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The leader of his BAAP party had run away from SODELPA and Parliament, leaving 180,000 'political children' who voted for him, ORPHANS. He had not even informally informed SODELPA that he was quitting Parliament    Draconian provisions in the Development of Informal Settlements Bill an example of “Corrupt law” National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad has described the provisions in the Development of Informal Settlements Bill as “draconian and an example of corrupt law pushed through parliament by the Fiji First government under parliamentary Standing Order 51”. He said the Bill’s intent was basically forcible eviction of tenants in informal settlements as well as imposing hefty fines and imprisonment terms if they refused to relocate from the settlements just because government had a development lease on them. Professor Prasad said the Bill was part of 18 consequential legislations lumped together with the Revised 2021-22 Budget by the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and passed by Parliament late last Friday night together with the Budget”. “Members of Parliament had 20 minutes each to scrutinise both the Budget and the Bills. A vast majority of MPs were under the impression that like before the Bills would be debated together separate from the Budget”. The NFP Leader said he managed to briefly speak on two Bills, namely the Development of Informal Settlements and Citizenship Bills and pointed out the draconian provisions. He said this Bill was not in any way a consequential legislation giving effect to budgetary provisions but was a substantive legislation that required extensive consultation”. Professor Prasad said in parliament there should be clarification on the clauses of the Bill defining the developer, the lessee and why the need to impose hefty fines and jail terms for informal tenants breaching the bill. He said the Bill, which is now an Act, empowers the lessee and the developer to compulsorily relocate informal tenants whose homes are likely to obstruct development or construction of infrastructure such as roads, power lines, water pipes and sewer lines”. “Under the Act, if tenants refuse or unable to relocate themselves to other areas apparently selected for them by government, their homes will be demolished and they can be liable to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or both”. “In the case of a body corporate, which presumably could be a business operating in an informal settlement, the fine is $100,000.” “How does government expect tenants of any informal settlement to relocate themselves when they are struggling to meet daily needs? It’s a costly affair to demolish one’s home and rebuild on an alternative site, unless of course the government has alternative accommodation ready for them, which it clearly doesn’t”. “The Act defines the lessee as the Minister responsible for Housing and Community Development or the Director of Lands”. “The Minister for Housing and Community Development is Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who is also the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy. He was given this portfolio following the last Cabinet reshuffle in August 2021.“ “Interestingly, the Department of Town and Country Planning, traditionally reporting to the Ministry of Local Government, was shifted under Ministry of Trade and Tourism”. “The Bill tabled in parliament stated that the Ministry of Housing and Community Development has acquired 40 development leases. But there is no information whatsoever on where these developments will be, how many informal settlements fall within these leases or the number of tenants to be displaced”. “The NFP pointed out in parliament thrice before of government’s deviousness in bringing legislation to parliament and for it to act as merely a rubber-stamp under Standing Order 51 just to benefit someone”. “This kind of lawmaking where government rides roughshod over the mandate of people and tramples parliamentary democracy produces a corrupt law”. “And this latest Act is the latest example of government’s shenanigans where the victims will be the one of the poorest and most vulnerable segment of our population”. Professor Biman Prasad Leader EVICTIONS WILL GALORE: We will see more of this if PAAP-NAG Party form a coalition after the general election   National Federation Party stalwart Charan Jeath Singh will be announcing his future plans by next week. This comes after the Labasa Businessman resigned from the National Federation Party today. Speaking to FBC News, Singh says that he still has time to stand for the 2022 General Election but said he has not applied to join any party. Singh who is a known supporter of NFP was last seen hosting the People Alliance Party Leader Sitiveni Rabuka for a meet and greet with members of the community in Labasa last weekend. Rabuka had earlier stated that the doors are open for the prominent Labasa businessman to join PAP for the 2022 General Election. Source: FBC News  Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says there has been no constructive response from the Opposition on the 2021-2022 Revised National Budget. In his right of reply, Sayed-Khaiyum says it has been so difficult to respond because it would appear the ordinary Fijian has far better grasp of what the government is trying to implement and do. He says the Opposition is purely trying to acquire power and not to improve systems and ensure economic longevity. Sayed-Khaiyum also claimed that fijivillage is the latest favorite media outlet of NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad. The Minister for Economy says the Opposition does not care. CFL stations, Legend FM, FM96, Viti FM, Navtarang and Radio Sargam and website, fijivillage always stand for balance, fairness and accuracy. CFL does not support any politician or political party and also does not stand for or support any form of discrimination against any particular individual. Source: FijiVillage News  Aiyaz Lasulasu-Jhooth launches yet another disgraceful and unwarranted attack on CFL-Fiji Village for giving the opposition a voice and labels the People's Alliance as "paapi", or sinner in Hindi. As the Bible says and there is undoubtedly a similar sentiment in the Koran, "let he who is without sin cast the first stone". Or perhaps there isn't, which is why this Islamic fundamentalist thinks he can judge others like the Afghan Taliban or the ayatollahs in Iran. No-one in Fiji needs a lesson in morality from the AG, who has trashed the constitution he imposed on the country, dispenses favours to his cronies and relatives, has corrupted the institutions of state and the CJ Patel Fiji Sun newspaper and who is paapi personified. The ultimate hypocrite and a man bereft of shame. The sooner he is gone, the better for every Fijian.   "The Minister [Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum] so boldly declared that only “fools” would object to the increase in minimum wage, civil service salary review, reintroduction of overtime payment, removal of VAT on basic food items, removal of tax on petrol etc. What he did not say was which fool in the first place had imposed all these taxes and objected to the reviews from taking place all these years."  *The FTUC has experienced that such announcements during election time could well be temporary. We only have to look at the Family Care Leave and the Paternity Leave to understand why we are cautious not to applaud too soon. |
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EDUCATING PREMILLA KUMAR: It looks like Education Minister was
not consulted nor asked for input on Education in Budget. We wonder if Aiyaz Khaiyum sneaked in the Toppers scholarship for Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery after an outcry around the world against denying the Year 13 girl, who got the highest mark in Fiji, 395 out of 400, scholarship to study medicine and surgery?
