This Indo-Fijian in BULABULA, Ba, says Minister Parveen Bala assured them he will 'come tomorrow, we are still waiting'; 'we have no water, no food, no milk, Government got millions but we are yet to get any help!

28/2/2016

"It is 50 years and yet we have no water connection to the house despite begging with the District Officer...Its over a week now and we are yet to see the Government...When voting season comes, they come and tell us if you don't vote, you will be jailed..but now Government is nowhere to be seen except boasting that they have got thousands in cash and millions in food aid...They don't care about us, the poor...God is blind to RACE but this Government is not...it is becoming race based distribution of aid.." The 73-year-old tearful Ram Sumera, Bulabula, Ba, whose family have been surviving by eating "rotten" cassava since Winston

Race discrimination running riot in the distribution of Winston aid as
BSP Bank announces "BSP Sends Relief Supplies To Eight Villages In Ra" -
"Indo-Fijians and other non-native Fijian Winston victims also bank customers"

Listen to the VHP (Fiji) video of this desperate Indo-Fijian Winston victim; and also of this native Fijian woman - who were both helped by VHP (Fiji)

VHP: "One of the many families we visited today with relief supplies. Just see the unfortunate circumstances they are facing in life. How can someone sleep in that small shackle with a small kid in the middle of shrubs like this. Please note that these videos are merely to show the reality on the ground and is in no way intended to politicize issues. VHP is purely a charity and we will remain apolitical for this reason. We are in fact working alongside our Government in these times of crisis."

ONE COLD HEARTED AND CALLOUS INDO-FIJIAN'S MESSAGE:
"I have no sympathy for such people"

Satya Sharma: "Instead of running to Government for ages for water supply he could easily have dug up a well. We used well in countryside. There is nothing wrong in eating cassava. We grew up eating that. We grew up in grass hut. That was our house. Made of gadra, dongo, bamboo and wood post. You can't live in countryside and dream of town facilities. Heart breaking when farmers who could easily grow vegetables go to town on Saturdays to buy mircha, baigan and chicken. We grew all that and plenty more. I have no sympathy for such people. Go to Nadi countryside and learn to live."

BSP’s Pene Andrea (inside container), gets help from some villagers of Naibita in Ra to offload relief supplies donated by the bank for cyclone victims. Photo: Bank South Pacific

BSP Sends Relief Supplies To Eight Villages In Ra

The BSP Fiji group began their distribution of basic food items yesterday assisting families in eight villages across the Ra district.

The eight villages visited yesterday were Namuaimada, Nanukuloa, Naiserelagi, Rokovuaka, Naibita, Nailega, Bucalevu, and Nasautoka.

In their effort to console members of these communities, BSP country manager Kevin McCarthy reassured them that they were being supported by every Fijian and those overseas to help them rebuild their lives.

“We are very saddened to see the destruction here and we can’t imagine what you’re going through to rebuild your community,” Mr McCarthy said. “We’re a bank that’s committed to giving back to communities and that is why we’re here today, with you, in your time of need.” Distributions were done in village halls, outside damaged homes, under trees and by the roadside.

These makeshift venues were emotionally charged as village elders, men, women and children received their supplies at a time when they were at critically low levels. “We are honoured to offer help with these provisions that may not fix your long-term problems but we’re hoping it can help with your immediate need for nourishment and try to bring a smile on your faces,” Mr McCarthy said.

All village headmen mobilised their communities and accorded the BSP delegation with the traditional gestures of showing gratitude with applauds, cheers, hymns of praise were sung and emotional thanksgiving speeches were made in all these locations.

Mr McCarthy was inspired by these communities who have lost almost everything.

“They have an immense challenge ahead to recover from this but it’s fantastic to see their positivity and how they are moving on with their lives.”

