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Reflections on the 1987 Fiji Coups Sanjay Ramesh
162 Fijian Studies Vol. 5 No. 1 Dialogue: Reflections on the 1987 Coup 163 gence Agency (CIA) was behind the coups. The reasons for what has been termed as the ‘CIA chimera’, are many and varied (see Lal, 1990, and Scobell, Reflections on the 1987 Fiji Coups 1994). Immediately after the coup, the Fiji Military Forces (FMF) embarked on a propaganda campaign, informing the coup sympathisers that the coalition had relations with the former Soviet Union and Libya and as such posed a direct Sanjay Ramesh threat to the western alliance and to Fijian traditions and values. Widespread rumours of the coalition being socialist and left-wing in orientation led some The coups of 1987 have become a bitter memory for the people of Fiji, observers to conclude that the CIA was involved. Other observations, such as but unanswered questions still linger about the whole incident. Did then Colonel US Hercules carriers making brief and suspicious stopovers at the Nadi Interna- Sitiveni Rabuka, who claimed that intervention of the army in Fiji’s political tional Airport; the presence of US Ambassador to UN Vernon Walters in the process was necessary to avert ethnic bloodshed (Rabuka, 2000: 9), act entirely country for talks with the coalition in response to the coalitions non-alignment on an instinct to save the indigenous Fijian race from the Indo-Fijian political policy; the appearance of retired US army officer Larry Mackenna at the US designs, or were there other forces at work? Embassy in full military uniform; and the dubious political activities of the The deposed Prime Minister late Dr. -
Melanesia in Review: Issues and Events, I994
Melanesia in Review: Issues and Events, I994 A review of Solomon Islands was not Tailevu seat to SVT'S candidate, Bau available for this issue. high chief Adi Samanunu Talakuli. Rabuka accused his Fijian detractors FIJI of disloyalty and treachery and asked The first significant event of the year his people for a second chance. They came in February when the country responded. The Indo-Fijian side of the went to snap polls following the defeat electorate preferred Jai Ram Reddy's of the budget in November 1993. The moderate, conciliatory stance to budget was defeated by 10 government Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhary's backbenchers who joined 27 Indo more aggressive tone. Fijian opposition members to vote Back in office with a secure man against it. Sitiveni Rabuka's oppo date, Rabuka promised the country a nents had hoped to use the election to "stable, decisive, consistent and coher oust him from office, but they miscal ent" government (PR, 21 Mar 1994). culated. Confounding critics and dissi To that end, he resurrected a previous, dents, Rabuka and his party, the hastily conceived proposal to include Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei the National Federation Party (NFP) in (SVT), returned to power with 32 of the a coalition government. The sugges 37 seats reserved for ethnic Fijians tion came in typical Rabuka fashion, under the 1990 constitution, and without consultation or prior discus formed a coalition government with sion with anyone, including his parlia the General Voters Party. On the.Indo mentary caucus. Neither his own party Fijian side, the National Federation nor the NFP knew precisely what Party increased its parliamentary Rabuka had in mind. -
Elections and Politics in Contemporary Fiji
Chiefs and Indians: Elections and Politics in Contemporary Fiji Brij V. Lal 1he Republic of Fiji went to the polls in May 1992, its first election since the military coups of 1987 and the sixth since 1970, when the islands became independent from Great Britain. For many people in Fiji and out side, the elections were welcome, marking as they did the republic's first tentative steps toward restoring parliamentary democracy and interna tional respectability, and replacing rule by decree with rule by constitu tionallaw. The elections were a significant event. Yet, hope mingles eerily with apprehension; the journey back to genuine representative democracy is fraught with difficulties that everyone acknowledges but few know how to resolve. The elections were held under a constitution rejected by half of the pop ulation and severely criticized by the international community for its racially discriminatory, antidemocratic provisions. Indigenous Fijian po litical solidarity, assiduously promoted since the coups, disintegrated in the face of the election-related tensions within Fijian society. A chief-spon sored political party won 30 of the 37 seats in the 7o-seat House of Repre sentatives, and was able to form a government only in coalition with other parties. Sitiveni Rabuka, the reluctant politician, became prime minister after gaining the support of the Fiji Labour Party, which he had over thrown in 1987, and despite the opposition of his predecessor and para mount chief of Lau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. In a further irony, a consti tutional system designed to entrench the interests of Fijian chiefs placed a commoner at the national helm. -
The Role of Overseas Missions in the Foreign Policy of Fiji
