Now That I Know Where The Garden Path Is Leading To…..

In case you were wondering where we are heading, this week has seen some interesting revelations and developments on the legal front. From Dr Sahu Kahn’s paper presented to the Fiji Law Society as reported on Hyde N Ceek, to Graham Everett Leung’s argument that FICAC’s New Zealand lawyer Grant Tyrell is not permitted to practice law in Fiji . This is due to the fact that he has not passed the Fiji bar exam or been issued with a temporary Practicing Certificate by the Fiji Law Society. In representing his client Abbas Ali on charges of corruption by FICAC, Leung dropped an even bigger bombshell by questioning the legality of the President’s promulgation of the formation of FICAC in the absence of Parliament and the Senate.

Interesting times indeed… allow me to muse on the possible connection between Chaudhry’s ulterior motives to delay elections and the report by Dr Sahu Kahn as the first step in a blueprint to disenfranchise Fijians of their land. In a comment to an earlier post Relax and Put Your Feet Up I wondered what was Chaudhry’s designated endgame?

It is naive to imagine that Indigenous Fijians are ignorant of the necessity for bodies such as the NLTB, GCC and our traditional way of life to adapt to a constantly evolving modern society. No one is more aware of this fact than we the Fijians ourselves. As the younger generation’s horizons are increasingly expanded through the benefits of modern education we sense the ever present tug of our culture and tradition, at times pulling in the opposite direction. 

A testimony to this is enacted in the many animated, and often humorous, conversations that take place around the tanoa or a few stubbies. One point of view laments the rude display of the loss of traditional values such as respect and traditional kinship, as demonstrated by the Interim Regime’s recent actions towards the GCC and its human rights abuses. Yet on the opposing side is the irrelevance and corruption of many of these Fijian bodies and customs.

Christian Apologist Ravi Zacharias had this to say about the the desire to free oneself from the shackles of history, tradition and culture while embracing modernity and all of its perceived benefits:

“The only thing worse than nostalgia is amnesia…..” Ravi Zacharias

If we are too willing to regard our culture and heritage with disdain then we run the real risk of becoming a faceless people, as Fijians all know our cultural identity is intrinsically linked to the land.

‘Noqu Kalou, Noqu Vanua’ translated as ‘My God, My Land’ is an apt summary of how many Fijians perceive their identity. The Fijians see themselves and the land as one entity, and while all of this land is a gift from God, Fijians have been entrusted by God to serve as the custodians for the sake of future generations. When I speak of future generations I am not speaking solely of Fijians but of all races. The manner in which this trust has been abused on the part of the custodians, government and tenants could fill volumes but the point here is you cannot separate a Fijian’s identity from the land.

The Fijian psyche is akin to a Sleeping Giant, there aren’t many things that awaken it from its slumber but when it detects the possibility of any land issue being solved  through legislation, whether enacted legally or through subterfuge, the response can be volatile and unpredictable. This is by no means an apology for this type of behaviour but you would hope by now that Mandrake and his court would have learnt to heed their own past experiences when it comes to dealing with the Vanua.

Another point which must be stressed is that any proposed legislative changes without the input of the Fijians is bound to fail. If there are to be any amendments to the current laws pertaining to land then they must have the endorsement of the provincial councils and the GCC. With the GCC currently under suspension by the Interim Regime, the visible presence of the Fijian population’s voice is absent.

The appropriate venue for Dr Sahu Kahn to be peddling his wares is to the Bose Ni Vanua and the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, it doesn’t take too much imagination to predict what the reception would be. “Aareeh Maro Uske!!!”

Mandrake take note of what Ravi is saying above, or are you so arrogant that it does not matter whether your current course of action has the potential for a confrontation? Believe me most of us want the country’s current leaders to have a breather, take a step back and really take a closer look at where we are heading….

To the Government, to people of all races, to all of the men and women serving in the armed forces, ask yourself, do you want Mandrake to lead you down the path to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant? 

There is still time to turn back…. tread carefully though because once it has awakened we have seen its response in the past and none of us want to revisit those days.

With Friends Like These….Who needs EU!!

