Monday, September 29, 2008

Rajendra Chaudhry's STAGED outburst

Rajendra Chaudhry has been making the news in recent times.

And no, its not for creating a fracas at his local squash court after the other 5 members voted 5-1 against him.

And its not at the local FLP branch either where his nomination for Assistant treasurer was voted down unanimously. He took exception to being offered the Grog Mixer role.

This time Chaudhry Jr has decided to take on the military.

Head on. In the media.

Now, this is not something that you do everyday.

So, whats up?

Rajendra Chaudhry is positioning himself as the Man Who can take on the Machine.

He is trying to rebuild his image as the guy who is known for being thrown out from Traps bar, to the Fearless Leader.

It is probably a sure bet that we will see Rajendra contest the next election.

He wont have any trouble getting a ticket, all he has to do is apply to the FLP headquarters.

Rajendra is setting his sights high.

Dear Leader in the making.

It remains to be seen how the boys at the barracks go with this.

The present indications are that they are willing to let Rajendra beat his chest.

How much harm can he cause.

They know what game he is playing.

After all, they know they can edit the script as and when they choose.


Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Operation Flashpoint - Next Stop Nadi - Part 2


In late 2006, a foreign power set in motion a chain of events that would have culminated in the invasion of Fiji. Codenamed Operation Flashpoint, the ADF deployed its sea-borne and air assets to positions inside Fiji waters within striking distance of the capital Suva. Additionally, elite Special Forces infiltrated the country with communications equipment and weapons.

How close did we come to being invaded? Who among us who encouraged this act of aggression against their own country?

This is a fictional account of what may have happened in the days leading up to one of the most dramatic chapters in our history.



The boys were excited. Fiji was a popular holiday destination for Aussies. But as we all knew, there was always the potential of the place going up in smoke. The country had seen 4 or 5 coups and inter-race tension boiled under the surface.

The recent developments in Fiji had the politicians in Canberra worried which meant we had to be ready.

Its funny how that works. Politicians worry, soldiers prepare!

Anyway, I knew all this as we had been briefed on our return for the mountains around Dili hunting for the renegade East Timorese guerrilla, Alfredo Reinado. Alfredo had spent 6 months in training with the ADF and was a guest at the Campbell Barracks.

I remembered meeting him and thought he was a straight up and down type of guy. Never thought we would be chasing him through the jungles and mountain of Same around Dili, but we were.

Expect the unexpected, they say. Damn Right.

As it turned out, Alfredo gave us the slip and was hiding in Jakarta under the protection of Indonesian officers of the elite unit set up by Tommy Sueharto, known as the Kopassus . Im sure his knowledge of ADF methods helped him immensely.

I ditched my short barrel M4, the CQB weapon I preferred and ammo I was carrying and headed to the Regiment mess which doubled as our planning room. Georgie put on the kettle to prepare some tea, a good source of nicotine which we needed for the hours ahead .

Right, what do we need?

The suits had begun our pre-deployment preparation by collecting as much intelligence as we could on Fijian military strength and posture, updating our information with latest shots from Echelon satellites of Suva Harbour, Nadi Airport, Vuda oil refinery and other LZ's that we would have to secure if the go ahead was given for deployment of large numbers of forces.

The SM had already pulled the "Fiji File" and put it in on the table. All ready reaction forces place great emphasis on Contingency Planning.

A large part of this is a bank of information that the spooks collect and maintain from all sorts of sources. The High Commissions briefs on who the major players are and how the situation is involving is a part of this, but the boys get bored with this sort of stuff.

We also had some Candidate Files (CF) which had been put on the table for us to go through. Every officer who passes through Duntroon or other ADF sanctioned course has a Candidate File (CF) done. To be continued…..

Saturday, September 20, 2008

The Charter Debate


The Peoples Charter is all the buzz at the moment.

You have the Charter detractors who see this as a back door attempt to put in a new framework under which future administrations will be set up.

Then you have those who are in favor of having such an exercise as a form of nation building and consensus.

Firstly, the exercise to have a Charter created in not new.

After every coup, we have had similar exercises.

The LF High Command believes that it is for the people of Fiji to decide whether they wish to adopt the Charter or not.

If the people wish to participate and offer their views, then they must have the freedom to do so.
They should not fear any retribution from anyone or any group.

If someone does not wish to offer their opinion or support to the Charter consultations, then they have the right to do so.

Any coercion would be contrary to the principles enshrined in the Charter.

We must allow people to debate and disagree.

Just because we have different opinions, doesn't mean that we pick up the cane knife and crow bar and start smashing each other.

No, disagreements are the essence of democracy.

Lets have a fair debate and attempt to come to a consensus. Lets learn from the past. It is obvious to one and all that since independence, something is amiss which has led to such tension in society.

Lets identify what it is. Is it ALTA? Is it communal voting? Is it the dominance of one community in the business sector?

Lets fix it .

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Operation Flashpoint : Invade Fiji - Part 1

In late 2006, a foreign power set in motion a chain of events that would have culminated in the invasion of Fiji. Codenamed Operation Flashpoint, the ADF deployed its sea-borne and air assets to positions inside Fiji waters within striking distance of the capital Suva. Additionally, elite Special Forces infiltrated the country with communications equipment and weapons.

 

How close did we come to being invaded? Who among us who encouraged this act of aggression against their own country?

 

This is a fictional account of what may have happened in the days leading up to one of the most dramatic chapters in our history.

 
 

It was good to be back in Swanbourne. It is a beautiful location with the sandy beaches to the West, rolling hills to the East, giving it the feel of an idyllic holiday location.

 

Time to refresh and  recharge. East Timor had been a challenging assignment. Alfredo Reinado had proved more elusive than perhaps the top brass calculated.

 

But for now , it was time to get some rest and some time on the range.

 

Only, that the life of a Special Forces soldier is never dull, yes there are periods when you are just itching for some action but, it is never dull.

 

The call came from the Sergeant Master just as Troop A finished our second run in the Killing House.

 

"Whose up for a Pacific holiday" he asked. The Sergeant Majors dry humour was legendary.

 

The boys knew better than to say anything in case he was having a joke, as it well could be with the SM.

 

"C'mon you boys, Im talking sandy beaches, palm fronds, and whatever else you lot get up to on your time away from here"

 

Again no one spoke.

 

"Alright then", realising that we were not going to take the bait. " Word came through earlier this morning, we might be needed in Fiji. We need to go and have a look see and get the ground game going".

 

"Its all hush-hush so get your best bula shirts out, Im sure you'll have plenty of those from your last assignments in Dili"

 

" Troop A will take the lead" Enjoy the holiday boys"

 

With that he was gone.

