LOYAL FIJIAN -FIJI INDEPENDENT NEWS

Martial Law lifted

2012-01-06T00:52:00.003+13:00

So, martial law has been lifted.

Good!

Even the regime's opponents will have to welcome that. And for those who were starting to think we may never come out of this dark period, well this shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Of course, this is only a first step in the right direction. There is a lot more work to be done. But it is a significant big step.

Now comes the challenge of drafting a new Constitution. It wont be easy. But, we have overcome major obstacles in the past and it can be done.

So, we will take this as one step forward and look forward to democracy to be returned to our beloved land!

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Pssst, It;s me! From the Ministry of Floundering Affairs

2011-12-16T15:53:00.001+13:00

Sorry Folks! It's me. Me the not-so-smart-guy from the Ministry of Floundering Affairs who sits in the corner taking the minutes and spinning the grog bowl.

Yes, that's me , the innocent lil thing.

"Taki! " said Brutus. And so, I did.

But first let me tell you of what has transpired in this fine Ministry since I last had the chance to write to you all.

Believe it or not, the whole crew is still here. And we got a new addition, I'll call him Zehru. Confused. Let me explain, He thinks he is Nehru but isn't. Get it? Nehru and zero? I know , I know, not one of my best, but hey, it's kinda funny right?

Anyway, I've had to lie low because as we all know the proverbial hit the fan and "The Place that must be Spoken of In Whispers Only" went nuts over the whole 'internet thing'.

It's called Blogging

Will somebody please tell them that, Phew!

Anyway, one must bite the tongue in this fine Ministry. After all, opening one's mouth can lead to the loss of the greatest prize of all: an overseas posting.

And so, all the internet connections are being watched very closely. So, I couldn't take the risk. Had to bide my time.

Somebody was publishing news that only people inside this fine Ministry could know.

Kissinger suspected Brutus, Brutus suspected Taliban, Mata Hari didn't have a clue, Taliban wanted to suspect somebody but couldn't decide who.

And Zehru, well the guy is still pissed off about losing his post at that much sought after foreign location, the place where we all want to go one day.

As for me , I spun the grog bilo right! heheheheh . Who suspects the grog boy? Not these fools that's for sure.

Phone Tapping

2011-11-18T18:00:00.001+13:00

So somebody thinks his phone is being tapped?

And RNZI has jumped all over the reports to say that Tevita Mara's phone is being tapped by the military.

Well, lets just take a few steps back and put things in perspective:

It'a a bloody military dictatorship for crying out loud....why would phone tapping, if it was true, be so newsworthy?;
We have military in the newspapers news rooms, phone taps seem trivial compared to that;
Somebody has a delusional sense of self importance, doesn't he? They are tapping my phone because I'm the saviour, lighten up bro...you just want media time that's all

And if you are really worried about phone taps, here's a few tips:

Email using account names only you and your recipient knows about;
Send postcards;
Carrier pigeons; or
Message in a bottle;

Tap, phap, whap!

Another dictator is gone

2011-10-25T15:48:00.001+13:00

Another one bites the dust

An end to tyranny is a must

For 42 years he rules the land

With a heavy iron hand

His sons and daughters bathed in milk and honey

They had so much, billions in money

Then one day, the people finally stood up

They decided they had enough, time to make him jump

So they came out on the streets

They voted with their feet

Gaddafi did his absolute best

To keep the rebellion confined to the west

Then France, US and usual so-called allies jumped into the fray

They said, wait up we will show the way

Why suddenly Sarkozy and Obama found interest in Libya?

They said they support democracy…now, now don't let that fool ya

Where were they all these years?

When Libyans cried rivers of tears

What they really want is under the sand

The greatest prize of all, it really is grand

More valuable than gold

In your hands you cant hold

So started the bombings and the arms drop

And suddenly Gaddafi felt the heat and started to hop

He gave orders for his soldiers to fight

Where are they? He looked to the left and right

And so he ran from Tripoli to Sirte

His place of birth, where he found shelter

He held on for a while, as long as he could

You have to say, he didn't run away, but stayed in Libya as he said he would

And then, finally, they caught up to the man

Oh dear God, there lay the man on the sand

But not before, they ripped him to pieces

Something nobody on their worst enemy ever wishes

And so another dictator is gone

The message is clear, it may take time but right always defeats wrong

Isnt it amazing how I do this every time?

Make it all so funny and make it rhyme!

Conversations of Jone, Jaswant and Joe

2011-10-07T12:08:00.001+12:00

The World Cup is on…the boys are all fired….Go Fiji Go ..O ..O….The grog bowl is full, the boys are in a good mood….Samoa is the opposition and the boys are confident

Jaswant: You gang just see the superior tactical prowess of the Fiji team….their knowledge of defensive patterns, attacking methodology and precise moment by moment fluid processing techniques

Jone and Joe look at each other and shake their heads

Jone: Samoa is a good team

Jaswant: Se, traitor

Jone: I think Samoa are going to be very hard to beat

Jaswant: Seti, you go and live in Samoa then OK

Joe: It will be hard game, tough and uncompromising

Jaswant: Vinaka Robbie Deans (and smirks and says under his breath) thinks he knows too much….us gang are stupid

Jone: Kick for territory man, play in opposition half

Jaswant: Seti, it's a possession game, hold the ball, probe the edges and make quick darting runs

Go Fiji Go

Jone: Samoa look better

Jaswant: Seti, who you cheering for man? Fiji our team….Noqu Vanua

Jone: %**#@ o iko OK

Jaswant: Why don't you swim to Samoa like that faller who went to Tonga huh!!!

Joe: Easy guys

Jaswant: O iko qalu mada OK….@$%* this between us kaivata's

Joe: Ocei nomu Kai $#&*

Red Arm Band Month

2011-08-15T17:31:00.001+12:00

**************** Better late than never....Thank you to sender********

************I will try and publish all emails or messages that are fair, balanced and promote justice and equity- in keeping with the Loyal Fijian Charter***********************************

This August (2011) I will join youth advocates and activists around the world in honoring the lives of young people and children while marking the close of International Year of Youth [August 12 2010 to August 11 2011].

Over the Year, millions of young people have decided to be the driving force of community and grassroots change; We honor them! Many more have been the backbone of humanitarian efforts and recovery work in the worst of our catastrophes and provide resilient solutions/work in solving our Climate Crisis; We honor them! Thousands have used social media and their skills to change mindsets and move hearts to stand in solidarity for the most pressing issues in communities world wide; We honor them! Many more have banded together and held whole gatekeepers, communities and governments accountable to the voice of our Youth; We honor them also!

BUT while we have gained so much during this year, we have also LOST multitudes of lives in the struggle and the onslaught of man made disasters, and natural catastrophes.

This August, for one whole month I will join youth activists world wide in wearing a RED ARM BAND - symbolizes the blood of many young people that have made this International Year of Youth successful and a important year for youths - YES young people have really made a difference this year.

I wear the arm band to remember the lives of Young People lost on the streets to Freedom and Equality, Young People lost in the lands of pandemic crises and suffrage, Young People lost in neighborhoods of War, Young People lost to Natures power and challenge to humanity, Young People lost in the schools of bullying and violence; and Young People lost to homes of exploitation, disrespect and hate.

These Young People have taught me to be reassured that they have not gone in vein - that their cries for a better life are seen/heard through the actions/words of many advocates and activists world wide. While there is still so much work to be done, I stand with these lives in believing that CHANGE HAS COME!!!!!

YOU can WEAR the RED ARM BAND also and allow others to have an opportunity to stand alongside you by passing this email around and having conversations about this Campaign - You can choose your own way to mark the year. Unlike many other events that have happened worldwide, this campaign will have no Celebrities or Leaders propped up to bring people to wear the RED ARM BAND -We are appealing to all youth advocates and activists to consider how much we have gained in the lives of the so many we have lost during Our Year! The Year of Youth!

This August, I am wearing it - are you!

Peter Waqavonovono
Youth Advocate
Fiji Islands

Free Poets Society: Tongan Escape

2011-05-20T14:53:00.001+12:00

Boy oh Boy, what a few days we've had

A story to rival that of Sinbad

Col Mara has escaped to Tonga

The rumours of how he did it are getting longer and longer

Can you imagine this tiny island

Can be prepared to pull off something so grand

I am reminded of the times of Ma'afu

When he came, plundered and said F*** you

This is just so crazy

Even more so because details are so hazy

We are told he hitched a ride on a Tongan navy boat

Wonder if he'll sit in the palace and gloat

But how could it happen, where was the Fiji Navy?

They came in were gone before you could say "Hey Baby"

The Tongans have to be sent a clear message,

This is not the end of this passage.

Isn't it funny how I do this every time

Make it all so funny and make it rhyme

Free Poet Society

OH MAMA, GOOD BYE OBAMA

2011-05-04T13:39:00.001+12:00

Boom Boom Bang Bang,

In the middle of the night, the noises rang

Came a thundering noise, doof doof whooooof

What is that, could it be helicopters on the roof?

The Navy SEALS came slithering down the rope

That's it, the end of the road, the end of hope

They looked everywhere, mountains, valleys, villages and caves

Everywhere they looked, he found a way to be safe

10 long years, the might of America looked, inside, outside and on the ground

No matter what they did, he was nowhere to be found

When he was found, he was not hiding

He was living in style, just his time he was biding

Living with his 8 children and many a wife

Can you believe that, this man was enjoying his life

How can that be, living in a 3 storey mansion with courtyard and barn

Because America was looking everywhere but inside Pakistan

10 years he evaded the greatest power

All the time he was sleeping in a double bed and having a warm shower

Now isn't that amazing

Makes your head spin and swing

Unless of course we look beyond the spin

Wouldnt be Loyal Fijian if we didn't try to find the source of the stink

Can you really be living in secret for 10 years

When the greatest power was kicking down doors and capturing your dears

Was he really just hiding in a house in Abbottabad, 400 yards from a military base

If you believe that, Im afraid you will have egg on your face

Somebody do the smart thing, find the missing piece to solve this case

Find the tunnel, from Obama's mansion to the Pakistani Military Base!!

Isnt it funny how I do this every time

Make it so funny and make it rhyme

Free Poet Society

The Original and The One – Loyal Fijian

Mubarak gone, Gaddafi going...

2011-03-06T15:43:00.003+12:00

The boys are enjoying the national drink. The mood is a bit hard to describe...seems like an air of anxiety mixed with anticipation....confused, well I said it was a bit hard to predict.

Jone: Gunu Jas

Jaswant: Vinaka...(downs the bilo)...Boys, how about the Middle East gang aye? Boy, things sa crazy over there

Joe: Thats right Jas, unprecedented chapter in our history...who would've thought the Arabs want the same things everyone else does (he says this almost as a prompt to the others)

Jone: What you mean?

Joe: We all have same aspirations...

Jaswant: See again, this faller always want to talk va fancy....just say it man (voice raising a bit)

Jone: Yeah man, I know what we all want

Jaswant: Yeah we want no crime, feel safe in house, jobs for everyone, like that

Jone: See, what you mean, you never feel safe before?

Jaswant: But better now, see the paper huh...before everyday robbery, murder what not

Jone: Whats the use if you not.... (doesnt finish sentence...looks arlound as if somebody might be listening)

Jaswant: No what? Huh? Say it ga man?

Joe: (Doesnt say anything, but there is somethinhg playing on his mind)

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Conversations of Jone, Joe and Jaswant: Could it happen here?

2011-01-30T02:04:00.002+13:00

Same place, same time, same brew. The boys are celebrating the end to another working week.

Jone: Bro, thank God its Friday aye

Jaswant: True

(Joe nods)

Jaswant: What about Tunisia and Egypt aye?

Joe: What about it?

Jaswant: Seti, big protests man

(Joe gazes off into the distance, is he listening?)

Jone: See, they got it ga

Jaswant: Yeah man, but that Egypt faller still there

Jone: True, faller survivor

Jaswant: Could it happen here?

Joe: Could it?

Silence

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Happy New Year Everyone

2011-01-02T23:22:00.002+13:00

Well. well, well
I have a lot ot tell

Yes, I know
I last posted a while ago

But as you can see
Its still the ol me

Where do I start?
As always, Ill talk from the heart

Firstly a happy new year to all
Hope the year bring good luck to y'all

Those of you nursing a hangover
Try a triple leaf clover

Tke care and till later
Loyal Boy will always be there

From Jawant, Jone and Joe
Hope 2o11 brings you more

Isnt it amazing how I do this everytime
Make it funny and make it rhyme

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Free Poets Society: Its all a matter of perspective

2010-10-23T00:05:00.001+12:00

Some say its all good

Plenty chow, plenty food

Some say, its going a bit sour

We are heading for the reckoning hour

Some say we are up shit creek

Where will the chow come from this week

You see , different people have different views

Different ways of interpreting the same news

It all depends where you stand

You can have one view, a different one comes from your friend

You are both looking at the same thing

And come up with different tunes to sing

Isnt it funny how I do this each time

Make it all so funny and make it rhyme

Conversations of Jone, Joe and Jaswant: Ocean's 14

2010-09-07T13:01:00.004+12:00

An extraordinary session, its not Friday but the boys have all gathered at Jone's place for a session. Something big must have happened.

