NEWS
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NOTE: Good information is also being published in Other blog sites. And together, we will inform Fiji, its rural areas and the world of the truth about the evil military Junta and Bainimarama's true reasons for the 2006 Coup based on his key involvement in the 2000 Coup where good Fiji soldiers and people suffered and some also died becasue of it!
Latest News
NOTE: Good information is also being published in Other blog sites. And together, we will inform Fiji, its rural areas and the world of the truth about the evil military Junta and Bainimarama's true reasons for the 2006 Coup based on his key involvement in the 2000 Coup where good Fiji soldiers and people suffered and some also died becasue of it!
Latest News
The church had refused to accept an ultimatum that pro-democracy church leaders step down from their positions and not attend the gathering.
Senior members of the church were summoned by the military to Suva's Queen Victoria Barracks to hear the order banning the conference. Soldiers attempted to force the 80-year-old former head of the church, Reverend Josateki Koroi, to attend, but he refused.
It isn't the first time that the military has sought to intimidate Fiji's largest church. The Methodist annual conference has now been banned three years in a row after senior figures began to criticise Bainimarama, who took power in a coup in December 2006, ousting the democratically elected prime minister, Laisenia Qarase.
Under Bainimarama the constitution has been suspended, opponents arrested and beaten, and media freedom restricted. Elections, promised by Bainimarama within two years of the coup, are now nominally scheduled for September 2014.
Secret US embassy cables leaked to WikiLeaks and provided exclusively to the Herald confirm that violence and intimidation have been at the heart of Bainimarama's military rule. Beatings and intimidation of the regime's suspected opponents are reported to have taken place with the knowledge of military commanders and included the direct participation of Bainimarama himself.
One US embassy report records witness testimony that Bainimarama joined in an assault on a senior public servant detained at the military's headquarters immediately after the coup. According to the embassy cables, he ''kicked [the man's] legs out from under him and beat him around the head, telling him: 'Don't f--- with the military.'''
Bainimarama publicly deplored violence by soldiers following his coup and said he would ensure that any excesses ceased. In March 2007, he announced that the military would be responsive to public views on abuse of human rights and the army would ''do its utmost to ensure people can live normal lives''.
He declared Fiji's military does not ''condone violence or the use of force'' and that henceforth would only engage in ''manning checkpoints, community work and public relations''.
However, at the same time the US embassy reported to Washington that Bainimarama privately told European Union diplomats that if anyone insulted the army ''of course we must have them taken to the barracks and have them beaten up''.
The picture that emerges of Bainimarama from the US diplomatic reports is that of an erratic, sometimes violent leader, thin-skinned, often defensive and insecure, and prone to be ''wildly excessive'' in his reactions to criticism.
In one cable sent to Washington shortly before the coup, the US ambassador Larry Dinger observed that ''a psychiatrist would have a field day with Bainimarama''.
He was described as being ''surrounded by a compliant officer corps that is feeding the commander's sense of righteous grievance against the Qarase government … he does not care about international reaction, including the possible loss of aid money from Australia, the United States and New Zealand.''
In other US diplomatic reports Bainimarama's propensity for ''sabre-rattling'' and threats of violence, including against diplomats, caused the US embassy in Suva to ''wonder more than ever about the rationality of [the commodore's] judgment''.
The leaked cables contain numerous reports of human rights abuses following the military takeover, including the arbitrary detention of human rights activists, senior police and civil servants, trade unionists, lawyers, and journalists.
While some cases of detention and intimidation are well known, including the repeated detention of the editor of the Fiji Post, the US cables report many previously unreported cases of violence by the military, including beatings, torture and death threats ''with a pistol to the head''.
A prominent trade union official was ''abused and threatened with death'' while one senior police officer detained by the military at Queen Victoria Barracks described how he saw ''several ambulances depart the camp transporting people beaten by military interrogators''.
