Khaiyum-Bainimarama rolled out false casino dice

One Hundred Sands Ltd began as purveyor of agricultural produce and ‘deer farmers’ with no experience as multi-million dollar casino operator.   
The regime’s illegal pay mistress Nur Bano Ali and her husband in charge of company’s business accounts.

By VICTOR LAL 
In December last year, Fiji’s illegal prime minister and dictator Frank Bainimarama announced that One Hundred Sands Limited has been granted Fiji’s first exclusive casino license.

He said his illegal government rigorously assessed all applicants before choosing One Hundred Sands Limited which plans to open a casino, a resort, and a convention centre on Denarau Island.

He said his treasonous government was not trying to “imitate Las Vegas in the Pacific” because Fiji already had its own unique brand name. The dictator said One Hundred Sands Limited was a company with the ability to maximise economic returns without damaging the socio-economic fabric of Fiji.

According to the Fiji media, the dictator said his government also chose One Hundred Sands Limited because of its strong affiliation with Native American culture which provided a malleable fusion between the Western ideals of casino gaming with the strong cultural values of tribal and community life (that is before the dictator de-established the Great Council of Chief in Fiji). 

He said government required that at least 20 per cent of ownership in the One Hundred Sands be reserved for Native American interests that are currently involved in casino gaming, as is customary in the US.

In a press statement, Larry Claunch, described as an American millionaire and founder and chairman of the Board of the One Hundred Sands, said his Fiji based company is to build a $290 million Luxury Casino Resort and Convention Center on Denarau Island. One Hundred Sands plans to employ 600 to 800 local residents. “After two years of working diligently with the Fijian government under the stewardship of Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, and Native American tribes, we’re delighted to be part of this thrilling opportunity to introduce casino gaming and state of the art convention center to the Fiji Islands to help create jobs and expand tourism for the country,” said Claunch.

Claunch also added that his firm is “looking forward to working closely with Fijian Tourism Authorities, other local resorts, tour operators, and airlines throughout the Pacific to enhance the tourism to Fiji.” One Hundred Sands, he disclosed, is partnering with the Snoqualmie Tribe from the State of Washington and Seventh Generation LLC, a Native American company, in order to enhance its casino gaming experience, the development of social and economic initiates to benefit local Fijians, and to further develop cultural and tribal ties between Native Americans and Fijians.

His press statement claimed: “The Casino complex will bring a new level of sophistication to the Tourism Industry in Fiji featuring very high end luxury rooms. It will provide a plethora of opportunities to various existing and new business for ancillary activities. The Fiji airline industry will see direct benefits and through the creation of additional passengers on the plane. Foreign exchanges will be bolstered to higher levels and this will contribute to the enhancement of their GDP.”

Toothpower  Ltd and Larry Claunch
An investigation into the background of One Hundred Sands reveal that the company was previously called Toothpower Limited which, in September 2004, had informed the Registrar of Companies that its registered office was at 21 Le Hunte Street, Suva (P O Box 13353).  On 15 September 2004, in its Return of Allotments the company notified the ROC of the change of name from Toothpower to One Hundred Sands Ltd. Other details were as follows: Number of ordinary shares allotted payable in cash 999; nominal amount of the ordinary shares so allotted $999; amount paid or due and payable on each share, $1. Names, descriptions and addresses of the allottees: Larry L Claunch, P. O. Box 122, Savusavu. Number of shares allotted, 999.

In its Memorandum of Association, Toothpower had stated that the objects for which the company was established were to do the following: “To carry on business as farmers, growers, agriculturists, horticulturists, livestock and in particular deer farmers & breeders, arable and fruit farmers, copra farmers, seed and fertilizer merchants, millers, manufacturers and processors of farm products and the sale by wholesale or retail of farm produce of all types and varieties, and to acquire and construct glasshouses and any other premises for the promotion of speedy growth of crops, vegetables, fruits, flowers etc etc etc – and trade in goats, cattle, pigs, deer, poultry, game and live and dead stock of every description, mil, cream, butter, cheese, eggs, porkers, meat and other commodities goods or things.” The company was originally incorporated under the Companies Act as a limited company on 21 January 1987, with Anil Kumar Tikaram (Suva solicitor) and Wilfred Bentley, of Pacific Harbour, Deuba, holding one share each.

In July 2006, the Return of Allotments submitted by BDO Zarin Ali stated the following as directors: Larry L Claunch, P O Box 12900, Beck Rd, Dallas, Oregon 97338, USA, and Janen Singh, P O Box 10027, Laucala Beach State. Claunch held 2,398,999 shares and Singh 23,900 respectively. On 30 July 2006 Singh told the Registrar of Companies: “At an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders it was resolved that the authorized capital of the company be increased by $9,995,000 from $5,000 divided into 5,000 shares of $1each into $10,000,000 divided into 10,000,000 shares of $1 each.

In November 2006, Claunch and Singh, a local realtor, had joined hands to set up a real estate business in Savusavu to target up-market properties. Claunch said Fiji was the Hawaii of tomorrow and its biggest asset was its friendly people. He said visitors from all over the world would find Fiji the idyllic tropical destination without the crowds. Claunch and Singh, according to media reports, had invested more than $500,000 in setting up Homes and Properties Fiji Ltd and had bought Savusavu Real Estate from Pettine Simpson, who had joined the company as a sales executive.

Singh said Claunch had invested more than $12 million in buying two freehold islands and had been a regular visitor to Fiji for the last three years. He said a resort was being developed at Nukudrau Island in Natewa and he had set up a private retreat at Bekana in Udu Point. Singh said the company planned to set up offices in Nadi and Suva next year.
He said the aim of their company was to do international marketing through their website and a representative in the United States. 

Singh said the company's aim was to help people in search of homes to realise their ‘paradise dreams’.

On 1 September 2007, a year after the treasonous coup, the ROC was notified that One Hundred Sands registered office was at Level 8, Dominion House, Thomson Street, Suva. The two directors were listed as Claunch and Minesh Kumar. 

The statement was signed off by Alison Southey, administration manager at AlizPacific. On 9 February 2011 Kumar resigned, leaving Claunch and Barbara L’Ami, both US citizens, as sole directors of One Hundred Sands Limited.

In December 2011 the dictator announced that One Hundred Sands Ltd had been granted the exclusive right to run Fiji’s first casinos – a company which seems to have no experience in having “rolled a dice” throughout its existence in Fiji.

The illegal Attorney-General Aiyaz Khaiyum’s aunty and uncle’s accountancy company seems to have pulled another spectacular business coup for their client in post-coup Fiji.

