SODELPA: 'We can draw strength from Mandela for our own struggle'

As we in Fiji share the grief of the Mandela family and people of South Africa at the passing of Madiba, we also celebrate the extraordinary life of this great freedom fighter, unifier, reconciliator, statesman and founding father of the rainbow nation of South Africa.

Nelson Mandela succeeded in liberating his people through his defiant, persistent and disciplined approach towards the repressive apartheid regime that subjected millions of black South Africans to many indignities and much suffering by stripping them of their rights, freedoms and basic humanity.

The suppression of basic rights and freedoms continues here in Fiji, under the repressive Bainimarama regime, which represent all that Nelson Mandela spent his entire life opposing.

We can draw strength and inspiration for our own struggle from Madiba’s willingness to forfeit his own freedom and liberty for the greater need and good of his people.

After sacrificing 27 years of his life in prison he became, at 76 years of age, South Africa’s first democratically-elected President. His choice of weapons for unifying a divided people was forgiveness, compassion and reconciliation. He embraced his enemies despite decades of harsh and inhumane treatment. Although he could have remained in his job for life, as many leaders try to do, he relinquished power after just 5 years. 

Nelson Mandela shows us that outright rejection of any form of imposed rule and fighting for people’s rights, freedoms, humanity and dignity is not only just and moral. It is also a responsibility and obligation we all have towards each other.

By endeavouring to adopt the same persistence and discipline of Mandela, and armed with the courage of our own convictions, we can and must restore our peoples’ freedoms, rights and dignity.

Leading regime supporter passes on

Tui Tavua and 2006 coup leader Frank Bainimarama.

Another of the regime's key supporters has died - the Tui Tavua passed away last night.

He is the second chief to die in as many weeks after that of the Ka Levu, Rt Sakiusa Makutu. 

Earlier this year, the Tui Macuata died. 

All three were known supporters of the illegal government.

Date rape drug powder becomes 'road construction chemical' after Fiji police get involved

A well-known businessman, who is known to be close to the illegal regime, is being saved from a police investigation into the importation of a banned chemical into Fiji.

He brought in imported two containers of unrefined oil from China that was to be later refined at his factories in Suva. 

But Fiji Revenue & Customs Authority border control officers found much more than un-refined oil inside the container.  

They discovered two sacks full of powder believed to be a banned chemical which is used to make what is commonly known as the Date Rape Drug, GHB.

Police investigation of 'date rape drug', GHB.

After the two sacks were found, officers from Fiji Revenue and Customs Offficial officers began the inquiry by interviewing the importer but he denied any knowledge of the illegal product.

The Police got wind of it and decided to move. Before they took possession of the container, the FRCA CEO Jitoko Tikolevu issued a statement that said “The Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority has detained two containers suspected to be containing sacks of Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) at the Suva Wharf.

"Samples obtained from sacks in the two containers were sent to the Koronivia Research Station for testing. Tests proved positive for GHB, which is an illicit drug under the Illicit Drugs Act. The containers were addressed to a local importer, who had ordered for two containers of Soya Bean Oil from China.

"Customs officers inspected the containers as there were irregularities in the importation documents. FRCA will hand over the case to police for further investigations.”

The Police confiscated the containers to the Central Police Station and asked the Australian Federal Police to test the contents.

After three days, the Police Chief of Operations made this statement to local media, “The investigation into the chemicals found in a container alleged to be drugs have been completed and is now closed. Chief Operations Officer Assistant Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says several tests on the products proved it to be chemicals used for road construction. 

'The tests were conducted by local experts and also those from the Australian Police. Tudravu also confirmed the chemicals matched with the description of items stipulated in the Bill of Loading. The products were found to be calcium carbonate a chemical used for road construction. The container, which is in Police custody, will be returned to Custom officials.”

Insiders are questioning how the FRCA tests that were conclusive were rejected overnight. Another question being asked is: Why would  an oil importer bring in 'road construction' chemicals into Fiji?

Driti case highlights weaknesses of regime's immunity claim

DRITI: Convicted by Judge Madigan after found not guilty by three assessors. pic Republika.

We know the alleged initiator and purported architect of the aborted coup against Frank Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum will not be prosecuted.

We also know the very same Mohammed Aziz has scuttled off to China while Pita Driti has been found guilty of sedition and inciting mutiny.

But as the United Front For A Democratic Fiji says

how come Driti, who was part of the 2006 Bainimarama team that overthrew a constitutional government and is supposedly covered under  the ‘entrenched’ immunity provisions of  the 2013 constitution, has been ‘excluded’ and put on trial? 

The Coalition says if a special decree was passed under section 161 of the 2013 constitution that excluded  Driti from the protection he is supposed to have enjoyed as a member of the 2006 Bainimarama team, why has that decree not been made public?

