[pima.nius] DOMPOST: Fiji needs help, not hindrance

Fiji needs help, not hindrance

THE LONG VIEW - RICHARD LONG - The Dominion Post

Last updated 09:48 05/05/2009

 

Bougainville was once the intractable problem of the South Pacific. Former National foreign affairs minister Don McKinnon pulled off a solution there, against all the odds, by dispatching one of his Pacific experts to bang heads together.

With a brief that enabled him to cut across boundaries between foreign affairs, defence and other bureaucracies, big, straight- talking Foreign Affairs Ministry staffer John Hayes achieved something of a miracle - although he was lucky to escape with his life when his helicopter was shot down at one stage.

Mr Hayes is now the National MP for Wairarapa and his constituents would no doubt take a dim view of his being dispatched to Fiji for winter to share a kava bowl with the island nation's strongman, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, to try to cajole him into earlier elections.

But failing this, or some other refreshingly novel approach at dialogue, such as the Maori Party delegation concept floated by co- leader Tariana Turia at the weekend, we are back to the same old megaphone diplomacy, threatening Suva with the same tired agenda of economic penalties.

These sanctions continued at the weekend with Fiji's suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum. That will no doubt be followed by suspension from the Commonwealth. This enables governments in Australia and New Zealand to claim to their voters that they are doing something to combat the bad guy.

The problem is that it does not bring us one step closer to a solution; it increases economic hardships on poor Fijians, and will eventually turn the Pacific's great success story into a basket case. And that is not in our interest, or Fiji's.

There is a ritual formula about this. There is a call for an immediate return to democracy, failing which there will be sanctions and expulsions.

This megaphone diplomacy shorthand skirts around the fact that democracy as we would understand it has never existed under Fiji's discriminatory system.

Indeed, in an uncanny echo of the foreshore debate here, the allegedly corrupt ultra-nationalist government that Commodore Bainimarama ousted in 2006 was developing plans to seize the foreshore for ethnic Fijians. Do we want Fiji to go back to that?

None of this is to excuse the erratic commodore for his excesses, such as sacking judges, media censorship - now extended further as a thumbing of the nose to the forum expulsion - and the imposition of a state of emergency.

His actions demonstrate poor advice. He should be urged to back away from the political fisticuffs drama and to concentrate on explaining his "people's charter" - ambitious plans for a constitution aimed at true power- sharing between Fijians and Fiji Indians - ostensibly to be introduced at an election in 2014.

In theory, such a constitution would be a remarkable development, holding the best hope of uniting Fiji after four separate coups. The trouble is, New Zealand's sanctions are hindering the process, not helping it.

We penalise officials assisting the military government in Suva, making it difficult for them or their families to visit New Zealand. That frightens off key figures who could be giving the commodore sound alternative advice.

The New Zealand Law Society advises our lawyers not to work in Fiji, which the Kiwi solicitor- general in Suva points out weakens the legal system there at a time when it should be strengthened.

If the Government switched tack on this approach and also swamped the Bainimarama administration with offers of assistance from constitutional experts, it would then speed the redraft of the constitution and make a stronger case for bringing forward the date of that 2014 election.

While we are about it, we could also abandon efforts to wreck the Fijian economy, which are forcing more and more people into those appalling shantytowns of the unemployed around Suva.

Even some backers of the ousted Fijian government agree that our ban on employing Fijian seasonal workers is a retrograde step.

And former prime minister Helen Clark's diktat that it was "immoral" to travel to Fiji on holiday is viewed in Fiji as economic sabotage. The staff at Fijian hotels, while paid a pittance, are in many cases the sole breadwinners for their families.

Failing all this, Prime Minister John Key could always instruct Mr Hayes to pack his lava-lava and kava bowl and have another crack at sorting things out.