Jaswant: Wooo, this must be the biggest fiesta in Fiji history

Joe : Fiesta? What do you mean Jas?

Jone: He means fracas Joe, just give him some slack, you know (and winks)

Jaswant: See, you gang gonna side me again, then Im going

Joe : Set Set man, relax

Jaswant : This thing biiiig man, you know like the movies, Ocean 11,12 and 13

Jone : Yeah man, just imagine those gang, how they must be counting the money. But how is it possible

Jaswant : Arree man, somebody plan this thing really good, you know, they go to Village 6 and that

Jone : You mean like professional job

Jaswant: What else

Jone: Yeah man, maybe overseas people too aye.....hey...(and then quiet)

Jone signals for the others to come closer. Why? Theres no one else there. Its just second nature, a product of lives lived keeping secrets from neighbours

Jone: Plenty ex-British Army gang around

Silence

Jaswant: Think you have hit your head on your nail

Joe : What? Never mind

Joe : Think you guys are right and not so right

Jone and Jaswant : What? Kuni va fancy Ok!

Joe :Relax. I reckon its an inside job

Jaswant: You mean......

Joe :Yes, inside, inside....but all new notes are numbered sequentially and the Reserve Bank knows the sequence, so they can just cancel that particular sequence and if somebody tries to use it, they can be identified!

Jone and Jaswant: 1 million, arre baap re!

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Conversations of Joe, Joe and Jaswant : Nationalisation boy

2010-08-30T23:19:00.001+12:00

Been a while since the boy got together. "Very busy man, says Jaswant, "No time saraga".

Jone: No time, what you mean?? You just stay home and sleep. I asked your tavale and he said you at home every Friday.

Jaswant: Yeah, OK, but the fuel man, thing very expensive to come….you know.

Jone : (Laughs) Oiko sa &*@#%#@#

Joe : (Laughs) So Rupert Murdoch has been kicked out aye. Natoinalisation of the media, what next? Nationalisation of industry?

Jone: What you mean? You talking about FijI Times closing down?

Jaswant: Seti Jone, not closing down, selling off

Jone: Yeah Yeah, I know man, but what is all mean?

Jaswant: Se, don't worry Jone, same thing ga man. Same people gonna woprk there and same thing, no difference, you see. This faller only use big words to make us feel like locals

Jone: We are locals! Well, I am

Jaswant: See here Jone, you always side me aye

Jone (Laughs) Just joking man, you local of your area, that's what I meant………..New Delhi

Jone and Jope laugh

Jaswant: Murdoch or not, thing OK with me

Jone : But, it means we don't get fair news

Jaswant : Why not? Only change in ownership

Joe: Yeah, that is true, But it means that Government has decided what people read, or to be more precise they have decided they don't like what Fiji Times had to say and therefore hobbled them. That's censorship.

Jaswant : That Murdoch faller meddling his nose in our business because Wendy Dang wants Fiji to become colony of China

Jone: What?

Jaswant : What you say now smart alec? Huh Huh?

Joe : Taki

Jaswant: You Taki, M@@$#$% T*&&*

WRONG WRONG WRONG AGAIN AND AGAIN

2010-07-23T00:19:00.001+12:00

The same mistakes being made again and again

Somebody just doesn't see that all it does is lead to more pain

Another expulsion

Tell you straight up, that is not fun

We need them more than they need us

Lets talk , not just make a huge fuss

Our people will gain from having them as friends

For this our relations need to mend

They can do lots to help our people

Lets not make big waves from small ripples

The British Army is ready to make its last stand

The British involvement in Afghanistan is coming to an end

That means an end to recruitment of our boys

We have to look for new ways

Our neighbours may well be the option

If we can just stop being fools , we will gain as a nation

Isnt it amazing how I do this every time

Make it all so funny and make it rhyme

Good Story : Now how about the truth?

2010-06-14T01:37:00.003+12:00

A "good" story (The Day Sly saw Saddam Hussein) about a former Fijian serving in the British Army and his very brief encounter with Saddam Hussein was published in the Fiji Times.

Sly recounts his late night mission into farmlands around Tikrit when Saddam was captured. It is a "good" story.

History is replete with unsuspecting and well intentioned men and women being used by the more scheming minds in their organisations to perpetuate a certain image or "story".

Did Sly fall victim to an elaborate hoax designed to create the mirage that Saddam was captured hiding in a shallow hole and on being discovered said in good English "Im the President of Iraq and I want to negotiate with President Bush".

Yeah right.....

It was critical that the Americans capture Saddam in a fashion that could be used to emphasise and glorify American military strength, in particular American intelligence.

Why?

Because no WMD's had been found and the credibility and potency of American intelligence services was under siege. The Americans had to prove to their people and the world that the much vaunted and hyped up intelligence machinery still had the power to pull off a major coup.

It was vital that Saddam be captured through an elaborate intelligence operation and be shown powerless and broken. Much depended on it.

But did the Americans get him hiding in a whole? Not if you believe the President of Iraq, Jalal Talabani, who had issue a statement a full day before Saddam's capture while on a visit to Iran that Saddam had been captured by the Peshmerga.

And what of Saddam's two bodyguards? Initial reports indicated that two of his loyal men were with him. Where did they disappear?

Here's a few calculated guesses:

Somebody, possibly somebody very close to Saddam and responsible for his safety, is living a very comfortable life in the United States, a life paid for by a million US dollars and promise of entry into US for him and his family.

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Free Poets Society: Fiji Team Fiji Team, What do we do now?

2010-05-24T18:21:00.001+12:00

Fiji Team Fiji Team, where have you been?

We've been to London to try and get a win

Fiji Team Fiji Team, what did you do there

We got knocked out early, got nowhere

Fiji Team Fiji Team, what will we do now?

Same as before, big booze and big chow

Fiji Team Fiji Team, somebody saw you guys under a table

Year right, you've been reading to many fables

Fiji Team Fiji Team, Will we ever win again?

Go away, before we give you a lot of pain

Fiji Team Fiji Team, where did we go wrong?

No Waisale, No gong

Fiji Team Fiji Team, so do we bring back the Master?

Nah too late, too much grog, a 5 yr old boy can run faster

Isnt is funny how we do this every time

Make it all so funny and make it rhyme

Free Poets Society

Conversations of Jone, Joe and Jaswant : But what does he want?

2010-05-23T18:33:00.004+12:00

Cometh Friday, cometh the grog session-a Fijian tradition like no other. The boys are back together after a long time.

Jone: Sa boys, long time. Where you all been?

Jaswant : Yeah man, hard times.

Joe : I was away actually Jone, I sent you guys an email to let you know. Didn't you guys read it?

Jone: No, must have missed it. Man , things are tight at work. Have to be careful when going on the internet.

Jaswant : True man, all tracking going on. My tavale tole me one faller in New Zealand writing about us gang. The faller an expert or what?

Jone (Laughs): Living in NZ and writing about Fiji . Cava go? Why cant he write about the Maori or other social problems in NZ?

Loud laughter

Joe: It wont be the first time will it? I guess it makes them fell important about themselves. Another possibility is the faller is looking for an appointment to some Board or Council.

Jaswant: True. Why they never come and live in Fiji if they so concerned?

Jone: Se, don't say that man. We trying to get rid of as many as we can.

Jaswant : What you saying man?

Joe and Jone Laugh

Joe : Taki Jas

Jaswant : See you foreigner, you Taki OK. M#$%%$ T&&**^&

Joe: Somethings never change. Great to be back.

Taki!

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Free Poets Society: Where have they all gone?

2010-05-03T01:53:00.005+12:00

It started off with Intelligentsiya
They peddled rumours and spread fear

Then came along WFC and RFC
They also lacked balance and how disappinted were we

Have to acknowledge RRFC
They launched the first counter punch, good to see

Cyberspace was flooded with blogs, unfortunately most lacked balance
They published slander, lies and were run by felons

Loyal Fijian was concerned, situation was getting tight
Somebody had to take up the fight

All through this we have upheld our value
Independent, balanced and impartial, our promise to you

There is a new kid on the block, very eager for attention

Claim to be the voice of the nation

We dont carry any advertising, We are not in this for money

We are equally at ease, be it vinegar or honey

Isnt is funny how we do this every time
Make it all so funny and make it rhyme

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Loyal Fijian is Right Here!

2010-04-29T00:15:00.002+12:00

To all the loyal readers of Loyal Fijian : We are still here.

Yes, we have been a bit quiet of late, but not to worry, we are still here and plan on being around for a long time yet.

Loyal Fijian was started to combat the rumours being peddled by the HATE blogs, and the Loyal Fijian was the ONLY blog to present a balanced and impartial account.

Our objectives remain to argue for a fair, balanced and free media and arena for public discourse.

Our posts are not as frequent, but we will be here and publish as often as we can.

LF

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Conversations of Jone, Joe and Jaswant : Where is everyone Seinimili?

2010-04-14T16:07:00.001+12:00

Another Friday, but something is amiss…..has been for a few weeks. The Friday night ritual that is the grog session at Jone's house has not happened for a few weeks.

Jone's text to Jaswant has gone unanswered and Joe is nowhere to be found. Here could they be?

Jone: (to his wife) I wonder if it was something I said

Seinimili: Yeah, when you grog dope, you don't know what you say

Jone: Seti woman, I expect reassurance not criticism from you OK. It's a rhetorical question anyway, not that you would know what that means.

Seinimil: (Quiet, doesn't respond)

Jone : Jaswant the faller always comes, even for a short while on Fridays. Last few weeks , I felt so lonely. Nothing to talk about.

Senimili : You can talk your wife and kids.

Joe : (Ignoring her) Isa, wonder what they are doing? Joe always has some good stories to tell. You know, the faller goes to all these lunches with all the big shot gang. He hears a lot of things.

Senimili : But you also "know a lot of people". There's nothing they know that you don't.

Joe: I know that, but I still make them feel important. Just to keep the news flowing. Especially Jaswant. He's tavale is connected. A few bilo and he starts talking. Hehehehe

Seinimili : hehehhe And Joe?

Jone : Rerevaki sa raga o koya. I've heard stories that he was in the SAS.

Seinimili: You mean like in the movie

Jone: Yeah, just like the movies, only real. He thinks he can control us two. Jaswant thinks he is smarter than me. What do you think Seini my darling?

Seinimili: I married you didn't I.

Our Border Protection Gets a Boost

2010-04-07T17:43:00.001+12:00

Fiji's ports and airports will be protected like never before. The Comptroller of Customs and Excise Jitoko Tikolevu has announed that 90 police officers have been appointed as Customs officers.

This follows a decision taken by Cabinet last year to strengthen the security at our entry points in light of increased attempts by organised crime gangs to use Fiji as a transit point.

Over the last few years, huge drug consignments have been seized in Fiji as well as factories to manufacture drugs have been set up by Asian crime gangs. In Laucala Beach, an Asian crime gang had hired three huge factories to manufacture amphetamines , which were to be shipped to Australia.

Fiji is preferred as a transit point as the thinking goes that consignments passing through Fiji will not receive the same attention as say a package coming from Colombia.

Crooks are always trying to outwit law enforcement and this measure is a step in the right direction to protect our borders.

The Police officers will be able to bring their crime fighting skills and knowledge and enhance the capability that we currently have at our borders.

Free Poets Society: No No No...So Kon Po

2010-03-28T22:00:00.004+12:00

The grog was flowing
We were all pumped to give the Kiws a flogging

The boys were in good form, ready to make a stand
After all they had taught a lesson to Thailand

The time had come, all of Fiji had come to a stop
Time to do the job, catch the Kiwis on the hop

But alas it was not to be
How down are we?

There goes the So Kon Po trophy, when will another come our way?
There goes our Public Holiday

So Kon Po
No No No

Isnt it amazing how we do this everytime
Make it all so funny and make it rhyme

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Ten yr old boy bashed by father

2010-03-08T16:10:00.001+13:00

A Ten yr old boy is bashed, kicked and assaulted with a stick with injuries to his head.

He spends three weeks in bed and is only taken to hospital because he is close to death.

No, he has not fallen victim to a violent robbery, he was not mugged .

He was assaulted by his father.

SHAME.

The boy missed schooll for three weeks. Not three days, three whole weeks.

What were the teachers doing? They have a responsibility to follow up on the welfare of the kids.

