web hosting short URLs photo sharing

New party elects Dimuri
Tuesday, April 03, 2001

THE newly formed Democratic Alliance Political Party has elected Macuata chief, Ratu Josefa Dimuri as its general secretary. Ratu Josefa is no stranger to politics as he was the information minister in the Rabuka government.

Although the legal paperwork of the party's formation was still being sorted out, support for the Vanua levu-based party was increasing every day, Ratu Josefa said

. The party is looking for more than 230 signatures to be eligible to register as a political organisation. "Chiefs and villagers have shown their interest in supporting the Democratic Alliance Party and I'm totally optimistic of a landslide victory in the general elections," Ratu Josefa said.

Meanwhile, former deposed Labasa Labour Party backbencher, Lateef Subhedar has expressed interest in contesting the general elections four months from now. Mr Subhedar said he would contest again this year because the support for FLP from people in the north was still strong.

"We can not neglect the needs of people because we had promised them a lot during our previous campaign," Mr Subhedar said. However, most Labour supporters in the north said they would either vote against the party or invalidate their ballot papers because they did not want to go through this crisis again.

Fiji's Daily Post

Stop Investigating Adi Samanunu
Tuesday, April 03, 2001

DEPOSED Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Gaffer Ahmed wants the Public Service Commission to stop investigating allegations made against Adi Samanunu Cakobau Talakuli.

Mr Gaffer believes the investigation itself is an "exercise in futility". "Since May 19 last year government had conducted several investigations, but nothing has come out so far," Mr Gaffer said.

"Look at the outcome of the investigations against Police Commissioner Isikia Savua. To date we still don't know who all testified because it was held in camera." Mr Gaffer said the same was being done in the case of Adi Samanunu. "Several serious allegations had been made against Adi Samanunu.

She was seen and actually chaired a meeting in parliament. Yet how many people are willing to come forward to testify against her," Mr Gaffer asked. He called on the PSC to abandon the investigation as it would be just a waste of money.

The PSC last week appointed Sakiusa Rabuka, a former Fiji diplomat in the United Nations, to head the investigating team against Adi Samanunu. Mr Gaffer suggested that the best cause of action was to allow the investigation to be made public so the people could know what was happening.

Fiji's Daily Post

PANU won't join Forum
Monday, April 02, 2001

THE Party of National Unity has confirmed it would not join the Fijian Political Parties Forum. PANU leader Ponipate Lesavua hit out claims made by the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei Party that the Western-based party has officially been approached to join the Forum.

"Their claim of extending an alive branch to us and the beginning of negotiations with us is misleading and all lies," Mr Lesavua said. Mr Lesavua said no one had approached him or any party executive on the matter. "Legally they will have to approach the executive committee members and not just any Tom, Dick and Harry and claim that they have spoken to PANU," he said.

Mr Lesavua said there were channels to be followed and the Fijian political parties were well aware of it. "It is a pity that such a respected man like Ro Epeli can make comments as such without consulting me," he said. Mr Lesavua said PANU doubted the long term survival of the joint political parties because of the internal bickering and differences as recently reported in the media.

The deposed sports minister said SVT should shoulder the responsibility for the disunity amongst Fijians. "They were in the helm of leadership for seven years what did they do in trying to unit Fijians, nothing. The Fijian people were further fragmented." Mr Lesavua said the move to unite all Fijian political parties is causing further confusion.

Meanwhile, PANU will expand its operations to other parts of the country for the August general elections. The party was concentrating in the Western Division during the May elections last year. Mr Lesavua said the move was being discussed after numerous calls have been received from Vanua Levu and Suva.

"Our symbol is the eagle and it's high time we spread our wings and fly to other places," he said.

Fiji's Daily Post

Yabaki refutes allegations
Monday, April 02, 2001

THE Citizens Constitutional Forum's (CCF) has refuted allegations that it is the `mouthpiece' for a political party. Forum chairman Reverend Akuila Yabaki yesterday said the Forum was an independent non-governmental organisation with a mandate to facilitate and encourage dialogue between different political parties concerning constitutional and other issues facing the country.

Rev Yabaki was reacting to the former President of Methodist Church of Fiji Reverend Manasa Lasaro's call to investigate the Forum's affairs. Rev Lasaro had recently said, "The Methodist church in Fiji is very concerned about the activities of the CCF especially when they have been used by foreign agents in a move which can cause instability in the country.

At this very moment, all can see the direction CCF is taking us to and it has to be investigated." Rev Lasaro had also stated that the Forum was funded by a branch of the British Methodist Church, the Methodist Relief Development Fund which was unaware that the CCF was using development funds for political debates, here in Fiji. Rev Yabaki, however, said that Forum's activities particularly those that are viewed as `political' were consistent with the objective and functions of the its constitution.

"CCF is not a mouthpiece of the Fiji Labour Party. The present case by the CCF that is before the High court regarding the exercise of the president's power is purely an issue of constitutional legality and should not be misinterpreted as disrespectful to the president or the indigenous Fijians... No one is above the law, including the president," Rev Yabaki stated.

"Some members of the deposed Government decided to support our case as co-applicants because they have legitimate interest in the issues. Had elected politicians from other political parties wanted to join this case, we would have welcomed them on the same basis as Ratu Kinijoji Maivalili from the SVT."

On the issue of use of British Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF), Rev Yabaki said, "MRDF has been supporting CCF programmes, Rev Lasaro should know that the Resource Cordinator Kirsty Smith had visited CCF in March and had expressed satisfaction with what we are doing with their funds and also confirmed the possibility of their continuing support."

He also questioned why Rev Lasaro's appointment to the position of Secretary of the Christian Citizenship and Social Service whilst still serving as church minister at Makoi, branding the appointment as unconstitutional. "The Methodist Church's Constitution doesn't allow for the holding of dual positions in the church." Rev Lasaro couldn't be reached for comments last night.

Fiji's Daily Post

Monday April 2 3:27 PM ET
Jury Selection Starts in New Mexico Sex-Torture Retrial

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Reuters) - Jury selection began on Monday in the retrial of a New Mexico man accused in a headline-grabbing case of kidnapping women for rape and torture in his desert mobile home.

David Parker Ray, 61, faces 12 felony charges for allegedly holding a 22-year-old Colorado woman captive for three days in 1996 in a backyard shed equipped as a sadistic ``toy box'' near the southern New Mexico town of Truth or Consequences.

Ray, a former state park mechanic and maintenance worker, also faces separate trials on similar sex-torture charges involving two other women.

The first case against Ray for the attack on the Colorado woman ended when a jury last July could not reach a verdict. Jury selection was then halted during Ray's November retrial when the presiding judge died of a heart attack.

Newly appointed state District Judge Kevin Sweazea will preside over the retrial, which is expected to last about three weeks. The case is being heard in Estancia, about 55 miles southeast of Albuquerque.

The sex-torture case first hit the headlines in March 1999 when a 22-year-old Albuquerque woman was found running down a road, naked except for a metal collar. She told police she had escaped from Ray's home in the settlement of Elephant Butte.

Ray became the focus of a major FBI (news - web sites) and state police investigation into suspicions that he was a serial torturer.

A second woman came forward claiming she had suffered a similar ordeal earlier that year and police found the third victim after identifying her from a video seized at Ray's home.

It was the third woman, now aged 26, whose case came to trial first.

She testified that she was gagged and handcuffed at knifepoint when she visited Ray's home in July 1996 and was held for three days in a shed, where she was tied to a table and repeatedly raped with sexual devices.

All told, four people were arrested and charged as a result of the investigation. Ray's girlfriend Cynthia Hendy and a friend, Dennis Roy Yancy, entered guilty pleas to helping Ray and are serving prison terms.

Ray's daughter, Glenda Jean Ray, is awaiting trial on 12 counts accusing her of helping her father kidnap and torture one of the victims.

Sunday April 1 2:37 PM ET
Milosevic Arrested, Pleads Innocent

By GEORGE JAHN, Associated Press Writer

BELGRADE, Yugoslavia (AP) - Yugoslav authorities ordered a haggard Slobodan Milosevic (news - web sites) held for 30 days as they considered the evidence behind charges of corruption and abuse of power stemming from his ruinous 13-year rule.

The former president surrendered before dawn Sunday, ending a chaotic 26-hour armed standoff during which he reportedly brandished a pistol and threatened to kill himself and members of his family.

Milosevic pleaded innocent and was appealing the detention order, said his lawyer, Toma Fila. ``He decided to defend himself. He will speak up and tell the truth,'' Fila said.

Special police forces storm the house of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic in Belgrade early March 31, 2001. A group of black-clad masked commandos arrived outside the Belgrade home of former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic on Saturday and entered the grounds. Shots were heard, first outside the residence and later apparently from inside the grounds, witnesses said. (Ivan Milutinovic/Reuters)

Despite months of international pressure to have him extradited to the U.N. war crimes tribunal, which indicted him for crimes against humanity after his brutal crackdown on ethnic Albanians in Kosovo in 1999, officials insisted he first would be tried at home for ruining the country. But they held out the possibility of a later trial by the tribunal in The Hague (news - web sites), Netherlands.

