The Fiji Pensioners - Grey Power website has re-opened the heated debate 'Did Frank Do The Right Thing' by reproducing an editorial from The New Zealand Law Journal of February 2007:

THE COMMODORE

"There was an immediate cross-party negative reaction to the 2006 coup in Fiji, civilised as it was by world standards. One would gather that the government toppled was wise, dispassionate, committed to the development of Fiji, even-handed and honest. Sadly, none of this was true. The Commodore’s demands were demands that should have been made by Fiji’s donor nations and backed up with threats of withdrawal of aid years ago. His chief demands were that the Qarase government sack and prosecute ministers involved in the George Speight coup which the Commodore had thwarted; that the government tackle the massive conventional corruption endemic in the public sector; and that the government abandon the new-style corruption identified in the editorial in this Journal in November 2006 whereby the government taxes the parts of the population it does not like and hands out public money to its cronies and to buy support. In Fiji this had an additional racial element. Hardworking Indians who are thwarted at every turn by Fiji’s bizarre landholding system were then being taxed and the money dished out to indigenous Fijians who appear to believe that they have a right to maintain a lifestyle that does not generate wealth and be supported by their own Indian population, or New Zealand or Australia or China or somebody. The Bainimarama government is now embarked on long-overdue fiscal and land reform without which all aid to Fiji is simply money thrown down a black hole.

The purpose of a constitution is to control and limit government. It follows from this that one of the potential threats to a constitution comes from the government of the day which may not want to be limited. “Elected government good, military coup bad” is a facile analysis. Despite what Jennings and other socialists believe, it is clear that elections are not sufficient to keep a government within bounds, especially when a voting majority reckons it can benefit by penalising a minority. It follows from this that it must, in the extreme, be the duty of the armed forces to overthrow an elected government which is threatening the constitution. This idea is expressed in New Zealand by the oath of allegiance not to the government of the day but to the Queen. The Crown today means not so much the person of the Sovereign as a set of values higher than those of the government of the day. New Zealand Police and Defence Forces appear not to understand this." Source: NZ Law Journal 2007

"We, the people of Fiji, in Fiji and elsewhere, hereby implore the Vice Chancellor of Massey University, Steve Maharey, to rescind the appointment of Dr Shaista Shameem, as Director Migrant Services, for the following reasons:

1. She, as Director Fiji Human Rights Commission, prepared a paper in January 2007, wherein she justified the 2006 military coup and said the actions of President Iloilo in dismissing the Qarase government was lawful - which was subsequently held to be unlawful by the Fiji Court of Appeal in April 2009;

2. She as DHRC, made application and joined the Qarase v Banimarama court proceedings to argue that the coup was lawful and that there was a threat of foreign intervention and that laws relating to traditional fishing grounds, as proposed by SDL, in Parliament were a threat to human rights;

2. She, as DHRC, did not properly discharge her duties, in condemning the deaths of Sakiusa Rabaka and Nimilote Verebasaga and of the assault, torture and ill treatment of children, women and men by the military; and

3. She fought opposition from the FHR Commissioner Shamima Ali, to be held to account in the performance of her duties.

We believe that the appointment of Dr Shameem to such an important position at Massey University would suggest to NZ citizens and others that it is normal to employ coup sympathisers.

We note Dr Steve Maharey to be a former Labour Party stalwart and a former distinguished Massey University academic, who was/is well aware of the impact of the 3 coups in Fiji and that he ought to exercise prudence, good judgment and proper conscience and terminate the appointment of Dr Shameem so as to shield Massey University from unwarranted criticism.

Many former and current Fiji students at Massey University would also applaud Dr Maharey for his courage if he were to act to rescind the appointment of Dr Shameem."

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/shaista-shameems-appointment-must-be-rescinded-by

US Ambassador Larry Dinger to Washington on Chaudhry - another "shadowy figure"
(Wikileaks cable):

                    PRESS STATEMENT

"The Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s comments that a stolen laptop contained an electronic copy of the National Voters Register including analysis of statistical data like “including division by age, gender, distribution etc.” proves that Government has been deliberately suppressing this extremely vital information from political parties despite official requests for the release of an electronic copy of the Register.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum’s coments in the Fiji Sun (Tuesday 25th February, Poll Data "Stolen") also demonstrate that Government has been deliberately withholding this critical information to place its proposed political party in an advantageous position while feeding scraps to political parties in the form of bulky hard copies of the National Voters Register. This in itself is not a level-playing field and undermines the conduct of free and fair elections.

His comments reveal that Government, using taxpayer funds, has been analyzing the National Voters Register to use the statistical data for its proposed political party while denying access and availability of the electronic copy of the roll itself to political parties.