Especially vulnerable kids like the poor boy in question here. Family members now claims that the helpless mother has been the victim of violence for the last 10 years. The teachers should have tried to do more.

And what of the family? Now that the boy is near death, they are offering anonymous quips to the media about the mother being beaten over the last 10 years.

Why didn't they doing anything about that before?

And the Police intend to speak to the boys father sometime soon! What a joke. Lock him up and throw away the key.

The poor mother was too frightened to intervene and is now too frightened to say anything.

Please do her and her other two kids a favor and lock this thug up.

Conversations of Jone, Jaswant and Joe : Daylight Savings

2010-03-05T00:02:00.004+13:00

Another Friday sees another grog session. The boys are all here. Ready for another "sitting". Taki

Jaswant: Hey guys, set sa ga the decision top start school at 9 aye

Jone: Yeah man, Rupeni (Jones son) is happy

Jaswant : And my tavale, faller teacher in one school. Hes even happier

(Laughter)

Joe : The kids will lose an hour of schooling though, wont they?

Jaswant : No, the teachers will have to work harder.

Joe : Yeah, but how can that be?

Jone : True man, how can that be?

Jaswant :Se, dont worry man, its gonna be alright.

Jone : Im sure your tavale and al his friends must be happy aye

Jaswant : No doubt man, even thogh they have to stary at 8 like before, but now one more hour to grog!

Joe : Thats what Im afraid of. How about half day on Saturday to make up time

Jone " Hmmmm, not a bad idea. But what about SDA's?

Jaswant : Lets just go back to normal time man. True.

Joe: For the first time, I actually agree with you.

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Free Poets Society : Its Vegas Baby

2010-02-23T16:57:00.002+13:00

Welcome to Las Vegas, city of bright lights and fast cars
Did it prove too much of a distraction for our 7's stars

We won at Wellington
Boy wasnt that a lot of fun

We had high hopes for that desert city in Nevada
But wasnt good enough, we should have played harder

USA has a large Fijian population
Our boys receive a lot of attention

Remember what happened in Ireland
Sometimes we can go ove the bend

So Vegas came and went
Our championship hopes suffered a major dent

Now now this is only speculation
Just a few thoughts in our address to the nation

The boys did well overall
Its is funny game with the oval ball

You cant win them all
Sometimes you have to go with the punches and roll

Isnt is funny how we do this every time
Make it all so funny and make it rhyme

Free Poets Society and Sports Desk

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Gold Mining in Wainibuka a real Possibility

2010-02-17T14:01:00.000+13:00

Not all that glitters is gold.

Only fools rush in.

The above two cliches came to mind as the Loyal Fijain read about the "announcement" that gold had been "discovered" in one of the most beautiful places in Fiji, Wainibuka.

And so Loyal Fijian treated the news that the elders of Nailega district in Wainibuka are meeting to oversee exploration work on their land with some apprehension and trepidation.

While on one hand, the people of Wainibuka are entitled to use their resources for the betterment of their people, past experience with mining companies in Fiji shows that there is much to be wary of.

Gold mining is a high risk industry. The impact on the unspoilt Wainibuka environment , will be tremendous.

5000 acres is a lot of land. And its not only the land whether the excavation and drilling tales place that will be affected.

The crystal clear river will run brown and inevitably traces of poisonous chemicals used in the mining process will make its way into the river.

Loyal Fijian supports the people in their desire to use what they have to life their quality of life.Here at Loyal Fijian HQ, we are not tree hugging environmentalists who enjoy all the comfort and luxury of air conditioning, three cars in the garage, overseas travel etc and expect others not to exploit their natural resources to get some of what we take for granted.

But still, Wainibuka will never be the same.

Digicel Lays of 55 staff

2010-02-12T13:50:00.001+13:00

Well, well, well. If it is too good to be true, it probably is!

Loyal Fijian previously wrote about Digicel's huge advertising campaign in Fiji and their claims of targeting Fiji as a major market for them. One could not help but wonder how Digicel was going to recover the money they were throwing around to compete with a global giant like Vodafone which was well established in Fiji and why?

Why Fiji?

We all know that the Fijian mobile phone market is not going to turn over billions in profits for any Telco. Then why spend so much money in trying to wrest control of the Fiji mobile phone market? Was it feasible? Or was there something more to it?

The profit margin on the operations in the first five years was always going to be very low. Digicel had to lure customers away from its primary competitor, Vodafone, and the only way to do that was offer very very cheap prepaid packages.

For the Fijian consumer, that's great! Just about every household with mobile coverage has a mobile phone now. And that's fantastic.

But businesses must make money or shareholders are very unhappy!

And so when the news came that Digicel's new CEO Matt Davey, who took over from John Delves, had initiated a review of operations which has seen the sacking of 55 staff, it was hardly surprising.

The gamble is not working. 55 sacked staff for a set up like Digicel is very high. And what now for Digicel?

Will they continue their high visibility marketing campaign and their low cost pre-paid phone sales strategy?

As most will know, Telco's don't make money from selling phones. Nope. Phones are literally free, the money is made by selling recharge cards and that depends on people making regular use of their phones.

But judging by the number of people who have old mobile phones lying around which they don't use, this gamble doesn't seem to be working. In Fiji, one phone is enough for a family.

Conversations of Jone, Joe and Jaswant : Its Tactics, not Testi****!

2010-02-09T17:54:00.001+13:00

It's a "Review Session", the boys are still pumped after Fiji's win in Wellington. Big win saraga as Jaswant says.

Jaswant: Va cava Go Fiji Go!!Woo Woo!!

Jone : Seti, where's India ? Why they never play rugby?

Jaswant: Whats India got to do with it? Im Fijian just like you!

Jone :Yeah right. If you say so.

Joe: It was a good win for the boys.

Jaswant: But bad for you aye. You gang lost in the semis hehehhe

Joe: You are mistaken about my nationality.

Jaswant: Where u from then huh ? Where?

Joe: I belong to the human race. I will go wherever I am needed.

Jaswant :WHAT? See Joe..Oqo sa rerevaki saraqa Kai. I told you this faller gonna be trouble.

Jone: Se Relax Jas. Boy that Kolinisau good player aye. But why they never play Ryder in starting line up?

Jaswant: Hes impact player, its all testicles man!

(Joe and Jone laugh)

Joe: You mean tactics.

Jaswant: Yeah yeah, kuni va fancy otherwise use gang gonna……..

Jone : (Interrupting) Se, gunu mada.

Free Poets Society : Good ol Pajero

2010-02-03T19:16:00.000+13:00

Loyal Fijian has been doing some thinking

Based on this thinking, Ive done some inking

My inking involves taking some facts and doing some linking

Add some humour and a Free Poets Society poem comes up springing

To this mix, add some satire and start stirring

But be careful of the heat or it will start burning

Topic for this one is Pajeros

Big as beasts and fast like arrows

We all want one

It must be a lot of fun

Be it a prince or a pauper, a worker or a manager

Everyone wants a Pajero, not the Hilux, not the Ranger

Ohhh we love them so much

Start the engine, release the handrake and take the foot off the clutch

Is it a status symbol

Makes you feel all powerful and cause a ripple

Its not nice to give and take it back

Let him keep it, after all he's up there doing nothing but yak yak yak

Isnt it funny how we do this everytime

Make it all so funny and make it rhyme

Free Poets Society

Conversations of Jone, Joe and Jaswant : Is it really Necessary?

2010-01-28T15:44:00.001+13:00

Another week, another grog session. The three friends are again gathered on Jone's verandah. It is drizzling, but that won't bother the three friends. Its Taki time.

Jone : Drizzling, but no heavy rain

Jaswant : Yeah, Sun and Rain, must be a mangoose wedding somewhere (Children in Fiji playfully refer to drizzle when sun is out as a a sign that some magoose is getting married somewhere. Why? No Idea!)

Joe : Mangoose wedding? Whats that?

Jaswant : Don't worry brother! Just Taki, thats your job !

Joe : Ill Taki Joe. So whats been going on?

Jaswant : Just the usual maan. Things just cruising along.

Joe : Not for some. Paidar for Rabuka after they took his Pajero. (Paidar is Fijian slang for walking)

Jaswant : Yeah, because they cancel his pension or something.

Joe : Yeah, his Pajero was part of his package.

Jaswant : Yeah, well, bad for him but, maybe the Pajero can go to a hospital or the Police aye. Better for people.

Joe : Se, you really think the Pajero will go to the hospital . Seti seti…..you just see who gonna use it.

Jaswant: But , can Fijian afford a taxpayer funded Pajero for ex-politicans ?

Joe: That's not the point mate! It doesn't look good and its an unnecessary distraction and bad publicity for the government.

Jone: Yeah, make them look bad.

Jaswant: But the Gov…

Joe: No ifs and buts. Is it really necessary? There has been a lot of good PR recently, was this really needed right now? Its counter-productive.

Jaswant: Why you alwayas use big words aye?

Joe: Here we go again. Taki!

Silence. Then , the loud crack of a thunder strike fills the air. Looks like it is going to rain after all. Not that the three friends are bothered. They just pull the mat away from the rain and carry on the grog session. Taki.

China Milk Scandal duplicated in Fiji?

2010-01-22T16:04:00.000+13:00

The breaking news on the Fiji Milk scandal has startling similarities with the Chinese Milk crisis of 2008.

The Fiji Health Ministry's Food Unit has announced that between 10,000 and 20,000 "full cream" powdered milk packets are being removed from supermarket shelves after an investigation found that these products could contain milk replacers commonly used in animal feed into food labels .

The products under suspicion are marketed under the brand names Rainbow Instant Full Cream Powder milk and Sunrise Instant Full Cream Milk Powder. Even more disturbing is the revelation that these two brands may have been deliberately engaged in false Labelle ling to deceive Fijian consumers.

According to the head of the Health Department, Jope Tamani , "The product retailed as instant full cream milk powder failed to state that it is in fact instant full cream milk replacer which is what the product really is. There has been something added in the actual product. In most countries, milk replacers are used for animal feed."

The Milk scandal in China in 2008 also involved the use of milk replaces such as Melamine in milk products as it can be used to boost the volume of the product and is cheaper for manufacturers to source and market.

If the allegations are proven, the distributors of the product in Fiji should be properly investigated as the practice not only misleading, can also be harmful to the health of babies.

Conversations of Jone , Joe and Jaswant : The Swinging Panda's!

2010-01-21T16:42:00.001+13:00

Beautiful evening in Suva as the three friends are relaxing on Jone's front porch. Joe thinks its hot, Jaswant thinks its OK and Jone says its just right. (No one's right or wrong, It's a matter of perspective!)

Jone: So NZ want to be our friend again aye?

Jaswant: Yeah man, see they come back to us didn't they?

Jone : Seems like it. After all that talk , they want us to be like before. What happened to all that talk about suspension and bans, se cava?

Jaswant : Se Jone, that's politics man! You say one thing, you do another thing and then you claim yet another. Brother, relax.

Jone: Yeah I know. Looks like NZ realised things were not so bad after all.

Joe : Actually they realised that disengagement is not the way to go. With China and India building their presence in the South Pacific, its too big a risk.

Jaswant: Why you always talk high level like that huh?You think we don't about that stuff? I know that China want Fiji's uranium!

Jone : Seti Jas, no uranium in Fiji. Don't mind him Joe, something about Kaivalagi people and Kaidia people that is always there.

Joe (laughs) No worries Jas. I actually think China wants to keep Taiwan out of Fiji, but you already know about that right?

Jaswant : Yeah man. Those Taiwan gang want our tuna! And be careful of those Indonesian gang, they want our oil reserve, Only the Indians want to help us.

Joe and Jone laugh.

Joe : So its all going back to normal aye

Jaswant : See I told you. What did George Speight say huh? They just gonna talk big for a while and then "they'll be back in bed with us soon". That George faller always thinking about the bed aye?

Loud laughter.

Joe : Looks like the pendulum has started to swing back, isn't it?

Jaswant " Yeah yeah, we know all about swinging panda's man. They from Africa. No need to va fancy.

Joe : Taki!

Jaswant : You taki M@**&^ T^&%%^ .

Citizens Constitutional Forum Release – Criticism or backhanded compliment?

2010-01-18T18:43:00.001+13:00

The Citizens Constitutional Forum (CCF) issued a Press Release today in which the Forum asked for the Interim Government to preserve the judiciary's independence . The CCF acknowledged that the Judiciary continued to function following the 5 December 2006 coup as evidenced by the major cases such as the "Qarase v Bainimarama case in 2008 and the appeals case in April 2009, plus the sentencing of the army and police officers responsible for the deaths of Sakiusa Rabaka and Nimilote Verebasaga, reassured people that Fiji's courts had remained independent after the 2006 political upheaval".