Even Lowy Institute sees writing on the wall

Ro Teimumu Kepa

No surprise the regime is lauding the support of the Macuata chief, Aisea Katonivere, for Frank Bainimarama's decision to abolish the Great Council of Chiefs.

Aisea Katonivere

According to Katonivere in today's Fiji Sun, it will lead to a fair distribution of the vanua’s resources and save the chiefly system because it will produce a better crop of chiefs.

Naiqama Lalabalavu

But there's no doubt that both Fijian and Indians opposed the dismantling of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga this week with even the Lowy Institute's Jenny Hayward-Jones, telling Australian media the decision raises questions about Bainimarama's vow last week to rewrite the constitution.

The chief of the Rewa Ro Teimumu Kepa and Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu both have a better grip on reality than Aisea does. 

Ro Teimumu says things will only get tougher for chiefs and with Naiqama has pointed out that GCC is recognised under the United Nations Convention. The following statement was released by Naiqama. The video of Bainimarama announcing the decision at the end of the statement.

NODA I TUKUTUKU RARABA NA I TAUKEI NI VANUA KO VITI:

Ni sa bula vinaka na vei turaga kei na marama bale ni veidalaniyavu vakavanua e Viti ni dau kauwai mai e na kena wiliki tiko na i tukutuku e so me baleta na veika sa mai yaco tiko e noda vanua lomani.

Sa mai vuqa na veika lelevu sa mai yaco tiko e na noda vanua ka sa mai tara sara tiko ga na uto se na yavu ni noda bula na i taukei kei Viti ka sa dodonu me da sa yadrayadravaki ka tataqomaki me kua ni tababokoci se vakayali na noda i sema kei na veika e taqomaki keda tiko mai vei ira na keda meca.

Sa mai vosa becitaki na noda lotu, ra vosa becitaki na noda turaga. Sa sagai me vakamalumalumutaki na noda koronivuli ni matanitu mai vei ira na lewe vica ga ka tiko na nodra i le me ra taqomaki kina e na vei cala lelevu e so ka ra tekivuna ga vakataki ira ka ra sa qai mai vakamuria tiko e so na vakanananu me vakadonui kina vakalawa na cala e so e ra sa vesuki tu kina.

Sa da mai beitaki ka dusi na i taukei ni vanua ni da mai vakavuna tiko na leqa. Ni ra dusi na noda veiliutaki vakavanua, vakalotu kei na matanitu, e sa dusi keda kece sara tiko ga na kawa i taukei.

Sa mai bokoci vakadua e na siga e na noa na Bose Levu VakaTuraga ni oti na kena vakataudeitaki keda tiko mai e na loma ni 136 na yabaki. Qo e sa i tekitekivu sara ga ni kena sa kau laivi na vei ka e so e taqomaki keda tu na i taukei ni vanua o Viti ka vauci tu e na noda lawa ni vakavulewa me maroroi kina na noda i tovo, na noda vosa, na noda i yau bula ka sa coqa sara tu ga na lawa raraba e buli me taqomaki keda na i taukei ni vanua e na veiyasai vuravura cava ga ka tu e na UN Convention.

O koya oqo sa mai nanumi kina me sa na vakadewa yani e na vosa vaka-Viti na i soqosoqo na FDFM e Victoria e na noda vakavulici ka vakadewataki tiko na i tukutuku vei kemuni na noda e na veika e so sa vakayacora tiko na matanitu nei Bainimarama.

Me da tu vata na i taukei ni vanua ka me kua ni yaco na lomadra e vica ka tiko vei ira na yalo ni vei vakalolovirataki, veibuturaki, veibeci sa mai yaco tiko vei keda e na tiki ni gauna sara ga qo.

Me da lomani vakatautauvata, me ra lomani o ira na noda vulagi ka ra sa mai tu maliwai keda. Ia, me ra rokova na noda i tovo ni bula na i taukei ni vanua o Viti. Ni kau mai vei keda e dua na mataqali i vakarau ni bula e na caudre mai kina na katakata kei na yameyame ni buka ni veilecalecavi, da masu ga vua na noda kalou me ra va kawabokotaki o ira na kauta mai na i vadi ca vei keda ia me tubu tiko ga e na noda bula vata vaka dui mata tamata na veilomani.

Ni kalougata kece sara tiko.
Ratu Naiqama

Bainimarama announces the abolishment of the Great Council of Chiefs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDF-4ZiKnA4&feature=youtu.behttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDF-4ZiKnA4&feature=youtu.be

Advocate: Fiji's Constitutional process needs youth input

Waqavonovono

The human rights and youth advocate, Peter Waqavonovono, says  young people need to be at the front of the Constitutional discussions.

"The most important partner in taking Fiji back to a democracy peacefully are our young people. They are the ones that will inherit this Constitution and need to be at the forefront of its formulation and need to get keen on participation. But many young people like myself will not participate, this only means that there is now room for fresh voices and new ideas."

Waqavonovono describes the process as a necessary evil to help move Fiji back to a democracy but says he himself had personally decided as long ago as in 2006 that the 1997 Constitution was the sovereign and paramount Law of Fiji. 

Waqavonovono and three other human rights advocates were beaten by the regime hierarchy on Christmas Eve, just weeks after Frank Bainimarama deposed the government of Laisenia Qaraese and took control of the country.

Bainimarama and two of his key military officers are believed to have carried out the attack on Waqavonovono and the women, including one who was pregnant at the time.

Waqavonovono told Coupfourpointfive he has reservations about the Constitutional process but says people will "need to be positive about everything that happens from this end" despite it being hard for many.

"With non-negotiable terms and the existence of Decrees that could prevent profound contributions, I hope people who have hope in the Constitutional process can still participate and challenge the Constitutional Committee members. 

"It seems every now and than, the regime will drop a surprise into the laps of Fiji Citizens, for example the  GCC dissolution. I don't know why they are creating these types of conversations and moving discussions in this direction." 

He says he has doubts about the make up of the Constituent Assembly and hoped it wouldn't be "the same old faces from the charter Days."

"One thing is for sure, if you feel strongly about any issue, do not let any of the non-negotiable, decrees, or extra comments from the regime scare you. All submissions will be recorded, Fiji has a large list of human rights defenders who will have their eye's on the process."

He says it's up to the people of Fiji what they get out of the discussions and final decision.

"For those that participate, record every step and just be positive, we are making change for FIJI, not all of it has to happen in the confines of the  Constitutional Consultations meetings. "

Samoa's PM: Fiji's constitutional review unecessary

Samoa's prime inister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi says he will continue with what he described is  'open dialogue' with Frank Bainimarama on the dire situation in Fiji for as long as the military regime is in power and the people of Fiji are denied democratic freedom.