 

I took a look around what was the core of Troop A. SF teams are not large, given the task that the Regiment performs mainly involves surveillance behind the enemy lines.

 

It was surveillance that we would be performing. Have a look see as the SM had said.

 

It was an open brief but as in such assignments we would be looking to secure the Australian High Commission and the Aussie staff in case of trouble as well as carry out surveillance on possible naval landing sites, poorly protected landing strips for our helicopters and on Fijian troop strength and posture.

 

It was basic stuff. We trained for this day and night. To be cont…………….

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Im In, Im Out

Im in, Im out
Go ahead, cry and shout

Im the man who saved the economy
Look in your pockets, you all have more money

I joined to save the country
So all of us can live in a better Fiji

You say I supported a coup
I did my duty, who are you?

You say I sold my principles
I got a job for my son,my cousins, my in-laws and my uncles

I did what had to be done
After 3 coups, aren't I entitled to some fun?

I didn't pull out, my party told me to
Just after I dropped a hint on what to do

They know where the power lies, they all can count
They all know I have $1.6 m in my account

Isnt it funny, how we do this everytime
How we get all this to be so funny and even rhyme

"Free Poets Society"

No Death Threats
No incitements to attack Tourists\
No Bomb Making Instructions
No instructions to deny soldiers families their food..


INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

The Olympics : Times for Sevens Rugby

Citius, Altius, Fortius.

Faster, Higher, Stronger.

The Olympics logo, the ideal.

So another Olympics has come and gone.

The Chinese put on a magnificent show, the Birds Nest stadium, a one of a kind and the water cube, just amazing.

It was a victory for China in pulling off a grand event with such great planning and coordination.

And on the medals tally as well, China was on top, ahead of its rival the US of A.

Another victory for the superpower. Commentators who call China a "rising power" need to have their heads examined. China is a Superpower today and will become even more powerful in years to come.

As always, empires have a used by date. The Romans, the Mongols, the Han , the British and now the Americans. Its time for the Chinese.

But back to the Olympics.

Great performances from Usain Bolt, what a sprinter. It is very interesting to note that in our Fiji Finals our athletes produce performances which are comparable to international athletes when they are 17 or 18 years old. But proper coaching takes them to another level whereas our youth turn to rugby or other sports.

It is now time for the Olympics to include Sevens Rugby. 7;s Rugby is played and enjoyed all over the world and there is no reason why it shouldnt be included.

It would be our golden chance to capture that Olympic medal.

Go Fiji Go.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Dont Believe Everything You Read :Radovan Karazdic


Radovan Karadzic, the Bosnian Serb leader indicted by a U.N war crimes tribunal on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia, was captured in Serbia on July 21 2008.

One of the world's most-wanted men, Karadzic was president of ethnic Serbs in Bosnia, who besieged the city of Sarajevo for more than three years .

Radovan Karadzic grew a long, white beard to conceal his identity and even managed to openly practice alternative medicine while in hiding, officials said Tuesday in revealing details about the war crimes fugitive's capture after a decade on the run.

Karadzic was unrecognizable in a guise that was part guru and part Santa Claus. As Dragan Dabic, the former psychiatrist worked for years in a clinic in Belgrade, the Serbian capital, practicing alternative medicine. He even lectured on videotape at local community centers, in an open and active life that would appear to be an extraordinary risk for one of the world's most wanted men.

He often spent time at a cafe called Biblioteka in downtown Belgrade where he drank wine and listened to Serbian nationalist music. On the walls of the café we framed photgraphs of Serbian warlords including one of him.

So how is it that after 13 years on the run, one morning 3 security officers in plain clothes escorted him off a bus and he was presented to the world.

What went wrong after 13 years successfully hiding in the open?

If you believe that one fine morning, 3 security officers of the Serbian services discovered Karazdic on a bus and arrested him, you will believe anything.

13 years on the run or 13 years under protection?

Next in the series of Dont Believe Everything You Read : David Toganivalu


INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

You Cant Sack ME, We Resign!!! Enter Rajend Chaudhry

We have all heard the phrase, If I go down, then Ill take you with me!

Well, in the case of the Fiji Labour Party, it fits this bunch like a glove.

Before we look at Chaudhry's decision to withdraw the FLP from the IG to "focus on the Peoples Charter and the next general elections", lets get one thing right. Replace every reference to FLP with Mahendra Chaudhry.

They are one and the same.

Fii Labour Party is Chaudhrys toy.

He uses it as he wishes.

Chaudhry has once again demonstarted this very clearly.

This mans ego wouldnt allow Tom Ricketts and his boy Vayeshnoi to continue to collect their Ministers salary and ride around in their chauffer driven Pajeros.

No, if I go, you go!

So, starts a new era in Fijian politics.

What now?

Chaudhry has challenged the legitimacy of the very Government that he was serving.

Now the IG has been left without the supoport of any major political party.

However, for all those who wish to see early elections, this decision by Chaudhry indicates that elections are near.

But in what form?

The Peoples Charter will now be the way foward folks.

As for Chaudhry, LF remembers very clearly, Chaudhry said these very words when he accepted the position of Finance Minsiter in the IG:

2006: I WILL NOT CONTEST THE NEXT ELECTIONS
2008: GET READY FOR THE NEXT ELECTIONS

ENTER RAJEND CHAUDHRY!


INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Who is the "Mole"?

Is it a coincidence?
 
The Interim PM is barely out of the country and Charan Jeeth Singh goes to the media saying that he has been told by a "senior government official"  that M.P. Chaudhry has been told to vacate office by August 22.
 
Firstly, lets take a closer look at Charan Jeeth Singh.
 
Charan Jeeth Singh is a Labasa based multi-millionaire who has had his hands in all sorts of pies including a saw mill with Ratu Soso Kalounivere which saw Charan Jeeth get rich and the people of the Vanua hardly even saw a cent from the timber that was cut down from their land. He also ran an airline business with former PM Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara which floundered after a while, but again not before Charan Jeeth Singh made some good money.
 
Charan Singh doesnt deny that he is rich.
 
Ask anyone in Labasa and they will tell you, he is a very rich man.
 
But as we know, he is also quite connected and hell bent on becoming a parliamentarian and a Minsiter!
 
After all, money brings all sorts of people to your doorstep.
 
Maybe even the so-called senior government official.
 
But why would this senior government official tell Charan Jeeth Singh something which is so highly confidential that even Major Leweni has refused to comment.
 
Everyone knows that Charan Singh has just started a new political party (4th or 5th such venture ) and has openly stated his intention to contest the next General Election.
 
