Your IMF Update: Press Release - Fiji

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Press Release: Statement at the Conclusion of the IMF Mission to Fiji

http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2011/pr11397.htm

[Matched: Fiji]

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Statement at the Conclusion of the IMF Mission to Fiji

Press Release No. 11/397
November 4, 2011
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Koshy Mathai visited Fiji during October 24—November 4 to hold discussions with the Fijian authorities and other stakeholders on the 2011 Article IV Consultation.¹ The team met with Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) Governor Barry Whiteside, and other senior public officials, as well as representatives from the private sector, academia, the development-partner community, and other parts of civil society. Staff from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank joined the mission. The team expresses its appreciation to the authorities and other stakeholders for the frank and constructive discussions.

The mission issued the following statement today in Suva:
"The Fijian economy is expected to grow by about 2 percent in 2011, by far the best result of the past five years, in part reflecting a bounce-back after two consecutive years of contraction. Medium-term growth prospects, however, appear to be relatively weak, unless structural reforms are accelerated, and the business climate and political situation improved. High food and oil prices, as well as various one-off factors like the increases in Value Added Tax (VAT) and the electricity tariff, have pushed inflation up recently, but it should moderate to 5 percent in 2012 and could edge further down over the medium term. High import prices have also kept the current account deficit high this year, although foreign reserves are healthy and projected to remain so. The financial sector is sound, but the Fiji National Provident Fund needs to carry out a pension reform—with appropriate transitional provisions for those in or nearing retirement—in order for it to be made sustainable over the long term.

"With regard to macroeconomic policy, the RBF's monetary stance is accommodative, intended to encourage the banks to lend more in order to stimulate the economy. This policy appears to be consistent with the current context of low underlying inflation and weak growth. Given that the financial system is awash with liquidity, the mission would encourage the RBF to remain vigilant to any signs of incipient inflationary pressure. The fiscal position could be strengthened. Debt is 55 percent of GDP—relatively high for a small, open economy vulnerable to shocks—and the government also faces contingent liabilities of more than 15 percent of GDP, as well as unfunded FNPF liabilities. The fiscal deficit is likely to remain broadly stable this year at around 2½ percent of GDP, which is commendable, and further reductions over time would be prudent. This would increase the authorities' room to maneuver in case they need to respond to a severe shock emanating from today's uncertain global environment. Absent such a case, efforts to solve Fiji's longstanding problem of low growth could better focus on structural reforms.

"The mission sees such structural reforms—along with resolution of political uncertainties—as the key priority in spurring investment and raising Fiji's growth rate. There have been many promising initiatives, including on land policy, the sugar sector, the civil service, and public enterprises, and steadfast implementation of these initiatives is now of critical importance. While recognizing that price controls have been reduced, continued controls on a range of products could deter investment and should be scaled back further to yield economic benefits, while still ensuring protection of the poor. Exchange controls have been relaxed, and further moves in this direction could also help attract investment by reducing uncertainty. And in all areas of policymaking, the mission would encourage broad consultation with key stakeholders, including civil society, in order to improve the quality, consistency, and sustainability of decisions."

The mission will be preparing a report that the IMF's Executive Board will discuss in January 2012.

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¹ Under Article IV of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members. A staff team visits the country (typically on an annual basis) to collect economic and financial information and discuss with officials the country's economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country's authorities.

IMF EXTERNAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

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What is the Distinction Between A Fijian and an Indo Fijian or Indian?: The Social ills that has Plagued Fiji-Who is to be Blamed?

Bula all!!

The article below is adequate to give those that are keen to get the distinction between the two different major ethnic races in Fijii.e; the Fijians or Indigenous and the Indo Fijians which are the descendants of the Girmitiyas that came from India during the Colonial Rule.

Yes, just recapping on Fiji's timeline historically, the Indentured Labour system was introduced into Fiji well after the Deed of cession in  1874. 60.000 Girmitiyas made their way into Fiji. We are told not all of these were Indentured Labourers as some who became free opted to remain in Fiji and bring their families in from India. Whilst the Fijians were fighting in the First and Second World War and loosing our men in battles, the Indentured Labourers'families were pouring in  to Fiji. The struggle between the Indigenous and the Indians began in earnest then as the Girmitiyas began to increase their numbers whilst the Fijians began to dwindle as they were in the battlefields.