  

A Specimen of a 1000 Rupees Note.

Last Thursday’s Fiji Times reported on the Indian Government’s renewed pledge of assistance to Fiji. While the adage that ‘beggars can’t be choosers’ rings true for Fiji’s current economic situation it smacks of bad faith to neglect our traditional aid donors the EU. Especially in the midst of negotiations for financing our ailing sugar industry.

Well I wouldn’t put anything past Fiji’s own Mandrake Chaudhry to shuttle from one international capital to the next conjuring up all manner of sob stories from his Eveready bag full of tricks. “Aareh Tamana, I ask you for money with this hand, you won’t be able to guess what’s in the other hand behind my back….let alone the aces up my sleeves and all the other hidden trump cards I’ve stowed away…”

You have to question whether he really has Fiji’s interest at heart or he is just using this current Interim Regime as a stepping stone to the next election. Here we have a tourism industry that if allowed the finance  to breathe properly will kickstart the economy, yet it continues to be suffocated by Chaudhry’s misguided policies. The Fiji Visitors Bureau cannot compete with overseas destinations whose marketing budgets exceed Fiji’s by five to one, ten to one in some cases, unless they match rival destinations dollar for dollar.

Coupled with the likely renewal of the ‘Public Emergency Regulation’ you can guarantee that overseas insurance companies will not be willing to insure holiday makers who wish to visit a country with a negative travel advisory. If you were wondering about how much money could be generated from tourism when the economy is healthy consider the following example below and do the maths.

In an average year 500,000 tourists visit Fiji. They stay for an average 4 to 5 days. They spend an average of $150.00 dollars a day….. Now bring on the calculator and add on an extra 12.5 percent to take into account the taxes that the poor dears have to fork out….
AAreehh Wa (No not Wah Sing)!! Big Paisa Yaar!!! Yeah that’s right $375,000,000.00 with about $46,875,000.00 in taxes.

And yet Mandrake continues to focus Fiji’s attention elsewhere. Granted the sugar industry should not be left to just die a slow death contrary to what ’Dreadlock Holiday’ Ganilau might think, but for the ‘Interim’ let us try and capitalise on industries that are not affected directly by the EU’s aid money. 

Imagine for a moment the flow on effect that kind of cash would have on our economy? Don’t imagine too much people remember what Brother Timothy said about money, “For the love of  money is the root of all sorts of evil….” Word to the wise for those bankrupt people in the Interim Regime pay your bills with honest money!! 

As for me I will stick to the pledge I made earlier to pray for all of us who are suffering because of the coup and it’s perpetrators….and as hard as it is I’ll pray that Chaudhry doesn’t get hit by a bus or some other unforeseen tragedy. I’ll also pray for Frank to open his eyes and see the garden path that he’s clearly being led down by Mandrake, blisfully unaware singing:

‘Ring Around the Rosie everything’s just fine and dandy, lovely jubbly, …eh tamana why those hotel workers give bad looks to me ……aaareeeh Hungry Yaar!!!!!!’.

Meda masulaka tiko….

 Check out http://explorefaith.org/prayer/list/index.htm 

Following on from the proposal put forth in Hyde N Ceek, and taken onboard by WFC and other bloggers, beginning today at 10am will be dedicated as a moment of prayer for all people to join in and pray daily for a peaceful and speedy resolution of the Fiji Crisis.

If we can pray in particular for those who are suffering because of the crisis as well as those who have directly contributed to the crisis. Remember you can pray for those in power to have a change of heart and see the error of their ways but make sure that your prayer is earnest and more importantly ask for God to work on us in our attitudes towards the Interim Regime. Also don’t be afraid to voice your frustration, anger and sadness over how you or others have been affected by the coup, the God we serve is able to take all of these things into an eternal perspective of which we human beings barely catch a glimpse.

As a firm believer in the power of prayer it has proven to be therapeutic because you release the burdens you carry on your shoulders, which I don’t believe all of us are able to cope with fully anyways, and they focus your attention on the needs of others rather than being self centred. It also points to the fact that no matter how much we try to act as the makers of our own destiny there is a Higher Power who has granted us the gift of freewill to choose whether we do right or wrong.