``We are expecting him soon. It will be Milosevic in The Hague in 2001,'' tribunal spokeswoman Florence Hartmann said Sunday. Another spokesman, Jim Landale, said Yugoslavia had a ``binding obligation'' to turn him over.

Bundled into a police car, Milosevic was brought to Belgrade's Central Prison early Sunday. Local television showed the iron gates sliding shut behind him.

During the preceding standoff, Milosevic's loyal bodyguards - who barricaded themselves in his luxury villa - had sprayed gunfire at police charging the compound Saturday. Police regrouped and the government sent in negotiators to persuade Milosevic to give himself up and avoid a bloody confrontation. Outside, hundreds of his supporters gathered to taunt police with screams of ``Slobo! Slobo!''

As police pulled on woolen masks early Sunday in an apparent preparation for a second assault, a convoy of vehicles suddenly sped through the villa gates. Word came soon after that Milosevic had surrendered - but not before displaying a gun during the nightlong negotiations and pledging at one point to die rather than be taken, according to an account by the Serbian interior minister, Dusan Mihajlovic.

Just before he was whisked away, his 32-year-old daughter, Marija, fired several gunshots. A police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said she was apparently aiming at a government negotiator. There were no injuries.

Justice officials said Milosevic - who as president enjoyed unrivaled deference and luxury - would be treated no better than any other prisoner.

``He has his own room,'' said Vladan Batic, justice minister of Serbia, the dominant Yugoslav republic. ``He will be given food, allowed visitors, to have his own clothes and footwear, money, books, newspapers. He will not be subjected to any kind of physical harassment, no psychological pressure.''

But Fila said his client, sedated and exhausted after his ordeal, would have to adjust to life behind bars.

``This is no five-star hotel,'' he told reporters, pointing to the huge, gray, communist-era building behind him. ``This is a Balkan prison. ... Some cells are better, which means he has hot and cold water, but no TV or radio, or a gym or a swimming pool.''

Describing Milosevic as a ``reasonable man who did not want any more Serb blood to be spilled,'' Fila blamed authorities for provoking the violence that preceded the arrest by sending riot police to storm the residence.

Authorities interrogated Milosevic on Sunday in connection with alleged abuse of power and corruption. The charges, which carry a maximum of five years in prison on conviction, include allegations that as president of Serbia and later Yugoslavia, Milosevic conspired with four top aides to steal about $390 million in Yugoslav dinars and German marks from the country's treasury.

More serious charges could be raised over the months ahead, possibly including involvement in a series of political assassinations. The questioning was to resume on Tuesday.

Milosevic's arrest followed a Saturday deadline on U.S. threats to suspend $50 million in economic aid if President Vojislav Kostunica (news - web sites)'s government did not show willingness to cooperate with the war crimes tribunal. But government officials said the detention was not linked to the deadline.

Kostunica has refused to extradite Milosevic to The Hague, insisting he should be tried at home for corruption and other alleged crimes. However, Yugoslav authorities clearly hope the arrest will lead to certification that they have met conditions for the aid.

Batic, the justice minister, said the arrest had ``at this moment'' no link to extradition demands by The Hague court. His choice of words suggested that authorities might consider handing the former president over to the U.N. court once he is tried domestically, and if parliament lifts a current ban on extraditing Yugoslav citizens.

With sentiment at home overwhelmingly anti-Milosevic, some in the leadership might be hoping that lingering opposition to extradition will erode if he is found guilty of significant criminal wrongdoing at home.

``Until we have the law ... none of our citizens can be handed over,'' Batic told reporters. He said preliminary legal proceedings could last ``for 10 days or six months.''

``At this moment, The Hague is out of question,'' Fila added.

Since his ouster from power last fall, Milosevic has lived under police surveillance in the cavernous villa built for former communist dictator Josip Broz Tito.

After gaining power during the waning years of communist rule in Europe, he triggered the bloody breakup of the former Yugoslavia in 1991, sending his army into losing wars against the pro-independence republics of Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia.

His brutal attempts to put down an ethnic Albanian rebellion in Serbia's province of Kosovo provoked NATO (news - web sites) airstrikes that pushed his forces out of the province in 1999.

When Milosevic refused to accept electoral defeat, opposition supporters rioted. He conceded defeat Oct. 6, but remained politically active.

CCF should be supported - Democracy Movement

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands - April 1 2001

Democracy supporters have urged the Chief Justice, Sir Timoci Tuivaqa, to support Fiji's judges as they try to hold the line against the forces of illegality.

"Where the military and the civil service failed in their duty to uphold the law, the independent judiciary came out with flying colours," Mr Raymond Croxon QC, President of the UK based Movement for Democracy in Fiji said yesterday.

He was reacting to Sir Timoci's suggestion that a High Court judge, Justice Anthony Gates, should find work elsewhere instead of questioning Sir Timoci's decisions.

Justice Gates has been hailed, both locally and internationally, for his courage and determination in upholding the law after the military and the President illegally appointed an "interim government" last year.

His decision was later affirmed by the senior Commonwealth Justices who make up Fiji's Court of Appeal.

"Mr Justice Gates has asked for the legal basis for a decision by
Sir Timoci which deprives Justice Gates's court of certain powers,"
Mr Croxon said. "This should not be difficult to provide if Sir Timoci is acting legally."

"In these opportunistic times, everyone should make every effort to support the upholders of law, rather than give the impression of undermining them."

Tuivaga urged to support Gates

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands - April 1 2001

The Citizens' Constitutional Forum should be supported, not criticised, for its efforts to keep Fiji within a legal framework, democracy supporters have said.

The Movement for Democracy in Fiji yesterday backed the CCF's attempt to test the President's appointment of a so-called caretaker government in court.

The MDF questioned the actions of the Minister for Information, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, who said the CCF's actions would create instability and were "unrealistic, reckless and legalistic".

"Ratu Inoke and the gunmen in parliament created instability and were reckless about the future of the country," MDF President Mr Raymond Croxon QC said. "Ratu Inoke and his cohorts acted illegally - as the High Court and the Appeal Court noted - in appointing themselves to positions of power after the government was illegally taken over."

"It would be good now for the courts to have another chance to test the flimsy veneer of legality that the illegal interim government seems to have tried to give themselves," Mr Croxon said.

"Surely there should be nothing for Ratu Inoke and his group to worry about. If they are acting legally their actions and position will be affirmed.

"If they are acting illegally, they will surely obey the law and urge everyone else, publicly and behind scenes, to obey the law.

"It is unlikely that people will ignore influential people like Ratu Inoke urging them to abide by the court's decision," Mr Croxon said.

Businessman calls for investigations of coup financiers

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands - March 31 2001

A leading businessman from Labasa has called for the police to expedite the investigations into the involvement of businessmen with the terrorists.

In letters published in today's papers, Shivlal Nagindas writes:
"It is 10 months now since the May 19 coup and the subsequent overthrow of the legally elected government and yet the police investigation team has not been able to investigate and bring those responsible to justice."

"It is believed some prominent businessmen were involved by either assisting financially or encouraging the coup makers to topple the legally elected People's Coalition government."

"Those business should be apprehended. The government was doing a marvellous job for the poor and unfortunate people of the country, making a serious attempt to eradicate corruption in government and private sector."

"In media reports the police said it did not have adequate evidence collected to investigate those business who were involved and needed more time to bring these people to justice."

"It is two months now and still no action has been taken. The police investigation team is quiet for reasons best known to them."

"Unless the culprit are brought to justice, people will look at all businessmen suspiciously."

"It is therefore imperative and logical that the police should expedite their investigations that those involved in the coup are brought to justice once and for all or else the confidence in the police will dwindle in the eyes of the public."

Nagindas is the head of the Labasa Chamber of Commerce, and also a constitutionally appointed Senator.

Numerous prominent businessmen have been implicated with funding the terrorists. A list circulating in Fiji names numerous businessmen, mostly ethnic Indians. An analysis of the list shows that most of those listed have been associated with the National Federation Party, which lost the 1999 elections.

Meanwhile Australian media reports that the New Zealand government will be making available to Fijian authorities the list of people banned from entering that country for their involvement with the terrorists. The list includes numerous businessmen who financed the terrorists.

Politicised Churches take anti-Christ stand

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands - March 31 2001

The churches which have become politicised have increasingly taken an anti-Christ stand over the past months.

Leading the call for apartheid in Fiji are factions of the Christian Democratic Alliance (Veitokani ni Lewenivanua Vakarisito) (CDA/VLV) and the Methodist Church.