“Some people say I should not interfere with the internal affairs of Fiji and its sovereignty. The reality is, Bainimarama wrestled that sovereignty away from the Fijian people at the point of a gun back in December 2006.

“So as long as he is there pulling the trigger and the strings I will continue this open-dialogue through the media on the situation in Fiji.

"Several leaders have tried in the past to conduct sensitive and well-meaning face-to-face dialogue with Baini only to be publicly embarrassed by the Commodore. Deliberately distorting any agreements reached in confidence to promote support for his dictatorship. ”

Tuilaepa say he has seen some gruesome photos of soldiers killed under Bainimarama’s orders referring to the pictures released recently by Roko Ului Mara along with the RFMF Board of Inquiry report into the 2000 mutiny.

“The photos were taken by a priest I trust. And I am now more convinced at the level of violence and ruthlessness this man is capable of.

“The Pacific is known for peace and harmony. It’s perhaps the last vestiges of paradise in the world. There is no place here for brutal dictators like Bainimarama. What this fellow does in Fiji impacts adversely on the Pacific Islands as a whole.”

Asked about Bainimarama’s allegations that he is peddling to checkbook diplomacy from New Zealand and Australia, Tuilaepa said:

“The Pacific Islands Forum stance remains since 2008 when it suspended Bainimarama and his military regime. My position too has never swayed since December 2006 when he (Bainimarama) usurped the democratically-elected government in Suva. I advised him then – through the media - not to overthrow the Fiji government, and since, have told him over and over again to leave civilian government and go back to the barracks. He doesn’t belong in the seat of government.

“In terms of development assistance, Samoa has had a remarkable record in properly utilizing these financial assistances. The proper checks and balances and good governance practices are in place and grants are effectively utilized where they were supposed to go.

“As per his suggestion, it is the other way around. New Zealand, Australia, USA and other countries actually ask for my views on Fiji and I tell them what I’ve been telling the media through the years. 

"The media here and overseas keep pestering me day and night on my views of Bainimarama and his band of soldiers.”

Time for Fiji military to step back

On the promise of elections in 2014, Tuilapea says:  "He has done nothing to convince me he will take Fiji back to democratic governance.

“The public service top echelons are now occupied by inexperienced military colonels collecting high salaries and perks and living the good life. Is he going to corral them back to the barracks without creating another coup?

“Is he going to bring back an independent judiciary and the rule of law? One that will surely see him and his associates court-marshaled for their treasonous and murderous acts? I think not.”

He also renewed his call for the military to disbanded.

“That’s the core of Fiji’s coup culture. Disband the military and let those boys go out and fish and farm and play rugby. Not cooped-up in military forts thinking up schemes to overthrow their government.

“As for the proposed Constitutional Review, it is unnecessary. The 1997 constitution should be reinstated with one major win-win reform. Disband the military!”

The question can be asked: So will the Fiji Muslim League get the axe?

In 2001, while writing his thesis on the "Final Solution" to ending the Great Council of Chiefs, the young Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, an Ahmadiya Fiji Muslim, had taken a swipe at the predominantly Sunni Fiji muslims and their corporate body the Fiji Muslim League. Now that he has succeeded in convincing the dictator and the puppet president to de-establish the GCC, we wonder if he will axe the Fiji Muslim League, which he accused of acting as “a fiefdom”? See below his Letter to the Editor in the Fiji media in 2001:

Dean and Khan with Bainimarama

Critique of FML decision regarding the 1997 Constitution

The claim by some executive members of the Fiji Muslim League ('League') that Muslims support a review of our Constitution and demand separate seats merely because the executive says so is a gross misrepresentation of the views of the everyday and majority of Muslims in our country.

The executive lack the mandate to speak as a representative body for Muslims since the League has been and is essentially an administrative institution managing and maintaining mosques, schools, orphanages, a sugar cane farm and real estate.

In addition to the lack of mandate the arguments and justifications espoused by the executive for a review and separate seats are flawed. They are flawed because our Constitution, in particular the Bill of Rights, namely sections 38(2) and 35 more than adequately guarantee and protect religious freedom and minority rights. 

Indeed if an almost identical South African Bill of Rights provision protects the rights of the minority South African Muslims then what is so special about and differentiates Muslims in Fiji?

On the basis that last century the then nascent League made submissions on separate seats, it is argued today that so called Muslim rights will be achieved if these seats as submitted then are allocated now. To refer to a resolution passed some seventy years ago, in an era with its own specificities and dynamics, as justification for separate seats in today's Fiji illustrates a complete ignorance and denial of our political, social and constitutional history/experience as a nation-state.

Indeed if we were to hark back and uphold the standards of 1929 then commoner indigenous Fijians and women would not have the right to vote. 

Fiji and the rest of the world have moved along. Clearly such absurd referrals to the past illustrate an enormous vacuum in basic critical thinking and analysis, discourse and a general prevalence of obscurantism within the executive.

Furthermore, it aptly demonstrates a complete ignorance of contemporary developments in and interpretations of Islamic law and jurisprudence vis-a-vis constitutional, human rights and international law and conventions. More tragically, however, the opportunism of the executive displays the absence of and lack of belief in justice, compassion, selflessness and basic human decency.

Most Muslims in Fiji know that certain officials treat the League and its branches as their own little fiefdoms. Fiefdoms, where nepotism is known to be rampant at most times; where certain families and individuals have reigned as executives literally for decades; where children and families of well-to-do officials benefit from scholarships which were and are meant for poor students; where chairs of numerous committees are held by single individuals; where businessmen and business interests are over represented; where women, the youth, various provinces and other denominations are either underrepresented or not represented at all; where appeals to religious dogma and unity are utilized in response to queries of administrative/financial discrepancies and where certain individuals view the League merely as a means to acquire access to power, influence and ultimately money - all under the guise of "protecting Muslim interests."

Indeed the absence of proper representation, transparency, accountability and ultimately legitimacy also plague other local institutions in contemporary Fiji.

The executive of the League cannot and does not represent the political opinion, views, philosophies of individuals or the bulk of Muslims in Fiji. These self appointed guardians do not speak for the masses. Therefore, the current administration and all Fiji Islanders must understand and recognize the majority of Muslims who believe in basic human decency, justice, democracy and constitutionalism reject the idea of separate seats and/or a review of our Constitution.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum
University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
sayedkha@hkusua.hku.hk

Owner of Magic Mountain revealed as no other than Khaiyum's uncle

Fiji water gets the Presidential stamp

Khaiyum’s uncle accountant Zarin Khan behind Magic Mountain Springs (Fiji) Ltd to extract bottled water in Fiji.