The Coalition says it is ironic Driti is being found guilty of inciting mutiny against an army Commander who overthrew a constitutional government.

"How was it possible to have a trial where some of the key characters involved in the alleged crime did not even make a court appearance?

"If Driti can be charged and brought to court while supposedly being protected under the immunity provisions, does this mean all those who have aided and abetted the regime who think they are protected from prosecution, can also be removed from immunity protection and prosecuted?"

Assessors find Driti 'not guilty' but Madigan reverses decision

If it was a test of strength it looks like the illegal attorney general has more pull than the illegal leader, Frank Bainimarama.

It's been noted for some time that Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum is the one driving the country although Bainimarama continues to wield the stick at QEB barracks.

Those following the fortunes of Fiji and the Pita Driti trial may well be nodding their heads right now saying "well, it shows AG overrules the PM in the judiciary."

Is that really the case - or is Bainimarama more complicit than they think?

In a few short hours, Paul Madigan overturned the 'not guilty' verdict of three assessors who this week heard the case against Driti.

Supporters thought Driti would get off the charge of sedition and inciting mutiny and revelled in hope after the initial verdict.

But Madigan, who is known to be Khaiyum's man, quickly overturned the verdict saying he believed Manasa Tagicakiba's story Driti had tried to 'seduce him from his duty and allegiance to the country' and support the plot to remove Bainimarama and kill Khaiyum.

There was no hard evidence for the aborted plot but Madigan reckons Tagicakiba was convincing and Driti not.

Insiders say Driti was supposed to get off but there was a call to Madigan shortly before he delivered his judgement.

Other stories are swirling, too, the big one being this: Bainimarama was looking out for Driti and he had a shot at being Police Commissioner if he'd been acquitted.

The cold truth is this: Bainimarama and Khaiyum are partners in crime and Bainimarama is happy for Khaiyum to cop the shit while he plays the i-taukei and the RFMF so they'll vote for him next year.

Sadly, Driti's last word to supporters (as told to Coupfourpointfive), reflects the ongoing naivety:

"Be strong and always question the wrong.  I hope Commander realizes one day my service to him and the country and how we put him where he is today. God is my witness and my jury and I firmly believe that he will not fail anyone of us and to my fellow brothers in the army, I forgive you and urge you to stay strong and committed to the nation."

judgement on Pita Driti

Driti faces music while others dance free

Royal waves and smiles - what a circus.

Hong Kong counsel Audrey Campbell-Moffat and fellow prosecution lawyer Jose D'Almadas Remedios outside the High Court in Suva yesterday during the Pita Driti trial.

Campbell-Moffat's playing to the gallery is a sample of the charade being played out in court during the four-day trial.

The presiding judge is Paul Madigan but the director of public prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, has not been far and there has been the obvious meeting of eyes, nods and knowing smiles and sarcasm between the pair and the prosecuting team.

It has been said before and will be repeated many more times: there is no rule of law in Fiji so there is no guarantee of a fair trial for Driti or any 'enemy of the state', unless it suits the regime hierarchy to do otherwise.

Information making its way to C4.5 suggests the illegal leader has taken particular interest in Driti's case and word has it the dictator has told bodyguards 'just let the case go on so everyone can see that anyone can go to court.' 

The summing up is currently underway and Madigan is due to give his verdict tomorrow but we note the regime has no hard evidence such as recordings or footage of meetings or such like.

It has only the testimonies of four witnesses who have backsides and careers to save, including Jone Kalouniwai, the former head of RFMF intelligence and the man who succeeded Roko Ului Mara as commander of the 3FIR unit, Lt Colonel Manasa Tagicakibau, and Driti's own caution interview.

Colonel Mohammed Aziz was shuffled out of the country so has not had to give evidence.

AZIZ: Spared by Bainimarama.

Centre stage, though, has been the much hated illegal attorney general, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, and the claim the plot was against both him and Bainimarama.

Many were not surprised to hear in court the mention of Khaiyum's corrupt dealings and how the concerns were waved away by Bainimarama. 

Khaiyum is gunning for Driti to be convicted and sent to jail but is widely reviled so it's not surprising more whistleblowers have since contacted C4.5 with information about his outside-the-law ventures.

We've been told that while while he was acting prime minister, Khaiyum approved an exemption of tax and duty for a friend, a taxi operator, allowing the businessman to escape fees on vehicles brought into the country from Europe, which are five years or older, saving him thousands of dollars. 

A former investigator for FICAC, the anti-corruption unit set up by Frank Bainimarama, is also now exposing the in-house hypocrisy and corruption.

KHAIYUM: Most corrupt.

Simione Cagilaba has turned to the illegal president (just as Driti and co apparently planned to do), to seek redress, urging him to investigate FICAC.