Other cases reported by the US embassy included deaths in military custody with one victim's body - ''marked by visible bruises'' - dumped by soldiers at a police station. In another case a police investigation into the death of a young man who had died of a brain haemorrhage following a beating was stymied when army officers denied access to five implicated soldiers.
In other reported cases a group of villagers, including a senior police officer, were ''subjected … to beatings over a three-hour period''; Hindu taxi drivers were assaulted and suffered humiliation directed at their religious beliefs; and Muslim youths were compelled by soldiers to wallow in a pigsty next to a military barracks.
The US embassy reports also document cases of rape and sexual assault by military personnel, including at least one instance of a group of detainees forced to engage in group sexual acts. In another case a prominent human rights activist was ''felt up'' by a senior military officer and was ''warned she would receive worse treatment unless she stopped her activities''.
Telephoned threats of rape have been regularly used by the military to intimidate political activists.
In discussing the interim Prime Minister's motivations, US diplomats highlighted underlying insecurity in Bainimarama's personality. The embassy reports quote a former senior Fijian military officer and close colleague of Bainimarama together with the then chief of the Fiji police, former Australian Federal Police officer Andrew Hughes, who was removed from office as part of the coup, as suggesting Bainimarama suffers from post-traumatic stress arising from the army mutiny of November 2000, when he was shot at and nearly killed by his own soldiers.
''Bainimarama had never been in a combat situation,'' the senior military source told US diplomats. ''Unlike senior army officers who had seen action in Lebanon and other hot spots, Bainimarama's only [peacekeeping] experience was with [the Multinational Force and Observers in the] Sinai during a peaceful period.
''Thus, when he was fired at in 2000, the experience had a significant psychological effect that Bainimarama still carries.''
However, the US embassy cables also document Bainimarama's considerable political abilities, especially his ability to exploit the weakness of Fiji's democratic institutions.
Although Fiji's elderly and ailing president Josefa Iloilo initially rejected Bainimarama's coup and called for respect for the rule of law, later he swore in Bainimarama as interim Prime Minister, thereby giving the regime what the US embassy described as a ''a patina of legality''.
However, the US embassy subsequently reported to Washington: ''We spoke with President Iloilo's personal physician … [who] said Iloilo is at this point so 'senile' that he will read out whatever is put in front of him … now Iloilo hears advice only from Bainimarama.''
Iloilo remained in office while his health and mental faculties continued to deteriorate until his resignation in July 2009. He died in February this year, aged 90.
Although the US embassy in Suva has reported that Bainimarama has been ''feeling the strain of governing a country that doesn't salute like an army'', the leaked cables leave little doubt about the military's determination to only relinquish power on their terms and to never allow their democratic opponents to regain power.
Bainimarama is reported as describing himself as ''the Ataturk of Fiji, the military man who has the vision to right the nation's wrongs and build a bright future''.
According to him Fiji's ''coup culture'' is ''far from over'' and ''hurried elections'' will not solve Fiji's unique political problems.
''The international community has been rather naive in pressurising Fiji to return to parliamentary democracy … without allowing the people of Fiji to comprehensively address the root causes of conflict and dissension,'' the US embassy quotes him as saying.
However, despite all of the military's efforts, there are still strong voices of dissent.
This week Reverend Koroi successfully stared down the soldiers sent to escort him to the Queen Victoria Barracks.
''I told them, the only way to take me to camp now is bundle up my legs, tied up, and my hands, I will not go with you,'' he told Radio New Zealand.
''That is the only way, you carry me to the camp or you bring your gun and shoot me and you carry my dead body to the camp to show to the commander.''
Clearly some people are not easily intimidated.
Senior members of the church were summoned by the military to Suva's Queen Victoria Barracks to hear the order banning the conference. Soldiers attempted to force the 80-year-old former head of the church, Reverend Josateki Koroi, to attend, but he refused.
It isn't the first time that the military has sought to intimidate Fiji's largest church. The Methodist annual conference has now been banned three years in a row after senior figures began to criticise Bainimarama, who took power in a coup in December 2006, ousting the democratically elected prime minister, Laisenia Qarase.
