Blog Archives

Lesson from Robin Nair: Fijileaks says Fiji's ambassador to UAE has set example to others in power, authority or influence, to show courtesy to those who feel voiceless, however well or ill-conceived! Vinaka vakalevu!

21/2/2015

Fijileaks to Police Commissioner Ben Groenewald: "We hope you will speak to us, instead of telling us you don't give comments to blogs; take a leaf out of Nair who has set the precedent by returning our phone call."

"Robin Nair returned the phone call when contacted by Fijileaks after his comments on the story about his absence from Fiji during the UAE Foreign Minister's recent visit. This was unusual. We may well disagree with him but he has set an example to others in power, authority or influence, to also show courtesy to those who feel voiceless, however well or ill conceived. It is a courtesy to thousands of our Fijian readers, Fijian taxpayers and ordinary folks who are all our people and not necessarily rebels. It is accountability that is being clamored for. The Prime Minister is very strong in his condemnation of old elites and we applaud that. He should be as vocal against the new or emerging elites as well as against self appointed re-cycled people but elites nevertheless. Elitism in our small society has no place. It is the powerful mocking the weak. Elitism is an enemy of the poor, the disadvantaged and the little people.

Fijileaks has given a voice to thousands. It also routinely and directly asks questions and seeks responses to simple questions, asking those in power to be accountable. It gives a chance to those suspected to refute, deny or explain. So, Fijileaks is also a voice for those who may feel unjustly persecuted. If they believe in their integrity, they should respond to any unfair criticism or complaint.

Blogs are also part of the democratic process in action in this new age of modern technology. We all have to live with it. We cannot close our eyes, ears and mouths, believing it would disappear. Nair has obviously acknowledged this. He was understandably defensive of the Government and the Foreign Minister that he serves but he spoke to questions raised by his compatriots. He appeared to genuinely believe that there is a "new and better Fiji" for all emerging. He also said that he will defend " truth, fairness, equity, proper processes, equality of all races", all tenets of good governance at all cost, even at the price of his job. He said he returned to Fiji believing it was on the same path as his vision for Fiji. He believed that Government of the day was striving to change Fiji and to achieve good governance after decades of rule by the elites.

He said that there will be cowards, opportunists and sycophants who can walk on both sides of the street simultaneously but the Government should not held responsible for these; the Government's message is clear, either shape up or ship out. Nair might be completely disillusioned or an optimist but Fijileaks will continue in its quest for accountability in Government and answers to the questions raised everyday by a sizeable number Fijian people because we know that is what our readers are asking for. We work from the most reliable sources as seen from the information we share with our readers and our stories are checked thoroughly. There is a place in democracy for whistle blowers. Fijileaks is there as your voice, composed of people who work for you as volunteers for a just cause. Thank you Nair, disillusioned or otherwise, for setting an example."

0 Comments

CASH for Honorary Consul Post: Esala Teleni was recalled to Fiji after he was accused of accepting $200,000 in bribe for recommending Fiji's new Honorary Consul in Hong Kong; Kubuabola got Teleni the present job!

20/2/2015

24 Comments

Teleni, Fiji's former Ambassador to China, was recalled last November following the bribery charges; Foreign Minister Kubuabola pleaded with Bainimarama to give Teleni a "second chance"; he was last December appointed as Special Adviser to the Pacific Islands Development Forum

(L-R) Fiji’s Ambassador to China, Esala Teleni, Frank Bainimarama and Fiji’s Honorary Consul to Hong Kong Desmond Yee. Teleni is accused of accepting bribe for Yee's replacement. Yee retired last June and was given the Order of Fiji for his 22 years of service as Honorary Consul

Fijileaks Editor: Both serial coupists Kubuabola and Teleni were also part of the debtors responsible for the collapse of the National Bank of Fiji:

http://www.coup5.com/2010/05/bainimaramas-foreign-minister-inoke.html

http://www.coup5.com/2010/05/teleni-and-wife-borrowed-over-60000.html

Bainimarama warns voters against politicians and hangers-on responsible for the infamous National Bank of Fiji (NBF) scandal: “Now, some of those same politicians and hangers-on who were responsible for this scandal – and others who benefited personally – are seeking your vote in the forthcoming general election. They are relying on you having short memories. They are treating you as if you are stupid. I urge you to call their bluff and consign them to the political dustbin of history. With their noses stuck firmly in the trough, this elite – aided by a grossly irresponsible management and board – raided the National Bank of Fiji for loans that many had no intention of repaying. They ripped off their fellow Fijians...The funds of ordinary Fijians were misappropriated.
These elites effectively robbed their own countrymen and women – decent, hardworking ordinary people who had put their trust in the Bank and the Government.”

http://www.fijileaks.com/home/the-nbf-loan-scandal-the-new-fijifirst-attorney-general-faiyaz-koya-should-tell-parliament-and-fiji-the-truth-behind-koya-estate-owing-the-national-bank-87

http://www.coup5.com/2010/05/fnpf-saga-and-ghost-of-collapsed.html

Co-Coupster with Rabuka, NBF Debtor, to Foreign Minister - now Overlord of former DPP turned Diplomat Nazhat Shameem, once tasked with bringing to trial the likes of Kubuabola for swindling collapsed National Bank of Fiji - Of course he remains a fugitive from the long arm of the law-for COUPS have been his Shield Against the Sword of Justice! Ironically, Kubuabola, as Minister for Foreign Affairs, overruled Khaiyum who had vigorously objected to Shameem's appointment to Geneva!

The military in almost all post-coup countries wants to control the police, to eliminate any possible threat or rebellion from another arm of state; the prison to lock up its opponents, and the immigration department, so it can prevent and persecute real and perceived enemies of military or military-cum-civilian regimes from leaving the country, or in some instances deport them while preventing others from entering the country.

This is achieved by placing at the command of the three institutions, military men in civilian clothes. In Fiji, it is spiced up with the claim that the appointments were made by the President of Fiji.

According to Fiji Television, negative media reports about the police-led Christian crusade against crime had prompted Teleni’s lecture to the Indo-Fijian police officers. The Fiji TV report captured the police chief saying: “If you are with me, you stay, if not you get out. If you get through that door, get out of the organisation. Kemudou tamata liu muri (you people are not loyal). I don’t know what’s wrong with you people. Either you come with me and take this organisation forward or you get out. Only lamulamu people (cowards) will go to the press. That will not solve the problem. I have a list of people. I’m going to start terminating their services. I am not hesitant to do that. I can sack everyone here sitting here today and I can recruit another 200 Indian officers today. I have no problems to do that. Fiji TV, Fiji Sun, Fiji Times will not help you. Let me remind you that any other Indian officers will not help you. Commissioner will help you.”

Fiji TV claimed that Teleni suggested that he had names of those who had been running to the media with their grievances and threatened that heads could roll.

Who can blame Teleni, for he made a telling admission: “I can sack everyone here sitting here today and I can recruit another 200 Indian officers today. I have no problems to do that. “

Yes, precisely, and that is why the coup culture will not end in Fiji, not to mention the bogus claim that the coup was executed to make Fiji a truly non-racial society. For every one opponent of the coup, ten will raise their hand and voice in support of it. Again, as I have written elsewhere, the coup is a career ladder for many, and even some of the most outstanding Indo-Fijians, even previous coup victims themselves, have not hesitated to praise the 2006 coup as the best of all four coups.

What we see in Teleni’s outburst is the worst and classic illustration of the claim that the coup makers become a law unto themselves. One Indo-Fijian police officer told me after Teleni’s outburst: “What can we do? Even, if we had stood up to him, to protect our Indo-Fijian dignity, honour and religion, and if he had assaulted one of us in rage, he would have been out under some Pink Ribbon later on to lead the police force – look at the Yellow Ribbon navy commander and prison convict Francis Kean.”

Fiji is rapidly slipping towards a military state, and now even police officers are told to support their military anointed police chief or get out of the force.