THE ROLE OF OVERSEAS MISSIONS IN THE FOREIGN POLICY OF FIJI: AN ANALYSIS OF THE DIPLOMACY OF A SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATE. By MILIKA WAQAINABETE A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Masters of Arts in Politics and International Affairs. Copyright © 2012 by Milika Waqainabete School of Government, Development and International Affairs, Faculty of Business and Economics University of the South Pacific Dedication I dedicate this thesis to our Lord Jesus Christ whose guidance and wisdom enabled me to persevere, husband Mosese and children Jone, Vika and Alena for their unwavering support and encouragement for its completion. Acknowledgement I wish to acknowledge with sincere gratitude the guidance and direction given to me by my supervisor, Dr Sandra Tarte, the staff of the National Archives and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for their assistance, the I-Taukei Affairs Scholarships Unit for funding this research, as well as the interviewees listed below who gave valuable information for the compilation and completion of this thesis. Mr Solo Mara Mrs Mere Mr Winston Falemaka Thompson Mr Isikeli Mataitoga Mrs Mere Tora Mr Berenado Vunibobo Mr Kaliopate Ms Taufa Vakatale Tavola Mr Filipe Bole Ms Tupou Raturaga Mr Emitai Mr Lote Buinimasi Boladuadua Ms Yolinda Chan Mr Jesoni Mr Robin Yarrow Dr Roman Vitusagavulu Grynberg Mr Sekove Mrs Litia Mawi Naqiolevu Mr Peter Donigi Mr Naipote Mr Amena Yauvoli Mr Jeremaia Katonitabua Waqanisau Mr Jone Mr Anare Jale Draunimasi Mr Akuila Waradi Ms Tupou Vere Mr Jone Mr Ross Ligairi Vukikomoala Mr Isikia Savua Mr Pio Tabaiwalu Mr Jioji Mr Tuiloma Neroni Kotobalavu Slade Mr Filimoni Jitoko 1 Abstract Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in international relations are generally viewed to be weak, vulnerable and marginalised in world affairs. -
WILLIAMS COLLEGE LIBRARIES Your Unpublished Thesis, Submitted
WILLIAMS COLLEGE LIBRARIES Your unpublished thesis, submitted for a degree at Williams College and administered by the Williams College Libraries, will be made available for research use. You may, through this form, provide instructions regarding copyright, access, dissemination and reproduction of your thesis. _ The faculty advisor to the student writing the thesis wishes to claim joint authorship in this work. In each section, please check the ONE statement that reflects your wishes. 1. PUBLICATION AND QUOTATION: LITERARY PROPERTY RIGHTS A student author automatically owns the copyright to his/her work, whether or not a copyright symbol and date are placed on the piece. The duration of U.S. copyright on a manuscript--and Williams theses are considered manuscripts--is the life of the author plus 70 years. _ I/we do not choose to retain literary property rights to the thesis, and I wish to assign them immediately to Williams College. ;,de('tlni~ this wili tn the lln~ III 1,0 '.\.n \tudem lunhor from later pUf!lishirig his/her \vorl-;: the studem would, however. need to contact the Archi ves for a form. 'rhe Archi ves wOllk! be li\~e ill this lU abo grant pel'nll\S!On small sections fruln the thesis. would thcr(~ be Hny iTl.hon for tlk /\rchives to gnm1 pe!.·IHI:SS!O!l to another party IU tlh~ thesis in its if sueh a situation amse. the Archive,; would in touch \\ith the mnhor to let them know that such request had heeu madt\ L~we wish to retain literary property rights to the thesis for a period of three years, at which time the literary property rights shall be assigned to Williams College. -
NOTE the SITUATION in FIJI for EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT INTERNAL USE ONLY Dgexpo/B/Poldep/Note/2008 205 November 2008 [PE N°] EN
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR EXTERNAL POLICIES OF THE UNION DIRECTORATE B - POLICY DEPARTMENT - NOTE THE SITUATION IN FIJI Abstract: Fiji’s history is marked by social instability mostly due to the conflicting cohabitation between native Fijians and Fijians of Indian origin settled in the Pacific during British colonisation. From this difficult situation derives a continuous political instability. The last coup occurred in December 2006, merely a semester after general elections. Fiji is linked to the EU by the Cotonou Agreement but is since the coup under EU sanctions. These sanctions also apply to the accompanying measures that this member of the Cotonou Sugar Protocol could receive. Any opinions expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Parliament. FOR EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT INTERNAL USE ONLY DGExPo/B/PolDep/Note/2008_ 205 November 2008 [PE N°] EN 1 This note was requested by the European Parliament's Committee on Development. This paper is published in the following languages: English French Author: Armelle Douaud, Directorate-General External Policies Policy Department Manuscript completed in November 2008. This note is available on the intranet of the Policy Department of the Directorate-General for External Policies of the Union. This note is also available in the catalogue of the European Parliament's Library. Copies can be obtained through: E-mail: [email protected] Brussels, European Parliament, 10 November 2008. Main sources: European Commission UNDP Foreign and Commonwealth Office Economist Intelligence Unit 2 BASIC INFORMATION Country name: Republic of the Fiji Islands Area: 18,270 km2 Population: 0.9 million Capital: Suva Ethnic groups: Fijian 54% (predominantly Melanesian with a Polynesian admixture); Indian 40%; European, other Pacific Islanders, overseas Chinese, and other 6% Religion: Christian 52% (Methodist 37%, Roman Catholic 9%), Hindu 38%, Muslim 8%, other 2%. -