Our Editor-in-Chief to Aiyaz Khaiyum, 21 March 2022:
The Nadi Sangam College student that scored 395 out of 400 which is the highest mark in the Year 13 exam had wanted to study medicine and surgery but could not do this as there is no National Toppers scholarship that caters for this program.
When questioned if the Ministry will consider giving her a scholarship in the area since she scored the highest mark, Education Minister Premila Kumar says they need to focus on areas where there is employability.
.
Kumar says they have seen that sometimes students get carried away where they still go with their friends even though their parents are paying for their fees.
The Year 13 student is now opting to study Bachelor of Pharmacy at the Fiji National University.
When questioned if the Ministry will consider giving her a scholarship in the area since she scored the highest mark, Education Minister Premila Kumar says they need to focus on areas where there is employability.
.
Kumar says they have seen that sometimes students get carried away where they still go with their friends even though their parents are paying for their fees.
The Year 13 student is now opting to study Bachelor of Pharmacy at the Fiji National University.
Focus on Party Manifestos: Voters will deliver their Budget Verdict at Poll
National Federation Party Leader, Professor Biman Prasad says the measures announced in the Revised National Budget is a case of accepting what NFP has been saying for the last several years however it is a little too late.
Prasad says the reduction in VAT on 21 items is designed to cushion the effects of the rising cost of living but the impact of that on the reduction in the price would be very little because the freight cost remains high.
He says the 20 cents per litre fuel tax should never have been imposed and the benefits should have been passed on to the consumers when the prices were going down.
Prasad says the measures that have been put forward to decisively deal with the rising cost of living is too little, too late.
The NFP Leader says apart from the removal of VAT from 21 items and the removal of the 20 cents per litre fuel tax, there is nothing much in this budget.
He says this budget is an attempt to pacify the people because Government knows that the people are angry.
Source: Fijivillage News
Prasad says the reduction in VAT on 21 items is designed to cushion the effects of the rising cost of living but the impact of that on the reduction in the price would be very little because the freight cost remains high.
He says the 20 cents per litre fuel tax should never have been imposed and the benefits should have been passed on to the consumers when the prices were going down.
Prasad says the measures that have been put forward to decisively deal with the rising cost of living is too little, too late.
The NFP Leader says apart from the removal of VAT from 21 items and the removal of the 20 cents per litre fuel tax, there is nothing much in this budget.
He says this budget is an attempt to pacify the people because Government knows that the people are angry.
Source: Fijivillage News
23 March 2022: The Speaker Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
Honourable Members, I will now address issues raised by the National Federation Party in regards to –
(a) “there is absolutely no need or urgency to send a flying minute for the sole purpose of tabling and debating a budget when a proper Business Committee has been properly scheduled for 3rd March 2022.
And
(b) that “there is no direct bearing of a scheduled meeting of Parliament and a supplementary budget. A proper sitting of Parliament should not be set aside unless for a very very special reason. A revised budget is not a special reason. Parliament during the height of the COVID-19 crisis cancelled sittings. This is understandable. This removal of the sittings of Parliament in March is unnecessary uncalled for and illegal.”
Hon. Tikoduadua added that –
“the Speaker of Parliament and the Secretary-General to Parliament should defend Parliament’s interests and independence first and should not have entertained the proposal to set aside the March Parliament Sitting by the Government.”
He further stated that the Office of the Speaker –
“should have done to the Government proposal as it does to issues raised by the Opposition and that was for Tables to disallow it”.