The CCF has taken exception to the "reported sacking of three magistrates and the termination of employment of at least three prosecution lawyers by the newly appointed Acting Director for Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mr Aca Rayawa"

The CCF is entitled to its views and entitled to express it views and the Loyal Fijian has always acknowledged that. Loyal Fijian is also committed to a free and fair judiciary.

While on the face of it the "sackings", as described by the CCF are portrayed as arbitrary, Loyal Fijain urges all readers to have all the facts before jumping to conclusions.

It is in this regard that the IG needs to step up its game and ensure that it provides sufficient information to the people so that bits and prices are not taken out of context or even deliberately misinterpreted.

While it is possible to react angrily to the CCF press release, this would be an over-reaction. The Release is more of a backhanded compliment in that it acknowledges that the judiciary operated as it should when former PM Qarase was given his day in court. And that's the way it should stay, I think we all agree with that,

In the interest of fairness and impartiality , the full CCF Press Release is reproduced below:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18 January 2010

Media Release

Government needs to create enabling environment for independent judiciary

The Interim Government needs to take immediate steps to create an enabling environment for an independent judiciary in Fiji, so that confidence in the judiciary can be restored, says the Citizens' Constitutional Forum (CCF)

"In the aftermath of the 5 December 2006 coup, the people of Fiji remained confident of the independence of our judiciary. This was evident in the range of Constitutional and legal redress cases filed for judicial review, "CCF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rev Akuila Yabaki said. "The Qarase v Bainimarama case in 2008 and the appeals case in April 2009, plus the sentencing of the army and police officers responsible for the deaths of Sakiusa Rabaka and Nimilote Verebasaga, reassured people that Fiji's courts had remained independent after the 2006 political upheaval".

The reported sacking of three magistrates and the termination of employment of at least three prosecution lawyers by the newly appointed Acting Director for Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mr Aca Rayawa, has renewed fears that the Interim Government maybe intimidating judicial and legal officers.

"The judiciary needs to be seen to be independent. If magistrates get sacked soon after making a decision against the government, then one may assume that this government will not tolerate a judgment that does not go in its favour," Rev Yabaki said. "Fear of losing jobs could intimidate judicial officers and law enforcement agencies into being less impartial and to be more favourable towards the government."

An independent judiciary is essential for the preservation of the rule of law in a country, as well as for safeguarding good governance principles, human rights and moral values. The lack of an independent judiciary means that people in Fiji will not be able to fully enjoy the basic human rights of the Right to Fair Public Hearing; and the Right to be Considered Innocent until Proven Guilty.

For further information, contact CCF on ph: 3308379 or fax: 3308380.

………………………………………..

Rev Akuila Yabaki

Chief Executive Officer

Loyal Fijian Supports the Kaila! Back to School Drive

2010-01-15T12:28:00.001+13:00

Loyal Fijian whole heartedly supports the thoughtful and timely Kaila! Back to School Drive by the Save the Childrens Fund .

The Kaila! Back to School Drive seeks to help the needy among us who find it tough to get togther the essentials that are needed by the school kids attending school.The story of Laisani Ciri, 12, of Jittu Estate, who has worn the same uniform for 4 years touched our heart.

So this year , Loyal Fijian is urging all our readers to make a difference to the lives of children like Laisani and make a donation in cash or kind to the Kaila! Back to School Drive.

Members of the public can drop of items that are reusable for schoolchildren at the following places:

Suva - 25 Pender Street

Lautoka - Rogorogoivuda House

Labasa - Yaka Street

Rumour Mongers resort to misinformation on Pensions

2010-01-13T15:47:00.000+13:00

The rumour mill appears to have been cranked up to full speed as talk of efforts to block pensions/FNFP annuities to so –called "dissidents" spread across the usual avenues.

The first Loyal Fijian heard of this scaremongering was at a local watering hole the other night. Stopping pensions to so –called dissidents, yeah right! That was Loyal's reaction.

And then the rumour mill got going as people returned to work after their breaks and emails started flying around and before you know it, a full blown conspiracy was being reported.

Is there any truth in it? To be honest, Loyal Fijian only reports the facts, we don't make the decisions.

But on the face of it, following on the heels of the announcement that the NZ Government has signed on to restore relations, growing consumer confidence and historically high tourist arrivals, the so-called dissidents had to come up with something,

And as usual, it appears they may they once again resorted to rumour.

Great Start to 2010 : Fiji-NZ Relations to Improve

2010-01-12T14:20:00.001+13:00

It is a very good start to 2010.

In details reported in the media today, NEW Zealand foreign minister Murray McCully has confirmed that the governments of Fiji and New Zealand have agreed to improve diplomatic relations following talks last week.

This follows discussions between the Mr. McCully and his Fiji counterpart, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, in Nadi on Friday and Saturday.

The Interim Government has taken the right step in working to restore relations with our neighbours. NZ and Fiji can achieve a lot more by working together than being being adversaries.The New Zealand Government on its part has also recognised the need for engagement and dialogue as the only means of resolving any issues that may exist.

Similar discussions should also be initiated with our other traditional ally , Australia, to restore diplomatic relations as a start and rebuild the relationships that have existed between our countries for a very long time.

This is especially true for Military to Military links which should be restored at the earliest.

Great News for all.

Loyal Fijian 2009 Person(s) of the Year - The Ordinary Fijian

2010-01-10T15:56:00.005+13:00

Loyal Fijian after much deliberation, consultation with Fijian from all walks of life and much reflection has decided to award its 2009 Loyal Fijian Person of the Year 2009 Award to the Ordinary Fijian.

That's right. The ordinary Fijian who wakes up at 4 in the morning and travels to the Suva Market to sell his produce, the ordinary Fijian who cleans the homes of those who have more money than time for $15 a day.

The Ordinary Fijian who works the land from dawn to dusk and still struggles to pay the school fees of their children, the only hope for them to escape the grinding poverty or the Ordinary Fijian who travels in a Pajero, enjoys overseas holidays and lives in relative security and comfort.

The Loyal Fijian Person of the Year 2009 Award is to all of you mentioned above and those not.

Here's why.

For those struggling to makes pay their school fees, the school fees has been waived, for those finding it difficult tp pay the bus fare for their children, the bus fare ha been subsidised. And for those who have no problems with access to money, well for you, it is now possible to enjoy your wealth and go to bed without the fear of waking up to the cold blade of a knife held to your neck.

Crime is down, The poor people are the main focus of the Government, corrupt practices which used to be the norm are down and out.

The Ordinary Fijian after a long time feels that they have a voice.

The Ordinary Fijian can for the first time dream of their children having a better life then they did with access to free education. Many Governments have promised but nine have delivered this before.

The Ordinary Fijian after a long time can have the same access to services that without money was denied to them.

The Ordinary Fijian who has no problems with money, and there are a fair few as the $7.50 cappuccino sold in certain Suva cafe's indicate, can enjoy their wealth and leave their homes and be sure of coming back.

The Ordinary Fijian who has lost hope at the failure of the wheels of Government to move without the rquired greasing with liberal amounts of hard currency, have an avenue to take up their case.

The Ordinary Fijian who has seen the incompetent and corrupt civil servant drink yaqona whilke they wait for serice, can now take up their case with those who have the power and will to make a difference.

The Ordinary Fijian has been the Winner. No doubt about it.

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Free Poets Society : Merry Christmas Everyone

2009-12-23T19:10:00.002+13:00

Well its that time again

I hope and pray it doesn't rain

Don't we all love the Holidays?

Its just the best, time to dig up the lovo and feel the sun's rays

There will be a lot of lovos being dug

The Fiji Bitter will be flowing by the mug

The grog basin will be full to the brim

We will all belt the grog full steam

We love Christmas

Hands down , no fuss

It's a time to party and enjoy

Wake up next morning with a hangover, Oh Boy!

Whatever you do, don't drink and drive
That will get you into strife

Be thankful for the time you spend with family

With mumu, bubu and cousins Willy and Nilly

Have fun, stay safe and take care

See you soon, same place, and whatever rhymes with care

Isnt it funny how we do this everytime
Make it all so funny and make it rhyme

Free Poets Society

Kelly Kwalik: A True Melanesian Hero : Will Live Forever

2009-12-18T16:52:00.006+13:00

The legendary West Papuan leader who fought for more than 20 years for the dignity and freedom of his people was murdered in Timika, West Papua by the Islamist colonisers.

Kelly Kwalik was captured and as the trophy photograph shows was in all likelihood endured brutal torture before being killed in cold blood. All true Melanesians will mourn the death of a true Melanesian warrior who devoted his life to fighting for the freedom of the oppressed West Papuans.

West Papuans are now a minority in their own land as Indonesian settlers flood in as part of the Indonesian Governments program to implement their hold on West Papua and the natural resources of the region.

Kelly Kwalik was the figurehead of the brave warriors who kept the dream of independence burring and he was killed in cold blood.

Long Live Kelly Kwalik

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Julian Moti cleared- Australian Police Paid Complainant/Witnesses

2009-12-16T00:47:00.003+13:00

In a judgement that brings into question the processes and motivations of the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Government, the Queensland Supreme Court found the Australian Federal Police (AFP) prosecution of Julian Moti, was an abuse of process.

In shocking revelations made in court, it was learnt that the AFP had paid money to complainants and witnesses in the case brought against Mr Moti.

By way of background, Mr Moti had been appointed Attorney General in the Government of PM Manase Sogavare who had fallen out with the Australians and had become a target for the former Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.

Mr Moti was arrested and deported to Australia on alleged child sex charges which he had been previously tested in court.

The Queensland Supreme Court raised serious questions on the dubious methods employed to get at Mr Moti .

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Prayers and Well Wises with Everyone

2009-12-15T13:49:00.002+13:00

Loyal Fijians prayers and well wishes are with everyone as some of us battle Cyclone Mick and some of us try and rebuild our lives.

We are all in this together and we will emerge better and stronger.

Copenhagen Climate Talks- Fact or Fiction?

2009-12-09T12:10:00.001+13:00

All eyes on Copenhagen this week

Heard a Fijian girl cry on stage, Made Loyal Fijian knees go weak

Predictions of doom and gloom

The world is coming to an end, its all about to go kabooom

The air is getting dirtier, the sea is rising

To escape the water, we will need to find coconut trees and start climbing

Is it really that bad?

Are we all as good as dead?

Is it another one of those things, like the UN or IMF, organisatons to protect the rich,based on a whole lot of lies

Are the rich countries are once again trying to pull the wool over our eyes

Its been done before, believe you us

The Americans, Europeans and Australians go in the Mercedes while we are stuck on the bus

Somebody hacked into a University computer and leaked an email

All this talk about climate change, might just be getting a bit stale

See it for what it is

Rich countries trying to keep the developing countries, China and India, on their leash!

Free Poets Society

ULUKAU - Trust us on this one

2009-11-30T11:54:00.001+13:00

Last week Loyal Fijian received this very generous and undoubtedly genuine offer via a comment on our blog.

I may need your assistance in transferring the sum of $ 5.8million into your account, we have to share it, 60% for me and 40% for you... I hope you can be honest with me especially on the sharing process. I'll give you the details as soon as I heard from you.

Here is the Loyal Fijian response:

Dear Sir/Madam

Thank you so much for the unsolicited and utterly generous offer.

The fact that you are aware of our need for money touches our collective hearts. Oh, what we could do with $2.3m.

Is that in Euro's or is it Us Dollars?

Be it as it may, please rest assured of our honesty and assurance that there will be no attempt to defraud you of your fair share.

I mean, why should we? A random comment left on our blogsite offering $2.3 m for absolutely nothing.

And you are worried we might cheat you out of your 60%. C'mon man! Why would we do that?

We are not conmen . We are not trying to cheat anyone. We are honest folks just doing our civil duty.

And if you are so insistent in giving us $2.3 m , of course we are happy to oblige. You will admit , it is quite unusual that somebody will just throw money at you, but hey, we are willing to accept that as as the action of someone who is just too kind.

Can you do us one small favour first though? Only a small one considering we are giving you 60% of the money.

Can you please tattoo the words " ULUKAU" on your right bicep in Bold Aria 32 font and send us a photo as evidence. The photo must be taken at a tattoo parlour with the tattooist doing the work, Trust us we will know if its is real. We are Fijians after all, tattoos are a national pastime.

In case you are wondering what ULUKAU means, it is used to describe all those among us who are blessed with the unique gift superior intellect and wisdom. To be called the ULUKAU is the ultimnate compliment , Trust us on this one, somedays Loyal Fijian hardly gets the chance to say anything but ULUKAU.

Conversations of Jone, Jaswant and Joe : There is Hope Yet!

2009-11-26T16:22:00.001+12:00

A hot evening in Suva, the park opposite the road that is normally filled with kids, young and old, playing touch is desserted. Even the neighbourhood dogs that roam up and down the street are nowhere to be seen.

Everyone prefers the shade on a day like this.