History of Inter-Group Conflict and Violence in Modern Fiji
History of Inter-Group Conflict and Violence in Modern Fiji SANJAY RAMESH MA (RESEARCH) CENTRE FOR PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY 2010 Abstract The thesis analyses inter-group conflict in Fiji within the framework of inter-group theory, popularised by Gordon Allport, who argued that inter-group conflict arises out of inter-group prejudice, which is historically constructed and sustained by dominant groups. Furthermore, Allport hypothesised that there are three attributes of violence: structural and institutional violence in the form of discrimination, organised violence and extropunitive violence in the form of in-group solidarity. Using history as a method, I analyse the history of inter-group conflict in Fiji from 1960 to 2006. I argue that inter- group conflict in Fiji led to the institutionalisation of discrimination against Indo-Fijians in 1987 and this escalated into organised violence in 2000. Inter-group tensions peaked in Fiji during the 2006 general elections as ethnic groups rallied behind their own communal constituencies as a show of in-group solidarity and produced an electoral outcome that made multiparty governance stipulated by the multiracial 1997 Constitution impossible. Using Allport’s recommendations on mitigating inter-group conflict in divided communities, the thesis proposes a three-pronged approach to inter-group conciliation in Fiji, based on implementing national identity, truth and reconciliation and legislative reforms. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This thesis is dedicated to the Indo-Fijians in rural Fiji who suffered physical violence in the aftermath of the May 2000 nationalist coup. I would like to acknowledge those Indo- Fijians who agreed to be interviewed at a time when they feared further racial violence in December 2000. -
Fiji's Tale of Contemporary Misadventure
The GENERAL’S GOOSE FIJI’S TALE OF CONTEMPORARY MISADVENTURE The GENERAL’S GOOSE FIJI’S TALE OF CONTEMPORARY MISADVENTURE ROBBIE ROBERTSON STATE, SOCIETY AND GOVERNANCE IN MELANESIA SERIES Published by ANU Press The Australian National University Acton ACT 2601, Australia Email: [email protected] This title is also available online at press.anu.edu.au National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Creator: Robertson, Robbie, author. Title: The general’s goose : Fiji’s tale of contemporary misadventure / Robbie Robertson. ISBN: 9781760461270 (paperback) 9781760461287 (ebook) Series: State, society and governance in Melanesia Subjects: Coups d’état--Fiji. Democracy--Fiji. Fiji--Politics and government. Fiji--History--20th century All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. Cover design and layout by ANU Press This edition © 2017 ANU Press For Fiji’s people Isa lei, na noqu rarawa, Ni ko sana vodo e na mataka. Bau nanuma, na nodatou lasa, Mai Suva nanuma tiko ga. Vanua rogo na nomuni vanua, Kena ca ni levu tu na ua Lomaqu voli me’u bau butuka Tovolea ke balavu na bula.* * Isa Lei (Traditional). Contents Preface . ix iTaukei pronunciation . xi Abbreviations . xiii Maps . xvii Introduction . 1 1 . The challenge of inheritance . 11 2 . The great turning . 61 3 . Redux: The season for coups . 129 4 . Plus ça change …? . 207 Conclusion: Playing the politics of respect . 293 Bibliography . 321 Index . 345 Preface In 1979, a young New Zealand graduate, who had just completed a PhD thesis on government responses to the Great Depression in New Zealand, arrived in Suva to teach at the University of the South Pacific. -
2011-ANNUAL-REPORT.Pdf
1 | Page Note from the Vice-Chancellor The University of Fiji has successfully completed its seventh year of operations, thanks to the dedication and commitment of the Founders, the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, our support and academic staff, and our students in Saweni, Suva, and other parts of Fiji. The University of Fiji has proved beyond any doubt that it is a major contributor to the tertiary education sector in Fiji. For a new private university with limited resources to not only embark but to succeed in areas such as Medicine, Law, Educational Leadership and Business Administration, is a major achievement. With continued support, good leadership and farsightedness of the Founders, the University has begun to see a rapid growth in its student population, better-quality staff, and a close engagement with the government for funding to enhance the quality and delivery of education. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Srinivasiah Muralidhar The University of Fiji, in the last seven years, has strengthened its partnership with the greater Western Division, and now is spreading its services to the entire country. With the support of the University Council, we have been regularly reviewing our academic programmes, and introducing new programmes to remain relevant in the contemporary academic scene. Our External Advisers have commented positively on the curriculum in different subject areas, teaching, learning and assessment, and this is a great encouragement for us. We now have a Physical Development Plan, and a Strategic Plan to guide the physical and academic development of the University in the coming years. I congratulate all the graduands this year on their achievements and wish them well. -