Honourable Members should take note of the following –
There has been no subversion of Parliamentary democracy nor an ambush of Parliamentary processes. All Honourable Members will be given an opportunity to contribute to the debates. I remind Honourable Members that the job of the Opposition to hold the Government to account is not only limited to the budget processes. The Opposition has ample opportunity and space to voice its concerns and undertake oversight work through the various Parliamentary Committees. The Standing Committees allows all Members from both sides to ask critical questions and scrutinise public expenditures and the raising of revenue in the various implementing agencies of the Government. Additionally, the Opposition has further opportunity to undertake its oversight role through business brought to the floor of the House – such as debates on motions, petitions, Bills and question time and end of week statements.
I reiterate, that the Speaker’s Office and the office of the Secretary-General are here to serve the Honourable Members of Parliament. We are also here to ensure that Parliament undertakes its business in a timely and efficient manner. It would be unbecoming of an Honourable Member to question the integrity and the virtues of how each Parliament meeting or sitting is facilitated. The diligent facilitation of the Parliament sittings is duly undertaken to enable the Honourable Members of Parliament to undertake their legislative, representative and oversight mandates.
Honourable Members, I will now address issues raised by the National Federation Party in regards to –
- the unanimous decision of the Business Committee to defer the scheduled 7th to 11th March Sitting to 4th to 8th April; and
- the purported subversion of Parliamentary democracy and ambush of Parliamentary processes.
- That the agenda for the Tabling of the Revised Budget and its debate be tabled at the Business Committee Meeting on 3rd March 2022;
- The scheduled sitting of Parliament for 7 to 11 March to remain; and
- The scheduled Business Committee Meeting for 3rd March to remain.
(a) “there is absolutely no need or urgency to send a flying minute for the sole purpose of tabling and debating a budget when a proper Business Committee has been properly scheduled for 3rd March 2022.
And
(b) that “there is no direct bearing of a scheduled meeting of Parliament and a supplementary budget. A proper sitting of Parliament should not be set aside unless for a very very special reason. A revised budget is not a special reason. Parliament during the height of the COVID-19 crisis cancelled sittings. This is understandable. This removal of the sittings of Parliament in March is unnecessary uncalled for and illegal.”
Hon. Tikoduadua added that –
“the Speaker of Parliament and the Secretary-General to Parliament should defend Parliament’s interests and independence first and should not have entertained the proposal to set aside the March Parliament Sitting by the Government.”
He further stated that the Office of the Speaker –
“should have done to the Government proposal as it does to issues raised by the Opposition and that was for Tables to disallow it”.
Honourable Members should take note of the following –
- The Speaker’s Office considers all requests and submissions from all parties in Parliament and individual Members with utmost respect and undertakes due diligence before a decision is undertaken. All Members should be aware that when the Speaker’s Office makes a decision it is guided by the Standing Orders, relevant laws, precedence or previous rulings and the Constitution. The Speaker’s Office also takes a holistic approach and considers whether an urgent matter brought before Parliament serves the national interest.
- Honourable Members are well aware that the Fijian economy is in the recovery stages from the effects of the pandemic and we should all be considerate as Members of this august institution that the welfare of all Fijians remains paramount.
- The Government did inform this House, all Members of Parliament present and the nation on 16 July 2021 through the Honourable Minister for Economy’s 2021-2022 Budget Address that the Budget would be reviewed after six months. It is already past six months in this financial year, and all Members should have anticipated this. As Speaker, I saw no reason why we should not consider the Government’s proposal for a sitting to review the 2021-2022 Budget.
- Honourable Members, I wish to remind you all that all backbenchers were furnished with the necessary tools such as high-end smartphones, laptops and mobile internet access to ensure that you successfully perform your functions. It is inexcusable to claim that you have not received communications from the Secretariat on important matters relating to your work as Parliamentarians or that such communications were late.
There has been no subversion of Parliamentary democracy nor an ambush of Parliamentary processes. All Honourable Members will be given an opportunity to contribute to the debates. I remind Honourable Members that the job of the Opposition to hold the Government to account is not only limited to the budget processes. The Opposition has ample opportunity and space to voice its concerns and undertake oversight work through the various Parliamentary Committees. The Standing Committees allows all Members from both sides to ask critical questions and scrutinise public expenditures and the raising of revenue in the various implementing agencies of the Government. Additionally, the Opposition has further opportunity to undertake its oversight role through business brought to the floor of the House – such as debates on motions, petitions, Bills and question time and end of week statements.
I reiterate, that the Speaker’s Office and the office of the Secretary-General are here to serve the Honourable Members of Parliament. We are also here to ensure that Parliament undertakes its business in a timely and efficient manner. It would be unbecoming of an Honourable Member to question the integrity and the virtues of how each Parliament meeting or sitting is facilitated. The diligent facilitation of the Parliament sittings is duly undertaken to enable the Honourable Members of Parliament to undertake their legislative, representative and oversight mandates.