Some of the questions that arises; were these all part of the 'big-plans' by Colonial Leaders? Or were they just very bad co-incidences? No one knows up till today. Our forefathers, grandparents on both sides arenot here to tell their stories. But one thing is for sure, Fiji has seen the worst of its timeline with the occurences of coup-de-tats of 1987, 2000, 2006 and some mini coups within coups in and between those years.

Where to from here? These regime led by Komada Bainimarama appears set to remain whether there will be an election or not come 2014. One things for sure, people are angry in and out of Fiji. They are ready to fight this current injustices being done to their families and loved ones. When it will erupt, time will tell. Evidently, the current regime although being protrayed in good light by the recent survey carried out by Lowe Intstitute, whispers has it that its all a farce. Those conducting the survey know fully well the only reasdon they were able to perform these surveys because they had to suck up to Bainimarama & his cohorts. Nepotism is rife as we write. Just recent announcement indicates current illegal Attorney General's wife has been made the new Chief Executive for Tourism Fiji while on the other hand Voreqe Bainimarama -the coup master's daughter is the current Chief Executive of Fiji Sports. These alone are enough to alert any ordinary thinking Fiji person and Friends of Fiji that nepotism is indeed rifein Fiji.

To add salt to injury, the story below also will point towards Fiji's current social problems. No doubt the uncertainity brought about by the 2006 coup and the ongoing extension of the three monthly Public Emergency Regulation to allow this current regime to continue their rule in Fiji is enough to flag to the rest of the world that all is not well in the once Fiji Paradise that we once knew.

In short and to conclude, Fiji now has undoubtly become a breeding ground of many social/political/economical and cultural ills. No matter which way we turn there are problems. Fijians and their Chiefs cannot be held accountable anymore for the current problems in Fiji. There are several races and other groupings that make up Fiji's population and all at some point have contributed to Fiji's problems.
'
Na Dina' Fiji Truth will Prevail in the end.
Fiji Truth Commission Movement.

Last rites for slain family

Felix Chaudhary
Thursday, November 03, 2011

+ Enlarge this image

Relatives gather during the last rites for Ranjani Rekha Singh and her daughters - Amisha and Anisha Dayal - in Tavua yesterday.

Picture: BALJEET SINGH

CLOSE to 300 people gathered in Qalela, Tavua, to pay their last respects to a mother and two daughters who were slain to death last Saturday.

Ranjini Rekha Singh, 28, and her two daughters Amisha Dayal, 7, and Anisha Dayal, 5, were bade an emotional and moving farewell during the funeral rites at Maqere Cemetery.

Tears flowed freely as mourners, family members and villagers who knew Mrs Singh silently sat through Hindu funeral rites before the bodies of the three alleged murder victims were cremated. Also present were her former schoolmates.

"It is still a big shock to the Qalela community because this family was so close and very well-liked. Even though they lived in Suva they always visited us many times and we still can't believe that something like this happened," said Rajesh Kumar, the late Mrs Singh's maternal uncle.

He said his niece loved her husband ù Bimlesh Prakash ù and they got on very well.

"That is why this death is so hard to understand."

Police spokesman Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri confirmed that police had yet to question Mr Prakash over the alleged murder of his wife and two young daughters.

He remains in a serious but stable condition at Suva's Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

"He is under police guard in the Intensive Care Unit and at this stage, he has not been cleared by medical authorities for questioning by police," said Health Ministry spokesman, Peni Namotu.

It is alleged Mr Prakash murdered his wife and daughters in the early hours of Saturday at their home in Nanuku settlement in Vatuwaqa, Suva.

Their landlord's wife raised the alarm thinking the family was engaged in a heated argument.

However, when officers from Viria Community Post arrived, they discovered Mrs Singh and her two daughters were already dead and Mr Prakash critically wounded.

http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=184862

Update on Protest to Support Human Rights & Workers Rights for Fiji today @ Fiji High Commission - Pipitea St. Wellington

Today, a group of us showed our support to the New Zealand Amnesty International & Public Service Association/ Trade Unions in a Protest outside the Fiji High Commission at Pipitea St.

The Protest was an awesome display of solidarity for ordinary people and we thank those that organised the Protest. The people that turned up were mostly Kiwis and friends of Fiji but very few of our Fiji people. Why? The answer as you would know is simply, our people are scared because their families back home will be subjected to cruel interrogations or regime style maltreatment.