This is exactly why the NFP has been insisting for the last two years that electoral preparation must be conducted by a caretaker government, not by the Regime that makes all laws without consultation and uses them to its own advantage.

The NFP had written to the Permanent Secretary Responsible for Elections on 30th January 2014 requesting an electronic copy of the National Voters Register as per the provisions of the Electoral (Registration of Voters) Decree 2014. But the Permanent Secretary has not responded to our letter until this day.

The revelation by Mr Sayed-Khaiyum also destroys the credibility of his comments to the Electoral Commission soon after the appointment of the 7-member Commission about the need for the polls not to be dodgy but free and fair.

The NFP does not condone the theft of the laptop. This must be investigated and due process followed. The information contained with respect to the voter registration is not a sensitive issue. In fact the Electoral Commission should have released all the information on the voter registration to all the political parties by now and we call on the Commission to do so immediately.

More seriously the warning by A-G to the Commission is tantamount to saying that the Commission still reports to him. This is uncalled for, disrespectful, unacceptable and a direct attack on the Commission and its independence. Surely the Chairman of the Commission and its members understand the seriousness of any theft of items from Elections Office and procedures to follow to deal with such situations.

The Commission must not sack any staff without proper investigation and due process as suggested by the A-G because to do so will be unjustified and unlawful. We hasten to point out that the staff and set-up that the Commission inherited was under the direction of Mr Sayed-Khaiyum in his capacity as Electoral Commission until the appointment of the Commission just last month. The comment by the A-G therefore is nothing less than direct interference in the work of the Commission.

Finally, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum’s assertion that political parties may be involved in the theft is a figment of his imagination. He must furnish evidence, if any, of such involvement to police and not taint political parties by his ludicrous theories." Raman Singh, President, February 25, 2014

"Track Record Renders Academic's Criticism Absurd":  Winston Peters Press Statement

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says it is absurd that a Fijian academic with a poor human rights record has launched an attack on him.

Fijian Shaista Shameem, now working as Massey University’s migrants director, responded to Mr Peters’s speech in Auckland on Friday saying he was encouraging racism against migrants.

“It is extraordinary that someone who defended the 2006 Fijian military coup is even allowed to live in New Zealand let alone work here at a university with the ambitious title of ‘migrants director’.

“She has the audacity to comment on our political discussions and make criticisms that are completely wrong. Has she read the speech?  If so, she clearly did not take in any of the main points.

“Her statement is a rant and rave to justify and enhance her new position and get as much publicity for herself as she can.

“What is truly disappointing is the fact that a New Zealand university has now become a second branch of the Immigration Service.  Is it now an employment agency for migrants?

“It beggars belief that a university is employing someone with such a poor track record.

“From her position as Fiji Humans Rights Commission director she supported the 2006 Bainimarama coup, and was appointed Ombudsman - an appointment considered unlawful by an international human rights group.

“She is well known for failing to investigate human rights abuses during and following the coup.

“As commission director she condemned the advice of the New Zealand High Commissioner and strongly criticised Prime Minister Helen Clark. She also came out swinging against many well-known people in Fiji who were later dismissed from their positions.

“She even sought to interfere in the New Zealand Government by attempting to have the High Commissioner to Fiji replaced by a more ‘understanding’ commissioner.

“When the well-named Shaista Shameem gets involved in accusations of racism she doesn’t know what thin ice she is skating on.”

Press Release by New Zealand First at  2:42PM, 24 Feb 2014; Click HERE to read Professor Shameem's statement

By November 2006 Green heard from credible sources that the Fiji Police were planning to arrest Bainimarama for sedition and disobeying lawful orders. Bainimarama instead made a series of demands and threatened a coup. He went to New Zealand on a private visit for the first communion of a grand child but “got it into his head” that New Zealand would arrest him. “He phoned (Defence Attache) Al MacKinnon to him that that, if he should be arrested, his ‘boys’ would be sent over the fence into the Residence to ‘get me’. The threats were taken seriously and mission families were sent home.Then Foreign Minister Winston Peters told Bainimarama would not be arrested in Wellington." - Michael Green in his Memoir

See also Russell Hunter and Victor Lal: Fiji police chief tried to get Bainimarama arrested in NZ

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday sought forgiveness from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces circuit of the Methodist Church at a farewell and thanksgiving church service in Nabua, Suva.

Speaking at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks, he asked church members to forgive him if he had offended them by anything he had said and done. “If you noticed any weaknesses during my time of leadership then I ask for your forgiveness,” Commodore Bainimarama said.

He thanked members of the circuit for supporting him and the military through hard times they faced in the past. He also expressed his appreciation of the contributions made by consecutive military chaplains. He said their spiritual advice, counsel and teachings had assisted him during the upheaval of the past.