The late Ratu Ovini Bokini and Tavua businessman Rajendra Kant Patel other shareholders

Hounded: David Roth

By VICTOR LAL

In January of this year I asked the question: who owns Magic Mountain Springs (Fiji) Ltd, and promised to reveal all soon. In the same investigation I disclosed how Fiji Water and its chief executive David Roth were hounded by the illegal regime to make way for Magic Mountain to open a bottled water facility in Rakiraki.

Well, whom else do you think owns Magic Mountain? Yes, the dictator’s “oppressed and downtrodden” Indo-Fijians - the “poor” Khaiyum clan! Since the 2006 treasonous coup, the family have used Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum’s status as illegal Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Anti-Corruption, Public Enterprises, Communications, Civil Aviation, Tourism, Industry and Trade to further their business empire, with aunty Noor Bano Ali acting as pay mistress to the illegal regime of dictator Frank Bainimarama and her nephew Khaiyum.


On the subject of payroll, let me make it absolutely clear that I am not on the payroll of Fiji Water. Many of the readers will recall that when the first instalment came out, the pro-regime detractors claimed that me and Ratu Epeli Ganilau, who as then acting Prime Minister and Defence Minister had refused to deport Roth out of Fiji, were on the Fiji Waters payroll, hence my investigative piece on Magic Mountain.


For example, see(http://www.coupfourandahalf.com/2012/01/sources-jostling-behind-scene-over.html: “Anonymous said: Victor Lal, how much have Fiji Water paid you so far? Can Firca/RBF go through Fiji Water books to determine and publicise this. The people of Fiji must know about these self serving “scoop” journalists who will compromise the national interest and fill their pockets.”


However, one of these days I will be revealing how much Aliz Pacific - the mother and father company of Khaiyum’s uncle and aunty - have stolen from the taxpayers of Fiji – for writing out those pay cheques to the illegal Ministers and having financial fingers in other post-coup ventures – details passed onto me from their very own accountancy office. They can criminally swindle thousands of dollars of taxpayers money but they will not be able to hide from the long arm of the law, if and when, Fiji returns to democratic rule.


One may also ask why, for example, the dictator is never seen smiling with his own pay cheque from Aunty Bano Ali, for he is quick to smile with cheques donated to him for other purposes.


Meanwhile, in November 2011 the people of Fiji were told that an American company was expected to open a bottled water facility in Rakiraki soon. According to the illegal Bainimarama-Khaiyum regime, Fiji 480 Holdings Limited along with Magic Mountain has been granted a lease to set up the facility at Vunitogoloa – just kilometres away from the Fiji Water bottling plant.


Magic Mountain, the illegal regime told us, is a locally owned company with various businesses having invested into the venture. The source of water is at Nananu village. It is anticipated that the new facility will be bigger than the Fiji Water plant and will provide competition. The new plant – to be established within the next 12 months – is expected to provide employment to surrounding villages. So the reports ran in Fiji.


Who owns Magic Mountain Springs (Fiji) Ltd?
Magic Mountain Springs (Fiji) Ltd (MMSFL) has the following persons as directors: Zarin Khan (chartered accountant), Rajen Kant Patel (company director), Ratu Ovini Bokini (company director; deceased 15 January 2009) and Syed Asad Ali Kazime (American). Is Kazime (also spelt Kajmie) behind the so-called American company which is expected to open the bottle water facility in Rakiraki. He states his address a 175 Moore Park Road, Thousand Oaks, California, 91360, USA.


On 4 September 1998 Zarin Khan (f/n Jaffar Khan) informed the Registrar of Companies that “Magic Mountain Springs (Fiji) Ltd has this day been incorporated under the Companies Act and that the Company is limited”. Signing off as Director/Secretary (and presenting the details through his BDO Zarin Ali, Chartered Accountants & Consultants), he informed the ROC that the registered office of the company was situated at Level 8, Dominion House, Thomson St, Suva.


The other director was the late Ratu Ovini Bokini, the Tui Tavua and former chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs during the 2006 treasonous coup. The object of the company was “to carry on in Fiji and elsewhere the business of extracting, bottling and marketing natural spring water and producing, bottling and marketing other beverages and all activities normally associated and ancillary thereto including at its sole discretion the manufacture of bottles and associated packaging for the business or for sale to third parties”. The two, Khan and Bokini had taken out one share each.


Incidentally, on 4 September 1998, the day Khan had notified the ROC of Bokini’s directorship, Justice Sadal had ordered that the Tavua chief’s case be remitted to the Magistrate’s Court for preliminary inquiry to be “held without delay”. Bokini was facing 32 Counts of Official Corruption contrary to Section 106(a) of the Penal Code and 32 alternative Counts of Fraudulent Conversion of Property contrary to Section 279(1)(c)(ii) of the Penal Code Cap. 17, all these charges first came before the Resident Magistrate's Court at Suva on 22nd November 1996. Bokini faced charges of official corruption arising from investigations into the National Bank of Fiji scandal. He was represented by the recently disbarred Ba lawyer Dr Mohammed Samshu-din Sahu Khan.


Meanwhile, on 8 September 1998, Rajendra Kant Patel (f/n Hathi Bhai Patel) the Indo-Fijian Tavua businessman and a close family friend of Bokini became the third director of MMSFL. Patel reflected on their friendship when Bokini died in 2009: “It’s unbelievable for me and my family,” Patel said, adding he struck up a friendship with Ovini in 1976 because their parents were friends. “We were very close and this is indeed a great loss for Tavua and for Fiji. I will always remember my chief and would like to specially remember him as a humble and great leader, always ready to offer guidance on many things. I was never too busy to answer to Ratu’s needs during those challenging times and they were opportunities I was happy to provide for him and his family. I went to pay my tributes to the family this week and the house is silent. There is something missing there…”


In the above eulogy, Patel had not mentioned the business water venture, and other business partnerships. On 3 May 1999 Zarin Khan informed the ROC that “At an extraordinary general meeting of the members of the company duly convened on the 3th day of May, 1999 held at the office of H.B. Patel Brothers Ltd (owned by Rajend Patel family), a special Resolution set below was duly passed – Authorization of Share Allotment – That the directors be and are hereby empowered to allot and to issue at their sole and absolute discretion 22,500,000 shares in the capital of the company to the seed funders, project promoters, project consultants, facilitators of debt and equity funder and the permanent financier of the company project”.


Those holding ordinary shares besides individuals included Navakatidro Development Company Ltd (Tavua, 1,125,000 shares; Bila Development & Investment Ltd, 8th Floor Dominion House, Suva, 225,000 shares; Corporate Agents Ltd, Suva, 1,125,000 shares; Tavua Holdings Ltd, 300,000 shares; Ramapa Proprietary Ltd, Tavua, 1,125,000 and 225,000 shares respectively).