Why did some of of publicly showed our support and are from Fiji now residing in New Zealand?

• We did it for the LOVE OF OUR HOMELAND FIJI!!



• We protested because we want Fiji to return to NORMALCY.



• We were there because we want to show our Kiwi people that all is not well in Fiji.



• We want DEMOCRACY



• We want FREEDOM FOR OUR FAMILIES & THE PEOPLE OF FIJI



• WE WANT AN END TO MILITARY DICTATORSHIP



• etc etc..........

More on this in due course with photos.

'Na Dina' Fiji Truth will Prevail in the end.

Fiji Truth Commission Movement.

"Most of the things he [Frank Bainimarama] is doing are against the Fijian race."

This is interesting times. Roko Ului has arrived in Aotearoa and theres so much bickering from several Fiji Democracy Movement Camps as to what he really stands for. This does not exclude the current illegal Military regime led by Komada Frank Bainimarama & Khaiyum Aiyas Saiyed his much valued advisor.

Whilst Fijians in Wellington are set to receive him and welcome him in the traditional Fijian way, hardcore Nik Naidu from Fiji Democracy Auckland airs his views on Radio New Zealand International yesterday that Roko Ului must not be given any pomp and ceremony or in short be listened to.

Now these comments from Nik Naidu [an origin of Indian descent in Fiji] sounds caustic and is enough to give any reader who may read between the lines the deep divide there is between the Indians and Fijians in Fiji and abroad. The 'race card' politics is now the name of the game as can be seen here.

Yesterday, Tuesday 19 July, 2011, reliable source advised that Felix Anthony, a hard core trade unionist was floating around Wellington yesterday attending several meetings. Why the sudden surge of interest to be in Wellington around the time Roko Ului will be here? Is there conspiracy in the air? Even our Fijians that says they are part of these Fiji Democratic Movements are split in several ways. In a nutshell, its lobbying & struggle for 'political proweress & power' so that they can be seen as fighting for the return to normalcy in Fiji. For the ordinary onlookers, its another game of political wrangling & giving a political spin amongst the sharks that are wanting to claw their way into power. It does not look to present a solidified front instead its paving a way for more confusion.

Bainimarama and Khaiyum, although they are trying to put on a brave front, they are lossing ground whether they like it or not. It is evident that the people as can be noted from the meetings held in Australia by Roko Ului, conforming that Fiji people are getting tired of the ongoing 'Public Emergency Rule' which has to be signed off every three months to allow the current regime to stay in power.

It is indeed interesting times ahead and one thin is for sure, Bainimarama's grip on Fiji is eroding quite steadily as can be seen by reactions from several levels towards those that are opposing his regime.

Tomorrow Rokolui, will meet several people in Wellington and share his side of the story. We are taking his story very seriously and which will impact and shape the thinking of 'where to from now' for all that just wants Fiji to return speedily to a democratically elected governance.

May God Bless Fiji.

'Na Dina'
Fiji Truth will Prevail in the end.
Fiji Truth Commission Movement.

Excerpts of an article written by Michael Field which now features in Intelligensiya's blog.

[Fiji] Military Divided
Mara and another former Fiji colonel, Jone Baledrokadroka, are trying to build a Fiji democracy movement outside the country but Mara accepted that there was no sign of a popular uprising in Fiji itself.

"The last thing we want to see is a confrontation between the people and the authorities in Fiji," he said.

People died in coup bloodshed in 1987 and in 2000 and Mara said they did not want a repeat.

Change to Fiji would come from international pressure.

Mara said Fiji soldiers would never fire on civilians.

"There is a definite split in the military. Bainimarama has only a small group around him," he said, adding he believed it was only about 50 soldiers and officers

"There is a certain group that is around him all the time. That is the group he uses to bring terror on the people... The oppression he is doing on the people of Fiji he is also doing on the military."

Mara admitted that Bainimarama previously enjoyed support from particularly expatriate Indo-Fijians in New Zealand and Australia.

His regime was anti-Fijians.

"Most of the things he is doing are against the Fiji race."


Mara and another former Fiji colonel, Jone Baledrokadroka, are trying to build a Fiji democracy movement outside the country but Mara accepted that there was no sign of a popular uprising in Fiji itself.

"The last thing we want to see is a confrontation between the people and the authorities in Fiji," he said.

