apete Lagilevu, Lt Bradley Thomas Bower, Lt Humphrey Biu Tawake, Leading Seaman Simeli Tamani, and PO Sakiusa Rokotakala. Petty Officer SAKIUSA ROKOTAKALA from MINFO and RFMF Naval Division, destroyed photos by exposing them before giving to Naupoto. Lieutenant Humphery Biu Tawake, second-in-command of Kiro took pictures: "Just to give us an upper hand to make a psychological statement. The camera was not mine, it was handed to me by Rokotakala...Just a comment regarding security of the information imparted today. Will the Board guarantee the security?" Abel Seaman JONE MATEYAWA: "Upon approaching Mr Nata, I physically assaulted him with punches and I butted Mr Speight's head with my rifle butt. After what I had done I then realised that my action's was morally wrong and very unethical of a naval rating"; Lt Commander Sanaila Vitau Naqali:"My concern is how confidential is this information/statements to [BOI]. I have heard threats from outside that people wanting to know who took those to Nukulau. An example is that a certain group of people went to Raiwaqa looking for a "Lauan" member of the escort group. Sunia Cama came to the Naval Base (main gate) asking as to who took the detainees to Nukulau. This is actually happening" |
Naupoto's evidence before Board of Inquiry
 FINGER on violent operation
"I was told that they were to be taken to Nukulau. I was informed on the 28th July. We were to make arrangements for their transportation. I tasked RFNS Kiro and also directed Lieutenant Commander Naqali to form a security team for the detainees. I was told that they were to be taken at 0400 hrs on 29th July. I directed LCDR Naqali not to show sympathy to them but to roughen them up. The detainees had their hands tied behind their back. I directed Naqali that they were to be held on deck rather than below decks (inside the ship). It is easier to sabotage the ship when you are inside rather than outside. I spoke to them when they were sitted on the forecastle and told them that "if you try anything you will die". I saw people punching them (detainees) but I did not stop them. I was in contact with Naqali throughout the operation and I was directing the operation from my office throughout. I told Naqali to call me when they handed over to the army personnel at Nukulau. The operation was codenamed Operation Lighthouse and the Operation Order was written and signed by myself. Everything that happened was done because I had directed LCDR Naqali to allow it to happen. The reason for my allowing those things to happen was a way of putting the security team on a psychologically higher platform than the detainees. It was better for them to be punched and sworn at rather than being shot because the people guarding them panicked. My task was to deliver them to Nukulau alive and that I did. I ask the Board [of Inquiry] that the information that is given to the Board today be safeguarded as it can be used against our families. If my actions are found to be wrong then I am prepared to face the consequences."
The Testimonies of George Speight Group
BUKARAU: "Naupoto gave a short brief, which basically said, "if you try anything to escape or untie the rope, you will be dead". He said this 2-3 times. There were about 6 men in front of us, and a lot more at the back with weapons...We received kicks, rifle butts and continuous verbal abuses. George, Ligairi and Silatou were getting most of the abuses and we had people rubbing their boots on the back of our heads. We than sailed to Nukulau through Beqa waters. We were constantly assaulted and abused thoughout the 2 hours or so journey. We were soaked and from the rough seas. I could feel that certain individuals did not have their hearts and minds on what was happening (assault and abuses). I received a swelling on the left side of my face and 3 days later we were taken to hospital."
KOROVUSERE: "It was still dark when we reached the Naval Base. Naupoto warned us that if we tried to do anything, we would be shot. Mua was kicked on the esohagus. Silatolu at one stage had difficuty breathing due to the continuous punching. I was asked about Adi Samanunu and what she was doing in the country. I was kicked on the face. They told us to experience life in the navy and one of our detainees was threatened of being sexually assaulted, and that it was normal in the Navy. Once we arrived near Nukulau, one of the boys said I was his Commanding Officer in Sinai and Lebanon, whilst I was being kicked and had his foot on my head. Our hands were released at about 0800hrs once we were inside the perimeter fence." LIGAIRI: "Upon arrival [at the Naval Base] I was the second last to board the awaitig ship. We were moved to the forecastle and we were handled roughly. NAUPOTO briefed us and his orders were very aggressive. I had a feeling that he didn't care about who we were. I never expected Fijians to behave and act in that manner. I was so confused that I did not listen to what they were saying or asking. A lot of questions about my ability to change myself into rats and other things were put forward. I was assaulted with punches, rifle butts, kicks to my head and body. I was also very concerned about our safety particulalry with our hands tied at our backs and the possiblity of us getting washed to the sea. The assault inflicted on me has caused me headaches, blurred vision and this is due to a rifle barrel pushed to the side of my head." SAVUA: "We were than taken to the Naval Base. Upon arrival we boarded the ship and briefed by Naupoto, "If you try anything to escape or untie the rope, you will be dead". One of the navy personnel began verbal abuses. Abusive verbal language was hurled at me and others, "Savua/Mua drau vei cai". One of them asked me if I wanted to be Commander. They stated that this was Commander's (Bainimarama's) vessel...They even threatened to sexually assault Nata and stated that it was quite common in the Navy. They continued to butt and assault us. Wainiqolo was inflicting most of the punishment...The assault continued right until we arrived at Nukulau and when the ship was anchored off at Nukulau" MUA: "We were driven to Walu Bay. They told us to come out of the truck one by one. I was walking behind Speight when he was thumped from the back. We were ushered to the forecastle of KIRO. We were seated between the gun turrett and the wave breaker. As soon as the ship left the pier the assault started. I was kicked in the face, rifle butted on the face and verbally abused. I lost one tooth in the process. This sequence went on for approximately 3 hours until we got here (Nukulau). My vision was blurred for 3 days due to the injuries I sustained. I was kicked around and on the esophagus. When this happened, I almost lost all consciousness and I thought I was going to die. We were told that we were going to an unknown destination...During the transfer to Nukulau, I slipped and was given two more kicks before I reached ashore. I cannot believe that people could be so brutal. The Military Police (MP) who were on Nukulau wept and asked us to forgive them for what had happened on the ship [Kiro]" KONATACI: "We were taken to the Naval Base and as soon as we arrived, they shoved us onto the ship and forced us to the forecastle. We were given instrcutions to stay in one place and not to move or we would be shot. We were told to sit in front of the ship (forecastle), and as we sat down we were punched, kicked and verbally abused whilst our hands were tied. It seemed they were acting on instructions. As we left the harbour towards the open sea, I was very frightened naturally because I came from the highlands. My hand was kicked and my fingers were crushed with a boot, which was fractured. It was around 07000hrs, when we arrived near Nukulau. I could see others carrying injuries...A lot of verbal abuse was hurled at us. The two Lauan colleagues particularly copped a lot of abuse. I thought that we would be treated well and arrested as political prisoners and not be treated the way we were." NATA: "We were taken to Naval Base and as soon as we got off, I was punched on the left, and I knew we were in for a rough ride. Once we got to the forecastle, we were warned in unequivocal terms that we were to follow orders. We were taken for a 2 and half hours ride and throughout the journey I was punched, kicked, butted and abused. Apart from the inhumane treatment, I was disappointed with the sexual taunts and the threat to be sexually assaulted. We were threatened and one particular chap WAINIQOLO (Leading Seaman Walesi) was very abusive and continued to physically assault us. Both Mua and mysef were badly hurt because of our links to Lau and Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara so was George Speight, Ligari and Silatolu. The MP's treated us well and they even cried when they saw the state we were in...My colleagues would have mentioned other details of the assault". SPEIGHT: "As we moved away from the pier, the assault began...They punched, kicked, rifle butted and one person continued to kick my head. We were buffetted by the big waves and the assault continued. I felt numb after the first half an hour. The most painful was the rope tied behind my back, which became very sore. The most excruciating pain was when I fell back with my full weight. This is when I felt fairly numb. We were subjected to this until the sun rose and this whole episode lasted about two to two and half hours. Before we were helped to our feet one of the officers took pictures of us on an instamatic camera. The 3 MPs (Military Police) who escorted us from QEB to Naval Base were all waiting at Nukulau. Two of them broke down and cried when they saw the state we were in. We were then freed from the ropes by the MPs, which were tied with our hands together. By this time I was so tired that I slept for about three days." Fijileaks Editor: Major Epeli Nailatikau, Chief Medical Officer, RFMF, who had attended to the detainees, detailed the injuries, noting "Assault by navy personnel in navy boat - while on transfer to Nukulau" - Report on Injury or Illness Form |
Khaiyum turned to Kenyan Political Parties Act of 2011 as a blueprint for his Political Parties Decree No.4 but altered electoral and political party provisions to suit his oppressive agenda
Fiji and Kenya Electoral Rules - Parting of Ways: |
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The Ghai Draft Constitution's Voting Provisions:
Fijileaks publishes a note by JILL COTTRELL GHAI on the rules of voting in the Commission's Draft Constitution. It explains the reasons why the Commission recommended these rules, and how they might operate. Fijileaks hope they might assist in the discussions among Fijians on their future constitution, and to members of the Constituent Assembly. Jill's note is adapted and expanded from the Explanatory Report of the Commission
 Jill Cottrell
Ghai "The Decree setting up the Commission required the Draft Constitution to have certain features: one person, one vote, one value; the elimination of ethnic voting; proportional representation; a voting age of 18. The Commission invited a distinguished Norwegian electoral expert, Dr Kåre Vollan, to visit Fiji. He held long discussions with the Commission, met political party leaders and local experts, and participated in a public forum. His input was very valuable in formulating the Commission’s decisions on the topic.The Commission also studied the People’s Charter, and writing on the elections in Fiji in the past, as well as on electoral systems generally. It approached its task, within the binding framework of the principles above, by identifying the main objectives an electoral system for Fiji should achieve:a representative Parliament; accountability of the elected members;stable governments; simplicity for the voters – and ideally for the election administration;parties that appeal across communities;a political system that encourages dialogue and compromise." Read Full Note & Analysis HERE
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Fiji: Perils of Appeasement
Victor Lal in The Strategist, The Australian Strategic Policy Institute Blog: "Australian policy on Fiji is shifting to appeasement in ways that will gladden the military regime and sadden Fijians. What might be called the Bainimarama appeasement lobby—broadly speaking a group of academics and journalists who have never lived under the Fiji dictatorship.." Read Part One here Read Part Two here |
Fatal Attraction: Chinese convict workers and pregnant Fijian women
The illegal regime's demand that political parties must have 5,000 signatures has revealed another dark side to the regime's links with China Railways (Fiji) Ltd. The registration agents found that in Nadroga a few Fijian women had got pregnant from the Chinese workers, mostly convict prisoners from mainland China. The fathers-to-be have been quietly shipped back to China. |
Hard times for Fiji Times
Aiyaz Khaiyum's illegal judge William Callanchini fines Fiji Times $300,000; editor-in-chief, Fred Wesley, sentenced to six months' jail suspended for a period of two years; former publisher, Brian O'Flaherty, fined $10,000, and Khaiyum to receive $4,000 for costs in bringing contempt case against Fiji Times. All to be paid in 28 days. What about treason and aiding and abetting treason since 2006, Khaiyum? Read here |
Swindler back paddles on leave pay cheque
$184,740.29 Leave Back Pay Swindler now says he has paid back the money. The masthead of Fijileaks contains the actual copy of the payment the illegal Prime Minister and treasonist had claimed in leave back pay shortly after seizing power. Now, he is claiming that it was a mistake on the part of the RFMF pay office, and he has paid back the money. Show us the proof, Frank. Send receipt to [email protected]. Editor: His former Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry who had defended the payment is yet to respond to fijileaks. |
CHINESE CONVICT LABOUR: Crime and prostitution rise linked to convicted Chinese prisoners sent to work on China-funded Fiji projects
FENCING OFF GOVERNMENT HOUSE: Workers from mainland China brought in to build the fence. The fencing project was enabled through direct government assistance from China worth $2.3million
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Fiji is Banana Republic now, says FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry:
"...We're like a banana republic and these decrees come out and decrees aimed at specific people, specific parties. I think the international community needs to take a very serious view of what's happening in Fiji right now. I'm speaking here as a former prime minister of Fiji, I think I'm very worried about the situation that our people facing. By the look of things there is no hope of Fiji being restored through democratic rule, constitutional rule, as we've known Fiji in the past, we've had coups before, but something like this at any time before, and I'm quite worried and I think the international community needs to take a serious look at what's happening in Fiji." Listen to interview with Radio Australia here
Fiji Sinks Deeper Into Dictatorship with new Political Party Decree, says Felix Anthony, general secretary, FTUC: "This move is clearly the lowest point in the dictatorial maneuvers the regime has made in the name and quest for so- called democracy." Read full statement
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Bainimarama to Reverend Tuikilakila: "Please bless our stalled Government projects, padre"
By VICTOR LAL
In the end, all roads lead to the Methodist Church. Shortly before winging off to France last week, the self-styled strongman Frank Bainimarama desperately wanted to have a meeting with Reverend Tuikilakila Waqairatu (pictured right), the president of the powerful Methodist Church. According to military sources, two of his bodyguards, Isireli Tamanitoakula aka Tammy and Epeli Gaunavouivuda, the former CRW soldier who had testified against mutineer Corporal Lagilagi Vosabeci, claiming that Vosabeci had written numerous letters threatening the commander before the 2000 mutiny, secretly met Reverend Inia Mavai and conveyed Bainimarama's fervent desire to meet Tuikilakila. When Mavai inquired the reason for the meeting, the two bodyguards said Bainimarama is very concerned that many Government Projects are being delayed or abandoned, so he wants the head of the Church to pray for the projects. The padre Mavai told the two bodyguards that if Bainimarama wants to see the Head of the Methodist Church than he should go and see Tuikilakila personally and not through a third party. Will Bainimarama follow up with his road-to-Damascus moment? |
Reverend Yabaki of CCF wants Independent Supervisor of Elections for free and fair elections
 Yabaki
"Voter confidence in the Bainimarama government’s promise of a free and fair election in Fiji may suffer if we fail to appoint an Independent Supervisor of Elections. As it stands, the Office of the Attorney General has a tight leash on the Elections Office and current and prospective political parties through their continuous interventionist decrees. It is signaling to the public that the agenda of the government supersedes the people in a process where citizens are expected to not only participate in but to also choose their government through free and fair elections..." READ HERE
Regime mischievously alters Political Party Decree 2013, slaps media with $50,000 fine if it uses old party names The illegal regime has amended its Political Parties Registration Decree 2013. While making the announcement, Registrar Mere Vuniwaqa said the amendment does not allow any parties wishing to register to have the same name, symbol, acronym or abbreviation as a de-registered party and a proposed party that has submitted its application. “It does not make sense and it is mischievous that they try to adopt what other parties have done,” she said. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL AMENDED PARTY DECREE |
A Fly on the Wing in France on phone to Fijileaks:
Vodaphone CEO Aslam Khan likely to replace Air Pacific CEO Pflieger – Khan was with delegation to inspect new Airbus
NFP rubbish FLP claim: "Our Registration Form was crystal clear - with masthead saying NFP"
NFP sources have dismissed FLP claims that NFP registration agents were behind the circulation of a form containing signatures endorsing support for a political party. The NFP form (left) clearly identifies it as an official party form with the masthead, an internal verification procedure and a reference to the relevant section of the decree.
"Our volunteers were under clear instructions to first ascertain from the people whether they had signed for any other party and if they had then not to sign ours, and if signing ours they should not then sign for another party as there were severe penalties on the individuals. In fact all the other parties had prepared forms that did not identify their party," the source told Fijileaks. Yesterday, an FLP source had denied that his party was behind the "signature fraud" saying it was a stitch-up - a bit of local NFP tactics at Wailailai, Ba. |
Fantasy Flight: Watch video of Frank Fiji Airhead onboard new Airbus 330 here
 From Left - Fiji's Ambassador to EU Peceli Vocea, Air Bus Rep, PS Civil Aviation Elizabeth Powell, Bainimarama, outgoing CEO Air Pac Dave Pflieger, Air Pac Board Chairman Nalin Patel, Air Pac Board Director Aslam Khan
"We have had the opportunity to have a look at not only the A330, which we are getting ready to purchase, but also the A320 and A380. And we have also had a chance to look at the various cabin configurations and what Airbus is capable of producing. We are excited about our first A330 which will be delivered in just a few weeks in Fiji." - David Pflieger from France |
Pride or Problem Ahead for Fiji's new Airbus
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STITCH UP: FLP sources deny signature fraud
FLP sources have denied that the signatures on the form (see right) for registration of political party has anything to do with the party. The FLP has been accused of fraudulent activity, in that it went around collecting signatures on a blank form without party name or purpose of signing it. The sources say its a bit of local NFP tactics at Wailailai, Ba. Fijileaks couldn't get comment from NFP. Meanwhile, FLP has filed its case against the political party decree in the Fiji High Court. Read here.
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Fijileaks Editor: We have decided to blank the first names and Voter ID Registration Numbers
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Rabuka joins new SDL
Major-General SITIVENI Rabuka handed in his membership registration form to the SDL head office - and is now officially a card-carrying member of the new SDL party.
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Bole health burden on taxpayers
TRIPLE heart by-pass patient and Cabinet Minister FILIPE BOLE is getting around the clock care from three army officers and is refusing to retire, costing taxpayers a huge health bill for his care.