Today's Daily Post carries the CDA/VLV's proposal for a political arrangement which will ensure ethnic supremacy of ethnic Fijians. The Party's General Secretary, Jo Vosanibola listed the aspects of the Constitution which they want amended to ensure racial supremacy. Points listed are that the Constitution:
· has alien ideals or ideologies that do not safeguard the plights of the indigenous people who have a different philosophy of life supported by their cultural values and belief system.
· strives to enhance equality among all races without being sensitive to cultural differences and the economic, social and political development stages each ethnic group has achieved. It is bound to cause more problems that what it has intended to do.
· hardly reflects the views of the common indigenous Fijians, but the few elite in government who assumed they represented the majority indigenous views.
· totally ignored to explicitly recognise that Fiji is the only place on earth where a Fijian society has existed and can continue to do so.
· gives equal status to the languages of Fijian, English and Hindi. This is bound to weaken the position of Fijians given the overwhelming presence of the mass media in the other languages.
· Abrogated affirmative action in the 1990 Constitution providing indigenous Fijians more opportunities in education, business and political representation and leadership.
· places equality of access to land in the provision for social justice and affirmative action was provocative given the history of land and leasing regulation in Fiji.
· failed to address the private sector discrimination against indigenous people's participation in the business sector.

The changes which the Christian party wants are not only anti-Christian, but are those which will institutionalise apartheid in the country.

Meanwhile The Methodist Church's Rev. Manasa Lasaro is asking for an investigation in the affairs of the Citizens Constitutional Forum. The CCF, a much respected, independent and multi-racial NGO has been vocal in raising matters of national concern. Lately it has spearheaded a legal challenge of the decisions of authorities which are unlawful and unconstitutional. Lasaro alleges that the funding for the CCF which comes from the British Methodist Church's Methodist Relief Development Fund was used for these challenges. He stated that the CCF's activities are "perceived by many as disrespectful to indigenous Fijians".

Paraphrasing the statements of the Qarase regime, Lasaro alleged that the CCF is "used by foreign agents". This week the illegal regime had also condemned the CCF.

The CCF's constitutional case is now pending in court, with the court giving the regime one month to respond to the CCF's affidavits. The court has also made provision for the regime to ask for more time to respond. It is believed that the judiciary, whose leadership has been politicised, has been deliberately trying to delay the case so that the regime rides out its term till August.

Methodist church pledges support
Sunday April 1, 2001

The Methodist Church in Fiji had expressed its solidarity support for the President and the Care-taker Government, to carry the country towards the general elections in August.

The former church president, Reverend Manasa Lasaro confirmed that support for Ratu Josefa Iloilo and the Laisenia Qarase-led Care-taker Administration was unanimously passed during the church's Standing Committee meeting on Friday.

He said the only way forward now was for all to support Mr Qarase and his Ministers in their efforts of returning the country to democratic rule.

"They have promised to hold the elections on August 25 and that will see a government elected by the people to run the country," Rev Lasaro said.

At this very difficult time, the Methodist Church has also called on all members and other religious groups to pray for a solution to the difficulties that the country has faced.

As Fiji is a democratic country, some are using their rights and freedom to challenge decisions made by our leaders.

While some supported the move by the president to dissolve parliament and name a care-taker government, others are not happy with it and have instituted legal actions.

The Methodist Church in Fiji has the largest number of indigenous Fijian as its members so the decision to rally behind the president and the Care-taker Government, Rev Lasaro said, meant that most indigenous Fijians support the two leaders.

The church however, wants some amendments to the 1997 Constitution. In an earlier interview with the general secretary of the Methodist Church in Fiji, the Reverend Laisiasa Ratabacaca, confirmed that the church did not support the document.
In particular, it wants the section on "sexual orientation" amended.

Meanwhile, homosexuality was discussed during a meeting of Methodist Church officials from Western Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand and the Uniting Church in Australia.

Pacific church leaders expressed their strong adherence to the traditional teachings of the church and to look for the way forward using the "Pacific way" of reconciling the differences.

The debate in the New Zealand and Australian churches on homosexuality has caused much concern and pain for Pacific Island members of those churches.

During the meeting in Samoa the Methodist Consultative Council in the Pacific (MCCP) recommended the following of basic principles regarding homosexual:

- To absolutely respect the position taken by each church;
- respect any agreement made between churches represented in the MCCP regarding homosexuality; and
- each church to express pastoral concern for the people who originally came from other Methodist Uniting Church in the Pacific, bearing in mind the decisions of their home church regarding homosexuality.

Fiji's Daily Post

Four remain in govt quarters
Sunday April 1, 2001

The four Peoples Coalition government ministers still occupying Government quarters insist they will not vacate them.

This was in defiance of a Public Service Commission notice which stated that they do so yesterday.

Care-taker Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase had earlier stated the ministers had to leave the quarters as the pre-May 19 Parliament had been dissolved and they no longer enjoy that privilege.

Those still occupying Government quarters include deposed co-deputy prime ministers Adi Kuini Speed and Dr Tupeni Baba, Agriculture Minister Poseci Bune and Assistant Information Minister Lekhram Vayeshnoi.

However, they have made it clear that they would not legally bound to comply with instructions from the Care-taker Government, which had been declared as illegal by the Court of Appeal.

Adi Kuini's daughter, Tupou Draunidalo said: "The Public Service Commission shouldn't attempt to add to that bill by courting civil actions from the elected Members of Parliament and lawful members of Parliament and lawful members of the lawful Cabinet."

Adi Kuini has also written to the Secretary of the Commission, Anare Jale, stating her stand on the matter.

Fiji's Daily Post

Qarase may lead CDA
Friday March 30, 2001

Fiji's Care-taker Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase will likely lead the Veitokani ni Lewe ni Vanua Vakarisito/Christian Democratic Alliance Party in the August general elections.

Speaking ahead of Mr Qarase's confirmation on the likelihood of this, party president Ratu Josaia Rayawa yesterday said the party would be happy to have him as its new leader.

"Mr Qarase is welcome to join our party. We have a special position for him... why not give him the position of party leader," Ratu Josaia said. "I know that at the moment he is non-committal."

Ratu Josaia confirmed that Mr Qarase has been invited to join the party. "I am sure he has been receiving invitations from many political parties at the moment so it will be entirely upon him as to what party he wants to join."

However, Mr Qarase has remained tight-lipped about his future political affiliation. On the fate of former party leader Poseci Bune, Ratu Josaia said, "He is a good man who has done a lot for the party but the party can do without him if he decides to pull out."

Meanwhile, on reports that Mr Bune helped the party financially for sometime, Ratu Josaia said "many people have supported the party financially and I can't deny that Mr Bune has done likewise but I hope he doesn't use that to do whatever he likes to do in the party."

When asked if Adi Koila will be contesting the election under VLV, Ratu Josaia said, "The door is open for both of them and as far as Adi Koila is concerned, she has remained silent and there is no problem with her."

Fiji's Daily Post

Ratu Inoke hits out at Coalition
Friday March 30, 2001

The Minister for Information, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola has branded the Peoples Coalition criticism of the Caretaker Government's initiative to help Fijians in education as "racist".

He was responding to a statement which appeared in the Peoples Coalition website yesterday.

"The Peoples Coalition is at it again," Ratu Inoke said in a statement.

"Any assistance Government gives to Fijians to lift their social and economic conditions to bring them closer to the standards enjoyed by other communities is branded as racist."

This time, Ratu Inoke said, the Peoples Coalition is criticizing special Government assistance for Fijian education as racist.

"Even in Australia and New Zealand, special programmes of education assistance are being provided by the Government to help give their indigenous communities equal opportunities in education," the minister said.

Australia, for example, has committed A$520 million over five years for Aboriginal education.

"The Peoples Coalition critics should ask themselves why were they silent when their leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, introduced policies, as Prime Minister, that were blatantly racist like the $28,000 cash grant to cane farmers with expiring leases, and nothing to in-coming Fijian landowners, the $8 million in welfare grant assistance to cane farmers to be repaid to the Sugar Cane Stabilisation Fund by Government, and the $19 million in cane rehabilitation assistance, also to be repaid by Government to the Sugar Cane Stabilisation Fund, when no similar grant assistance was given by Government to non-cane farmers, mainly Fijians, who also suffered from the drought and floods in 1997."

Fiji's Daily Post

Camp organisers maintain stand
Friday March 30, 2001

Organisers of the sanctuary camp for displaced families at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka maintain that they will not consult the new Care-taker Government over the issue.

They say this is a matter of principle because they have always maintained that the former Interim Government, whom they refused to deal with, is now back as the Care-taker regime.

Fiji Human Rights Group Chairperson Doctor Roy Krishna said this means the future of 31 remaining families at the camp was like a "wait and see game".

"The future of those remaining at the camp as well the country is bleak as a result of how the judicial decisions in the country are carried out," Dr Krishna said.

"We had a historical ruling by the Fiji Court of Appeal but still we have the interim government back as the Caretaker Government which is illegal."

"This is because when they were the Interim Government they did nothing for these people at the camp.

"Initially, we had decided that after the Appeal Court gave its ruling we would negotiate with the legal government which comes into power and get these people resettled and compensated.

"However, its very unfortunate these people have to stay at the camp longer till the elections or the courts decide."

Meanwhile, the camp is facing acute food and money shortage.

Fiji's Daily Post

Woman found hanging
Friday March 30, 2001

Police are awaiting the post moterm result of an 18-year-old Nadi housewife who was found hanging in her bedroom on Wednesday afternoon.

Deputy Divisional Police Commander Western Senior Superintendent Emosi Lagilagi said the Navakai woman was found hanging by her saree.