People died in coup bloodshed in 1987 and in 2000 and Mara said they did not want a repeat.

Change to Fiji would come from international pressure.

Mara said Fiji soldiers would never fire on civilians.

"There is a definite split in the military. Bainimarama has only a small group around him," he said, adding he believed it was only about 50 soldiers and officers

"There is a certain group that is around him all the time. That is the group he uses to bring terror on the people... The oppression he is doing on the people of Fiji he is also doing on the military."

Mara admitted that Bainimarama previously enjoyed support from particularly expatriate Indo-Fijians in New Zealand and Australia.

His regime was anti-Fijians.

"Most of the things he is doing are against the Fiji race."

http://intelligentsiya.blogspot.com/2011/07/mara-military-is-divided.html

A 'Coolie' Perspective on Fiji Saga: So What Can we Say, Huh!!

'Na Dina take: What can we say, when someone of Indian origins starts writing their views or opinions on the Fiji saga. They will of course write from their perspectives just as we do from ours whichever way it is viewed and/or interepreted. Thats the beauty of writing blogs. We get the readers to make up their own minds, thoughts shared are often mingled with what we will throw in as our own just to add a twist to the tale.

Its all very well to engage in the 'war of words' as the case seems to be. What we cannot get over is how those of Indian origins and those who are others that are so hellbent in beating up any signs of Fijians rising to that of being a succesful business men/women etc. They are immediately shot down. Take for instance, Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, a banker & a business man who won his seat through a fair election process. Now he is being blatantly accused of many things and yet have not been proven guilty in a Court of Law. To make matters worse, in his effort to teach Fijians i.e his own people, the art of business, he was quickly throttle by guess who?? Yes, you know who we are referring to here. There will always be a Fijian perspectives to the Fiji sorry saga & there will always be the Coolie/Indian perspectives as well as others. Thats for you as readers to owrk out amongst yourselves. One thing is for sure. Fijians are here to stay and 'Fight we will"!!

Another, case in point, the author of the article below, as published by Keep the Faith in Intelligentsiya, written and articulated by a Fiji Indian who has his origins from the famous Indian Coolies that were imported to Fiji to work the sugar cane farms. True, they have educated themselves well and have moved on to greener pastures i.e now living abroad and yet cannot leave Fijians alone to try and make sense of whats going on back home.

Not so recently, most Fijians holding key positions in governement were axed from their jobs. Prior to this their Fiji National Provident Funds (FNPF) were frozen due to some dodgy deals via some Fiji Indian sitting in Auckland, New Zealand, linking up with Blue Chips. These dodgy business men had inner connections to another 'coollie factor' /Fiji Indian sitting under a Minister in the then Fiji Governement, who signed off the deal for FNPF Funds to be transferred to the Momi Bay Resort which went bankrupt. As the world have heard, Fijian who are not great business men/women who held senior posts in Fiji government as doctors, teachers, draftsman, architectures, police, administrators, nurses, health workers were given limited time to exit from being a civil servants with not even a 'golden-pen' after many years of service. The question of their National Provident Funds which they had worked hard for all their lives to assist them in their retirement were all lost to the dodgy deals in Momi Bay Resort plus Blue Chip deals. So who are tehse dodgy people pulling the strings from behind the scene??

This story is enough to give an ordinary Fijian who has been educated to see for themselves how Fijians are being "stitched up"!! So whats Karam Ramarakh is saying now? Do they really want to see Fijians go under by depriving them of the joys of being in their home turf?

Ramrakha claims European Unions is sitting on the fence with Bainimarama's bad calls on Fiji's economy and the mess Fiji is in? Show us the facts. The last we heard EU had instructed Bainimarama & his illegal cronies to return Fiji back to normalcy. So what is Ramrakha going on about?

Time to just ease-off and allow Roko Ului to proceed with his roadmap on Fiji from outside Fiji.

Many of the so-called descendants of Coollies have trully left Fiji with little intention of going back. They do not send money back to help Fiji's coffers. If for anything they take money out of Fiji. That is a fact. The slightest opportunity one gets to migrate, they take it.

So what we are saying, leave Fiji alone and stop yourrhetorics and 'bulls***t'. Just because you are lawyers or professionals does not give you any more right to be claiming you know Fiji best thus claiming a piece of Fiji.