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French Royale: Bainimarama sleeps in $F5000 a night royal suite at grand Hotel George V in Paris
 Bainimarama and Elizabeth Powell with excutives of the French Bred Bank outside Hotel George V in Paris. He is in France to take charge of new Air Pacific airbus. Bred opened banks in Fiji last November for business
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SKYFALL: Air Pacific CEO David Pfliger "will go down in history as the most irresponsible and anti-worker CEO Fiji has witnessed" Read FTUC Statement HERE
Free FIJI Now |
INSIDER MONEY SWAP: ANZ Fiji chief executive officer Vishnu Mohan (left) handing over $50,000 cheque to illegal PM and Finance Minister
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BANKED SUPPORT:
ANZ Bank's $50,000 cheque to PM's Relief Fund is profit from regime's pro-corporate tax handout to banking sector in 2012 Budget |
Taxpayers must not forget the third "gift" that ANZ gave them a couple of years ago when they led Khaiyum and Ministry of Finance officials people on an international road show, resulting in Fiji selling $500 millions worth of bonds paying 9% interest when World Bank was willing to lend the same amount to Fiji at 3% interest. Tax-payers now totally unnecessarily pay $30 millions per year extra in interest, for as long as those bonds are unredeemed. All corporate tax-payers and upper income brackets in Fiji will be enjoying these benefits at the expense of middle and lower income tax-payers who will have to pay more. These extra burdens will fall on tax-payers ultimately, but squeezed in-between will be FRCA who will have the additional unnecessary burden to replace the lost revenues.
Economists complain when countries enjoy economic growth while income distribution worsens.The Bainimarama /Khaiyum reign in Fiji will be remembered as the one where the economy did not grow for five years, while income distribution worsened because the government deliberately transferred the burden of taxation from the rich to the poor. Had the Minister of Finance not brought in these totally un-necessary tax changes, the Fiji Government revenues would have an extra $90 million (and more) annually to devote to cyclone relief and other welfare issues. They would not need "wonderful gifts" of a mere $50,000 from ANZ or anyone else. Whenever corporate entities in Fiji give "generous gifts" to the Bainimarama Government efforts, keep in mind the arithmetic of the real tax-payers' gifts in the 2012 Budget to these corporate giants via the unelected Minister of Finance. Editor: Read Fiji Sun's heavily edited version here Also, don't forget our previous posting: CHINESE POKER: China Railway "flooded" PM's Flood Relief Fund by donating $30,000 from Kiuva Seawall Project payment http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/fiji-unions-claims-anz-bank-exploiting-workers/975268 |
ONE PARTY STATE IN FIJI?
Political party registration agents harassed by police while collecting signatures under decree. And regime's Cabinet Ministers in secret talks with businesses to support Bainimarama's new planned political party
The Fourth Estate: Wadan Narsey - Fiji media moguls squashing media independence Read HERE
Regime : BIG RISE IN NUMBER OF FIJIANS WITH INTERNET ACCESS -
The "game changer that gave ordinary Fijians access to all aspects of the telecommunications revolution."
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HOLY BULU MAKAU! |
THE BIG LIE
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HIS MASTER'S VOICE |
PEOPLE POWER - Rajendra Chaudhry outlines why the people must remove despotic Bainimarama from power Read HERE"The time has come to unite for a common purpose and that is to remove the illegal regime by peaceful means. We must all be focused on the task and we must do with the common purpose of removing an illegal and repressive regime. We can do it by making representations to the President in numbers. The message must be sent very clearly to Bainimarama that the people will not tolerate him or his regime any longer. The people must make it clear that Fiji belongs to the people and not to Bainimarama, his family, his cohorts or to any one person or group." |
BURNING WITH FEAR FROM "ANGRY MOB"
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ELDER OF THE ORDER OF BURNING SPEAR |
POWERS AND PARDONS IN FIJI COUPS: The Muanikau Accord and Surrender of Weapons
"In fact the Accord contained no such condition. The only reference to weapons was in a recital of the Objectives of the Interim Military Government. There was never any express undertaking made on behalf of the Speight group to return weapons."
Peter Ridgway, former Deputy DPP
"We see, for example, in the instrument dated 18th January, 2007 the President signing a Decree the authority for which is ambiguously recited as being “the reserve powers of the Constitution inherent in the President and by the constitutional law and common law of Fiji and by all other laws so appertaining...The immunity conferred on Rabuka and others by the 1990 and 1997 Constitutions has never been judicially challenged or revoked.”
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IN 2008 Peter Ridgway, the former Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, delivered a well-argued legal paper on the question of pardon in the 1997 Constitution to a Fiji Law Society Annual Conference at Denarau at a time when the FLS was still a functional organisation. It seems the legal target of his article was the judgment of Gates et al declaring Bainimarama’s actions in overthrowing an elected government lawful. There had been heavy reliance on the claim that President Josefa Iloilo had been acting within some loosely defined reserve power when he gave the coup his blessing. Ridgway’s reading was that the President had neither inherent nor reserve powers. He had only that small sliver of discretionary power the constitution gave him and no more. And those few powers gave him a personal discretion to change his socks and little more. Fijileaks doubts that anyone read the paper or, if they did, understood the point. It seems Ridgway was trying to be polite to Gates et al and that effort led to a toning down of the language. Also, he wanted to get out of the country afterwards. We are publishing Ridgway’s legal analysis, notably on the question of the powers to grant immunity, including the Immunity Bainimarama claimed Iloilo granted to him and his treasonous lot in 2007. In 2009 Bainimarama dispensed with the 1997 Constitution when the Fiji Court of Appeal ruled in Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase's favour. Click HERE to read full article.
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CARIBBEAN VOICE - Former diplomat Sir Ronald Sanders wants Fiji out of Commonwealth |
UPP leader Beddoes will join as financial member of the new SDL's Nadi branch
RUDE AWAKENING |
Two ADT Security technicians arrived and the two Policemen guarding the entrance to his house directed them to the Alarm Box inside the house. They were just about to open the Security Box when three military special forces guards jumped up and readied to open fire. Thankfully, they recognised one of the technicians, apologizing: "E rere tiko ni moce na baku qo ..AK...The Baku AK is afraid to sleep at night."
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Professor Yash Ghai on the Political Parties Decree:
"It is introduced by an unelected regime to establish rules for the formation, regulation, and dissolution of the political parties...It is particularly objectionable that the Decree should be drafted by a regime which has shown little respect or even understanding of democracy or political parties...The Registrar is not an independent officer but would be fully responsible to the Minister—therefore it is the government (and in this case the unelected government) which has an interest in the outcome of the elections which will make the final decision on registration...Equally, the conduct of elections is the responsibility of an independent electoral commission, not that of a ministry...The likelihood that these provisions would be used to interfere with the activities of parties out of favour with the government is quite high (given the record of this regime)"
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By Professor Yash Ghai Notes on Fiji's Political Parties Decree
Inappropriateness of the Political Parties Decree
The role of political parties in a democracy is fundamental. The health of a country’s democracy depends greatly on how democratic and effective political parties themselves are. For this reason in recent years constitutions tend to deal with the principles, integrity and structures of political parties. The kind of issues dealt with in the Decree is not unusual in constitutions or legislation. However, there are some serious problems with the Political Parties Decree. Unelected Regime's Agenda behind PPD It is introduced by an unelected regime to establish rules for the formation, regulation, and dissolution of the political parties. The Decree would have a fundamental effect on political discourse and activities, and on the elections. Rules on these important matters should not be determined by this regime which has no mandate from the people, has not allowed any public discussion on the subject, and has a self-interest in the organisation of civil society and may well have plans for continued political and administrative control of the country. The timing of the Decree is also inappropriate—just when the country prepares for the Constituent Assembly (CA) where political parties would normally be expected to play a leading role. The Decree would bring to an end the current system of political parties. Within 28 days of the publication of the Decree, an existing and duly registered political party would cease to exist (even if it has applied for registration under the Decree). The Decree would affect the membership of the CA, and may disqualify leading politicians from long established parties from participation in the proceedings of the CA. The registration of new parties depends entirely on the government—which can thus exclude politicians it would rather not have in the CA. The decision of the Registrar can be appealed to the High Court (but only within 14 days); no further appeals are allowed. In any case there are currently serious doubts about the integrity of the judiciary. This leaves the decision effectively with the government. It is doubtful if the 28 days are sufficient to prepare an application for the continuation of a party or registration of a new party. The procedure for the application is more complicated than is usual for the registration of powers. It is unfair to give sponsors of existing or prospective parties so little time to prepare an application (especially given the restrictions on public meetings, freedom of information, and the government control over the media of recent years). |
The law is generally used to promote the formation and growth of political parties (particularly important in a proportional representation system), rather than to put obstacles in their way as the Decree tends to do. Regime's Mandate and Fitness Questioned - Constitution First It is particularly objectionable that the Decree should be drafted by a regime which has shown little respect or even understanding of democracy or political parties. The Decree is inappropriate for another reason. It precedes rather than follows the constitution. It is in the constitution that fundamental principles of democracy are stated including the rules for representation and the role of political parties (and other elements of the electoral system). These matters must first be resolved by a representative CA. Then the law can follow. The Constitution Commission’s Draft Constitution has carefully thought out and researched principles on these matters, and the CA must be given an opportunity to discuss them before moving to rules on parties. Why Now When Elections in 2014? It is a little hard to understand why the rush with the Decree. According to the government’s own statements, elections are not due until September 2014. There would be enough time after the adoption of the constitution in March or April 2013 to make and implement a law on parties. This has understandably led to speculation that the purpose of the Decree is to exclude existing parties from the CA, and perhaps to have snap elections. The question of the timing and the law under which elections is held is of paramount relevance to the transition to democracy—and as such a matter for decision by the CA (handpicked though it is), not the military regime. Decree not a neutral framework for political organisation In order to ensure neutrality as among political parties, it is extremely important that the administration of the law about political parties should be impartial. The Decree is so biased in favour of the government that it gives the minister responsible for elections and particularly the PS in that ministry great discretion as its administration. There are inadequate safeguards to check that the discretion is not abused (including when a party is de-registered). And why should the assets of a party which has been wound up go to the state? |
NEUTRALITY IN QUESTION
Registrar of Elections Impartiality
The Registrar is not an independent officer but would be fully responsible to the Minister—therefore it is the government (and in this case the unelected government which has an interest in the outcome of the elections which will make the final decision on registration. In most countries the registration and regulation of political parties are the responsibility of an independent registrar or the electoral commission. Equally, the conduct of elections is the responsibility of an independent electoral commission, not that of a ministry. The Decree gives the Registrar several powers that could easily be used to harass political parties. And too much information about the parties is required to be sent to the Registrar. The likelihood that these provisions would be used to interfere with the activities of parties out of favour with the government is quite high (given the record of this regime). The effect of such wide intervention would be to weaken political parties, the bedrock of democracy. MPs and Punishment Clause in PPD Highly objectionable is the provision that an MP can be removed if it considers that the MP was responsible for conduct leading to the de-registration of the MP’s party. Surely such a decision should only be taken by an independent tribunal or a court. In general the penalties are very high—up to 5 years imprisonment, including for relatively petty offences. And for some offences, guilt is assumed: it is up to the accused to prove her or his innocence. Editor: Professor Yash Ghai was the chairman of the Constitution Review Commission which drafted a new Constitution for Fiji that has been dispensed with by the illegal regime. Attorney-General Khaiyum is now drafting a new one. |
UPP PARTY IS OVER: Party winds up under repressive Political Parties Decree with BEDDOES informing the faithful: "We must understand that our struggle for a free, fair, just, transparent and accountable democratically elected government can only come from the free will of the people and not from the barrel of a gun or the ongoing oppression of the people and no matter which party we individually or collectively join in the coming days and weeks, we must stay true to our core beliefs and do whatever we must to ensure that we put in place a system that allows us to freely and fairly, without fear or favor, elect a government of the people, for the people and by the people." Read HERE
THE RISING TIDE OF CORRUPTION: Bainimarama diverts Chinese aid for China Railway 5th Group to build Seawall at his Kiuva Village in Tailevu; Funding for seawall project signed with Chinese Government in 2010 (but wait a minute) CR5th Group incorporated under Companies Act in Fiji on 22 August 2011
THE tidal wave of corruption continues to rise - Bainimarama (inspecting the new seawall) got money for seawall in 2010 - a year before the China Railway 5th Group was set up in Fiji. In other words he had already set his eyes on building the seawall in his Kiuva village. He wanted his seawall to resemble the Great Wall of China (insert)
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CHINESE POKER: China Railway "flooded" PM's Flood Relief Fund by donating $30,000 from Kiuva Seawall Project payment 
Frankly, he should sing along with Sam Cooke: "Oh! Oh! I'm the great pretender. Pretending that I'm just around" - it sums up his bi-polar personality: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If9UWIIs8hs
Meanwhile, VOTE BUYING continues at ELECTRIFYING speed, with Tailevu villagers getting "light" 
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The absence of a sea wall has weighed heavily on the minds of elders in the village, who apart from witnessing the flooding of homes during tidal surges, have also had to think of future generations.The construction began last year in November and was recently visited by the Prime Minister to assess its progress.The funding of the seawall project was met by the Chinese Government under the Gratuitous Aid of the Agreement on the Economic and Technical Cooperation which was signed between China and Fiji in 2010: Fiji Ministry of Information
UPDATE: The illegal Fiji regime buckles under potential backlash - Father Barr can stay until his work permit runs out in December: “Start saying your goodbyes Father Kevin James Barr, Australian national, work permit as a missionary, expiry date for permit 31/12/2013.”
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ON THE RUN FROM DICTATOR
Father Kevin Barr takes refuge in Australian High Commission as Bainimarama tries to deport the 'F*****Up' Priest
Youth activist Peter Waqavonovono to Fijileaks: "This is what FIJI has become, a State of Paranoia, where the regime's security of tenure overrides national interests and moving the nation positively forward"
SDL Outflanks Khaiyum's Decree - Party now SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC LIBERAL PARTY
Ro Kepa: "It is not the end; it is not the beginning of the end, it is only the end of the beginning...It appears to me that the Fijian language that embodies the name of the Party, a language that is spoken by the overwhelming majority of the people of this country, and recognized by all the Constitutions of Fiji including the Yash Ghai Draft, as one of the three national languages in Fiji, is supposedly, not good enough to provide a name to a political Party under this Decree." The Last Speech: Ro Kepa's Salutation to SDL faithful until new political dawn in repressive Fiji
Read HERE
LESSON FROM BURMA TO BUA IN FIJI: |
Iron Lady Aye Net (insert) says the mine waste contains acid, which damages the land
Greasing palms: Major General Qian Lihua , Chief of the Foreign Affairs Office in China’s Ministry of Defence with Fiji's self-styled Prime Minister and army chief
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Speak Out and Clean Your Own House Now, Military Spokesman Mosese Tikoitoga
Have you and other RFMF military officers returned public funds - its 9 years since you moved into army house?
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KHAIYUM IS LYING THROUGH THE VEIL
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Muffling Fiji Media to Avoid Scrutiny: |
AUDITOR-GENERAL EXPOSES BAINIMARAMA'S FUND FRAUD |
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Political parties to evasive Lawmaker:
Khaiyum should explain why his Aunty is handling his salary, that of PM and other Cabinet Ministers rather than the Treasury
Veil of secrecy: Nur Bano Ali rakes in treason spoils by hiding payslips of nephew Khaiyum, Bainimarama and other Cabinet ministers...now, seven years after the coup Khaiyum has come out to claim that the salaries of Cabinet Ministers are handled by Finance Ministry - we ask- was the salaries handled by Nur Bano Ali?
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Wadan Narsey: China and India: the elephants in the Fiji room Read HERE
"Fiji's people would benefit if Australia, NZ, US, EU, and Japan were to engage in a diplomatic Round Table dialogue with China and India for a more "pacific" solution to the ongoing crisis"
Buy Up Fiji flags: |
KHAIYUM SHOOTING BACK BLANKS
We are not politicians, Khaiyum tells parties. Yes, says Fijileaks, "You and Bainimarama are unelected treasonists with secret offshore bank accounts running into millions", to be revealed SOON
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SNAP ELECTION? |
By RUSSELL HUNTER
If the trashing of the people’s constitution by the junta was a turning point in Fiji’s sorry history since independence, the political parties decree will be seen as the first nail in its coffin.
The rejection of the Yash Ghai-commission draft by Bainimarama and his puppet president did not have the effect intended. Far from it, for it forced the regime to show its intent, which, of course, is to retain power at any cost. But it was all too little too late. Despite the regime’s best (and worst) efforts to suppress it the draft constitution spread through Fiji like wildfire to the extent that the rattled dictator had to withdraw a “law” declaring it a crime to read or discuss it. Now nobody – in Fiji or elsewhere – is under any illusions about what his preferred constitution will contain and its rubber stamping by his chosen stooges (it seems he can’t find 100 so 30 might have to do), but that is of little consequence now also. There is now widespread realisation that all the broken promises, all the corruption, the violence and the threats of it, the torture, the slashed pensions, the collapse of the economy and the sugar industry, the secret salaries and the rampant nepotism are all part of the same scam. It’s all about Frank. And he’ll say and do whatever he has to in order to cling to power. If any confirmation were needed the political parties decree has provided it in spades. For it makes it very clear that only one party will be tolerated – and anybody who imagines that the required 5000 members will be open to public scrutiny (the decree says it will be) should urgently contact planet Earth. For the whole process will be run in the now familiar manner by Bainimarama appointees. So the pollies are now talking about standing as individuals, boycotting the election or merging into one Opposition. It’s well and good but this too misses the point. A boycott assumes that somebody cares – and Frank of course does not – and political activity individual or otherwise assumes that a result can be achieved, which with the military overseeing parliament is not possible. |
Read the writing Frank |
The 7,000 Ghai
commission submissions and the political parties decree have seen to that. But
they have equally ensured that when the Bainimarama political party (which no doubt already exists and follows the tailor-made decree) is brought blinking
into the public spotlight, it will be derided.