SSP Lagilagi said investigations were continuing. A family source said the couple had an argument before the woman was found.
It is believed the husband left the house after the quarrel after which the wife hanged herself.

Fiji's Daily Post

Thursday March 29 1:47 PM ET
Rights Group Worried About Plight of Namibian Gays

WINDHOEK (Reuters) - Amnesty International is concerned that recent statements made by President Sam Nujoma of Namibia may lead to persecution of lesbians or gays, a spokesman for the rights body said on Thursday.

``The government of Namibia is obliged to fully protect the rights of all its people, including gays and lesbians. Public officials must not incite discrimination, hostility or violence against members of sexual minorities,'' said Andrew Anderson, Amnesty International's program director for Africa.

President Nujoma has frequently described lesbians and gays as ``unnatural'' and against the will of God. On March 19 he told University of Namibia students that the country would not tolerate homosexuality or lesbianism.

``Police are ordered to arrest you, and deport you and imprison you,'' he said.

Members of Nujoma's cabinet have reportedly made statements that homosexuals should be ``eliminated'' from Namibian society.

Amnesty International believes that the vilification and persecution of people for their sexuality is a violation of their fundamental human rights.

``Amnesty International considers those imprisoned for their sexual orientation, or for the legitimate exercise of their right to freedom of expression and assembly, to be prisoners of conscience,'' Anderson said.

PANU rubbishes Qarase's Blueprint

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands - 30 March 2001

The Party of National Unity, the political party formed by the Ba Provincial Council, has rubbished the Blueprint for Fijian Development.

PANU's parliamentary leader, and elected Minister for Youth and Sports, Ponipate Lesavua has been quoted by the Fiji Times as saying: "It is time for the grassroot people to realise that documents like the blueprint were political gimmicks drafted by smart and cunning people to win votes. We have been experiencing such propaganda and tactics since 1987 and nothing eventuated".

Lesavua also stated: "What the People's Coalition Government achieved in one year no government could achieve in their entire term". He stated that given the chance the coalition would have proved a lot of things to the grassroot people who were being mislead. "We have suffered a lot and will continue to suffer if good sense in out landowners and all citizens does not prevail".

Meanwhile the regime continues to defend the squandering of public funds in the blueprint, saying that it is intended to "bridge the gap" between the ethnic groups. The regime revealed this week that only 39% of the ethnic Fijians provided with the lucrative Fijian Affairs Board scholarships, have passed. The regime called criticisms of such massive waste of public funds "racist".

Pardon call a ploy by conspirators - paper

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands - 29 March 2001

The call to grant terrorists George Speight and his gang a pardon is a ploy by conspirators to avoid being charged themselves. So claims the influential Fiji Sun newspaper today.

Its editorial stated: "There are moves underway to have the charges against George Speight dropped and to let him walk free. This is being given the spin that it would "unite the Fijian people"."

"Since when? At the time of last May's coup, George did not have an outpouring of public support from the Fijian people. A small mo9b gathered around parliament during the kidnapping, but they did not represent of the entire indigenous community. In many ways they represented the malcontents and misfits of the Suva area. If George had achieved overwhelming support, as Rabuka did in 1987, then he would not have been forced to threaten murder for eight weeks to try and save himself."

"We must remember that shortly after the coup occurred, there were indigenous Fijians in the West talking about forming separate nation. They certainly were not united behind George. Also, many other Fijians, away from chiefly ears, expressed the opinion that George was ruining the country."

"But there may be more behind the idea of freeing George Speight than uniting the Fijians. If George was to go to trial, then the names of many others currently not facing charges, or who had charges against them dropped, would come up in George's case."

"How could George be found guilty of treason without testimony from those who joined him at parliament, those who endorsed his cause, and even those who swore him into office? Their testimony and actions during the coup would be part of the evidence against George, and there are far too many people whose names would come up."

"So George may walk free, not because he has immense popularity or because he will unite the Fijian people, but because his trial would reveal far too much. Especially, so for some people in power."

"Will they organise a "Welcome Back George" parade for their hero? Perhaps, the streets will be lined with the thousands who lost their jobs, joined by the tens of thousands who suffered wage cuts, and of course, cheering on form the footpaths, will be all the young people who lost education and opportunity because of the disruptions of last year."

"A special part of the parade route could be dedicated to the victims of the huge increase in crime, and of course, the families of the dead."

"Maybe they could all wave little black flags."

Meanwhile, the SVT has for the first time acknowledged that some of the terrorists are SVT members. SVT's secretary Jone Banuva told the media that it wants the terrorists pardoned because many of those in prison on Nukulau island are SVT members. SVT was the main body which had plotted the attempted coup of May last year.

Military denies pardon report

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands - 29 March 2001

The Military has denied that it ever started that it doesnot want those charged with treason and mutiny, to be pardoned.

Yesterday the Fiji Sun stated the military had rejected the calls for the pardon of terrorists and mutineers.

Today the paper reports the military denying the statement. Military's spokesman, Cpt Ned Taito stated that in his interview he had made no reference to the pardon issue. He also stated that from now on he will not accept any phone or verbal interviews.

It is believed that the military is under pressure from numerous influential people in the ethnic Fijian establishment who want the terrorists released.

Meanwhile, the 1987 coup leader Sitiveni Rabuka has been quoted by the media as saying that he does not agree with the calls by the SVT to pardon Speight and other terrorists. He said that these chaps were failed coup makers and should be dealt with according to law.

39% pass for FAB scholarships

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands - 29 March 2001

The regime's Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase has revealed that only 39% of the students given the lucrative awards have passed.

As the Sabeto Primary School was closed by villagers demanding `goodwill' money, the regime's Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase donated $6,110 from public funds to the Nabua Secondary School, which caters largely for ethnic Fijian students.

According to today's Fiji Sun, making the donation, Qarase stated that of the 6,873 ethnic Fijian students who were given Fijian Affairs Board scholarships during the past 16 years under the special education scheme of the successive governments, only 2,708 pass. This is a pass rate of 39%.

Qarase justified the pass rate: "even though the success rate of the [ethnic] Fijian students was low, it was acceptable given the background and hardships that our children and parents go through in terms of our current education system".

The Fijian Affairs Board scholarships are the most lucrative scholarships of all scholarships given out by the government.

Government education awards are of various categories. First, there is the Public Service Commission scholarships of which 50% are reserved for ethnic Fijian students. Holders of these awards have to repay the full sum in instalments after they graduate.

In the mid 1980's the then government started a Fijian Affairs Board scholarship which caters exclusively for ethnic Fijian students. These award holders are not required to repay any portion of the award. The value of the FAB scholarships is also more than the other scholarships. It includes funds for local transportation and incidental allowances before students start their studies. PSC scholarship holders who study at the USP's Agriculture School in Samoa, for example, are required to pay their own way to Samoa while the FAB scholarship holders not only get their air fares paid, but also get $300 for incidental expenses before they reach the university.

Third comes the multi-ethnic affairs scholarship which caters for non-ethnic Fijian students, but which are low in value. Such scholarships often only cover tuition fees and are primarily geared towards sending students towards Fiji Institute of Technology and other sub-tertiary institutions.

Fourth is a loan scheme which caters for all students who are in financial hardship.

The People's Coalition Government was in the process of streamlining the scholarships with a view to making funded education available to all students who could not afford these, irrespective of ethnicity.

The Qarase regime, on the other hand, is further racialising education in Fiji by ensuring that ethnic Fijians get all the funds which they desire, while ethnic Indian students get deprived of education. By institutionalising such discrimination, it hopes that it will bring about a `balance' in educational achievements in Fiji.

NLTB involved in extortion

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands - 29 March 2001

The N LTB is involved in extortion, says the elected Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.

Responding to the takeover of the Sabeto Primary School by villagers claiming to be landowners, the Prime Minister stated that the Native Lands Trust Board and the police must take responsibility for the forced closure of the Sabeto Primary School on Tuesday.

Chaudhry stated: "This is not the first time police have allowed such acts of lawlessness to take place on the pretext that it is a civil matter. Anyone who enters a property unlawfully is committing a criminal act." He further said that there are "scores of examples of police inaction in dealing with landowners unlawfully entering and seizing property, in what are clear cases of criminal activity. Tenant cane farmers have been major victims of such harassment."

Chaudhry blamed the NLTB for failing "to keep [villagers] informed of its agreement with the school committee".

Chaudhry claimed that the demand for the additional money as a `goodwill' is "sheer extortion". He said "schools are non-profit making organisations and should not be subjected to such extortion".

"It is sad that the very people, including those in high office, who are responsible for upholding and enforcing the law are fostering such lawlessness through their own conduct and disrespect for the rule of law," he said.

The landowners are demanding $70,000 additional over what was already paid to them and the NLTB in 1996. (full text of the release is found at: http://www.pcgov.org.fj/press_rel/sabeto_school_nltb_police.htm)

Military rejects pardon calls

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands - 29 March 2001

The military has rejected the calls made by the SVT and the Nationalists that the terrorists be pardoned.