If you intend to re-invest or leave money there in Fiji, then its all good, but unfortunately the stories are the same. As business men/women all one wants are to go in make your money, rob Fiji & its people & run!!

Na Dina' Fiji Truth will Prevail in the end.
Fiji Truth Commission Movement.
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Read more:

from Intelligentsiya by Keep The Faith


Well looky-look what we have here.

The illegal and treasonous military regime and their supporters and inept mouthpieces have been sent their brief to seize the hearts and minds of Melanesia via the Solomon Star media outlet, hoping in their artificiality, that their lone supporter will help them apprehend and score points over regional Fiji's fugitive drama.

Unfortunately for them the tide tends to turn very swiftly in Melanesia.

Double standards over Mara, Moti

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 04:19

How does the saying go? Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. So far Fiji’s Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has enjoyed an untroubled run.

He has the country firmly under his thumb. Dissenting forces, or areas of possible dissent, have been neutralised. For once no one is cursing the Indo-Fijians for Fiji’s problems.

The two coups of 1987 and 2000 were based on supposed indo-fijian takeover of Fiji and stated to be the saviour of the embattled indigenous Fijian race.
But Commodore Bainimarama’s agenda is different.

Graham Davis, a Fiji-born journalist, when accused of supporting a coup summed the position thus:

“I believe there’s a fundamental difference between the coups of 2000 and 2006.

The former was supposedly a coup to uphold indigenous rights but, in fact, seems to have been carried out by a group of opportunists pursuing the spoils of office.

What’s the evidence for that? That indigenous rights weren’t under any threat. It was a smokescreen for a much more grubby lunge for power.

The coup of 2006 - on the other hand - was to uphold the notion of a multiracial Fiji against what the military believed to be a clear and present threat.

This was the legislative programme of the Qarase government that would have created two nations - one for indigenous Fijians and one for the rest.”

I endorse his remarks.

To seek to achieve that goal Commodore Bainimarama has had to pull out all stops and, for the time being, stifle or silence all dissent .

It began, of course, with parliament itself. As we see in Australia today, parliament continues to reflect a nation evenly divided.

Qarase had won a majority with a blatantly racial approach to i-Taukei Fijians to vote on racial lines.

He denied this, of course, but a tape recording of one of his speeches caught him out. Qarase persisted with that blatantly racial agenda.

He sought to declare all sea and shores of Fiji as indigenous land; he wanted the 2000 coup perpetrators “reconciled” and thus forgiven; and finally he sought every i-Taukei outside Fiji to have a vote.

After months or warnings including a “settlement” conference in New Zealand, Commodore Bainimarama acted on December 6, 2006.

Commodore Bainimarama would go on to neutralise the Fiji Law Society, the Council of Chiefs and finally the Methodist Church.T

There has been unrelenting pressure on Commodore Bainimarama to hold elections.

Commodore Bainimarama does not want those who I may call “the usual suspects” to end up in parliament.

Fundamental to Commodore Bainimarama’s success is loyalty of the military - the only single political force that remains in Fiji.

Speculation abounds. The world powers - USA, UK, EU, Australia and New Zealand - are pressing Frank for a return to civilian government.

Commodore Bainimarama originally promised elections in 2009, but has extended this date to 2014.

Commodore Bainimarama does not want any of the “old guard” to come back to parliament.

Commodore Bainimarama does not want any discrimination. Frank wants one-man, one-vote, one-value. Equality for all. Very high and noble motives.

The European Union is somewhat neutral to Commodore Bainimarama. China is silent and it is one country which shuns political decisions in cases such as Fiji.

China is there to lend a helping hand, but excites the envy of other nations who shun Fiji.

But the West is suddenly becoming strident despite showing some signs recently that Commodore Bainimarama should be accommodated and “understood.”

A recent drama, where a soldier accused of sedition has been spirited to Tonga in a Tongan vessel which brazenly entered Fiji’s waters.

Unlike Julian Moti (Fiji-born former Solomon Islands’ Attorney-General) who was hunted like a fugitive by Australia, this soldier Ratu Tevita Mara has been made welcome in Tonga and Australia where he was invited to deliver a speech.

Suddenly the Machiavellian doctrine that the enemy of my enemy is my friend is being invoked.

Why did Australia give Ratu Ului a visa? On what basis? Australia is very selective in choosing who will come to Australia.