 

--
----------------------------------------
pacific islands media association
pima.nius@gmail.com
aotearoa, new zealand
----------------------------------------

--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
- - - - - - - - -

comment here:
http://groups.google.com/group/pima-nius/topics?hl=en

send an email comment here:
pima-nius@googlegroups.com

unsubscribe:
pima-nius+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

more options
http://groups.google.com/group/pima-nius?hl=en?hl=en

- - - - - - - - -
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

[pima.nius] Re: TVNZ: Turia believes Maori could help Fiji

No, you've misunderstood the situation. Bainimarama actually wants to stop the racism that you view as rational by instilling his own constitution, legislation, etc which has disadvantaged fijian-indians.

 

On the issue of the Maori Party going to Fiji, I would've liked to see what they would talk about, as I see Turia's comments on Q&A as the most constructive from NZ govt so far.

On Tue, May 5, 2009 at 1:03 AM, panther <peterpanther08@hotmail.com> wrote:

Re; Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia wants a team of prominent

Maori to go to
 Fiji to try to sort out the troubled regime.

Before I start, my apologies to anyone who sees my views as rascist.
As I see it, native Fijians simply wish Fiji to stay in the hands of
native Fijians and do not wish Fiji to become a little India,
controlled by Indians. Now that the Indian population has surpassed
that of native Fijians simply because Indians have persisted in having
up to 15 children per family whereas Fijians have maintained a more
conservative 2-4 children per family, Indians can now tip the balance
if a democratic voting system is used. Once the Indians are in power,
they can rescind all Fijian land ownership laws and progressively dis-
empower native Fijians of their rightful ownership of their country.
Fijians understandably wish Fiji to stay in Fijian hands. The only way
this can be achieved is by a peaceful and diplomatic dictatorship
which is what the Fijians have succeeded in doing so far with a
minimum of bloodshed. This is not a bad alternative when the other
more draconian alternative is to have a civil war and expel the
Indians. In fact this is what will happen if Indians take control of
Fiji through democracy, as this loss of ownership will enrage the
Fijian population and a civil war will be inevitable. The Fijians do
not wish this as they do appreciate Indian expertise in economic
issues, they just do not wish to lose ownership of Fiji.
We must remember this whole mess was not the Fijian's fault.
When the English colonials initially imported Indian Labour for the
sugar fields, there was a promise that they would eventually be
returned to India - this never happened and as time went by, it became
more and more difficult to return second and third generation Indians
to a home they had never known.
A diplomatic dictatorship is not all bad. In fact it is the most
peaceful solution, so I think we should just lay off and allow Fijians
to continue their rightful ownership of their country.
Having lived in Fiji as a child, I have to say that Fiji is beautiful
in its cultural diversity, and am amazed that a harmonious
relationship has been maintained all these years. I commend all
parties in maintaining such a high level diplomatic reserve, despite
the cultural differences.

--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
- - - - - - - - -

comment here:
http://groups.google.com/group/pima-nius/topics?hl=en

send an email comment here:
pima-nius@googlegroups.com

unsubscribe:
pima-nius+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

more options
http://groups.google.com/group/pima-nius?hl=en?hl=en

- - - - - - - - -
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

[pima.nius] PR: Hon Georgina te Heuheu - Positive environment for nuclear NPT meeting

Hon Georgina te Heuheu Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control
4 May 2009	Media Release
Positive environment for nuclear NPT meeting Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control Georgina te Heuheu is cautiously optimistic an upcoming nuclear non-proliferation meeting will provide a solid basis for a crucial meeting next year to work for a nuclear-free world.   The third and final Preparatory Committee meeting for the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference gets underway in New York today.   'The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is the cornerstone of the international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation system,' Mrs te Heuheu said.   'The preparatory meeting will lay the ground work ahead of the five-yearly review of the NPT next year when progress toward a nuclear-free world will be reviewed.   'I hope it provides agreement for a solid foundation for the Review Conference so it can get down to substantive work straight away.   'The preparatory meeting will take place in a more positive international environment than for some years.   'We were especially encouraged by the speech which President Obama gave in Prague a couple of weeks ago.  His vision of a world free of nuclear weapons is one to which New Zealanders have aspired for many years.   'But as important as US leadership is, progress cannot be expected without buy-in from all the nuclear-weapon states.  A flexible and constructive approach from all NPT members – and above all a real desire to succeed – will be needed,' Mrs te Heuheu said.   The NPT is an agreement between five nuclear-weapon states (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States) and non-nuclear-weapon states.  In return for a commitment by states with nuclear weapons to reduce and ultimately eliminate them, those without nuclear weapons agree not to develop them.    In addition, the non-nuclear-weapon states will have access to the benefits of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.   Only India, Pakistan and Israel are not parties to the NPT.     Media contact          Rose Hart                 021 279 9878            04 8179878

