THURSDAY, 14TH MAY, 2015 the House Resumed At
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Melanesia in Review: Issues and Events, 2000
Melanesia in Review: Issues and Events, 2000 Reviews of Papua New Guinea and tion of May 1999, became more overt West Papua are not included in this in the early months of 2000. Fijian issue. political parties, led by the former governing party, Soqosoqo ni Vakavu- Fi j i lewa ni Taukei (sv t), held meetings For the people of Fiji, the year 2000 around the country to discuss ways to was the most turbulent and traumatic oppose if not depose the government in recent memory. The country and thereby return to power. These endured an armed takeover of parlia- meetings helped fuel indigenous Fijian ment and a hostage crisis lasting fifty- unease and animosity toward Chaud- six days, the declaration of martial hry’s leadership. Signaling its move law and abrogation of the 1997 con- toward a more nationalist stance, the stitution, and a bloody mutiny in the sv t terminated its coalition with the armed forces. These events raised the Indo-Fijian–based National Federa- specter of civil war and economic col- tion Party in February, describing the lapse, international ostracism, and a coalition as “self-defeating.” future plagued with uncertainty and In March, the Taukei Movement ha r dship. Comparisons with the coups was revived with the aim, according of 1987 were inevitable, but most to spokesman Apisai Tora, of “rem o v - observers would conclude that the ing the government through various crisis of 2000 left Fiji more adrift legal means as soon as possible” (Sun, and divided than ever before. 3 May 2000, 1). In 1987 the Taukei The month of May has become Movement had spearheaded national- synonymous with coups in Fiji. -
Melanesia in Review: Issues and Events, 2002
Melanesia in Review: Issues and Events, 2002 Reviews of West Papua and Solomon mined, circumvented and ignored by Islands are not included in this issue. the highest in the land including those who were sworn in to uphold it” Fiji (Times, 19 May, 10). During the final The political and economic highlights months of 2002, the Fiji Labour Party in Fiji in 2002 have again brought and some quasi-political civil society into sharp focus a lesson painfully movements like the Citizens Constitu- learned after the 1987 military coups: tional Forum (ccf) questioned why it takes years to recover from the neg- some members of Parliament had been ative ramifications of any national permitted to continue serving in Prime political upheaval. The economic and Minister Qarase’s cabinet despite sociopolitical fallout of the May 2000 videotaped evidence of their close civilian coup in Fiji continued to involvement in the May 2000 civilian impact major events in both the uprising. The extensive video footage politico-legal and economic domains of siege activities at the Veiuto Parlia- of the nation during the year. The mentary Complex emerged during the path to economic recovery and socio- first treason trial of Josefa Nata and political normalcy was generally shaky Timoci Silatolu, which commenced on and fraught with difficulties. The local 26 November and featured deposed tabloids regularly featured major Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry scams within the civil service, exacer- as a key state witness (Post, 27 Nov, bated by gross fiscal mismanagement 2; Times, 29 Nov, 1). Following the by the state and a general lack of 14 November conviction of fifteen political goodwill between the major former Counter Revolutionary War- political parties—the ruling Soqosoqo fare Unit soldiers who had been found Duavata ni Lewenivanua (sdl) and guilty of the November 2000 mutiny the opposition Fiji Labour Party (flp). -
Elections and Politics in Fiji
i ii iii Co-Published by ANU E Press and Asia Pacific Press The Australian National Unversity Canberra ACT 0200 Email: [email protected] Website: http://epress.anu.edu.au National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Lal, Brij V. Islands of turmoil : elections and politics in Fiji. Bibliography. Includes index. ISBN 0 7315 3751 3 ISBN 1 920942 75 0 (Online document) 1. Fiji - Politics and government. 2. Fiji - Social conditions. 3. Fiji - Economic conditions. I. Title. 996.11 This work is copyright. Apart from those uses which may be permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 as amended, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the publishers. The views expressed in this book are those of the author and not necessarily of the publishers. Editor: Bridget Maidment Publisher: Asia Pacific Press and ANU E Press Design: Annie Di Nallo Design Printers: University Printing Service, The Australian National University Cover photo, Nukulau Prison, is copyright and used with permission (www.fijilive.com). Author photo by Darren Boyd, Coombs Photography. First edition © 2006 ANU E Press and Asia Pacific Press For the people of the Fiji Islands There is a dawn at the end of the darkest night v Contents Abbreviations vii Preface viii 1. The road to independence 1 2. Continuity and change 24 3. Things fall apart 49 4. Back from the abyss 77 5. Rabuka’s republic 100 6. Charting a new course 126 7. A time to change 155 8. George Speight’s coup 185 9. In George Speight’s shadow 206 10. -