And whats more? He has gone on record as saying that he is ready to become the next Minister for Finance in the IG.
 
He certainly doesn't lack ambition, does he? No sir.
 
But back to this mysterious 'senior Government official'?
 
Why such a move on his part?
 
Is someone trying to undermine the IG leadership? And we dont mean just MP Chaudhry, but the top job?
 
Is somebody within the machinery trying to do, what they have failed to achieve twice now! First with the call to the Senior Internal Auditor of FIRCA demanding that he make public the name of the senior Government Minister who was behind the $1.6 m scandal before Fiji Times published the story.
 
And then by leaking to the press that Cahudhry had been sacked during the Water Bottlers crisis?
 
Has someone promised Charan Jeeth Singh the Minister of Finance job if he puts his money behind their effort to achieve what they have failed in doing twice?
 
Charn Jeeth Singh as Minister for Finance ? or  Jim Ah Koy for his vast experience?
 
The interview by Colonel Aziz to Fijilive stating that the Army was totally behind their Commander was timely too, wasn't it?
 
Coincidence?
 
Or design?
 
HAS SOMEBODY BITTEN OFF MORE THAN THEY CAN CHEW?
 
 
 

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Please Help This Child


Help!

Thats what young Josaia Temo needs.

Josaia is 9 years old and suffering from skin cancer.

Josaia needs HELP.

The cancer can be treated, at least to an extent that Josaia can lead a pain free life and play with his friends.

He needs your HELP!

Please contact the following organisations to do what you can:

Save the Children Fiji
PO Box 2249, Government Buildings, Suva, Fiji
Tel: +679 331 3178
Fax: +679 3302214
E-mail:info@savethechildren.org.fj

Fiji Cancer Society
Princes Rd Tamavua, Suva
Ph: 3324960

Project H.E.A.V.E.N, Princes Rd Tamavua, Suva

Ph.3320921


INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Go Serevi Go - The Poet Says So!!!

Watch him go, watch him Step

He is the best ever Fiji Rep

A Goose Step here, A chip kick there

No one comes close, even Eric Rush was Nowhere

We've had many good players, Cama, Rasari, Noa, Honda, Rauluni Boys and Ryder

But nobody came close to Serevi, the lightning quick strider

He led us to Victory after Victory

He was a proud warrior for Fiji

He conquered So Kon Po

We were all saying Go Go Go

He gave us the Melrose Cup and the Melrose Bridge

When he played, the Fiji Bitter was already stocked in the fridge

So sure were we that it would be our day

When we could drink and have a Public Holiday

Serevi is the Greatest Ever

He was so fast and so clever

For a while he was cast aside, politics was the guilty thing

Serevi was denied a chance , denied his chance to be the King

Without him the team looked flat

With Serevi, our opponents will be on the mat

He is now our coach, We are in with a Chance

FRU, WAKE UP, LET HIM PLAY, LET HIM DO HIS DANCE

If Serevi Plays, We will Win after a Long Time

Isnt it Amazing how we can get all this to rhyme!!!!!

"The Free Poet Society"

Thursday, July 31, 2008

San Francisco Connection to Fiji Bomb Plot


One of the blogs that had been posting BOMB MAKING INSTRUCTIONS and publishing such hatred filled posts as DENY SOLDIERS FAMILIES FOOD, MAKE SOLDIERS RUN AROUND and inciting acts of terror and wanton violence, changed its name after authorities in U.S began investigations.

This blog called WhyFijiisCrying was full of fabrications and lies which even a Class 1 student could see was the work of some mad men or perhaps a "mad woman" and her cronies.This site is now publishing the same drivel as solivakasama.

Individual soldiers are doing their jobs. Anyone who asks for children of soldiers to be denied food is a coward or out of their mind.

Maybe someone who is famous for the following exploits:

- calling the Permanent Secretary for Women and Social Welfare and demanding that a helicopter be flown to Lau to collect her at Governement expense, after her 4 week Christmas holiday

- Demanding that all staff at her office join her in morning prayer sessions and recite a verse each from the bible. These prayer sessions often ran from 9 in the morning to about 11, while people waited outside

- Travelling on a diplomatic passport which she is not entitled to

Yep, something is going on in San Francisco alright.

So, it came as no surprise to learn that the Hon. Adi Asenaca Caucau has been arrested in San Francisco for assault and is facing a lengthy spell in jail.

All readers of Loyal Fijian, if they wish can email the San Francison Police at the following email sfpd.online@sfgov.org highlighting the suspicions that Ms Caucau was behind the incitements to commit terror on Fijian soil against Fijians by publishing detailed bomb making instructions.

The following text can be copied and pasted into your email:

Information for San Francisco Police on arrest of a Adi Asenaca Caucau for assault.

1. Adi Caucau is travelling on a Diplomatic passport which is of dubious legality as Diplomatic Passports are only issued to current serving Ministers of State.

2. Bomb making instructions and incitement to commit murder were being routinely made on a blog called
Whyfijiiscrying.wordpress.com which was being run by disgruntled Fijians from the San Francisco area. It is possible that Adi Asenanca Caucau was one of those persons behind the publishing of bomb making instructions and incitement to murder of persons in Fiji.

The blog server is resident in the U.S and publication of such inflammatory and inciteful material is an offence under U.S law.

The blog was deleted after the bomb making instructions post was being investigated by Fijian authorities. A copy of the article can be seen here:
All references to particular chemicals and detailed instructions have been blocked out.


INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Chaudhry for PM, Commodore for President

Speculation is mounting that the current impasse in Fiji was over a bigger plan which would have seen the Commodore become the President and Mahendra Pal Chaudhry taking over the Prime Ministership.
 
NZ PM Helen Clarke speculated yesterday that this was the "next step in the coup."
 
Additionally, reports that the Military Council is divided over the plans are very likely also true. It is learnt from reliable sources placed within the decision making loop that the Military Council have tried and failed in an an earlier effort to depose Chaudhry. This was when the reports of the $1.6 m held in Chaudhry's accounts were published by the Fiji Times.
 
Commodore was able to persuade the MC to hold fire as there was still some value in having MPC around especially as the Aid Agreement with the European Union and ACP countries was still unresolved.
 
The Bottled Water crisis has once again raised the ire of the MC, in particular the legal advisor who is very close to the Attorney General.
 
Aiyaz Khaiyum is bitterly opposed to Chaudhry and his son after Rajendra Chaudhry launched a scathing attack on FICAC which the AG saw as a personal attack on him. Aiyaz Kaiyum is also the son of a former NFP parliamentarian and reports indicate that the there is a lot of bad blood.
 