My favourite Psalm of all time is the well worn and well known Psalm of David. Just when I get carried away with my own life and the pressures of this world it sums up everything I know about this walk of faith. At the end of the day we are all broken vessels in His image, yet He graciously offers to mend us if we take Him at His word. Regardless of how uncertain and dangerous some of life’s situations can be He promises to never forsake us.

It is also a gentle reminder that while we are all not immune to suffering in this life there is an eternal hope that good times are around the corner. As He prepares a table for us in the midst of our enemies, it brings to attention that our everyday provisions are not earned by our sweat and toil.  Yet He always springs for the bill whether we acknowledge His generosity or not. And to top it all off I am reminded that if I am to experience the fullness of this life I must live it for His sake and not my relationshionships with spouse and loved ones, friends, status, possessions, or profession. 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.  

Keep the faith people….

Where Are We Going?

How does a movement start? It begins with the individual and that person’s thoughts, they formulate those ideas into a coherent framework and they share those ideas with other people. Those people who are of the same mind add their contribution to the mix and the framework is revised while maintaining its core principles. But two essential factors that determine the movement’s success are its momentum and the further dissemination of its information.

We have reached a critical juncture in Fiji’s current crisis and whatever your views on politics may be, if we continue to remain silent in the face of the humans right abuses being handed out by the military then we may as well have given them carte blanche to act with impunity.

These days the Interim Regime has attempted to cloak itself in the veneer of the public crusader who will eradicate corruption from Fiji once and for all. But for the Interim Government to be seen as credible they should first ensure that their own conduct is of an impeccable standard. For those of us who may have a difference of opinion, or legal grievance with the Interim Regime our only recourse is the legal system and the ability for our voice to be heard through an independent media.

Recently those two bodies have shown themselves to be tainted by the Military’s influence and the widespread public silence that has accompanied it locally clearly suggests that we are not able to speak freely anymore. This can be seen when people are gathered in a public place such as a restaurant and the conversation takes on  a hushed tone. The safe bet is that they are not sharing the latest intra office affair gossip but are discussing the political crisis and how it is affecting their livelihood. The fact that an innocent conversation over the state of national affairs could see you doing advanced calisthenics courtesy of the men in green shows how far the situation has deteriorated.

But then the question you ask yourself is, “So what? As long as I keep my nose clean and mind my own business everything is going to turn out okay. Besides it’s not like we’re living in a country like Zimbabwe or another one of those troublespots that you see on the news. Anyways give these guys a chance….they have the right intentions maybe they can do a better job than the previous lot……….”

If that is the relativistic viewpoint that you wish to adopt then that is your right, although you might want to keep in mind that people with the best intentions can still end up doing the most dastardly deeds. But in the face of facts as they are realistically unfolding before your eyes ask yourself this:

1. Where is the so called ’smoking gun’ evidence that the Fiji Military Forces used as the pretext for removing the allegedly corrupt SDL Government?
2. Have the Pro Democracy activists who were tortured and abused by the Military on Christmas Day 2006 slipped our minds or have we conveniently forgotten them?
3. Has the Military Regime’s conduct since December the Fifth, 2006 been above reproach and have the people who have been installed in Government, the Private Sector and Statutory Boards since then gained personally from their appointments or were they appointed on merit?
4. Can you justify the deaths of two innocent civilians at the hands of the military and expect a truly independent investigation from the Fiji Police who literally have to ask the Army’s permission to carry out their work?
5. Has the manner in which the Interim Regime conducted itself in the International Arena combined with their handling of the country’s economy improved or decreased your confidence in them to handle the nation’s affairs?
6. If the Military suspects you of conspiring against them through opinion pieces in cyberspace; and it is found to be untrue does that give them the right to question you without legal representation and subsequently employ the use of physical force?
7. Suspend for a moment your dislike for the GCC and ask yourself objectively: In light of the current intimidation tactics that the Military has carried out towards the GCC’s Legal Representatives, and the dubious circumstances in which their overseas counterpart’s husband was assaulted in a home invasion where her laptop was the only item stolen, do you think this constitutes tampering with justice?
8. Just because it is called ’soft torture’ does it make it any less inhumane/painful?