 

 

 

--
----------------------------------------
pacific islands media association
pima.nius@gmail.com
aotearoa, new zealand
----------------------------------------

--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
- - - - - - - - -

comment here:
http://groups.google.com/group/pima-nius/topics?hl=en

send an email comment here:
pima-nius@googlegroups.com

unsubscribe:
pima-nius+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

more options
http://groups.google.com/group/pima-nius?hl=en?hl=en

- - - - - - - - -
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

[pima.nius] Re: TVNZ: Turia believes Maori could help Fiji

Re; Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia wants a team of prominent
Maori to go to
Fiji to try to sort out the troubled regime.
Before I start, my apologies to anyone who sees my views as rascist.
As I see it, native Fijians simply wish Fiji to stay in the hands of
native Fijians and do not wish Fiji to become a little India,
controlled by Indians. Now that the Indian population has surpassed
that of native Fijians simply because Indians have persisted in having
up to 15 children per family whereas Fijians have maintained a more
conservative 2-4 children per family, Indians can now tip the balance
if a democratic voting system is used. Once the Indians are in power,
they can rescind all Fijian land ownership laws and progressively dis-
empower native Fijians of their rightful ownership of their country.
Fijians understandably wish Fiji to stay in Fijian hands. The only way
this can be achieved is by a peaceful and diplomatic dictatorship
which is what the Fijians have succeeded in doing so far with a
minimum of bloodshed. This is not a bad alternative when the other
more draconian alternative is to have a civil war and expel the
Indians. In fact this is what will happen if Indians take control of
Fiji through democracy, as this loss of ownership will enrage the
Fijian population and a civil war will be inevitable. The Fijians do
not wish this as they do appreciate Indian expertise in economic
issues, they just do not wish to lose ownership of Fiji.
We must remember this whole mess was not the Fijian's fault.
When the English colonials initially imported Indian Labour for the
sugar fields, there was a promise that they would eventually be
returned to India - this never happened and as time went by, it became
more and more difficult to return second and third generation Indians
to a home they had never known.
A diplomatic dictatorship is not all bad. In fact it is the most
peaceful solution, so I think we should just lay off and allow Fijians
to continue their rightful ownership of their country.
Having lived in Fiji as a child, I have to say that Fiji is beautiful
in its cultural diversity, and am amazed that a harmonious
relationship has been maintained all these years. I commend all
parties in maintaining such a high level diplomatic reserve, despite
the cultural differences.

--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
- - - - - - - - -

comment here:
http://groups.google.com/group/pima-nius/topics?hl=en

send an email comment here:
pima-nius@googlegroups.com

unsubscribe:
pima-nius+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

more options
http://groups.google.com/group/pima-nius?hl=en?hl=en

- - - - - - - - -
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

[pima.nius] TVNZ: Turia believes Maori could help Fiji

Turia believes Maori could help Fiji 

Published: 6:31PM Sunday May 03, 2009

Source: ONE News

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia wants a team of prominent Maori to go to Fiji to try to sort out the troubled regime.

Under the self imposed leadership of Commodore Frank Bainimarama Fiji is becoming increasingly isolated and has now been suspended from the Pacific Island Forum.

But Turia told TVNZ's Q+A programme that New Zealand's harsh approach is wrong and isolation is not the answer.

"We've talked about this and we believe that there is a way forward and we should talking with Fiji rather than adopting the stance that we have," Turia says.

She believes the way forward is sending a high powered Maori delegation to Fiji.

"Dr Sharples is very keen to look at how we might be able to use New Zealand leadership and he thought of Tumu Te Heuheu, the king, that maybe a very small delegation could go and talk with Bainimarama," says Turia.