Unlike Julian Moti, Roko Ului was actually a fugitive from Fiji’s judicial and legal system.

Remember the American CIA ? As one of its operatives confessed to a Fiji journalist, “The purpose of the CIA is to foster unrest in the rest of the world.”

Yes, indeed, while the rest of the world is squabbling and disunited Uncle Sam rules.

Remember Indira Gandhi’s wheat sales to USA which paid her in Indian rupees.

Yes, rupees which could only be spent in India. The CIA used that money to bribe and destabilise. Mrs Gandhi cancelled the deal.

Remember Kwame Nkrumah.

The CIA admits it had him killed. Nkrumah’s crime: he would have united Africa.

So Australia and New Zealand are playing the same CIA game and marching to its beat. Divide and conquer. Conquer and divide.

We watch how the Ratu Ului drama will pan out. Tonga once nearly conquered Fiji.
Tongan chief Ma’afu who tried to conquer Fiji is buried in Fiji at Ratu Ului’s home in Lau.

Parts of Lau speak Tongan.

Yes, if anything, this dispute highlights the reality of Commodore Bainimarama’s dream of a free Fiji with equality for all.

By: Karam Chand Ramrakha*
In Sydney, Australia

*Karam Ramrakha, a lawyer admitted to practice in Fiji and New South Wales, draws on his experiences as a former Fiji parliamentarian and one of the “Founding Fathers of Free Fiji” to analyse recent events.

Fact: 'Roko Ului is an Indigenous Fijian High Chief' : Bainimarama/Khaiyum Cannot Strip that Indigenous Fijian Right off the Young Chief.

Ni bula vinaka mai,

It has been a very interesting times Fiji has had over the last few weeks since Roko Ului's eventful journey to the Kingdon of Tonga. First and foremost he is safe and he is in good hands as after all he is a very close relative of the King of Tonga. All in all there has been great covereage by Coup Four Point Five and other Fiji bloggers keeping their fingers on the pulse on a daily basis and some even within the hour. To them we thank those that have given some sound bytes to the young chiefs plight to Tonga.


In this article, we have decided to not do a repeat of whats already out there in the social net working sites. What is going to be covered is the fact that whatever anyone says, for us as Indigenous Fijians, we must do our best to isolate the elements of politics, belief or faith, military, professional links, associations and more. When all this is done, we then ask ourselves, the question of 'who am I, what is my identity, what is my ethnicity, what are my traditional values and so forth? When we are able to do this then and only we can position ourselves in knowing where your allegiance lies. Is it with your political leanings, your religion, your profession or whichever? This then alerts oneself to really get a clearer definition of one's place in society that we live in in this instance as an Authentic Fijian who has deeprooted Fijian values & traditions.

When reading most comments being posted, some are good and some are not so good. The surprising and shocking thing about it that its some Fijians, are the very ones attacking Roko Ului. 

Last night's Fijian Program:PI531, hosted by our favourite, Fijian announcer in Domo i Viti, Mrs Nemai Vucago & Roko Taliai, scheduled an interesting 'talanoa' hosted by Ruci Farrel & one other on air. Mr Usaia Pita Waqatairewa spoke intensly about what his Fiji Democracy Movement was doing or have done and their take on Roko Ului's taking refuge under the King of Tonga.

It was a good interview but perhaps a bit more structured towards the issues Roko Ului has flagged and compare those with what every other bloggers or other movements including FFDM of which Usaia was talking on. Interestingly, two days ago it was widely read that one of those very Fijian man behind FFDM was noted to have written a heavy article criticising Roko Ului. 

This is the part that becomes very sticky, as here we have a young Fijian Chief seeking forgiveness from his own people, i.e the Indigenous Fijians and wider Fiji people and on the other a Fijian bad-mouthing the young Chief. It is very obvious that the author of that article has put his Fijianness behind & brought his hatred & political affliations etc to the forefront. Then as can be deduced, his values and traditional beliefs as a Fijian has gone through the window. The racial lines or his identity has been so blurred. Thats the sad part of it all.


In conclusion, the fact of the matter, we are Indigenous Fijians first and foremost, well at least for those of us that value our roots and everything else come after. Roko Ului is received wholeheartedly and just like Paul on his Road To Damascus, this is Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara's journey and we will support his cause at all levels.
Vinaka.