2003 Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor February 25, 2004
Fiji Page 1 of 9 Fiji Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2003 Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor February 25, 2004 Fiji is a constitutional republic with an elected President, Prime Minister, and Parliament. Ethnicity remained a dominant factor in the country's politics, economy, and society. Following free and fair elections in 2001, the political situation improved; however, concerns remained about the composition of the Cabinet. The 1997 Constitution requires that any party receiving more than 10 percent of the seats in Parliament be given cabinet positions. However, when Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase of the Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) party formed a government in late 2001, it excluded the Fiji Labor Party (FLP) led by deposed Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, although the FLP had won substantially more than 10 percent of the parliamentary seats in the 2001 elections. The FLP took legal action against the Government, and in July the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the FLP. Subsequent negotiations between Qarase and Chaudhry broke down over the exact numbers of FLP M.P.s to be admitted into Qarase's Cabinet. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the resulting case in early 2004. The final two co-conspirators of May 2000 coup leader George Speight, Timoci Silatolu and Josefa Nata, were convicted of treason in March and sentenced in June. The Vice President, a government minister, and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament were all awaiting trial at year's end for their participation in Speight's takeover of Parliament in May 2000. -
Sugar and Democracy in Fiji: the Material Foundations of Post-Colonial Authoritarianism 1970-2005
Sugar and Democracy in Fiji: The material foundations of post-colonial authoritarianism 1970-2005 By Keiran Barbalich A Thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters of Arts in Political Science School of History, Philosophy, Political Science & International Relations Victoria University of Wellington 2009 Abstract Fiji became independent in 1970, and functioned for 17 years under a constitution with democratic elements, including elections. Three times since 1987, however, armed force has overthrown constitutionally elected governments. Some observers see this as a failure of the consolidation of Fijian democracy, while others acknowledge the façade of Fijian democracy. Among those who acknowledge Fiji’s authoritarian institutions, conflict persists as to whether authoritarianism is the inevitable product of ethnic conflict in Fijian society, or a consequence of post-colonial institutional legacies. No movement toward democracy in Fiji is likely to succeed until we understand the material foundations underlying Fiji’s authoritarian politics. This thesis argues that Fiji’s authoritarian political institutions, established under colonial rule, have been sustained since independence by forces in the international economy. These forces have helped to maintain the economic, social and political dominance of a Pacific- Fijian chiefly elite over Fijian society. Specially, chiefly control of the sugar industry, Fiji’s principal export, has provided chiefs with sufficient patronage resources to retain their control over Fijian society through electoral politics or, at the event of undesirable electoral outcomes, through armed opposition. Through post-colonial structures, the chiefs control the land-tenure system, and through their setting and receipt of land rents, they have been the principal beneficiaries of Fiji’s sugar exports. -
Fiji New Caledonia Samoa Solomon Islands Tonga Vanuatu
