Civil Disorder and Insecurity Within Fiji: an Analysis of Causes, Effects, and an Argument for Future New Zealand Strategic Policy
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Fiji's Road to Military Coup, 20061
2. 'Anxiety, uncertainty and fear in our land': Fiji's road to military coup, 20061 Brij V. Lal Introduction If civilization is to survive, one is driven to radical views. I do not mean driven to violence. Violence always compromises or ruins the cause it means to serve: it produces as much wrong as it tries to remedy. The State, for example, is always with us. Overthrow it and it will come back in another form, quite possibly worse. It's a necessary evilÐa monster that continually has to be tamed, so that it serves us rather than devours us. We can't do without it, neither can we ever trust it.2 Fiji experienced the whole gamut of emotions over the course of a fateful 2006. The year ended on an unsettled note, as it had begun. Fiji was yet again caught in a political quagmire of its own making, hobbled by manufactured tensions, refusing to heed the lessons of its recent tumultuous past, and reeling from the effects of the coup. Ironies abound. A Fijian army confronted a Fijian government, fuelling the indigenous community's worst fears about a Fijian army spilling Fijian blood on Fijian soil. The military overthrow took place 19 years to the day after frustrated coup-maker of 1987 Sitiveni Rabuka had handed power back to Fiji's civilian leaders, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau and Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, paving the way for the eventual return to parliamentary democracy. The 2006 coup, like the previous ones, deposed a democratically elected government. Perhaps more importantly, it peremptorily sidelined the once powerful cultural and social institutions of the indigenous community, notably the Methodist Church and the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC)3 ± severing with a startling abruptness the overarching influence they had exercised in national life. -
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. -
Golan Journal 142 January
DEAR PEACEKEEPERS ! MESSAGE FROM FORCE COMMANDER Welcoming the spring in Golan, the media team wishes It is a great honour for me and for my country everyone a “Happy Easter”. The cold and chilling weath- Nepal to assume the leadership of UNDOF, a mis- er of winter, the snow covered roads and roofs of Camp sion that served in Golan for the last 41 long years Ziouani are now but a distant memory as the pleasant with distinction. The last few months were undisput- Spring weather begins to take hold. I thank all the mem- edly the most critical chapter in UNDOF’s history. bers of UNDOF for their dedication, hard labour, team- Despite all, UNDOF has confirmed the implemen- work and commitment to the mission tation of its mandate as envisaged in the Disengage- HoM/FC EDITORAL ment Agreement between Israel and Syria 1974. As is tradition within UNDOF, each edition of the Go- I acknowledge the unflinching dedication, profes- lan Journal has a special focus, this one being specifically sionalism and commitments of all the staff and the dedicated to the welcoming of the new Head of Mission/ troops. I must also pay my tribute to my predeces- Force Commander Maj Gen Purna Chandra Thapa, and sor Lieutenant General Iqbal Singh Singha for his new members of INDCON and IRE CON to the mission. resolute leadership during the most difficult times We wish them all success in the days ahead. Similarly, of the mission. I also take this opportunity to thank we say goodbye to our outgoing IRECON Force Reserve the Chief of Mission Support Mr Bernard Lee and Company, and INDCON Log Batt, and wish them the Deputy Force Commander Brigadier General very best of luck in the future. -
Modelling the Relationship Between Defence Burden
MODELLING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEFENCE BURDEN AND ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR FIJI ISLANDS By Baljeet Singh A thesis submitted in the partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Masters of Arts in Economics School of Economics Faculty of Business and Economics The University of the South Pacific Suva, Fiji. 2008 © Baljeet Singh, 2008. All rights reserved. i ii Abstract This thesis examines the relationship between defense burden and economic growth for Fiji. This relationship is modeled within a multivariate framework by including labour force and capital stock in the model. It uses the recently developed bounds testing approach to cointegration and find that there is a long run relationship among the variables when GDP is the endogenous variable. Normalizing on GDP and using two different estimators, it is found that in the long run defense burden have a negative impact while both labour force and capital stock have positive impact on GDP. Finally using Granger causality test, finds evidence of positive impact of labour force in the short run, while capital stock and defense burden do not have any significant impact in the short run. The finding is consistent with Classical school of thoughts, leading to derive some policy implication. iii Acknowledgements First of all, I would like to thank my supervisors, Professor Biman Chand Prasad, Dean of Faculty of Business and Economics, University of the South Pacific for his continued guidance throughout this research, and for allowing me consultation time as when needed, despite their busy schedules. My sincere gratitude to him for providing me with relevant reading materials and for their never-ending patience. -
FIJI EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Fiji Is A