BSP’s $100K Cyclone Winston Relief Efforts are in support of ongoing national efforts by the Government of Fiji through the National Disaster Management Office. Source: Fiji Sun

HIP-HOPPING WITH BSP BANK: Rosy Akbar and her PS look on instead of taking the bank to task over blatantly discriminatory distribution; Akbar is suddenly in every Winston photo - she is cynically exploiting aid donation to increase her measly 990 votes at the next election

GMHR Howard Politini and CM Kevin McCarthy with Turaga ni Koro Nasautoka

20 Comments

Charlie Charlie

28/2/2016 12:30:16 pm

I have returned today from the West and of the villages that I visited in the Ba, Tavua and Ra corridors, almost none of the Indo-Fijian communities have received any assistance from government. Villages like balata that were publised in paper were giver meagre Vodafone packs like Tavualevu villages were handed mega government packs. Story was same in Ba where nadrau village was given government ration packs but no ration supplied to date to predominately Indo-Fijian communities in korovutu, vagia, Vunisamaloa, moto, yalalevu, itatoko etc. Most indo-Fijian people that I talked to are cursing themselves for trusting the dictator and his cronies. The public show of affection and media parade using taxpayers money is doing just that, politicising the issue for political mileage. It's shameful that a week has passed and some are yet to receive the first batch of ration while some villages are receiving multiple batches from government and NGO's. The BSP case is not the only one. Red Cross has received millions in pledges and donations but are selectly giving assistance to certain communities only. The shameful thing in this whole exercise is that there are many asshole indo-Fijians who don't tire from singing Bainimaramas praise. Chutiyas like them are hard to find around the world but it seems to be in abundance in Fiji. No wonder the indo-Fijian community is getting screwed over and over again. Why not when they so seem to enjoy it. Keep up the charade and lies bai/Kai. The Chutiyas will never find out the reality and keep on worshipping you.

Dekho

28/2/2016 07:53:04 pm

Now here is someone who has the guts to tell it the way he sees it - aid distribution - on the ground. As someone who has worked in the Fiji post disaster environment I am very well acquainted with the pattern of aid distribution described by Charlie Charlie. It's an old one. But one thing has certainly changed the " asshole info- Fijian " population has increased exponentially! under Bainimarama and Khaiyum's rule.

jack

28/2/2016 05:56:35 pm

Simply put it is hard for you to accept what others are achieving, you can stop criticizing, show up and assist where you think others failed.

And

28/2/2016 09:37:02 pm

Jack is nimble, Jack is quick, Jack jumps over all the Bainimarama regime's tricks.

Indo

28/2/2016 07:28:40 pm

Charlie - Thanks for pointing this fact out so clearly. Its the same story in every cyclone and disaster. Red Cross and Government relief go to Fijian villages, speeding past thirsty, hungry, shelterless Indian victims, and load Fijian villages with food, clothing, water, shelter. Indians learnt not to rely on Rabuka Government or Qarase Government for relief. Now they are learning that they cant rely on Bai-Kai government. Such a painful experience. When children see such blatant discrimination before their eyes, would you blame them for internalising a negative attitude? Constitution and Bai-Kai can go to rooftops crying equality. Reality on the ground is that this is the most racist government that we have had. With Qarase, we knew what was coming. With Bai Kai - we bought their propaganda, but now see that this is a Fijian (and Muslim) government, doing everything to appease them. The Long term effect is that Indians have been becoming more and more self-reliant, while Fijians are becoming more and more dependent on handouts.

Rastafarian

28/2/2016 07:36:18 pm

I agree with Charlie. Indo-Fijians need to learn from the mistake and make improvements in many sectors. The reality in Fiji is that racism dominates and humanity has taken a back seat in most decision making authorities. The government only harps about equality. Actions rather than words are needed. Above all, a clean-up of the government machinery is long overdue. I'm sorry to say this but what the current and previous decision proves is that there is a need for inclusion of Indo-Fijians at certain agencies like the commissioners offices as it seems that the current lot are intentionally pissing off the Indo-Fijians. Who knows, they may be supporters of the opposition parties and trying to destroy government support with their actions. Whatever the reasons, the decisions by the commissioners offices and that of NDMO is rubbing the Indo-Fijians the wrong way and immediate actions need to be taken by government to change things around. As Charlie said, more than a week and the failure on the part of government to supply the basic necessity to these communities is unacceptable.

Samjha

28/2/2016 07:42:54 pm

And what colour top is Rosy Akbar wearing in her " hip- hopping" with BSB Bank aid distribution? Yes it's the Fiji First Theft party blue. No doubt to improve on the " measly 990 votes" she got in the last election.
And on the question of racial discrimination in relief distribution welcome to the " new " Fiji of Bainimarama and Khaiyum where everyone is " equal ".
That used to be a common complaint under the rule of the " old politicians" who Bainimarama said he wanted removed from Fiji's political landscape ( except of course racist coupist like Kubuabola, Filipe, Mataitoga, Qetaki who he had no qualms about including in his new order). Yes the more things change the more it remains the same someone perceptively reminded us.