COUNTRY REPORT Pacific Islands: Fiji New Caledonia Samoa Solomon Islands Tonga Vanuatu September 2000 The Economist Intelligence Unit 15 Regent St, London SW1Y 4LR United Kingdom The Economist Intelligence Unit The Economist Intelligence Unit is a specialist publisher serving companies establishing and managing operations across national borders. For over 50 years it has been a source of information on business developments, economic and political trends, government regulations and corporate practice worldwide. The EIU delivers its information in four ways: through our digital portfolio, where our latest analysis is updated daily; through printed subscription products ranging from newsletters to annual reference works; through research reports; and by organising conferences and roundtables. The firm is a member of The Economist Group. London New York Hong Kong The Economist Intelligence Unit The Economist Intelligence Unit The Economist Intelligence Unit 15 Regent St The Economist Building 25/F, Dah Sing Financial Centre London 111 West 57th Street 108 Gloucester Road SW1Y 4LR New York Wanchai United Kingdom NY 10019, US Hong Kong Tel: (44.20) 7830 1000 Tel: (1.212) 554 0600 Tel: (852) 2802 7288 Fax: (44.20) 7499 9767 Fax: (1.212) 586 1181/2 Fax: (852) 2802 7638 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.eiu.com Electronic delivery This publication can be viewed by subscribing online at http://store.eiu.com/brdes.html Reports are also available in various other electronic formats, such as CD-ROM, Lotus Notes, online databases and as direct feeds to corporate intranets. For further information, please contact your nearest Economist Intelligence Unit office London: Jan Frost Tel: (44.20) 7830 1183 Fax: (44.20) 7830 1023 New York: Alexander Bateman Tel: (1.212) 554 0643 Fax: (1.212) 586 1181 Hong Kong: Amy Ha Tel: (852) 2802 7288/2585 3888 Fax: (852) 2802 7720/7638 Copyright © 2000 The Economist Intelligence Unit Limited. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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HEGEMONY, ANTI-HEGEMONY AND COUNTER-HEGEMONY Control, Resistance and Coups in Fiji Sanjay Ramesh Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy University of Technology, Sydney 2008 Certificate of Authorship/Originality I certify that the work in this thesis has not been previously submitted for a degree except as fully acknowledged within the text. I also certify that the thesis has been written by me. Any help that I have received in my research work and the preparation of the thesis itself has been acknowledged. In addition, I certify that all information sources and literature used are indicated in the thesis. _____________________ Acknowledgements I would like to thank my Principal Superviser, Dr. James Goodman for his wisdom, support and encouragement and the Academic Dean Professor Rick Iedema for accepting me as a student at UTS at a very short notice. I would also like to thank Dr. Robert Norton, late Simionie Durutalo, Professor Brij Lal, Professor Stephanie Lawson, Dr. Jon Fraenkel for their contribution to the debate and discussion on Fiji politics. Staff from the National Archives of Fiji in Suva provided me with excellent research environment and I greatly appreciate the decision by the Government of Fiji for allowing me access to historical materials. Most of all, I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me throughout the lengthy process and in particular my spouse, Anita Maharaj, for providing the much needed editorial advise on numerous drafts of this thesis. Table of Contents INTRODUCTION Political -
Parliament of the Republic of Fiji Parliamentary Debates Daily Hansard Monday, 16Th November, 2015 [Corrected Copy]
PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES DAILY HANSARD MONDAY, 16TH NOVEMBER, 2015 [CORRECTED COPY] C O N T E N T S Pages Minutes … … … … … … … … … … 277 Communications from the Chair … … … … … … … 277-278 Suspension of Standing Orders … … … … … … … … 278 Restoration of Bill in the Order Paper … … … … … … … 278-279 Presentation of Committee Report … … … … … … … 279-281 Debate on the 2016 Appropriation Bill 2015 … … … … … … 281-394 List of Speakers Pages 1. Hon. A. Sayed-Khaiyum 281 2. Hon. Dr. B.C. Prasad 281-307 3. Hon. R.S. Akbar 308-312 4. Hon. V.K. Bhatnagar 312-313 5. Hon. M.D. Bulitavu 313-318 6. Hon. CDR J.R. Cawaki 318-319 7. Hon. I. Delana 319-321 8. Hon. Roko T.T.S. Draunidalo 321-324 9. Hon. J. Dulakiverata 325-329 10. Hon. L. Eden 329-330 11. Hon. V.R. Gavoka 330-334 12. Hon. S.D. Karavaki 334-338 13. Hon. T.V. Kepa 338-343 14. Hon. Ratu K. Kiliraki 343-347 15. Hon. CDR S.T. Koroilavesau 347-350 16. Hon. F.S. Koya 350-356 17. Hon. Ratu I. Kubuabola 357-360 18. Hon. J.N. Kumar 360-361 19. Hon. P. Kumar 361-366 20. Hon. Dr. B. Lal 366-367 21. Hon. M.R. Leawerere 367-371 22. Hon. A.A. Maharaj 372-373 23. Hon. A. Nabulivou 373-374 24. Hon. O. Naiqamu 374-377 25. Hon. Ratu S.V. Nanovo 377-381 26. Hon. V. Nath 382-383 27. Hon. Capt. T.L. Natuva 383-388 28. Hon. N. Nawaikula 388-394 MONDAY, 16TH NOVEMBER, 2015 The Parliament resumed at 9.35 a.m.