Today's Fiji Sun quotes the military's spokesman, Captain Ned Taito as saying that the law must take its course for both, the terrorists and those charged with mutiny. He stated: "Basically we have to follow the law and we cannot set a precedent where we allow traditional matters to intervene". He stated that anything concerning traditional approaches for pardon is out of the question as the military maintains that the law has to be followed.

The military was last November rocked by an attempted mutiny. A coup was to be attempted if the mutiny would have succeeded.

Today's' Fiji Sun has strongly condemned the calls for the pardon of the terrorists. The paper stated: "George Speight and his goons must never be set free. They must face the law and answer for their crimes". Blaming the terrorist activities on politicians who lost the 1999 elections, the paper stated that these politicians promised the ordinary people wealth and power if they followed them. "That's what happened to Fiji last year - beginning way beyond May 19".

SVT wants terrorists pardoned

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands - 28 March 2001

The SVT has revealed that it has already asked the President Ratu Josefa Iloilo and the regime Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to pardon the terrorists who have been charged with treason.

Today's Fiji Sun reports the SVT's Secretary, Jone Banuve saying that the SVT has also raised this matter with the Great Council of Chiefs, but so far nothing has eventuated.

The Fiji Times today quotes the SVT's President Ro Epeli Mataitini as saying: "In the spirit of the GCC meeting of May 2000 the President should take note of the recommendations in the 10-point plan and exercise his powers to pardon those who participated in the events in Parliament on May 19 and in related episodes and actions". Similar calls were made by the right wing extremist group the Nationalist Vanua Tako Lavo Party.

It is understood that the pressure for pardon of the terrorists comes from the SVT leadership, including MPs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Rakuita Vakalalabure, and Sam Speight, who were actively involved with the terrorists. Numerous Qarase regime members, including Qarase, have been identified as associated with the terrorists. It is also believed that the pressure also comes from a section of the largely ethnic Indian business community.

It is believed that Speight has made overtures to the authorities that unless the terrorists are pardoned, they will reveal the identities of all those involved with them who have still not been charged.

The SVT's President is further quoted by the Times as saying: "The SVT is of the view that these actions [pardon] are essential in the healing process for reconciliation to begin before going to the polls later this year".

CJ says he can order judges

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands - 28 March 2001

In what has shocked the legal fraternity, the Chief Justice claims he has the right to order judges on what to do. The response was in light of the controversy surrounding the CJ's order that the Lautoka High Court not accept any case involving constitutional matters.

In a statement released to the media from the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice's Chamber stated that the judges have to follow orders given by the CJ. It stated that the High Court Act "stipulates that all officers of the High Court including chief registrar, deputy registrars and district registrars - shall discharge their duties subject to such order as they shall from time to time receive from the Chief Justice".

While the Act is clear in the stipulation, every lawyer knows that the CJ can not give orders which are contrary to law. One lawyer stated: "Every lawyer knows that the proper construction of the provision read that the court officers should perform the duties subject to such lawful order as they shall received from the CJ. There is no exception to this rule. Even the CJ must know that he can not issue orders which are contrary to law. And the existing law is that all High Courts can, and must, accept cases brought to them for filing". There are three high courts in Fiji - in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa.

The claim that the judges must adhere to the orders of the CJ displays the arrogance with which the current CJ conducts himself.

The CJ's conduct since 19 May last year has drawn heavy criticism from the legal fraternity in Fiji as well as pro-democracy political parties, and NGOs.

The Fiji Labour Party has called for the resignation of the CJ. The Fiji Law Society has condemned the CJ's actions. The Citizens Constitution Forum has called on the President to sack the CJ. Today an application will be filed in the Suva High Court seeking to get the CJ disqualified from handling any case involving constitutional matters. The ground for the application is that the CJ has advised the President on the unconstitutional decisions which the President has taken, and therefore, has compromised his position and independence in dealing with any constitutional cases.

Another school taken over

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands - 28 March 2001

Villagers claiming to be landowners yesterday took over a primary school in Nadi.

About 6 villagers from villages in Nadi went to the Sabeto Primary School yesterday morning demanding `goodwill' payment of over $50,000 and then ordered that the school be closed. About 200 children, between the ages of 6 and 13, took shelter under trees around the school as the villagers moved in. This was in the presence of police officers and education ministry officials.

School officials state that they had paid $35,000 goodwill to the landowners in 1996 for the renewal of the lease as well as paid $4,671 to the Native Lands Trust Board for costs to amalgamate two leases for the primary and secondary schools, and to process the documents. Landowners are now demanding $63,208.

Officials state that the landowners were motivated by information that the state pays for goodwill demands made from schools. Media reports state that he landowners heard that in the past the government paid the money demanded and are now demanding over $63,000 hoping that the government will pay up.

Today's Fiji Times quotes a spokesman for the villagers as saying that they have given the school until 27 April to pay after which "we will close the school, until it is paid".

The actions of the landowners has drawn wide criticism from the people of Fiji. Most people yesterday expressed disgust at the fact that villagers could not only take the law into their hands in front of police officers, but also at the thought of villagers bent on disrupting education.

Today's Fiji Times has condemned the takeover saying that the act was illegal and that the perpetrators must be punished. It also stated that such "confrontational actions on issues involving land not only expose the tribes to legal consequences but in the much wider picture worry potential investors. Without protection of property rights, investors will be scared away".

It is alleged that some of the villagers behind the takeover come from the area from which the Qarase regime's minister and terrorist supporter Apisai Tora comes from. Tora is related by marriage to the Police Commissioner Isikia Savua.

Qarase's election contest unethical
Thursday March 29, 2001

The caretaker Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase's decision to contest the August election has been described unethical by deposed Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Tupeni Baba.

Baba said that Qarase and other caretaker government members who intend to contest in the elections should not use their current position to campaign.

"It is extremely unfair of those people to use government resources particularly this time when there is a downturn in the economy," Baba added.

Rabuka awaits SVT ruling
Thursday March 29, 2001

Former Prime Minister and SVT leader Sitiveni Rabuka says he will decide which party he will stand for in the August general election after the SVT board replies to concerns he raised at this week's management board meeting.

Rabuka told the Fiji Times he did not agree on:

• The party's involvement with the May 19 coup attempt
• The abrogation of the 1997 Constitution even though it could be amended
• The racial stand of the SVT since the 1999 election loss

Rabuka said most people present at the meeting did not agree with his comments.

He said the way forward was a united front and becoming racist will not bring back harmony.

He said he was also concerned about the SVT's call for Speight and his group to be released.

"They should let the law take its course. It was an unsuccessful coup and they should be punished."

Iloilo for rule of law
Thursday March 29, 2001

The President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, will not be forced to act outside the law, says his permanent secretary Jeremaia Waqanisau.

He was reacting to statements made by the SVT that George Speight and his group should be released.

"His excellency is the symbol of unity and whatever he does, or the path he chooses must be conducive to the unity of the nation," he told the Fiji Times.

"Therefore the interests of individuals are low in the priority listing."

Army denies Speight comments
Thursday March 29, 2001

The army has denied making any comments on calls by Fijian political parties for the release of George Speight and his supporters held now on Nukulau Island prison.

The Fiji Sun newspaper had quoted army spokesman Captain Ned Taito as saying they did not support any release and preferred the rule of law to take its course.

In response to the story, the army said today it will not do any more interviews over the telephone.

Baba questions Qarase’s ethics
Thursday March 29, 2001

Deposed deputy prime minister Dr Tupeni Baba says Laisenia Qarase’s decision to contest the August general election was unethical.

Baba told Radio Fiji Qarase should not use his position to campaign for the election. Qarase yesterday spoke of the need for help for Fijian education and donated $6000 worth of desks and other items to Nabua Secondary School.

He said this was more important in view of the downturn in the economy and the loss of jobs and hardships faced by many people.

Groups slam SVT call
Thursday March 29, 2001

The Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei Party's call to release coup leader George Speight has been damned by political and non governmental organisations.

The groups have slammed the call debating that Speight and his team must undergo the full process of law.
Citizens Constitutional Forum director Reverend Aquila Yabaki said it is irresponsible for SVT to call for pardon of criminals before they are tried in a court of law.

"This a direct interference with the process of the Judiciary." he said.

Rev.Yabaki said such a call by SVT was an unbecoming of a respectable political party that seeks to lead in national interests.
"It is dammingly insensitive to the victims of coup to whom an apology is due." Rev. Yabaki said.

SVT general-secretary Jone Banuve had earlier stated that SVT is of the view that the release of George Speight and his group was essential for reconciliation process before going to polls.

The Christian Democratic Alliance/Veitokani Lewenivanua Vakarisito (CDA/VLV) also said such a call asking for the release of rebel leader George Speight has brought disrespectful to the high Office of the President.

Party general secretary, Josefa Vosanibola stated that law has to take its own course and we have to abide by it.

Mr Vosanibola said that CDA/VLV had shown its support to the President and would stand by it and therefore is not part of the SVT move.

National Federation Party general-secretary Attar Singh said the law must be allowed to take its course.

"Those charged with such serious crime must face the full brunt of the law."