Of course the media will give it maximum and positive coverage and the regime will persuade itself that a nation breathless for knowledge will read it and approve. They still haven’t realised that nobody trusts the media any more. So expect further defections, some of them quite senior, as people begin to realise the truth or realise that others have. A few will have discovered a conscience while more will be looking for the insurance of a bet each way. And, talking of conscience, what of Archbishop Petero Mataca? Essentially a decent man who gave the support of his church to the coup in the mistaken belief that Bainimarama was genuinely about ending racism and social inequality, he is little heard of these days. He retired from official duties last month. Ageing and infirm though he is, a disapproving word from him would be the beginning of the end of the Bainimarama dictatorship and the consequent sufferings of the people of Fiji. The constitution fiasco and the parties decree tell us the cracks are appearing. But will the dam break? It’s a question on many pairs of lips. It must be seen as unlikely unless further pressure is applied. And that, in turn, must seem unlikely without the emergence of what the military fears above all things - a leader. There is none apparent. When he – or she – does emerge, it will be a dangerous time indeed for Fiji. |
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Croz with Party Decree: Even Walsh senses bad blood
"I have yet to sight the decree...This decree is counter-productive...The decree should be immediately amended to make the requirements more reasonable and acceptable...The exclusion of the President, Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers from the list of public officials begs explanation. They are the most public of public officers, and their exclusion can only be taken to mean that one or more of them will form a political party or stand as candidates in the 2014 Election. This is something the PM has previously denied and acceptance of the draft constitution would have made impossible."
Read HERE
A psychiatrist's prized trophy: True colour of the foul-mouth Dictator
Bainimarama to Father Kevin Barr: "You are f***** up priest...“F*** U arsehole. Stay well away from me...Start saying your goodbyes Father Kevin James Barr, Australian national, work permit as a missionary, expiry date for permit 31/12/2013...Go and be a missionary in China”
A SURPRISING DAY IN MY LIFE Father Barr
On the 8th January 2013 The Fiji Sun published I short letter I had sent in to them. The letter noted that a change was to be expected in the Fiji Flag to represent changed realities in Fiji. With tongue in cheek, I asked : “Is the rumour true that the Union Jack is going to be replaced with a small version of the Chinese flag to show that our old allegiance to Britain is being replaced with a new allegiance to China?”
On the morning of the 10th January I was at my desk at the PCN Office when the phone rang and someone who said he was a Colonel in the Prime Minister’s Office asked if this was my number. I said it was and he hung up. A few minutes later I received a call from the Prime Minister. I greeted him and wished him a happy New Year. Then in a very angry voice he said that I should apologise to the people of Fiji for my letter concerning the Fijian flag in the newspaper. I said that I thought it expressed a real concern with a touch of joking humour. The PM said it was irresponsible coming from a recognised leader in the community. He stated he was not a Catholic but a Methodist. He then called me “a fucked up priest” and said I had become anti-government. He said he used to try and help me but would do so no longer. I said I would be prepared to come and speak with him. Instead he repeated I was a “fucked up priest”, threw in a few swear words, told me to go back to where I came from and put down the phone. His tone was angry and really over the top. Our Director (Semiti Qalowasa) and Assistant Director (Savu Tawake) were in the room and were able to pick up most of the angry statements of the Prime Minister. They were rather shocked and remarked that the words about China must have hit a sore spot. A few minutes later there was a text message on the phone from the Prime Minister which read: “I think you owe the people Fiji an apology for your childish comments. You give all Catholic priests a bad name. “. It seemed more of a calm message. I replied saying I was sorry if he was upset by my letter and I apologise. However many people were concerned about the influx of Chinese into Fiji. I said I would always be happy to meet with you and discuss issues. I am not anti-government but disappointed with some developments. I was about to go to lunch when another texed message arrived saying: “Fuck U arsehole. Stay well away from me.” I texed back: “Thankyou Sir for the nice words. If you want me to apologise I will do as you wish.” |
Bah, bah, disgraceful black sheep bully of Fiji
 Frankly BULLY!
As I was having lunch another text arrived: “Start saying your goodbyes Father Kevin James Barr, Australian national, work permit as a missionary, expiry date for permit 31/12/2013.” I did not reply. Then came the final text: “Go and be a missionary in China”. I laughed as there was a touch of humour there.
When I returned home about 4.15 there was an apologetic call from the Ministry of Housing saying they had been directed by government to withdraw my membership as a Member of the Housing Authority and Public Rental Board and that a letter would soon be delivered to me on that issue. In some ways I was expecting this vindictive reaction. I also suspect that others apart from the PM were involved. The Land Force Commander is noted for his coarse language and the AG for his vindictiveness. What surprised me was not only the coarse language used by the Prime Minister but his over-the-top angry and uncontrolled reaction. I have heard that he has treated others in a similar way and aims to intimidate. Those who heard of the above exchanges were shocked and very concerned that the Prime Minister could act in this way. They were also concerned for me. I do not intend to be intimidated. .............. I am writing this account of events for the records of Archbishop Mataca and the Australian High Commission in case there are further repercussions. I may also share it with a few close friends. (Fr Kevin J. Barr) Fijileaks Editor: We may recall the former US Ambassador to Fiji, Larry Dinger's observation: “A psychiatrist would have a field day with Bainimarama”. __________________________________________________ Click below to read Victor Lal (15 August 2012): Fiji's beastly dictator: Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama Bainimarama’s catalogue of threats to kill, kidnap, and assault on anti-coup opponents “Don’t fuck with military” lamusona screamed as he kicked PSC chairman Stuart Huggett and hit him around the head at RFMF barracks Bainimarama to PM Qarase’s private secretary: “You people fuck each other, your time is over.” |
THE CIRCUS CONTINUES
Khaiyum's Key to Dictatorship: |
Crossing themselves Out
 Writing themselves out as not "public officers" despite robbing and living off public funds
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NFP: Proposed new rules for political parties are unduly onerous and unworkable; The prohibition on trade union officers holding party positions appears to be directly targeted at NFP and its General Secretary personally.
Treasonous companion: The Registrar of Political Parties will be the Permanent Secretary for Elections Mere Vuniwaqa.
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CARRYING ON REGIME'S PROPAGANDA AGAINST DRAFT GHAI CONSTITUTION:
BOB CARR, the UNELECTED Australian senator and Minister of Foreign Affairs "bobbying" against
Great Council of Chiefs and National Peoples Assembly
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BOBBYING is the act of stripping down into your bra and underwear then running down the street. The Australian Foreign Minister and unelected Senator Bob Carr is fortunate that the world's leading constitutional lawyer Professor Yash Ghai drafted a new Constitution for Fiji. For if Ghai's Draft Constitution was for Australia, Carr would have been stripped "bobbed" of his positions and sent packing out of Australian parliament.
The Ghai Constitution has recommended the abolition of Senate, a recommendation which the illegal regime has wholeheartedly embraced, and which Carr has cleverly avoided commenting on in his recent interview with ABC News television in Australia. Instead, Carr is carrying on perpetuating the Fiji regime's propaganda against certain features of the Draft constitution, namely the National Peoples Assembly and the role of the now defunct Great Council of Chiefs. He told Australian TV: "The notion, for example, of a largely unelected national people's assembly comprised principally of non-government organisations sitting alongside the parliament is something I can't think of enjoying precedence anywhere else in the constitution of a democratic country. The re-creation of an unelected Great Council of Chiefs would seem to give rise to the suggestion that ethnic divisions in the country were going to be exaggerated by new constitutional arrangements. I can find it understandable that the interim government has objected to both these features of the draft constitution presented to it." |
Carr has opted not to comment on the fact that the unelected and military appointed President Epeli Nailatikau had no legal power to do what he did: his job was merely to act as a post office - to receive the Draft Constitution, store it, and pass it onto the proposed Constituent Assembly, that was to be chosen by the unelected Prime Minister of Fiji and coupist Voreqe Battan Bainimarama.
In his treasonous address to the nation Nailatikau pointed out that "The Australian constitution which was drafted over 110 years ago has only had 8 amendments to it since its inception. It has endured the test of time." It is time the Australians amended their Constitution, abolished Senate, stripped unelected Bob Carr of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and send him running down the streets of Sydney. They could hire the world's leading constitutional authority Professor Yash Ghai to help them subject Bob Carr to Australia's own "constitutional strip show" - one hundred and ten years is too long a wait to carry on with unelected Senator Bob Carr. "The abolition of the Senate allows for a larger single house. Despite what many people told the Commission, the Draft Constitution provides for 71 members. This number takes account of the diversity of the country, wide dispersal of the population, and the need to ensure an effective opposition and effective parliamentary committees. There will be a leader of the opposition." The Ghai Constitution |
Beddoes replies to Carr: Engage and not Embrace Illegal Regime |
Wadan Narsey: Trashing the Ghai Constitution: the positives Read HERE |
Carr gatecrashes into Foreign Office job  Back-door Australian senator with illegal A-G Khaiyum
Australian media: "In a shock announcement, former NSW premier Bob Carr will join the Senate and take the role of Foreign Affairs Minister. Prime Minister Julia Gillard revealed her new cabinet today after a week of speculation... She said that she had spoken to Mr Carr late yesterday morning and had made him the offer. Mr Carr said that Ms Gillard had made him an offer he could not refuse.''You don't choose the moment; very often the moment chooses you,'' he told reporters in Canberra today. Mr Carr admitted that he had been "churned up" by "warring emotions" over the decision. He noted that he had been out of public life for six years - but said that Ms Gillard's voice had "roused him" from his slumber." Gillard had denied her own Cabinet to vote for Carr's appointment by by-passing them. March 2012 |
Russell Hunter: "Bridges have been burned" - Read HERE
Since the day last week when dictator Voreqe Bainimarama officially trashed the “people’s constitution” he claimed to have so earnestly wanted, his true intent is there for all who care to look. And plenty do. The opposition will have to come from within. And that’s a chilling thought.
EDITORIAL: Fiji must return to democracyFrom: The Australian
January 14, 2013 AUSTRALIA must play a leading role in urging a return to democracy in Fiji, where the military dictatorship has entered its seventh year. A softening in regional diplomacy as a pre-emptive reward for a promised democratic reform timetable is now starting to look like a misstep, as the new constitution hits another roadblock. By trashing the proposed draft constitution, the country's unelected military rulers are showing disregard for repeated assertions that they are committed to returning the country to democracy. Their latest move deserves the unequivocal condemnation of the Gillard government. |
The draft is the work of a five-member commission appointed by the regime but headed by the internationally respected constitutional expert professor Yash Ghai, and was supposed to produce a constitution that would form the basis for free and fair elections next year.
But the draft clearly is not what military strongman Frank Bainimarama and his colleagues want. The blueprint for a Fiji in which the army would have to stay out of politics and restrict itself to the defence of the country, and in which the military rulers would have to cede power to a transitional administration ahead of elections, is not what the top brass had in mind. So 599 of the 600 copies have been unceremoniously burned. With Commodore Bainimarama's right-hand man, Land Forces Commander Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga, saying Fijians "are happy with how things are and feel there is no need for an election" a constituent assembly of prominent Fijians handpicked by the regime will now meet to draw up a new version -- no doubt a constitution that will suit the demands of the military rulers. |
Government Legal Con Artists pouring the midnight oil over Draft Ghai Constitution:
Khaiyum-Pryde re-working on Constitution Commission expert papers reputedly supplied by regime "spy" Nandan
 Mole in the regime's bag?
Fijileaks has been reliably informed by its sources in both the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General's offices that Aiyaz Khaiyum and Christopher Pryde were allegedly regularly receiving from one of the Commissioners, Satendra Nandan, briefings, notes of Commission meetings, recommendations, and copies of papers submitted by experts to the Constitution Commission.
And that Nandan was aware that Professor Yash Ghai was going to print and distribute copies of the Draft Constitution. Nandan (who claims he was not aware of Ghai's plans) has not responded to our e-mails. |
Among the papers passed to Khaiyum and Pryde is one titled "A Legal Framework for Crafting An Effective Access to Information Regime In The Fiji Islands". We will be publishing it soon. Among the recommendations is one section dealing with political parties.
We have been informed that on Tuesday Khaiyum will put in place the Registration of Political Parties Decree which will set new and internationally accepted standards of political party governance. However, "A Legal Framework for Crafting Effective Access to Information Regime", while calling for State institutions, including the military, to make available to the public its finances for inspection, has reservations regarding the political parties. The expert report says: "It is recommended that Fiji debate the positive and adverse impact of including political parties within the ambit of the proposed access law. It may be difficult to get the support of political parties to agree to this idea if they do not receive State funding and are entirely dependent on donations from individuals and other private entities." |
SDL to Regime: |
POLITICAL PARTIES FURY: BEDDOES says its COUP FIVE, President had no legal basis to act and comment on Ghai Draft; FLP: current regime most corrupt administration Fiji has ever known |
Presidential Lies: |
THE GHAI CONSTITUTION DUMPED: Nailatikau and Bainimarama will give new Constitution to Fiji; Public told its no longer crime to read ditched Ghai Constitution on the Internet (and the 599 confiscated printed copies)
Military appointed President calls "spade a spade" - but digs himself out of the script
His job was up for grabs in Ghai Draft; acts in violation of Constitution Decree (58:Sec 6) and unilaterally (?) bins it to remain at Government House
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"My fellow Fijians,.....:
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HOLDING nation to ransom by shifting constitutional chairs: The Laughs Say it All and President wants to stay afloat at Government House - under Ghai Constitution he no longer had "Presidential door key" for life
The treasonous and UNELECTED Prime Minister outlines new constitutional soap opera for Fiji; now he will INVITE you to join his Constituent Assembly cast, so no need to Apply to HIM; He could not trust previous CA applicants to make changes to Ghai Constitution "My fellow Fijians
I firstly wish to thank and acknowledge the leadership and wisdom shown by His Excellency our President. Our vision to create a truly democratic nation under an elected parliamentary system will be etched in history, thanks to His Excellency our President. As requested by His Excellency, the Government's legal team* will amend the Ghai Draft to ensure that the draft Constitution presented to the Constituent Assembly is one that is positive; addresses fundamental issues of good governance; will result in an enduring Constitution; and guarantees true democracy. As His Excellency has highlighted, there are a number of key provisions in the Ghai Draft that are most valuable, in particular to do with accountability, transparency and enforcement of human rights which incorporate socio-economic rights.
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MURDERS MOST FOUL AND NON-NEGOTIABLE IMMUNITY PROVISIONS IN THE GHAI CONSTITUTION:
Bainimarama, Aziz and other "cold-blooded murderers" running away from long arm of the law wrapped in the sulu of immunity
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By VICTOR LAL 
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Regime drowning in self-deceit: "Mole" in Commission tipped off coupists of unpalatable contents in Draft, says Beddoes SPOT the "mole"
Former Opposition Leader & UPP President Mick Beddoes said all of the current ‘hoopla’ over the leaked document is self inflicted, but is being used by the regime as part of its ‘strategy’ to ‘discredit’ its own appointed Commission Chairman and certain members and with them the draft so as to justify the planned ‘amendments’ to it during the CA passage, so that all of the provisions that require them to become accountable or have their decisions subject to challenge in a court of law for example, can be removed....
Beddoes
said all law abiding citizens who seek a return to democratic governance should
be grateful to those individuals within the commission who exercised empathy
and good moral judgment by releasing the draft documents as was originally
intended by Decree 58 so that the people can remain engaged in the process and
discuss and debate their draft constitution despite the Regimes underhand and
questionable efforts to exclude them." Read full statement here
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Professor Nandan's Written Statement to Fiji Sun, 5 January
To: [email protected]
Subject: Press statement by Professor Satendra Nandan re: Neutrality of Constitution Commission Dear Maika As discussed on the phone a while ago, here is my statement re: the above. "I speak for myself alone -- I considered myself as an independent, impartial Commissioner with political neutrality. I was deeply honoured to be appointed to the Constitution Commission by the Prime Minister. I followed scrupulously the terms laid down in Decree 57 which established the Constitution Commission, without fear, favour or bias. I listened to and read all submissions with the respect and attention they deserved.Occasionally robust discussions on important issues took place among the Commissioners and these were resolved and recommendations reached consensually. I listened to the experts, both local and international, but the conclusions were mine. Consequently we have an extraordinarily thoughtful Draft Constitution -- a copy of which was presented to the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau on Friday 21 December. The President received it most graciously. That is the only copy of the Constitution I have seen. I do not have a copy with me. It is now for the Constituent Assembly, as defined in the relevant Decree, to consider the Draft Constitution and produce the final document. That, one hopes, will be the new Constitution for a new Fiji, which the citizens and their well-wishers richly deserve." With best wishes Satendra Nandan Tel: 903 4015 |
What Fiji Sun published on 7 JanuaryCommissioner tells
Nandan: No ok to Ghai to print draft By MAIKA BOLATIKI Controversy over Constitution Commission chairman Professor Yash Ghai’s actions is growing. No decision was made by the Constitution Commission to controversially print extra copies of the Draft Constitution, a commission member has now confirmed. Professor Satendra Nandan, one of three local members of the commission chaired by Kenyan academic Professor Ghai, told the Fiji Sun: “I can confirm that there were discussions about the printing of the copies of the draft but we did not reach an agreement.” When asked if he was aware of the hundreds of copies being printed by Professor Ghai, Professor Nandan said he was not. Police confiscated the copies after being tipped off that Professor Ghai had these printed and was planning to distribute them outside the mandate of the commission. Boxes of these are now being held by Police. They are expected to be handed over to the Constituent Assembly when it meets to publicly debate the draft, consult with people and finalise the constitution. Professor Nandan stressed he was only aware of the draft copy that was handed to President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau on December 21 by the commission. Ratu Epeli was then to hand this to the Constituent Assembly, “The President received it most graciously,” Professor Nandan said of the draft. “That is the only copy of the Constitution I have seen. I do not have a copy with me.” Professor Nandan is a distinguished Nadi-born academic and author and former parliamentarian. He migrated to Australia after Sitiveni Rabuka in his first 1987 coup removed and detained the Bavadra Government in which Professor Nandan was a minister Professor Nandan spoke amidst mounting questions about both the neutrality of Professor Ghai’s actions and proposals in the draft constitution. These are seen to go against the reforms since 2006. |
SEE NO EVIL, HEAR NO EVIL: NO BURNING TOOK PLACE
“I did not know and surprised as nothing of this sort happened. We are standing by our earlier statement,” Police Commissioner Naivalurua tells FijiLive in response to Rajendra Chaudhry's posting of these photos on his Facebook
FIJI'S BURNING SHAME:
Khaiyum's Police arsonists burn Draft Constitution as Professor Yash Ghai weeps in grief
"I was saying why are you setting it on fire? You have shredded it, nobody can put it together or you can just take it with you and you can cut up a bit further, but they insisted on, they brought a tin of kerosene and spread all the papers, brought some stick with a flame at the end and started the burning of it, and every few minutes or seconds they would come and put another dose of kerosene, so the flames would rise up again until everything was reduced to ashes." |
NONE DONE - Nandan's Requiem for The Draft Ghai Constitution:
“I can confirm that there were discussions about the printing of the copies of the draft but we did not reach an agreement...When asked if he was aware of the hundreds of copies being printed by Professor Ghai, Professor Nandan said he was NOT...“The President received it most graciously..That is the only copy of the Constitution I have seen. I do not have a copy with me.”