Jone " Isa man! Fiji lost to Wales man. We beat those gang last time we played them man.

Jaswant: I know man. Since they sacked the Human Skewer, we have gone backwards. Our front row lacks the dynamism.

Jone " Chee Chee…..how many games of rugby have you played?

Jaswant : Whats that got to do with anything? You never played cricket but you always talk about cricket. You know what I think? Its because they never perform the Cibi.

Jone : (A strict churchgoer) No way man. They prayed before the match. They ask for Gods blessings

Jaswant : Yeah Ok, but wont God help the Welsh team too? Why God will take sides?

Joe :He's right you know. As much as I hate to say this, he is actually making sense for once.

Jone : Seti man, you Kaivalagi's are god-less. And you Kaidia worship 100 Gods, you too confused. What you talking about?

Jaswant " Look Jone, don't criticise my Gods OK. They all listening to you and you never know what might happen aye.

Jone : See, I told you. Cibi is for heathens.

Jaswant : Then why do All Blacks do it, Samoa and Tonga, they all Christians, tell me!!

Jone " Vitalia , we gonna pray and that's it.

Joe : It's a useful psychological tool to psyche yourself up. Its also very commercially viable , look at how popular the All Blacks Haka is. The last game in Japan between Wallabies and All Blacks, most Japanese were supporting All Blacks. I think people like the Haka and relate to the All Blacks.

Jaswant: True. Then why no Cibi?

Jone is quiet. After a long pause, a voice calls out from the dark.

Not even God knows. Its hard to understand irrational acts by applying the framework of widely accepted logic. That's why we are all so confused.

Jone : (Startled) Who is that? Who said that.

Only me says Jone's 5 year old son Timoci who hasn't yet started attending Church.

Yeah, fundamentalism has no rational explanation.

Says Jaswants 4 yr old boy, who hasn't yet been introduced to the wisdom imparted by the Pundits.

Joe is smiling, there is hope yet!

Bring Back the Cibi!!

2009-11-16T12:09:00.001+12:00

What? No Cibi?

Not long ago Loyal Fijian had a few words for a certain businessman in Labasa who in the face of competition had tried to do what many have done for thousands before him, claim a direct link to God!

That's right, the Hindu group in Labasa which claims to have a direct line to God and therefore only its services should be used is a classic case of using religion to further their own interests.

Today, Loyal Fijian will discuss another bane of society, Fundamentalism.

The Cibi has been a wonderful spectacle in our rugby tradition for more than half a century. The Cibi is to Fiji what the Haka is to the All Blacks , the Manu Samoa to the Samoans and the Sivi Tau to the Tongans.

Can you imagine if the All Blacks decided they were going to abandon the Haka because their captain is a "born again Christian" and doesn't believe in such pagan rituals.

The All Blacks brand is enhance by the Haka, school kids not only in NZ but Fiji, Japan and even Iceland perform the Haka.

It is a dance. Take it for what it is.

The Fiji Rugby team for the first time in a long time did not perform the Cibi against Wales over the weekend because the captain Seremaia Bai refused to take part.

There is a time to pray and a time to play. Don't mix the two. That's what is called fundamentalism.

Imagine the All Blacks without the Haka? Can you?

Cibi is great promotion for the Fiji Rugby brand, we need all the promotion we get, believe you us !

It is very possible to have a strong faith in God and still manage a balance in all other aspects of life. Very possible.

Four potatoes, two packets of noodles and a can of tinned fish!!

2009-11-03T10:48:00.001+12:00

Four potatoes, two packets of noodles and a can of tinned fish!!

That is supposed to be a meal for 10 labourers who are engaged to harvest cane in Kawakawavesi in Seaqaqa.

Things turned ugly when a group of 10 Fijian labourers who are "camping" at the farm of Uma Dutt in the quiet farming community, were given four potatoes, two packets of noodles and a can of tinned fish to prepare their dinner.

The leader of the group indicated that the rations being doled out by Mr Dutt's wife was not enough and asked for more.

An argument ensued and Mr Dutt was slapped across the face.

Four potatoes, two packets of noodles and a can of tinned fish!!

That's right!

Four potatoes, two packets of noodles and a can of tinned fish!!

On hearing news such as this one scratches the head in disbelief and the greed and lack of compassion that some people demonstrate.

Cane cutters are among the hardest working and most exploited of all labourers in Fiji. They work from 4 in the morning till late at night and what do they get? Next to nothing.

A form of semi-servitude still exists in Fiji's cane belts. Dirt poor labourers and their families are kept by wealthy farmers to work the land. These labourers are given a tin shack to live in . In return , the labourer, his wife and even the young kids sometimes as young as 5 years old are expected to work the farm.

The money the labourers earn is not enough and they resort to taking loans from the farmer, loans which they can never pay off, locking them and their families into a life of semi-servitude.

Four potatoes, two packets of noodles and a can of tinned fish for ten people!!

Ask yourself, what would you do?

Hindus Make Giant Leap Backward in Labasa?

2009-10-13T11:13:00.001+12:00

An organisation has sprung up in the Northern Division which claims that's its members have a special line to God and only they can speak to God.

Claiming that only prayers chanted by members of their group make its way to God, the group has asked all Hindus to hire their services and no one elses.

The Akhil Shree Sanatan Dharam Brahman Purohit Sabha said "Brahmans are the only ones ordained by the gods to perform these prayers," he said.

"The prayers said by the Brahmans are received by the gods because the mantra or religious chants said by those from this caste have special powers.

"This is according to our religious books. What we have found is that persons from lower castes are making these prayers for people who are being cheated out of a special connection to the gods.

What is even more laughable is that this man goes on to claim that he is not trying to reinforce the caste system among Hindus in Fiji. According to him , only high caste Hindus have the magical powers to make a connection with God.

"Non-Brahmans performing prayers do not benefit the person they are praying. It's the same as a carpenter does carpentry, mechanics deal with mechanical issues while Brahmans deal with prayers."

It is because of people like Ashok Maharaj that hundreds of thousands of Hindus are converting to Christianity, Buddhism and Islam all around the world.

In India, the Chief Minister of Indias most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, recently led a mass conversion of more than 100, 000 Hindus or people Ashok Kumar refers to as low caste.

It is only in Hinduism that followers of the faith are treated as less than animals. In India today, if you are tagged low caste, you are forbidden from entering a temple or sending your children to the same school as other Hindus. Its is not uncommon to hear and read of so-called low caste Hindus being paraded naked through Indian villages for nothing more than crossing the path of a so-called high caste.

And the so-called low caste are now striking back. Do a google search on "Maoists in India" and you will find hundreds of articles , as recent as today, on how the most oppressed section of Indian society have taken to arms against the landowners, the priests and the money lenders who are invariably high caste.

The best example is Nepal where the King claiming to be a direct descendant of Hindu God was thrown out by Maoists. The Maoists have established a republic and abolished the worlds only Hindu monarchy.

It seems that Ashok Kumar in order to maintain his source of income, wants to create this divisive and morally bankrupt system in the Northern Division.

Go for it Ashok Kumar. The Churches in Northern Division should prepare for more Hindus arriving into the Christian family as those living in the dark ages try and go even further into darkness.

BREAKING NEWS: MASSIVE FRAUD AT FNPF

2009-10-06T10:48:00.001+12:00

A massive fraud amounting to more than $40 m has been uncovered at FNPF.

It is possible that a number of employees of FNFP as well as contractors engaged to work on the troubled Natadola project could be involved.

An Australian accountancy firm, Deloitte Tohmatsu has been engaged to conduct an investigation and staff from the firm are currently in Fiji .

It is not known at this stage how such a massive fraud went undetetcted for so long as the siphoning off of such large amounts of money would require a very well planned and organised gang.

There are also concerns that some of the people involved may have left the country.

More to follow................

Conversations of Jone, Jaswant and Joe : The Two Musketeers

2009-09-18T15:37:00.001+12:00

It's a quiet Friday night, the moths as usual are buzzing around the kerosene lantern that the boys have placed on the nail protruding from the verandah beam.

Jone decided against turning the light on, "bad times" as he put it.

The waka mixed in the usual basin, which has seen better days , was below the "refill level", but today the boys had had enough. "Bad times" as Jone put it.

Jone: Sa, what about those two?

Jaswant: Which two?

Jone: Kuni guise man, you know what Im talking about.

Jaswant: Se eh, Im not a mind reader.

Jone : (Laughs) Arre man, Chaudhry and Qarase. (As he says this, he raises his neck to look over at his neighbours houses on both sides. Its almost a reflex action borne out of living in close proximity to others and always being aware if anyone might be listening)

Jaswant : What about them?

Joe: Laughs

Jaswant :What you laughing at ? yeah OK, I know what you mean. So now they are friends or what?

Jone: Exactly, funny isn't it?

Jaswant : Thye both miss the power and privilege man

Jone: Chi Chi Chi ….bigh words bro

Joe :Laughs

Jaswant : If you laugh again, Im gonna smack you sa rag a Joe

Jone and Joe both laugh

Jone : I reckon both Qarase and Chaudhry are finished man. Seems like the actions of some very desperate people

Joe : True. Taki

Jaswant : You Taki, M%#@#& T%&*&

Jone : (Laughs) Kaidia and Kaivalagi fighting in the land of the Kaiviti (Laughs long and hard)

Paradox of our Times

2009-09-11T18:36:00.000+12:00

Loyal Fijian thought this article was worth publishing. Its not an original LF article but has some interesting thoughts.

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The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

StolenWealth not CommonWealth

2009-09-03T11:37:00.001+12:00

Goodbye StolenWealth…Hullo China

So what exactly is the Commonwealth? Even the name "Commonwealth" is completely out of step with the time. It indicates that all the wealth of the countries subjugated and colonised by the British, belongs to the Crown.

Get lost!

StolenWealth is more appropriate.

We don't need this relic of history. Wake up. The British Empire is Gooooooooooooone.

Ok, credit where credit is due.Thats the Loyal Fijian Charter. They did have a good run and made significant contributions to the way society is organised and lives. Fair enough.

But the advance of air power in WW2 meant that the naval supremacy upon which the British Empire was built was gone forever.Air superiority replaced naval superiority and Bada Bing Bada Bang, US and USSR are the new superpowers.

And what do this 2 new superpowers do? They embark on the "Cold War" . Communism v Capitalism.

Who won? Hand down, the free market. Poland fell to the Pope, Czechoslovakia fell to nationalism and then fell the USSR and the Berlin wall. (Authors have written books running inot hundreds of pages on this topic, so excuse moi if moi is a bit brief here)

Until that is, Tiannmen Square came along.

When the student led revolution erupted in China and millions gathered in Tiannmen Square and various other places across China, it seemed that Communism was about to face a complete defeat. The PLA however (drugged or not) put the crowds to the sword. The Revolution was defeated.

However, ah huh….. there is always a catch in these stories, isnt it?

The Chinese Politburo recognised that change had to be made. So they adopted a twin pronged strategy of economic liberalisation while maintaining political control.

And Boom, China is today the sole superpower.

Yeah Yeah, USA has aircraft carriers and ICBM's etc etc. If that's your take on what constitutes superpower , go for it.

Here's the Loyal Fijian take.

When the Global Financial Crisis hit, the US Treasury secretary made a mercy dash to Beijing. He went there to assure Chinese Government that the US$ 1 trillion that Chinese Government held in US bonds was safe. China is the single largest creditor for the US. If they pull the plug, whooshka……….

Chinese influence in Africa is unparalled. They are building ports, roads and mines like never before in history. The roads and ports are to transport the iron,gold,uranium that Chinese rip out from the mines. Clever aren't they?

When the ANC led South African Government, composed of freedom fighters and activists against apartheid, refusesd a visa to the Dalai Lama, you know you are dealing with a very powerful nation.

Pick up the world map. Put your finger on China,. Now take in Hong Kong and Tibet, that's official China. Include Taiwan, which China claims, North Korea which they virtually control and Nepal where communists run the show.

Who is the superpower?

Goodbye StolenWealth…..roll out the carpet for the one and only superpower….the Mighty Chinese are here!!!

Empire rise, Empires fall. Only the Chinese Empire has risen again.

Fiji to be suspended from Commonwealth

2009-08-26T18:12:00.001+12:00

Fiji is is set to be suspended from the Commonwealth.

While this statement Will surely be used by the Anti-IG forces to depict the IG in a bad light, life will go on as normal.

The Commonwealth is nothing more than a Club of former British colonies with no real purpose or power.

In fact, what is the sense of reminding ourselves of the dark chapter when we were subjugated by a foreign power?

In this day and age, do we need a Commonwealth?

Loyal Fijian does not think so. We are a sovereign nation and have no need for the relics of history.We are a republic!

The Commonwealth can do as it pleases.