Replacement: 'Bainimarama's choice of my replacement is an ex Police Inspector Naipote Vere. He is regarded by my Chief Officers as arrogant (hates Indians), vindictive and vicious fellow. Following the coup of 1987, he personally arrested the then Assistant Commissioner Administration, Chandra Dell and dragged him through Nausori Police Station and Central Police Station as an act of humiliation. The arrest was under the order of Sitiveni Rabuka |  Sitiveni Rabuka Father of Coup Culture |
 |  |  The late Andrew Hughes, Police Commissioner |
* We may recall that the late Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes tried to get Frank Bainimarama arrested in New Zealand to avert the then-impending 2006 Coup.
*In a letter to his New Zealand counterpart, HOWARD BROAD, while asking Broad to reconsider his decision not to arrest Bainimarama, Hughes made some startling claims, including that the 'Shadowy Supporters' included Mahendra Chaudhry:
'The Commodore's intention is to appoint himself President and Commander in Chief (Fijileaks: We have decided not to publish the next line regarding Hughes' source)...His shadowy supporters' as I have referred to them publicly, will then be appointed to key positions. Ratu Epeli Ganilau as Minister for Home Affairs, Mahendra Chaudhry as Prime Minister, etc, etc.".
*We have not been able to verify Hughes's allegations regarding Chaudhry as Bainimarama's Prime Minister. For since the 2008 tax allegations, he has barely responded to us.
*We may recall that Chaudhry had declined to enter Cabinet in Qarase's multi-party coalition government and after the 2006 coup had become Bainimarama's Interim Finance Minister. "This [2006] coup is different because the Qarase Government was so awful...Fiji could not have survived another five years." - Mahendra Chaudhry to Larry Dinger
"Mahendra Chaudhry, former PM deposed by the 2000 coup and still head of the FLP, phoned today to let the Ambassador know he intends to accept Bainimarama's offer of the Finance, Public Enterprises, and Sugar Reform portfolios. He put it in terms of having to move Fiji forward and get back to democracy ASAP. When the Ambassador noted how disastrous the past coups had been for Fiji and for Chaudhry personally on two occasions, Chaudhry suggested this coup is different because the Qarase Government was so awful...Fiji could not have survived another five years...Interim Finance Minister Chaudhry is showing his vindictive side. Under the interim government, Chaudhry crony Vayeshnoi is Sports Minister and Chaudhry son Rajendra is on the FSC board."
The former US Ambassador to Fiji, Larry Dinger to Washington
Below is an excerpt from the 16-page letter Hughes had written to his New Zealand police counterpart Howard Broad on 28 November 2006
Fijileaks: After deportation of the late Fiji Sun publisher Russell Hunter following the revelation of Chaudhry's $2million in his Sydney bank account, the paper had dumped our Editor-in-Chief as a regular Opinion Columnist and began running Graham Davis pieces from Grubsheet
  |  |
By GRAHAM DAVIS
(Fiji-born Graham Davis is now an award-winning print and broadcast journalist in Australia. He has covered major events around the world.
He blogs at grubsheet.com)
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has strongly denied claims made by two former Fiji journalists that he tried to mount three coups before his takeover in December 2006.
In two articles in the New Zealand Herald, the Oxford-based academic and author Victor Lal and Russell Hunter, the expelled former publisher and editor-in-chief of the Fiji Sun, said Commodore Bainimarama had tried to take over the country after the Speight coup in 2000, and then again in 2004 and 2005.
The latest article details what the authors say is leaked correspondence from some of Commodore Bainimarama’s fellow officers urging him not to proceed and warning that they would oppose him.
In an interview in Suva, Commodore Bainimarama said the allegations were “not true”.
In the case of 2000, Mr Lal and Mr Hunter reported that Commodore Bainimarama demanded the military should be given the authority to rule Fiji for 50 years but this was opposed by the then president, Ratu Josefa Iloilo.
ALREADY IN CONTROL
Denying the account, Commodore Bainimarama said he was already in control of Fiji in 2000. “For their information, I was in charge of the nation in 2000, so I took over in 2000. I gave the government to (Laisenia) Qarase”.
The Prime Minister said it was historical fact that he had handed the reins of power to Laisenia Qarase hoping that he would govern for all Fijians and not just the indigenous majority.
“Everyone knows the story of 2000 when I came in, so why they changed this and (have) people believing it, I don’t know”.
Commodore Bainimarama also denied subsequent attempts to seize government before his takeover in 2006.
He said: In 2004 and 2005, there was no intention then to remove the government because I was trying to tell the government to play ball.
