Fiji's Black Friday

Last month, the Emergency Decree was extended and we suffered another month under the Illegal Military Dictator's rule. As predicted, we are into another month, and they've extended the Emergency Decree again!
This time to suit their purpose of suppressing the pending strike by the Unions over the pay cuts being forced down their throats, and now the GCC falls victim to this illegal dictator's childish, pathetic temperament - unfit for a leader at any level.

The Great Council of Chiefs made a decision to stand by their December meeting resolution regarding the coup of December 5, 2006. This meant they opposed the illegal regime's ruling and recomended a quick return to a democratic elected government based largely on the question of legality of the coup.
One can see in hindsight that the Chief's were remembering their mistake in appointing Ratu Seniloli as Vice President after the 2000 coup, only to have the judicary system find him guilty of taking part in the illegal coup.

As was their right, the Chiefs deliberated over the nominee for Vice President and democratically arrived at the conclusion not to support the President's nomination of an illegaly appointed administration and especially if the nominee is already part of the illegal administration. Their reasons for not supporting the nominee ranged from the illegality of the coup, illegality of the individual nominated participating in the coup and the status of the constitution (taken from various interviews with the respective attendees of this meeting).

As a result of the public 'slap in the face', Voreqe and Epeli Ganilau in separate interviews made it clear to the nation

• Their dissapointment at the result (What were they thinking?!)
• Their expectation that the GCC would go along with the nomination simply because it was the Presidential nominee
• Threatening to replace all the 'influenced' members of the GCC with members 'who are willing to take this country forward' because they didn't agree with the GCC's resolution.
  
• Their SUSPENSION of the GCC with diversion of funds elsewhere in their attempt to erase the GCC and it's members.
• Their harrasement of Ratu Timoci Vesikula as a warning to citizens of this country on what to expect from their leadership style.
  

Besides reminding me of my 5year old daughter stomping and kicking up a fuss because she wasn't allowed ice cream, this behaviour at this level is frightening as one takes into account the power that this illegal regime holds in their hands.

We must never underestimate the power they have, even though they do not have the support of the people of Fiji.

"With great power comes great responsibility."
"With great responsibility comes great accountability."

Driti's claims that he was asked to remove Bainimarama before Dec 5 by foreign diplomatic missions has been refuted by the diplomats themselves and now an escalation of events appear to be looming between the illegal military regime and the respective embassies. The citizens will only suffer more hardship if this happens and is not dealt with now.

The illegal regime need to consider that they have nothing, literally nothing to back them up - they are not in power through legal means, they do not have the mandate of the people, and worst of all they do not seem to have a plan at all. Their claims at having a roadmap have been rubished by their immature attempts at leadership.
Yes ok they do have their guns and that is what's keeping them untouched ... so far.

With the military's latest attempt to establish their authority with the USA giants; they have only shown the world the quality of their mentality, their leadership skills, and diplomacy. Instead of using alternative means of communicating with these foreign representatives via the Foreign Affairs ministry, they've decided to go public - Voreqe's usual M.O for dealing with pressure situations. As the media laps this up, one is left to wonder whatever happened to their illegal interim Foreign Affairs Minister who should have dealt with this situation - hang on, wasn't this individual also the Presidential nominee for Vice President?

Well it appears that the Chiefs have been proven correct to reject the nominee, after all how could this person be accepted as Vice President if he couldn't even handle diplomacy at this level?

Maybe it's because this nominee has taken off with a group of other illegal administrators to the EU to beg for more money? A matter of priorities perhaps.

I am puzzled as to how they believe that the EU will hand over millions of dollars to an administration that has been

• Rejected by the indeginous Chiefly council representation
• Lacks the support of the people.
• Not to mention that it's an ILLEGAL administration.
  
• And there is no gurantee that this illegal regime will stay in power long enough to justify the investment!
  

I had stated previously in my early posts that we're currently being run by a dictator. It appears that there is agreement with that point and by the looks of it, this Dictator is becoming bolder and letting the power get to his head.

For those of you who still believe in the cause of this coup, ask youselves these questions:

• Are you doing this out of your personal hatred for the SDL/FLP government? Is that what drives you to agree with this illegal administration and their dictator?
• Are you doing this because you're protecting your interests that were threatened by SDL/FLP government? Does this protection justify ALL that has occured since 5th of December? Does this country deserve to suffer all that it has and more ?
• Are you supporting this false clean up because you were a victim of the SDL/FLP policies? Was this resort the correct one? Have you exhausted all other aveneus?