What is worrying some members of the MC is that the Commodore is being used to pursue these personal agendas and that one of their own is involved in these personal agendas. Col Aziz's visit to Chaudhry's office was not sanctioned by the MC or by PM.
 
Stay Tuned.
 
 

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Money Talks












Water Bottlers 1 - Finance Minister 0




Punjas, Western Wreckers and Tappoos do it again! Chaudhry feels the pain of the Business Empire once more.







Saturday, July 19, 2008

LF High Command Issues Clarification on Felipe Nagera

PRESS RELEASE

Issued By : Loyal Fijian Information Cell

Under Direction of LF High Command


The Loyal Fijian High Command recently conducted a review of posts on the Loyal Fijian blog.

As readers are aware Loyal Fijian blog publishes opinions submitted by Fijians from all walks of life and from many parts of the world.

The LF IT Cell consisitng of System Administrators who perform the role of publishing posts determine which posts are to be published in absence of specific direction of a LF High Command directive. All posts have to satisfy our criteria of INDEPENDENCE, IMPARTIALITY AND BALANCE.

Following a review the High Command has determined that posts titled Felipe Nagera - Hate Blogger, published on June 2 2007 Hate Blogger Felipe Nagera Blames Eleanoa Mara, published on June 27 2007 are being withdrawn pending receipt of additional evidence.

The contributors behind the posts are no longer associated with Loyal Fijian. This has been reflected in the nature of our posts in the recent past.

Loyal Fijian High Command reiterates its commitment that the blog is strictly neutral and going forward will make an even stronger effort to report fairly and avoid publishing information which may embarrass or slander any individual or group.

Loyal Fijian High Command also asks that other blogs refrain from slander and mischievous posts including use of obscenities and attempts to promote violence against certain individuals and targeted groups.

Any embarrasment caused to Felipe Nagera and Eleanoa Mara is deeply regretted.

Signed

Loyal Fijian High Command


INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Who is the Real Criminal? Rest in Peace Josua!

Josua Ralulu, the "notorious  criminal" is dead.

Should we be happy that one of the most "notorious criminals" whose name was taken alongside Alifereti Nimacere and David Wise as the most danegrous criminals of the 80's and 90's is dead ? Or in his death should we look at ourselves and ask how a young man became a criminal and wasted the best years of his life behind bars?

There can be no rejoicing or whoops of "He paid the price for what he did" or "He got what he gave".  

Josua Ralulu's story is a tragedy of immense proportions but sadly not one confined to him.

What happened to Josua Ralulu happens to hundreds of young Fijian men and women everyday.

Our jails are filled with Josua Ralulu's.

Young men who are often sent to jail for minor offences like trespassing or drinking in the local park. Once these men are fed into the system, the hungry beast that is our criminal system chews them up and spits out hardened criminals.

There is no way back once you have been "inside". When you come out you are an ex-con. Your friends are ex-cons and you have no job prospects or academic qualifications.

Many do not dare to go back to their villages in shame and so begins a vicious cycle of the criminal.

But, criminals are not born, they are made.

Lets look at Josua.

Josua Ralulu, according to his brother, was happy cutting sugar cane with his friends. And one day someone plied him with alcohol and offered him some money to "do a job".

This someone would turn out to be none other than the wife of Bob Amos, a lady by the name of Prakash Wati. Sound familiar. Yes, we have all heard similar stories havent we? Criminals are made, not born remember! Especially in Fiji. But more on that later.

Anyway, in all likelihood Josua didn't know what he was getting himself into. A simple village boy he jumped at the chance to go for a ride to Suva. He was given more alcohol than he could handle and he was tricked into killing Bob Amos.

Who is the real criminal here?

 Is it Josua?

It is the Prakash Wati's of this world!

Rest in Peace Josua, You were wronged. Your grandson will always remember a man who loved him. He will remember you fondly.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Its de Ja Vu , All Over Again... Now thats Funny

Its happening again.

 

Don't laugh folks, but the Aussies and Kiwis are ready to be friends with the IG .

 

It's the same old scenario playing out again.

 

Almost like there is a Contingency Document in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or some other variation) in Australia and New Zealand on how to deal with one of the most predictable events in the South Pacific :

 

A Coup in Fiji once every 5 years. Like clock work .

 

The document sets out the steps to be followed when a coup tales place:

 

  1. Condemn
  2. Call for Democracy
  3. Impose Smart Bans ( Not Full bans, these would damage trade and profts for Aussie and Kiwi businesses)
  4. Wait for 6 months
  5. Lets Talk aye Boys
  6. Send Foreign Ministers to Fiji
  7. Its Looking Better……..Almost Back to Normal……..
  8. Set sa ra ga……. Until the next time…………..hehehehehehe

The news that Winston Peters, the NZ Foreign Minister and Stephen Smith , the Oz Foreign Minister are both due in Fiji this week, should come as no surprise. Both countries have invited Fiji to appoint Ambassadors to their countries in a significant move to repair relations to the pre-coup levels.

 

It's a well worn path.

 

Its time to patch up and move on, in diplomatic parlance. You see, Aust and NZ both have a lot to lose if Fiji is kept in the wilderness. Both countries need cheap labour, both skilled and unskilled, and Fiji has been providing this resource for decades.

 

So Winston and Stephen will make all the familiar noises…….Elections, Democracy, Accountability, Transparency, Independent Judiciary and then get down to the real business why they are here.
 

We need each other guys. C'mon, get it together. Theres no I in Team remember.

 

Lets Do It. Lets Go.

 

In the words of some not so famous, Its De ja Vu all over again.!! Now that's funny. Hahahahahaha

 

And as Sitiveni and Winistoni depart our shores, Siti says to Winistoni, Hey W, see you same place, in 5 years aye!!!

 

Hahahahahaha, says Winistoni. You bet.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

VANUA CROSS awarded to Eroni Sauvakacolo by LF High Command


LF wishes to propose a toast to Retired magistrate Eroni Sauvakacolo for the amazing success he and his people have achieved in the tikina of Lutu in Naitasiri.

LF hails your vision and slautes you.

Your story needs to be told far and wide and in recognition of your efforts is reproduced here for our wide readership.

We need more Eroni Sauvakacolo's to stand up and walk with their people to bigger and better things. Use our resources to educate our children and achieve propserity.

The High Command of Loyal Fijian has decided to bestow upon Eroni Sauvakacolo the Vanua Cross for his Exemplary Effort in Seeking Progress for his People. The Vanua Cross can only be bestowed on the most deserving like the Victoria Cross after which it is named. God Bless Eroni Sauvakacolo .