“There was a build-up of animosity between us and the government of the day, but there was no intention then to remove them because I was trying to get them to change their stance on the Qoliqoli (coastal resources) Bill and the racism that was rife. I was trying to persuade Qarase that he was wrong but there was no talk of us wanting to do coups then.”
The Prime Minister also responded to the account by Mr Lal and Mr Hunter that the former Australian police chief in Fiji, Andrew Hughes, tried to persuade NZ police to arrest him during a visit there in the lead-up to the 2006 coup.
According to their report, Mr Hughes believed that comments made by Commodore Bainimarama during the visit constituted grounds for a NZ charge of perverting the course justice.
These comments related to an ongoing police investigation in Fiji into whether Commodore Bainimarama could be charged with sedition for threatening to overthrow the government of Laisenia Qarase. In the event, the New Zealanders refused to act, primarily because of fears for the safety of NZ citizens in Fiji if the arrest provoked a backlash in the military.
IGNORED THE HUGHES PLAN
The Fijian leader said he’d been aware at the time of the Hughes plan to have him arrested but had ignored it
.
“I didn’t think much of it because I think this guy is a twit. I mean, who would think of getting away with the arrest of a defence force chief in the Pacific, especially an Australian coming to arrest a commander of the Fiji Military Forces”, he said.
Noting that the then NZ Police chief, Howard Broad “had more sense” than Hughes to reject the request, Commodore Bainimarama said the arrest attempt “didn’t surprise him” and he believed that Andrew Hughes was acting on the instructions of the Australian Government.
“I have no doubt about that. The government of the day (Qarase’s SDL) were puppets in the hands of the Australians so Hughes was doing the bidding of both the Qarase government and the Australian Government”, he said.
The Fijian leader said the arrest attempt did not change his behaviour in any way. “We’d already made up our minds on what we were going to do and that was to remove Qarase,” he said.
PERSONAL VENDETTA
He also launched an attack on Mr Lal and Mr Hunter, claiming they were engaged in a personal vendetta against him.
“You should look at the writers. They are not credible people. Victor Lal runs down everyone in Fiji. So does Russell Hunter”.
The prime minister said Mr Hunter was motivated by anger that he’d been expelled from Fiji after 2006.
“He got the kick from here so obviously he will try and retaliate,” Commodore Bainimarama said.
(Fiji-born Graham Davis is now an award-winning print and broadcast journalist in Australia. He has covered major events around the world.
He blogs at grubsheet.com)
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has strongly denied claims made by two former Fiji journalists that he tried to mount three coups before his takeover in December 2006.
In two articles in the New Zealand Herald, the Oxford-based academic and author Victor Lal and Russell Hunter, the expelled former publisher and editor-in-chief of the Fiji Sun, said Commodore Bainimarama had tried to take over the country after the Speight coup in 2000, and then again in 2004 and 2005.
The latest article details what the authors say is leaked correspondence from some of Commodore Bainimarama’s fellow officers urging him not to proceed and warning that they would oppose him.
In an interview in Suva, Commodore Bainimarama said the allegations were “not true”.
In the case of 2000, Mr Lal and Mr Hunter reported that Commodore Bainimarama demanded the military should be given the authority to rule Fiji for 50 years but this was opposed by the then president, Ratu Josefa Iloilo.
ALREADY IN CONTROL
Denying the account, Commodore Bainimarama said he was already in control of Fiji in 2000. “For their information, I was in charge of the nation in 2000, so I took over in 2000. I gave the government to (Laisenia) Qarase”.
The Prime Minister said it was historical fact that he had handed the reins of power to Laisenia Qarase hoping that he would govern for all Fijians and not just the indigenous majority.
“Everyone knows the story of 2000 when I came in, so why they changed this and (have) people believing it, I don’t know”.
Commodore Bainimarama also denied subsequent attempts to seize government before his takeover in 2006.
He said: In 2004 and 2005, there was no intention then to remove the government because I was trying to tell the government to play ball.
“There was a build-up of animosity between us and the government of the day, but there was no intention then to remove them because I was trying to get them to change their stance on the Qoliqoli (coastal resources) Bill and the racism that was rife. I was trying to persuade Qarase that he was wrong but there was no talk of us wanting to do coups then.”
The Prime Minister also responded to the account by Mr Lal and Mr Hunter that the former Australian police chief in Fiji, Andrew Hughes, tried to persuade NZ police to arrest him during a visit there in the lead-up to the 2006 coup.
According to their report, Mr Hughes believed that comments made by Commodore Bainimarama during the visit constituted grounds for a NZ charge of perverting the course justice.
These comments related to an ongoing police investigation in Fiji into whether Commodore Bainimarama could be charged with sedition for threatening to overthrow the government of Laisenia Qarase. In the event, the New Zealanders refused to act, primarily because of fears for the safety of NZ citizens in Fiji if the arrest provoked a backlash in the military.