If you answered yes to any of the above try the following - isolate your disagreement or hatred of the previous govt, isolate your personal insecurity and look at the events that have occured since December 5.
Strip away your hatred for the previous Government, strip away the personal insecurity, strip away the politics and look at what's left. Look at what's occured since December 5 and where it has taken this country.

Is Voreqe the leader that you wanted?

Is it all justified?

The Art of Deflection

As the attention of the world is drawn to the illegal regime's global humiliation in their failure to secure the respect and endorsement of the Great Council of Chiefs, the illegal regime's best tactic is deflection, deflect the attention from the public failure with some juicy or shocking news that will keep the public's attention away from their public failure!

This came in various forms today - Thursday 12 April.

The first is the allegation that the Ambassadors of UK, US, and Australia had approached Voreqe's thug Pita Driti to stage a mutiny. When it comes down to it, it's simply a matter of his word against that of the honourable, government appointed Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, United States and Australia.

This pathetic show only serves to prove how desperate the illegal interim administration is in their attempt at pointing fingers elsewhere to make up for their lack of proof of any corruption in the SDL/FLP government. This distraction is an attempt to cause a stir in the rural Fijian community, whose leaders have just turned their back on the illegal regime - and rightfully so. This news is an attempt to tar the embassies and those foreign bodies that speak out for the return to democracy - after all Driti and co can not force these people to the nearest army installation for an 'exercise in diplomacy'.

The best option open to the illegal regime is publicly snob the respective embassies and make it appear as though Voreqe is in charge of these ambassadors. Another weak attempt at impressing the rural community.
As the US Ambassador stated, the US "wants the RFMF to return to the barracks, stay out of politics and public institutions, lift the state of emergency, stop interfering in the lives of ordinary Fijians, the judiciary and other accountable institutions."

Believe me; we the people of Fiji also want exactly that!

The second deflection by this illegal regime is their sell of the EU Meeting outcome - even before they leave for the EU. The notorious former ousted prime minister Chaudhry claims that he is positive the EU will give them the $350 mill for sugar industry restructure. This is the latest attempt to sell the idea that the EU supports this illegal regime. The EU has its rules and regulations and although we as a people have been told that the EU wants the country to go to democratic elections as soon as possible, it doesn't necessarily mean that the EU will hold off on the money. In fact due to the work done by the previous pre-coup Foreign Affairs ministry (again I stress that I'm not pro sdl) this money could be given to us if they utilise the framework proposed for the use of this aid. There is the talk that the ADB regional staff have somewhat influence over the EU opinion, besides the local EU office.

Some light must be shed regarding this aid money - it must be made clear that the proposal for the money IS NOT the illegal regime's work but that of the previous governments! It IS NOT because the EU believes in the illegal regime that they've tolerated the trip, but because EU must be seen as being impartial to local politics and stay true to assistance promised the previous democratic government.

The debate on whether this illegal regime will stay in power long enough to ensure proper deployment and utilisation of these funds are matters that the EU should consider greatly. The political climate in Fiji has now receded to an all time low with the recent developments by the illegal regime. Those in the EU should note that the people of this great country can only tolerate so much before they start reacting, and when this happens, no one knows what the extent of the consequences will be.

Why do you think the military keep hiding behind the "Emergency Decree"?!.

The third deflection is one that may slip under the radar but for the fact that this is provided by board members that were put in place by the illegal regime. A new movie is to be shot in Fiji from 23 April. As you may well know, this work was done by the previous board - whose Chairman and board members were respected members of the international community.
The public must be made to understand that like any civil service department, even though the members of the board have been replaced the work commitments signed off by previous board must be held up or the new board would have to face severe financial and legal penalties to say the least. The peddling of this new movie as the new board's work is a poor attempt to dupe the public into believing that something good is coming out of this evil!

Their fourth attempt at deflection, as unexpected as it may have been to them, is their attempt at turning the citizen's mind away from supporting the one last group that stands in their way - the Great Council of Chiefs.

The illegally appointed self proclaimed "anti corruption cleaner" Voreqe has suspended all GCC meetings labeling them a "threat to national security".
In his speech delivered in RFMF Mess Hall in his usual military uniform, the dictator started with "My Government...." to tell the nation that the decision was his to stop all further GCC meetings. He then went on to add that he was doing it for the good of the nation!