There is almost a sickening trend towards Indo-Fijian police officers, especially against the high-ranking ones, following coups.

Two days before he seized power, Sitiveni Rabuka was interviewed for the post of police commissioner, then held by the Indo-Fijian, Pramesh Raman.

“I had had a gutful. I wanted to leave the army because I knew deep inside me that I could not support a Coalition (Bavadra) government,” said Rabuka. He later mixed Christianity and spoils of the coup to oppress the Indo-Fijians, even throwing Raman in a police cell.

To those Indo-Fijians who are blindly supporting the coup, and now the much promised electoral reform I want to remind them of Commodore Frank Bainimarama’s previous statement: “Constitution must go before the poll, says army chief.” No, it was not a statement he made last night, it was made in February 2001 following the George Speight coup of 2000.

Bainimarama said then said, in 2001, that the next election should be held under a new constitution. In an affidavit presented to the Fiji Court of Appeal, he had said that he abrogated the 1997 Constitution because he was satisfied that people engaged in the events of May 19, 2000, were of the perception that the document had watered down the interests of indigenous Fijians.

“Whether or not those perceptions accorded with reality was not my principal consideration,” he said. “The perceptions were genuinely held by largely unsophisticated Fijians not equipped to adequately comprehend the niceties and technicalities of the Constitution. I would add, however, that in my view the perception as to watering down of previous protective provisions, and as to incomprehensibility of the Australian compulsory preferential electoral system, were well founded in fact.

I regard with vital significance of the above facts and matters to be that the holding of fresh elections is totally contingent upon the alteration of the Constitution to remove from it those aspects perceived to have the deficiencies which precipitated the events of May 19 and the promulgation of a fresh constitution not containing such deficiencies.”

His comments were contained in one of his three affidavits filed at the Court of Appeal hearing the validity of Justice Anthony Gates ruling.

What Bainimarama seemed to be have been suggesting was that the electoral system must have been defective, which saw Mahendra Chaudhry and his Fiji Labour Party come to power in the 1999 general elections, precipitating the 2000 coup. He said he abrogated the Constitution because he perceived that the continuation in force of the Constitution threatened the peace, order and internal security of the country. He said it was a threat because in the eyes of many indigenous Fijians, the 1997 Constitution had watered down “and rendered ineffective, previous provisions requiring in (accordance with internationally recognised principles) positive discrimination in favour of i-taukei indigenous Fijians”.

He said the 1997 Constitution also failed to prevent the enactment by Parliament “of measures derogating from basic legislation enacted by the British colonial administration, including the Native Land Act and the Native Land Trust Act, which legislation favoured indigenous Fijians and for more than half a century, had received universal acceptance and recognition”.

The Constitution also introduced an electoral system, based on the Australian preferential voting system, “which seemed incomprehensible to the bulk of the indigenous Fijians (and in my (i.e. Bainimarama’s) understanding of the matter, to the majority of Fiji citizens) and which procured for the previous administration (the Chaudhry government), an artificial and unnatural majority enabling that administration freely to take steps affecting Fijian land, rights and customs."

Bainimarama said under his command the military had at all times owed allegiance to the government of the day and had already pledged support for the interim Government – then led by the banker Laisenia Qarase after the Speight coup.

When those same “unsophisticated” i-taukei Fijians returned Qarase to power in the 2001 general elections, it had become suddenly acceptable but when the same electoral system again returned Qarase to power, it was no longer acceptable. Why? One wonders whether the outburst of his former military deputy and now police chief will make Fiji a truly multi-racial society, even with the introduction of the so-called “magical” electoral system now on the drawing board. The answer is an emphatic no. And, lest we forget, the then Police Commissioner Isikia Savua, who had written to President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara on 29 May 2000 advising him that in his (Savua’s) opinion the police could no longer guarantee the security of the nation.

As I have said since the 1987 coups, and I say it again, only lamulamus and their coup supporters will use the gun to grab, enjoy, use and abuse power, privilege and taxpayers money, not to mention the abuse of their opponents – all in the name of presidential decrees.

We must not forget the unaccountable backdated payslips running into hundreds of dollars and the prospect of lifelong pensions, something which the duly elected but deposed Prime Minister Qarase is not entitled to because he has challenged his dismissal in a court of law, according to Bainimarama’s rule.

We seem to forget that Ratu Mara resigned in December 2000 but backdated this to 29 May 2000 because of the “pension entitlement notion”. Oh, “Cry the Beloved Country” and Hallelujah, help those Indo-Fijian police officers lectured at by Teleni. The rule of law, Police Commissioner, means the law rules or reigns. There is nothing in the Constitution which says to the Indo-Fijian police officers – here is “Teleni’s Laws”. Even though Teleni recently claimed that it was God that had placed him to be the police commissioner.

In my book on the 1987 coups, I had written the following last words, that the Indo-Fijians with a history of rebellion on the sugar plantations and burning political ambitions in their hearts are repeating the lines of Richard Lovelace: “Stone walls do not a prison make – Nor iron bars a cage.”

The Indo-Fijian police officers must stand up for their inherent rights, for they have broken no laws. And, if need be, they should go to the newspapers, for as the great English crusading journalist Wickham Steed once remarked, the newspapers are “the bugbear of tyrants”. Even Napolean Bonaparte remarked: “I fear three newspapers more than a hundred thousand bayonets”.

Be that as it may, I repeat to the 2006 coupsters and their supporters who want to intimidate and subjugate the law abiding citizens, and now the Indo-Fijian police officers, that only lamulamus resort to the use of guns.

The views expressed are those of Victor Lal and not those of the Fiji Sun.
E-mail: [email protected]. Source: Fiji Sun, February 2009

24 Comments

'SHEIKHING' With Disbelief: Fijileaks readers want to know WHY Foreign Minister Kubuabola did not have ROBIN NAIR, Fiji's ambassador to UAE, in the country, during recent visit of UAE FM Sheikh Abdulla Al Nahyan!

19/2/2015

13 Comments

After all, it is normal customary gesture, particularly when Nair worked so hard after his appointment, to get Fiji on the radar in Gulf states; Nair is also credited with pulling off the release of the 45 Al Nusra captive Fijian soldiers. There is something really rotten in Inoke Kubuabola's Ministry of Foreign Affairs-led by the former leader of I-Taukei Movement!

SNUBBED? The distinguished diplomat Robin Nair, Fiji's first diplomatic representative to the UAE with President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the Gulf state

SATURATED COVERAGE: We read accolades about the visit and the strength of the relationship between Fiji and UAE, in the Fiji media for three consecutive days. It is unprecedented during a visit of only a Foreign Minister. In their hysteria, even Fiji Sun's Nemani Delaibatiki failed to point out Nair's absence in his analysis piece on 17 February!

FRANK BAINIMARAMA: "From a desert, one or two generations ago, the people of the United Arab Emirates have built a nation that is the envy of the world. They have, for instance, built one of the world’s great airlines and they are helping to lead the search for renewable energy sources to produce a cleaner and greener world. In fact, they are providing solar power projects to light up some of Fiji’s outer islands- Kadavu, Lakeba and Rotuma. Sheikh Abdullah’s visit follows closely on the heels of those of the Presidents of China and Indonesia and the Prime Minister of India. We Pacific Islanders no longer only go to them. They also come to us as honoured guests. So who can doubt that Fiji stands taller and prouder in the world today than it ever has before?."

Fijileaks: Why was Robin Nair left behind in the United Arab Emirates?