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

THREE villages in Naitasiri have sacrificed family functions in the weekdays to avoid drinking yaqona so parents can have time to supervise their children's studies.

Retired magistrate Eroni Sauvakacolo said villagers of Lutu, Navuniyaro and Nanukuloa have abstained from hosting any church, vanua or government functions from Mondays to Fridays since 1993 to develop their people.

He said that was why the village was able to produce many graduates from institutions as parents made time to supervise their children.

Mr Sauvakacolo said the village men followed a weekly program that started with a prayer meeting at 5.30am.

"In a day from 6am to 10am the men plant, 10am to 2pm rest and lunch, 2pm to 5pm is planting, 5pm to 6pm is prayer meeting and 7pm is for the families to meet and have dinner. Parents never miss dinner with their children because that is where they thrash out family issues and supervise their children's studies."

Mr Sauvakacolo said villagers had seen how the program helped their children progress academically and their families cope with the increasing cost of living.

The result of farming daily has seen the families export 12 tonnes of dalo a year.

They earn $12,000 a month.

"If the dalo quota increases, the villagers share $24,000 a month so because they are reaping the benefits they value the program," Mr Sauvakacolo said.

He said the village had a compulsory savings scheme and when dalo was exported the bank came to their door step.

"We have a compulsory savings scheme, scholarship funds for tertiary and secondary students, Colonial Life insurance policy for $200,000, housing for newly married couples and village development projects."

Mr Sauvakacolo said their aim was to improve the quality of life for the 1500 members of the tikina of Lutu at individual household and community level.

The village's next five-year plan is to expand their exports to cassava, fruits and vegetables and go into logging and eco-tourism projects.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Bottled Water or Depleted Resource?

Over the last week, the Minister for Finance (and many-many-other things) announced that the duty on export of Fijis spring water was to be increased to $0.20 per litre.Artesian water or spring water as it is commonly known is a natural resource that these operators are exploiting to make extraordinary profits.
 
Ten bottlers of Fiji-manufactured artesian water responded by ceasing production. Lets take a closer look at who these 10 bottlers are:
 
Warwick Pleass of Pleass Beverage in Walu Bay, Suva
David Roth of Fiji Water
Anup Patel of Flour Mills of Fiji's VTY
Steve Johnson of Mr Pure
Jai Dayal of Island Chill
Mohammed Altaf of Aqua Pacific
Mohammed Nafiz of Diamond Aqua
Sam Ahmed of Fresh Spring Limited
Jilyin Wong of Tapoos Beverage
Ritesh Naidu of Mineral Waters of Fiji.
 
The usual suspects crop up, dont they? Flour Mills of Fiji, the Punja family and the Tappoo family. There must be an easy dollar in the offering, honestly.
 
Where are these operators getting their water from? Thats 10 operators who are drawing artesian water from natural springs in various locations around Fiji.
 
Now, if you consider that on average one operator would need to draw at least 5000 litres to stay competitive, thats 50, 000 litres at a bare minimum that is being drawn in a single day. Geez. What are the people whose land is being exploited for this getting out of it?
 
Aaaahhhh, thats where that old card that has been thrown in the face of the Fijians for decades comes in. How dare you question our motives? Dont you know we EMPLOY 5 people from neighbouring villages!!!
 
And how much do you pay them ,Oh Kind Sir? Thats none of your business. They have a job, dont they?
 
And what if they get injured or fall sick, Oh Kind Sir? Do they have insurance, do they get sick leave, are their working conditions cosistent with Occupation Health regulations?
 
Ummmm, Ummmm. well they have a Job, dont they!
 
Yeah right. We've heard that all before.
 
Fiji is prone to droughts, as a Class 5 student will tell you, if you suck water out of the ground the water table recedes over time. It is not immediately apparent but its effects will be felt in years to come especially during periods of drought, which Fiji is particularly prone to.
 
Whenever there is an easy saqamoli to be made, the people come flooding in. Thats whats happening here. 10 operators have sprung up to export water sourced from our springs to overseas destinations. Thats an important fact, it is not for local consumption, it is for the overseas people.
 
Another important fact is that the process of bottling water is 99% automated. The people who are employed by these people are essentially being bought off to allow these profiteers to get access to the mataqali land to draw the water.
 
Another fact that emerges from the list. 
 
Not one indigenous Fijian on that list. Thats not taking the race line here folks, thats just stating a fact. Why cant the indigenous people exploit the resource they own for their own good?
 
The contributors to Loyal Fijian are not fans of the IG. But all LF operatives are LOYAL to Fiji, LOVE her people and will PROTECT our resources.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Fiji Muslims in Pakistan Madrassas

The news will come as a shock to many, if not all of us.
 
Pakistans "Madrassas" or fundamentalist Islamic seminaries are home to Fiji Muslims.
 
The Madrassas of Pakistan are notorious for breeding the Taliban and Al Qaeda terrorists  who beheaded Daniel Pearl and were involved in the September 11 attacks on United States.
 
What would any Fiji national have to gain from attending a Madrassa in Pakistan?
 
These places dont offer education in the fields of mathematics, literature , geography and science.
 
No, Definitely not.
 
For the mullahs of Pakistans Islamic Madrassas, mathematics is "haraam". Girls are inferior and dont deserve an education and must never leave their home without a male bodyguard. For crying out loud, these people are trying to spread their message around the world that the testimony of 4 women is equal to 1 man, and a man can have 4 wives! These people want to re-create society the way it was in the 15th Century when Mohammed was alive in the deserts of Arabia and taking 9 yr old girls as his wife.
 
They have nothing to offer but hatred and detestment of Jews. They burn the bible is these Madrassas as a way of priving their loyalty to the cause.
 
They brainwash kids to become suicide bombers in these same Madrassas.
 
What on earth are Fiji Muslims doing in these mad houses?
 
All day they rock back and forth memorising the Koran, thats right, memorise it by heart otherwise they are punished.
 
In these same Madrassas you have the future Taliban and Al Qaeda recruits who have the hatred of US and Christians and these Fiji Muslims are sitting side by side with these Islamic throat slitters.
 
Who sent them there?  Who paid for it? Who else has been there before?
 
This is a very serious situation that we may have people who have trained in traditional Al Qaeda breeding grounds in our midst.
 
The fact that these Fiji Muslims are being deported is clear indication that the authorities in Pakistan were forced to act under pressure from Western Governments who have through bitter experience learnt what these Islamic fundamentalists are up to.
 
p.s The Poet will be back soon he/she tells us/me.The reaction to the Poem published last week was unprecedented. Loyal Fijian will try and respond to your emails as soon as we can.