FIJI EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Fiji is a republic under a military-led government since armed forces commander Commodore Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama overthrew the elected government in a bloodless coup in 2006. In 2009 the interim government headed by Prime Minister Bainimarama abrogated the constitution, imposed a state of emergency, and continued its rule by decree, a situation that remained at year’s end. During the year the country had no constitution or parliament. Security forces did not report to civilian authorities. The leading human rights problems during the year included the government’s continued denial of citizens’ right to change their government peacefully; the government’s targeting of opponents and human rights and labor activists for harassment, arbitrary arrest, and abuse; and continued enforcement of the wide- ranging Public Emergency Regulations (PER) issued in 2009. The PER imposed a state of emergency that remained in force at year’s end, giving the military and police power to arrest and detain persons without a warrant and limiting freedoms of speech and press, assembly, association, and movement. The PER also give military and police authority to use whatever force they deem necessary to enforce PER provisions, resulting in impunity for abuses. Freedom of the press was further restricted by a 2010 media decree. By year’s end the government had begun taking steps to ease enforcement of the PER and the media decree. The Essential National Industries Decree implemented in September severely restricts trade union and collective bargaining rights for workers in designated industries and corporations deemed essential to the national economy. -
Reflections on the Civilian Coup in Fiji
REFLECTIONS ON THE POLITICAL CRISIS IN FIJI EDITORS BRIJ V. LAL with MICHAEL PRETES Published by ANU E Press The Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200, Australia Email: [email protected] Previously published by Pandanus Books National Library in Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Title: Coup : reflections on the political crisis in Fiji / editors, Brij V. Lal ; Michael Pretes. ISBN: 9781921536366 (pbk.) 9781921536373 (pdf) Notes: Bibliography. Subjects: Fiji--Politics and government. Other Authors/Contributors: Lal, Brij V. Pretes, Michael, 1963- Dewey Number: 320.99611 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. First edition © 2001 Pandanus Books This edition © 2008 ANU E Press ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Many of the papers in this collection previously appeared in newspapers and magazines, and as internet postings at the height of Fiji’s political crisis between May and June 2000. We thank the authors of these contributions for permission to reprint their writings. We also thank the journals, magazines, and web sites themselves for allowing us to reprint these contributions: Pacific World, The Listener, Fiji Times, Sydney Morning Herald, Canberra Times, The Australian, The Independent (UK), Pacific Journalism Online, Fijilive.com, Eureka Street, Daily Post, Pacific Island Network, Pacific Economic Bulletin, Journal of South Pacific Law, and Te Karere Ipurangi. Ross Himona, of Te Karere Ipurangi, and David Robie, of the University of the South Pacific’s Journalism Online program, were of particular assistance in tracking down contributors. -
Preventing the Recurrence of Coups D'état: Study of Fiji Natasha Khan
Do Transitional Justice Strategies address Small Island Developing States niche conflicts? Preventing the recurrence of Coups d’état: Study of Fiji Natasha Khan PhD University of York Law April 2015 ABSTRACT This research, affirms that some mechanisms of the transitional justice approaches can be applicable to SIDS conflict; particularly structural conflicts. The fourth principle of the Joinet/Orentlicher Principles of ‘Dealing with the Past’; the right to non-occurrence of conflict, was utilised as a conceptual framework to research the case of Fiji, as it addresses military and institution reforms; both of which are problematic area in Fiji. Focus groups interviews, semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were used to collect data. The overall research question was: ‘How can transitional justice strategies address conflicts that are distinctive to Small Island developing states?’, and the more specific questions related to amnesty, military reform and prevention of coup d’états in the future. The thesis confirms that many respondents and key informants regard amnesty for coups d’état negatively and unjust. A number of key informants also think that amnesty is bad as it sends the wrong signals to the coup perpetrators and to future generations. Respondents felt strongly (78%) that the coup perpetrators should be held accountable as coups are illegal, but they also acknowledged that the military is too strong and praetorian at this stage in Fiji to be held accountable. Findings also indicate that there were mixed views on military reform. A number of other important reforms were also suggested by the respondents to prevent the reoccurrence of coups in Fiji. -
Les Rôles Politiques Des Militaires Fidjiens
Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie École doctorale du Pacifique (ED 469) Centre des Nouvelles Études pour le Pacifique (CNEP, EA 4242 ) Les rôles politiques des militaires fidjiens Une histoire des guerriers, héros des conflits mondiaux, soldats de la paix, putschistes et hommes d’État, des premiers contacts avec les Occidentaux au gouvernement Bainimarama. Thèse pour obtenir le grade de docteur en histoire présentée et soutenue publiquement le 5 mai 2011 par Hélène GOIRAN Sous la direction de Claire LAUX, MCF/HDR à l’Université Michel de Montaigne Bordeaux 3 (CEMMC, EA 2958) Bernard RIGO, Professeur à l’Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie (CNEP, EA 4242) JURY : Pierre-Yves BEAUREPAIRE, Professeur à l’Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie Jean-Pierre DOUMENGE, Professeur émérite à l’Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 Claire LAUX, MCF/HDR à l’Université Michel de Montaigne Bordeaux 3 Jean-Marc REGNAULT, MCF/HDR honoraire à l’Université de la Polynésie française Bernard RIGO, Professeur à l’Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie Remerciements Je n’aurais pas pu mener ma recherche à son terme sans l’aide de nombreuses personnes à qui j’exprime ma sincère et profonde reconnaissance. Feu les Professeurs Paul de Deckker et François Doumenge sont à l’origine de cette étude. Sans leurs conseils, leurs encouragements, leur confiance, je n’aurais jamais entrepris ni, a fortiori , accompli ce travail. J’espère qu’ils l’auraient trouvé satisfaisant. Je remercie aussi très sincèrement les universitaires qui m’ont encadrée et soutenue, en particulier mes directeurs de recherches, Claire Laux et Bernard Rigo, ainsi que les diplomates français, les militaires fidjiens, mes nombreux correspondants, chercheurs, bibliothécaires, archivistes, fidjiens, australiens, néo-zélandais, tongiens, français, et tous ceux qui se sont intéressés à ce travail : j’ai bénéficié de leur expertise, de leurs réseaux de connaissances, de leurs bibliothèques. -