READ full Profile HERE

THE RACIST FACE OF FIJI'S FOREIGN MINISTRY despite Bainimarama's claims of equality: "When these great Leaders arrive here on our shores, I want them to stand before a flag that is wholly ours.That is a symbol of our nation, not someone else’s. While our political opponents continually summon up the past, the FijiFirst Government has its eyes firmly on the future. We know that greatness lies over the horizon if we maintain the course we have set – One Fiji with opportunity and justice for all,"

Robin Nair responds
to Fijileaks

Robin Nair has just posted a comment on your blog post, 'SHEIKHING' With Disbelief: Fijileaks readers want to know WHY Foreign Minister Kubuabola did not have ROBIN NAIR, Fiji's ambassador to UAE, in the country, during recent visit of UAE FM Sheikh Abdulla Al Nahyan!,

"Your entry has been drawn to my attention. I hope I am the first to comment. At the risk of inviting all my detractors from having a go at me, I nevertheless wish to respond. I am in Abu Dhabi running an Embassy with an accreditation to 11 other countries besides the UAE. I was fully involved with the visit of the Foreign Minister of the UAE. I had no reason to be in Fiji for the visit with a whole Ministry in Fiji to handle the visit. I otherwise have a full agenda on my plate. Besides, I have a large military delegation in Abu Dhabi led by a Minister. I have been involved in developing the military relationship with the UAE. My presence here in Abu Dhabi was warranted. I enjoy the confidence of my Minister."
Robin Nair
Abu Dhabi

13 Comments

KEPA SHUTS UP BAINIMARAMA: "I was in Parliament to find out about the welfare of hostage Adi Koila"; Fifteen years later Bainimarama still not revealing his role nor has denied charges from Speight and Others!

18/2/2015

39 Comments

Fijileaks: We will reveal the individuals, including the role played by Frank Bainimarama, in the drafting of the Muanikau Accord which had allowed George Speight to walk away from the coup provided he handed ALL the weapons - to be revealed by VICTOR LAL who was indirectly involved in the drafting of its contents and who afterwards argued why one particular clause, based on the 1994 Trinidad hostage crisis precedent, was invalid - later used by the DPP Prosecutors to argue against Speight's immunity after Ratu Ului Mara nabbed Speight outside Suva; WHERE was the new Godfather of Fiji - Aiyaz Khaiyum? - at the University of Hong Kong (writing his thesis) and Letters to the Editor in the Fiji Times, chastising Fiji Muslim League's "kai vata" politics in Fiji!

"We've all seen the pictures. There she is with this treasonous thug. Consorting with people who had brought Fiji to its knees in one of the most violent and destructive chapters in our history." - Frank Bainimarama, while demanding answers from Ro Teimumu Kepa

"I had abrogated the 1997 Constitution because I was satisfied that people engaged in the events of May 19 [George Speight coup] were of the perception that the document had watered down the interests of indigenous Fijians. Whether or not those perceptions accorded with reality was not my principal consideration. The perceptions were genuinely held by largely unsophisticated Fijians not equipped to adequately comprehend the niceties and technicalities of the Constitution.” - Bainimarama in his affidavit before the Fiji High Court, 2001

"I am reminded of the occasions where you had declared that you were more Nationalist then I was...I am serving my time and we are both liable for Civil Litigations after Nov 2, 2000. The last time I appeared in Court, you had a motion to quash the writ. I know that your strategy is to extract your liability from the events of 2000." Timoci Silatolu to Frank Bainimarama, March 2004

"Bainimarama thanked me at a reception at the military barracks in the early stages of the coup for deposing of Mahendra Chaudhry" - George Speight, 16 September 2001, on Nukulau Island

The "Ghostly Smell", written when Speight was still being held at Nukulau, was reproduced from Fiji's Daily Post in Coup: Reflections on the Political Crisis in Fiji, edited by Brij V. Lal and Michael Pretes, ANU Press, 2001; Speight serving time in prison above

From Fijileaks Archive:

CAPTAIN Shane Stevens account of reasons behind the mutiny and his views on Bainimarama's conduct in 2000:

When GS (George Speight) and the CRW (Counter Revolutionary Warfare) conducted the coup on 19th May, 2000, the CRW unit was led by Lt Penaia Baleinamau who after a few days and under the direct orders of Cmdr. Voreqe Bainimarama, supplied logistical support for all CRW security operations inside the parliament complex, including those around the detained MPs. For example, daily reports were relayed to CL JB in operations; all hot rations were delivered directly from QEB at meal times into parliament for the CRW and the other FMF soldiers there. Extra arms and ordinances were transported in under Police escort from QEB. All soldiers were transported in on shift rotation and all pays carried on unhindered. Insofar as everyone was concerned, Cmdr. VB and his command were always in daily contact with GS and aware of the situation in the parliament complex. At times, GS was transported to brief Cmdr. VB and officers up at QEB officers mess on the progress and direction of the coup and VB even directed officers to support the coup.

This continued until the events of 29th May, 2000 when without the knowledge of GS, the President, Ratu Mara was forcefully removed by a group of senior ex and serving military personnel, including Cmdr. Bainimarama at Dakuibeqa. Cmdr. Bainimarama then proceeded to abrogate the constitution, pronounce himself head of state and duly appointed Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as his PM. That evening a military delegation of acting CMD CL Tuatoka, Lt Cl Etueni Caucau and led by Cl Filipo Tarakinikini entered the parliament complex to present to GS and his group a kamunaga from Cmdr. VB. They conveyed what he had done at Dakuibeqa and specifically that he was in agreement with the coup objectives of GS and later in the speech requested that GS hand over control of the coup to him (VB). He gave his assurances to GS that the objectives of the coup would be fulfilled and the I taukei will be happy.

GS and his group were shocked at the treachery which took place at Dakuibeqa and immediately rejected the kamunaga with the demand that Cmdr. VB and his PM resign immediately and hand power back to the President RT Mara. The delegation returned to camp to convey the message to VB and his “Think Tank” who were not at all happy.

Voreqe refused to step down and consequently it took 56 days for the GS group to force him to relinquish executive power and agree to the terms of the Muanikau Accord. What followed next was another act of treachery by VB and the rest is now history.

During the 56 day conflict between the GS group and VB, the CRW in parliament were led by Maj Ilisoni Ligairi and supported by Lt Baleinamau based up at the CRW complex in QEB. Lt SS sided with VB against the CRW “GS group” and he was not pleased with Baleinamau’s continued support for the operations in parliament. Upon Lt SS’s insistence, Cmdr VB duly promoted him to Cpt and gave him total command of the CRW complex at QEB. LT Baleinamau was stood down, sent home and placed under surveillance. Then on behalf of Cmdr VB, CPT SS proceeded to capture a cache of CRW arms stored at a secret location at Bilo. This caused a fracture in relationships between the CRW and CPT SS who was now being threatened from within.

Towards the end of the 56 days, Lt SS was directly in control of two caches of CRW arms (those in the CRW complex at QEB and the other in the bush at Bilo). However, the third cache of arms was used in parliament under the control of Maj Ligairi. After the signing of the Muanikau Accord and the release of the detained MP’s, Lt CL FT and CPT SS were also given specific orders by Cmdr VB to enter parliament and oversee the return of these arms to the CRW armoury at QEB as per MAccord. Immediately after that, everyone in parliament then dispersed and returned to their homes however a large group was convinced by the QV Takiveikata, to go to Kalabu and await the “qusi ni loaloa” ceremony. QV kept stalling this event to the suspicion of GS and others at the school.

It would become known at this time that when the arms from parliament had entered the gates at QEB, CL JB intercepted them by force and ordered that they be redirected to the main armoury. Later that day, when the CRW soldiers who were at parliament tried to return to the CRW complex to resume their duties as per MA, they were refused entry into the camp. After numerous attempts by Maj Ligairi and GS to speak to Lt JB and Cmdr VB over the phone, there was no response.

After observing that Cmdr VB was directly violating the MA, CPT SS, who was still in possession of the last cache of arms at a secret location in Bilo, refused to return these arms until he had personal guarantees from Cmdr VB that he would honour the conditions of the MA, where specifically all CRW would return to barracks and resume their duties as per normal. After receiving these assurances from Cmdr VB, CPT SS returned the remaining Bilo arms to QEB which was again forcefully commandeered by CL JB to the main armoury. All these sinister acts were viewed with unease by the GS group and MAJ Ligairi with those CRW at Kalabu and served to be an ominous sign of treachery against the MA.