I could go on forever raising more questions, but the fact of the matter is that if the Military truly believes it stands for the high principles it forced upon the nation then their actions to date have only proven otherwise.

And where does that leave us? Do we continue to try and act as if everything is normal? Or do we work under the cover of this vast network at our disposal and continue to highlight injustices and voice our thoughts and share opinions? Make no mistake when the time comes for you to defend your rights you may just find that there is no one there to come to your aid.  I recall a book I read which had a poem, the title of the book escapes me but the poem was pointed out by ‘Jean D’ark’ as being written by Martin Niemoller, a German pastor who had been imprisoned by the Nazis who had this to say in his poem ‘First They Came…’:

“They came first for the communists, I didn’t speak up because I was not a communist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up.”

I don’t know about the rest of you but I am going to do my part and keep the momentum going. I can only hope and pray that should I be faced with a situation where I need help I can call on my fellow countrymen and not have to wait for the Good Samaritan. 

However if you value the same principles and are willing to help whittle away at the foundations of this junta, I’ll gladly accept help from whatever corner of our society or the globe you may come from ……………..and I promise if ever you are in need of help I will never turn my back on you.

God Bless Fiji.

Holy $#@*!! The Rats are Abandoning Ship!!

This just in from a source in the Interim Cabinet.

You may recall the Interim Prime Minister being called as one of the co defendants by Kitione Vuataki in the GCC’s case against Ratu Epeli. Part of the legal process requires the defendant in any case to be personally served with the writ of summons.

For our intrepid Prime Minister that happened in a Cabinet Meeting this week with the person serving the papers being a close relative of his. When the Interim Cabinet realised what papers were being served they all bid a hasty retreat as if the summons had a contagious virus. Their actions could be best summed up as “Eh Tamana……. Moce Jo!!”

Frank was left alone and perplexed as to how this person was able to get through security, his relative only had this hometruth for his Uncle:

“Eh Momo, sa raica. Na ka saraga qo au dou tukuna tiko vei iko. Gauna o na qai sotava kina na leqa o ratou qo na dro taki iko.”  Translated as: “See Uncle, this is what I was warning you about. When trouble starts all these people are going to take off from you.”

Poor Frank was probably thinking he needed a drink to stiffen his nerves, “Bai Karaik au sa via gunu saraga qo…” Or as the late great Steve Irwin would say, “By Crikey, I could murder a beer!”

Relax & Put Your Feet Up

The Interim Prime Minister has demonstrated once again his complete lack of understanding in the workings of International Diplomacy. In response to the Vanuatu Foreign Affairs Minister Sato Kilman’s concern over the increasing number of human rights abuses by the Fiji Military Forces, Bainimarama had this to say in The Fiji Sun on the 24th of May.

“A member of the Pacific Forum Eminent Persons Group should put his feet up and relax as he won’t have to live in Fiji.”

The latest comments only two days after his reaction to Chaudhry’s motherland revelation of the 2010 “elction” date show that he has no intention of following the EU’s roadmap.

“It would be idiotic of the interim government to take the country to elections without achieving what they had aimed to do.”  This was followed by, “We’ll be the laughing stock of the world if we did what we did and just came straight back without making any changes to the structures that we have….” Fiji Times. Wednesday, May 23, 2007….Well Frank when it comes to being the laughing stock of the world you may not be there just yet but you’re getting pretty close, keep up the brilliant impromptu public statements and let Tweedle Dum Aiyaz and Tweedle Dee Leweni speak… she’ll be right.

Fiji’s situation with the International Community is not improved by making the type of statements above. It will only send out the wrong signals to the EU, UN, USA, Commonwealth and other traditional Economic Partners such as Australia, New Zealand. Whether we agree or not with their reactions to Fiji’s current crisis, the fact of the matter is that they are vital to our economic survival.

It will become even more difficult for them to consider Fiji’s case in a more positive light if the Interim Regime continues to be insincere and untruthful in their commitment to returning Fiji to democracy.