An obvious sign of dictatorship, selfishness and disregard for public or national interest. None but his own. Note that his speeches in early Dec started with "we have decided..." which changed from a plural to singular context soon after to "I have decided..." , "...my government...", "it is my wish..." and more - as though he has the right to speak on my behalf or yours.
Further proof of the dictatorship in this illegal regime.

This suspension only furthers the cause for justice and democracy in this country.

What Voreqe claimed the previous SDL/FLP government would do with their Qoliqoli Bill and other radical bills, he has done with this coup - he has taken Fiji back to the dark ages.

This last gasp attempt at enforcing their rule upon the multitudes, upon the indigenous Chiefs of this land, upon the poor coup victims, has only served to prove to the world that Voreqe DOES NOT have the support of the people of Fiji. Were this another country there'd be an increase in the number of citizens venting their frustrations out on those that oppress them. Were this another people, there'd be blood in the streets.

But this is Fiji; a land where the indigenous were forced to coexist with other nationalities and they adapted gracefully as is their nature. A land where the unique indigenous culture has thrived, whilst allowing others to thrive also. A land where racialism only exists in the corridors of power and politics, not amongst the rural citizens. Don't believe, travel through Labasa/Savusavu or even the western side to see for yourself. A land where the Fijians are slow to anger and quick to forgive.

This characteristic has been the trump of this illegal regime. They have abused this and counted on the indigenous being themselves and have in every way possible used the threat of violence, public degradation and even death to quell any possible uprising they might face.
For sadly as a fellow non indigenous citizen of mine put it; "this coup is about pitting Fijian against Fijian, whilst Chaudhry rips us all off".

It is time for the people of this country to say "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH !!". For the sake of this country, listen to the Great Council of Chiefs. Use their recomendations as a roadmap to bring this country back to democracy and peace. Their consultation must be sought and advice followed for any lasting peaceful resolution to be achieved.

To the members of the EU - Please take into consideration the political climate of this country should the illegal regime denounce the indigenous authority of the people. You can see now what proof of corruption these people have. You can see for yourselves the lack of support they have from the ordinary citizen to the Chiefs. You can see for yourselves the desperate attempts at re-establishing control over this nation. Your money will not be wisely spent should you give it.

There is no guarantee that this illegal regime will stay in power long enough.

Not if the people have anything to say about it.

Great Council

I've been busy lately with family, work and basic survival and am now only able to put foward this short piece after all that's happened. What a great Easter weekend, bad for my blood pressure but good for rugby lovers worldwide. My heartfelt congratulations to the Fiji Sevens team. The doubt I had in the Fiji team after the game against the great Tongan team is similar to the doubt I had when the GCC met yesterday.
The jubilation at the end of the Tongan game is similar to the experience I had when I heard of the stand of the GCC, hence this article.

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Great Council.

When the GCC met in December 2006 to deliberate on the implications of the coup and compiled their advice in a list of directives and recommendations to the coup leader Voreqe, their conclusion was that the coup was illegal and that Voreqe return Fiji to democracy by either reinstating the previous govt, or hold an election. I'm not too sure about the actual details - can't find that Fiji Times I was keeping for this very matter. I do recall however the statements made by Voreqe - "Chiefs should just have a meeting and drink grog..." whilst the failed political party of Ganilau, Sukanaivalu, Korovulavula were recorded as saying that the "Chiefs list should be given to Santa" regarding the list of recomendations the Chiefs put foward to Voreqe and his coup criminals.

These words came back to bite them where it hurts when the great Marama na Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa spoke in the GCC meeting yesterday - Wednesday 11th April. The public humiliation and degradation that the GCC suffered at the 'mouth' of the military dictator Voreqe and his henchmen Ganilau opened up a rift in the indigenous people. As of December 5, their way of life was ridiculed, stomped on and trashed by this illegal regime. Every Fijian born in this country is taught their identity, their cultural way of life which is deeply founded on respect and leadership.

This was thrown to the wind when the existence and purpose of their very own hierarchial council was questioned and publicly ridiculed.

This great council was established to provide an indigeous voice in the leadership of this country, allowing indigenous Fijians the benefit initially denied the indigenous Maoris, denied the Aboriginals of Australia, denied the indigenous American Indians. The adaption of the Western democracy model to allow the indigenous voice to be heard, respected and where possible followed, is Fiji's version of democracy. A version that of course may need revision, and may need tuning along the way, but a version nevertheless that worked towards protecting the indigenous culture, people and their way of life whilst accepting a democratic way of life to coexist with other peoples, cultures and the ever changing social structure of this multi-cultural pacific nation.