Fiji's Daily Post

Military refutes report
Thursday March 29, 2001

The Fiji Military Forces has denied making the comments which appeared in a newspaper report yesterday regarding the release of failed coup leader George Speight.

The report had said the army wanted the full process of law to take it's course on people being held for treason and mutiny.

It said the military did not want Speight and his group and the First Meridian Squadron (1MS) to be released as suggested by some Fijian political parties.

However, army spokesman Captain Ned Taito said the article was taken out of context and questions asked to him were in reference to 1MS members.

He said there was no reference whatsoever made to George Speight by him or the reporter throughout their interview.

Captain Taito said while interested parties may want the release of ex-1MS personnel by traditional means, the investigations into the involvement of 1MS personnel into the May 19 and November 2, 2000 attempted coup and mutiny respectively are still being carried out.

Fiji's Daily Post

Police investigates school closure
Thursday March 29, 2001

Police have begun investigations into the unlawful closure of the Sabeto Indian School by Sabeto landowners on Tuesday.

Statement were taken from school teachers, management and trustees of the school yesterday. Deputy Police Commander Western Superintendent Emosi Lagilagi said no charges have been laid yet.

Head teacher Nitya Nand said normal classes resumed yesterday while trustees of the school would hold an extra ordinary meeting on Sunday to discuss the school's future.

Meanwhile, deposed Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry said the Native Land Trust Board and police must take responsibility for the forced closure of the school. "One can imagine the impression such an incident must have left on frightened little school children who were forced to leave their classrooms," Mr Chaudhry said.

"While the landowners were wrong in taking the law in their hands, the blame for their unlawful action lies with the NLTB, which failed to keep them informed of its agreement with school committee."

Mr Chaudhry said NLTB also failed to keep up on its agreement with the school management for the issue of a consolidated lease.

School manager Jadgishwar Singh said the school committee paid a renewal premium of $35,000 four years before the lease expired.

This was accepted by landowners who agreed to renew the lease. However, they are now demanding an additional $70,000.

Mr Chaudhry described this as simple extortion.

"Schools are non-profit making organisations and should not be subjected to such extortion."

Mr Chaudhry said failure to curb acts of lawlessness prevalent since May 19 last year was frightening and sent negative signals to investors, quite apart from feelings of insecurity it caused among the people here.

Fiji's Daily Post

Taboo linked to suicide
Thursday March 29, 2001

The taboo approach given to suicide by members of the public can be attributed to its unnecessary increase, says Fiji Women's Crisis Centre coordinator, Shameema Ali.

According to her, suicide is an issue not normally discussed openly which in turn deprives the younger generation from learning about its consequences.

"The situation becomes the concern of the nation if lives are taken without any second thought given to the consequences afterwards," Ms Ali said.

Ms Ali said people who commit suicide were mainly those who desperately needed but were denied or not given enough attention.

"Nowadays not much attention is given to most teenagers who, in despair, have no other alternative but to commit suicide."

She said qualified and trained suicide counsellors at the FWCC were willing to provide help to anyone contemplating suicidal thoughts or going through a hard time.

"Many cannot afford to go to doctors and Fiji does not have many professional psychiatrists.

Upon requests the FWCC is willing to hold workshops and counselling sessions for teenagers at their schools or at an organised centre," Ms Ali said.

"Depression is found mostly in teenagers and it is our responsibility to provide them with all the support they need to make their way forward and not down the hill."

Fiji's Daily Post

Garment Industry - where to next ?
Thursday March 29, 2001

Fiji's garment industry is taking a nose dive, ever since that fateful day, May 19 2000, when armed gunmen stormed into Fiji's Parliament, which was in session, and kidnapped the one-year-old Peoples Coalition government.

Four garment factories have closed in the past two months and many more are likely to do so unless the economy recovers.
Even leading manufacturers who maintained full operatios through out the political crisis are gradually laying off workers because of the sticky situation facing the industry.

The main reason behind this is the pressure put on the foreign customers ( our major trading partners) by their respective governments and trade unions, all in the good name of democracy.

Let's take a look at a brief historical background on Fiji's Textile Clothing and Footwear Industry.
The instigation of the first Tax Free Factory in 1987 is attributed to a number of factors:

- The South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement (SPARED) was signed in the early 1980's by most Forum Island members. The agreement provided non reciprocating duty free and unrestricted access into the Australian and New Zealand markets. However, to qualify for the duty free concessional access, goods must meet the rules of origin.

- Also in the early 1980's the New Zealand and Australian governments reviewed their industry policies on tariff protection for the Textile Clothing and Footwear (TCF) industries. It was decided that high levels of duty be dismantled over 10 years resulting in the decline of the Australia and New Zealand TCF Industry.

- In 1987, Fiji's Interim Government's investment package was announced allowing for a range of concessions with the 13-year tax exemption being the catalyst for promoting export oriented industries as a basis to reconstruct the damaged economy.

- The United States market has also been a major contributor to the growth of the TCF industry in Fiji. With growing quota allocations to Fiji, the major Asia-owned companies, for instance, Hantex, have all grown in line with the quota allocation.

So by 1999, there were 154 tax-free factories of which 150 were apparel manufacturers.

In addition, the Australian government designed an industry assistance package called the Import Credit Scheme (ICS) for Australian manufacturers. It was an attempt to encourage export growth in the early 1990's resulting in a boost to the Fiji Garment Industry allowing greater rapid growth.

Nevertheless, the adverse effects of the coup have been described by Mark Halabe, President of the Fiji-Australia Business Council, as "incomprehensibly devastating" for Fiji's TCF Industry."

"Not only were there Union trade bans slapped on to Fiji as a whole where raw materials were held up on Australian and then later New Zealand wharfs and airports, but export goods were not allowed to be received into Australia and New Zealand."

"To add further disruption to the already difficult trading conditions, the proposed replacement scheme to the important ICS was suspended and the derogation concession was terminated by the Australian government. While electricity blackouts were common and workers unable to attend work on a regular basis, the reputation of the TCF industry in Fiji were in tatters," Mr Halabe said.

In the past few weeks the closure of garment factories has increased the unemployment figure to more than 1000. A statement from the Melbourne Garments in Suva, after its closure, said the after effects of the coup - such as the removal of export incentives by the Australian government - greatly reduced the viability of production in Fiji.

"The current economic climate in both Australia and Fiji coupled with the flooding of the Australian marketplace with cheaper Asian-made products has resulted in a severe downturn in the profitability of the company."

Thus, the management of the company considered it no longer viable to manufacture for the Australian market in Fiji.
The closures prompted Fiji Chamber of Commerce president, Natwar Lal Vagh to call on the Fiji Trades and Investment Bureau for the screening of "fly by night investors."

Mr Vagh was referring to the closure of two foreign owned garment factories in Lautoka which had taken advantage of the tax-free zone concessions. "They have come here because they were lured into the tax-free zone and they were given tax-free status. It would be best if these foreign investors are screened by FTIB to see whether they can carry out their work within a given time frame. I believe workers have been made to suffer because of such investors who win when the going gets tough."

However, the same application procedures are followed with FTIB regardless of whether they are local or foreign investors. According to a close source, who or what takes the blame when investors suddenly leaves varies. If the climate is right, the profit is good, the company prospers, it may expand and employ even more people. But if the climate is against the investor, business is bound to fall through and the company does not have much of a choice but to close down.

Other factors which may contribute to failure of business is the untimely decision made by the company, financial constraint, natural disasters, severe effects of trade bans and sanctions imposed by main markets in Australia and New Zealand and attractive investment packages offered elsewhere.

FTIB is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Business Development and Investment. Its primary role is to promote investment, exports and promote the development of ventures which enhances employment. While it actively fulfils its objectives, it cannot control the climate under which investors operate. Thus it cannot ensure that a venture cannot close down. "However FTIB sympathises with the companies and hopes it can build up investor confidence in Fiji."

As a result of the TCF industry downturn, a lot of criticism has been levelled at the Fiji Trades Union Congress.
The FTUC denied claims however, particularly by the TCF industry, that it is responsible for the massive lay-offs in the garment factories because of the call for implementation of trade bans. Congress national secretary, Felix Anthony said the problems affecting Fiji was a result of non-compliance with the rule of law.

"There are international norms and conventions which countries must uphold if they are to maintain bilateral trade, recognition and receive aid. What has happened in Fiji is in breach of the norms of international relations. Fiji is paying the price for which we must take full responsibility. The FTUC has been working with NGO's to return the country to normalcy."

According to Mark Halabe, the TCF industry will not survive the onslaught of new sanctions. "The Australian government will cancel the new SPARTECA-TCF scheme and the US government will suspend quota allocation to Fiji." He said the complete destruction of the industry is possible within a very short time. "It is expected that there will be further redundancies and factory closures as long as there is political instability in Fiji." He added that the consequences of heightened international sanctions would ultimately destroy all export oriented TCF companies within six months.

Nevertheless, a recent decision by the European Union approving Fiji's application for derogation from the rules of origin for certain garments has been welcomed by the TCF council.

The deal which becomes effective from April 1, 2001, allows local garment manufacturers to export a wider range of garments to the EU from next month market duty-free.