Under Bainimarama the constitution has been suspended, opponents arrested and beaten, and media freedom restricted. Elections, promised by Bainimarama within two years of the coup, are now nominally scheduled for September 2014.
Secret US embassy cables leaked to WikiLeaks and provided exclusively to the Herald confirm that violence and intimidation have been at the heart of Bainimarama's military rule. Beatings and intimidation of the regime's suspected opponents are reported to have taken place with the knowledge of military commanders and included the direct participation of Bainimarama himself.
One US embassy report records witness testimony that Bainimarama joined in an assault on a senior public servant detained at the military's headquarters immediately after the coup. According to the embassy cables, he ''kicked [the man's] legs out from under him and beat him around the head, telling him: 'Don't f--- with the military.'''
Bainimarama publicly deplored violence by soldiers following his coup and said he would ensure that any excesses ceased. In March 2007, he announced that the military would be responsive to public views on abuse of human rights and the army would ''do its utmost to ensure people can live normal lives''.
He declared Fiji's military does not ''condone violence or the use of force'' and that henceforth would only engage in ''manning checkpoints, community work and public relations''.
However, at the same time the US embassy reported to Washington that Bainimarama privately told European Union diplomats that if anyone insulted the army ''of course we must have them taken to the barracks and have them beaten up''.
The picture that emerges of Bainimarama from the US diplomatic reports is that of an erratic, sometimes violent leader, thin-skinned, often defensive and insecure, and prone to be ''wildly excessive'' in his reactions to criticism.
In one cable sent to Washington shortly before the coup, the US ambassador Larry Dinger observed that ''a psychiatrist would have a field day with Bainimarama''.
He was described as being ''surrounded by a compliant officer corps that is feeding the commander's sense of righteous grievance against the Qarase government … he does not care about international reaction, including the possible loss of aid money from Australia, the United States and New Zealand.''
In other US diplomatic reports Bainimarama's propensity for ''sabre-rattling'' and threats of violence, including against diplomats, caused the US embassy in Suva to ''wonder more than ever about the rationality of [the commodore's] judgment''.
The leaked cables contain numerous reports of human rights abuses following the military takeover, including the arbitrary detention of human rights activists, senior police and civil servants, trade unionists, lawyers, and journalists.
While some cases of detention and intimidation are well known, including the repeated detention of the editor of the Fiji Post, the US cables report many previously unreported cases of violence by the military, including beatings, torture and death threats ''with a pistol to the head''.
A prominent trade union official was ''abused and threatened with death'' while one senior police officer detained by the military at Queen Victoria Barracks described how he saw ''several ambulances depart the camp transporting people beaten by military interrogators''.
Other cases reported by the US embassy included deaths in military custody with one victim's body - ''marked by visible bruises'' - dumped by soldiers at a police station. In another case a police investigation into the death of a young man who had died of a brain haemorrhage following a beating was stymied when army officers denied access to five implicated soldiers.
In other reported cases a group of villagers, including a senior police officer, were ''subjected … to beatings over a three-hour period''; Hindu taxi drivers were assaulted and suffered humiliation directed at their religious beliefs; and Muslim youths were compelled by soldiers to wallow in a pigsty next to a military barracks.
The US embassy reports also document cases of rape and sexual assault by military personnel, including at least one instance of a group of detainees forced to engage in group sexual acts. In another case a prominent human rights activist was ''felt up'' by a senior military officer and was ''warned she would receive worse treatment unless she stopped her activities''.
Telephoned threats of rape have been regularly used by the military to intimidate political activists.
In discussing the interim Prime Minister's motivations, US diplomats highlighted underlying insecurity in Bainimarama's personality. The embassy reports quote a former senior Fijian military officer and close colleague of Bainimarama together with the then chief of the Fiji police, former Australian Federal Police officer Andrew Hughes, who was removed from office as part of the coup, as suggesting Bainimarama suffers from post-traumatic stress arising from the army mutiny of November 2000, when he was shot at and nearly killed by his own soldiers.