Friday, June 20, 2008

My brothers friend has done a coup

My brothers friend has done a coup

He has said there is a job for you

 

He is looking for people to serve in the new IG

Oh my God, Oh my God, I cant believe he will pick me

 

Oh Lisa Oh Lisa, Don't you worry

You too will be in the money

 

I will create a new organisation

It will be no work and so much fun

 

This new organisation I create from scratch

I will call it FICAC

 

Oh Lisa Oh Lisa, don't you despair, don't you drop your lovely chin

For you I will create a brand new job

You will be the new Manager Admin.

 

So he thinks he can do what he wants because of his kin

Before long we will have his skin

 

His thinks his daddy is invincible

He doesn't know how much he is in trouble.

 

Oh Lisa Oh Lisa, Together we shall be the "A" team

Please Please Don't leave me for him !!!

 

Monday, June 16, 2008

Hypocrites.........

Australian High Commissioner James Batley said that the Australian Government and in all probability their close allies the Kiwis will not be relaxing the so-called smart" sanctions imposed on people associated with Fiji's interim regime in the wake of the 2006 coup.

This comes after the Australian Navy recruited 8 Fijian navy personnel .
 
The sheer hypocricy is not lost on anyone.
 
Australian and NZ are not alone in this however.
 
The British Army has also said that it will continue to recuit Fijians as the armed forces in Briain are stretched so thin, there are literally thousands of posiitons that cannot be filled.
 
So where it suits them, its OK. There are no such "smart" sanctions.
 
Anotehr shocking piece of hypocrisy is in the proposed guest worker program.
 
The vast majority of people who will gain from this are unemployed or low skilled people. How will denying these people the opportunity to better their lives and do something for their families be described as a "smart" sanctions.

Bit on the other hand, they continue to welcome with open arms the qualified and skilled people who make up for the lanbor shortage in skille dprofessions in their country. Hypocrisy indeed.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Fiji Loses Out on Guest Worker Program

Well placed sources have revealed that the Fiji Government's recent history of hostility towards the Australian and New Zealand Governments has denied the thousands of unemployed Fijians a chance to earn some money to feed their families by participating in a guest workers program for workers from the Pacific in Australia and NZ.

Steps such as deporting the High Commissioner of NZ, deporting the publisher of Fiji Times and more recently the death threats sent to the Australian High Commissioner and the refusal by Fiji authorities to allow Australian investigators from assisting in the investigations. Read more here

More than 38% of Fiji population live below the poverty line and with the economy in dire straits, the prospect of new jobs being created locally is very low. That only leaves Fiji Islanders the choice of seeking employment overseas. Thousands have joined the British Army while others risk their lives in countries like Kuwait and Iraq working as drivers and security guards.

A Guest Worker program has been the No.1 item on the wish list of Pacific Island leaders at the Pacific Forum since the days of Ratu Mara. Leaders of countries like PNG, Solomons, Vanuatu and indeed Fiji have asked our wealthy neighbours to let the unemployed in on temporary work visas. Till now this has been denied.

Now that the Australian Government has decided to introduce a Guest Worker program, Fiji will miss out. What a Shame. A Betrayal of the thousands of unemployed people who are struggling to make ends meet.

Under the plan workers from up to five nations - Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Kiribati and Tuvalu - will be involved.

But Fiji will be "black-listed" from participating in the trial - a move likely to further inflame relations between Canberra and Suva.

Known as Regional Seasonal Employment (RSE), the scheme has been successfully trialled in New Zealand, with Pacific islanders restricted to working in horticulture and viticulture. Read more here

Monday, June 2, 2008

Training for FMF Officer

The story of the former Lt Col who studied in India and titled his thesis on " The Military, the Government and a Multi-Cultural Society: The Threat of a Coup De-Tat : A Critical Analysis" is the stuff of folk lore.

Lieutenant-Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga, who is on a study assignment overseas, is attending a course at the Defence Services Staff College in India . His first task should be to read the thesis which is maintained in the Vamilki College library along with all the thesis prepared by visiting students.

One wonders what topic Lt. Col Tikoitoga will be choosing for his mandatory thesis.

The Defence Service Staff College (DSSC) is one of the oldest military institutions in India. It was set up in India in the year 1905 as the Army Staff College at Deolali (near Bombay). The DSSC is located at Wellington (yes, the British name still persists), in the Nilgiris (literally meaning Blue Mountains), in the trijunction of three Southern states - Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Viewed from the plains, the Nilgiris appear enveloped in a blue haze, and hence its name.

Every student officer carries out research on a given topic relating to military subjects, international relations or important socio-political aspects of national significance. A research paper on the assigned subject is submitted by every officer on the course.

It is customary for foreign student officers of the Staff Course to give a presentation on their respective countries. It normally takes the form of script reading supported by a film, video clips, transparencies and so on. During the presentation, they normally cover the history, culture, political set up, economy, higher defence organisation, broad structure of the armed forces etc. The presentation is for one hour duration.

A delegation from the DSSC was recently in Fiji as part of their Foward Area Tour to understand the challenges and opportunities that exist in the Pacific Rim. India , fast an emerging superpower is now training its sights further afield as it builds up a blue water navy and looks to project its power and counter China's growing influence.

Best of luck to Lt. Col Tikoitoga. Now that Australia had stopped sending invitations to attend the Duntroon Military Colege in Canberra, and the invitations to Sandhurts are far and few in between, the much looked foward to training opportinities and the recipeints have become a significant "talking point" in the Delainabua.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Chaudhry Jr attacks FICAC

For once I agree with Mr Chaudhry. No, Not the Big faller, Chaudhry Jr in this case.

Rajendra Chaudhry says the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is "incompetent".

While it may have taken Junior 2 more years than the rest of Fiji to relaise this, at least finally he has. So we will give him some credit. Yes, Jr it is incompetent as Loyal Fijian has highlighted in numerous posts throughout FICAC'S existence.

Which other organisation will get someone like Nasir Ali to run around posing for photographs for newspapers in the name of fighting corruption? For heavens sake, ask any Police Office in Fiji, Nasir Ali is one of the most corrupt people going around.

So yes, Junior, for once we agree.

Chaudhry Jr said  the commission should have been named the "Fiji Incompetent Commission Against Corruption".

Easy now Jr. Lets not get carried away in anger. After all, your daddy does have a lot to do with this bad boy. Look at all the people who who are employed by FICAC.

It is joke among public servants that FICAC agents are falling over each other to secure the "training mission" to Malaysia. That's all they care about. "Malaysia here I come " should be the official FICAC logo.