A non-Gandhian Lie or Misquoted by Fiji Sun Comfortable with 2006 Coup
Fijileaks can reveal that Satendra Nandan, formerly the Director, Transparency International, Fiji; Director, Gandhi-Tappoo Ashram for Peace & Ethics, Writing & Dialogue at the University of Fiji, chairman of Aiyaz Khaiyum's dreaded Media Development Authority, author of Fiji: Paradises in Pieces and Requiem for a Rainbow: An Indian-Fijian Journey (his autobiography), and until recently a Commissioner on the Constitutional Review Commission was fully aware (with other fellow Commissioners) of the CRC chairman Professor Yash Ghai's plans to print copies of the Draft Constitution and the Explanatory Note, and to publish a shorter version of the Explanatory Note in the Fiji Times. Fijileaks understands that Ghai told Pio Tikoiduadua from PM's Office that the Commission would be printing many copies and also have an insert in the Fiji Times. Tikoiduadua encouraged Ghai to do so.There was nothing underhand about this--Ghai made public statements to this effect--his talk of the "Christmas present to Fiji" was based on this assumption. Fijileaks can also reveal that Nandan was with Ghai when the chairman, at a gathering which included diplomats, had revealed his intention to publish copies of the Draft Constitution for the general public. At the same meeting, according to those present, Nandan also highly praised Ghai, for the Draft Constitution and Explanatory Note, including his (Ghai's) leadership and "a wonderful process". For Professor Ghai, as the signatures of his fellow Commissioners reveal in the next column, always consulted them before taking any decisions. The Australian/Fijian citizen Nandan was equally aware that Ghai was releasing the Draft Constitution through Victor Lal on Fijileaks. The well-known regime supporter Nandan, who had described Frank Bainimarama as God-sent to Fiji, and that the 2006 coup was lesser of the two evils, is either LYING or has been MISQUOTED by the pro-regime Fiji Sun.
Editor: Fijileaks asked Nandan to comment on his Fiji Sun statement but he has not replied to us. |
“To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest.” - Mahatma Gandhi |
MONEY, MURDER, MILITARY, MOTIVE & MOSESE'S MOUTHFUL OF MISSIVES
He tells Fiji Sun: "We carried out coup to make Fiji truly multi-racial - There is no turning back"; Fijileaks says: "Military carried out coup to stop Qarase Government from arresting Bainimarama & his thieving army top brass officers for massive fraud in conspiracy with Padam Lala of Lotus Garments Ltd"
FRAUD suspects on the run from law since 2006By VICTOR LAL 
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"The reports of the Auditor General must be made public and may include an assessment of the general management of public finances. People complained that audits take a long time to come out and by the time they do, it is too late to do anything..." The Ghai Constitution |
"If the military believes it has credible evidence sufficient to remove CP (Commissioner of Police), then I suggest you must convey the same to the approrpiate authority, i.e. COC (Constitutional Officers Commission)" - Minister for Defence Vosanibola to Bainimarama, who wanted CoP Andrew Hughes out of Fiji to avoid fraud and murder investigations
DEADLY MESSAGE FOR NEW YEAR
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The Whisperer's Corner 
The award winner has taken possession of an office on the fourth floor and has taken to treating the natives as if he was the colonial governor.
The top floor office formerly occupied by a (legal) government law team - and before that by the governor - is attracting his attention. But, as always in the brave new Fiji, there's a problem. Somebody higher up (and not unknown to the award winner) wants it. The gravy train standing at Suva station is ready to depart. All aboard, all aboard. The passengers, each carrying a copy of the "official" Draft Constitution are all strikingly similarly dressed in green. Why would that be? |
BEGGAR TO BULLY:
BUT once upon a time he had to ask permission
to even go for medical treatment abroad
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What the Ghai Constitution is recommending: 
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FLP: "We did not apply to Constituent Assembly"; |
Fijileaks Editor:
Mr Bolatiki, according to sources inside the Prime Minister's Office, was given a glimpse of the pile of letters by Mr Tikoiduadua which were being sorted in the PMs office. Bolatiki saw the letters from the parties (presumably not the contents). See Fiji Sun reply: Labour Party asks on Assembly make-up See FLP reply: Labour replies to Pio Tikoduadua 
TEMPTING BUT...Will CA members be booted out like these lot if Bainimarama feels they are not going to endorse his version of the Draft Constitution?
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Tearing Up the Fiji flag but wrapping himself and cohorts in Immunity under The Ghai Constitution
Frankly speaking, Bainimarama wants immunity for he fears sharing cell with Speight, Silatolu & Co for his role in the overthrow of Chaudhry government and plotting to treasonously overthrow the Qarase government in 2004, and finally succeeding in 2006 - not to forget the murders of CRW soldiers; he wants Union Jack removed from Fiji flag after he was chased out of British military barracks in UK
Article 174, Clause (4): “A member of any security service must not obey a manifestly illegal order and is justified in refusing to obey such an order.” The Ghai Constitution 
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Ratu Timoci Silatolu to Bainimarama: "The principle of 'Doing to others what you would like to do to you', I noticed is not practiced because as soon as you secure your job, you called for others to be removed from theirs." He was commenting on the removal of Colonel Tuatoko and others who refused, in 2004, to go along wiith Bainnimarama to overthrow Qarase government for he feared his contract would not be renewed for another five years
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By VICTOR LAL The world-renowned constitutional expert and chair of the Fiji Constitution Review Commission Professor Yash Ghai has requested us to release, on his behalf, the slightly revised and authentic Draft Constitution and the supplementary documents that he, along with his fellow Commissioners, presented to the President of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, on 21 December 2012. In a covering note below he explains why he has taken the unprecedented step to release the documents in this way:
BY PROFESSOR YASH GHAI |
 Blunt Speaking
This short note is in response to allegations by senior members of the Fiji Government and the RFMF that the Constitution Commission violated the law when it ordered the printing of 600 copies of the Draft Constitution.
The process for the making of the constitution was negotiated largely between the Attorney-General, Mr. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and me. I insisted on a legal framework for the process, so the Commission would have a clear guidance on its responsibilities and the protection of its independence, and the public would have an understanding of the process and their participation in it (contrary to the view of the AG that there should be no law on the process). Originally there was to be one Decree covering the whole process, the first draft of which I wrote. The AG divided the draft into two Decrees, one covering the Commission and the other the Constituent Assembly. I insisted that the Decree on the Commission should be as I had drafted it (with the exception of the provision on immunity of those involved in previous coups, excluding the 2000 one). But significant changes were made as regards the Constituent Assembly which I was opposed to (which were set out in a joint statement by the Commissioners when the Decree was published). It was agreed throughout that the process would be highly participatory (the PM has said that every Fijian must have a voice) and that the Commission would be completely independent. Both Decrees guarantee that the process would be “inclusive, participatory and transparent”. The process was defined to include public consultation on the draft constitution by the Commission, and the submission of public views to the President for transmission to the Constituent Assembly. The Commission was to ensure that all the people were able to participate in the process, and to show “manifest respect for people’s participation” and of their rights. The Commission had to inform the people the progress of the process so that they understood the issues under discussion. The participation of people was also reiterated in an important objective of the process: “true and sustained democracy”. The Commission also had to publish an Explanatory Report summarising as concisely as possible and in a way that the people understood the recommendations embodied in the draft constitution and the reasons for those recommendations. It was within this framework that the Commission decided on its engagement with the people including publishing the draft constitution and consulting the people. However on 31 October when the Commission had already made some decisions on the draft constitution and were planning public consultations, that a Decree was published without any consultation with or advance notice to the Commission that there would be no public consultation. There was no mention whatsoever that the Commission could not publish the Draft Constitution and the Explanatory Report to the public. Indeed even after the October Decree, both the original Decree retained statements about the consultation and the duty of the Constituent Assembly to take public views into consideration (for example sec. 8 (1) (c) of the Decree mentions the function of the Assembly to “debate the Draft Constitution, Explanatory Report and the view of the people expressed on the Draft Constitution”). It is not unusual for important reports to be presented to the Head of the State. This in no way precludes distribution of the report to the public. |
 Khaiyum gets mastery lecture in ethics and legalism
If the overall objective of the process: participation of the people and the responsiveness of the Commission and the Assembly to their views, is to be respected, it is imperative that the Draft Constitution and the Explanatory Report should be available to the public immediately after they have been presented to His Excellency the President. It is on this assumption that we ordered the printing of a sizeable number of copies and were about to publish other material to assist the public when the Commission was told that it was not to publish any material relating to the Draft Constitution.
The position of the Attorney General is extraordinary, and hard to understand. The Decrees make clear that the Draft Constitution that the Assembly has to consider is that produced by the Commission—none other. It therefore makes no sense to say that the Draft cannot be released to the public. In none of the nearly 20 constitution making process in which I have been involved, or others that I have studied, has the commission been told not to publish the draft constitution. What happens to the Government’s objective of a “true and sustainable democracy” if the people are not allowed to read and discuss the Draft Constitution? The Assembly has been given a maximum of 9 weeks to consider the Draft and adopt the constitution. Inevitably a week or more will be taken up to swear in and induct the members, adopt the rules of procedure, assemble a secretariat. The documents that the Assembly members have to read, understand and debate are long and complex. When are they going to have the time to explain the documents to the people and seek their views? Under what moral authority has the Government changed the process more than half [way] through the period given to it? The Commission and even more the people have the right to expect that the rules and procedure governing the process as set out at its start will be respected and observed. It is on this basis that they engaged in the process.The change of rules has also seriously interfered with the independence of the Commission. The dissemination of its work is surely a matter for the Commission, especially given the emphasis on the participation of the people. And is the printing of a decree any different from the phone call from the PM or the AG to the Commission to desist from their legitimate activities? Would the latter not be a clear instance of the violation of the independence of the Commission? The illegal ban on the publication of the Draft Constitution and the Explanatory Report has led to circulation of legal texts purportedly as the Commission’s documents. This has resulted in considerable misunderstandings and confusion. The authentic, and the only valid, documents are those that I presented to the President on 21 December 2012. I have therefore decided on my own responsibility to release copies of the authentic documents to the public. Yash Ghai 1 January 2013 |
ANGRY PARTY SUPPORTERS: |
DELUSIONAL NONSENSE SPEAK: Beddoes slams Tikoitoga's claim military "last bastion of defense for the people of Fiji and that there is an enveloping comfort that the force exists to deal with both internal and external threats"
STATEMENT |
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1999-2013: CERTIFICATE FOR DICTATORSHIP |
FIJI 2013: Youth activist Pita Waqavonovono Faces Up to Blue goon bullies over
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United Front for Democratic Fiji - SDL, FLP, UPP Joint Statement:
We endorse Draft Constitution, apologise to Ghai for personal abuse and degrading treatment he was subjected to, and denounce unmandated military for such barbaric behaviour; Release Draft Constitution
to public of Fiji for debate and discussion - it is Peoples Document
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In a joint statement issued today (31 December), the main political parties in Fiji, the SDL, FLP and UPP have unanimously endorsed the Draft 2012 Constitution. The statement said that the Parties having perused a copy of the draft constitution and supporting documents presented to the President by the Chair of the Constitution Commission Prof Yash Ghai, were satisfied that the people’s views and submissions had been fairly reflected in the document.
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While there may be some areas of concern on a small number of issues, on balance the party leaders felt it was a constitution they could work with. The draft constitution provides a sound basis for the governance of the nation based on the universal principles of respect for and the protection and promotion of human rights.
Read full statement HERE |
Land Force commander tries to wrong-boot Ghai:Tikoitoga says Commission chairman had no legal right to print Draft - "We seized 600 copies and destroyed 599; one copy with President"; Editor: And (yet) in Fiji Sun he was condemning recommendations (Except Immunity) in the Draft Copy leaked by Fijileaks - Where did he get a copy?
 Regime frontman of spin
THE draft constitution was seized and destroyed because the Constitution Commission has no right to either print or distribute them. The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Land Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga made the comment in reaction to allegations by the outgoing chairman of the Constitution Commission, Prof Yash Ghai during an interview with Radio Australia over the weekend.
However, he said the commission was only required under the Fiji Constitutional Process (Constitution Commission) Decree 2012 to give the draft supreme law to the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau. "We stopped the printing of the 600 copies draft document because what he (Ghai) did was illegal," Lt-Col Tikoitoga said. |
He said under the decree the draft document would only be released after being sighted, scrutinised and deliberated by the Constituent Assembly. "The decree was clear, it dictated the work of the commission," he said. Lt-Col Tikoitoga said Prof Ghai' s job was to write the draft document and present it to the President. "Why did he go ahead to print 600 copies?," he questioned. "The President doesn't need 600 copies but just one copy to view. That is why we confiscated the document while it was still being printed," he said. Lt-Col Tikoitoga said Prof Ghai's motives were clear thus resulted in the destroying of the 599 copies of the draft document. Editor: Tikoitoga is contracting Qorvis man on the spot and Bainimarama lackey Graham Davis who had claimed that the seized documents were not destroyed but are being held until the Constituent Assembly met in the New Year. The above story is sourced from Fiji Times: No right to print draft. Now, Tikoitoga has done another U-Turn, claiming he has been misquoted: Colonel Tikoitoga questions Ghai, Fiji Times. On Tikoitoga's pontificating morals, see Victor Lal: Key Fiji Military Figures are Sexual Predators; see Walsh, the regime's "Kitchim Poppi" mouthing very similar Tikoitoga arguments against Professor Yash Ghai
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By RUSSELL HUNTER |
“Where they have burned books, they will end in burning human beings.” Heinrich Heine, German-Jewish poet MOPPING UP "Nazi Säuberung" ASHES |
Fireball of Lies: |
"The printer's proofs were burnt, not the Draft. No draft copy was torched. Change it or you're not a journalist's arse hole."
Fijileaks had posted what was reported to them, and in the absence of any Government statement at the time. Apologies for any confusion, and our appreciation to Davis for informing us of what he claimed was the present status of those confiscated Draft copies. We do not know if Davis has seen the copies or is taking Nandan's word for it.The regime claims the confiscated copies are in the custody of Fiji police. |
WHO GAVE THE FIRE ORDER?Fijileaks can reveal that Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum gave police order to seize Draft Constitution copies and burn the shredded copies in front of Ghai at the printers when he found out that the Constitution Commission had arranged with FIJI TIMES (his bugbear national newspaper) to insert summary of Draft into the Saturday edition which would have gone throughout the country |
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Meanwhile, read and listen to Ghai's interview with Radio Australia of the fire incident and his verbal abuse at hands of police at the printers 
As we had reported some days ago "Fiji's Xmas Gift Up in Flames", Professor Yash Ghai has now confirmed that copies of the Draft Constitution meant for public circulation were seized and three copies used by the printers for proof reading were shredded and set alight in front of him despite protestations, and that he was also verbally abused by the police.
In a wide-ranging interview with Radio Australia's Bruce Hill, Ghai describes what happened when he received a call telling him that police had arrived at the printers to confiscate the copies of the proposed new constitution: HILL: So was this in any sense legal? Was there a warrant to take these? Was this simply as you say a confiscation of what was officially the Constitution Commission's property? GHAI: No there were no instructions, no written instructions. In the beginning he just said this printing is illegal, and I said under what law? He said under the decree, he meant the decree which governs the process. And I said no, on the contrary, we are completely independent and we decide how we distribute our documents. Then I said he contradicted me, abused me, then I said are you a lawyer? He said no. I said well I am, and I've been working under the decree. And then it seemed that it was a bit pointless, so then I stopped trying to persuade him. HILL: Now I understand that there was another incident just on the tail end of this in which some shredded copies of the final document the printers had used for proofing, were actually piled in front of you, soaked in kerosene and set on fire? GHAI: Yes exactly and I was saying why are you setting it on fire? You have shredded it, nobody can put it together or you can just take it with you and you can cut up a bit further, but they insisted on, they brought a tin of kerosene and spread all the papers, brought some stick with a flame at the end and started the burning of it, and every few minutes or seconds they would come and put another dose of kerosene, so the flames would rise up again until everything was reduced to ashes. " If this was indeed an order from the government then it shows such contempt for our work, and in turn contempt for the people who had come out in their thousands and thousands to give us their views" |
"I thought that this was some sort of symbolic act on the part of whoever gave the orders to tell me that this is how we will treat your work." Professor Yash GhaiHILL: As you were watching this draft constitution that you've been working on for months, what was going through your mind?