The so-called self appointed expert, Mr Brij Lal has not wasted any time to get his name in the print by offering a comment to the foreign press.

Brij Lal, said there was "not a drop of hope" that the country will go to the polls next year and that Fiji's suspension is as sure "as day follows night".

Steven Ratuva was more pragmatic, saying that "It's a case of been there, done that," "They know that they'll survive it and Bainimarama seems to have little interest in maintaining those colonial ties."

Free Poets Society : Bye Bye Tabua

2009-08-21T16:48:00.001+12:00

Isa Isa Illivasi Tabua

Off you go, on your bike, the human skewer

Not needed anymore by the FRU

We dont care, we dont need you

He took us to a famous victory over Wales

We stood 10 foot tall, to Tabua we all said Hail

And now he is guilty of some off-field indiscretion

Hes been sacked, in the typical FRU fashion

And out come the wanna be's, the so-called contenders, the hopefuls

Give me the job, they all wanna play us for fools

Even Wayne Pivac wants to have another go

Bro, this guy can get enough of the Fiji show

Good bye Tabua

See you tonight in Nabua

Isnt it funny how we do this everytime

Make it all so funny and makem it rhyme

Free Poets Society : Play the China Card

2009-08-07T11:47:00.001+12:00

The Pacific Islands Forum its called

Speak your mind and you are rolled

The Leader is not even an Islander

It's the Kaivalagi's , what the hell are they doing there?

A lot of talk , a lot of hot air

We will do this , we will do that, right right, yeah yeah

You see, its all talk and no bite

Never in their lives, will they take on Fiji in a no holds barred fight

They hope to scare us into submission

Their bravado clouds their vision

Pacific Island Forum needs to change

We need to expand our range

We need to look further and wider

Aussie and Kiwis used aid money as a binder

China is a superpower

Aussies will hate to see her build in Fiji, a base and a communications tower

Lets use this bait

Its about time we write our won destiny, throw away the Colonial written fate

Lets get China in, Lets get Indomnesia in, even India

Lets say to the, come , build a deep water port in Kadavu, come in here

Kadavu is within range of Australian/NZ cities for Chinese weaponry

Boy, wont this send the Aussies running for cover in a hurry

Then see Aussie and Kiwis run

Because then, it wont be any fun

Isnt it funny how we do this every time

Make it all so funny , and make it rhyme

Rev Yabakis's Brisbane Speech : Breaking the Coup Cylce

2009-07-27T11:48:00.001+12:00

Reverend Akuila Yabaki delivered a speech at the University of Queensland on Monday 20th july titled "Breaking the Cylce of Coups".

As part of Loyal Fijian Charter, we are committed to publishing comments from all sides of politics and civil society that are constructive and try to move us forward.

Here are 10 recommendations that Rev Yabaki suggested could break the coup cycle:

1) remove the economic and social conditions that lead to coups.

2) Require all holders of public offices, including the military, to take an oath agreeing not to participate in coups. (like this one hehehhehe)

3) Strengthen penalties and operation of criminal law in relation to offences related to coups.

4) Amending the Constitution to say that no coup can abrogate the Constitution.

5) Prohibiting participants in coups from holding public office in future.

6) Greater effort should be geared towards addressing the situation of the rural and urban poor in order to avoid social alienation and political manipulation.

7) Encouraging Indo-Fijian and Indigenous Fijian mutual partnerships in development, commerce and investments.

8) Any conviction of treason is to be subject to automatic life sentence.

9) Every politician who enters parliament must, as part of their oath of loyalty to the state, make a commitment not to participate in any future coups. (even better, looks like Rev Yabaki was struggling to get to 10)

10) Participation in a coup to lead to immediate vacation of a public or chiefly office and forfeiture of all property owned by the individual.

Make sense to you? Take it on board!

Dont agree with it? Well, just agree to disagree!

Loyal Fijian salutes Apollo 11

2009-07-21T14:53:00.001+12:00

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human being since the dawn of time to set foot on another "planet" (For all you kids,( especially journalists and public servants), The moon is now recognised as not actually a planet in the strict sense of the word).

Man and woman had conquered the final frontier.

Since the dawn of time, man (and woman) had looked up the the night sky, seen the moon and the stars and wondered.

July 20 1969 must rank as one of human kinds finest days.

What we can achieve if we put our minds to it and of course if the Government has a spare 20 billion in today's money it always helps.

What an achievement as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins.

The moon landing was significant in more ways than one. The Americans had beaten the Russians and a large part of the aura that surrounds American power and prestige today can be traced back to their historic achievements of July 1969.

They had done what no one else could. The had taken on what only a year prior, had seemed impossible. And they won. Americans have reaped the dividends of this achievement for decades, not only in research and development, but the pride that comes with being a citizen of a nation that can achieve the impossible.

Where are you from? America, the land of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins.

And rightfully so too. Good on you.

There is another side to this story however. And it would not be a Loyal Fijian article if we did not give you all sides of this story.

You see after WW2, The Americans and the Russians were amazed at the advances in rocket technology that the Nazis had been able to achieve. So began a mad scramble for blueprints and scientists.

When the Korean War broke out, the Americans unveiled their first jet engine aircraft modelled entirely on Nazi blueprints of the Messerschmit, the first jet fighter, expecting total dominance . Amercian pilots returning to base however, claimed that they were being attacked by their own aircrafts. It soon became clear that the Russians had also got their hands on the same blue prints and developed their own version of the jet fighter , identical in appearance to the Americans.

The Americans brought to America Nazi scientists who had worked on the V2 rocket program and set them to work on developing American rocket programs. Yes, made in America but with lots of Nazi brain power.

There are also naysayers. The narrow minded among us will say that we need to spend the money here on Earth. If it was not for the Apollo missions we wouldnt have had the advances in aircraft construction technology, wireless transmission, and countless other spin offs to come from the space program.

There are those who fear the loss of their power, their explanation, their ideology on what lies above may come under question as people dare to think and question.

There can be no denying.

What an achievement,

Loyal Fijian pays tribute to men and women, American and Russian who dreamed to make the impossible possible.

Wow!

(Spare a thought for Michael Collins who got so close but had to stay in the space craft that orbited above. Boy, talk about almost but not quite.)

Freemasons and Murder of Erasito in Levuka. "Dopey Locals" says Cult members

2009-07-16T12:45:00.001+12:00

Freemasonry is back in the news.

Yesterday Police raided a Freemasons secret gathering on Denarau Island and arrested 14 people who spent a night in a Fiji prison cell . The Police were alerted by frightened residents suspecting sorcery.

It is understood locals contacted police after becoming concerned about the group's unusual equipment, which is believed to have included a sword, mace and Bible.

A New Zealand man, who was also among the group, blamed "dopey village people" for the raid on Tuesday.

Freemasonry extends its tentacles through all levels of society and freemasons have managed to infiltrate into the highest levels of commerce, public service and politics.

In Levuka, where the Freemasons had their headquarters, the mysterious death of Mr Erasito has never been explained or the perpetrators brought to justice. Erasito was found completely naked behind Levuka Public Scholl with puncture wounds to his body, after a gathering of prominent Freemasons from across Fiji and overseas.

The Police files have also disappeared as this correspondent(s) found out when he/she/they travelled to Levuka to attempt to unravel the mystery.

After the 2000 coups, residents of Levuka burnt down the Masonic Lodge as villagers believed human blood sacrifices had taken place there.

The Masonic Lodge in Suva is located opposite the Dolphin's Eatery and distinguished by the Compass on the front side of the building.

It should be noted the freemasomnry has been banned from public life in Britian where it started as numerous cases of corruption and nepotism piled up against members who were looking after their own.

In Fiji, Freemasonry is alive and well. And locals who are fearful of their practices are described as "dopey locals".

What were they doing with a Bible when they claim not to be affiliatesd to any religion?

Power of the March – Iran and Fiji

2009-07-13T16:02:00.001+12:00

We have just witnessed massive demonstrations in Iran following what the opponents of re-elected Mahmoudneijad claimed were rigged elections.

Spontaneous demonstrations largely in the form of marches through Iranian cities, not seen since the Islamic revolution that swept the Shah from power, broke out across Iran.

This went on for a number of weeks and have now seemed to have run out of puff.

The demonstrators failed in their objective of getting a recount after the parallel power centre and the body where the real power lies, the Islamic Guardian Council refused to budge and supported their candidate, Ahmedenijad.

In this instance the demonstrators failed to achieve critical mass and their demonstrations failed to kick off a wider anti-establishment movement. There are a number of reasons for this, reasons which Loyal Fijian will discuss in later posts.

For now, let's move our attention to the other proposed march, the Methodists march.

For years the Methodist Church has been marching through the streets of Fiji's major cities in their annual get together/fundraising drive.

This year the permits were refused.

Seems like somebody has been taking lessons from history. Marches can be and have been used as springboards for civil disobedience campaigns.

Once the critical mass is reached it is hard to stop. Just ask Mrs. Marcos.

It is best to stop this tide from becoming a tidal wave and nip it in the bud. That's what's happened here.

Loyal Fijian is not suggesting the Methodist Church was planning to use its fundraising week to engage in a civil disobedience campaign.

But the threat of these marches being infiltrated by anti-IG forces who can use the people as cover for their plans seems to be a cause of concern.

History repeats itself

The wise learn from it.

The coups of 1987 started with marches . The coup of 2000 started with a march in Lautoka with no more than 100 people.

The fools allow it to repeat. Just ask Fiji's version of Mr.Marcos.

History Desk.

Free Poets Society : Right Royal Mess

2009-06-30T12:12:00.001+12:00

Oh Boy, its all getting a bit sad and very tiring

No ones hiring and everyone's firing

They call it the Global Financial Crisis

Call it what it is, it's a right royal mess up, that's what the Loyal Fijian sees

The Over 55's have been sent home, go home and have a rest

Nothing wrong with that, they were past their best

Old timers are not happy, they are crying and screaming

Get over it, you must be dreaming

Reserve Bank says our foreign reserves are low

Yeah right, tell us something we didn't know

Thank God for our boys in the British Army

Thanks to their remittances, things are a little balmy

Thank you to all of you emigrating and leaving our shore

We are sad to see you go, but can you take some more?

We are in a bit of strife here

We are in a ship that no one knows how to steer

We wonder what is going on, is somebody gazing in a crystal ball?

Is somebody being deliberately led to a fall?

There are those who came to office on the backs of others, they picked the winning side

They have a genuine fear, without the guns behind them , they will need a place to hide

Are these people out of self interest having too much say

Loyal Fijian leaves it to the people to say yay or nay

Isnt it amazing how we do this every time

Make it all so funny and make it rhyme

Free Poets Society

No slander

No incitement

No violence

Just FUN and FACTS

Conversations of Jone. Joe and Jaswant : March or Fundraising?

2009-06-22T13:31:00.001+12:00

Another Friday evening, and another grog party. In fact, its been while since they've had one. Joe has been unwell and off the grog. Strangely, the moths that were everpresent around the lanterns, are not around tonight. Really strange that, beyond comprehension! Oh wait a minutes.......the mosquito coils burning!

Jone : Man, after long time, no march for me. Ive been a life long marcher and donor to the Church.

Jaswant : That's good man, because you give, you will get.

Jone : True, bro, I tell you guys, 3 years ago, our talatala said we have to collect half million.

Jaswant : Mate na $@%^. Half million.

Jone : Yeah, that's nothing man. He said everybody must give.

Jaswant : And?

Joe : And is an adjective, you normally don't use an adjective by itself.

Jaswant : Don't mess with us man, this our style of speaking!

Joe laughs.

Joe : Anyway, some families didn't have much to give and they feel madua.

Jaswant: Of course man, that's bad man.

Joe : So, they take loans, sell their valuables and even put off paying their kids school fees

Jaswant : We never do that in the mandir. We just take the coins and put it in there.

Jone : Don t even start about the mandir man.

Joe : It's a deliberate tactic.

Jaswant/Joe together : What is?

Joe : The fundraising where they announce who collected what. So that people feel embarrassed and feel pressured to give more money/

Jone : But its for the church man. You Kaivalagis are now atheists that's shy you have drugs and what not/

Joe : Where does the money go?

Jone/Jaswant together; Where?

Joe : To human beings like you an me.How much of the money goes to paying salaries ? Have you ever wondered why they want to fundraise every year? They are angry because their salries are about to dry up!

Silence descends on the room.

FRU Gives up Twickenham Test for Money and game against......... USA

2009-06-18T18:00:00.001+12:00

The Fiji Rugby Union once again demonstrated that it has got its priorities right.

In a stunning move that will disappoint all rugby players and followers, the FRU has decided to forfeit the opportunity to play England at Twickenham in November/December of this year.

Why?

Because the Australian Rugby Union offered them money and a chance to play……wait for it…..USA. Now Australia will play at Twickenham while Fiji will twiddle their collective thumbs.