Bainimahendra questioned whether the NZ foreign Affairs Minister was egging Mr. Kilman on, as the Vanuatu Minister was in New Zealand at the time.

“Why is he saying this in New Zealand?”

Excuse me Frank but the question you should be asking is:

“Aareh Chaudhry Yaar, why you talk about ‘elctions’ in Mumbai? Relax tamana, no paisa yet from Uropian oonion. Bai Karaik!!!”

Anyways the only person I would suggest putting up their feet up is ‘Bainimahendra’ because each time Frank speaks his feet end up in Chaudhry’s mouth and vice versa.

Have these two individuals jeopardized Fiji’s chances of receiving the much needed EU aid? Fuggedaboutit!!!

Qu’es ce que T’as Dit Madame Rouse?

‘Mais vous êtes fou Voltaire?’

 In today’s Fiji Times Letters to the Editor, Prue Rouse of Vuda Point had the following to say:

Voltaire’s quotes

YES, it is reported that Francois-Marie Arouet (called Voltaire 1694-177 said: “I disapprove of what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

He also said: “On dit que dieu est toujours pour les gros bataillons.”

I use the French quotation because French is a language of the Pacific.

Translated to English, it is: “It is said that God is always on the side of the big battalions.”

Now one must make of this what one chooses.  St Michael the Archangel must have a view.

Prue Rouse
Vuda Point

French may very well be a language of the Pacific (in countries such as New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Tahiti) ,as well as being spoken by many citizens of this country, and if Mrs Rouse’s intention was to share her knowledge of French then “Merci Beaucoup. C’est très gentile.” 

However if the point of the letter is to make up our own mind on “Voltaire’s/Arouet’s” statement then thanks but Voltaire should have paid a bit more attention in Sunday School.

The Bible is replete with examples of God not being impressed by a show of force, or strength in numbers. From Noah, to Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob, to Joseph, to Moses, to Joshua, to Deborah, to Gideon….to Samson…., to Saul, to David……to John the Baptist, to John, to Peter,to Paul, to Thomas…….the list is endless.

The biblical record consistently demonstrates God beginning with one person willing to humbly submit, and graciously allowing that person the privilege in being a willing instrument in fulfilling His mission.

May I suggest to Mrs Prue Rouse rather than taking the word of a dead French Author who was unreservedly anti Chrisitan and racist towards Africans and Jews; take heed of the words of a Jewish Carpenter from an undistinguished backwater town of Israel over two thousand years ago.

“….In fact for this reason I was born, and for this I came into this world, to testify to the truth. Everybody who is on the side of truth listens to me.” John 18:37

He lived an unblemished life and began to fulfill his mission transforming indivduals internally one at a time. Drawing followers by his miraculous deeds, inherent truths, exemplary kindness, and concern for good and bad alike. Although innocent he was executed for who he was rather than for any real crimes against the state. A testimony to his true identity was celebrated in an anniversarial celebration of his resurrection just over a month ago followed by the observation of his ascendancy just last Thursday.

And in the words of one of his greatest antagonists turned ardent follower:

” Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authorities is rebelling against what God has instituted and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong…..” Romans 13: 1 -3

I believe Paul’s words written to the early Roman church directly bear upon the actions of any Military that fosters a blatant disregard for the authority of it’s elected Government and seeks to overthrow it.

As to the truth spoken about by Jesus remember God’s words to the prophet Samuel in choosing Saul’s successor.

“…The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Samuel 16:7

Truth is a valuable commodity that the Interim Government possesses in microscopic quantities and our hapless population is forced to “equitably share the burden and pain.”   Vinaka BainiMahendra you should be giving advice to Tony Robbins on motivational speaking. I don’t seem to recall being in league with the perpetrators of the 2006 coup that I should have to carry the burden with that lot?

I’m sure that if St. Michael spoke he would agree with the popular sentiment that “Voltaire” and the “Interim Government” backed the wrong horse. 

Mais ca c’est mon avis…..La force dans le nombres? Voltaire, Dieu a indiqué que, vous êtes fou!!