Zarin Khan and Sunil Deo Sharma owned Corporate Agents Ltd, which was formed in 1993. Sharma is a business accountant partner of Zarin Khan and Nur Bano Ali. Tavua Holdings Ltd, formed in 1998, listed its directors as Bokini, Zarin Khan and Rajendra Kant Patel. Navakatidro Development, formed in 1996, had Eroni Kito, Lemeki Tareguci Rasiga, Ratu Inoke Baleisuva Bokini and Ratu Tavo Bale Bokini as directors.


By 1999, the Bokinis were sole directors: Ratu Ovini, Tavo Bale, Inoke, Totivi Dakaniviti, Kelera Vakawale, and Sereima Lalavanua. In 1998 Bila Development and Investment Company was owned by Sairusi Tagivetaua and Eroni Kitou, of Tavua, who listed their occupations as businessmen. On 15 June 1996 Kitou and Lemeki Tareguci had resigned their directorships from Navakatidro Development, and were replaced by the Bokini family. The company’s financial affairs were managed by BDO Zarin Ali (the aunty and uncle accountant team). Sahu Khan and Sahu Khan represented the company’s legal interests.


By February 2004, MMSF had a fourth director in the person of Dr Shailesh Khatri (f/n Devidas Guludas), an interventional cardiologist, who gave his address as Suite 4, 4th Floor, Pacific Private Clinic, 123 Narang Street, Southport Qld, 4215, Australia. A year later, in 2005, the Return of Allotments showed those holding allotted shares as followers: Navakartidro (2,025,000), Ramapa (2,025,000), Corporate Agents (Fiji) Ltd (2,025,000) and Syed Asad Ali Kazmie of California (1,800,000). In August 2005 Khatri was removed from Magic Mountain and Kazmie was appointed in his place. Another company, Travelex (Fiji) Ltd (a client of BDO Zarin Ali) of Varoli St, Ba, was allocated 406,000 shares in 2005. The directors were listed as follows: Devidas Gulabdas (f/n Gulabdas Hargovind), Puspawati Nagindas Vallabh and Akeneta Koyanasau, who resigned on 18 February 2004.


Meanwhile, as I mentioned in the first instalment, the treasonist 2006 coup, gave the Khaiyum clan, the Bokinis’ and the Patels a great chance to make a go for the control of Fiji’s bottled water. But, first, the illegal Attorney-General and Minister of a million illegal portfolios, had to vilify Fiji Water, with his uncle Zarin Khan hiding in the background.


The public statements had been cleverly left to Rajendra Kant Patel, who has been described as the boss of Magic Mountain, when we know from the records now that he is only one of the directors. In 2008, according to a Fiji Times report, the landowners wanted the ownership of the site of the proposed water bottling plant returned to them before work started. Yavusa Nakorosago of Nananu, Ra, wanted discussions with the interim Government and the Native Land Commission to correct what they claimed was an earlier mistake by the NLC.


Nananu Development Company secretary Vasiti Ritova said yavusa Nakorosago felt it was wronged when the then Native Land Reserve Commissioner, Ilaitia Caginavanua, awarded the land overlooking their village to mataqali Matalevu of Vunitogoloa.


The land had been leased by Magic Mountains (Springs) Fiji Limited.


Ritova said the 240-hectare site included the location of their original village, burial grounds, fishing area and food gardens. She said the decision was made in 1996 after an NLC sitting in Vunitogoloa, where the members of Yavusa Nakorosago told Caginavanua that Matalevu could not have owned that land because they were part of Vunitogoloa and Raviravi District and not Nananu. Vunitogoloa is about 20 kilometres from the disputed land.


“How can some people who live three mountains, two rivers and four villages away from us can come and claim what is right there under our nose?” she asked. “We, the members of yavusa Nakorosago, are left to work on this oversight ourselves and we will now renew our call to the Government and the NLC to have another meeting so that we can undo this very key decision that was made without proper consultation with all members of three mataqali in Nananu (yavusa Nakorosago) as far as the new spring water project is concerned.


Magic Mountain Springs boss Rajendra Patel, according to the Fiji Times, had said he would not comment on that issue. And Ritova, despite repeated e-mails to her from me, has responded to my queries. In 2007 Caginavanua’s contract was not renewed. The then Interim Fijian Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau said the Board of NLTB decided against the renewal because Caginavanua was under investigation for alleged corruption. “The Reserve Commissioner even though his contract has lapsed...the Board has also not renewed his contract, he is also being investigated by the committee of Colonel Kurusiga on some of the allegations leveled against him during his term as Reserve Commissioner,” said Ganilau.


In March 2011, Patel was again in the news, with no sign of Zarin Khan. “This one man sorted out an 11-year issue and brought about unity among Ra villagers, paving the way for these water bottling projects. I am also thankful to the Native Land Trust Board for their assistance in these projects”. Patel was praising the Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki. The Fiji Times had reported that to enable the new developments, the Bainimarama-Khaiyum Government had solved an 11-year impasse between feuding landowners at Yaqara, “a truce which will be set in stone when work on the two water bottling projects begin in August this year (2011).


One factory, located at the site of extraction in Nananu Village in Ra, is a joint venture between Tavua businessman Rajendra Patel, United States investors and the people of Nananu. The other plant, also located at the extraction site will be a joint venture between the yavusa Mali of Naseyani, Unit Trust of Fiji, a subsidiary of Fijian Holdings Limited and an, as yet undisclosed, United States investor. We wonder who that investor is – Syed Asad Ali Kasmie?


Rajendra Kant Patel told the press in 2011 that he was waiting for financiers to arrive in the country later “this month (March 2011) before elaborating further on the Magic Mountain project in Nananu. He did not inform the nation that the water company had yet to pay rent arrears – a year later, in January 2011, it was the Taukei Lands Trust Board reported that Magic Mountain has only recently paid “rent arrears” but has yet to commence development in accordance with the terms of its lease.


The Fiji Democracy Now blog noted: “Cheating landowners of rent – what else would we expect from the Khaiyum Klan?”


There is no mention of the name of Zarin Khan when it comes to the Magic Mountain Springs (Fiji) Ltd. But no matter how deep the Khaiyum clan decides to dive, they will be fished out of water.


A secret report prepared by BLM Consulting for Fiji 480 Holdings Limited can be seen on the following sites, with a plan to contribute $25,000 to a village church and a cross.

One Fiji Party touted for Bainimarama

Two major announcements from the regime in recent days have been met with strong resistance from both major and minor political parties and democracy groups.