An Opinion by,
Adi Elisapeci Samanunu
Chairperson
Fiji Truth Commission Movement
email: fijitruthcom@gmail.com

 
'Na Dina' Fiji Truth will Prevail in the end.
Fiji Truth Commission Movement.

Ro Litia Cakobau Lalabalvu Katoafutoga Tuisawau¹

F, #404963

Last Edited=25 Oct 2009

     Ro Litia Cakobau Lalabalvu Katoafutoga Tuisawau married Ratu Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara, son of Ratu Tevita Uluillakeba and Lusiana Qolikoro, on 9 September 1950.¹
     Ro Litia Cakobau Lalabalvu Katoafutoga Tuisawau held the office of Paramount Chief of Burebasaga and Rewa.¹ From 9 September 1950, her married name became Mara.¹

Children of Ro Litia Cakobau Lalabalvu Katoafutoga Tuisawau and Ratu Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara

• Adi Litia Cakobau Mara+¹
• Adi Ateca Moce Mara¹
• Adi Koila Mara¹
• Adi Asenaca Kakua Mara¹
• Ratu Alifereti Finau Mara¹
• Ratu Jioji Cokanauto Mara¹
• Adi Elenoa Mara¹
• Ratu Tevita Vakacere Uluilakeba Mara¹

http://thepeerage.com/p40497.htm

 

RATU SIR KAMISESE MARA

I cannot vouch for my recollections of my early days at the Sacred Heart Convent in Levuka in 1926-27. I was six years old when I left Lakeba on a big two mast sailing ship the "Grey-hound", skippered by Capt. Scott, a good friend of my grandparents.
I was not very enthusiastic about leaving Lakeba. I was a spoiled child. I could get anything I wantedfrom my grandparents, especially my grandmother, Adi Ateca Moceiwaqa a grand daughter of Ratu Cakobau.I refer to these family connections because apart from the two years I spent at the Sacred Heart Convent, I spent my early years until I was 13 years old listening to my grandmother relating her experience as a young girl in Ratu Cakobau's court. The oral history of Bau I learnt from her was actually more valuable to me than any other history lessons I learnt later.

My early days were fully occupied with watching and helping the household servants preparing food, going out fishing, accompanying my grandfather to his garden on horseback in tandem, sailing my small canoes and swimming with my peer group. It was a wonderful life. My days were full of joy and happiness. It was thereforea great disappointment and puzzlement when I was sent away to what they called school at the other side of my little world.

I was sent to Mrs Pasemaca Vollmer in Levuka where the Vollmer's homestead still stands to date. Mrs Vollmer actually came from Lomaloma; but Mr Vollmer must have taught her the German traits of stern discipline, hard work and punctuality. All these excellent virtues were frequently drilled into me with the help of a branch of a pine-like tree growing on the west side of the residence. My morning chores were lighting the stove, fetching the milk from our neighbour Mr Maine, and putting the porridge on the stove before I knocked on Granny Vollmer's door to report that my morning duties were completed. I would then prepare for breakfast and school.

I attended Sacred Heart Convent instead of the Levuka Public School where I was originally intended to enroll. This was a significant development in my life for I used to watch my school mates go to the Catholic Church while I could only watch and wish I could be with them in the Church where there statues stainglass windows and a light burning day and night.

The sisters at the Convent made me welcome and my recollectionof my days at the Convent was a pleasant one and I made many friends. Many Lauanswho met me on the roadto and from school often gave me threepence or even a shilling, and that made going to school something to look forward to. However, there were a few hazards that I have to negotiate during those school days. One was sailing little toy boats made of hald coconuts with "dilo" leaves as sails on Totogo creek by the Royal Hotel. Mrs Vollmer has a good pair of binoculars and there were occasions, when it was time to go home for lunch, I would find my school bag, shoes, and stocking, left on the bank, while I was boating, were missing; only to find them at home when I returned. A few branches of the pines, besides the residence cured me of my ambition to be a sailor.
The other hazard was a Lauan family living up at Na Ika Bula above the Convent. Whenever possibleI would sneak up there where I always found nice things to eat, and kindness and respect. These made a deep impression on me at that early age. I generally came home late when I visited them. A stern reprimand would make me avoid going up for a week or so. I soon learned to ask one of those kind people to take me home whenever I was late.