GHAI: Well I was of course extremely upset and I thought that this was some sort of symbolic act on the part of whoever gave the orders to tell me that this is how we will treat your work. And I felt extremely sorry, not for myself, but for the people of Fiji, if this was indeed an order from the government then it shows such contempt for our work, and in turn contempt for the people who had come out in their thousands and thousands to give us their views, participate in the process. And I felt really not just a betrayal, I just felt will Fiji ever have a democratic constitution. HILL: Given that this has happened, what do you feel now about the government's publicly stated commitment to return Fiji to democracy in a fair and transparent process? GHAI: Well I hope that the government will ensure that the Constituent Assembly that it proposes to establish will really be representative of the people. HILL: Given however that they quite literally made the constitution go up in flames in front of you, can you really have confidence that this government will actually do that? GHAI: Well I have to say this is very discouraging. HILL: Do we know where the actual physical printed copies of the draft constitution were actually taken away to by the police? GHAI: Well they didn't tell me. I heard some people say it will go to the Attorney General's office, some saying it'll go to the police station. And I had wanted to know because I had this letter they had signed saying they were taking it, but they won't tell me where it was to be taken. HILL: Given that this whole process is not your process, you were the chair of the commission, but it's very much everyone's process, a lot of people and groups in Fiji took part in this. What message do you think the people of Fiji should take from what's happened? GHAI: Well I don't know, I think they should continue to take part in the remaining stages of the process, which is the next one is convening of the Constituent Assembly. The government has said those who wish to be on the assembly should express their interest through a letter to the PM's office. And I believe that people should participate in the process despite their skepticism. HILL: Well given what you've just said they would have a right to be sceptical wouldn't they? GHAI: Well they indeed have a right to be, but I think institutions like this one has to do one's best to participate. I think people should participate even though they have reservations about the process. |
HILL: You've done this sort of thing all around the world, you've been involved in similar activities in Kenya, in Cambodia, you've guest lectured in Sweden and America and all over the world. Have you ever faced a situation like this where something this bad has happened and you've been personally abused by a police officer?
GHAI: No not really. I've had hard times in many places, but not quite to this extent, and I have never been in a process where there has been such an attempt to hide the recommendations of a body which was setup by this very government, which was encouraged to have a completely participatory process, which was assured they'll be completely independent. And if this is the draft to be discussed by the Constituent Assembly, I would have thought that in keeping with good process people should have had a chance to read and discuss this, which indeed was what we had agreed, and that was what was in the decree which started the process. HILL: Is there anything that we haven't touched on in this interview that you'd like to mention about what's happened and what it means for Fiji? GHAI: Fiji cannot go on like this. Fiji has to return to some normality, but above all it has to make decisions about the future, about working and living together, creating national unity around certain common values, which are sketched out in great detail in the draft constitution, and which we believe is what people wanted. This is what we gathered from our discussions with them. I'd very much like to be able to encourage all the sides to work together. This is not a question of party politics, this is a question of the national interests and a constitution has to be a consensus document, otherwise it fails to perform its essential function of a kind of social contract. I have done the best I could, I'm an outsider, I was privileged to be asked to chair it. I was able to look at all points of view with some objectivity, and to suggest a compromise, not even a compromise really because I think it's in the interests of all the groups that institutions, procedures, values we have recommended should become the foundation of Fiji. Fiji's Draft Constitution, 2012: |
Legal Flaws: Commission's legal experts ANALYSIS OF DECREES find many of Khaiyum's decrees
"objectionable, defective, incomprehensible, unacceptable etc"
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By VICTOR LAL 
HE has been mass producing cheap quality but highly toxic decrees from his ASK Decree Sausage Plc machine without any democratic production license to do so, and ordering voiceless Fijians to swallow them without uttering a word of protest, and blocking access to courts for redress.
Two of his illegal workers employed to operate the decree machine are Kiwi Christopher Pryde, and his side-kick, the Indo-Fijian Sharvada Sharma from S-G's Office. He has been playing Godfather with the Casino Decree; Lord of the Sea with the Surfing Decree, to name a few. Now, it has emerged that many of his decrees are objectionable, defective, and plainly unacceptable. The Yash Ghai chaired Constitution Commission has stripped them bare to the bone, like the cartoon (bottom right "Borat Fiji Mankini") and he has been brought to ground. No wonder, he has confiscated the Draft Constitution, and all other supplementary documents presented to Ratu Epeli Nailatikau. But you can read them now - just click on the link. Meanwhile, we will let the Commission speak to you through its Analysis of Decrees post 2009: "THE Commission has had to consider whether any action should be taken to remove or amend provisions of the Decrees made since the abrogation of the Constitution on 10 April 2009. A full Analysis of all the Decrees was done in October 2012 and has informed several of the decisions about the contents of the new Constitution.
This is a shortened version of that Analysis. It highlights the main features of the Decrees, and the problems with some of them. As before, the main focus of the analysis is provisions which offend human rights, by denying access to the courts, or breaching natural justice in executive decision-making... One provision found frequently in the Decrees and that is a cause of concern is the ‘ouster clause’ which purports to oust the jurisdiction of the courts.,," State Proceedings (Amendment) Decree 2012 Comment: In effect, this displaces the law of defamation in respect of statements made by the Prime Minister or other Ministers and protects them from legal consequences of public speeches or writings. The protection is extended to media organisations, which are not liable in any proceedings for broadcasting or publishing statements made by the PM or other Ministers. This is an unacceptable provision, as it allows the Government Ministers to say what they like about their critics, but their critics are still governed by the law of defamation; and by the fear of being prosecuted for sedition under the Crimes Decree 2009 (No.44/09 above.) A possible cure for the defect would be to suspend the laws of defamation in respect of debate on the constitutional process, or to extend the ‘public interest’ defence to make it clear that such debate is not defamatory. The ouster clauses are unacceptable. They should be repealed or declared to be of no effect. Fiji Constitution Amendment Act 1997 Revocation Decree 2009 Comment: The Decree was made the day following a Court of Appeal decision that the 1997 constitution was still the law (Qarase v Bainimarama). It amounts to a usurpation of executive and legislative power by the military authority. It will cease to have effect when a Government constituted under the new Constitution assumes office. Transitional provisions will be needed to provide for the assumption of office of a new Government. It is for consideration whether this Decree needs to be expressly repealed or it just falls away. |
Legal shoddy plumbers: Christopher Pryde (former Solicitor-General) and Sharvada Sharma, his successor, who helped draft third-rate toxic decrees
Revocation of Judicial Appointments Decree 2009
Comment: The ouster clause is a denial of the right to compensation for loss of office. Repealing it would restore those rights, and entitle former judicial appointees to bring action for damages...The position of existing judicial officers also needs to be considered. Land Use Decree 2010 Comment: There are no substantive provisions for the issue of leases so the Decree is defective as a legislative scheme. The whole Decree will need reviewing by a future Government for its effect on iTaukei land rights and the work of the iTaukei Land Trust Board. Part 7 is the ‘Fiji triple’ ouster clause (ousting jurisdiction in respect of the Decree, decisions under it and a certificate of termination). It is unacceptable and should be repealed or declared to be of no effect. Legal Practitioners Decree 2009 Comment: The Commissioner is a single judge of the High Court, and the opportunities for abuse, based on personal prejudice, are obvious. The Commission should have at least 2 lay persons sitting with the judge. Dairy Restructure Decree 2010 Comment: As in the case of the Momi Bay Development Decree (No.28/10 above) the Decree sets aside all other requirements for registration of title etc. (See also the Denarau (Nadi River) Development Decree 2011 (No.3/11) and the Regulation of Surfing Decree 2010 (No.35/10.) (In practice, fees are required for transfer of assets under this Decree.) More importantly, there is an ouster clause in section 24 which should be repealed or declared of no effect. Higher Salaries Commission (Revocation) Decree 2011 Comment: This Decree interferes with existing contractual rights and is objectionable in that regard...(It would appear that the Chair of this Commission was not consulted on the repeal. Several agencies had breached the law by not having brought salaries to the Commission for approval before awarding increases. Abolishing the Commission was one way of dealing with this problem.) Fijian Affairs (Amendment) Decree 2010 Comment: This reflects a policy decision about the naming of Fijian native affairs, and a future government might wish to review it, but no human rights issue arises. Action might be required to conform the nomenclature to the new Constitution. There is no instruction in the Decree what to do with words “Fijians” or where the word “Fijian” is prefaced by ‘indigenous’ or ‘native’, as it would render the prefacing word otiose. Criminal Procedure Decree 2009 Comment: One concern is that the rule-making power is in the hands of the CJ only, rather than a rules committee. And the CJ has been issuing practice directions rather than rules, which is not a desirable practice as it lacks clarity and certainty. Employment Relations (Amendment) Decree 2011 Comment: This Decree is inconsistent with the 1997 Constitution (section 33 and 34) and the ERP, as well as labour rights protected by the ILO. In addition, new section 266 seeks to oust the jurisdiction of the judicial bodies about employment matters. It is objectionable and should be repealed or declared to be of no effect. The whole Decree violates ILO Conventions and should be repealed. Fiji National Provident Fund Decree 2011 Comment: No action is proposed on this Decree, but there are some unsatisfactory features of it –- Withdrawals can only be made with the approval of the Board and cannot be used to buy income products that are not approved. However, the list of approved withdrawals is not published/ gazetted, which results in lack of transparency.- Departure prohibition notices can be issued against non-payers of contributions, and can be abused for small sums owed.- The ‘fit and proper person test’ for membership of the Board appears to have been used to exclude workers’/trade union representatives.This is objectionable as workers contribute half the sums to the Fund, but are not represented. (In practice, all appointments are apparently scrutinized by the PM and can be disapproved.) |
Media Industry Development Decree 2010
Comment: This Decree has several objectionable features and there are several sections that should be amended or repealed. For a full critique, see the separate Note on Media Decrees. The Decree should also be clarified as to the scope of its application e.g. whether it applies to websites maintained by NGOs. Editor: See also Marc Edge: Press freedom guaranteed, but only if. . . . Television (Amendment) Decree 2012 Comment:TV companies are ‘media organisations’ within the scope of the Media Industry Development Decree 2010, so they are already bound by the Media Code of Ethics and Practice. They need to be registered with the Authority and are liable to investigation under that Decree. The Authority can receive complaints about TV programmes etc. and refer them to the Tribunal. The Tribunal can impose penalties, but cannot revoke a licence or de-register a media organisation. This Decree goes further in respect of TV companies, and has been objected to as restraint on media freedom. If the Media etc. Decree withstands scrutiny (see the comments on Decree No.29/10 above), then this Decree does itself not represent a total denial of media freedom as it only adds an additional sanction for breach of the Media Code of Ethics and Practice. However, there is no right of appeal to the Tribunal, or to a court, and loss of a licence would mean the end of a TV company. At the very least there should be a more formal hearing, and the Minister should not make the decision alone. So the new section 4A should be repealed, or at least reviewed in these respects. (Editor: As Telecoms Minister Khaiyum has been punishing Fiji TV by giving it a six-monthly licence so far:Another humiliation for Fiji TV) Regulation of Surfing Areas Decree 2010 Comment: It is not clear that ‘used’ and ‘utilised’ have different meanings, and the terms ‘surfing’ and ‘water sport’ are not defined. Does it include e.g. sportfishing? Also, does the definition extend to future use of areas of water? There is no Gazetted list, which leaves the definition very unclear. This Decree can therefore be challenged for vagueness as to its exact scope. It has also been objected to as overriding indigenous (iTaukei) interests over reefs and foreshore (‘Qoliqoli’). Momi Bay Development Decree 2010 The power to expedite foreclosure and to transfer assets is acceptable, but the Decree goes on to displace all other statutory controls. Worse, in section 8, it purports to oust the jurisdiction of the courts in all respects whatsoever. So neither the developer nor any FNPF shareholder can challenge any of the actions done under the decree, which goes too far in this respect. It may be that the effect of the Decree is now spent and all the transactions Bank of South Pacific Ltd (National Bank of Fiji Ltd) Decree 2011 Comment: This Decree seeks to displace every other rule of law relating to the transfer. It does not, however, include the ‘Fiji ouster clause’ so that a review is still a theoretical possibility if there is someone with a grievance who alleges he has suffered as a consequence of the transfer.This Decree is for query, but no human rights action needed. Casino (Operator) Decree This confers an exclusive licence on One Hundred Sands Limited to operate a casino, and gives it a 15 –year tax holiday. The scheme confers functions on a ‘Fijian [sic] Gaming Commission and Control Board’ which does not exist at present. Comment: The drafting is very defective, almost to the point of incomprehensibility, and the policy might be open to question, but no human rights issue appears to arise on the substance of the Decree. There is however an ouster clause at section14 which should be repealed. 
Editor: Read also Victor Lal's investigation: Khaiyum-Bainimarama rolled out false casino dice: One Hundred Sands Ltd began as purveyor of agricultural produce and ‘deer farmers’ with no experience as multi-million dollar casino operator. The regime’s illegal pay mistress Nur Bano Ali and her husband in charge of company’s business accounts.
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PART TWO: Fijileaks "Boxing Day Gift"The Explanatory Report: Read alongside the Draft Constitution
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XMAS PROPAGANDA ROAD HUMILIATION SHOW: "Bula Lai. Put in a word for me for when we change places, eh?"
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Editor: We have received more than a hundred (and still counting) emails thanking us for delivering the Draft Constitution which faithfully reflects the balance of submissions received by the commission. It's the first genuine gauge of public opinion on the way ahead and the junta hates it. It's not possible to reply to you all but please be aware that every message has been read and we thank you for your support. We also most humbly ask that you spread this DC and ER as far and wide as possible. Vinaka!
Read the two documents, download, and distribute to every person in Fiji and beyond her shores! God bless the coup and cyclone victims! |
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The Whisperer's Corner 
The wasted one should share what she's smoking. She's told the credulous overseas media that 599 copies of the draft constitution were "delivered" to gold medalist CPR's office. Her mind may have been elsewhere when the green goons confiscated them. Or maybe she's just confusing her greens. Either way, she's a pull short of the full bong.
AND now we know why TM was so keen for the Constitution Commission to be transparent on costs. He didn't provide a cent. And yet he had the nerve to tell the learned Kenyan professor to leave Fiji by Monday last week as his task was finished. But tourists are welcome. Oh, Evans, he even sent the green goons to clean up resorts. And the Brits, EU, Kiwis, Yankees, and Aussies might not be too happy at CPR's typically ham-fisted attempt to suppress the Draft Constitution and the Explanatory Report. |
It's time they all spoke up.The Commission received a total of $1.77 million since inception and until 30th November 2012. A total of $636,218 FJD from the EU will be expanded during the months of December through February 2013.
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Fiji's "Xmas Gift" Up in Flames: |
Beat the thieves this MARY-Xmas: |
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Adieu, Fiji: As Professor Ghai bids farewell Madam Nazhat Shameem to takeover chairperson of Constituent Assembly
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Professor Yash Ghai's Farewell Statement The Constitution Commission was honoured to present the Draft Constitution and the Explanatory Report to His Excellency the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, at Government House in accordance with Decree No. 57 of 2012. The Commission is very grateful to the President for his gracious welcome. He will present the two documents to the Constituent Assembly for debate and adoption, when it first meets, by the second week of January 2013. According to Decree 58 of 2012, the Constituent Assembly must complete its task at the latest by the end of the third week of March 2013.
The presentation was a fitting climax to nearly six months work by the Commission during which travelled extensively in the country seeking and listening to the views of the people. The Commissioners had the good fortune to meet thousands of Fijians to discuss constitutional reforms. Their submissions were invaluable to us in understanding the conditions in which Fijians in different parts of the country live, and their hopes and aspirations for the future. We thank them for their efforts in preparing the submissions and presenting them to us. We believe that people’s understanding of constitutional issues and possible options has been considerably enhanced. So far the present process has been the most participatory of all past constitution making processes and we hope that the people’s participation will continue through the period of the Constituent Assembly. The Explanatory Report is a record of the work of the Constitution Commission in preparing the Draft Constitution of Fiji. It contains an account of the processes of consultation with the public in general, and with specialised groups as well as Fijian and international experts. We thank the many groups and individuals who assisted us in these ways. In particular we thank Conciliation Resources for their help in setting up our office and managing our finances at the start of our work, and to the American Bar Association for the provision of overseas consultants and for help with the work of the research team responsible for the analysis of more than 7000 submissions. The report also contains a review of our funding, over 90% of which came from Australia, European Union, New Zealand, USA, and United Kingdom. We are very grateful for their generosity. We have reported monthly to them on our expenditure, supported by the necessary documentation. They have expressed complete satisfaction with our reporting. Now that our work has been completed, a financial audit will shortly commence, conducted by a leading accountancy firm. An expression of interest will be sent on Monday 24th December 2012. The audit report will be made available to the public. I want to acknowledge the government assistance in terms of vehicle, drivers and accommodation. And to the Strategic Framework for Change (SFCCO) Office for full assistance in terms of logistics for outreach programme and conference facilities, and concern for the success of the process. We were assisted throughout by the members of our secretariat who worked long and sometimes tedious hours, and always retained their cheerfulness. |
We cannot thank them enough for their labours. Our Executive Secretary, Keshwa Reddy worked efficiently and tirelessly, sometimes under great personal stress. His assignment involved a variety of tasks and contacts with a host of people and institutions, as well as supervising the work of the Secretariat. It is amazing that he never lost his sense of humour.