All are rightly denouncing the illegal government's decision to start consultations to replace the 1997 Constitution and the decision to abolish the Great Council of Chiefs.

The fresh and invigoprated debate shows the people of Fiji will not roll over and die and suggest there will be a fight to reclaim the country legitimately in the 2014 elections.

On that note, Coupfourpointfive has been told by insiders there is talk that Frank Bainimarama is being urged to name his new political party One Fiji. Insiders also insist Esala Teleni will be roped in to run Bainimarama's day to day operation while he concentrates on securing a safe exit for himself either as prime minister or president.

A new party has also made its debut. The Fiji First Party (The Neutralising Force), has released a statement denouncing the consultations (see below) and outlining its understanding of the current crisis.

Meanwhile the NFP says it's not convinced about the consultations saying "until we see something better we have no reason to abandon it."


Quote: "Mr Bainimarama’s announcements fall short. We cannot have genuine consultation in a restrictive environment. We need to see immediate steps to remove all impediments such as the plethora of decrees that severely restrict our rights, freedoms and access to the Courts."


The USA based Democracy and Freedom for Fiji Movement (see below) has also nailed it:

"The reason for the political upheaval in 2006 was not due to the constitution but because of the self-interest of Bainimarama. The demand made by Bainimarama in 2006 to the Qarase government never included the amendment or removal of the 1997 constitution.



"Therefore the constitution should be allowed to continue and the Court of Appeal decision of April 2009 be implemented. Any change to the constitution should follow the normal process where individuals are free to express their views and a Parliament approves the changes after wide consultations.


"We feel that the money that is being allocated to this time and money wasting exercise should be diverted to ensure that the services such as health, education and law order are delivered for the benefit of the public."

NFP on the Constitution
http://www.mediafire.com/?lq45tqmrlbt6nhe
Fiji First Party Constitution Abrogated
http://www.mediafire.com/?sxda2488cbdyb44
DFFM statement on Constitution
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1&thid=1360ed69c333e04a&mt=application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3Daa2b5fa4e1%26view%3Datt%26th%3D1360ed69c333e04a%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dsafe%26zw&sig=AHIEtbSCP3EiTjkERbAGVRImlhmxCykGfA

United front on 'attack on GCC'

Chaudhry

Fiji's leading political figures have all come out against the regime decision to abolish the Boselevu Vakaturaga saying it should've been left to the people, if not i-Taukei.

Mara

The Fiji Labour Party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, says it's an attack on the paramount institution of indigenous Fijians and should not have happened, especially with the Constitution consultations underway.

Qarase

Chaudhry admits the Great Council of Chiefs had become political, but questioned why they should be blamed when the military had also become political after the 1987 coup.

He says the Reeves Commission had suggested the composition of the GCC be changed to reflect its “contemporary role” as an advisory body and it should've been done by the Rabuka Government.

Beddoes

Chaudhry says the GCC was given due recognition in the 1970 and 1997 Constitutions and its dissolution at the time of the current discussions 'is surprising to say the least.'

The Former Opposition leader, Mick Beddoes, says if the august body of the paramount Chiefs of the majority community in Fiji can so easily be declared redundant, what about the traditional organisations of other communities?

"Will they all be made redundant as well to ensure a sense of fairness and a level playing field - and who exactly benefits from the removal of this important traditional body?"

Beddoes says there is no doubt that over the years the GCC’s role, especially in some of the coups perpetrated by the military, has given rise to questions about their role and impartiality in terms of the society generally.

"But they are not the only ones who have wavered in times of conflict. We all have at one time or another made judgments that have raised questions from our fellow citizens. The military itself has wavered from its role as protector of the people and instead turned its guns on the very people they all swore oaths to protect."

Soldier turned democracy advocate Roko Ului Mara says the decision to get rid of the GCC is calculated to culturally disenfranchise the Fijians.

"It is further evidence of the appalling double standards of Fiji’s military regime. While it preaches to others about the needs for respect and fairness, it has failed to apply these principles to its treatment of Fiji’s indigenous community.

"At a time when Fiji needs a calm environment for crucial constitutional discussions, the regime appears to have made a deliberate decision to raise tensions."

The deposed prime minister and SDL leader Laisenia Qarase, says the abolition of the GCC strikes at the very heart of indigenous Fijian society and traditional leadership.

"Indigenous Fijian society is now deeply wounded and hurt. The GCC has been the “custodian” of native land, culture and tradition. There is now a large vacuum in this important customary role."

Bainimarama abolishes GCC but becomes a Vanuatu chief

Vanuautu's newest chief Bainimarma aka Warwar. pic MINFO

"This is what sets up apart – our traditional ceremony and our solidarity"

It's the biggest hypocrisy out - Frank Bainimarama has killed off Fiji's Great of Council of Chiefs or Boselevu Vakaturaga but has himself become a chief in Vanuatu.

The country's self-appointed prime minister was installed as Chief of Malampa, one of the largest provinces in Vanuatu, five days ago - just as he was preparing gazette the disestablishment of the Great Council of Chiefs.

He revealed yesterday when he announced the GCC was formally abolished that the gazetting was done several days ago - probably about the time he was happily accepting his new chief title.

It's the biggest hypocrisy out and shows again that the 2006 coup leader is shutting down Fiji's traditional chiefly system to stifle the power they have on the people of Fiji to act against him.

For while he is happy to support another country's council of chiefs, he will not tolerate one in his own country because they are a threat to him.

Bainimarama's Vanuatu chief title is Warwar or chief of the island of Ambrym, which lies in northern Vanuatu in the Malampa province.

The ceremony to make him chief was according to the Ministry of Information release "four years of waiting and preparation following the Prime Minister’s adoption in 2008 by the chiefly family of Malampa."

He was given his title by the chiefs of the province at a traditional ceremony at the Melanesian Spearhead Group headquarters in Port Villa and the  ceremony was conducted by the National Council of Chiefs or the Malvatu Mauri as it is known.

In return for the title, Bainimarama gave two pigs - one for the chiefs and one for the Malampa province.

In his acceptance speech he thanked the people of Vanuatu, the chiefs and the government of Vanuatu for the traditional custom saying: “This is what we need in Melanesia, what sets up apart – our traditional ceremony and our solidarity.
“I thank the chiefs of the Malvatumauri for the traditional ceremony.”

Bainimarama also took the gifts presented to him by MSG members at the end of the ceremony, another traditional practice that he yesterday claimed made Fiji's GCC elitist and privileged.

We are in no doubt that this regime, led by the destructive hand of Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum and aided and abetted by Bainimarama, is working to destroy Fiji as it tries to justify its illegal rule.

We are not alone: numerous stories about the disestablishment of the GCC have appeared today on international news sites, so the world knows Bainimarama aka Warwar, is making war on his own people.