IGNORED THE HUGHES PLAN
The Fijian leader said he’d been aware at the time of the Hughes plan to have him arrested but had ignored it
.
“I didn’t think much of it because I think this guy is a twit. I mean, who would think of getting away with the arrest of a defence force chief in the Pacific, especially an Australian coming to arrest a commander of the Fiji Military Forces”, he said.
Noting that the then NZ Police chief, Howard Broad “had more sense” than Hughes to reject the request, Commodore Bainimarama said the arrest attempt “didn’t surprise him” and he believed that Andrew Hughes was acting on the instructions of the Australian Government.
“I have no doubt about that. The government of the day (Qarase’s SDL) were puppets in the hands of the Australians so Hughes was doing the bidding of both the Qarase government and the Australian Government”, he said.
The Fijian leader said the arrest attempt did not change his behaviour in any way. “We’d already made up our minds on what we were going to do and that was to remove Qarase,” he said.
PERSONAL VENDETTA
He also launched an attack on Mr Lal and Mr Hunter, claiming they were engaged in a personal vendetta against him.
“You should look at the writers. They are not credible people. Victor Lal runs down everyone in Fiji. So does Russell Hunter”.
The prime minister said Mr Hunter was motivated by anger that he’d been expelled from Fiji after 2006.
“He got the kick from here so obviously he will try and retaliate,” Commodore Bainimarama said.
From Fijileaks Archive, reproduced from the Fiji Sun, 2008.
Our Founding Editor-in-Chief has for four decades always revealed stories based on incontrovertible documents
https://www.fijileaks.com/home/the-brutal-enforcer-as-rfmfs-senior-operations-officer-qiliho-confined-the-deposed-prime-minister-the-late-laisenia-qarase-on-mavana-island-warning-in-phone-call-if-you-step-ashore-in-suva-we-will-kill-you
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest  |    |
Fijileaks: It is really time to KICK this Bloody Callous FFP Government out of power. SICKENING response from Education Minister where she claims her Government has to give scholarships where there is employability. She is yet to respond to us about her husband and the allegations contained in the USP BDO Report
* The HEARTLESS 'money controlling freak, in charge of millions from taxpayers and overseas budget support' (and with multiple stents he got fitted in a Singapore hospital) has $1.4million to dish out for rent for all UN offices in the current financial year that ends on 31 July, and is planning to build a UN House at taxpayers' expense, costing millions of dollars.
*We must DEMAND the UN pay for this student's fees to achieve her ambition to study medicine and surgery and not to be told to go and do a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy at the Fiji National University
Whatever happened to UN's Gender Education Policy?
Education Minister's response is like putting 'lipstick on a pig' - meaning-making superficial or cosmetic changes to a product in a futile effort to disguise its fundamental failings.
*In the bad old days, under the Mara, Rabuka and Qarase governments, thousands of Indo-Fijian students had lost places at university because of affirmative action where the bar was raised for Indo-Fijians to score 350 out of 400, and i-Taukei Fijian students marks were lowered for them to get university education. Here is a student who scored 395 out of 400
BOOT FFP OUT OF POWER
 Ria Dipashna Devi | BRAIN | Lipstick on a Pig Response  Premilla Kumar |
The Nadi Sangam College student that scored 395 out of 400 which is the highest mark in the Year 13 exam had wanted to study medicine and surgery but could not do this as there is no National Toppers scholarship that caters for this program.
When questioned if the Ministry will consider giving her a scholarship in the area since she scored the highest mark, Education Minister Premila Kumar says they need to focus on areas where there is employability.
.
Kumar says they have seen that sometimes students get carried away where they still go with their friends even though their parents are paying for their fees.
The Year 13 student is now opting to study Bachelor of Pharmacy at the Fiji National University.
When questioned if the Ministry will consider giving her a scholarship in the area since she scored the highest mark, Education Minister Premila Kumar says they need to focus on areas where there is employability.
.
Kumar says they have seen that sometimes students get carried away where they still go with their friends even though their parents are paying for their fees.
The Year 13 student is now opting to study Bachelor of Pharmacy at the Fiji National University.
In 2018, Robert (Bob) Lowres donated $10,000 to the FijiFirst Party. He told Khaiyum that he (Khaiyum) should be setting up a merchant bank as it has the ability to borrow funds from the Middle East at a very low rate, lend it to people like him and make a profit on it.
The Naisoso Island developer Bob Lowres highlighted this during the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry panel discussion. He claimed his real estate industry could create hundreds of jobs and bring millions of dollars to Fiji. |  |
NAISOSOGATE AND THREATS TO Fijileaks Founding Editor-in-Chief regarding 'Operation Ark' land sales
 |  |
30 October 2015
Dear Sir
I do not wish to engage in any correspondence with you.