We would like to mention specially the imagination, efficiency and hard work of our Chief Draftsperson Phil Knight. He worked endless hours regardless of ill health; without his dedication, the Draft would not have been ready in time. I would like to thank my fellow Commissioners for their hard work and their commitment to their responsibilities. We worked very well together, learnt a great deal from each other, and developed a close and warm comradeship. All our decisions, reflected in the Draft Constitution, were reached unanimously, not without long discussions and lively arguments. We hope that all Fijians will have an opportunity to study the Draft Constitution and read this Report, and make a full contribution to the deliberations of the Constituent Assembly. It is particularly at this stage, when decisions on the new constitution are made, that people’s participation is most important. We hope that our efforts—and the efforts of thousands of Fijians—will not be in vain, and that democracy and human rights will soon return to this blessed and beautiful country, and its wonderful people. I end this statement on a personal note. It has been a great honour indeed to chair the Commission. It is not often that an outsider is asked to take this responsibility (although of course this is not unprecedented in Fiji where the previous constitution review was chaired by Sir Paul Reeves). Nor, I like to think, am I entirely an outsider. It has been my privilege to participate in public affairs in Fiji and work with not only the government but also civil society. I have spent time at the USP as a visiting scholar and a fair part of my research work has been on the Pacific Islands, particularly Fiji. Nevertheless, despite this honour and the warm welcome and hospitality I have received everywhere I went, an outsider I am. But I am deeply privileged to take part in this momentous exercise to change Fiji, promote national unity and restructure the state for greater integrity and service to people. For this honour I thank the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and the Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Yash Ghai Chair, Constitution Commission Suva 21 December 
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Constitutional Road Map: Professor Yash Ghai hands over draft Constitution to President Nailatikau at Government House
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MERCY NEIGHBOURS: AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND come to cyclone & flood victims rescue but no sign of Bainimarama's new found friends - India, China, Iran and North Korea (YET)
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2009: Bainimarama expels Aussie and Kiwi high commissioners; 2012: Beggar cant be an arrogant chooser, especially when no sign yet of Indian and Chinese comrades
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HIGH AND DRY: Good E'vans! Khaiyum's selfish priority fly visit to resorts as ordinary Fijians swim in floods
“Now it’s time for you and Sharon to get into the helicopter!” The Pilot said to Aiyaz. Then Lord Aiyaz got into the helicopter and shut the door. Water poured from the sky and rushed up from the ground. It rained. And rained. And rained...and the poor stranded child was left behind to look up to the helicopter with Lord Aiyaz and laughing Sharon in full flight
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Grahamdavisstyle: Regime propagandist shares tips with Government media liaison officers on spin journalism
The art of Turtle Journalism: Graham Davis speaking on 14 December to Government media spin doctors
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"Ungrateful" hostages Mahendra & Rajendra Chaudhry & others turned against saviour RFMF:
Military submission wants immunity freedom to act without restraint against future hostage-takers
In its submission to the Constitution Review Commission the RFMF wants immunity so that it will have unfettered powers, without fear of being sued in courts, to act decisively against future hostage-takers. As an example, it told the Commission:
"We have already heard of the hostage taking of Parliamentarians in 2000. Mahendra Chaudhary and others were held captive in parliament for 56 days. The RFMF made all efforts to protect them and ensure their well being. So much, we had to alter our operation plans and modus oprendi (operandi) to ensure no harm would come to them. What did the Republic of Fiji Military Forces get in return! All parliamentarians sued the RFMF! The institutions that protected them and brought them out of captivity were sued!" The RFMF cited the following cases: Mahendra Chaudhary v RFMF & Other; N. Kumar v RFMF & Others; Gyanendra Prasad & Nagamma Swamy v RFMF & Others; A. Singh v RFMF & Others; Rajendra Chaudhary v RFMF & Others; Gaffar Ahmed & Others v RFMF; Lekhram Vayeshnoi v CRFMF & Others. "This simple example is a testimony of the concerns of the RFMF. None of us wakes up in the morning and declares we will harm someone today. To the contrary, we wake up to ensure that through us there is a harmonious, peaceful and law abiding society where we all can live in. Where compliance to the laws are the order of the day. "If immunity is not granted, future operations will be affected as there will be questions raised regarding legal implication. We cannot leave this issue to chance and hope all will be good and resolved within its own time.The service persons deserve to be absolved from legal implications for the acts done from 2000 until the formation of a new government." |
These "ungrateful" hostages turned against the very RFMF which "rescued" them from George Speight's clutches in 2000
Ratu Ului Mara: RFMF Submission on 2000 coup pack of lies 
Frank Bainimarama, the illegal Commander of the RFMF was behind the 2000 coup; had ordered the CRW into parliament, illegally removed the President of Fiji Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara from office; betrayed the CRW, and murdered the CRW soldiers. Click here for more
____________________________________________________ RFMF Submission: The Speed ReadFijileaks offers a rapid guide to exactly what the submission says about key issues.
Click here to read key issues in RFMF Submission |
RFMF will stay in control: Army submission to Constitution Commission speak of Pakistan Model for Fiji
The RFMF, spotting a different logo (left) rather than the traditional one, made its much awaited submission to the Constitution Review Commission on Thursday 13 December, way past the deadline for submissions.
And there are no surprises, notably on the question of immunity. Basically, it wants to be in full control; for Fiji to be shaped in its vision, with a state based on the contested secular vision of the late Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founding father of coup-ridden and Muslim-majority Pakistan who wanted, in the face of a larger Hindu majority, a new nation carved out of Colonial India in 1947, and embodying the essential principles of Islam.
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"Although the Attorney General stands as a political office, in function, it has a ministerial jurisdiction as well as an administrative function. The functions of the Attorney General are unique. In recognising the same we submit that he/she’s inclusion in government be made through the nomination process outside of Parliament." RFMF Submission: The Speed ReadFijileaks offers a rapid guide to exactly what the submission says about key issues. Click here to read key issues in submission
HACKED?: Shortly after Constitution Review Commission uploaded the RFMF submission, it was hacked, and remains so at time of writing this story: http://www.constitution.org.fj/
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HATS OFF: RFMF submission cynically promotes the Godfather of illegal power Aiyaz Khaiyum - as future A-G without public mandate. The Pakistan Factor- Jinnah's contested secular vision of Pakistan a model for post-coup Fiji
Protecting Pakistan's Persecuted Hindus
It's a travesty of Pakistan's own founding principles that its Hindus - and not to exclude Christians and Ahmadis - have suffered so grossly...read here |
FICAC keeps Chaudhry waiting over Chief Registrar complaint for office abuse and falsification of documents
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Dial TT for Talei Tora: Military censor's mobile phone found in FLP leader's compoundLabour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry was somewhat intrigued to find a mobile phone lying on his compound. Inquiries revealed that the phone belonged to an Army officer. The incident occurred about a week ago, the morning after Mr Chaudhry returned home from his Sydney trip. He found the phone lying on the front lawn of his residence at Suva Point at about 8am the next morning. It had definitely not been there the evening before. He immediately informed the officer at the Suva Point Police Post realizing that the phone had either been deliberately thrown in, placed or planted on his property, and called for an inquiry. Constable Tawake took the report. Half an hour later, he returned to say that his inquiries revealed that the phone belonged to an Army officer, Ms Tale who was based at the RFMF headquarters in Berkeley Crescent. “I was somewhat intrigued but not surprised as I am aware of military and police surveillance on me and my family members,” said Mr Chaudhry. Click on this link to read more. Editor: The moblie phone belonged to Lance-Corporal Talei Tora, the military's media officer and censor enforcer. We would like to direct our readers to our fellow blogger C4.5 which published a list of names, a copy which we had also received, of those under surveillance. To avoid duplication, click the link underlined in blue to read the list |
SOLO FLIGHT : High Commissioner Mara arrives in Fiji for dressing down over Frank's farcical London tripThe career civil servant Solo Mara, Fiji's High Commissioner in London, according to Fijian immigration officials, has arrived in Fiji to explain himself to the self-styled Prime Minister and treasonist coupist Frank Bainimarama over the recent humiliation that was dished out to the dictator when he was in London for the sugar meeting. Despite arriving on a restricted visa, Bainimarama insisted on visiting his daughter at the Leicester army barracks. Mara advised him that the British government had set strict visa rules that included that he could not be driven on the M25 highway, the road leading from London to Leicester. However, Mara was forced to take Bainimarama to Leicester under cover of darkness for him to spend the night at the barracks. The British military found out, and issued photographs of Bainimarama to every guard room - basically a WANTED poster - instructing that he must be chased out of army properties. The British government also refused to extend his visa, forcing him to leave England on 1 December, for otherwise, he would have been treated as an illegal immigrant and possibly locked up in a detention centre. In retaliation, he is removing the Queen's portrait from notes and coins and has threatened to close down the Fiji High Commission in London. Mara was summoned to the British Foreign Ministry Office and reprimanded over the secret visit to Leicester.
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THE FACE OF THE FUTURE?: New Specimen Bank Notes left BLANK on the right-hand side for new Portrait
"I personally promise you this will still be worth 10 bucks a year from now."
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Coming soon:Regime lackey Kamlesh Arya seizes control of University of Fiji amidst allegations of corruption, sex and bribery
Coup free rider:
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The self-styled Prime Minister and coup treasonist Frank Bainimarama is calling on prospective candidates for the Constituent Assembly to send their applications to his Permanent Secretary Colonel Pio Tikoduadua before the end of December. The contact detail is as follows: [email protected].
Fijileaks to Tikoduadua: PAY UP YOUR CAR LOAN to Merchant Finance of Fiji before processing applications whether the prospective candidate is “a citizen of Fiji; a person of experience in public affairs; and must have utmost honesty and integrity in every respect.” Description: New Toyota Hilux D/Cab 4x4 FQ167; Contract: MA1221651; Cash price: $F65,000; Customer: Tiko48; Employer: Government of Fiji |
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Among family: Alisi (right) with Khaiyum, Nazhat Shameem and Ashwin Raj at A-G's conference . Tribal South Indian woman (middle photo) - Alisi's "common" ancestor and not Chief Lutunasobasoba or Lapita woman. Is it Alisi Daurewa or Alisha Darisipudi from South India? What is her tokatoka, mataqali, yavusa, village, province and can she trace her family lineage and language back to Tamil Naidu?
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LOST ANCESTOR: |
Routing for ancestral home:
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Minting Aussie links: Khaiyum's old boss Minter Ellison gets all Government legal jobs without tender
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"I am just a humble company lawyer and the opportunity to draft corporations legislation was just attractive to me. I am not political and was making no political judgment," protested Bruce Cowley in 2010, the Brisbane partner of the Australian law firm Minter Ellison. He was defending his firm's contract to review Fiji's Companies Act on behalf of the military government. Now, as revealed by Aiyaz Khaiyum this week, the new Companies Decree is expected to come into effect early next year. The Decree states how existing companies will be treated and new companies will need to be registered under the decree from next year. And Cowley will be explaining it all at the A-G's conference on 8th December. What he will not reveal is how much his firm was paid, and that FNFP had refused to hire the company despite lobbying from Khaiyum, for the asking price was too expensive. Cowley had also headed the inquiry team into Mahendra Chaudhry's tax affairs. Job for the old Aussie mates! So much for transparency and clean-up since the 2006 coup. We must not forget that Minister for Anti-Corruption Khaiyum had briefly worked for Minter Ellison in its Sydney office long time ago. The A-G's Conference will be opened by "The Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama OStJ, MSD, jssc, psc". No i-taukei lawyers are keynote speakers at the conference.
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Watching over Fiji:
Human Rights Watch want decrees lifted and stakeholders to have voice in new Constitution-making
5 December: 6TH ANNIVERSARY OF BIRTH OF DICTATOR FRANK BAINIMARAMA AND HIS COUP
 Warning on road map
TODAY is 5th December 2012, depending in which part of the world you are reading Fijileaks, and it is the 6th anniversary of Fiji's military coup on 5th December 2006.
Fijileaks special guest contributor Russell Hunter, the former editor-in-chief and publisher of Fiji Sun at the time of the treasonous coup, reviews the illegal regime's 6 year report card and the nation's ongoing trauma under the boot of Frank Bainimarama and his backers. |
Defiant and brave maramas protecting PM Qarase as another cowardly Marama - Bainimarama - takes over Fiji
"I don't trust the people" - Frank Bainimarama |
Khaiyumnacht, December 2012:
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Treated as pariah by Her Majesty's Government of Great Britain:
Military E-mail reveals order to keep dictator off British barracks - visa only from 24 Nov – 1 Dec,
2012
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PM in world role: So ran the headline in regime propaganda sheet The Fiji Sun, telling its readers on behalf of the self-styled Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama's spin doctors: "It is now official that Fiji’s Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has been elected the new chair of the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) for 2013. At the 42nd session of the ISC in London, the Prime Minister was nominated as chairman by Brazil and seconded by India. Of the 85 nations that voted for Fiji, Australia was the only one that abstained. After his election, the Prime Minister thanked the members for electing Fiji as the chair of the international body."
What was not disclosed was that Bainimarama was allowed into Great Britian on a "restricted visa" to solely attend the sugar meeting - like others before him, that is where his official duties ended. But, NO, he thought he was ruling Fiji, and as reported earlier, tried to gatecrash into British military barracks, only to be told in no uncertain terms, to stay out. We have already revealed that the planned "curry night" at Fiji's taxpayers expense was cancelled at the last minute following strict orders from the British Military High Command for the Fijian soldiers not to allow him into any of the barracks dotted around England. Fijileaks has obtained a copy of the e-mail sent out to commanding officers from the British army's headquarters, which reveal how he had already sneaked into one, spending the night with his daughter and brother-in-law until he was found out the next day, prompting a warning not to allow him into any more barracks. In response, like a child denied the lollipop, he went ballistic, ordering that the removal of the Queen's face from all notes and coins be brought forward, and even threatened to close down the Fiji High Commission in London. Bitter taste of his own medicine - sugar can turn sour! Just desert! The e-mail is reproduced to support our claims. |
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Hooking up in China:
Brigadier-General Aziz chum Sanjeev Pal in heavenly pleasure after fleecing victims and fleeing Fiji
HANDS ON THE JOB: Sanjeev Pal "killing two birds with one stone " - in heavenly exploits in China and protected by his chum Aziz from litany of charges in Fiji
KISS KISS, MONEY, MONEY
Litany of charges against Sanjeev Pal in Fiji One of the coup beneficiaries and former travel agent Sanjeev Pal, who facilitated tax evasion for Brigadier-General Mohammed Aziz, managed to leave Fiji for the United States despite a Departure Prohibition Order against him. Pal was one of those that turned against his close associate and civil servant Brian Singh in the purported fraud on converting business class tickets into cash. He turned state witness to avoid prosecution on potential charge of aiding and abetting. Brian Singh remains behind bars. Pal is alleged to have defrauded numerous individuals including finance companies and banks:
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Sugarcoated white lies in London: Sugar minister blames others for Fiji's rotting brown gold
The politicking has already begun. While accepting Fiji's chairmanship of the International Sugar Council in London, the self-styled Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar Frank Bainimarama told the gullible international participants why Fiji's sugar industry is in terminal decline: "Six years ago, my Government inherited a broken industry characterized by neglect, mismanagement, political interference, self-promoting trade unionists and corruption. It was used by some careless politicians as a way to win easy votes. But these votes were never translated into meaningful change..." Read full speech here
$F850 chicken curry party off: Currying favour leaves sour taste in Bainimarama's cynical publicity pot - more British army bases deny him access to Fijian soldiersFriday 30th of November 2012 had been set aside as "chicken curry night" in honour of Fiji's military dictator Commodore Frank Bainimarama. The Fiji High Commissioner in London Solo Mara had been ordered to fork out $F850 from the Commission's budget and give it to the wives of Fijian soldiers serving in the British army, to cook chicken curry for Bainimarama and his entourage. Now it has emerged that Tidworth military barracks, the "curry night venue", has been declared off-limits to Bainimarama because he has a "restricted visa" to the UK. Soldiers from the neighbouring Larkhill barracks had also been warned to keep away - so the "curry night is off". Many Fijian soldiers and their wives are hugely relieved - that they don't have to share food from the same pot - especially when the $F850 was from Fiji's suffering relatives and taxpayers: "Those who are rich by ill-gotten gains will meet their due justice," one said, and we "are grateful to the British military top brass for keeping Bainimarama off their premises".
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Gates firmly shut in his face: Bainimarama declared pariah from British military bases in UK. Solo Mara (right) was told to splash out $850 from budget for curry night. In retaliation to the snub, Bainimarama has ordered that the plans to remove Queen's head from Fijian notes and coins be expedited - sour grapes
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MARCHING ORDERS: Army top brass order Bainimarama off Aldershot - Home of the British Army
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The self-styled Prime Minister and head of Fiji's coup happy military forces Frank Bainimarama had a rude shock when he was informed that his present visa to London for sugar talks was a "restricted visa" which did not entitle him to enter British military establishments to fraternize with Fijian soldiers serving with the British army. The soldiers have also been warned by the British military top brass not to engage or entertain Bainimarama, who is regarded as a military dictator undeserving of diplomatic protocol. Aldershot barracks, referred to as the "Home of the British Army", has been declared off-limits to him. He is, however, believed to have booked a meeting at another military base - Tidworth - for a "curry night" and has secured a married quarters for the night. Fijileaks will bring you more on the story!
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Fijian soldiers at Aldershot celebrating Fiji Day 2010 - Bainimarama told to keep off base
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LOCKED UP - From Kalabu to RFMF Military Cells
Board of Inquiry Report on beatings of George Speight and other Nukulau bound prisoners
2013 Budget Blues:
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Wadan Narsey tells Radio Australia: |
FLP: "The sale of its overseas mission properties to the Fiji National Provident Fund is a case in point. The buy-out by the Fund of the State’s off-shore properties which would then be leased back to the State, smells a rat, as does the proposed sale of FINTEL shares to ATH which is 58% owned by FNPF."