Cagilaba says he was sacked unfairly and says FICAC has blocked him getting other work since May after failing to pin false charges on him, following a secret investigation.

In a letter to Epeli Nailatikau the disenchanted investigator says he was the victim of a smear campaign and while he was cleared of any crime in the Nasinu court, his pay was cut from $28,000 to $18,000 and he eventually lost his job, while other investigating officers, guilty of real crime, continue to go unpunished.

In the letter seen by C4.5, Cagilaba writes:

"...  It now make’s me raise the question as why Registry Officer Isimeli Rabuku can get away with his extra marital affairs and abuse of office case whilst setting up the Lautoka office, Mr James Sinclair for his soliciting for money in return for a particular complaint to be dealt with, Ms Siteri Rabici stealing from a Private dwelling house being searched through the execution of a Search Warrant, other officer(s) using FICAC SW’s to obtain private information for their private use, other officers for demanding and receiving benefit from the owner of the T.F Jan Company in Ba, making false declarations to PSC, aiding a wanted person to enter and exit Fiji, abuse of FICAC vehicles by drivers, etc etc..."

In the same letter he says: "... this clearly highlights the lack of transparency and know how in running such a dignified and professional body like FICAC where conforming to government’s standard procedure of internal investigation etc was simply shoved aside and whereby the two man panel consisting of Mj Narawa and Mr Ralulu simply took part in almost all the processes which does not give a single benefit to me to defend myself even for once or for themselves to remain independent and to make deliberations once formal interviews are completed by the investigators."

In the letter, Cagilaba tells Nailatikau that unfortunately for him he was not with 'RFMF or the Fiji Police to have any guardian within FICAC and as a civilian' had been isolated and put on a leash from the time he joined in 2008.

Fiji justice of the peace accused of fondling girl's breasts

DISGRACED: Chand and his 'lost brother'.

A regime supporter who was appointed a Justice of Peace by the illegal Attorney General has been charged with indecently assaulting a 15 year old girl. 

Pushp Chand Dass was also eyed by the regime as a candidate for Frank Bainimarama’s political party. 

Dass is alleged to have fondled the breast of the teenage girl last month. 

He has been charged and has already appeared in the Rakiraki Magistrates Court. 

He was also employed by the Sugar Cane Growers Council and since his court appearance, has been sent on indefinite leave.

SENT ON LEAVE: Chand shows off his connections.

Dass was earlier this year appointed as a Justice of Peace by the illegal attorney general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. 

He boasted about his links with the military dictatorship posting a picture of himself on Facebook with the illegal Permanent Secretary for Justice, Mohammed Saneem. 

Dass has also recently been talking up how he will be joining and working for Bainimarama’s political party. 

On his Facebook he has several photos of himself with the country's illegal leader.

In one of them he writes “mera khoya ua bhai. mela me kho gaya (My lost brother who I had lost in a festival) and continues in English “its one time in life I wud not 4get. In the company of the PM, a nice n humble person.."

Under the Fiji’s current laws, the punishment for indecently assaulting a minor is a jail term. 

But talk on the streets in Rakiraki is that Dass is trying to reconcile with the girl's family. 

Under the current Fiji regime, anything is possible.

So just as Praveen Bala hasn’t lost his job for killing a pedestrian, Pushp Chand Dass may also walk free.

Regime keeps doing the dirty on Fiji people

Bainimarama and Khaiyum to sell off state assets. Illustration: Truth for Fiji blog

Economist and academic Dr Wadan Narsey and the Social Democratic Liberal Party are in unison over the flaws of the regime's latest budget.

Narsey's full assessment of the budget is on his website (http://narseyonfiji.wordpress.com/2013/11/13/2690/) and excerpts from a SODELPA statement follow on.

Government Asset sales
By no stretch of the imagination could selling off public assets have been part of the Bainimarama Government’s original justification in doing the 2006 coup.  Yet they are planning largest public asset sale in Fiji’s history (previous largest one: $253 millions from ATH sale to FNPF).

The $475 millions from Asset Sales (Budget Estimates, p. 373) are expected to include:
$200 million from sale of government investment in economic services (Air Pacific, CNB, FHC, FSC., etc);
$184 million from sale of government investments in infrastructure  (AFL, ATH, FINTEL, FSHL, FTL, PFLL, PTL, etc), and
$40 million from sale of Fixed Assets ($40 million).

Note that private sector investors will very naturally “cherry-pick”, buying only the shares and assets which are profitable, and rejecting the loss-making public enterprises.

Which sensible person would at all think of selling the good assets while retaining the loss-making ones?  Yet that will be the inevitable outcome of the Bainimarama Budget plans.

To repeat, the Budget estimate claim of the Net Deficit being a mere 1.9% of GDP will be achieved only if FRCA can raise the required revenues and Government Asset sales do realize $475 millions.