The following day, 13 July, 2000 and after accounting for all of the arms from Bilo, the military proceeded with the arrest of the GS group including the armed raid on the Kalabu district school where Maj Ligairi and other CRW soldiers were arrested, badly assaulted and detained at Nukulau, QEB and the Nabua /CPS police stations. CPT SS viewed this act by Cmdr VB as the ultimate treachery against him but was still in two minds after it was announced that GS group had violated the MA with the revelation of missing arms. However, Maj Ligairi and his group disputed this because they were adamant that with the help and verification of CPT SS and Lt CL FT, all arms from parliament were returned and others (personal arms) were accounted for. The CRW parliament group had kept an immaculate and highly accurate record of all arms used within the complex during the 56 days including their return to QEB.

To validate the “missing arms” claims of Cmdr VB, CPT SS set about with the collaboration of Sgt Morris, the chief armourer at the time to inspect and record the details of all the ‘CRW parliament arms” in the main armoury. He discovered that the chief armourer was well aware that the “missing arms” claims were lies and that all arms were indeed returned and even accounted for. He would later learn from casual remarks by Cmdr VB and senior officers like CL JB that it was a fabricated story for the purpose of dishonouring the Muanikau Accord and they had already set in place a plan to arrest GS and all those in his group once all the arms were returned and accounted for. This was the final act of treachery and was the catalyst for the Nov 1 mutiny.

I have in my possession, the signed and original Chief Armourers report on the audit of all weapons that were returned from the parliament complex at the time. The report concludes that all weapons had been returned and others accounted for and that the so called, “13 missing weapons” were old SLR’s that were never in parliament at any time but kept in the main armoury.

CAPT SS’s account as to the real reason of the mutiny was not to kill Bainimarama but to replace him as he was seen as unfit for duty. At no time during the court martial was CAPT SS allowed to divulge the above information because of how the evidence was presented before the court.

The above statement is a true account by CPT SS and it highlights the fact that Cmdr VB has a history of carrying out treacherous acts so that he can progress his own personal interests and agenda for power. He has no qualms about deceiving people and even those who assume that they are close to him because of their long standing social and working relationships.

Note from Fijileaks: We screen-captured from the original pdf excerpts of a long statement from George Speight hence different fonts etc

Teimumu's Mission

Repeka Nasiko
Fiji Times
Thursday, February 19, 2015

OPPOSITION leader Ro Teimumu Kepa yesterday defended herself from an attack from Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama over her presence at parliament during the 2000 coup.

Ro Teimumu said she was in parliament at the height of the 2000 coup at the request of former president and Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and his wife, Ro Lady Lala Mara.

Yesterday, the Rewa chief said she was sent to enquire about the health and status of her niece, now the First Lady Adi Koila Nailatikau.

A member of the then-Chaudhry government, Adi Koila - a favoured child of the late president - was also a hostage during the George Speight coup.

Ro Teimumu said the days after the 2000 coup was difficult for the late president and his wife because they had no information on her well-being.

She said a photograph of her speaking to George Speight was taken when she was asking for her to speak to her niece.

"The reason for my visit to parliament that day was because I was asked to go and check on Adi Koila who is my niece and also the daughter of Ratu Kamisese and my sister," she said.

"There was no underlying meaning or any treacherous act going on that day when I went to parliament."

The Opposition leader was responding to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama's call for an explanation as to why she was in Parliament at the time.

Mr Bainimarama questioned her presence in parliament in 2000 while opening the newly-refurbished Legal Aid Commission in Lautoka yesterday.

"I personally think she owes us all an explanation as to why she is so concerned about George Speight," Mr Bainimarama said.

"Is it because she sympathised or supported his treasonous actions?

"Because we have still not gotten a satisfactory explanation from her as to why she visited him at the parliamentary complex.

"We've all seen the pictures. There she is with this treasonous thug. Consorting with people who had brought Fiji to its knees in one of the most violent and destructive chapters in our history."

Mr Bainimarama also said George Speight's sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. "That life sentence means life because having been sentenced to death in the first place, that life sentence cannot be commuted any further."

Ro Teimumu said her questions in Parliament last week about George Speight stemmed from the concerns of family members.

"I had asked not only about George Speight but also about the others who were also imprisoned after the coup. Mr Speight is serving a life sentence but what about the others?

"People like Timoci Silatolu have been in prison for a long time and we need to know if their sentences have been fully served?

"I have been approached by his family members and relatives and they inform me about the difficulties of growing up without a father."

She said the 2000 coup was not the only traumatic experience in the country's history.

"We had the 2000 coup and we also had the 2006 coup which our own Prime Minister had led, as he had stated in Parliament."

From Fijileaks Archive:

39 Comments

FNUGATE! FNU's former Manager Finance Projects to FICAC: 'Ganesh Chand paid his lawyers legal fees from FNU funds when the defamation case was personal to him; Chand also pocketed damages granted to him'

18/2/2015

4 Comments

FROM FNU's former MFP, ANDREW SINGH, TO FICAC:

The Judgment:
Dr Ganesh Chand v Fiji Times Ltd and Margaret Wise

32. The complex nature of modern society carries with it the possibility that the conduct of any individual may for various reasons such as national security and the prevention of terrorism, money laundering and other such crimes or offences are subjected to scrutiny by the relevant authorities, and such matters are generally taken for granted, and the fact that there is some investigation about some crime or offence would not necessarily tarnish the reputation of the person subjected to such investigation. Not only the affairs of terrorists and other criminals, but even those of corporations, professionals, businessmen, and politicians are increasingly subjected to scrutiny and comment, and modern society is sophisticated enough not to be overly sensitive to these intrusions or to look down upon such persons whose affairs are subjected to scrutiny and comment.

33. In the result, we hold that the High Court and the Court of Appeal did not err in law in holding that it is not per se defamatory to allege or imply that a person is suspected of an offence, and conclude that the Court of Appeal properly considered and decided on the same in its decision.

Conclusions

34. For the aforesaid reasons, we hold that both questions on which special leave to appeal was granted by this Court have to be decided in favor of the Respondent, and the appeal should be dismissed and the decisions of the High Court of Lautoka and the Court of Appeal of Fiji, affirmed. In all the circumstances of this case, we do not make any order for costs. Dated at Suva this 08th day of April 2011.

Saleem Marsoof
Judge of the Supreme Court

Sathyaa Hettige
Judge of the Supreme Court

William Calanchini
Judge of the Supreme Court

Solicitors:
Mishra Prakash & Associates, Solicitors for the Appellant
Howards Lawyers, Solicitors for the First Respondent

"I state that the meaning of my letter has been twisted and turned to make it look defamatory, further more writing any letter to the Honourable Prime Minister or FICAC should not be tried in the Court of Law, but proper investigation should have taken place to justify my grievances therefore I deny the same." Pushp Chand

6. The proposed statement of defence is annexed to the affidavit in support and in paragraph 4 of the statement of defence state as follows

'4. That in reply to paragraph 4(a) to (q) of the plaintiff's statement of claim I state that the meaning of my letter has been twisted and turned to make it look defamatory, further more writing any letter to the Honourable Prime Minister or FICAC should not be tried in the Court of Law, but proper investigation should have taken place to justify my grievances therefore I deny the same.'
7. The Defendant had worked under the Plaintiff and he is also the author of the alleged defamatory letter and has to be considered as a witness to the alleged irregularities. He also alleged that he was directly aggrieved by the conduct of the Plaintiff. So the evidence of the Plaintiff is crucial for the ascertainment of the truth of the statements alleged in the said letter. The Plaintiff has not annexed the said defamatory letter to the affidavit in opposition to this application. The merits and demerits of the said letter and its content cannot be analysed at this stage.

8. The above mentioned paragraph in the proposed statement of defence admits writing a letter to the Prime Minister and also state the contents were not defamatory and further investigations were needed to ascertain the truth of the allegations and his main reason for writing the said letter was to 'justify' his 'grievance'.