''Bainimarama had never been in a combat situation,'' the senior military source told US diplomats. ''Unlike senior army officers who had seen action in Lebanon and other hot spots, Bainimarama's only [peacekeeping] experience was with [the Multinational Force and Observers in the] Sinai during a peaceful period.
''Thus, when he was fired at in 2000, the experience had a significant psychological effect that Bainimarama still carries.''
However, the US embassy cables also document Bainimarama's considerable political abilities, especially his ability to exploit the weakness of Fiji's democratic institutions.
Although Fiji's elderly and ailing president Josefa Iloilo initially rejected Bainimarama's coup and called for respect for the rule of law, later he swore in Bainimarama as interim Prime Minister, thereby giving the regime what the US embassy described as a ''a patina of legality''.
However, the US embassy subsequently reported to Washington: ''We spoke with President Iloilo's personal physician … [who] said Iloilo is at this point so 'senile' that he will read out whatever is put in front of him … now Iloilo hears advice only from Bainimarama.''
Iloilo remained in office while his health and mental faculties continued to deteriorate until his resignation in July 2009. He died in February this year, aged 90.
Although the US embassy in Suva has reported that Bainimarama has been ''feeling the strain of governing a country that doesn't salute like an army'', the leaked cables leave little doubt about the military's determination to only relinquish power on their terms and to never allow their democratic opponents to regain power.
Bainimarama is reported as describing himself as ''the Ataturk of Fiji, the military man who has the vision to right the nation's wrongs and build a bright future''.
According to him Fiji's ''coup culture'' is ''far from over'' and ''hurried elections'' will not solve Fiji's unique political problems.
''The international community has been rather naive in pressurising Fiji to return to parliamentary democracy … without allowing the people of Fiji to comprehensively address the root causes of conflict and dissension,'' the US embassy quotes him as saying.
However, despite all of the military's efforts, there are still strong voices of dissent.
This week Reverend Koroi successfully stared down the soldiers sent to escort him to the Queen Victoria Barracks.
''I told them, the only way to take me to camp now is bundle up my legs, tied up, and my hands, I will not go with you,'' he told Radio New Zealand.
''That is the only way, you carry me to the camp or you bring your gun and shoot me and you carry my dead body to the camp to show to the commander.''
Clearly some people are not easily intimidated.
Fiji tightens censorship rules following anti-regime graffiti [26 August 2011]
Radio NZ: Censorship rules in Fiji were tightened yesterday in a week during which soldiers have been photographed removing anti-regime graffiti from public places. Read more...
Forum Chief say Fiji regime puts agency’s principles at stake [26 August 2011]
Radio NZ: The secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, says the fundamental principles of the regional agency are at stake with Fiji’s military led government continuing to cling to power. Read more...
No Tongan Military Support Requested [25 August 2011]
This message, in response to the article published in the Raw Fiji News blog, is to confirm that Ratu Tevita Mara (aka Roko Ului) has NOT requested or obtained any Tongan Military support to execute any action or revolt within Fiji.
International Year of Youth - Overthrowing Dictatorships [24 August 2011]
The United Nations marked International Youth Day today [12 August 2011] under the slogan ‘Change Our World,’ with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underscoring the “stunning” role young people have played during the past year in overthrowing dictatorships. “Far too many of the world’s more than one billion young people lack the education, freedom and opportunities they deserve,” he said in a message. “Yet, despite these constraints – and in some cases because of them – young people are mobilizing in growing numbers to build a better future. Over the past year, they have achieved stunning results, overturning dictatorships and sending waves of hope across regions and around the world.”Investments in young people will pay great dividends in a better future for all.Citing their open minds and a keen awareness of emerging trends, and the energy, ideas and courage they bring to some of the most complex and important challenges facing the human family, Mr. Ban said young people “often understand better than older generations that we can transcend our religious and cultural differences in order to reach our shared goals.