FTIB chief executive, Jesoni Vitusagavulu said the decision came at a time when garment manufacturers were in need of finding new markets to reduce their dependence on one or two countries.

Says Mark Halabe, although it will regenerate some businesses, it won't really cover for the losses suffered after the crisis. "Yes, it is a little bit of an improvement."

Fiji's Daily Post

Huge decline in Tourism earnings
Wednesday March 28, 2001

Fiji's gross earnings from tourism for the fourth quarter of 2000 is estimated at $100.9 million.

A Bureau of Statistics statement said this represents a decline of $3.7 million or 27.7 per cent over gross earnings of $139.6 million for the same period in 1999.

The bureau attributed the decrease to a decline in the number of visitor days due to the political instability experienced since May 19 last year.

"Tourist arrivals during the quarter totalled 74,428, a decline of 29,478 or 28.4 per cent over the 103,906 arrivals during the same period in 1999.

"The estimated average length of stay of visitors for the quarter stood at 8.4 days, a slight increase from eight days for the same period in 1999," the statement said.

It said the provisional estimate is based on visitors arrivals, average length of stay and per diem expenditure by country of origin from the International Visitors Survey(IVS), updated by the general index.

"On this basis, estimated earnings from Australia in the fourth quarter amounted to $F33.0 million, representing 32.7 per cent of the quarterly total, compared with $42.4 million or 30.4 per cent of the total earned during the same period in 1999."

The bureau said tourism gross receipts continues to be Fiji's major source of foreign currency earnings, which has been the trend since 1989.

"In 2000, Fiji's gross earnings from tourism was estimated at $F426.3 million, a decrease of $F132.3 million or 23.7 per cent over gross earnings of $558.6 million for 1999.

"Of the estimated $132.3 million decrease in Tourism Earnings for 2000, Australia had the highest share of $44.9 million representing 33.9 per cent of the total decrease, followed by Japan $3.3 million, New Zealand $27 million, United Kingdom $10.7 million, Continental Europe $6. million, United States of America $5.5 million, Pacific Islands $4.3 million, Canada $3 million, Rest of Asia $0.2 million, Malaysia $0.2 million and Others $0.1 million."

The statement said the only increase in 2000 was by South Korea which recorded an increase of $0.7 million.

"There are, however, no reliable figures on the difference between gross and net earnings of foreign exchange by the tourist industry."

Fiji's Daily Post

Tavola meets McKinnon
Wednesday March 28, 2001

The Commonwealth supports the caretaker government's decision for a general election in August under the 1997 Constitution.

Commonwealth secretary-general Don McKinnon told Foreign Affairs Minister Kaliopate Tavola that it was important that Fiji return quickly to parliamentary democracy.

Tavola arrived in London this morning to brief McKinnon on recent political developments in Fiji.

He meets John Battle, the state minister in the British Foreign Office tomorrow.

Qarase for VLV?
Wednesday March 28, 2001

All indications are that caretaker Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase will lead the VLV (Christian Democrats) into the August election.

Although Qarase has been non-commital, the VLV is the only party that has offered him the top job.

But dismissed VLV leader Poseci Bune says he is headed to the courts to prove that he was wrongfully dismissed.

Bune told Fiji TV that he will decide which party he stands for after this court case.

Aug election doubt: Baba
Wednesday March 28, 2001

Deposed deputy prime minister and a Fiji Labour Party leader Dr Tupeni Baba says he doubts the general election will be held in August.

Baba says the election can only be held after a court action filed by him and other deposed MPs questioning the legality of the President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo's decision to dissolve Parliament, and the subsequent appointment of the interim government as the caretaker government.

Baba's group had wanted Parliament reconvened because he claimed he had the support to be named prime minister.

But Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry had asked for Parliament to be dissolved and is believed to have started campaigning for the election.

Baba says he will take the case up to the Supreme Court if necessary.

Monasavu group discharged
Wednesday March 28, 2001

Another group of people has been discharged after State prosecutors failed to produce witnesses.

Monasavu landowners Kevekini Navuso, Solomone Naqa, Adrea Vasutoga, Maika Rokoleba, Senitiki Natebe, Waisake Turuva, Kuliniasi Latikau, Seremaia Cakau, Sakeo Rabebe, Iliesa Navukula and Josefa Rusaqoli had denied charges of conspiracy to commit an unlawful offence.

The charges relate to roadblocks erected by the landowners at Monasavu hydro-electric dam in 1999 while pressing for compensation for the use of the catchment area surrounding the dam.

Landowners' lawyer Isireli Fa and prosecutor Josaia Waqaivolavola had apparently made arrangements to ask for an adjournment, but Chief Magistrate Salesi Temo refused this.

Robber asks for 3 years
Wednesday March 28, 2001

A robber on Tuesday asked for three years in prison when the magistrate asked him to sentence himself.

Felix Vusonitokalau had admitted stealing $800 cash and a cash register from Sardar Supermarket at Raiwaqa on August 7 last year.

Chief Magistrate Salesi Temo noted his previous convictions but decided to give him two years instead.

Trade Union condemns school’s closure
Wednesday March 28, 2001

The Fiji Trades Union Congress has condemned the sudden closure of the Sabeto Indian School in Nadi on Tuesday.

Secretary of FTUC, Felix Anthony said that the 211 pupil’s future is being unwarrantedly affected.

"The importance of education is going unheeded with such incident, showing the sheer lack of commitment from the part of the landowners as regard to indigenous education," Anthony said.

He called on the landowners to deal with such grievances in a proper manner rather than taking the matters into their own hands.

Meanwhile, Anthony has objected to attempts made by the indigenous Fijian Political Parties to release George Speight and his group from Nukulau Island.

He reiterated that the release of George Speight will only show that what happened on May 19^th of last year, is acceptable and supported by the authorities.

"Fiji will be known to have a norm where whenever factions of disgruntled people are dissatisfied with the elected government, they can illegally overthrow the elected government and walk free," Anthony added.

He stated that the Fiji Trades Union wants the perpetrators of the May 19^th 2000, to be punished for the havoc they have created in Fiji.

Landowners action disgraceful
Wednesday March 28, 2001

The Fiji Labour Party has hit out at landowners who yesterday closed the Sabeto Indian School in Nadi, calling the action disgraceful and sending wrong signals to the children of the country.

The landowners entered the school premises and ordered the students and teachers to vacate claiming that the school committee had not paid upto $75,000 in lease money. School trustees and management have been given one month to come up with the money or the school will be closed. There are 211 students at the school, of which 28 are Fijians.

Party spokesperson Pratap Chand said the closure is unacceptable to all people and children who value education and would like to pursue their work without unwarranted disturbance. He pointed out that over the years there has been a lot of discussion and concern for the education of indigenous Fijians at all levels. "In the last 10 months leaders and some members of the Fijian community have been sending wrong signals to the children of the country."

Chand said their disrespect towards schools and institutions of learning sends negative signals to children and youths. This sort of action undermines the value of education, he warned, pointing out that the school is being projected as a place of lawlessness and of no importance.

Describing the action of the landowners as a step backwards towards indigenous education, Chand said it created totally negative impressions in the minds of children. "They begin to wonder whether it is worthwhile going to schools when their own elders are closing them."

"Chiefs and elders should take stock of what damage has been done to Fijian education since the events of May 19. They need to look at the external exam results, the drop outs and the mental attitude of the children". He said the landowners have the means to settle their grievances through the Native Land Trust Board.

Fiji's Daily Post

Tuivaga clears air
Wednesday March 28, 2001

Chief Justice Sir Timoci Tuivaga yesterday cleared the air on media reports concerning the high office.

Internal confidential correspondence within the Judicial Department was leaked to a high powered group who were trying to substantiate their calls for the resignation of Sir Timoci Tuivaga as CJ.

A media release from the CJ's office yesterday said the act was extremely reprehensible.

"Whoever leaked them was obviously politically motivated to embarrass the judiciary and the Government as much as possible," the secretary to the CJ said.

"It is most unworthy of the person or persons presumably intelligent who conspired in the dissemination of the department's official confidential correspondence. It was not meant for general public consumption."

Replying to calls for the CJ to resign, the secretary to the CJ said it should be made clear that CJ will retire from the judicial service when he sees fit to do so or if it is the express wish of His Excellency the President, whichever occurs first. The latter is the prerogative of the President under the Constitution.

Deposed prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry's allegation about the CJ's retirement age being increased for his own benefit was a flagrant attempt to mislead the public and cause maximum mischief the statement said.

"The CJ's retirement age of 75 has been part of his terms and conditions of service well before the promulgation of the 1997 Constitution which fixed the retirement age of 70 for senior judges with possibility of an increase to 78, health permitting."

It appears many people have conveniently overlooked in the current debate the provisions of the High Court Act which govern the administration of court business in the High Court.

The Act supplies that all Officers of the High Court and this includes the Chief Registrar, the Deputy Registrars and District Registrars shall discharge their duties "subject to such orders as they shall from time to time receive from the Chief Justice".