Translated as: But that’s my opinion…..Strength in numbers? Voltaire, God said fuggedaboutit u crazy!!

Good on Yer Brij Me Old Son!!

Professor Brij Lal

While I am skeptical of most of the academic apologists for the 2006 coup, one person who has consistently called a spade a spade is Professor Brij Lal. He has neither supported nor condoned any of the previous coups and as a member of the Constitutional Review Commission he probably has a better understanding of the Consitution than some of the other commentators, Steven Ratuva take notes boy.

In relation to my previous posting on Chaudhry’s Financial Mission to India Professor Brij Lal has stated that the Indian Government’s current stance is self serving and may not help it’s reputation in the South Pacific. While most of our traditional trading partners (Australia, NZ, EU) have been quite forthright (along with the UN and Commonwealth) in their views on Fiji’s political crisis, India has adopted a laissez faire approach.

You may recall that early on in Fiji’s political crisis the Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer stated that Australia was willing to provide Fiji with financial assistance for electoral reform, if the Interim Government reverted from its current course of action.

Fiji previously received Australian financial assistance in the 2006 elections and if I recall correctly an Australian observer team was also present for those elections. Remember the one where Chaudhry was robbed of his right to be Prime Minister?Areh, Fuggedaboutit already!

It is no surprise that Chaudhry has gone knocking on India’s door with cap in hand looking for some elction paisa, as the Indian Guvment won’t be too fussed on whether Fiji takes one, or two, or three, or …..seven, or…ten years to hold elctions. Whereas you can guarantee that any assistance from thaa Austraalian Gavament will be laden with prequalifying conditions.

The question is how long are you prepared to wait for elections?

 While yer waiting I’m gonna ask me mate Brij if he wants a coldie…………Brij Me Old Son!!Good As Gold Mate!!Good As Gold!!!!!!!   

THX-The Audience is Listening?

 

Ladies and Gentleman put your hands together for the one, the only, Financial Master of Disaster, Crocodile Tears, Crock Full, inimitable Bollywood performer and Legend in His Own Mind, Mahendra “FuggedaboutitInomorethanyou” Chaudhry…..

This latest report just in from our intrepid reporter Relax Tiko on assignment in India where he is covering Mahendra Chaudhry’s audition for the swashbuckling role of Iveinailavo Myboy in the latest Bollywood produced epic ,“Areh, Hungry Yaar?”

Reliable Bollywood insiders inform that if the Producer has his way Chaudhry is a shoe in for the part, equally impressed is the Fijian Director of “Areh Hungry Yaar?” Franky Bachchanirama. “I caaaaan’d buuuliv it, he bring woter to moi ayes,” when describing his range and ability to switch character at the drop of a hat.

So much so that Franky B doesn’t know when Mahen’s in character or being his usual conniving self. In Franky B’s own words, “You seen Spider Man 3? Warai, warai, warai, WAAaaarrraaaii….Tobey Maguire,  fela nowhere compared to Mahen, fela too can action, io na tagi talega tiko vei koya gonei…..too good man!!”

The jury is still out amongst his local fans on whether he can carry the performance of the heroic financial saviour. Given his dismal performance in an earlier outing, the best forgotten homegrown production “2001 The Year of The Electoral Mouse That Roared”, and the equally abysmal sequel “2006 The Year of The Electoral Rat”; his ever diminishing local fanbase is asking the question if they can even be bothered with “Areh Hungry Yaar?”

To Chaudhry’s defence he replied that the negative reviews he received in “2001″ and “2006″ were due to his performance being sabotaged by the newcomer Lai Qarcia. Although Critics from the EU Times, Forum Sec News, Commonwealth Press, USP Journal and countless others failed to see anything in Lai that supported Chaudhry’s claims.

Following the savaging he received from critics and public alike he took some time off to rethink the direction his career was taking. In the meantime Qarcia graciously offered him a supporting role in his next undertaking, albeit a minor role. This of course is the yet to be concluded political tragedy “Who’s The Boss? Me or You?” currently on hiatus due to Qarcia’s artistic vision being hijacked mid production by the gatecrashing Franky B. Completion of this project is subject to what looks to be a protracted legal slugfest when the dust settles. 