If you ever have the spinal fortitude to come to Fiji then I will be happy to speak with you face to face about all the slanderous allegations that you have made against me whilst hiding like a coward overseas.
Bob Lowres
Dear Sir
I do not wish to engage in any correspondence with you.
If you ever have the spinal fortitude to come to Fiji then I will be happy to speak with you face to face about all the slanderous allegations that you have made against me whilst hiding like a coward overseas.
Bob Lowres
Fijileaks to Lowres, cc to Aiyaz Khaiyum:
'Dear Bob,
Thanks.
*You mean to say the affidavit from the New Zealand Police is a pack of lies regarding the plots of land that was bought by those criminal drug lords?
*Again, here [are] the DDP materials, and we have on us far more damaging materials than what we have published so far, not to mention police complaints that have been filed against you at the Nadi police station by others in Fiji.
*We are planning to reveal more shenanigans at Naisoso and we are still waiting for your comments regarding the sale of plots to Nur Bano and those criminal drug lords.
*And we understand you are yet to settle a payment of over $3 million you allegedly owe to a former employee despite making promises to pay up...'.
Re-Settlement Terms:
1. __________ to be paid $1.0m upon settlement which represents payment of the loan between Relcorp (Fiji) Limited and _______.
An initial $100k is to be paid immediately, then additional $400k on removal of
Fiji Leaks article and REALB complaint/objection.
Final $500k to be paid within 6 months (this will need to be secured in some way to ensure payment).
2. No further actions to be pursued between either party or related parties and no further reporting of either party.
Any media action or proposed media action to cease immediately
3. Defamatory statements to be removed including Fiji Leaks and REALB.
4. Formal Deed of settlement to be drawn up by Ramesh Patel to record the above to be executed by the parties. $400k to be placed in Ramesh Patels Trust Account.
'Dear Bob,
Thanks.
*You mean to say the affidavit from the New Zealand Police is a pack of lies regarding the plots of land that was bought by those criminal drug lords?
*Again, here [are] the DDP materials, and we have on us far more damaging materials than what we have published so far, not to mention police complaints that have been filed against you at the Nadi police station by others in Fiji.
*We are planning to reveal more shenanigans at Naisoso and we are still waiting for your comments regarding the sale of plots to Nur Bano and those criminal drug lords.
*And we understand you are yet to settle a payment of over $3 million you allegedly owe to a former employee despite making promises to pay up...'.
Re-Settlement Terms:
1. __________ to be paid $1.0m upon settlement which represents payment of the loan between Relcorp (Fiji) Limited and _______.
An initial $100k is to be paid immediately, then additional $400k on removal of
Fiji Leaks article and REALB complaint/objection.
Final $500k to be paid within 6 months (this will need to be secured in some way to ensure payment).
2. No further actions to be pursued between either party or related parties and no further reporting of either party.
Any media action or proposed media action to cease immediately
3. Defamatory statements to be removed including Fiji Leaks and REALB.
4. Formal Deed of settlement to be drawn up by Ramesh Patel to record the above to be executed by the parties. $400k to be placed in Ramesh Patels Trust Account.
From Fijileaks Archive, 30 October 2015
NAISOSOGATE:
How Aiyaz Khaiyum's buddy Bob Lowres sold plots in Naisoso to two CRIMINALS serving lengthy prison sentences in New Zealand following OPERATION ARK which smashed the ring, including Naisoso plots
Both, Lowres and Khaiyum are yet to respond to Fijileaks
Nor is R B Patel Lawyers who facilitated the sale transactions
"Don't forget that you are still a criminal for sending the guns and ammunition to Fiji to wage a civil war which would have cost many Fijian lives at the expense of your far fetched ideas. Your file is still open so forget about ever setting foot in Fiji now...And Aiyaz Khaiyum's
'Bombing File' will be re-opened by a PAP-NFP government"
One of many NFP hound dogs threatening our Editor-in-Chief
Fijileaks: If those arms had not been shipped (tons still unaccounted for despite Rabuka's lies they found all) to confront Fiji's RACIST RAVANA, these Indo-Fijian women below would not be around to live in dignity in the land of their birth, and Biman Prasad, who was hiding under the bed at USP in 1987, would not be around to celebrate Holi.
Today, as we have pointed out, Indo-Fijian TRAITORS are cutting political deals with Rabuka, when in 1987 they were crying out for the arms (just like the Ukrainians - who are getting it from NATO, United States and even Fiji's neighbour Australia)
The political thugs who betrayed us and cut deals with Rabuka (and many are still at it) know very well who they are. Happy belated HOLI
 |  |
RAPE IN RABUKA'S RAJ:
For years we had been pointing out the rapes committed on Indo-Fijian women following the 1987 coups. Recently, SHAMIMA ALI, and now SASHI KIRAN of FRIENDS, have both disclosed that in their tours during and after the 1987 coups they had come across Indo-Fijian women who had been raped, including a 70-year-old woman who was raped in front of her family.