“They are standing up for the rights of oppressed peoples, including those who suffer discrimination based on gender, race and sexual orientation,” he added. “They are confronting sensitive issues in order to stop the spread of HIV. And they are often the leading proponents of sustainability and green lifestyles.
He called on the international community to continue to work together to expand the horizons of opportunity for young people and answer their legitimate demands for dignity, development and decent work. “Failing to invest in our youth is a false economy,” he said. “Investments in young people will pay great dividends in a better future for all.”
UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Irina Bokova also referred to the role young people have played in the recent overthrow of entrenched authoritarian regimes.
“The ‘youth quakes’ that have struck across the Arab world have shown the ability of young people to drive change,” she said in a message. “The struggle for democratic participation has shaken regimes seemingly impervious to pressure. These movements have shown the power of aspirations for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Ms. Bokova stressed quality education as the starting point for full and positive engagement by young people.
“We must provide young people with everything they need to share their ideas and act on them – to fight unemployment and poverty, to overcome gender inequality and all forms of discrimination, to tackle diseases and marginalization,” she added.
The Day marked the formal close of the International Year of Youth, which culminated last month with a high-level meeting on youth at the General Assembly.
News Tracker: past stories on this issue: UN high-level forum spotlights young people’s potential as agents of chan
“They are standing up for the rights of oppressed peoples, including those who suffer discrimination based on gender, race and sexual orientation,” he added. “They are confronting sensitive issues in order to stop the spread of HIV. And they are often the leading proponents of sustainability and green lifestyles.
He called on the international community to continue to work together to expand the horizons of opportunity for young people and answer their legitimate demands for dignity, development and decent work. “Failing to invest in our youth is a false economy,” he said. “Investments in young people will pay great dividends in a better future for all.”
UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Irina Bokova also referred to the role young people have played in the recent overthrow of entrenched authoritarian regimes.
“The ‘youth quakes’ that have struck across the Arab world have shown the ability of young people to drive change,” she said in a message. “The struggle for democratic participation has shaken regimes seemingly impervious to pressure. These movements have shown the power of aspirations for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Ms. Bokova stressed quality education as the starting point for full and positive engagement by young people.
“We must provide young people with everything they need to share their ideas and act on them – to fight unemployment and poverty, to overcome gender inequality and all forms of discrimination, to tackle diseases and marginalization,” she added.
The Day marked the formal close of the International Year of Youth, which culminated last month with a high-level meeting on youth at the General Assembly.
News Tracker: past stories on this issue: UN high-level forum spotlights young people’s potential as agents of chan
Unprofessional Conduct [21 August 2011]
Read about Bainimarama's unprofessional conduct and disrespect for the President, Ratu Iloilo. See the letters from the Presidents office to PS Home Affairs and the letter from His Excellency the President confirming the outcome of the Court Martial findings, which Bainimarama disobeyed.
Sri Lankan Lawyer’s Claim True and Correct [19 August 2011]
The claim by Sri Lankan lawyer, Madhawa Tenakoon, that the illegal, corrupt and ruthless military regime in Fiji interfered in Fiji’s judicial system and pursued a selective, “witch hunt” policy in the investigation and prosecution of persons by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), is absolutely true and correct, former Military Officer, Ratu Tevita Mara, said today.
Mr Tenakoon was a lawyer on contract with the FICAC before he resigned, unable to stomach the abuse of power, abuse of justice and flagrant abuse of the rule of law in Fiji by the ruling military junta.
Ratu Tevita said that, shortly after the Military Coup of December 2006, the Military Commander Frank Bainimarama devised a policy to destroy the Fiji Labour Party (FLP) and the Soqosoqo ni Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) and totally remove both from the political landscape of Fiji. It was first necessary, however, to destroy the Leaders of both Parties, Mahandra Chaudhry of the FLP and Laisenia Qarase of the SDL, in any and all ways possible through subverting investigative and legal systems in Fiji.