This was thrown away with the onslaught of injustice brought about by the December 5th coup - the biggest culprits being chiefs themselves - Epeli Ganialu, Epeli Natilatiku, Voreqe (claims to the Ratu title).

Rejected chiefs.

Now the very people who ridiculed this establishment of Chiefs and their advisors have become dependant on the same council to push forward their pawn in their evil scheme of taking total control of Fiji. The endorsement of the GCC for the Vice President's nominee would seal their status in the eyes of the indigenous people - the very people whose identity and way of life was ridiculed by these arrogant treasonous criminals.

The GCC's rejection of the Presidential nominee speaks volumes of the integrity of this council.

Although some will claim that the rejection centered on the council's own agenda and personal politics, it has become obvious to the nation that the stand of the GCC since their December meeting has been one geared towards bringing this country forward by restoring it as soon as possible to a democratically elected Government, in as peaceful a manner as possible. Their opposition to the illegal regime has been admirable, especially when one considers the personal cost to their status, lives and families.

The recent shady attacks on the GCC Chairman Ratu Ovini Bokini is one obvious ploy in the illegal regime's attempt to ursurp this respectable authority before the scheduled GCC meeting. The fact that one of the ring leaders of this attack was allowed to leave the country even though his name was on the Immigration Watchlist implicates some darker involvement of the authorities in this matter. The Director's claim that he let the culprit go because there was "something funny with the ban on him" speaks volumes of the integrity of the shady attackers of Ratu Ovini Bokini, the 'interim director' of Immigration and the department's integrity in allowing a person to depart the country even though his name is on the watchlist. The implications this will have on other friends of the Director whose names appear on the watchlist is frightening to say the least - particularly for the countries of destinations these said individuals were to visit. I do wonder if the US is paying close attention to the apparent lax in our country's immigration border control.

The illegal military regime has now failed at their various undertakings regarding the GCC with their

• weak attempt at undermining the respected chairman's position as Tui Tavua
• failed attempt at cooercing the various provinces to their cause
• public failed attempt at winning the respect of the GCC to endorse their nominee for future President of Fiji.

They have now taken the high ground with the typical response of not acknowledging the GCC, with Epeli Ganilau even going as far, on Fijian radio this morning, as to feign surprise at the manner in which the GCC questioned the legality of the coup.

He was quoted in today's daily as saying that the chiefs should "accept what has happened and move fiji forward".
He then threatens to throw out any Chief in the Council who refuses to agree with the illegal military regime.
This from a man who's own people DID NOT vote him into government.
This from a man who doesn't even rule his own province.
This from a man who was unemployed before the coup and is now taking up an ILLEGAL post in the Fijian Affairs.

Latest broadcast [12 April] from the Fiji Radio Station is that this same man is looking at legally changing the composition of the Great Council of Chiefs. He has now raised questions regarding Ro Teimumu's appointment into the Great Council.

Now even Voreqe's getting on the bandwagon about getting the Chiefs to see it their way - the illegal military regime's way or not at all.

This man is obviously either very very desperate, very very stupid, or very very both.

"Our Fiji today is a new Fiji where individual freedom is protected and not a Fiji solely for Fijians. Wise decisions from this august house will promote multiracial harmony and true friendship."

Excerpt from voreqe's speech to Great Council of Chiefs in 2005

As the GCC meets again today to discuss our country's next president, the nation waits with anticipation, anxiety and dread. We all hope and pray that the GCC will stand up to the illegal regime and continue their stand for progress towards democracy and freedom. Whilst on the other hand, somewhere deep in the back of our minds, we know that this GCC decision could easily be overturned or ignored by the illegal military regime should the GCC continue to stand up against the illegal regime. We know that there is nothing to stop the illegal military regime from pushing their presidential pawn through their judicial pawn(s) and somehow legalise this. We know that the illegal regime will most probably just go ahead and ignore the council of the peoplel, ignore the voice of the people.

Yet we dare to hope and cling to that ideal that the Great Council of Chiefs will stand firm in their resolve to advice this illegal military regime to return this country to democracy as soon as possible, and return the power to the people of this great nation.

For even if the Great Council of Chiefs make the right decision for the people, only the people can show this illegal regime of failed politicians and criminals that we want them out!

I call upon you to make your stand known today. Email us your acknowledgement, recomendations, support or let a friend know. That's the start to getting these illegal criminals in power out so you and I can have a say in who leads this nation foward into the next year, not forward into the 'cannibalistic' era.

[read a fellow blogger's article on same topic]