In international criminal law RAPE is a Crime Against Humanity. The NFP leader should call for the stripping of his political Baap's immunity so this Rambhuka (God Is Hungry) can be put on trial. Many Indo-Fijians are now referring to Rabuka's PAP as PAAP (Sin) Party, and rightly so.
“There are many other significances [of Holi] but all are entwined around the fundamental principle of the vanquishing of tyrants, despots, oppressors and dictators”.
NFP leader Biman Prasad
*Prasad said just like other religious festivals of the Indo-Fijian community, Holi has been celebrated for the last 143 years since the arrival of Girmitiya in May 1879.
Fijileaks: *No, Prasad, your Political Baap had banned Indo-Fijians from celebrating Holi after his racist 1987 Coups
Holi – Triumph of good over evil
The National Federation Party says all mythological, cultural, social and biological significances of the Hindu religious festival of Holi portray the core principle of triumph of truth over evil.
As Hindus throughout the country celebrate their religious festival of Holi marked with victorious singing and showering a vibrancy of colours upon each other, NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad says like Diwali, Holi too teaches us an important message.
Professor Prasad says the significance of Holi is of greater importance to all the people of Fiji this year as we rebuild our lives and our nation as well as overcome social and economic deprivation exacerbated by Covid-19, that has seriously impacted our livelihood.
He says the triumph of good over evil, victory of truth and righteousness over injustice, and the upholding at all times of equality, dignity and social justice for all our people are the core principles of Holi.
“Holi signifies the vanquishing of demons as symbolised by the burning of Holika despite her boon not to be destroyed in a fire but she was burnt to death while the young child she tried to burn alive emerged unscathed because he had refused to succumb to tyranny”.
“There are many other significances but all are entwined around the fundamental principle of the vanquishing of tyrants, despots, oppressors and dictators”.
Professor Prasad said just like other religious festivals of the Indo-Fijian community, Holi has been celebrated for the last 143 years since the arrival of Girmitiya in May 1879.
“The language, tradition, customs and culture practiced and preached by our forefathers is intact and has been passed from one generation to another. It is the basis of civilization and helped the Indo-Fijian community make Fiji their home”.
“Festivals like Holi promote these virtues and are an indelible part in the social and economic advancement of all our people as Fiji evolved into a genuinely multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation”.
“The vibrancy of colours used during Holi celebrations is a true portrait of our nation”.
“We wish everyone a joyous Holi and a peaceful and prosperous year”.
Professor Biman Prasad
Leader
The National Federation Party says all mythological, cultural, social and biological significances of the Hindu religious festival of Holi portray the core principle of triumph of truth over evil.
As Hindus throughout the country celebrate their religious festival of Holi marked with victorious singing and showering a vibrancy of colours upon each other, NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad says like Diwali, Holi too teaches us an important message.
Professor Prasad says the significance of Holi is of greater importance to all the people of Fiji this year as we rebuild our lives and our nation as well as overcome social and economic deprivation exacerbated by Covid-19, that has seriously impacted our livelihood.
He says the triumph of good over evil, victory of truth and righteousness over injustice, and the upholding at all times of equality, dignity and social justice for all our people are the core principles of Holi.
“Holi signifies the vanquishing of demons as symbolised by the burning of Holika despite her boon not to be destroyed in a fire but she was burnt to death while the young child she tried to burn alive emerged unscathed because he had refused to succumb to tyranny”.
“There are many other significances but all are entwined around the fundamental principle of the vanquishing of tyrants, despots, oppressors and dictators”.
Professor Prasad said just like other religious festivals of the Indo-Fijian community, Holi has been celebrated for the last 143 years since the arrival of Girmitiya in May 1879.
“The language, tradition, customs and culture practiced and preached by our forefathers is intact and has been passed from one generation to another. It is the basis of civilization and helped the Indo-Fijian community make Fiji their home”.
“Festivals like Holi promote these virtues and are an indelible part in the social and economic advancement of all our people as Fiji evolved into a genuinely multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation”.
“The vibrancy of colours used during Holi celebrations is a true portrait of our nation”.
“We wish everyone a joyous Holi and a peaceful and prosperous year”.
Professor Biman Prasad
Leader
MOHAMMED RAFIQ KAHAN:
"I wanted you to test the guns that we are going to supply to our brothers (Indo-Fijians) here because Fiji is making a fool of itself in the world. There are traitors running this country...The arms were brought to Fiji for the protection of the Indo-Fijian people during civil disturbance."
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