Ratu Tevita revealed that Commander Bainimarama created a special Military Council after the coup and at a meeting of the Council in early 2007, he raised the issue of the FLP, SDL and their Leaders Chaudhry and Qarase, and emphasized that the Parties and the Leaders were political enemies of the State and ordered that charges be made up and brought against the two men to ensure that they were kept out of the political future of Fiji.
“I know this for a fact since I was present at that meeting,” Ratu Tevita added.
The former Military Officer, now campaigning regionally and internationally against the illegal military Junta and for the return of freedom, democracy and the rule of law in Fiji, pointed out that at a Meeting of the Commission for Change in Fiji, some years ago, dictator Bainimarama, told members that he was opposed to any representatives from the FLP and the SDL being represented on the Commission and especially Chaudhry and Qarase.
“I wish to repeat: what Sri Lankan lawyer Tenakoon said about interference in the judicial system and in the FICAC is absolutely true and correct,” he asserted.
“The oppressive, repressive and suppressive regime of Bainimarama and his co-conspirator, Aiyaz Khaiyum, is destroying the foundations of civilised society in Fiji, to wit, the rights and freedoms of every citizen, the freedom of speech and the media and the rule of law. It must end.
I call on countries in the South Pacific region, especially Australia and New Zealand, and the International Community to do more to end the nightmare in Fiji. I urge the people of Fiji to pursue peaceful protests and peaceful resistance against the tyranny, injustice, corruption and dictatorship in the country. The late, great Leader Mahatma Gandhi carried out a plan of “passive resistance” by the people in India many years ago which led to their freedom and independence. The people of Fiji must stand up against the evil being perpetrated by the vicious and brutal illegal military junta. Enough is enough,” Ratu Tevita declared.
Mr Tenakoon was a lawyer on contract with the FICAC before he resigned, unable to stomach the abuse of power, abuse of justice and flagrant abuse of the rule of law in Fiji by the ruling military junta.
Ratu Tevita said that, shortly after the Military Coup of December 2006, the Military Commander Frank Bainimarama devised a policy to destroy the Fiji Labour Party (FLP) and the Soqosoqo ni Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) and totally remove both from the political landscape of Fiji. It was first necessary, however, to destroy the Leaders of both Parties, Mahandra Chaudhry of the FLP and Laisenia Qarase of the SDL, in any and all ways possible through subverting investigative and legal systems in Fiji.
Ratu Tevita revealed that Commander Bainimarama created a special Military Council after the coup and at a meeting of the Council in early 2007, he raised the issue of the FLP, SDL and their Leaders Chaudhry and Qarase, and emphasized that the Parties and the Leaders were political enemies of the State and ordered that charges be made up and brought against the two men to ensure that they were kept out of the political future of Fiji.
“I know this for a fact since I was present at that meeting,” Ratu Tevita added.
The former Military Officer, now campaigning regionally and internationally against the illegal military Junta and for the return of freedom, democracy and the rule of law in Fiji, pointed out that at a Meeting of the Commission for Change in Fiji, some years ago, dictator Bainimarama, told members that he was opposed to any representatives from the FLP and the SDL being represented on the Commission and especially Chaudhry and Qarase.
“I wish to repeat: what Sri Lankan lawyer Tenakoon said about interference in the judicial system and in the FICAC is absolutely true and correct,” he asserted.
“The oppressive, repressive and suppressive regime of Bainimarama and his co-conspirator, Aiyaz Khaiyum, is destroying the foundations of civilised society in Fiji, to wit, the rights and freedoms of every citizen, the freedom of speech and the media and the rule of law. It must end.