9. The said proposed defence filled in person indicates a defence of justification and in such circumstances where the Defendant is also a witness to the alleged incidents, I cannot on affidavit evidence evaluate the merits of the defence and reject it, on the basis that there is no merits in the defence. The Defendant has worked in the said university where the Plaintiff is Vice Chancellor. It is clear that when a party pleads justification in an action for defamation where the Defendant is also a witness to alleged incidents, the said defence needs to be tested in a trial and cannot be rejected at this stage as having no merits.

10. The reason given for the delay in filing a statement of defence that resulted a default judgment being entered is the ignorance of the procedure by the Defendant who has filled the acknowledgment of service without an assistance from a solicitor. He is appearing in person for this application to set aside the default judgment. Though this cannot be a reason for default, the explanation for default can be accepted.

11. The Defendant had appeared in court to the summons for assessment of .damages and has filled this application to set aside the default judgment on 30th August, 2011. There is no affidavit of service of default judgment, which was entered on 10th March, 2011. The summons for the assessment of damages was served on the Defendant and an affidavit of service was also filled. The Plaintiff did not turn up for hearing on any of the dates for assessment of damages and the hearing did not commence. The application for setting aside the default judgment cannot be considered as an inordinate delay.

C. PREJUDICE TO THE PLAINTIFF

12. The Plaintiff has followed the procedure correctly and obtained default judgment and it is a regular default judgment. If the default judgment is set aside there is a delay, but even if that is not set aside still the Plaintiff needs to prove damages and assessment of damages needs to be proved with necessary oral and or documentary evidence. In the circumstances, if the default judgment is set aside it cannot be considered as a prejudicial to the Plaintiff, other than delay. The delay can be compensated by an award of cost against the defaulting party. Considering the circumstances of the case, I will allow the application to set aside the default judgment subject to a cost of $ 500 being paid by the Defendant to the plaintiff.

http://www.paclii.org/cgi-bin/sinodisp/fj/cases/FJHC/2012/3.html?stem=&synonyms=&query=ganesh%20and%20chand

4 Comments

FNUGATE: Two FNU Council Members Uday Sen and Arvind Maharaj were 'fifth column' for Ganesh Chand - Maharaj fished for information from Andrew Singh and passed on to Chand for him to cover his tracks!

17/2/2015

7 Comments

The two, Sen and Maharaj, are accused of getting information from Singh under false pretext to raise it in a Special FNU Council Meeting but passed it to the then Vice-Chancellor Ganesh Chand; What makes matters worse is that Sen and Maharaj are also members of the powerful FNU's Audit Committee and the Financial Resources Committee. Maharaj is the Chair of the former, Sen (nominee of the Fiji Institute of Accountants) is the chair of the latter

Andrew Singh, the former FNU's Manager Finance Project to FICAC:

FIJILEAKS has obtained a copy of the e-mail Singh wrote (just a day before Ganesh Chand fired him) to Maharaj and Sen, which the two are accused of passing it onto Ganesh Chand

On Mon, Sep 8, 2014 at 7:04 PM

Hi Arvind,

Here's just a sample of my concerns regarding some of the various matters that really troubled me during my short time at the FNU, ultimately prompting my resignation on 20/8/14:

1. Kiru EU saga - I now have reasons to believe that the DF and VC have misled the Audit and FR Committees and are deliberately downplaying the severity of the matter. In my view, the 2013 financials should include a potential contingent liability of EUR 2.6M (F$6M) by way of notes to the accounts or alternatively, a provision for such amount ought to be made. The DF has been deliberately dragging the chain over this saga and has went to such an extreme to avoid liability by telling the EU that Fiji School of Medicine (FSM) did not exist, hence FNU was not liable. This is despite s45 of FNU Decree stating that FNU is liable for the contract entered by FSM. I also have reasons to believe that fraud may have been committed but don't have any cogent evidence by whom.

2. My concerns about the purchase of the Navua Farm by the VC from Tembara Meats without Council approval. VC has a long close and personal friendship with Tembara's MD Firoz. VC forced me to join DF attend Firoz's residence on 28 July for Eid lunch during normal FNU business hours from 2-5pm. I felt very uncomfortable with this arrangement.

3. My concerns about DF's competence in holding 2 roles (Finance and HR) for which he neither has the required qualifications and/or expertise. He's neither a CA or CPA, yet at times holds out to be one. He also has a close and very personal relationship with the VC (both were room mates during their time at USP) and I question his consultant DF/DHR roles since 2010. Initially he was on a 3 year work permit and ought to have trained a local for the job and left. The 2 departments that he manages (finance and HR) are in total shambles. The bank reconciliations are currently behind by some 4 months (last bank rec was April 2014 - meaning that the financials supplied to the FRC at its 12 August meeting was incomplete and/or misleading). The DF has no professional ethics, and with the VC, treats Committee members with sheer contempt - especially those who scrutinise the financials and other business proposals. Most of the time the DF spends in NZ for medical treatment (he has had 4 heart stent surgeries in the past). He also sits as the Housing Authority and the Public Rental Board chair. No wonder the finance and HR department that he heads are in tatters - he hardly has the time to diligently discharge both roles. He has deliberately failed to convene a Special Meeting which the Audit Committee directed him at its 12 August meeting.

4. I am also concerned about honest, competent and hard working staff leaving FNU due to the arrogant and heavy handed management style of the VC and the DF. These are mostly finance and HR staff.

5. I am further concerned about the degree of nepotism and cronyism practised by the VC and DF in the recruitment of FNU staff. People who are loyal to both these men are promoted to Director level without the required qualification and or experience. I am advised that a Krishna was promoted by the VC to the role of Director of Property. This guy has no expertise in properties. Similarly, the current Navua Farm Manager has no farming qualifications or background whatsoever. Both men are distant relations of the VC.

6. FNU has a Internal Audit Manager, yet engaged PWC to do its internal audit at high fees. This begs the question - why does FNU have an internal audit manager? I am advised that the only job the manager does is conducting investigations and reporting to the VC on non internal audit issues. Quite frankly, in my entire professional career I have never seen an Audit Manager reporting directly to the CEO - he must be reporting either to the Audit Committee directly or the Council. Even FNU's Policy says so.

7. I am concerned about the large amounts of FNU money that the VC spent on Filipe Bole and his family's medical treatment overseas in the past. When I questioned the DF about this, he informed that as the Chancellor Bole was entitled to the use of FNU funds but I cannot find any policy on this, nor there's any such provision in the FNU Decree.

8. Finally, I am concerned about the VC and DF's conduct using FNU credit card for their personal business expense. PWC mentioned these in their snapshot internal audit report. Staff do not have the courage to confront both men with this issue for fear of victimisation, retaliation or simply losing their job.

I have copied Uday Sen for his reference. The current situation is that after I resigned, DF tried to waive the 3 months notice period and asked me to leave FNU immediately. When I refused his waiver and pointed out that I wanted to complete the Kiri EU saga for the Audit Committee's Special Meeting, he retaliated by making a false allegation against me to the VC for insubordination and misconduct. The VC has appointed the internal audit manager to investigate me. I have never seen this kind of farce in my entire life.

I think time has come that the Council Members pass a vote of no confidence in the VC. Both he and the DF must go for the long term interest of FNU and its stakeholders.

Regards,
ANDREW M SINGH

Fijileaks Editor: We will continue to reveal more: how Ganesh Chand allegedly improperly used FNU funds to fight defamation case against Fiji Times and also against FNU staff Pusp Chand and reportedly "pocketed" the damages granted. And many more revelations to follow re FNUGate!

DOUBLE STANDARD: Museum director Buadromo charged by FICAC for not calling tender of $15,000 and yet it has let Ganesh Chand roam around Fiji with a payoff of over $600,000 by FNU Council; his alleged partner in crime Narendra Prasad allowed to flee to New Zealand; FICAC had given assurance to Andrew Singh that they were going to take Ganesh Chand into custody by 14 December - its now 18 February 2015!

