Free Poets Society : Its Vegas Baby

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

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

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****!

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

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?

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?

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!

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?

  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Long Live Kelly Kwalik

INDEPENDENT,BALANCED,IMPARTIAL.

Julian Moti cleared- Australian Police Paid Complainant/Witnesses

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

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?

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

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!

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!!

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!!

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?

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

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

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)