Fiji ruler ends chiefs council
http://www.fox8live.com/news/world/story/Fiji-ruler-ends-chiefs-council/MYNrPzbY8USs6hWZKiSNsw.cspx

Fiji leader disbands Council of Chiefs
 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/fiji/9142682/Fijis-military-ruler-disbands-Great-Council-of-Chiefs.html
UN convention contravened
http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=66839 

Regime supporters stir racist pot

The deposed prime minister and the leader of the SDL Party, Laisenia Qarase, has hit back at the Fiji Sun story that claimed his party is racist.

The article Rumblings of the next eruption in SDL talk, was penned by regime supporter Graham Davis.

In a statement, Qarase says SDL has always been multi- racial and has a broad-based support.

"The editorial staff of the Fiji Sun know this very well. In the 2006 election for example, the Party fielded a multi-racial slate of candidates from the major ethnic communities in Fiji.

"It is true, however, that the majority of members of the SDL Party are indigenous Fijians. It is equally true that the majority of members of the National Federation Party and Fiji Labour Party are drawn from our Indian community. This fact does not make these three political parties racist!

"The Fiji Sun columnist, Mr. Graham Davis, needs to be educated on the realities in Fiji, and stop writing inciteful articles such as the one that appeared on 14.3.12."

Qarase says critics should read the SDL 2006 Manifesto and take a look at the line- up of candidates in the 2006 election, to see that SDL is not a racist Party.

"The Party’s Constitution is also not racist."

Qarase says Davis’ literal translation of the Party name “Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua” is quite wrong.

"The correct literal translation is “Association of People United”. The word “lewenivanua” does not mean “iTaukei” or owners of the land. It simply means “citizens” or “people” of a country.

"Mr. Davis made some comments on the SDL legislative programme and referred to the Qoliqoli Bill, in particular, as racist. The Qoliqoli Bill is about the acknowledged rights of indigenous Fijians to their traditional fishing grounds. It was not about race. It is similar to, say, the Property Act which deals with the rights and obligations of owners of private properties. Mr Davis made some quite inaccurate claims about the provisions of the Bill.

"Incidentally, some aboriginal tribes in Australia have been given ownership rights of more than 7,000km of the Australian coastline.

"It might be of interest to Mr Davis that the Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and his officers were strongly supportive of the Qoliqoli Bill and other measures to address indigenous concerns after the 2000 coup."

Qarase says the Fiji Sun editor should be taken to task for publishing the misleading and inciteful article without giving him or SDL the right of response.
 

Rumblings of the next eruption in SDL talk

The wave of optimism that’s accompanied the Fiji Government’s announcement of its constitutional timetable is likely to be short lived, judging from the public comments of Laisenia Qarase, the man deposed by Voreqe Bainimarama in his 2006 takeover.
Mr Qarase has given an astonishing interview to Radio Australia in which he says his SDL Party (Soqosoqo Duavata Ni Lewenivanua) will consider fielding candidates at the promised elections in 2014 depending on the outcome of the constitutional process. It isn’t going to happen and Mr Qarase knows it.
Why? Because all along, Commodore Bainimarama has said that no party that stands for the interests of one race in Fiji will ever be allowed to contest an election again. And of all the country’s political parties, the SDL is most obviously in that category.
The literal translation of its name is the “United Organisation of People of the Land”, in other words, indigenous Fijians – iTaukei. It was specifically formed to advance the indigenous cause and its programme in government was unashamedly pro-indigenous, so much so that it was branded as racist in many quarters in Fiji.

INFAMOUS PROGRAMME
Its legislative programme included the infamous iQoliqoli Bill that would have required non-indigenous citizens to pay for the use of coastal resources, not just to fish but to cross stretches of water and even the simple act of going to the beach. Coupled with its plan to free the racial supremacists who staged the 2000 coup, including George Speight, the iQoliqoli Bill ultimately led to the SDL’s downfall.
Commodore Bainimarama – as military chief – demanded that Mr Qarase back down, accusing his SDL government of racism and corruption. Mr  Qarase refused and the rest is history.
Two years ago, Commodore Bainimarama told Grubsheet that Laisenia Qarase would return only over his dead body. Two weeks ago, he said he was welcome – like anyone else – to contest the election he’s promised in 2014.
But that means Mr Qarase himself, not the SDL. As far as Commodore Bainimarama is concerned, Mr Qarase can stand as an independent or form another party that is multiracial, with members of all races and a multiracial platform.
But the SDL? Only over his dead body. It is unequivocal and non-negotiable. And lest it be seen as a specific objection to the SDL, the same applies to any other existing single race party, such as the National Federation Party, the traditional political bastion of Indo-Fijians.
VISION OF EQUALITY
None of these have any place in Commodore Bainimarama’s vision of a new Fiji, where equal status, equal suffrage and equal opportunity will, he says, be the hallmarks. Laisenia Qarase knows this. So why did he choose to ignore it in the interview with Radio Australia’s Bruce Hill? Mr Qarase said he was “happy” with Commodore Bainimarama’s statement in the Grubsheet interview that politicians like him were free to stand in 2014, describing it as “a change of heart”.
All well and good. But then he talked about “getting through the selection process” of his own party, the SDL. Ahem. Well, they might choose you, Mr Qarase, but it’s a moot point because you’re not going to be allowed to stand on their behalf.
The deposed Prime Minister went on to say that while he’d prefer an election this year based on the abrogated 1997 Constitution, a decision on whether the SDL would field candidates in 2014 would depend on how the constitutional discussions went. But if the elections were free and fair, the party would contest them and he would win.
It isn’t going to happen and herein is the rumblings of the next eruption in Fiji – a raging argument over the legitimacy of any election whenever it’s held. Wherever you look, Fiji’s critics – the Australian and New Zealand governments, NGOs and think-tanks like the Lowy Institute – are insisting that any election process has to be inclusive, reflect the views of all sections of Fijian society and be a true expression of the will of the people.
SOME TOUGH QUESTIONS
But there are some tough questions to be answered that aren’t part of the current debate. Nor, incidentally, are they part of the political paradigm in Australia and NZ. Is racism a legitimate expression of democracy?
Does genuine democracy include the right to believe in the supremacy of one race and superior rights for that race over other citizens? Does it include the right of anyone to stand for office to represent the interests of one race or for race-based parties to field candidates in any election?
Definitive pronouncements are going to have to be made. And Laisenia Qarase has clearly decided to bring it on, to shove a spoke into the Government’s plans right from the start.
FAMILIAR TACTIC
His tactic is a familiar one – donning the cloak of democracy to mask his party’s supremacist agenda.
For Qarase and his party, it’s still “Fiji for the Fijians”, the lewenivanua, not equal rights for the whole nation as Commodore Bainimarama insists. The SDL opposes the use of the term Fijian for anyone other than the iTaukei.
Commodore Bainimarama has made it mandatory for everyone to be called a Fijian irrespective of race. What position will Australia, New Zealand and the rest of the international community take? Will it be enough that Laisenia Qarase himself is allowed to stand to meet their test of a legitimate election? Or will they insist that the racially exclusive SDL also be allowed to contest the poll?
On this most basic of questions, the immediate future of Fiji largely depends, along with its relationships with its neighbours.
A-G SENSES DANGERS
Commodore Bainimarama’s Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, clearly senses the danger a re-emboldened Qarase presents, referring to politicians “caught in a time warp where nepotism, elitism and racism were the norm”.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said that “voices that echoed from that past… sought to regain power and take Fiji back to the dark ages.” Certainly, that will only happen over Frank Commodore Bainimarama’s dead body, something the international community needs to comprehend as it assesses its position.
PM’S VIEWS ON MULTIRACIALISM
In the immediate aftermath of our interview with the Prime Minister for Sky News a fortnight ago, Grubsheet learned an intriguing fact about Commodore Bainimarama’s childhood that explains a great deal about his own multiracial outlook.
When his father was the local prison warder at the main jail in western Viti Levu, young Frank attended Natabua Indian Primary School.
So his friends were mainly Indo-Fijians and he learned Hindi in the classroom and the playing fields. Until now, it’s been assumed that his multiracial attitudes were forged much later, when he attended that bastion of multiracialism, Suva’s Marist Brothers High School, but it’s clear they were ingrained from early childhood.
FAMILY LINKS
It’s also a little known fact that only Commodore Bainimarama’s father is an indigenous Fijian. His mother was a Kailoma – a part European from the O’Connor and Pickering families. His wife, Mary, also comes from a prominent Kailoma family, the Keans.
All of which casts considerable doubt on the claims of Commodore Bainimarama’s critics that his multiracial agenda is merely an cynical mask for what they allege is his craven lust for power. While the young Laisenia Qarase was growing up in the village of Mavana on the almost exclusively indigenous island of Vanuabalavu in eastern Fiji, Voreqe Bainimarama was kicking a soccer ball around with his Indo-Fijian schoolmates in the country’s west.
Small wonder that their attitudes to race are so diametrically opposed.