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. -
Trip Around the World PROCEEDINGS Michel R
Trip Around the World PROCEEDINGS Michel R. Lupant President of FIAV & Director of the Centre Belgo-Européen d’Études des Drapeaux (CEBED) The dream I had had for years to travel around the world The following day we visited the landscape: falls, orchid came true in July and August 1999. I had to preside the gardens, and specially the volcanoes national park, it XVIIIth International Congress of Vexillology in Victoria, was grand. capital of British Columbia on the Pacific coast of Canada. In Hilo I only discovered the seal of the County of It was the occasion to organize that trip and come back Hawaii on the door of a public car, a red and white to Belgium through Oceania and Asia. emblem showing volcanoes, the sun, palm trees, the For many months I organized my itinerary, writing sea and a traditional boat, the motto “Ola na Moku”, many letters to all the countries I expected to visit and I and around, in black and yellow, the name of the county received plenty of information from officials, I hoped to and of the State. meet some people to complete my research on flags, and as a teacher of Geography I wanted to see the beautiful Honolulu landscapes of these countries and to take photographs Kamehameha the Great was born on the Big island in and video films to show to my students. I wanted to see 1758. In 1782 he emerged as the ruler, after local wars many things in a short time and I had to make choices. with two other chiefs of Big island. -
The Politics of Economic Restructuring in the Pacific with a Case Study of 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. The Politics of Economic Restructuring in the Pacific with a Case Study of Fiji Claire Slatter A Thesis Submitted to Massey University In fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Social Policy and Social Work School of Social and Cultural Studies Massey University Albany Campus Auckland March 2004 SCHOOL OF SOCIAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES Massey University Private Bag 102904 COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES North Shore Mail Centre Auckland New Zealand T 6494140800 F 6494418162 www.massey.ac.nz SUPERVISOR'S DECLARATION This is to certify that the research carried out fo r the Doctoral thesis entitled 'The Politics of Economic Restructuring in the Pacific witha Case Study of Fiji' was undertaken by Claire Slatter in the School of Social and Cultural Studies, Massey University, Albany Campus, New Zealand. The thesis material has not been used in part or in whole fo r any other qualification, and I confirmthat the candidate has pursued the course of study in accordance with the requirements of the Massey University regulations. Dr Marilyn Waring Supervisor February 20 2004 '. , I , - le Kunenga kl Purehuroa SCHOOL Of SOCIAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES Massey University Private Bag 102904 COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES North Shore Mail Centre Auckland New Zealand T 6494140800 f 6494418162 www.massey.ac.nz Candidate's Declaration This is to certify that the research carried out for my Doctoral Thesis entitled 'The Politics of Economic Restructuring in the Pacific with a Case Study of Fij i in the Department of Social Policy and Social Work, Massey University, Albany Campus, New Zealand is my own work and that the thesis material has not been used in part or in whole for any other qualification. -
2017 Pacific Environmental Security Forum Event Booklet
Pacific Environmental Security Forum 9-12 May 2017 | Anchorage, Alaska -This page left intentional blank.- -This page left intentional blank.- 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INFORMATION PAPER .................................................................................................... 5 DAY 1 ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY BEST PRACTICES IN THE INDO-ASIA- PACIFIC REGION ............................................................................................................. 7 AGENDA ................................................................................................................................ 9 Speaker Bios and Abstracts ................................................................................................. 15 DAY 2 ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY TRACKS - ....................................................... 27 AGENDA .............................................................................................................................. 29 Speaker Bios and Abstracts ................................................................................................. 33 DAY 3 THE MILITARY & BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PACIFIC REGION ......... 74 AGENDA .............................................................................................................................. 76 Speaker Bios and Abstracts ................................................................................................. 80 DAY 4 REGIONAL PROJECT COLLABORATION ....................................................... 89 AGENDA .............................................................................................................................