The Hand That Shakes With You Can't Be Handcuffed by FICAC?

7 Comments

ONE HUNDRED QUESTIONS must be answered as Aiyaz Khaiyum finally revokes One Hundred Sands Ltd's casino license - what about Aunty Bano and her accountancy firm who represented the company in Fiji?

17/2/2015

12 Comments

Fijileaks Editor: As far back as March 2012, Victor Lal had raised serious questions about One Hundred Sands Ltd but the then illegal regime, led by Bainimarama & Khaiyum, continued to roll out all sorts of concessions to Larry Claunch, including giving OHSL exclusive 15-year-licence to build Fiji's first casino; Fijileaks will reveal why the licence has been revoked and the regime's new local cronies who will takeover - we are back to square one, except with the new set of players to roll the dice

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. - The Yash Ghai Commission

CASINO LICENCE REVOKED - A-G CLARIFIES

Fiji's Attorney General and Minister for Justice Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum maintains that the casino gaming licence issued to One Hundred Sands Limited (OHSL) for the construction of what would have been the country's first casino has indeed been revoked. The licence was revoked last week.

In a letter dated February 9, 2015 which was faxed to OHSL chairman Larry Claunch and acquired by FijiLive, Sayed-Khaiyum said the decision to revoke the licence stemmed from their failure to comply with the conditions set out in the licence. This included delay in the construction of the casino despite numerous extensions by the Fijian Government, the developers' having not secured the land site for the casino and their failure to pay fines for the months of March 2014 till January 2015, totalling $US1.1million.

"Therefore it is clear that OHSL has failed to comply with the special conditions of the licence in particular, Clause19.1 and Clause 19.1(i) which is a breach of Section 5 of the Casino (Operator) Decree 2012," the letter said. "Given OHSL's breach and in exercise of my powers, under section 39(1) of the Decree, the 15 March 2012 Gaming Licence granted to OHSL is hereby revoked. "Please take notice that OHSL is to, with immediate effect, cease to hold itself as the holder of any Gaming Licence under the Decree. OHSL is also liable to pay the outstanding pecuniary payments."

OHSL was issued the licence on 15 March 2012 to complete and have ready by 1 October 2013 the Casino Project which comprised of a 100-hotel room, a 1500-state-of-the-art convention centre and a casino on Denarau Island.

On 3 June 2013, the Government upon a request for extension from OHSL agreed to the commencement of construction of the casino project by midnight 9 June 2013 and the completion within 15-20 months.

On 2 July 2013, the Government upon further request from OHSL consented to amending the licence by allowing for the casino and convention centre to be operational within 15 months from 13 June 2013, ensure the 100 to 278 hotel rooms be operational within 12 months of completion of the casino and convention centre and that the new site for the project be located just before the bridge to Denarau Islands. All other terms and conditions including the penalty provision of $US100,000 per month payable from 1 October 2013 remained unchanged.

On 2 October 2013, Government issued a notice to OHSL for the payment of penalty and OHSL to show cause as to why Govt should not cancel the licence.

On 8 October 2013 and 25 November 2013, OHSL paid in the penalties for the months of October and December respectively. OHSL also responded to Government's letter (dated 2 October 2013) outlining that construction was to begin in 2013 and that the casino and convention centre were to be completed within 15 months. The developers followed up with payments of the December 2013 and January 2014 penalties on 17 January 2014 and 21 January 2014 respectively.

On 31 December, OHSL again requested for an extension, this time for the construction to begin on 15 January 2014 at the latest and to be completed within 15 months. Govt agreed to the request.

On 20 March 2014, upon OHSL's request the Govt agreed to defer payment of the fines for the months of March and April 2014 to the beginning of May 2015.

On 25 March 2014, OHSL paid $US50,000 with the balance of $US50,000 paid on 1 April 2014 for the month of February 2014.

On 27 June 2014, Govt notified OHSL to settle outstanding penalty for the months of March onwards to be paid by 30 June 2014. It followed up with another notice on 16 December 2014 and to show cause as to why Govt should not cancel the licence.

On 27 January 2015, Govt issued yet another notice to OHSL for the outstanding penalty payment. In a teleconference on 5 February 2015 between Govt and OHSL, the latter was to provide a status update on the casino project including financing details, and to settle fines of $US1.1million for the months of March 2014 to January 2015, by 4pm Friday, 6 February 2015. However, the payment was not paid, prompting the revocation of the licence. Source: FijiLive Read more at: http://fijilive.com/news/2015/02/casino-licence-revoked-a-g-clarifies/60660.Fijilive
Copyright 2015 © Fijilive.com

From Fijileaks Archive:

12 Comments

BITING HARD INTO THEIR WALLETS: Parents fork out $150 to download textbooks from the Ministry of Education website and get it printed. Did Government con parents and students when it promised free textbooks?

17/2/2015

10 Comments

1) Some schools are telling their students to download their textbooks from the MoE Website and get it printed.
2) One parent tells Fijileaks he just spent almost $150 just to print textbooks for his son
3) The site http://www.education.gov.fj/index.php/textbooks/year-7 has about 7 textbooks and it costs 10c a page to print at an internet shop
4) Each book is about 100-200 pages.
5) Not all parents have access to internet neither can they afford the printing charges
6) Is this what the Government meant by free textbooks?

Take, for example, Fiji Mathematics Year 7 textbook - it contains 119 pages

10 Comments

THE ASHWIN RAJ CASE: Police sources claim they have been forced to counter-charge his victims with "annoyance" after the orders came from the "TOP" - reportedly from Aiyaz Khaiyum and S-G, Sharvada Sharma!

15/2/2015

25 Comments

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: DPP drops charges against Raj claiming INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE but did he lie to get stamp duty exemption? Why would a Fiji Labour Tribunal Judge, Joshika Samujh, the principal complainant, MAKE Things Up Against MIDA chairman Raj?
It is a fact Raj was heard & seen allegedly swearing by at least FIVE independent witnesses whose statements police (Raj's friend and police investigator Rakeshwar Singh) didn't disclose to DPP’s Office at all

THE annoyance charge laid against academic and Media Industry Development Authority chairman Ashwin Raj has been dropped due to insufficient evidence.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said this matter was referred to the DPP after representations for a review of the case were received by the DPP last week. Following a review of the case, the DPP concluded there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the matter.

The charge was withdrawn by way of a nolle prosequi when the matter was called in court last Friday: Source Fijivillage News

PREVIOUS STORY:
Fijileaks: Is that why Ashwin Raj wants Media Decree in place, and him as MIDA chairman to control the media from revealing his true character? In 2014 you told us you will not speak to Fijileaks for we had not earned your RESPECT; we never gave you and NEVER WILL - We repeat RESIGN, so that media can report your case without fear, intimidation, bullying and finger-wagging demands from you!

Police sources claim Raj, to get the complainants (sisters) charged, claimed that the (sisters) uttered that "Raj is having sexual relationship with AG and PM"; the allegation was put to the sisters in police caution interviews. But they claim Raj fabricated it to exact revenge on them!

The Principal Complainant against Raj: Joshika Samujh, a lawyer formerly with the Consumer Council of Fiji and now employed as a Legal Tribunal with the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations

SAMABULA police sources who had tipped off Fijileaks that they had MIDA chairman Ashwin Raj in police custody now claim that there are new developments to the case. The police sources claim that for the victims and their family members the debacle has not only caused distress and public humiliation when Raj allegedly called one of the complainants a prostitute and other defamatory remarks, now the case has taken a strange and ugly twist through Raj’s alleged abuse of power and influence through his close friendship with the people on the “top”.

According to the police sources the retaliation has come from Raj’s best friends, the Attorney-General and Solicitor General against the innocent and helpless victims who are being punished for standing up for their rights. Thus orders were issued on 4 February from the “top” to just counter-charge the two complainants for the same offence -“annoyance” - so that Raj finally gets his revenge.