There used to be stone jetties on the seafront. I remember them well becauseon more than one occasion I would slip on the slimy surface and would spot a plaster on the back of the head for a week or two. The "Falls", that is, the reservoir above the Levuka Public School on the Totogo creek was a real treat when taken up there for a swim. Totogo Police was a compound I would skirt aaround carefully because the Police seemedto pick on me whenever I was seen near it. I found out later that Sgt. Saula, who was related to my grandmother used to terrorise me, just to make sure I knew my station in life! Early in 1928 my grandmother took ill, and wanted to see me before she died, so I was told. I went home and thereby prolonged her life till she eventually passed away in 1944 - when I was at the Medical School at Otago University, New Zealand.
I have happy memories of Sacred Heart Convent - first school in my life. I like to think that from that auspicious beginning, I attended so many other educational institutions until I finally graduated from Wadham College, Oxfordin 1949, twenty one years later as Shakespeare said "And then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel, and shining morning face creeping like snail unwillingly to school.
http://www.maristconventschoollevuka.com/kamisese.html

Interesting Readings:
[PDF]

Whatever happened to Western separatism?

File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick View
group, further east towards tonga. their 20th century successors, ratu Sir .... When the British royal family visits Fiji, they regularly visit Vuda. ... of Vitogo (or those who had blood ties to Vitogo) figured prominently. many ..... in government. in ratu mara's cabinets, there had always been ministers from ...
epress.anu.edu.au/fiji/pdf/ch17.pdf

"Bose Vanua" or "The Fijian Conversation": To Support Roko Ului 's Plight - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!

 Reflections:

Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara's Journey out of Fiji's Military Dungeon to the Palace in Tonga"
Na vakavinavinaka cecekia vua na Turaga na Tui Tonga kei na Matanitu o Tonga kei ira na lewe ni vanua ena nodra ciqomi Roko Ului, na Gone Turaga mai na Vanua vakaturaga o Lau.
(Fijian Version)

Our sincere thanks & appreciations goes to the King of Tonga & the Government and its people for receiving & welcoming our young Fijian Chief & former Army Military man Roko Ului at your shores.


Alot has been said and bloggers monitoring Fiji situation has been on point to highlight Roko Ului's journey out of Fiji to Tonga. As many of us as Fiji people both in Fiji & offshore have seen this as a break from the "CYCLE OF OPPRESSION" the people of Fiji has been put through post 2006 Coup by Voreqe Bainimarama & his side kick Khaiyum A. Saiyed.

It is true that Roko Ului was part of the military elites when the 2006 was executed as many Fiji people have echoed. However, for us as ordinary Fijians who love to see people of Fiji be freed off the shackles of bondage forced upon them, Roko Ului's taking refuge in Tonga is indeed that break.

We will stand united and be prepared to support him for his stand to remove both Voreqe Bainimarama and Khaiyum Saiyed. This is now our fight and collectively we will see that it happens.

read more:


Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara Statement Nos.1
Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara Statement Nos. 2

Bula vinaka kei kemuni kece na noda i tokani & Friends of Fiji

We have initiated an online *"Bose Vanua" and/or Fijian Conversation"

to give all of us an opportunity to come up with suggestions & thoughts. 

For those that would like to just send an email plse do so via  fijitruthcom@gmail.com

Some key suggestions received: 

Beginning now everyday until Fiji comes for the World Rugby World Cup 2011:

- *Fijian Blue Ribbon* worldwide tagging be it wear blue, in any shape  or form or have blue somehwre in yr car window, social sites anything Blue. 

- This will indicate our "United Stand" as an outcome for what is
   happening now to Fiji esp for *Roko Ului* who is being subjected to a
   Regional man-hunt it seems by Fiji's regime. 

- We must send a signal that *Enough is Enough.*

Vinaka na vakalevu,

- Show quoted text -

On Mon, May 16, 2011 at 2:59 PM, Mr Loruama  wrote:
I think we should just come together and disrupt the Fiji Military Forces in their attempt to get Roko Ului to be extradicted to Fiji.

 This not going to happen because the Royal Famuily in Tonga will listen to the President of Fiji who is a close relative of both Roko Ului and the Tui Tonga.
 

We just need to disrupt the Unity in the Fiji Military Forces. Bainimarama is so frightened that he is now afraid of his own shadow.

'Na Dina' Fiji Truth will Prevail in the end. Fiji Truth Commission Movement.