Mr Chaudhry's outburst follows his recent acquittal by the court over a charge of obstructing a FICAC officer.

Somebody failed to read the final act of the script aye or is there someone on FICAC who doesn't exactly work to daddy's instructions?

Mr Chaudhry said FICAC has incompetent staff who were overpaid.

Ohhhhh, now now Junior. Calm down. Take a cold shower. When FICAC agents go around abusing innocent people in their offices , that's all right aye. But when Jr takes a ride to the station, that's because FICAC agents are overpaid and incompetent. Of course , they are overpaid and incompetent.

They are rejects from the organisations that they ave come from. Failures who wouldn't get a job investigating the disappearance of bubu's sulu from the clothes line, let alone corruption in the system.

"They are going on a witch-hunt. They don't have a clue as to what they are doing. It is a joke," he said.

It is no secret that Jr is beginning to worry a little about the "end-game". Who gets what?  Who gets to play that age-less , ever relevant figure in all the great epcis through out history, the FALL-GUY!

So Jr blames Aiyaz Kahiyum aye!!!! Well, well, well.

How the machine works.

Is it because Aiyaz Kahiyum is close to Shamima Ali who is close  Shaista Shameem who is close to Imrana Jalal who is close to the boys in uniform. And have some boys had enough of the empire building of the Chaudhrys.

Just a thought. 

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Who is Behind the Threats?

2 death threats later, it seems Canberra is starting to play hard ball with the Fijain Adminsitration.

The Australians have said that  Fiji was not doing enough to protect Australians and suggesting that Australian diplomats will pack up and leave.
 
This brought a rebuke form the Foreign Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau who said there was no justification behind such a reaction.

One of the bones of contention is the refusal by Fiji authorities to allow Australian Police to investigate the death threats against the High Commissioner. Fiji police say they are investigating and have all the necessary resources to get to the bottom of the matter.

Mr Nailatikau said also said Fiji's military had nothing to do with the threats and raised the possibility that someone trying to discredit the military was behind the threats.
 
The call by the Foreign Minister, Mr Stephen Smith for Australians wishing to leave to do so, only increased the pressure on the Fijian administration such an exodus by Australians will have a major psychological blow on the Fijian people.
 
The move will mean that applications for visas etc will be significantly delayed and will cause sever disruption to the hundreds of Fijians who travel to Aust every year.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Kinivuwai and the "Mysterious" Letter

A rather peculair scene unfolded at Nadi International Airport last week.
 
Our sources tell us that SDL boss Peceli Kinivuwai arrived wearing dark sunglasses and proceeded to the Air Pacific check in desk.
 
He presented his ticket and passport for a travel to Sydney.
 
Mr Kinivuwai was asked to step aside from the line once he was recognised by security personnell as there were certain inquiries that had to be made .
 
Loyal Fijian is told that a serach of Mr Kinivuwai's person revealed he was carrying a substantial sum of money and official communication from the SDL addressed to the firm of Crobsy Textor, the PR firm engaged by Qarase under recommendation and funding from the Australian Liberal Party.
 
While the contents of the letters he was carrying remains a closely guarded secret, it is learnt that Mr Kinivuwai was seeking funding from a major logging company based in Queensland.
 
It is also learnt from reliable sources that Kinivuwai;s trip was not endorsed by the SDL hierachy and his calls for assistance created much frustration . He seemed to have been acting on his own. The fall out has left many in the SDL feeling disillusioned about his tendency to act on his own.
 
This sent alarm bells ringing.
 
Mr Kinivuwai was stopped from boarding the flight.
 

Monday, April 14, 2008

Ballu and the DVD

Things are hotting up again, isnt it?
 
Theres been a bit of a lull after the anti-climax in the MPC and the $1.45m saga.
 
Then somebody decides to pop into the office of the Fiji Times and leave behind a DVD with a Post It note saying " Circulate Widely".
 
Hmmmmm...........
 
Now why would anyone do that, I ask you?
 
Well, it seems that the Assassination case against Ballu seems to have run into some "legal complications". For once, Ballu hired an expensive lawyer who actually knows what hes doing, and the local boys assisting him aren't that bad either and quite connected too.
 
As anyone in Fiji knows, the Fiji courts work on a "who-you know-basis". Just ask Magistrate Mukhtar Shah and his girlfriend the prosecutor, now a Magistrate.. The lawyer who "knows" the judge always gets the decision in their favor.
 
So, to Plan B went the boys in uniform.
 
It so happened that Ballu Boy had been careless in not protecting the contents of his hard drive.
 
And he gifted the boys in uniform a majore coup......oops.....must say that word!
 

Friday, April 4, 2008

Campaign Against Serevi Gains Pace

That there is a concerted campaign against Waisele Serevi, the greatest Sevens player to have ever played the game is obvious to everyone.
 
The news that has been leaked to the news media that Serevi was involved in the misappropriation of money and it was resolved by the FRU board that Serevi would not be involved with the FRU into the future.
 
The amounts being written about in the media are contradictory, from US$1000 to $30,000.
 
Serevi himself has come out and said that he was handed a "red envelope" with US$1,000 last year in Hong Kong by an unknown supporter and it was meant for him. He also said that the returned the money to FRU CEO after repeated queries from HQ.
 
We all know that Servei is a god fearing man and we have no reason to doubt him.
 
The campaign against Serevi isnt new. Who can forget the shock when Tomasi Cama as coach dropped the greatest Sevens player from the team for HK.
 
Was it personal enmity or something else?
 
There is a clique within FRU that has the dagger out for Serevi. And to get the answers one needs to go back to the General Elections of 2001.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Bring Back SERVEI

What a drubbing.
 
The Kiwis really demolished our boys at So Kon Po over the weekend. And the scoreline really rubbed salt into the wounds.
 
The Fiji team lacked direction and as anyone watching would tell you missed the playmaking skills of the Master.
 
Since Serevi was dropped, Fiji Sevens has gone backwards and the Kiwis have marched on. This year will make it their 8th victory on the World Sevens circuit.
 
And the worst part is that the man who can change things around is being shunned by the FRU.
 
It is time for Savou to swallow his pride and do what everyone, including the Gordon Teitjens is thinking.
 
Bring back Waisale Servei.
 
Yes, he is getting on in age but his knowledge of the game will be invaluable for the young boys.
 
Serevi will bring back some pride and most importantly, restore the confidence of the Fijians in the team.
 
Go Fiji.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

FIJI Falls Behind

Imagine this.
 
Solomon Islands which has been through years of civil war and it took the Australians under RAMSI to bring peace to the Island is ahead of Fiji in economic growth.
 