In fact, as of the suspects' right to be informed exactly who issued the orders for charging, this was never given except they being told “orders came from the top”

The conspiracy and plot thickened with a Police Inquiry Paper (commonly called in police language PEP), meaning no actual CR or Crime Register complaint logged at the material time, but had originated as an allegation in writing to the police (we all know after his arrest Raj had written a three page letter to the Commissioner of Police), and which allegation was not supported by sufficient evidence.

Raj's friends and relatives allegedly fabricated their police statements; Investigating Officer removed and Raj's friend Police Officer Rakeshwar Singh (3687) handed the case to hound and charge the complainants; Singh accused of removing from police file statements of five independent witnesses against Raj!

This PEP of Raj as of 4 February was upgraded by “top” officials through a fabricated complaint and statements given by Raj’s close friends and relatives. Samabula police sources say something was noted in one of their log books (conveniently locked away when complainants wanted a copy). Police sources reveal that the complaint book actually shows the principal complainant, a female lawyer (Joshika Samujh, the Fiji Labour Tribunal Judge), first made a phone call to Samabula Police Station (SPS) at 19.29hrs and very conveniently, right after that, it now shows that Raj subsequently lodged a complaint around 19.45hrs on 11/1/2015.

According to the police sources, this is impossible because the police were already at the complainant’s mother’s flat in Kikau Street to attend to the complaint and write down statements. All the witness statements show the time also. In fact, we are aware that Raj had complained to the Commissioner of Police as to how SPS officers handled his case. So the new twist is this - after weeks of no mention of any legitimate cross complaint whatsoever that Raj really lodged a complaint at the material time hence his allegations started as a PEP, why is it now that police and DPP have changed this into a “CR” in favour of Raj’s top priority PEP?

According to the police sources, this is Raj’s and his “top” friends alleged web of conspiracy and lies to come out looking good to prove there was police ill-action; meaning that, it was not Raj at fault but the complainants. Of course, police sources at SPS confirmed this to be a deliberate fabrication to target the complainants at behest of all “top friends” of Raj who allegedly influenced SPS top officers Krishna Nair and Crime Officer IP Iakobo including Raj’s very close friend, Officer Rakeshwar Singh (3687). Even the attending officers who took the complaint and charged Raj have been taken in for questioning by DPP, Task Force and Internal Affairs as to what powers they have to investigate or charge Raj. It is then no surprise the Investigating Officer was removed from the case and Rakeshwar Singh took over, given his close friendship with Raj.

Police Commissioner also accused of changing Raj's PEP to CR status; the complainants had lodged five previous complaints against Raj; in one case PO Singh had threatened the complainants; last year the female lawyer had filed an injunction against Raj and the family in High Court!

So when Police Commissioner came on Fiji TV after Raj was shown in the same segment saying only DPP has powers to charge, he was not mincing his words. He was substantiating Raj’s ‘PEP’ with ‘CR’ status at the advice of DPP. The Commissioner of Police in his bid to allegedly cover up “Raj embarrassment for being charged” and to look good against Raj’s allegation of “bad police handling” at SPS, had given orders through influence and pressure from the “top brass” including a host of very high level officers, Internal Affairs, Special Taskforce, CID, even DPP and SG’s office to investigate Raj’s PPE and find evidence even if it was fabricated.

The alleged conspiracy and power pushing by Raj has taken a heavy toll on the victims and their family as though they had committed a murder for complaining against Raj’s on-going alleged abuse of the family members. This is despite SPS had already five different complaints from the lawyer complainant from September-November 2014, wherein during one incident the same officer, Rakeshwar Singh had threatened the complainant to arrest and charge her with trespass at Raj’s one phone call. This had compelled the complainant to go to High Court with her Sale and Purchase agreement for an Injunction in November 2014. One just has to read the affidavit in support of the Injunction proceedings with real evidence of abuse therein. It has also emerged that the independent statements taken from at least 5 witnesses who were in actual fact present at the incident was deliberately removed from the file by Singh when he sent the file to his superiors. Singh confirmed that he sent only those documents he thought were relevant and others went in another file.

Police sources accuse lawyer Seema Chand from A-G's Chambers of perverting the cause of justice by lying on Raj's behalf against sisters; FNU lecturer Arti Pillay also accused of fabricating evidence for Raj; Pillay provided surety for Raj!

According to the police sources, Raj was charged on 19 January. Afterwards, his friend Rakeshwar Singh began searching for fabricated witnesses in favour of Raj. Singh was seen making the rounds on Kikau Street. He was interviewing the neighbours as though randomly, to prove Raj’s cross-complaint that both sisters had uttered at the same time “Raj is having sexual relationship with AG and PM” .The police sources claim that Raj brought "bogus" witnesses to the Samabula Police Station a week after the incident.

One lawyer by the name Seema Chand from AG’s Chambers whom Raj had befriended and had been hanging out since participating in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) tabled at the recent Geneva trip together, was seen at SPS in order to gang up with Raj to allege that the victim and her sister had simultaneously uttered words to the effect that “Raj is having sexual relationship with AG and PM”. This is utterly false allegation as in actual fact it was Raj who was allegedly threatening the victim and her family with names of these two close allies in every sentence with punitive actions like “loss of job”; “deportation”, etc, etc, etc. Never once any of the independent bystanders and neighbours who had heard or saw the victim or her family take AG or PM’s name in any context whatsoever. This was confirmed by Rakeshwar Singh when he said that all 5 independent witnesses in the victims favour were not considered by DPP because they said that they had never heard either sister refer to AG or PM at all. They only considered the statements in favour of Raj given by his parents, friends and relatives. But why would the two sisters need to use PM or AG in their personal battle? They are not the ones threatening the world!

The police sources claim that another close friend of Raj, Arti Pillay from FNU (lecturer at FSM in Food and Nutrition) who came forward to provide Raj surety attempted, in collusion with Raj, to give a statement that both sisters had uttered the same words at the same time in her presence. Lawyers will tell DPP’s office that a person giving surety and is close friend of Raj, is no independent witness. According to the victims, Pillay was not present at the scene or seen by any independent persons being present at the scene. This was never confirmed by the police as they only wanted a written statement and anything for Raj will do. But this had given Raj his first real ammunition to pressure the Police Commissioner to take counter action against the complainant or the victims.

Police sources claim neither Chand nor Pillay witnessed the incident, and Raj's two "aunties" gave statements to Singh in Raj's presence to police; the sisters were denied legal representation as Singh charged them! Singh became a regular visitor to Raj's house after charging the sisters!

According to the police sources Raj allegedly colluded and fabricated statements with his next door aunties and his very "independent parents". Raj’s close neighbour and mum Jamila Begum’s cousins (two next door aunties) allegedly gave a statement each, but in Raj’s presence only. As a matter fact because Mrs Sajra Khan and Nancy Feeri (Raj’s aunties visiting him daily around the incident) had specifically demanded to the police to help Raj but only with Raj being present when they gave statement to the police, Officer Rakeshwar Singh allowed Raj to sit in Mrs Khan house and guide her whilst they all wrote a statement together.

Strangely, Singh allegedly informed the sisters Raj’s swearing was witnessed by many independent witnesses in the street (at least confirmed by three direct neighours who witnessed and saw first-hand swearing up close and personal by Raj) and not the victim or her family, all these statement were not in the police file nor considered when making a decision to hound and charge the complainants.

Singh allegedly ordered the sisters to hand themselves to Samabula Police Station by 1pm on 4 February, threatening to lock them up if they did not turn up. Co-operating, the sisters appeared at SPS at 1pm. Raj’s close friend officer Rakeshwar Singh, handling the case for Raj since January, told the complainant that he had achieved his mission. Singh was also spotted visiting Raj's house after the sisters had been charged by him. He had been spending considerable time inside Raj's house. He gloated that the orders had come from "the top". IP Iakobo told the sisters that they were giving Raj’s PEP a priority who in turn, were mere loyal soldiers given directive from the top to arrest and charge the victim and her sister at all cost. The police was also directed to produce the two victims (now suspect and accused) in the court around the same time Raj’s case would be called. This is to teach the two victims a good lesson by the “top” punishing in their own way for finally taking an action against Raj’s on-going abuses and threats.The sisters were also denied legal representation by Singh despite being told that the lawyer representing the two victims was in High Court for a day long trial.