That's right.

Haven't these guys got their priorities right?

Money over a chance for the dream of all rugby players, playing at Twickenham as the crowd sings "Swing low sweet chariot…"…..!!

Oh boy!

Isn't this a sign of the times we are in?

No doubt all the rugby players will be disappointed. Instead of testing themselves against the English in front of talent scouts from all the English clubs, they will play USA.

Well done FRU!

How many times have we hear this phrase after every loss and embarrassment, "Five Year Development Plan "

What went wrong, don't worry, we have a Five Year Development Plan "

This shows that he only thing the FRU is worried about is paying the salaries of the administrators. All Fijians need to know what percentage of the FRU budget is chewed up by administrator salaries.

Because only someone afraid of missing their pay can forego a Twickenham test for money and a game against USA.

And how much money FRU?

The Ultimate Treachery - Our Soldiers used as Guinea Pigs by British

2009-06-15T12:01:00.001+12:00

The Fiji Government must do more to bring the plight of soldiers like Viliame Sigamasa, 71 and Simeli Rokotuibau, 81 to the attention of the British Authorities who used their own soldiers as guinea pigs during the 1950's.

Hundreds of Fijian soldiers were exposed to radiation during the nuclear tests and used as guinea pigs. No treatment was ever made available for the inevitable sickness and suffering that followed.

This was the ultimate betrayal by our former colonial rulers.

But some good news for the families of the exploited soldiers may be on the way if the Fijian authorities can get their act together.

Thousands of British nuclear test veterans are attempting to sue the government for cancers and other illnesses they say were caused by participation in Britain's atmospheric nuclear test programme between 1952 and 1958.

The High Court in London has now decided to allow the veterans to proceed with a class action for compensation. The Ministry of Defence, which has consistently denied responsibility for the men's illnesses, argued that their claim should be struck out under the Limitation Act because they did not sue within three years of injury, or within three years of discovery of injury.

The decision to allow the veterans to sue the MoD for negligence is the culmination of a 50-year struggle for justice.

As many as 27,000 men, including contingents from New Zealand and Fiji, took part in the tests, which began with Operation Hurricane, the detonation of Britain's first atomic bomb in the Monte Bello Islands off the north-west coast of Australia.

The Fiji Government must act to join the class action on behalf of our soldiers so that maybe their families can get some compensation after all these years.

Act now!

Free Poets Society : Gods Word

2009-06-10T18:14:00.001+12:00

We want to march, like we have done every year

Yeah right, go ahead and try, we will twist your ear

But, we are the Methodist Church, don't you know that

Talk too much and you will run like a rat

Every year we collected millions from the people

Not just 50c or a dollar, for us that wont even cause a ripple

We are talking big money, big amounts of cash

If you don't give , the Talatala might give you as lash

Some people gave us their kids school fees

Whats wrong with that, Church needs money for its various needs

Some who could not afford to give, sold their valuables

For this God will be there in their troubles

Don't mess with us, we have brought down Governments in the past

Don't forget what happens when the die is cast

For we are the voice of God

All the people need is our nod!

Isnt it amazing how we do this every time

Make it all so funny and make it rhyme

Free Poets Society

Fly on the Wall : Jemesa Boco

2009-06-03T12:14:00.001+12:00

"Well, what have we got" . Nobody speaks before Brutus shifts his weight firmly to his right. Right on cue, I see the Taliban who is sitting next to Brutus take out his handkerchief and pretend as if he is going to blow his nose.

You see when Brutus shifts his weight to his right, it means only one thing. He is going to break wind. And the Taliban after being exposed to the Suvavou WMD on more than one occasion has learnt to be one step ahead.

But if after being exposed to the Suvavou WMD on more than one occasion to the point where his DNA must surely have mutated, he insists on sitting next to Brutus. He is prepared to endure God knows whtat diseases will befall upon him after being exposed to such noxious gases, if he can secure what everyone here at the Ministry of Floundering Affairs is after.

An Overseas Posting.

Noobdy speaks for a while. Its not because nobody has nothing to say but the Suvavou WMD takes a while to dissipate and everyones holding their breath. Everyone except Kissinger. Noxious gases don't affect this aman and that's why Ive thrown my weight behind him. He may not be going anywhere too fast but he can surely send me to where everyone here at the Mini…you get the point….an Overseas Posting.

"No reports from Canberra " says Jemesa Boco, the local version of James Bond, in his mind at least. Why and how he got that name is a long story and must be left till later. Right now I must tell you what happened next in this meeting of minds in this fine Ministry.

"What" Kissinger is really worried. He puts his head in his hands and says" This time I'm really worried". That's how I know.

"Whats the Pundit doing? Thats why you never send a Pundit to do a mans job"

To be cont.....

Two Sides to the Story (At Least)

2009-05-22T13:30:00.001+12:00

There's at least two sides to every story. And the truth may lie somewhere in between.

It is in the interest of balance in journalism that we published a Press Release sent to us by the Citizen Constitutional Forum (CCF).

This created a flurry of emails from all and sundry, some commending us and some not so pleasant ones.

Well, Loyal Fijian stands for Fairness and Freedom.

Loyal Fijian does not believe in telling people what to think, but encourage people to think for themselves.

It is in this pursuit that we have decided to publish another press release from the CCF, this one in relation to the Fiji Human Rights Commission (FHRC).

But not without adding our voice of reason and balance first.

The FHRC as we all know has come under criticism from the anti-G forces, with allegations being made against the Chairperson that she is too soft on the IG and not taking a hardline against them.

Under Dr Shaista Shameem, the FHRC has published papers which some claim seeks to legitimise or justify the events of December 2006.

Now it seems, that there has been a bit of a falling out and the FHRC finds itself wit much reduced powers. And, the positions of those involved with the FHRC is starting to change.

Well, well, well.

But our job is to give voice to the voiceless and encourage balance and fairness in the reporting. So we will cede to your request and publish your statement.

But, this is not to be seen as an endorsement of the views contained therein.

*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Media Release

Curtailment of FHRC powers is unfortunate

The Citizens' Constitutional Forum (CCF) describes the curtailment of the status and powers of the Fiji Human Rights Commission (FHRC) by a Presidential decree as unfortunate, however, CCF reminds that the international human rights mechanisms can still be utilised under the various human rights declarations and conventions.

CCF calls on the Caretaker Government to restore the 1997 Constitution and the judiciary, so that those arrested or detained under the State of Emergency regulations have a chance of fair treatment from the law.

"The decree prevents the FHRC from receiving complaints against, investigating, questioning or challenging the legality or validity of any Decrees made by the President. It is interfering with the independence of the FHRC," Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rev Akuila Yabaki said.

"The FHRC will now be unable to perform the key role of acting as a watchdog of the government as it is no longer allowed to make recommendations on the implications of any proposed law or policy that may affect human rights," Rev Yabaki said.

"However, Fiji's government is still accountable to the international human rights bodies and has obligations to protect and respect core human rights and provide progress reports to the international community represented by the various treaty bodies," Rev Yabaki said. "Fiji, as a member of the international community and a recipient of aid money, has obligations to uphold core human rights."

"Concerned citizens can still utilise the international mechanisms available – such as the reporting and complaints procedures available through the Optional Protocols and the UN Committees for human rights conventions and declarations," Rev Yabaki said.

For further information, please contact CCF Executive Officer Rev Akuila Yabaki on ph: 3308379, fax: 3308380.

……………………………………

Rev Akuila Yabaki

Chief Executive Officer

In the Interest of Free Speech

2009-05-18T13:20:00.001+12:00

In the interest of free speech, Loyal Fijian is publishing this Media Release that was sent to us. Our commitment today as always is to a free and fair media.

Media Release

Arbitrary detentions and media censorship is alarming

The Citizens' Constitutional Forum (CCF) is concerned at the arrest and detention of people by the police and military, and at the inability of Fiji's public to be informed about these, due to heavy media censorship.

"The current caretaker government has extended the imposition of the State of Emergency regulations for another 30 days. The continuing arbitrary arrests and detention of civilians by the police and military for questioning is a worrying trend. We fear that this may become worse," CCF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rev Akuila Yabaki said.

The first arrests took place after the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution on April 10 2009, when President of Fiji Law Society Mr Dorsami Naidu and a Fiji TV journalist Mr Edwin Nand were arrested and detained. In the weeks to follow, a politician Iliesa Duvuloco was detained. Two journalists were arrested on May 9 and released after two days. Rumour has it that currently, a Methodist preacher has been arrested and detained.

"The censorship of media means that it is difficult to verify how many more people are or may have been arrested and detained. These detentions are breaching basic human rights. These detentions will create a bad international reputation for Fiji and will have a negative impact on efforts to move the country forward," Rev Yabaki said.

For further information, please contact CCF Executive Director Rev Akuila Yabaki on ph: 3308379, fax: 3308380.

……………………………………

Rev Akuila Yabaki

Chief Executive Officer

Fly on the Wall : Yagoona Meeting

2009-05-14T14:59:00.001+12:00

Cont from last post..

Sorry for the break. The haet has definitely been on, had to keep my head down. Somebody has told Kissinger that somebody is leaking news from this fine Ministry to the "F%$@# internet"" . Its a blog, Its a blog, Its a bolg. But anayway, I have a story to tell and here it is....

Taliban is having a say too. This bloke thinks he is the authority on all matters related to this fine Ministry. And he has his sight set firmly on the No. 2 job.

Yes, he thinks he is in with a chance.

Kissinger looks worried. Well he's always got a frown on his forehead, but this time he's really worried. Because as soon as he sat down he said" This time Im really worried". That's how I know.

You see , the "We Love Fiji So Much We Live Overseas Front" held their meeting in some place called Yagoona. As soon as Kissinger says Yagoona he raises his eyebrows and tilt his head towards the ledge next to the windows at the back of the room.

This is my clue to mix the grog . I hope they don't talk about this bloody place called Yagoona too often because I think it reminds Kissinger of Yagona. And you know what that means. Me mixing the grog, but my ears are tuned right into what Kissinger, Brutus and the rest of this motley crue are discussing.

The word came from "The Place that Must Only be Spoken of in Whispers" that the Col Sa-Dro-Ga addressed a gathering of 40 and spoke of the need to return our country to democracy.

Brutus coughs, not the cough that comes with the flu that is going through at the moment but a nervous cough. Ive always had my doubts about Brutus, is he playing both sides?

Anyway, Kissinger says that those from "The Place that Must Only be Spoken of in Whispers" want answers.

Answers! Boy are we in trouble. Because you see those of us here at the Minstry of Floundering Affairs are after one thing and one thing only and answers to political dilemmas isn't it.

Overseas Postings.

We have to send a report to the The Place that Must Only be Spoken of in Whispers" on how may people were there and anyone of note . "They Who Cant be Discussed in Loud Voices" want to know if our people in Kangaroo Land were in attendance and sent a report.

Oh boy,are we in trouble I thought to myself.

Do "They Who Cant be Discussed in Loud Voices" really think that our best and brightest in Kangaroo Land don't have anything better to do that keeping watch on the "We Love Fiji So Much We Live Overseas Front".

Ha! And that too on the weekend. Double Ha! They'll be drunk as a Tailevu Rugby player after a win over Nadroga in the Fairbrother challenge.

Mata Hari shoots a look at Brutus and quickly breaks eye contact and looks straight over at me. She's got that look on her face which says "Does he know?" He hehe. If only she knew. I quickly start spinning the grog, first bowl to Kissinger who downs the sa- soko grog in one gulp.

"Wai dala!" He says. Put some more Kava in there. I do as Im told.

To be cont...

News or Propaganda ?

2009-05-08T13:47:00.001+12:00

At the risk of being accused of justifying media restrictions, it is important in the interest of balance to take a closer look at the allegations levelled against the IG for banning certain foreign journalists from either reporting in Fiji or entering our beautiful nation.

It is vital in the intrest of a free media, to report both sides of the story and allow the readers to make up their own minds. It is not for the reporters to convince people to form their opinions for or against a subject matter. Our job is to provide credible and balanced reports and let the people decide.

So lets take a closer look .

Every country on this planet has at some stage disallowed entry to someone.

Take New Zealand for example, the Kiwis banned George Nacewa , the son of a civil servant. Can you believe that ? This young student did nothing wrong , and he was banned from re-entering NZ and had to miss his exams.

The Kiwis even banned the goalkeeper of the Fiji soccer team because his father is a member of the disciplined forces. What wrong had these guys done?

The Australians banned Snoop Doggy Dog from entering because he would be a negative influence on the youth of that country.

The beacon of human right, the mighty Americans, have a list that must run for miles on persons not allowed to enter their country. On grounds of national security. The conduct of these persons or their associations with other persons poses a threat to the national security of the United States. A lot of it on suspicion only.