Don't believe it.
 
You better.
 
According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in its annual publication, Fiji's economic growth was the lowest of all Pacific island countries in 2007.

Fiji's 2007 growth statistics were measured at minus 3.9 per cent.
 
Minus 3.9 %. That's right. So what does that mean?
 
Well. Fiji's economy shrank by 3.9% in 2007.
 
Even Papua New Guinea which has a hard time paying its civil servants managed a higher growth than our beloved Fiji.
 
So much for the Wizadry of the Finance Minister.
 
Wasnt MPC appointed Finance Minister because he "understood Fiji's problems better then anyone and would be the best man to find solutions"?
 
What happened?
 
Add to that the fact that the latest inflation figures stood at 7.3%. Thats right. Even this figure is grossly understated. Fijis inflation is certainly in the double figures.
 
Isa!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Who is Lying? QARASE or HOWARD?

Howard refuses Fijian request for military intervention

Mr Howard has condemned the action as a tragic setback for democracy in Fiji.

ABC Online/ Pacnews
Tue, 5 Dec 2006

Prime Minister John Howard says he has turned down a request for military intervention from Fiji's Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.

Mr Howard has confirmed a coup is under way in the Pacific nation, with the President joining
military leader Frank Bainimarama in a move against the Government.

Mr Howard has condemned the action as a tragic setback for democracy in Fiji.

Australia will cut defence ties with Fiji if the Government is removed from power, but Mr
Howard says that will not mean sending troops.

"We discussed this at some length at the national security committee of Cabinet a short while
ago," he said.

"We took the view then and have remained steadfast in the view that it is not
appropriate for military intervention.

"In reality, if military action were taken now we'd be, in effect, invading the country and we
have absolutely no intention of doing that."

BRAVO BUADROMO

Virisila Buadromo was awarded the the United States Government's most prestigious awards for courage the Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award for 2008.

ACTIVIST Virisila Buadromo was the only recipient of the award from the East Asia and Pacific region.

Virisila received the award at a lavish ceremony at the State Department in Washington, DC yesterday from no other than US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in a special ceremony .

Later in the day, Ms Buadromo was saluted in a White House ceremony, hosted by President George Bush, in honour of International Women's Day.

The award notes that Ms Buadromo had continued to advocate for gender equality, legal and political reform, and democracy despite the challenges and threats resulting from Fiji's 2006 military coup.

The Unites States uses awards such as these to demonstrate its foreign policy position on troubled spots across the globe. This comes on the heels of the public statements by US Embassy personnel condemning the deportation of Russel Hunter.

Bravo Virisila Buadromo.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Calls for Accountability Grows Louder

The chorus around the nation only gets louder.
 
The controvesy over the millions lying in overseas accounts in the name of MPC has only grown over the last week.
 
MPC is now saying he will sue the Fiji Time for a BILLION dollars. Yeah right.
 
The CLEAN UP campaign must now demonstrate to the people fo Fiji that it is true to its original intention.
 
Corruption must be eliminated.
 
And the place to start is with MPC.
 
Time for MPC  to step aside while an independent investigation is undertaken into the affairs of MPC. There are well qualified and experienced people who can do the job better than him. Filipe Bole has served the nation all his life. Sitiveni Rabuka's experience is invaluable. Poseci Bune is a true son of the soil who will never betray his mother land.
 
Where did the money come from?
 
What was it for?
 
How much more is there in other countries?
 
How much was given as cash ?
 
How much did Rajend Chaudhry get out when he came back ?
 
MPC must answer these questions. The people demand answers.
 
And the harrasment fo those who seek justice and truth must stop. The Fiji Concerned Young Peoples Network are only asking the questions that all Fijians want answers for. The harrasment of its leaders like Peter Waqavonovono and Imraaz Iqbal must stop. They have not broken any laws.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

USP Vice Chancellor Gets off "Tax-Free"

Tax evasion is all the rage at the moment.
 
While Mahendra Chaudhry has done very well by accumulating $1.6 m in 3 overseas bank accounts, there are others who seem to have been getting by quite comfortably too.
 
But a first a look at Chaudhrygate scandal. With everyone clamouring over unpaid taxes and FIRCA files, a number of even more important aspects seem to have been overlooked.
 
Where did the money come from?
 
Where did the interest accumulated go?
 
Was a foreign Govt interfering in Fijis internal politics?
 
These are questions that need to be answered.
 
But more on that later.
 
It now appears that the current USP VC gets his salary tax free. Apparently this hasnt gone down well with some folk at FIRCA.
 
Well, lets not begrudge the man, he is doing a good job. But the same cant be said for some of his staff who are spending more time using USP computers to post blogs than doing what they are paid to do.
 
Yup, there are a "some" USP staff very heavily involved in the blogging that got people like Filipe Niagara sacked from his job at PSC.
 
And these USP staff through the Wansolwara "links" are closely linked with certain journalists and "activists" in making a lot of noise. Not that there is anything wrong with it.
 
It must be hard blogging about Fiji from their overseas locations!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

If Only Jim Ah Koys Heart Had Held Up

An old wily fox's name has cropped up again around the tanoa the other night.

No, not Berenado Vunibobo, the silver fox as he liked to be called.

JIM AH KOY. Thats who!

The last we heard of Jim, he was supposed to take up a cushy little job as Ambassador in China. Jim is half Chinese and the thinking in Ro Lady Mara House was that might curry some favor from the Chinese.

A $80 m loan to finish the Road Upgrade Project on the Kings Road maybe, or some moolah tp meet the pay increase on the cards for public servants.

This was more , how should we put it, Interesting.

You see, there has been so much talk about the Man Behind the Mask and his "dealings" with FIRCA, that certain members of the Military Council were beginning to get a bit jittery.

Here they were trying to fight corruption, it was a Clean Up Campaign after all, not a coup, and the Man Behind the Mask was the one being accused of mega-corruption.

Add to that a certain ex-Minister who has now devoted his energy to exposing his nemesis. He has some scores to settle thats for sure. And it helps that he has access to the big boys on the Military Council.

And so a plan was hatched.

Replace the Man Behind the Mask with the Wily old Fox. Not the Berenado type, but the Jim Ah Koy type.

According to very well placed sources, Jim was In. A sure shot, a certainity.

Unfortunately, Mr Ah Koy recently suffered a heart attack . Our thoughts and well wishes are with him.

As for the Man Behind the Mask , he survives again!

(To our special contributors for this piece, please continue to email your "thoughts" to loyal.fijian2@gmail.com or to assigned intermediaries.)