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ARMY FEAR: Esther Williams to Craddock: “All of us understand that we don’t live in a normal democratic government situation...whatever we put out in the news media we are very careful...”

29/6/2014

5 Comments

 

Listen to Dr Esther Williams talking with Patrick Craddock during their informal discussion

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Sunday, June 29, 14

This is a personal statement by the writer. It does not reflect the views of the USP.

The University of the South Pacific has issued an ultimatum to Patrick Craddock of the USP Journalism program to sign a statement that would effectively silence him from talking to the media.

Craddock alleges that Dr. Williams is frightened of upsetting the military government of Prime Minister Bainimarama. He quotes Dr. Williams saying during their only meeting

“All of us understand that we don’t live in a normal democratic government situation.”

“…whatever we put out in the news media we are very careful..”

Craddock says Dr. Williams told him during their meeting that the University of the South Pacific is a government institution and does not operate in a democracy.

Craddock alleges the USP letter is intended to intimidate him by suggesting that his actions may put the work permits of new staff at risk.   The letter also asks him to refrain from making any adverse comments about the USP even after his contract ends.

The letter implies that he has behaved in a manner “prejudicial to the peace, good order, good government or morale” in Fiji by publicly criticising the military for justifying torture of dissenters and by criticising recent unfair treatment of journalists. Craddock believes his statements, made with a belief in academic freedom, are in the public interest.

The USP letter, which is released with this media statement, says there was a complaint from outside the USP. Who complained – was it the army, the police, MIDA, the Attorney General?  Craddock asked and was not told. The letter does not say if the complaint was upheld or even detail any due process to be followed.

In the informal recorded discussion Heather Stadel of USP Human Resources says that the complaint came from inside the USP. She refuses to name the complainant.

The letter implies that there were inaccuracies in the Media Release. There were none. The army has admitted that they have tortured and beaten people. Samisoni Pareti, a Fijian journalist was denied accreditation to the recent Pacific Islands Development Forum. After the original media release was published he received an apology from the Ministry of Information. Another journalist, Netani Rika says he was visited by special police.

Mr. Craddock also alleges he was personally insulted by a fellow USP academic Aswhin Raj during an  interview with Radio New Zealand International. Ashwin Raj also commented on both USP journalism academics on the blog “Fiji Leaks”.

Raj signed his name and position on the blog as being on the staff of the USP. Craddock has lodged a formal complaint against Aswhin Raj with the USP Human Resources Manager, Heather Stadel.

(Audio attached  of Dr. Williams talking with Patrick Craddock during their informal discussion)


IN:  All of us understand...


OUT: we are a government institution funded by them.

Duration 1.30”

For further information: Patrick Craddock 786-4898


END

Ashwin Raj to Fijileaks:

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5 Comments
Mick Beddoes link
29/6/2014 02:57:56 pm

Cowardice asks the question - is it safe?
Expediency asks the question - is it political?
Vanity asks the question - is it popular?
But conscience asks the question - is it right?
And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor political, nor popular;
But one must take it because it is right. ...... Dr Martin Luther king

Thank you gentlemen for doing what is right, shame on you Esther for not doing what you know is right.


Mick Beddoes
Sabeto

Reply
Keep The Faith link
29/6/2014 03:22:12 pm

Williams just got punk'd Fiji style.

Reply
Loss of USP's sovereignty
29/6/2014 08:12:28 pm

The USP Mafia caught on audio tape! Good job Fijileaks. Don Rajesh Chandra is no doubt lurking in the background, directing everything and making sure Aiyaz sayed-Khaiyum's orders are carried out. This smacks of a grand coalition between USP and the regime. It confirms the politicisation of USP under Rajesh Chandra. The region has lost ownership of USP. Fiji is in full control. Regional control is tokenism. The USP Council should be ashamed for allowing this happen. They should all resign in disgrace.

Reply
Van Damme
30/6/2014 12:39:50 am

He he tobo tale o ratou o Van Damme mai USP......
This Esther Wiliams doesnt know right from wrong and is a usurper herself.....got voted out of FRU Board then ran to regime appointed Sports Commission to nullify unions votes .,,,,,,,,,,sa vakamadua mai na lawaki sa rauta mada

Reply
Tukana Bovoro
30/6/2014 08:24:25 am

We as a society will come to rue the day that those that are leaders in academia do not stand up and defend the rights of their people to express their thoughts freely!

Reply

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