The regime has recently sacked judges, suspended the constitution, muzzled the media and refused to hold elections, prompting Foreign Minister Murray McCully to label Bainimarama a dictator. But Turia says he has been misunderstood.

"He is saying he is attempting to combat racism and certain things that have been going on in Fiji for some time...we think we should find exactly what is happening there."

Turia says Sharples would potentially go with any delegation but it will be up to the Prime Minister to approve the trip.

But John Key told ONE News the delegation could only go in a private capacity.

"As long as they go in their capacity as leaders of the Maori Party and as New Zealanders but not representing the government," says Key.

"The government is going to continue to negotiate for democracy in Fiji through the Pacific Forum leaders and through the Commonwealth."

And Key says he would be surprised if a Maori negotiating team succeeded where others have failed.

--
----------------------------------------
pacific islands media association
pima.nius@gmail.com
aotearoa, new zealand
----------------------------------------

--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
- - - - - - - - -

comment here:
http://groups.google.com/group/pima-nius/topics?hl=en

send an email comment here:
pima-nius@googlegroups.com

unsubscribe:
pima-nius+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

more options
http://groups.google.com/group/pima-nius?hl=en?hl=en

- - - - - - - - -
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

[pima.nius] Fiji replies to suspension

Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum

Statement in response to Fiji's suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum

Saturday, 2 May 2, 2009

 

The statement by the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum that the Government of Fiji has been suspended from the Forum is regrettable.

It is regrettable for a number of reasons.

The announcement was made via a press statement without any formal notification by the Forum. It was only at the prompting of the Government that a diplomatic note was received this morning at approximately 11.10am.

It is apparent that despite our Prime Minister writing to the Chair, highlighting the change in dynamics in Fiji vis a vis the new legal order; the fact that elections cannot and should not be held under a skewered electoral system; and Fiji's willingness to engage with the Forum taking into account the facts and ground realities; the Forum and its Chair have chosen to ignore the circumstances in Fiji and the willingness of our Government, the willingness of Fiji to engage in a constructive and meaningful manner.

The statement also falsely refers to so called breaches of basic human rights, democracy and freedom under a military regime. Again such inaccurate statements do not lend credibility to the analysis and conclusions arrived at by the Chair.

Such inaccuracies and holding on to dogma begs the question whether the Forum is holding on to particular ideas, ideas that are factually incorrect. They appear to be based on representations made by only a few with political agendas and are reflective of the positions taken by the metropolitan powers in Wellington and Canberra.

The untenable proposition that elections should be held at any cost immediately, even under a flawed system is not only patronizing but demonstrates a lack of commitment to true democracy and sustainable parliamentary representation.

The purported suspension of the Prime Minister, Ministers and officials from all meetings and arrangements by the Forum and stopping Fiji from benefiting from any new financial and technical assistance is short sighted. What this in effect means is that Fiji and her people are being targeted. To claim that the suspension is only targeted to the officials and the ministers is a fallacy.

As to the actual ramifications of the ceasing of new financial and technical assistance, the Government shall carry out its own assessments and source alternative arrangements. We have access to countries and multilateral agencies that may wish to provide assistance to fill in any void.

Such a suspension of course is unprecedented for the Forum. Fiji, following the 1987 coups did not have elections for 5 years yet there was no suspension. The rationale behind the overthrow of the Bavadra government and the subsequent actions of the then new government were most dubious to say the least. Yet there was no suspension.

In contrast this Government has an agenda of reforms that are based on universally accepted principles and values, of equal citizenry, equal suffrage, eradication of systemic corruption and transparency but paradoxically the Forum hierarchy has chosen to suspend Fiji.

This punitive action of suspension poses a challenge to the Pacific spirit and Pacific Way. The Pacific value for inclusiveness and understanding is now under threat by the actions of the Forum. It is hoped that the Forum and the individual members have taken into account the ramifications on Pacific co-operation and solidarity.