A friend tells the story of how his/her cousin was detained at an American airport. After being grilled for a number of hours, it emerged that he/she had borrowed some books on WW2 history with some detailed descriptions on 1950's weaponry from a library in the U.S that was on a F.B.I watch list. Don't believe it? Suit yourself.

We all know somebody who has been denied a visa to enter Australia, NZ, USA or some other country. Same thing.

And so, we have a certain so-called journalist who thinks he has a god given right to jet in and out as and when he wishes.

We are a small country sir, but we are a sovereign nation. The citizens of this country expect our authorities to maintain law and order.

If a journalist does their job to report fairly and with balance, that's a different story. But what about someone who is publishing a blog filled with rumour , speculation and innuendo aimed at humiliating senior public figures and even inciting unrest and mutiny.

There is a story being peddled by this NZ based self-proclaimed journalist that the Commander of the FMF had an attachment with the Chilean navy ages ago and then goes on to very mischievously suggest that this somehow has a bearing on what's happening in Fiji now.

I-War 101. The Big Lie Theory! Dont let the truth get in the way of a good story.

But just hold up a second!

NZ Forces and Australian forces have trained the Kopassus in Indonesia who went on a rampage in East Timor, they have trained Afghani units who aren't exactly known for their "softly-softly" approach. And lets not even go into the "keeni-meeni" missions! We don't see the heads of the Australian or NZ Defence Forces being subjected to such slander and character assassination.

There has been a long standing tradition for FMF officers to train in NZDF Command and Staff College in Wellington and at Duntroon in Australia. Does this mean that NZ and Australia are responsible for the coups we've had? Why single out the Chilean attachment?

Whats next? Accuse an FMF officer who has been through the American officer training facility in Hawaii (a highly rewarding experience, we are told) of being complicit in Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo?

What hypocrisy and rumour mongering!

That's where this bloke crosses the line. Using bits and pieces of hearsay to try and conjure up an image in order to achieve a political objective.

That's not journalism, that's propaganda.

Why arent we suprised?

2009-05-04T11:35:00.001+12:00

South Pacific Forum meeting turned out as expected.

Leading in to the meeting, there was all sorts of rumour and speculation flying around regarding Fiji 's membership of that august body.

As part of the pressure being applied on the IG, foreign leaders were suggesting that Fiji could be suspended. But before you go running off thinking the world will come to an end if we are suspended, think again.

The rhetoric is not random but quite well orchestrated. NZ Foreign Minister one day, Australian Foreign Minister the next and most lately Sir Michael Somare.

Mr Michael Somare added his voice in the lead up to the Forum suggesting that Fiji could be suspended and despite being a staunch believer in Melanesian unity, he too was coming around to the view held by our big brothers, Australia and NZ.

Mr Somare's voice is important in this Psychological Warfare being waged very cleverly by our powerful neighbours. Mr Somare is Melanesian, Mr. Kevin Rudd and Mr. Key are not.

But when Mr Somare got up on the soap box to preach democracy, he forgot to mention one thing.

He forgot to mention that he was standing in Canberra.

He forgot to mention that he was in Canberra to ask for more Australian aid.

He forgot to mention that Australian aid keeps PNG afloat.

He forgot to mention that if he doesn't toe the Australian line, he and his country will struggle big time.

And just to highlight the point Mr Rudd was quick to point out that the aid money that his Government was giving Mr Somare's Government was misspent. Mr Rudd also pointed out that sovereign nations like PNG have every right to run their own affairs and Australia does not believe in meddling in the internal affairs of other countries.

Least of all deciding what PNG's foreign policy should be towards their Melanesian neighbour. Of course not.

Sovereignty means that every country has a right to run their own affairs including PNG, without any interference or influence from countries which may contribute a large share of their GDP in the form of aid.

Because aid is not given in the hope of buying influence over the policies of the donor nations. Never.

Japan just feels like giving money to Kiribati and Tokelau and Marshall Islands, the fact they vote in favour of lifting the ban on whaling is because those pesky whales are eating up all the fish and someone needs to go in there and teach them a lesson. Even if that means they end up as sushi .

China gives aid to Solomons , Vanuatu and Fiji because they are making a lot of money these days. The fact these countries no longer give diplomatic recognition to Taiwan is because we are sick of the cheap Taiwan made TV's which always break down during the HK Sevens and nothing to do with Chinese conditions on aid.

Australia gives aid to PNG because they are grateful for what the Fuzzy Wuzzies did for the Australian soldiers during WW2. The fact that 80% of PNG's forests and minerals have been sold to Australian interests is just a happy coincidence.

And right on cue, as Mr Rudd said the words "Aid" followed by "Misspent", Mr Somare said that Fiji must return to democracy and should be suspended to encourage it to do so. Even Mr Rudd couldnt have said it any better.

Democracy at work! Plato will be turning in his grave!

Fly on the Wall: The Mole

2009-04-30T11:57:00.000+12:00

Cont. from yesterday.....

But anyway, as I mix Brutus is giving his finest impression of Colin Powell. He does rate himself this guy. But I should explain why he is called Brutus in the corridors of this fine Ministry.

Its no secret that Brutus covets the top job, no secret at all. In fact, Im sure that Kissinger knows that too. But what can he do, Brutus is connected! If you know what I mean.

And so, there wages an undercover internal war. Brutus in his bid to out do and usurp power and Kissinger in his bid to keep the upstart at bay. As for the rest of us, we have to decide which side to back in this internal war. Who will get us that most coveted of all things?

An overseas posting.

Thats what all public servants in this fine Ministry are after. 99.9% of our time and effort is directed towards getting an overseas posting.

And I almost got one. Brutus promised me a position in a South Asian country, but then I heard he had also promised the Taliban. I did what anyone would and switched my allegiance to Kissinger. For the 27^th time I had switched allegiances. The record is held by Don De Nako, a reported 58 times. No wonder the man made it big.

Brutus talks, Kissinger yawns and the Taliban, well, he has in a spot of bother the poor fellow. You see, someone is leaking information from this fine Ministry to a "bloody F*%* internet" (some fine diplomatic words by Kissinger) and this guy is the prime suspect.

Mata Hari gives a wink at Brutus. Mata Hari thinks she is tech savvy. It's a running joke in the corridors of this fine Ministry that Kissinger is looking for the mole who is leaking information to the "bloody F*%* internet" (fine diplomatic words by Kissinger).

Its a blog. Not the internet. But I wont correct him. No one thinks Im that smart and they dont mind having me aorund when they are discussing sensitive matters. Because one day right after I had dropped a hint that the Taliban might be the mole he looked at me and said " I like haivng you around". Thats how I know.

He did cost me my overseas posting, after all!

And so the mood is tense. The Yagoona group meeting has reached "The Palce you only Go whn Invited" and Kissinger has to give a briefing . Oh boy!

Fly on the Wall: "The We Love Fiji So Much We Want to Destroy it from Overseas Front"

2009-04-28T18:38:00.002+12:00

An "emergency meeting" in the Ministry of Floundering Affairs. Kissinger looks worried,Well he's always got a frown on his forehead, but this time he's really worried. Because as soon as he sat down he said" This time Im really worried". That's how I know.

"The We Love Fiji So Much We Want to Destroy It from Overseas Front" led by Col. Sa-Dro-Ga has held a meeting in some place called Yagoona and "They Who Wear Big Black Boots" have summoned him up to "The Place that You Only Go When Invited" for a briefing.

I really dislike these meetings. Firstly, these things are scheduled for 30 minutes and go on for an hour.

That's not why I really dislike these meetings though.

Because like clock work, 5 minutes into the meeting after repeating word for word some article that he has read on the internet in a bid to seem like a seasoned diplomat, he will get down to the real business.

He will look towards me when Brutus is doing his best to appear like a seasoned diplomat in his effort to outdo Kissinger, raise his eyebrows and tilt his head towards the ledge next to the windows at the back of the room.

Sitting on the ledge is the tanoa, the national symbol of our country. Well if it isnt, it should be!

This is my clue to mix the grog! Ah, where would we be without the grog! And so, Ill spend the next 5 minutes mixing the grog. But, my ears are tuned right into what Kissinger, Brutus and the rest of the brains trust of the Ministry of Floundering Affairs are discussing.

You see, Im just a small time player in this game. No one thinks Im too smart so they don't mind having me around when they are discussing "sensitive matters" . Big mistake.

**All Characters in this series are fictional. Any resemeblance to anyone living or dead is purely intentional, coincidental sorry.**

Fly on the Wall.

Fiji Travel Advisories not balanced : NZ TV

2009-04-28T15:16:00.003+12:00

From 3 News: Click to watch video

Tourists and resort owners in Fiji are questioning travel advisories issued by governments like New Zealand's.

They claim the travel warnings are causing unnecessary harm to Fijian businesses and workers and insist the country is safe to visit.

It has never been cheaper to holiday in Fiji - with cut price flights and accommodation deals, along with a recently devalued dollar.

While there are some who have been influenced by the negative reporting, those choosing Nadi as a holiday destination say they've seen little sign of the promised trouble.

“That's what we'd been warned. Travel agent had said you know don't bring anything valuable, don't take photos at the airport, that kind of thing. But there was no security there,” says New Zealand tourist Sue Scutter.

Australian tourist patricia Smith said authorities are more concerned with journalists than holidaying families.

Even on the streets of Suva, there is little evidence of a military presence, certainly no police with guns on every corner.

Tourist numbers are well down though across Fiji. At this Nadir resort ex-pat Philip Buckleton is blaming countries like New Zealand for his half-empty hotel.

“The negative impact of travel advisories have virtually stopped business, or brought business to a standstill,” he says.

Mr Buckleton says he is a supporter of Bainimarama’s regime and claims the advisories and media reports are painting a one-sided picture.

The New Zealand government's "safe travel" website lists Fiji as "some risk".

While travel agents say it is up to individuals to decide whether it’s a holiday they're happy to take.

3 News

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

“Pulitzer Chasing - Enligtened Ones" tell us what to do!

2009-04-27T11:42:00.003+12:00

"Bula, the record needs to be set this straight (note the Pulitzer Prize winning capable grammar?) on this one - the blog you refer to does not belong to Mike Field. I am the editor of that blog and the name is one that has been coined by several of us here in New Zealand, not just Mr Field. His blog - among others - is listed as a link on our page, that is all. A number of blogs have sprung up in the last few weeks as a result of the recent developments in Fiji and our's is one of them. Good luck to everyone."

Loyal Fijian published this comment under the post titled "Setting the Record Straight" in the interest of fair and balanced reporting.

The author of this comment claims to be the owner of a blog which is taking a lot of interest in Fiji. Fair enough!

But we feel, in fairness to our readers we should give you a closer look at the "New Zealand based journalists" who have suddenly emerged as experts on all matters related to Fiji.

This blog has links to just about every anti-FMF or anti-IG blog that exists, including those that have published bomb making instructions and called for attacks on NZ citizens visiting Fiji. But they don't carry a link to Loyal Fijian.

Tells you a bit about their motivation and their way of thinking doesn't it? Not exactly balanced and impartial, are they?

And why such an interest in Fiji?

If you want to report on race relations, where better to start than in New Zealand. You don't have to go to Fiji to find stories on race relations between "Fijis two major races", as these foreign journalists like to describe our nations demographics.

Have a look in your own backyard! Report on the race relations in New Zealand , why don't you?

You don't have to go to Fiji to find stories on "law and order situation, as these foreign journalists like to describe it. Go and have a look in your own backyard. Report on the law and order situation in New Zealand , why don't you!

Whats that sorry?

Oh, Oh, Sooooorrry!

We need to be told do we? Because you live in NZ , you have a birth right to tell others how wrong everything is in our country. Especially if it is a Melanesian country.

Oh, its like that is it?

The "Pulitzer Chasing - Enligtened Ones" will tell us because we don't have a clue. Right Right!!

Where have we heard that one before?

Theres more, you say! Ok!

Reporting on Fiji makes you feel like a "real" journalist does it? Because no media organisation will employ you, you describe yourself as a "freelancer". In Fiji, we call you "unemployed"!

So, reporting on Fiji makes you feel like you are reporting from a "danger zone", does it? Because you feel totally left out, don't you?

The closest you'll ever getting to being embedded with an American military unit in Iraq, like all the real journalist are doing, is being embedded in your swivel chair in front of your desktop!

So, you feel you deserve a Pulitzer Prize do you? Oh, we get it!! You think this your golden opportunity to bagging an award by reporting on a major crisis! Reporting from/on a danger zone, like you've seen real journalists doing on BBC!

We can just see the headlines "Unemployed, No-Name Wannabe Pretend Journalists Win Pulitzer Prize By Telling Their Melanesian Neighbours What to Do!

Wow! Go for it brother!