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Join world campaign to oust Bainimarama as chair of International Sugar Association
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The International Union of Food Workers (IFU), a world-wide federation of trade unions representing workers in agriculture and plantations, food and beverages, hotels etc is calling on members of the International Sugar Organization (ISO) to refuse to give the chair of the organization to Fiji’s self-styled prime minister and military dictator, Frank Bainimarama.
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From Kick Out to Hand Out: Vote Buying Budget
Frank discovers it's election time so raids FNFP, again!
The Muppet reading the pie in the sky Budget - Bainimarama will form political party in March 2013
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Frank tap dancing to Master Khaiyum's budget - written by Aunty Nur Bano Ali, Ganesh Chand etal...nothing on Air Pacific, Ministerail salaries etc etc etc. Chand's FNU heard from Frank: " We will allocate $5 million, in
2013, for a new scholarship program to cover tuition fees for more than 1,000 students to undertake vocational
courses, through Fiji National University (FNU), to help them acquire specialised trade skills."
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Swampy deal: Qoliqoli owners bog down in their fight over destruction of Suva peninsula mangroves
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Traditional qoliqoli owners of the foreshore land at Waiboloa, Wailekutu have written to Frank Bainimarama, the self-styled Prime Minister and anti-Qoliqoli Bill critic, that the area earmarked for a proposed development project by major building
company Pacific Building Solutions (PBS) cease immediately. The company plans to cut down mangroves to develop the land. The Suvavou qoliqoli owners were joined in their protest by other Rewa qoliqoli owners who protested the destruction of mangroves between Fletcher Road and Raiwai. So far the Government has been deaf to the cry of the qoliqoli owners while Bainimarama has been more than happy to sit down with the PBS owners while opening their building projects like the re-development of the Wyndham Worldmark Resort on Denarau Island, Fiji worth $52 million (see photo opposite).
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Double-crosser: willing to sit cross-legged with Pacific Building Solutions building chiefs
PBS project: Construction is in its final stages, at the Suvavou headland, on the new R.B. Patel retail center worth $5 million. Officially named R.B. Patel Harbour Point, the new shopping center will be 3,000 m2 in size and provide a variety of new shopping options and business opportunities for the people of Lami including a new R.B Patel supermarket as its anchor tenant.
Head in the swamp
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Toktok Giaman:
Amalgamated Telecom to "buy" embattled BeMobile from PNG for reported $US100million
Plane ready for Bainimarama to fly out to sign deal
The Papua New Guinea government has chartered a plane for a day to fly out Fiji's self-styled Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama to Port Moresby next week. He will arrive in PNG to witness the purchase by Fiji's Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Ltd of the embattled PNG phone company BeMobile for a reported sum of $US100million.
Fijileaks was told that BeMobile's CEO, Michael Ah Koy, the son of Sir Jim Ah Koy, was recently in Fiji for talks with the regime. It is also understood that PNG's Prime Minister wants to see a controlling share remain in PNG hands. So the final figure may be less, depending on the number of shares Fiji actually buys. Telikom PNG Limited holds 50% stake in BeMobile and 35% is held by General Enterprise Management Services International Limited. |
Last year, the Solomon Islands telecommunications regulator, the Telecommunications Commission of the Solomon Islands (TCSI), had fined Bemobile $US1million for failing to meet the deadlines set out in the terms of its license. Bemobile had to cover 50 percent of the Solomon Islands population by September 2010, and 75 percent by February 2011. Bemobile failed to accomplish both targets.
Bainimarama's arrival in PNG will coincide with the Pacific ACP Leaders meeting in Port Moresby, which will discuss Fiji’s participation at future PACP related meetings. It is not clear whether Bainimarama will attend the meeting. We will find out next week if the purchase, as they say in PNG, is toktok giaman - "rubbish talk or not". |
COUP HOG
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ROBIN PERCHES IN ARABIA
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STEAMY SAUNA SEX PADRE
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LAST ORDER AT THE BAR
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Professor Yash Ghai: Poverty and constitution-making are indivisible in Fiji
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The chairman of the Constitution Review Commission Professor Yash Ghai says the Constitution will need to address problems of poverty whether they are rooted in structures of State, economy or society. We publish three different but inter-related pleadings to the CRC on poverty in Fiji.
See also Professor Ghai's views on Poverty Talks public seminar organised by the CRC at USP. |
"Currently in Fiji there are at least about 35% of the population living below the poverty line and another 30% living not far above the poverty line. Thus roughly two thirds of our population either live in poverty or close to it.We have so much poverty and inequality in Fiji our Constitution must address it directly and seriously." - Father Kevin Barr |
Blot on landscape - poor trapped in poverty
Make poverty history campaign continues
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"I will be 74 years old in just over two weeks... Access to health care does not just mean physical access to a hospital or health centre, although this is a key issue. It also means access to quality and affordable medical supplies that are needed specifically for senior citizens." - Rachel Bhagwan |
"It is an honor to be representing all the Informal Settlements in Fiji today, sharing with you their challenges of Poverty which they believe needs to be addressed in the Constitution.For the past 50 years, I was really sad to witness how the poor and marginalized people of this Nation are living..." Ben Vakaloloma |
Gross security breach at Government House
The day Bainimarama was made to "eat humble pie" by Qarase government over
intruder doing push-ups in President's residence
The First Lady: "What are you doing? Intruder: "I am doing press-ups while the music is on really loud. I want to know what life is like in the Presidential home."
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By VICTOR LAL The treasonous and self-appointed Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was all smiles at Government House on Monday at the swearing-in ceremony of his rubber-stamp President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau for a second three-year term. As he mingled for those photo opportunistic shots one wonders whether his thought drifted to the day in September 2005 when the democratically elected Laisenia Qarase government had given him the right good balking for failing to provide adequate security for the previous incumbent, the late Ratu Josefa Iloilo and his family.
Those were the days when Bainimarama was told to play by constitutional rules - to listen to his line manager, the deposed but tough-talking Minister for Home Affairs Josefa Bole Vosanibola. The "push up workout" had made headlines around the world. The intruder was later identified as 25-year-old Iowane Tuinamasi who was apprehended after President Ratu Josefa Illoilo's wife had caught him doing push-ups in their official residence. Tuinamasi had jumped a fence, had evaded security and had broken into the house, and then turned on loud music and began working out. Investigating the commotion, the First Lady "noticed Tuinamasi doing press-ups while the music was on really loud". Tuinamasi pleaded guilty, telling the Suva Magistrates Court he wanted to know what life was like in the Presidential home. The no-nonsense Home Affairs Minister Vosanibola was not pleased at all, and decided to rebuke Bainimarama (see letter) in the strongest possible language, a chiding for which Vosanibola was never forgiven. He, along with Laisenia Qarase and others, was deposed in the 2006 treasonous coup. Vosanibola had told Bainimarama that the breach of security had called into question the military's ability to protect the Head of State and his family. Vosanibola was disappointed at the appalling standard of security at Government House. |
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BLACK MONDAY: President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau gets new lease of life (3yrs)at Government House to pass Frank's (and not Ghai) Constitution
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Wadan Narsey:
Beat censorship
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Precarious existence in poverty Fiji...Professor Ghai says the Constitution Commission will need to address problems of poverty whether they are rooted in structures of State, economy or society.
Prisoners bashed up at regime's will
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One Man, One Law |
Back to Future |
Aseri Rokoura's team tweaked: England 54 - Fiji 12
Leafleting war against Fiji's dicatorship
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British trade unionists flex own muscle at Twickenham - leaflets tell true state of play in dictator's rugby mad Fiji
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Trade unionists refuse to play soft ball as Fiji rugby team tours England and Ireland
The Fiji Trades Union Congress, the Trade Union Congress of Great Britain, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the International Trade Union Confederation have released a statement urging governments and rugby mad fans not to forget the continuing human rights abuses in Fiji, particularly of workers, since the 2006 coup. The statement is signed by Felix Anthony, Brendan Barber, David Begg and Sharan Burrow.
In particular, the statement points out that the manager of the Fiji rugby team is a military thug who has tortured trade unionists and civilians in Fiji. "The manager of the Fiji rugby team is Aseri Rokoura, a Major in the island's military, and the Prime Minister's personal official. He was appointed personally by the illegitimate Government of Fiji to run the national rugby team. Major Rokoura is directly implicated in some of the worst behaviour of the military regime. Victims report that he has ordered the beating of trade unionists and other activists, and that he has threatened not just trade union leaders, but their families, including their children." . |
The Stop the Seventy Tour campaign, an anti-apartheid movement aimed at derailing the South African rugby team’s trip to Britain by invading pitches wherever the Springboks played.
The protests worked and led to the cancellation of a planned South African cricket tour in 1970 and paved the way for the country’s sporting isolation.
Fiji's games are as follows: England at Twickenham (Saturday 10 November), Gloucester at Kingsholm Stadium (Tuesday 13 November) and Ireland A at Limerick's Thomond Park (Saturday 17 November). However, the trade unionists have no desire to stop the tour currently underway. But they do want to use "the opportunity to demand fair play for Fiji's people, and draw attention to the way that - even in rugby - the military dictatorship can't stop itself from exercising domination and control".
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Defending the Indefensible |
Walsh to Fijiwindblower: "Dear Unnamed, Other than from Victor Lal, no one has asked this question...I do not know how much the MOI spent on my visit but I could tell you how much it cost me if I thought it any of your business. I met all my expenses when I last visited Fiji. You did not ask my costs then. When you eat in someone else's house, do you ask your hostess how much the meal cost? And do you weigh your words depending on her reply? I'm struggling to see the relevance of your question. You do not ask how many thousands of unpaid hours I have spent on my blog over the past five years... I doubt that what I wrote influenced you any more or any less because it was unpaid labour? None of my own postings are anonymous and I have always been up front about my thoughts and possible biases. Nothing has changed because the MOI paid for part of my visit..." Fijiwindblower to Walsh: "Dear Professor Walsh...It is one thing not to ask your host how much it cost him or her to feed you but it is completely another if you saw that the host had actually stolen the goat from the neighbour to feed you." Fijiwindblower to Walsh: "The reason I am Unnamed is because, just like you, I am afraid in case you told the Government that I was questioning your bills - fear is not your personal property - you had every right, and understandably so, to arrive in our country unannounced because of the perceived or genuine threats from what you call "extreme anti-Bainnimarama" elements." How much was spent on this Kiwi blogger? It stinks of corruption and FICAC should launch a criminal investigation into the matter," Victor Lal said. Walsh also attacked USP journalism lecturer, Dr Marc Edge, who took the NZ blogger to task in his personal blog Croz admits he's also on the gravy train. Fijiwindblower says his only "crime" was to confront Walsh after he (Walsh) allegedly refused to upload his views on Walsh's comment site regarding the Fiji trip. |
Frank message to Professor Yash Ghai: |
Ghai to Radio Australia: |
Pied Piper Crozbie Walsh gets free trip to Fiji |
The Holiday Inn in Suva - Crosbie Walsh's base for assignment or a jolly good holiday at Fiji taxpayer's expense -regime mad dogs and pied piper Englishman
I did not attempt to meet any of the leaders of the old political parties because their views are already well known and I thought I'd gain nothing from interviewing them.
I tried unsuccessfully to speak with Raman Singh of the NFP and Krishna Datt, a former prominent FLP MP. I would also have liked to talk with someone from Multi-Ethnic Affairs, the Ministry of Lands and the US Embassy, but I ran out of time and the brain can only take in so much in a day. But I did talk with people from the Ministries of Trade and Industry, Health, Education, the iTaukei Land Trust Board, and Legal Aid. I'll be publishing reports on their work over the next few weeks. Having now "set the stage" I'm almost ready to report. Tomorrow, after golf, I'll start with some general impressions. Editor: Walsh and Sharon-Smith have not revealed the total cost of the trip nor has Sharon agreed to a similar all-paid trip for Fijileaks editor. |
Travel expenses racket: |
Editor: We have deleted the CVV2 (Card Verification Value)
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Home and Away: Taxpayers foot $67,000 hotel bills
Plain Jane?
Wakey, wakey! Waikiki Beach Walk Hotel
Super sleep while many in Fiji are having sleepless nights
A table for two, SIR?
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Professor Yash Ghai (CBE) on Madraiwiwi consultancy
"Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s attack on Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi is unfair. He has criticised him and the commission for improper and deceitful conduct. These are serious charges. For the record, let me set the facts straight"
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The Full Statement  BY YASH GHAI
"Prime Minster Voreqe Bainimarama’s attack on Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi for the consultancy with the Constitution Commission is unfair. He has criticised him and the commission for improper and deceitful conduct. These are serious charges. For the record, let me set the facts straight.
A constitution covers a wide variety of issues, some of considerable complexity. Members of a small commission such as ours cannot be expected to have sufficient knowledge of all the issues on which they have to make decisions. The Decree wisely provides for the commission to seek the assistance of experts on specialised issues. The experts can be local or foreign—we have had both. We have benefited greatly from the experience and research of local experts, some of whom were deeply involved in the preparation of the People’s Charter, and some opposed to it. It is not our practice to make public announcements when we appoint a consultant (nor are we required to do so). But we certainly do not hide our experts. If we are asked, as was the case with Ratu Joni’s appointment, we have not withheld information. We often invite government, military, academic and civic organisations to workshops which are organised around topics of the experts. We also try to organise a public event in the form of a seminar with our foreign experts, to educate and engage the people—with very considerable success. Members of the government departments, including the Prime Minister’s Office, have attended our internal workshops where Ratu Joni was present. When we were considering which local experts could help the Commission, we all supported Ratu Joni’s participation. That is hardly surprising. He is well known locally and internationally, not only for his wide knowledge and experience of the law, but of social and political affairs, a deep understanding of traditional cultures, and for his wisdom. He is admired for his strong sense of fairness. None of the local commissioners, despite their other excellent qualifications, has practical or academic experience of law. Questions of local law crop up all the time as we decide on the content of the constitution. The lack of submissions from relevant government bodies has made expert guidance on law more necessary, a task that Ratu Joni fulfilled admirably. |
 Ghai: No Conflict of Interest
When I first approached him for his assistance, he agreed readily, and indicated that he did not need a consultancy or a fee. It was under pressure from us that he accepted a consultancy, no different from other consultancies. He also made it clear that he was intending to make his own submission and asked us if this would create a conflict. The commission considered and concluded that there would be no conflict.
The contractual arrangements for the consultancy do not provide for an automatic payment for 30 days. This is the maximum period, but payments are made only for the days he worked for us. He neither claimed nor was paid for the day he came to the public hearing. It is alleged that Ratu Joni's position with the Commission was untenable because he appeared before us as part of the delegation from the chiefly island of Bau which supported the concept of a Christian State. Fiji is a small society and people function in several capacities and contexts. Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi is not only a legal practitioner with some years' experience, but a Fijian who has served in the public service and the judiciary as well as on the boards of civil society organisations concerned with human rights. He is also a traditional leader and it was in that role that he appeared before the Commission. Ratu Joni's views about Fiji as a secular, multicultural and tolerant society are a matter of public record, but he also respected what the people of Bau wanted. These contradictions are not uncommon in a country in transition and are part of the challenges the Commission faces in drafting a new Constitution. Throughout our work with Ratu Joni, we have found him a person of great integrity, knowledge and wisdom." Yash Ghai 4 November 2012 Editor: See self-appointed Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama's response to Professor Ghai's statement |
The illegal Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama responds to Professor Yash Ghai
"This is neither here nor there as far as the Government is concerned. It also demonstrates that there is no transparency in the appointment of consultants by the Commission..."
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The Fiji Government Statement  Tinpot calling kettle black
The Fijian Government rejects the claim by the Chairman of the Constitutional Commission, Professor Yash Ghai, that the Prime Minister’s criticism of the appointment of Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi was “unfair."
In a statement, the Prime Minister repeated his insistence that Ratu Joni’s appointment as a consultant to the Commission was in breach of the decree that established its terms of reference. “Professor Ghai knows that the decree stipulates that any staff or consultants engaged by the Commission must abide by its non-negotiable principles and be impartial. Those non-negotiable principles include a secular state, which Ratu Joni opposed when he lent his name to a submission calling for a Christian state”, the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister noted Professor Ghai’s statement that Ratu Joni was not paid his consultancy fee on the day he was party to the submission on a Christian state. “This is neither here nor there as far as the Government is concerned. It also demonstrates that there is no transparency in the appointment of consultants by the Commission. The fact is that Ratu Joni was engaged as a consultant on October the 1st . He was party to a submission against one of the non-negotiable provisions on October 12th and continued as a consultant until the end of the month. This breached the terms of the decree and there is no other way to portray it," the Prime Minister said. 
Former Pupil and Master from Hong Kong days: "SURELY, no conflict of interest here?"
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FIJILEAKS challenge to tinpot BAINIMARAMA |
Copy of Aiyaz Khaiyum's letter dated 4 September 2007 to the late President for approval of Bainimarama's salary and other perks and privileges accumulated from fruits of the treason tree - it has tripled in five years
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Hidden payments: what is their service fees?