Then a call came from somewhere around 5pm to Rakeshwar Singh and despite a court date for first call was given for 24th April, this was synchronized to fall with Raj’s case around the same time in February. Rakeshwar Singh again said he was merely doing what the “top” told him. Interestingly though, first Raj had attacked the police for the “way they handled his case”, insinuating that the police had maliciously and arbitrarily arrested him in an attempt to ruin his so-called pristine reputation. Obviously this was Raj’s brilliant face-saving tactics designed to divert attention from his charges and calls by the public to step down as the MIDA Chairman backed up by AG and PM. The fabrication of the allegation was obviously an afterthought when the police were already called to attend to the female lawyer’s complaint who had taken her, the family, and certain independent witness statements. The news of Raj's arrest and charge was reported as though he was a victim of police inefficiency and malicious actions. It is a fact he was heard and seen allegedly swearing by at least 5 independent witnesses which police did not disclose to DPP’s office at all.

Raj allegedly sought exemption of $12,000 and was granted by Khaiyum and Sharma after falsely claiming that the house he bought was for residential purpose, when evidence proves he was renting the bottom flats to the sisters for $850 a month!

Another fact is that Raj called on favours in lieu of his unwavering support of the regime, leading up to the elections last year and sought exemption of close to $12,000 by not paying stamp duties when he bought his house in April last year. Exemption was granted by AG (minister of tax) and this was facilitated by SG’s personal involvement as MIDA member of the Board after Raj had called him on several occasions and sought the favour. Raj had subsequently given undertaking to Commissioner of Stamps Duties that the Kikau street house will be used for residential purpose only and not for commercial gain. But it is a fact that he has rented the bottom flats and earned $850 per month since July last year. The tenancy agreement proves the case against him.

RESIGN NOW, ASHWIN RAJ; Allegedly Calling a Female Lawyer and Fiji Labour Tribunal Judge "Prostitute" -
STEP DOWN AS MIDA CHAIRMAN

25 Comments

Fijileaks to Bainimarama: "You and your Lilliputians are in Parliament because of your 2006 coup"; Foreign Minister Inoke Kubuabola claims Khaiyum rigged poll to get second highest number of votes to be "KING"

12/2/2015

35 Comments

"I am saying this because my daughter and her friends VOTED FOR ME but when the votes were tallied from this constituency the result had NULL for me from this constituency-where did their votes go, ah, tell me" Inoke Kubuabola, Minister For Foreign Affairs

24 August 2000: Kubuabola attacks Victor Lal after joining post George Speight coup as Minister for Information in the interim Qarase led government:

“Victor Lal’s articles [in Fiji's Daily Post] all have a simple, indeed simplistic stance, restore [Mahendra] Chaudhry and impose democracy as defined by Lal and his friends. What he is advocating is an Indian supremacist doctrine, a new version of Hitlerian herrenvolk for Fiji. The racism lies in his desires, not those of us Fijians. His obsession to control Fiji, blinds him to his own ambitions.”

Kubuabola was responding to the London based Movement for Democracy in Fiji which had intensified its fight for deposed Chaudhry’s political rights. The then Commodore Frank Bainimarama had claimed in his February 2001 affidavit before the Fiji Court of Appeal that he had abrogated the 1997 Constitution because he was satisfied that people engaged in the events of May 19 [2000 Speight coup] were of the perception that the document had watered down the interests of indigenous Fijians:

“Whether or not those perceptions accorded with reality was not my principal consideration. The perceptions were genuinely held by largely unsophisticated Fijians not equipped to adequately comprehend the niceties and technicalities of the Constitution.”

http://www.fijileaks.com/home/he-is-back-the-old-violent-racist-and-nationalist-inoke-kubuabola-who-drove-thousands-of-indo-fijians-out-of-fiji-in-1987-is-standing-for-election-under-fijifirst-party-led-by-bainimarama-and-khaiyum

Kubuabola also strips naked claim that FFP and 2006 coup was to bring EQUALITY for all RACES in Fiji - "But Look At HIS OWN Racist Ministry"; Fijileaks says Kubuabola has not left behind his sinful racist past - 11 Indo-Fijians (1 Volunteer) out of 87 staff under his Ministerial "sulu":

http://www.fijileaks.com/home/lording-it-with-inoke-kubuabola-businessman-himmat-lodhia-stands-accused-of-bankrolling-foreign-ministers-election-and-using-connection-to-get-top-jobs-for-son-and-sex-goddess-with-the-foreign-ministry

35 Comments

<<Previous

Forward>>

Fijileaks to Police Commissioner Ben Groenewald: "We hope you will speak to us, instead of telling us you don't give comments to blogs; take a leaf out of Nair who has set the precedent by returning our phone call."

Teleni, Fiji's former Ambassador to China, was recalled last November following the bribery charges; Foreign Minister Kubuabola pleaded with Bainimarama to give Teleni a "second chance"; he was last December appointed as Special Adviser to the Pacific Islands Development Forum

Fijileaks Editor: Both serial coupists Kubuabola and Teleni were also part of the debtors responsible for the collapse of the National Bank of Fiji:

READ full Profile HERE

From Fijileaks Archive:

Note from Fijileaks: We screen-captured from the original pdf excerpts of a long statement from George Speight hence different fonts etc

From Fijileaks Archive:

FROM FNU's former MFP, ANDREW SINGH, TO FICAC:

Fijileaks Editor: We will continue to reveal more: how Ganesh Chand allegedly improperly used FNU funds to fight defamation case against Fiji Times and also against FNU staff Pusp Chand and reportedly "pocketed" the damages granted. And many more revelations to follow re FNUGate!

From Fijileaks Archive:

Police Commissioner also accused of changing Raj's PEP to CR status; the complainants had lodged five previous complaints against Raj; in one case PO Singh had threatened the complainants; last year the female lawyer had filed an injunction against Raj and the family in High Court!

Police sources accuse lawyer Seema Chand from A-G's Chambers of perverting the cause of justice by lying on Raj's behalf against sisters; FNU lecturer Arti Pillay also accused of fabricating evidence for Raj; Pillay provided surety for Raj!

Police sources claim neither Chand nor Pillay witnessed the incident, and Raj's two "aunties" gave statements to Singh in Raj's presence to police; the sisters were denied legal representation as Singh charged them! Singh became a regular visitor to Raj's house after charging the sisters!

Raj allegedly sought exemption of $12,000 and was granted by Khaiyum and Sharma after falsely claiming that the house he bought was for residential purpose, when evidence proves he was renting the bottom flats to the sisters for $850 a month!

RESIGN NOW, ASHWIN RAJ; Allegedly Calling a Female Lawyer and Fiji Labour Tribunal Judge "Prostitute" - STEP DOWN AS MIDA CHAIRMAN

"I am saying this because my daughter and her friends VOTED FOR ME but when the votes were tallied from this constituency the result had NULL for me from this constituency-where did their votes go, ah, tell me" Inoke Kubuabola, Minister For Foreign Affairs

Kubuabola also strips naked claim that FFP and 2006 coup was to bring EQUALITY for all RACES in Fiji - "But Look At HIS OWN Racist Ministry"; Fijileaks says Kubuabola has not left behind his sinful racist past - 11 Indo-Fijians (1 Volunteer) out of 87 staff under his Ministerial "sulu":

Archives

RESIGN NOW, ASHWIN RAJ; Allegedly Calling a Female Lawyer and Fiji Labour Tribunal Judge "Prostitute" -
STEP DOWN AS MIDA CHAIRMAN