Rosy and her ways link

29/2/2016 02:14:43 am

Rosy with her high heel standing out there distributing ration by the foot path and waiting for people to come to her." Does she realise what a foolish impression she is creating. Last I heard-even her own area in Ba had not been sent any help-maybe she has forgotten how many voted for her. Living in comfort, wearing designer wear clothes, travelling in air con vehicles, being wooed by AG can do things to people. Wake up woman! at least go and see how other women in the area are struggling at present. If you were still the teacher that you were, your house could have been one of those too! Try living like them for just one day, one day is all we asking-can you do that as a Minister for Women!!!!

Socho

28/2/2016 08:39:18 pm

Murder minister Praveen Bala Sala could not come " tomorrow" because he was busy preparing for his court case which will be held next year if ever.

Chiku

28/2/2016 09:59:23 pm

Perhaps Satya Sharma's intellectually feeble mind has not registered that we are now in the year 2016. He wants the rural farmers - the real salt of the earth people - to go on living in the same grinding manner in which they lived in the past. As citizens of the country this farmer and all others like him are ENTITLED to seek government assistance to meet their modern day needs just as any business wallah or other well heeled citizen, who are forever seeking favours from government . Satya Sharma apparently has no problem with the latter who often parasite on the government, even bribing to get favours.
I have absolutely no respect for the likes of Satya Sharma.

Frank Out to Win Sodelpa Votes

28/2/2016 11:19:21 pm

Charlie has it spot on. The discrimination in aid distribution is always evident after every major disaster. This time around, Frank knows majority of the Indo Fijians will vote for him for as long as he is in government because they are scared of another coup or of loosing their hard earned assets! But the Fijians in villages who voted for Sodelpa- This is the time to get their votes so they will be the priority! They are the ones Frank will visit first and will give aid to in droves! He has been doing that since Elections was over! His ego is so big, next time around he wants to show Sodelpa that he has stolen all their votes too! Unfortunately the Indigenous Fijians are so accomplished in being two faced Frank will not know what hits him come the next elections again. As for the Indo Fijians...I feel truly for them but your fear and your protection of what you think you will loose should Frank be ousted, is going to be the Devil that bites you all in the back each time!

Alibaba

29/2/2016 12:47:39 am

There is only one long term solution for the Indian community and that is to find ways and means to leave Fiji for good. The Gujis have long accepted the fact that this country will never be "home" . What they do is simple they move all their assets abroad and educate their kids abroad. They milk Fiji dry using their business and live half their lives abroad and the other half in Fiji. While this may sound nasty and evil the systemic discrimination of past governments including the current ones leaves people with no choice but to do this and the issue raised made by Charlie is case in point. Indians vote for Frank simply because they want stability. Stability gets good economic growth and this allows people to educate their children and earn a decent enough living to pay for their way out of this country. You go to any Indian gathering be it a wedding or a funeral or a religious function. In most cases 80% of the conversation is about who has migrated, who's grown child is coming to Fiji to marry etc etc. In the minds of most Indians Fiji is no longer home and almost every family is looking to go. Even in the last seating of parliament a SODELPA mp highlighted this very point that most if not all projects that FF has done is for the i-taukei community. I have been saying this all along since the coup on other blogs sites. Fiji for all is in name only and most Indians know this. For us its a matter of using our heads and planning for the future and for that better future abroad we rather have Frank than the alternative because at least the men in green keep things calm and peaceful and the racism while still their is at least not as blatant as it was under SDL or would have been under SODELPA had they won the election. For Fiji Indians it is better the Devil you know"

Brain Drain

29/2/2016 02:10:18 pm

Well, Fiji can never progress if it's most important resource, the people, move out. How many of our top people have we lost after the 1987 coups? How outrageous the economic cost of this has been to our country? Yet, you will see racist politicians still carrying on and destroying their very own country.