Regime's paymistress - Khaiyum's aunty
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Regime's legal consultant
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Regime's Qorvis paid Fiji Sun columnist
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Regime's PR propagandist
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Fiji haven for rich picking under dictatorshp
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Regime's Prosecutor
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Workers short changed: Bainimarama regime slashes Wages Council pay deal by 50 per cent
"Various op-ed pieces, ads and letters to the editor in recent days have demonstrated the very divergent views held by different NGOs in regard to the coup. The Fiji Women's Rights Movement, the most outspoken anti-coup organization to date, printed a two page pull-out in the Fiji Times 12/16, "YES to Democracy, NO to Coups," in which it addressed and dismissed each of the RFMF statements used to justify its actions." "Some NGOs, on the other hand, appear to have bought into the military's arguments. Three social justice advocates [Barr, Paulo Baleinakorodawa and Semiti Qalowasa] from the Ecumenical Center for Research, Education and Advocacy (ECREA) published a long op-ed in the 12/19 Fiji Times blaming the coup on Qarase, and insisting the Commodore "didn't want it to turn out the way it did." The authors blame western countries for having a "narrow view" of democracy and argue that conformance to the rule of law should not be the only criteria by which the military's actions are judged. While acknowledging that some human rights violations may have taken place since the coup, the authors argue that the coup "is a time of great opportunity" to build "a nation where there is justice, compassion and inclusiveness." "Similarly, the 12/19 Fiji Times printed a letter from Rev. Akuila Yabaki, head of the well-known NGO Citizen's Constitutional Forum (CCF), in which he insists the military's motives are laudable. Yabaki agrees that Fiji needs to rid itself of "the coup culture" but believes that there is a "deeper malaise" that needs to be fixed first, that of "racist policies that do not serve the poor, but only serve as tools of manipulation" by the racist elites. Yabaki clearly implies that the military can be the instrument to move Fiji closer to the goal of an equitable, inclusive society. While Yabaki leads an organization that ostensibly aims to defend the Constitution, the Constitution was not mentioned in his letter." "The Qarase [government] was not popular with many liberal minded people in Fiji, who tended to cheer on Bainimarama from the sidelines as he lobbied insults and challenges at the government and its policies. Few, if any, of these would have supported a coup at the time, and were comforted by the Commander's oft-repeated mantra that he would never execute one. With the coup having taken place and the military doing its best to curry favor with a bewildered population by playing to populist anti-corruption and anti-bureaucracy sentiments, some of these groups and individuals are finding it hard to declare their allegiance to democratic principles over their ingrained dislike of the former government.
For organizations like CCF and ECREA, the twists in logic are breathtaking." Picture of the Week: GO to the Dogs, Fiji, GO!
FRANKLY Poverty in midst of Plenty
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Madraiwiwi payroll fallout |
Agreement signing: Vineeta Nand, British High Commission Senior Political/Communication Manager and Keshwa Reddy...UK provided F$145,330 to the Commission to help with their work
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TINPOT BAINIMARAMA CALLING KETTLE BLACK:
"Madraiwiwi was pocketting consultancy fees since October in breach of non-negotiable principles"
Constitution Review Commission must publish names and salaries of all its staff and consultants
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Its the classic case of pot calling the kettle black.
The self-appointed Prime Minister and treasonist Frank Bainimarama, whose own salary, benefits, kick-backs and entitlements is under wraps, has lashed out at the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) after "discovering" that former Vice-President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi has been pocketting consultancy fees since October as CRC consultant. Since Madraiwiwi was part of a delegation that made a submission to the CRC, Bainimarama said the Commission is in breach of provisions in the constitution decree that stipulate that its staff and consultants must observe the non-negotiable principles and be politically neutral. He is however silent on how and who chose the CRC chair Yash Ghai and other members to draft a new Constitution. |
Bainimarama said Madraiwiwi was party to a submission by the Bauan delegation calling for the declaration of a Christian state in Fiji and, therefore, breached the non-negotiable principles of political neutrality.
“One of these principles is a secular state in line with democracies like the United States, Australia and New Zealand,” Bainimarama said. “Ratu Joni was party to a submission by a delegation calling for the declaration of a Christian state in Fiji. “It now transpires that he did this while being a paid consultant to the Commission, which makes his position untenable.” He also said Madraiwiwi was a paid consultant to CRC from the beginning of October yet that had only become public knowledge last week. "His contract, which has been shown to me for the first time, says he started work with the Commission on October the first |
 Double dealer
and it expired yesterday [31 October]. I’m extremely disappointed to discover this and to find that he was being paid a daily rate as a consultant when he filed in with the delegation to argue against fundamental principles on October the 12th, as reported in the media.”
While questioning the impartiality of the CRC, Baininimarama now wants a new decree gazetted to force the CRC to publish the names and salaries of all its staff and consultants. He has instructed the Government to alter the terms of the decree covering the Commission’s activities. “Today’s Government Gazette promulgates a change to the decree requiring the Commission to publish the names and salaries of all its staff and consultants. While we appreciate the Commission’s work to produce a Constitution for all Fijians, it needs to have transparency and the history of Ratu Joni’s appointment shows that this has not been the case. |
Editor: So, if Bainimarama doesnt like the CRC Report will he bring in a new decree to alter it? Under which decree did he see the CRC's contract with Madraiwiwi? 
“Accepting a paid consultancy and then arguing against the non-negotiable principles was a clear conflict of interest on Ratu Joni’s part as a consultant It also leaves open the perception, at the very least, that the Commission has compromised its impartiality.”
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PSC Circular: Beefed up security checks in Fiji hotels
International conference attendees and tourists at mercy of lurking violent criminals
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Fiji's Ministry of Defence, National Security, and Immigration has sent out a circular to all permanent secretaries that it must be notified of all future international conferences or seminars, regardless of whether they've been organized with donor money or privately, so it can 'conduct a security survey in advance'. It also reminds the ministries of the violent attack by four locals on a New Zealand tourist at Raffles Gateway, one of the hotels that hosts conferences.
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Criminals hunting ground: Tanoa International, Grand West Villas and Trams-International popular with conference attendees and tourists
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Mahendra Chaudhry v Fiji Times Ltd [2012] FJHC 1391; HBC73.2008 (29 October 2012) :
"The action of the Plaintiff is reprehensive and it is a clear abuse of the process and Defendants
were harassed utilising the process of the court."
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The $1Billion Libel Pursuit 
MAHENDRA PAL CHAUDHRY
of 3 Hutson Street, Suva, the Minister of Finance, National Planning, Sugar Industry and Public Utilities of the Interim Government of the Republic of the Fiji Islands.
PLAINTIFF: Ignored accepted principles of law in drafting statement of claim
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G P Lala & Associates 
2008: "Our statement of claim will also be filed against certain other persons including employees of The Fiji Times and others who have also defamed our client and who, we believe, have been involved in a conspiracy to damage our client with a view to weakening the interim Government.”
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Munro Leys 
Fiji High Court: "The affidavit in support only state the hourly rates of Mr. Richard Naidu and a senior associate...but that should not be a reason to deny what the Defendants are entitled upon this ruling."
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The Editor 
Netani Rika: "We are the free press, doing our jobs as Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama promised he would let us do. We do not take political positions. But many of the things we report will not please those in power. That is a hazard of our business which we accept. But that does not mean we are conspiring against the Government."
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The Publisher 
Evan Hannah: bundled out of Fiji
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"On 13th March 2008, the Defendants were served with a Writ of Summons and a Statement of Claim. The Claim contained in voluminous details of the alleged cause of actions which contained 125 paragraphs and 432 pages. The Claim contained six identifiable causes of action – defamation, negligence and ‘gross negligence’, malicious falsehood, breach of Fiji Media Council Code of Ethics, Conspiracy and privacy and conspiracy, but the identification of them and reply to that was not an easy task...The Plaintiff jettisoned the 439 page statement of claim, and amended the statement of claim thus put the Defendants to undue strain and costs. In my mind this is a fit and proper case to award indemnity costs to Defendants including the Defendants who were deleted in the amended statement of claim.” - Master Deepthi Amaratunga High Court, Suva
Petition to President: Caretaker administration should run Fiji until new election and constitution
Petitioners: Lalabalavu, Kepa, Makutu, Urai, Chaudhry, Naivalu, Beddoes, Attar Singh and Raman Pratap Singh
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Puppet Figurehead President Epeli
The country's trade unions, political parties and paramount chiefs have petitioned the regime appointed President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau for a caretaker government until new election and constitution.
Editor: FTUC has its name on the petition but President Daniel Urai did not sign the document. He says Congress had earlier agreed to sign, but when it heard FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry was involved in the petition, they changed their mind.
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Larry Dinger, before 2006 election: "When we reiterated USG views of the importance of the rule of law and civilian control, Bainimarama ...suggested electoral postponement [and] that an interim government could be installed, pending proper preparation of elections..." "We, respectfully, propose that Your Excellency give serious consideration to act on the advice rendered in the Fiji Court of Appeal decision to appoint a caretaker Prime Minister – a distinguished person, independent of the political parties and the regime and one in whom our people can repose confidence - to advice dissolution of Parliament and direct the issuance of writs for an election under Section 60 of the Fiji Constitution...” |
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Hecklers sprout up in Brussels against Khaiyum-Bainimarama oppressive regime |
Dr Ibn Chambas - Secretary General ACP Group, Mr Pascal Lamy - Director General of the World Trade Organisation and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
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Laughing into our face: Khaiyum lording over in Brussels meeting
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Protestors heckle Khaiyum in Brussels
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Constitutional finger-slip appointment:
Ratu Joni hired as consultant to Constitution Review Commission for writing "visionary papers" on Fiji
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In a bizarre twist the former Vice-President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, largely seen by many pro-democracy activists as having acted as mid-wife in the birth of dictatorship in Fiji, has been hired as a consultant to the Constitution Review Commission. As revealed by Fijileaks lately, a group of army officers had alleged that Madraiwiwi and Graham Leung had met Frank Bainimarama three times before the coup over grog sessions where the future dictator had spelled out his treasonous reasons for the removal of the democratically elected SDL-FLP government of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.
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With Yash Ghai in July and with Ratu Epenisa Cakobau at recent submission gathering
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Commission executive secretary Keshwa Reddy said Ratu Joni was hired for short-term consultancy work. He had presented a submission to the constitution commission for the Kubuna Confederacy covering issues from indigenous rights to the declaration of Fiji as a Christian nation. Reddy said although Ratu Joni had already made a submission to the commission, as a consultant, his views would still be analysed. Reddy said Ratu Joni was hired as a consultant not only because of his esteemed legal prowess, but also because as a high chief in his own right, he provided valuable insight into iTaukei affairs. Reddy said Ratu Joni contributed a lot to the constitution in terms of writing papers and the commission felt it was only right to compensate him for his time.
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"We have won" delusional chant belies reality in Fiji" - Read Rabuka's full speech to the University of Canterbury in New Zealand
Sitiveni Rabuka: Surveying "we have won" theme from Greece to Fiji in his NZ speech
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"Enter the military, albeit initially only a small detachment, immediately supported by the rest. I was then third-ranking in the army and part of my plan was the employment of my two superior officers in civilian positions. Only one of them accepted and became a Diplomat and now our Nation’s President..." |
"There have been many versions about the cause of the ‘falling out’ between Qarase and Bainimarama, but relationships had soured so much that Qarase must be blamed for treating his own Commander at arms length thus endangering the people’s government of Fiji in the face of worsening relations with the people’s military forces. Bainimarama told the people ‘we have won’ and gotten rid of Qarase’s bad government." |
Put into tight corner
Blameworthy
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The Fourth Estate Silent: Former regime media enforcer Satendra Nandan keeps fearful journalists
away from making submissions to Constitution making process in Fiji
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Fijileaks was surprised to notice that hardly any journalists, news organizations or journalism institutions made submissions to the Constitution Review Commission on the media decree or other issues. Many journalists told Fijileaks that they were too scared to make submissions because of the presence of Satendra Nandan, a CRC member, who briefly enforced the draconian media decree as regime appointed chairman of the Media Development Authority
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We do not know if CRC chair Yash Ghai sought journalists' role in the constitution making process, similar to that in Nepal, where the Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala had asked journalists to play constructive role in drafting and endorsing the new constitution in Nepal. Its also likely that the pro-regime journalists fear what will happen to them when Frank is gone and the anti-regime ones fear what Frank will do to them if they speak out.
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A wolf in constitutional dhoti?: Satendra Nandan (left) with Yash Ghai - is Nandan observing or spying on behalf of illegal regime on journalists?
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Fiji Times turned upside down from wrath of media decree
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Chief Warwar Frank Bainimarama welcomed by his subjects: exile beckons in Vanuatu to drink home-brew to pass time
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Bainimarama siblings already intoxicated on ill-gotten gains of their father in Fiji
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Sure footed: Ro Kepa defends Fijian culture and tradition against Chief Warwar
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The casino presentation Larry Claunch rolled out to Bainimarama for endorsement
De-wigged and now shut out of law office
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Croaking acting Chief Registrar brings the shutters down early on Chaudhry law firmFijileaks understands that a Caucasian male who accompanied the acting Chief Registrar said he was head of the LPU and tried to lecture Rajendra Chauhdry: "If you could not see the conflict then you should be in another profession like selling real estate." See full story
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Law of the jungle: Gordon & Chaudhry law office closed
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Manual for Taming
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Marching out of control in Fiji
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Endangering safety to |
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By Russell Hunter 
Former editor and publisher Fiji Sun
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Frank's boat is sinking but he will paddle to Ride Out the Waves
"Dictators ride to and fro upon tigers which they dare not dismount."
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All bets are offThe illegal prime minister will receive a report in the next few days and he won't like it. For it will tell him his much-trumpeted casino - which was supposed to have commenced construction in August - is not going to happen.
It seems the native American partner (Larry Claunch) has not been able to raise the funds he promised. Calls to a Nadi number given by him were answered by an Indo-Fijian man who had never heard of Mr Claunch or his casino. And calls to the number he gave for One Hundred Sands Ltd, the casino operator he claims to represent are answered by a recorded message that says the number is not in use. Attempts to contact Mr Claunch have been unsuccessful. For earlier story see Victor Lal's "Khaiyum-Bainimarama rolled out false casino dice" |
One Hundred Sands Ltd began as purveyor of agricultural produce and ‘deer farmers’ with no experience as multi-million dollar casino operator.
The regime’s illegal pay mistress Nur Bano Ali (Khaiyum's aunty above) and her husband in charge of company’s business accounts
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Rajendra Chaudhry de-wigged for five years - guilty of professional misconduct |
Health up the creekFiji had a more relaxed week because the illegal A-G Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum had been in Suva Private Hospital for 6 days. He has got some serious kidney problem and nearly made "peace with his heavenly maker". Fiji television viewers said he looked "sick as a dog".
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Pulled down by acute kidney problems
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He has no faith in his own Government-run hospitals
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George Speight on way to Naboro from his captivity on Nukulau Island
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George Speight's military adviser Ilisoni Ligairi with a bandaged head from the beatings
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Sharon Smith-Johns and Graham Davis dismiss e-mail on SDL submission
as canard from regime opponents
An e-mail that we received purporting to be an exchange between Sharon-Smith Johns and Graham Davis dated August 15, 2012 has been dismissed by both as counterfeit. Responding to our invitation for comments, the two told us, separately:
Sharon Smith-Johns: "I don't drink Shiraz"
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“What a load of rubbish. Of course the email is counterfeit. Honestly these people must be desperate to make up this rubbish. And for the record I don't ever drink Shiraz. It's a good laugh though, so thanks.” |
There can be no bargain without wine - both say no Shiraz exchanged
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“This is a counterfeit email, a total fabrication. No such exchange ever took place. It shows just how desperate the Government's opponents have become. I am very disappointed that anyone in Fiji would stoop to this level. You only have to give it a cursory glance to know that it is not me at all. It is crude and ridiculous.” |
Crude, ridiculous and counterfeit - the email
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The alleged e-mail between Sharon Smith-Johns and Graham Davis:
From: [email protected]
Date: August 15, 2012 5:38:00 PM GMT+12:00
To: Graham Davis
Subject: SDL submission
Graham,
Here is the link I promised you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE6uMZi56OE&feature=plcp
The speaker clearly says this is the SDL submission so you can really lay into them. He also comes across as a fuckwit and his partner looks like a shoe shine boy.
I showed it to the PM and I have not seen him laugh so much in ages. He believes this will really kill all credibility of the SDL and they are now dead.
I spoke to your colleagues at Qorvis and we believe we have got the right level of commentators on Grubsheet, we have pretty much shut down the dissenters, but let me know if you feel we need to get more debate going.
Let’s meet up next week when you are over so we can have a few wines, that Shiraz you gave me last time was to die for.
Sharon
Sharon Smith Johns
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Information, National Archives & Library Services of Fiji
Ph (+679) 3301806 | Mob (+679) 9905558 | Fax (+679) 3305139 | Web: www.fiji.gov.fj |
GPO Box 2225, Government Buildings
Suva, Fiji Island
Prisoner brutality row: Beddoes tells regime spokeswoman Sharon Smith-Johns to stop attacking Shamima Ali
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Ratu Ului wants Military Council to oust satanic verse bandmaster Khaiyum to save agony of FijiFiji First Party's vision |
Radio journalists reported to media watchdog for alleged subterfuge interview tactics |
Dr Marc Edge- Victim of alleged dirty tricks
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Vijay Narayan stands accused with fellow journalist Dhanjav Deo
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Media Tribunal deputy chair Matai Akauola must recuse for alleged past hostility says Edge
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Complaint letter with Tribunal chair Professor Subramani
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Prisoner Power
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Illegal regime on
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Aiyaz Khaiyum's thesis on destruction of Fijian cultural autonomy |
Criminal Khaiyum:sleeping under police protection
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Surfing a ride on "Marshallgate" tidal wave
Bye bye Haryanagate?
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Harbhajan Lal - Who?
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De-wig attempt of Rajendra Chaudhry
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Tight-lipped Muskan Balaggan
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Lets frame Rajend for rape, ah?
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Revengeful Khaiyum hounds father and son pair - from tax evasion
to heinous crime of false rape
Justice John Connors “fired” by Khaiyum for refusing to destroy livelihood of lawyer Cevalawa
In December 2011 the Independent Legal Services Commission (ILSC) publicly reprimanded lawyer Siteri Adidreu Cevalawa and fined her $1000 for failing to lodge her application for renewal of her practising certificate. But Justice William Marshall claims that Connors was fired for not being harshly punitive to appease Khaiyum.