Chaudhry believing the role offered to him was beneath him had a falling out with longtime costars Datt, Bune, Anthony, Bain and Deo Singh when they questioned his ability to carry a lead role. However he trumped them all in perhaps his most illadvised career move to date taking a major part in Franky B’s action thriller “Doctrine of Necessity”. To date the film has hit cost over runs and as with Lai Qarcia’s flick, the successful completion will most probably be determined by a lengthy court battle.

Chaudhry in his preferred role as his own staunchest supporter has said that while history may judge his motives he believes the lead role in “Doctrine of Necessity” will vindicate his previous performances and hopefully arrest the trend of repetitive Disaster films churned out by RFMF Studios once and for all.

Well I guess only time will tell whether all of these movies will ever be released, as for whether Chaudhry should have called it quits when he was ahead rather than embroil himself in these fiascoes?……….Fuggedaboutit.

In the Interim are you the Audience really listening to what is happening around you or have we all voluntarily surrendered our senses and migrated to dystopia?

 

Whodunnit and Whydyadoit?

Maaajaaah Lewenski, Play It Again Maestro!

In marking the seventh anniversary of the May 2000 coup the perennially grog doped Band Master come Spokesman has stumped us again with his latest statement. Following his usual practice of trying to sound more intelligent than he is, he has attempted to deflect attention from an increasingly unsuccessful coup asking the irrelevant question of the real motives of George Speight and his men for the 2000 coup.

“Fiji Military spokesperson Major Neumi Leweni said while it is widely believed that the takeover by George Speight and his men was racially motivated, there is still to be any proof to date.
He also said that people need to wait and see the work of the interim government, after the RFMF was likened to George Speight for overthrowing a democratically elected government.”                             

fijivillage May 19, 2007, 15:19

Well it is pretty much settled that all we can do is wait, as they have the guns and we don’t have a choice let alone the freedom to question the rationale of the Interim Government. From where I am waiting the view of the  Interim Government’s work to date does not look very promising. Our economy is shrinking and if the IG does not secure the desperately needed funds from the EU and other overseas aid donors it is going to be pretty tight for the next ten to twelve months. Rather than postulate on the reasons behind the failed coup of 2000 the IG needs to stop delaying the holding of elections and reassure the public and investors that they are capable of respecting human rights.

I believe that a fellow blogger summarised quite succinctly in the Peoples’ Charter the necessary steps to improve the worsening economic and political situation. But then to be able to do this they would require something that is seriously lacking in the current Interim Government, namely a sense of humility and the ability to discern that the coup was illconceived from the outset. When you choose to follow the wrong course of action in the face of an unvoiced yet tangible public resistance, it is hard not to believe that you are carrying on for the sake of not losing face rather than fulfilling the noble ideal of Cleaning Up Government.

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

A conversation I had about the current situation with a taxi driver ended with this telling comment from him.

“Io, e na qai laurai ga na kena dina.” Roughly translated as “The truth will come out eventually.”

From what I undertsand the deposed SDL government was also attempting to uncover the truth behind the 2000 coup through the controversial RTU bill, with amnesty being offered to those people who revealed their role in the failed putsch. At the time the Army aggressively campaigned against the bill stating that offering amnesty to those involved would only encourage them to commit the crime again in the future. How ironic that the next coup would be committed by the FMF themselves under the guise of the Doctrine of Necessity.

Can Leweni please explain to us why the Military  promulgated the decree on the 18th of January 2007 without hesitation(albeit rubber stamped by “President Bernie“) granting immunity for all military personnel, police officers and prison officers from all ensuing criminal prosecution, civil litigation and military disciplinary proccedings. 

By all appearances the RTU bill amnesty clause and the Immunity Decree gazetted on 18/01/07 are no different at all. The only difference now is that while we all know who dunnit last year , an honest response to the question of why’d ya do it Mate will remain unanswered for some time.

In the Interim Leweni do us a favour and lay off the grog, you might come off aaaah bit aaah more… aaahh what’s the word?….. aaah FUGGEDABOUTIT!!