ROSY AKBAR POLICING

29/2/2016 01:05:31 am

It appears that Rosy Akbar is Govt representative to view and report that BSB has now delivered rations to these villagers and that DISMAC rations should be diverted to other people and cancel any rations to those villages now for the moment.

IF NOT then maybe she is waiting for BSB truck to finish off the delivery and she will help BSB deliver rations to non indigenous Fijians in the region who are also their clients.

IF they do not learn from this cyclone to go back to old times and beliefs and repent for not feeding all ... then one can wonder why such lethal cyclone why that hit?

Non Victims

29/2/2016 01:08:43 am

Whats the story here? some house are affected but all villagers are helped - non victims getting ahead of victims of cyclone.

Sad but True

29/2/2016 01:30:06 am

Alibaba your comments are absolutely critical and factual! You say it as a person who lives it and understands the threats the Indian community have to live through in Fiji. Its sad and almost evil to see how our Fiji is just being used for those of us Indigenous Fijians but then again for as long as we have politicians who will always play the race card...Fiji will no longer be a lucrative place to live. People will just use this country and move on including Indigenous Fijians. Loyalty to country and patriotism is only for the duration of rugby international matches when Fiji is playing or glimpses of it will be seen during the aftermath of disasters like Winston. But I disagree Alibaba that all Indians think and act like you. Whilst the percentage may be even less than 5%...there are still some who truly love Fiji from both the major racial divide. I scratch my head and just think that maybe this are the signs of times when neighbors will hate each other and even family will claw each other. Alas the Devil you know now being Frank is better will probably lead to bloodshed one day and I hope I am not around to witness it.

stop praising government

29/2/2016 04:53:34 am

Satya Sharma needs to be fed that rotten cassava for 4-5 days! Satya just shut the fuck up if you are not willing to help any victim. Fiji doesn't need people like you right now. After all the government is using tax payers money and the aid that has been coming in, they don't use money from their own pockets so media and people need to stop praising them! The video brings to light the struggles of people that are being ignored for so long now...

Alibaba

29/2/2016 09:52:21 am

sad but true. I disagree that most most Indians do not love Fiji. In fact most if not all Indians love Fiji. Ask any kaiindia coming back to Fiji for a holiday and they will almost always say "bhai no place like Fiji". The problem is most Indians realize that sentiments and love for a place does not pay the bills nor help one live in peace and harmony. At the end of the day we just want to be accepted as fellow Fijians. If after 150 years we are still regarded as "vulagi" than their is something wrong with the host not the guest.I give you my story. I own a business in Fiji. Employ 50 plus people over half of who are i-taukei. I speak fluently the Bau dialect. I grew up in Suva and attended a village school. My mother has i-taukei blood but i still look like a kaiindia by virtue of my fathers DNA. My daughter in law is kaiviti and my grandchildren are half breeds. I am as Fijian as it can get for a non i-taukei and yet i do not feel like i belong in Fiji anymore. I am sick and tired of the racist bigots in this country both the loud kind and the subtle ones like Frank and his cronies. I am also now sure that Fiji will remain like this for many years to come and i am getting to old to to look forward to better days. So my family and i have decided to get out of Fiji. Over the course of the next 1 to 3 years my family will be gone from Fiji. I had NZ residency but surrendered it thinking that Fiji would get better .That was 11 years ago and nothing has changed. In fact if anything it has gone worse. I truly love this country and i do think that most people from both sides are not racist however we must reflect this when we vote and so far we have not done this. Any party that stands the middle ground and means it not like FF but more like NFP, and a few others that have since been wound up never win anything and that is the tragedy of this nation. We know what is right but never do anything to show show it.

Rajend Naidu

29/2/2016 07:06:38 pm

Editor,
Helping Farmers
India has pledged billions of dollars TO HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF FARMERS and boost the rural economy, as part of a " budget for the poor", unveiled on Monay...
Read more in ' India to pump $13bn into rural development ' in Aljazeera 29 Feb ( Povert&Development,Politics, Asia, India, Farming).
Reading more would help improve some people's understanding of why farmers need to be assisted BY THE GOVERNMENT.
Sincerely,
Rajend Naidu

Swashna Deo

2/3/2016 04:27:09 am

Hi
Pls if you have any contact information on the family from Bulabula Ba. I really want to help them out.
Thanks
Swashna

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