Cogito, ergo sum. I think, therefore I am. (René Descartes, mathematician and philosopher,1599-1650)

Sunday 7 February 2010

Short Briefs Monday 8.2.10

NZ has put some conditions to Fiji before finalizing the appointment of Councillors.

Foreign Minister Inoke Kubuabola described the talks as constructive, mutually beneficial, and another step, towards restoring starved diplomatic relations.He said a change in climate on diplomatic relations is on the cards.

Steve Ratuva suggests "innovative diplomacy."

Peter Thomson has been confirmed as Fiji's permanent representative at the UN. Click link for short biography.

The Fiji Live poll on whether NZ should continue sanctions while trying to improve diplomatic relations remains constant with 72% saying No.

Following on from Government's ban on its monthly and divisional meetings, the Methodist Church has urged members to comply with the law. PM Bainimarama says Government is still watching seven ministers he claims are backed by corrupt politicians.

The Ministry of Works has started work on reforms to comply with Government instructions to improve efficiency.

Seventeen new lawyers have been admitted to the bar. Chief Justice Anthony Gates urged them to treat their clients equally, no matter what their social station.

PM Bainimarama has been accepting and then returning tabua (whale's tooth) at recent traditional ceremonies. Civil servants who have received tabua as part of their job have been told to follow suit.

Following the confiscation of tabua from Suva pawn shops, the  Department of Environment has ordered that anyone wanting to sell tabua should register to do so, setting the fee at $1,050.

LandForce Commander BrigGen Pita Driti has announced that 90 Fiji soldiers for the next UN mission will leave for Iraq next month. They will be responsible for guarding UN personnel in Baghdad, which they have been doing since 2006.

The Citizen's Constitution Forum quarterly newsletter Tutaka Online, Vol 4, Jan 2010 can be downloaded by clicking this MediaFire link. It contains several items on recently declared Decrees.

Qarase's Philosophy Supported the 2000 Coup. Click here for Subhash Appana's article in the Auckland-published Indian Weekender.

The Government Information and Referral Centre opened last July in downtown Suva to provide better access for the public to government information, services and departments has so far answered 1,000 enquiries.

3 comments:

Proud fijian said...

This statement by Subash lacks evidence:

"In fact on a visit to NZ, Qarase intimated to PM Helen Clark that democracy was not going to work in Fiji. And the NZPM had nothing to say! "

"Intimated" - does he have recordings of the conversations. And the statment implies that Helen Clark supports Qarase's moves.

Croz I understand that it's hard to regularly have update informative articles on your website. But some may take advantage of your blog to further their financial objectives.

I admire your blog for not having any adverts or Google ads.

Crosbie Walsh said...

Vinaka, Proud Fijian. I can certainly remember the comments that democracy in Fiji was a "foreign flower." Subhash's views, of course, are his own. Much that we write of the past (and of the present for that matter) is speculative, and probably will always remain so. If you would like to write a reasoned and polite alternative view,I'd be pleased to publish it. Anything that helps Fiji and it overseas friends understand its past and may make for a better future, is always welcome. But I don't think Suhbash (or other contributors)are motivated by money.

joe said...

"motivated by money."???? Who is not motivated by money? All previous govts in Fiji were motivated by money. Qarase's Fhl family shares, NLTB crap, affirmative action aka vote buying, Chaudhary's stash in foreign banks, and who knows what else. The shoe is on the other foot now and ouch!!!!! it hurts.