“We the military have been blessed that during these tough times, we’ve had some very strong chaplains who stood by us with their helpful advice carrying us through,” Commodore Bainimarama said.

Meanwhile, the RFMF’s chaplain, Reverend Major Joseva Tikonatabua, said even though Commodore Bainimarama was stepping down as Commander they would always support him. “We thank him for leading us through some very challenging times. We thank his service to the people of Fiji,” Rev Tikonatabua said. He said the circuit wished the PM well and the best with his future plans.

Service to the poor

The PM also shared his political party’s manifesto of serving the poor and the needy. “The one thing that my party will stand for is the provision of service to the poor, providing access to clean water, electricity, improved housing and better roads.”

Commodore Bainimarama also reiterated the need to end racism.“We need to stop looking at each other as different races.” He said there was a lot of poverty in the country and that there was need for everyone to look out for and help each other.

Appreciation for PM

Rev Tikonatabua said yesterday that he had been receiving calls from other Methodist ministers showing their appreciation of the PM’s attendance at the funeral service of the late Reverend Dr Tuikilakila Waqairatu. “They were happy and appreciated that the Prime Minister had attended the service despite the sour relations that once existed between the church and the Government. This showed the Prime Minister’s courage, sincerity and integrity,” Rev Tikonatabua said. He said the PM had not only attended in his capacity as a member of the Methodist church but also out of his respect for the late Rev Dr Waqairatu. Source: The Fiji Sun, 24 February 2014

By SHAILENDRA SINGH

Allegation One:
Shailendra Singh decided just 2 weeks before semester to apply for 6 months more leave to complete his PhD:

This is incorrect. I applied for an extension on January 16, 2014, a month before classes started on February 17. At the Dean's request, I nominated a competent former local journalist with the requisite qualifications to fill in for me. If, after this ample notice, there was still no suitable appointment made, it is a matter for the Journalism Program and the School to sort out.

There were no anomalies with my study leave extension application, as insinuated. Universities routinely grant such requests.  USP HR prioritised the completion of my PhD over short-term teaching commitments that could be filled by relief staff. For USP, regional staff attaining PhDs is crucial for staff development and program sustainability.

Anyone in a leadership position at USP should have the foresight to understand this strategy, which aims to build regional capacity. It is regrettable that Dr Weber, as the head of journalism, did not support this fundamental institutional vision in which USP invests considerable time and money.

By the same token, why, remove all local teaching staff, such as Irene Manueli, at such a crucial time? Is eroding the local base we tried to establish the proper way to 'rebuild' the program?

Dr Weber states that the extension of my study leave was the 'main cause' of his concern. In the same breath, he states: 'I have no issues with that application'. He displays similar insincerity when he prattles on about 'duty of care' to students and 'ethics', even after abandoning his post at the most critical time – at the start of the semester.

Allegation Two:
Favouritism was prevalent under Shailendra Singh's watch as the programme's head in the granting of waivers.

This is also untrue. As head of journalism, Dr Weber should have read the USP Calendar. Course coordinators have the discretionary authority to grant waivers on a case-by-case basis in accordance with laid down procedures. This includes cross-credits granted to selected industry people undertaking the program. 

It's clear from Dr Weber's own account that he lost control of the program. It is not my fault if the journalism program became emasculated during my absence.

Contrary to insinuations, USP Journalism was at one time quite stable, sustainable, and functional. Despite resource constraints, we tackled many contingencies without complaining, blaming others, or bringing the program to its knees. (The recent death of Wansolwara is truly tragic). If USP Journalism has never been in such a bad shape as it is now, then surely some of the problems are self-inflicted? ​

These are my views, and not necessarily the views of my employer, USP. "

By RAJENDRA CHAUDHRY

The events in Ukraine are a stark reminder of what can happen when people are determined to get rid of tyranny. The Presidency of Viktor Yanukovych came to an end when he was forced to concede to the demands of the people, precipitated in large part on account of widespread poverty, bad governance and leading a life of luxury whilst the people starved.

His resignation also saw the release of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, who was jailed for 7 years in 2011 for alleged abuse of power. The pro Russian President’s removal (by the people) also saw the felling of symbols of Russian rule, including statues of Vladmir Lennin. The telling blow came when the police who  were guarding the President at the presidential quarters left the premises leaving no protection for the President, who was forced to flee to a  pro Russian town away from the Ukrainian capital.

Ukraine may be thousands of miles from Fiji but the events of this week have shown that issues that lead to change of regimes are universal and rooted in the belief that it is the people who will decide who governs them. Coercion, inducements and pleas from politicians to have the people elect them is challenged when people want change.