The position of the Government of Fiji is that it is a government appointed by His Excellency our President. It is not a military regime. It has an agenda to carry out reforms, including electoral reforms. It shall hold elections by September 2014. Its reforms shall be guided by the Peoples Charter. It is committed to and shall continue to implement policies to eradicate systemic corruption. It shall engage with all countries based on respect, dignity and co-operation. It shall liberalize the economy to rid the system of years of neglect, to create better investment and employment opportunities – all, with the view to ensure that the citizens of Fiji benefit by way of lifting their living standards, providing better health and education facilities and accessibility and sustainable livelihoods. The Government shall not be deterred from any of its objectives even in the face of adversity, created by some.

The Government and the people of Fiji have very strong ties with our brothers and sisters in the Pacific. No such suspension can sever those ties. Fiji is part of the Pacific and the Pacific is part of Fiji.

--
Ulamila Kurai Wragg
Rangiatea Village
Cook Islands

--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
- - - - - - - - -

comment here:
http://groups.google.com/group/pima-nius/topics?hl=en

send an email comment here:
pima-nius@googlegroups.com

unsubscribe:
pima-nius+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

more options
http://groups.google.com/group/pima-nius?hl=en?hl=en

- - - - - - - - -
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

[pima.nius] PR:Mandatory Licensing: Migrants, Industry Benefit

  http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0905/S00044.htm

Mandatory Licensing: Migrants, Industry Benefit Friday, 1 May 2009, 5:33 pm Press Release: Immigration Advisers Authority

1 May 2009

Migrants And Industry Benefit From Mandatory Immigration Adviser Licensing

The introduction of mandatory licensing for New Zealand-based immigration advisers will protect migrants from unscrupulous operators and provide valuable brand support for licensed advisers.

"There's nothing revolutionary about mandatory immigration adviser licensing. The industry has been successfully regulated overseas for years. What we are doing is bringing New Zealand practice in line with competitor nations such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia and that's got to be good for migrants and the New Zealand industry," says, Barry Smedts, Registrar, Immigration Advisers Authority.

Mandatory licensing comes into force from 4 May 2009 and Mr Smedts says 166 immigration advisers are currently licensed to operate. "I like to think of licensing as a sort of brand protection that supports good operators and punishes bad ones. I think we're seeing that happen. Some advisers have opted not to continue in the industry but those who have are fully committed to the concept. There's real energy there â€" the industry is now smaller, more professional and has a higher standard of overall expertise," says Mr Smedts.

Licensing is managed by the Immigration Advisers Authority, a statutory body that is hosted within the Department of Labour, but runs independently from the Department's day-to-day immigration functions. The Authority establishes and monitors industry standards and is also charged with setting requirements for continued professional development.

As an independent body it can prosecute unlicensed immigration advisers. Penalties include up to seven years imprisonment and/or fines up to $100,000 for offenders, as well as the possibility of court ordered reparation payments. It can also act on complaints made against licensed advisers.

"In the past some migrants were taken for a ride by shonky operators. Now migrants have somewhere to go if they suspect they've been poorly served. It's really just basic consumer protection. We're an independent body with the power to investigate and prosecute if needed," says Mr Smedts.

Before the new law was passed, anyone could call themselves an adviser, whether or not they were competent to give immigration advice. The actions of a small number of poor practitioners have seriously disadvantaged some migrants, as well as damaging the reputations of legitimate advisers.

A report by the Department of Labour appraising the immigration advice industry identified complaints about immigration advisers, including:
• lodging unfounded/abusive refugee status claims without the client's knowledge
• inaccurate advice about immigration policy leading to poor and costly decisions
• theft of money and documents
• failing to lodge applications and appeals
• failing to pass on information from the Department to the client
• knowingly submitting false information or fraudulent documents to the Department.

Immigration advisers who work offshore but give advice about New Zealand immigration matters will need to be licensed by 4 May 2010.

The Immigration Advisers Authority does not handle immigration applications or inquiries. These are managed by Immigration New Zealand.

ENDS

--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
- - - - - - - - -

comment here:
http://groups.google.com/group/pima-nius/topics?hl=en

send an email comment here:
pima-nius@googlegroups.com

unsubscribe:
pima-nius+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

more options
http://groups.google.com/group/pima-nius?hl=en?hl=en

- - - - - - - - -
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---