ALL LAND LEASE MONEY WILL BE DISTRIBUTED EQUALLY Previously, the NLTB took 15% of lease money as administration cost. After that, 30% went to chiefs at different levels (5% to the Turaga i'Taukei, 10% to the Turaga ni Yavusa and 15% to the Turaga ni Mataqali). The other landowners — the ordinary people — then shared the remainder. -- Fiji Sun.
Doing the Right Thing — the Wrong Way
He says discussions were talked about but due to media censorship he does not know if any have taken place, and the CCF has been unable to obtain a copy of the relevant decree to examine the details. Rev. Yabaki said “it’s a painful change and therefore there will be people who will feel undermined in terms of their authority but that sort of thing should be all the [more] reasons why there should be greater engagement and dialogue with all stake holders.” He says he is aware of at least one province that has said it does not agree with the changes.
I think it more probable that formal dialogue has not taken place. There would be no point in censoring this information. But the continuation of the emergency regulations (PER) allow rumours to flourish, such as the supposed opposition of "at least one province", and for this reason, its continuance is regrettable. But this criticism of the CCF statement is nitpicking.
Overall, the statement is a wise and timely reminder to Government that doing the "right thing" is not enough. People need to agree that it is the right thing, and the only way to ensure this is by including those most affected in dialogue: different levels of chiefs, ordinary landowners, the NLTB, and different types of leasees.
Sure, this will give those "chronically opposed" to government opportunities to criticize and perhaps rally some support, but there is no other way.
Empowerment means involvement. Change that is imposed that does not have public acceptance rarely lasts. If Government is looking beyond the elections in 2014, as it must be, it needs to ensure its major changes are permanent.
What do you think?
Readers are invited to suggest what form(s) of participation (not just on land leases) might be acceptable to the general public and to Government. A distinction should be made been acceptable NOW, and the type of dialogue we can expect in 2012 when constitutional and electoral reform will be discussed.
GOVT AIMS TO EMPOWER EVERYONE. Top-down theories sound fine but the reality is that Government needs to provide the institutional structures and environment for people to empower themselves. Nothing else will last. -- Fiji Village.
MISUSE OF UNCLAIMED NLTB LEASE MONEY. Radio Fiji.
VAT INCREASED by 2.5% on Monday but school stationery will be exempt until after schools resume.
TOURISM LOOKS BRIGHT. With $23.5m allocated by government to promote tourism, Seeto says prospects look bright.
7 comments:
Croz
Who decides what is the 'right thing"? You, Yabaki, bhainimarama?
Do you think perhaps the people of Fiji might like some say in this?
I am at a total loss to see how people are empowered if 1. They have no freedom of speech? 2. They have no freedom of association? 3. They have no vote? Unlike those in control they have no guns? Perhaps you or sharon could explian? Or Allen? He has a lot to say?
@ the right thing....
One way of getting to be assured of "the right thing" is to observe closely and to learn from what doing the "wrong thing" achieves (outcomes). Look at the FRFU handling of its Lottery. A perfect example of how not to go about doing things the right way. Even though the end was desirable: raise money for Fiji rugby players to participate in the World Cup, it has been blighted by a ridiculous wasted effort for simply not ensuring (by asking) what was the correct and right way of going about it. Many of us might have told them. No, they refused to find out presumably they thought they knew best. This smacks of hubris. And it is evident still all over Fiji. "We know best". Well, sadly, you often do not! Thinking about Thinking is required -urgently. Professor Antony Flew knew!
Croz,
It has been many many many months since the media decree came into place. We where absolutely asured that the PER would be lifted when this happened. It has not and here is no sign it will be lifted any time soon.
You posted a letter late last year asking the PM to meet this promise and to start to involve public and allow discussion but promptly removed the item.
I think it is time to put that message back up.
Dear Croz,
The thing that has to happen is the PER must be lifted. But that is not enough in itself - people will need to see evidence of people being able to speak out without fear of action from the military. There has been far less threats from military thugs of late and no "beat ups" at the barracks but most beleive this is because everyone is doing as they are told or saying nothing rather than having a more relaxed military and government open to different views.
I read the PM news years message today and was bewilded that he still talks about a 'mandate' given to him by the president. He seems to be still rattling this lie. His only mandate is his own actions and beliefs and perhaps that of his main military people. Next he will be saying he had no choice again. He is now also referring to the first full year of his government as if there was really any difference between his government before and post abrigation of the constitution. Speach writers (AG?) trying to be too clever.
Sadly the reality on the ground remains this government does not do debate, consultation or discussion. They continue to run Fiji with a very very heavy hand.
Croz,
You seem to be getting a unfair wrap as a pro coup, pro military apologist who supports everything that Frank and team does...
Not sure how many readers have read the aims-principle tab on the site. To me your consistent criticisms are spot on. I have cut and paste them here for other blogger to read :
"My most common criticisms concern the inadequacy of its explanations to the Fiji public; its failure to release the Roadmap, Strategic Framework for Change, Auditor-General's and similar reports; its failure to consult with and include more civilians in decision-making, most particularly with responsible groups such as the Citizen's Constitutional Forum; its failure to immediately or progressively lift the Public Emergency Regulations; its failure to advance the Roadmap process by starting inclusive dialogue on constitutional and electoral reform now, instead of leaving it to 2012; its (to me, unwise and unnecessary) knee-jerk overreactions to opposition and contrary opinions; and its inflexible diplomatic showings with the international community. It will be difficult, if not impossible, to build a genuine, inclusive democratic if Government does not show itself more sensitive to these criticisms."
Its a good list and if government just implemented one thing from it every month for the next 6 months we might just see more people rally to support them.
What do you really think more consultation would have acheived. The only native Fijians who would have "consulted" with the government are the chiefs. Commoners would not have been able to say anything, they have to follow the chiefs decision remember. And I can't really see the chiefs saying something like:
"Great idea Frank, please take away my money and give it to the commoners. In fact I think me and the other chiefs have raped and pillaged for long enough so please give all our share to those we have robbed for the last 50 years"
The decision is fair and right and will be in for the next three years at least. That way most people will come to see that this is the right way and will be much better off. It will then be very hard for a decision like this to be revesed. This is why it is critical to allow time for this type of reform, which could not have been acheived under a government using the previous system, and not rush to elections.
@ Promises said......and the PER
Look around you and consider carefully how you think the Culture of Corruption and Impunity may be dealt with without the PER in place. Do you believe that the Crimes Decree 2009 can be fully applied without the PER there? Do you even know of or have a copy of the Crimes Decree and do you understand the categorisation of criminal offences and why we now have "Crimes Against Humanity"? No use bleating if you do not have access to and know: The Crimes Decree 2009, the Child Welfare Decree 2010 and the Domestic Violence Decree. When these decrees are applied by the Fiji Police Force and the DPP reliably and equitably, then we might see the PER being lifted. Go into the Courts and see what is being done. See who is charged, why and if they are convicted and sentenced according to law. Inform yourself first and ask yourself why the PER have been required. Is it taking a long time to accomplish? Yes, it is. The relevant question is WHY? And what can you do to help?
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