Like Fiji, Ukraine has a high public debt (37% of GDP). According to Fitch Ratings, an international rating agency, the total (direct and guaranteed) state debt of Ukraine by the end of 2013 will exceed 40 percent, and by the end of 2014 could reach about 48 percent. Fiji’s gross government debt as a percentage of GDP in 2012 was 51.65. This figure would have increased substantially last year on account of huge borrowings by the illegal regime.

Like Ukraine aligning with Russia for aid and military support, Fiji under Frank Bainimarama has established firm ties with China for the purposes of obtaining loans and military assistance. This look policy of shunning the traditional ANZUS support came about after opposition to the coup by the ANZUS alliance.

In Fiji today we have the dictatorship of Bainimarama, supported by certain elements of the military, Fijian and Indian elites and parts of the business community. In fact, the most sustenance to the 2006 coup’s longevity was provided for by certain sections of the indigenous Fijian community themselves. Many assisted the illegal regime in exchange for promotions, special favours or to get back at other pro Qarase people.

The military, once a bastion of protecting Fijian interests, has had its top brass bought out by Bainimarama via board appointments, ambassadorships and government appointments. A similar trend, of elite Fijians supported an earlier extra constitutional act in 1987 is well documented and needs no elucidation. Of course these certain Fijian elites were well supported by certain parasitic Indian elites and business houses.

Chiefs were used and the Church, through rogues like Inoke Kubuabola, unwittingly became entwined in the extra constitutional processes of 1987. Some also tried to do the same in the events post 19 May 2000. During all this time, the ordinary person suffered. In the aftermath of the political upheavals of 1987, 2000 and 2006, it was the ordinary person who has suffered. In 2014, the issues poverty and homelessness, in Fiji, are the most pressing social challenges and this has even been acknowledged by Bainimarama in recent weeks.

Extreme poverty has been brought about by soaring food prices, static wages, mass unemployment, a shrinking economy and huge loan repayment obligations which siphon monies which would ordinarily be spent on health, education, infrastructure and job creation.

The dengue outbreak and the regime’s inability to control it since October 2013 has shown the inaptitude of the health minister Neil Sharma, who in any other civilized country would long have been sacked. The promises of free education has been another lie, with many children still not being able to afford to go to school with high cost of school uniforms, shoes, lunches, transport and sports uniforms.

The much hyped infrastructure development has come at huge cost to the nation, with irresponsible borrowing by an unelected regime, and which will be paid for many generations to come. Much of the infrastructure development, in any event, was already planned for by earlier elected government/s.
Absence of job creation and unemployment is now more evident than under any other administration. Thousands of school leavers are either unemployed or given piece meal work at appalling wages and with no payment of FNPF dues by the employer.

The whittling away FNPF annuities, by those tasked with protecting workers’ rights such as Felix Anthony and Daniel Urai, effectively means that retirees will find it exceedingly difficult to survive and meet their financial obligations, which will also include providing for the post secondary education of their children. The borrowings by the illegal regime constitute over 50% of FNPF’s exposure and it is trite that FNPF is technically solvent through a number of highly irresponsible transactions such as the purchase of the refurbished Airbus planes and borrowings to finance the operational expenditure of the illegal regime. Numerous forms of indirect taxation is used to raise revenue for the illegal regime.

Instances of abuse of office, nepotism and financial mismanagement have all led to over 10,600 complaints to one anti corruption regulatory alone. Police resources are seriously lacking and the direct interference into its operational and investigative duties. Many police officers are sent on compulsory leave as a cash strapped police force cannot meet the wages to their officers.

Whilst the local citizenry is denied its entitlements, amenities and services, Bainimarama courts Chinese nationals, offering them valuable State and native land for a pittance. The recent announcement of resettling thousands of Kiribati nationals, without consultation with landowners or the people, will have serious ramifications on the limited resources available for the provision of basic amenities.

More importantly, Bainimarama has irresponsibly offered residency permits and sold passports to unqualified Chinese nationals, who invest a paltry $100,000.00. 

These Chinese nationals have no value to add to Fiji and have been responsible for the establishment of numerous massage palours, racketeering, prostitution, money laundering and other serious criminal activity.

Indeed the score card for Fiji resembles that of Ukraine in many respects, and in some cases is worse.

It is time for the people of Fiji to wake up to all the injustices that is being perpetuated on them by an illegal regime. The hunger, the homelessness, the lack of opportunity, the bludgeoning debt and an absolute contempt for rule of law requires the people to take their protest and have their voices heard during the proposed polls in September 2014. 

There is no guarantee of the proposed elections being free or fair. Or they can protest now. The lessons from Ukraine may serve as a beacon for those who choose to publicly show their dissatisfaction with the illegal regime.

Either way, change has to take place. Dictatorship must yield to democracy.  The people’s voices must be heard.