Another provision in the Act requires a Deputy Registrar or a District Registrar to discharge his/her duty "subject to such directions as the Chief Justice may from time to time deem expedient to give."

The instruction given to the Lautoka High Court registry was only restricted to possible court actions that were then anticipated relating to the appointment of the President and the Caretaker Government. It was all done in good faith.

The CJ as head of the judiciary was doing no more than exercising his power and authority as Administrative Head of the Judicial Department in relation to court registry matters in accordance with the aforesaid provisions and with Order 4 rule 1 of the High Court Rules (L.N. 37/1988 as amended) in mind and the Chief Justice's own Circular Memorandum No. 1 of 2000 on the subject, all of which for those interested are readily available for inspection at the High Court Registry in Suva.

Fiji's Daily Post

Don't free Speight: Army
Wednesday March 28, 2001

The army says George Speight and his group who are awaiting trial on treason charges, should not be freed.

The army was reacting to statements by various political parties that they will be approaching the President to use his powers to free the group.

Army spokesman Captain Ned Taito told the Fiji Sun there was no question of pardoning Speight's group or rebel soldiers who mutineered.

SVT calls for Speight's release
Wednesday March 28, 2001

The Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei Party (SVT) in an attempt to strengthen Fijian unity for the next elections yesterday called for the release of failed coup leader George Speight.

SVT general-secretary Jone Banuve yesterday said the release of George Speight and his group was essential for the reconciliation process before the polls.

Mr Banuve said Speight should be released and included in the reconciliation team.

"We have already approached the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, the President and the Government and communicated our request," Mr Banuve said.

"This call is from the SVT which has been persistent. And this call was renewed in today's (yesterday's) Management Board meeting. George is a member of SVT. Most of them on Nukulau are members of SVT so we will look after them."

He said the combined political Fijian forum may also call on the President for Speight's release.

"Whether George will contest the elections or not is another issue" Mr Banuve said.

Party president Ro Epeli Mataitini said: "In the spirit of the BLV meeting of May 2000, the President also takes note of the recommendation in the ten point plan that he exercise his powers to pardon all those who participated in the events in parliament on 19 May and in related episodes and actions."

However the SVT call was condemned by Citizens Constitutional Forum director Reverend Akuila Yabaki.

Fiji's Daily Post

Farmers to thank villagers
Wednesday March 28, 2001

Savu villagers who last year sheltered indo-Fijian Muainaweni farmers at the height of last year's unrest will soon be thanked by the farmers, Senior Superintendent Romanu Tikotikoca said.

The Director of Police Uniformed Operations was at the settlement last Sunday holding talks with the farmers about safety and security issues.

"All farmers who have returned have settled in really well, some are even ready to yield their crops," SSP Tikotikoca said.

Also present at the meeting were homeowners whose houses were burnt and rebuilt with government aid.

"The last crime report in the area was on January 14 and since then, the place has been crime free," SSP Tikotikoca said.
He said the villagers were to be thanked for helping the police post and mobile officers maintain peace in the area.

Last week a family returned to the settlement and seven are still sheltering at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka. The seven families will be visited by SSP Tikotikoca and his team next week.

Meanwhile, SSP Tikotikoca confirmed Korovou Day for Namalata and Sawakasa villages will be held on April 24 at Korovou.

Fiji's Daily Post

Chinese garment worker found dead
Wednesday March 28, 2001

A middle-aged Chinese garment factory worker was found dead in an apartment at Ram Shanker Building at Toorak Road, Suva yesterday.

Sources said police found the victim lying on the floor naked with her hands tied behind her back. The identity of the woman and other personal details could not be obtained yesterday.

It is believed the woman who was originally from China may have been dead since Friday or Saturday night. Police are treating the death as murder.

Police were yesterday questioning a man living in the same building. Police detectives led by Inspector Ponsami Chetty did not reveal details of the death.

The landlord Ram Shanker who also lives on the bottom floor had reported the woman missing at the Toorak Police Post on Saturday.

It is understood she worked for a garment factory at Spring Street less than a 15 minute walking distance from her flat.
Mr Shaker also reported to the Police Post the deceased's room had been ransacked. This was confirmed when the report book was sighted.

Officers at the Police Post referred the matter to the Central Police Station in Suva.

However, it was not until midday yesterday that police started the investigations after a stench emanated from the house.
The deceased's friends had started looking for her yesterday.

A shopkeeper who runs a bakery about hundred yards away said the woman passes by her shop in the morning and late in the evenings.

Police were yesterday questioning some Chinese nationals on personal details of the deceased. Other shopkeepers and people living around the area were being questioned by police.

The small busy community at Toorak Road were yesterday still shocked by the news of the death. The deceased had been living at the apartment on her own for the past few months.

"She keeps to herself and we hardly see her around," a shopkeeper said.

Last year police raided the same building and detained an illegal Chinese immigrant who was renting there.

A crowd was gathered at Toorak Road for most part of the day yesterday as they watched police officers conduct their investigations.

The crowd dispersed when the body was taken away on a police van to the Central Police Station.

Fiji's Daily Post

Landowners threaten to close school
Wednesday March 28, 2001

Trustees and management of Sabeto Indian School have been given one month to come up with $75,000 or else the school will be closed.

The landowners moved into the school yesterday stripping the school headmaster of the keys and said the lease expired on April 27.
A landowners representative said the four and half acre land on which the school stands belongs to three tokatokas, namely Nacekaya, Vunatawa and Naceruku.

Two hundred and eleven students with their teachers had to be sent home after the landowners moved in and ordered them to vacate at about 10am.

Out of the 211 students only 28 are Fijian students while the majority are indo-Fijians and Others.

While police and the military closely monitored the developments the NLTB (Native Lands Trust Board), Sabeto villages and trustees managed to strike a deal.

School headmaster Nitya Nand said the negotiations were between relevant parties and school would resume today.

"We will start school tomorrow (today) morning as usual and the trustees will then decide what to do," he said.

Divisional education officer Western Vasu Maharaj said the situation was being closely monitored and a report would be forwarded to the Ministry of Education shortly.

Fiji's Daily Post

Embassy confirms receiving petition
Wednesday March 28, 2001

The Australian Embassy yesterday confirmed receiving a petition from the Peoples' Organisation for indo-Fijian Rights and Land Resolution.

Embassy public relations officer, Dennis Rounds said the organisation had in the petition named Britain, India and Australia as the three countries who benefited from the Indians being brought as indentured labourers to Fiji.

And therefore have the responsibility of safeguarding the future rights of indentured labourers and their descendants in Fiji.
He said: "We've received the petition and we're forwarding it to our head office in Canberra for the appropriate authority to have a look at it."

The petition was to have been hand delivered but the organisation president Dr Niraj Sumeshwar Yadav said they were told to post the petition to the embassy which they did.

The organisation is demanding more detailed information on the conditions of indentured labourers who came into the country in the last century.

Their descendants regarded Fiji as their homeland but with the political uncertainties after the 1987 and 2000 coups they're always looked upon as foreigners with bleak futures.

The organisation wants to be provided with the following necessary pieces of information:

a) the names of the principal participating nations, their agents, trustees and attorneys, organisations, authorities and institutions, groups or bodies of people or individuals or any other party whatsoever who were involved, either directly or indirectly, in bringing Indian labourers to Fiji.

b) require the advise as to the nature and existence of any documentary evidence of authority, consensus deed or contract that existed between the individuals who were the indentured labourers and the party or parties who were responsible in getting them to Fiji.

c) require the advise in regards to the complete nature and the text of all the terms and conditions and any other considerations expressed or implied, of the indenture scheme.

d) documentary evidence of any form of discharge that existed between the indentured labourers and their respective counterparts.

e) be advised to what form of rights, titles or interest that were accorded to them.

f) be advised on the role played by the native landowners of Fiji and their chiefs on the bringing in of Indian labourers.

The organisation respects the rights of the landowners but they feel their plight could be reviewed jointly by all parties.

Mr Rounds said a reply would be issued by the appropriate authority in Canberra.

Meanwhile the British High Commission had also sent the petition to the appropriate authority in London and would await the reply from them.

Fiji's Daily Post

Tackling sexual problems through education
Wednesday March 28, 2001

The Ministry of Health tells us that there are 68 HIV/AIDS patients in Fiji. The ministry further reports that most of the patients are young adults in their 20s. Dr Rabukawaqa called on parents to lift the taboo curtain and play a leading role in the sexual health education of their children. This is an important message given the dramatic rise in sexually transmitted infections. In 1999, 2,259 people contracted a sexually transmitted infection. Of this number, 1,164 were under the age of 24. The figures for 2000 are still being collated although one suspects that because of the crisis we faced last year the figures could be much higher than 1999. A number of organisations like the RHAF, Fiji Red Cross, AIDS Task Force, HIHS Telephone Counselling, STI Clinic are currently working in the area of sexual and reproductive health and doing excellent work.

The Fiji Community Education Association (FCEA) has begun its peer education outreach in various parts of the greater Suva area. What the association has done is to send circulars to parents explaining the reasons behind the sexual and reproductive health outreaches. Parents who require additional information often ring the association. In many cases personal