The University of Fiji Annual Report 2009
The University of Fiji Annual Report 2009 1 NOTE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR The highlight of the year was of course the arrival of the new Vice- Chancellor, Professor Srinivasiah Muralidhar. The second graduation was held on 3 April 2009 with the diplomas and degrees conferred to 58 graduants by our Chancellor, H.E. Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, President of the Republic of the Fiji Islands. Another significant highlight was the official opening of the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine on 24 October by the Honorable Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama. In 2009, the Public Service Commission had allocated 20 scholarships amounting to $310,000 for our students based on the assurance that the University would arrange Vice- Chancellor, Professor Srinivasiah Muralidhar for a review of the MBBS programme by a team of medical educators as requested by the Fiji Medical Council and the Ministry of Health. The MBBS programme was later reviewed by a three-member international team of Medical Educators led by Professor Toshimasa Yoshioka. Foundation programme gained its official recognition in the early 2009 from the Ministry of Education. This meant that Foundation Programme “is equivalent in standard to the Fiji Form 7 programme”, as stated in a letter from Mr. Filipe Jitoko, the new Permanent Secretary for Education. The University acknowledged the Director of Foundation Studies, Mr. Cliff Benson, and his team of dedicated tutors for gaining this recognition. In June UniFiji acquired its Master Plan through the Services of Australian Business Volunteer Mr. Felix Riedweg. In October the construction of the Library and Information Centre began at a cost of $1.3 million, the foundation stones of which were laid by Mr. -
Yaqona (Kava) and Education in Fiji
Copyright is owned by the Author of the thesis. Permission is given for a copy to be downloaded by an individual for the purpose of research and private study only. The thesis may not be reproduced elsewhere without the permission of the Author. FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL 11 DEC. 2012 Yaqona (kava) and education in Fiji: Investigating ‘cultural complexities’ from a post-development perspective. A thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy In Development Studies At Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. S. Aporosa 2012 FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL 11 DEC. 2012 Ai Vakananumi (Dedication) Na vakadidike oqo sa votai kivei ira na turaga na Tui Rauni (Turaga ni Yasana: Natokalau, Korovou kei Busa, Yawe, Kadavu) sa bale, Sivorosi Tomasi Vasu (1927- 2009), na turaga au vakatokai ira me ra tamaqu, sa ka levu kina na noqu rokova na nodra i tutu vakatama. Na nodra bula sa i yaloyalo titobu ni veivakaturagataki kei na i vakarau ni bula dina vakaViti. This thesis is dedicated to the late Tui Rauni (sub-district chief: Yawe, Kadavu, Fiji) Sivorosi Tomasi Vasu (1927-2009), a father figure I greatly respected and a man who demonstrated to me what it is to be chiefly and Fijian. A i Vakananumi (Dedication) i FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL 11 DEC. 2012 iVakamacala Taumada (Abstract) Na gunu yaqona se tiki ni itovo vakavanua e Viti ena gauna qo. Ia e vica na itukutuku se bera ni vakadeitaki e vakaraitaki kina ni gunu yaqona vakasivia e dau vakaleqa na cakacaka kei na toso ena levu ni sikele. -
Melanesia in Review: Issues and Events, I993
&@Miasw;:;VU,"@,IMlfUWMl&H!f&MMliM.".iW;;p @ ¥IiIlO"&"'- i! at...-- Melanesia in Review: Issues and Events, I993 FIJI minister and deputy prime minister, Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamada Fiji's second governor general, and, Rabuka made a startling, if after the 1987 coups, the republic's first refreshingly accurate, observation president. The Great Council of Chiefs about the situation in Fiji during a state swiftly elevated first vice president (and visit to New Zealand in April 1993. longtime Alliance prime minister) Ratu "Some of us have been going around Sir Kamisese Mara to the presidency. the world saying that everything is nice Mara's unsurprising ascendancy in Fiji. It is not," he said. "We have to caused much disquiet in Rabuka's accept that" (FT, 2 Apr 1993): The year camp. Mara has a well-known and 1993 was not a very nice one for highly developed disregard for Rabuka and his government. Dogged Rabuka. His own preferred successor by one scandal after another, its back as prime minister was Josefata Kami benchers threatening rebellion, its poli kamica, Rabuka's arch political rival. cies for effective national government The relationship between the two men marred by resurgent provincialism, the will be watched with great interest in Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei 1994· government finally met its end in For all its problems, 1993 began on a November when the budget was hopeful note, with talks continuing on defeated in Parliament. It was forced to a possible government ofnational resign after only eighteen months in unity. Rabuka, who had sprung the office.