Qarase stirs up trouble

http://www.fijisun.com.fj/?p=97920

Dictator disestablishes GCC but wants to cosy up to chosen few

Ratu Naiqama

Frank Bainimarama has bowled down another Fiji stronghold in his way, the Fiji Council of Chiefs, as he moves to secure his illegal reign and reinvent a 'fair Fiji.'


The gazetting to formally disestablish the Boselevu Vakaturaga was done a few days ago and announced today, but Bainimarama had effectively shut own the GCC pretty quickly after taking control in 2006.


In formally announcing the decision today, he chirped out that the Council was part of Fiji's colonial past and was no longer relevant saying "if all Fijians are to have their say during the consultations for Fiji’s new constitution, people must ensure that every voice is equally heard and equally represented."

Krishna Datt

Yet, typically, the self-appointed prime minister acted without mandate.

As noted by the former politician, Krishna Datt, in FBC today the decision to dis-establish the GCC should have been made by the people via the consultation process.

Quote: “It is a constitutional matter and ultimately it will have to be resolved to that point. So I believe that this is one of those issues that the commission could have handled in a more amicable manner and the people of the country would have had their say on whether or not they wanted to continue with the system that they’re used to for more than a hundred years.”

Today's announcement reminds us that Bainimarama is systematically removing all obstacles that stop him from assuming control of the country as prime minister or president.

Underground material seen by C4.5 show that while Bainimarama has disestablished the GCC, he intends to hand pick chiefs who will support him and hold a one-day meeting with them to discuss the Constitution. He will also break the chief stronghold and get trusted sub-chiefs to handle government projects.

Responding to the disestablishment, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalabu told Fiji Village it's easy to tear things down but hard to build it up again. 

Fiji military ruler disbands Great Council
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/fijis-military-ruler-disbands-great-council-of-chiefs-says-130-year-tradition-was-elitist/2012/03/14/gIQAmDD5AS_story.html 

GCC coverage

http://www.fijivillage.com/?mod=story&id=140312b03dc529a9d96924e6fd778c 

Bainimarama: Qarase and Chaudhdry examples of unwanted politicians

http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/877/qarase,-chaudhry,-examples-of-unwanted-politicians-pm 

Tikoitoga dismisses special role for RFMF but insiders say he's in line for Tailevu seat

Tikoitoga (right): insiders say the plan for him is to contest Tailevu

Land force commander Mosese Tikoitoga has told Fiji media the RFMF will not play a special role in the Constitution consultation process. We ask is that because he plans to contest the 2014 elections?

According to sources, it has been decided Tikoitoga will represent the Tailevu area but it hasn't been resolved if he will be nominated from the list or if he will be required to contest the seat.

The same is being claimed about the illegal attorney general Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum.

Tikoitoga today told FijiLive, everyone will play an equal role in the constitution consultations process so the RFMF will not have a special role.

Quote: "I don’t see any reason as to why the military have to play a special role because everybody has to contribute equally in the process in order to have a constitution that suits all citizens of the country."

According to FijiLive he also said "the military will stand by and support Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama totally in whatever decisions he makes about the country."

Tikoitoga's 'assurances' about the role of the RFMF in the consultation process comes as more underground information surfaces about the motives behind formulating a new Constitution.

It’s widely known the regime has been working on an exit plan for Bainimarama and current regime members. Sources say the broad scope is to secure his future either as prime minister, via the 2014 elections or as president before then – in 2013.

That being the game plan, they believe the new Constitution will be steered to include a provision that will allow the President to have certain veto power over Parliament and for him to assume the role of ultimate decision maker.

With Bainimarama installed as president, the regime will then the lead the country to elections and help secure the positions of other regime members.

Insiders say the Constitution will also somehow allow political parties to nominate candidates to Parliament without necessarily contesting the elections.

For example, if a party gets 70% of the votes, 7 members can be nominated as members of parliament by the party. The losing party with 30% votes can still nominate 3 members but will not be entitled to any ministerial roles.

Insiders say the aim is to bring 'brains to the Cabinet' and to allow regime members like Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum and other current ministers to continue in their portfolios.

They say people need to note Bainimarama's speech on the Constitution where he makes the significant reference "whether it is going to be a senate or parliament, elected or nominated members..."