I call on countries in the South Pacific region, especially Australia and New Zealand, and the International Community to do more to end the nightmare in Fiji. I urge the people of Fiji to pursue peaceful protests and peaceful resistance against the tyranny, injustice, corruption and dictatorship in the country. The late, great Leader Mahatma Gandhi carried out a plan of “passive resistance” by the people in India many years ago which led to their freedom and independence. The people of Fiji must stand up against the evil being perpetrated by the vicious and brutal illegal military junta. Enough is enough,” Ratu Tevita declared.
Methodist Church must not bow down to FIJI Junta [19 August 2011]
Coupfourandahalf, a blog site dedicated to informing the people of Fiji about what is taking place in the country and the restoration of democracy, reported today that the military junta has issued restraining orders to the Methodist Church.
According to the report, the President of the Church, Rev. Ame Tugaue; the General-Secretary, Rev. Tuikilakila; and Rev. Mana Lasaro, were commanded by the military junta to step down within 24 hours.
It was also reported that the tyrant Bainimarama also ordered the Church to endorse the illegal and spurious People’s Charter on the first day of the Methodist Conference otherwise it will be shut down.
This is sacrilege! And it flies in the face of the fundamental rights and freedom of religious worship and religious belief. It is also an outrage!, Ratu Tevita Mara said today, August 19.
“ I call upon the Leaders of the Methodist Church not to obey the satanic military junta. I call upon Rev. Tugaue, Rev Tuikilakila and Rev. Lasaro not to resign. You should only heed the voices of your Church and of Our Lord and not the satanic order of the Military junta,” Ratu Tevita declared.
“I also call upon the Leaders of the Methodist Church and church members not to endorse the evil, malicious and illegal People’s Charter of the vaka tevoro Bainimarama and his quari,” he added.
The champion for Freedom and Democracy in Fiji reminded Church Leaders of the words of Our Lord in his Sermon on the Mount, the Gospel of Matthew, No man can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other, he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Mammon ( the false god of riches and avarice).
Ratu Tevita said that it is time that Chiefs, the people of Fiji, organisations, institutions and community groups in Fiji stand up against the rot, corruption, evil governance and ruthlessness of the military junta.
“The Methodist Church has the power to make a bold statement for freedom and democracy in Fiji by refusing to bow down to the demands of the evil military junta. The Church has played a leading role in the struggle for democracy in many parts of the world. Fiji should be no exception,” Ratu Tevita said.
He advocated to Methodist Church Leaders “If God is for you, who can be against you?”
According to the report, the President of the Church, Rev. Ame Tugaue; the General-Secretary, Rev. Tuikilakila; and Rev. Mana Lasaro, were commanded by the military junta to step down within 24 hours.
It was also reported that the tyrant Bainimarama also ordered the Church to endorse the illegal and spurious People’s Charter on the first day of the Methodist Conference otherwise it will be shut down.
This is sacrilege! And it flies in the face of the fundamental rights and freedom of religious worship and religious belief. It is also an outrage!, Ratu Tevita Mara said today, August 19.
“ I call upon the Leaders of the Methodist Church not to obey the satanic military junta. I call upon Rev. Tugaue, Rev Tuikilakila and Rev. Lasaro not to resign. You should only heed the voices of your Church and of Our Lord and not the satanic order of the Military junta,” Ratu Tevita declared.
“I also call upon the Leaders of the Methodist Church and church members not to endorse the evil, malicious and illegal People’s Charter of the vaka tevoro Bainimarama and his quari,” he added.
The champion for Freedom and Democracy in Fiji reminded Church Leaders of the words of Our Lord in his Sermon on the Mount, the Gospel of Matthew, No man can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other, he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Mammon ( the false god of riches and avarice).
Ratu Tevita said that it is time that Chiefs, the people of Fiji, organisations, institutions and community groups in Fiji stand up against the rot, corruption, evil governance and ruthlessness of the military junta.
“The Methodist Church has the power to make a bold statement for freedom and democracy in Fiji by refusing to bow down to the demands of the evil military junta. The Church has played a leading role in the struggle for democracy in many parts of the world. Fiji should be no exception,” Ratu Tevita said.
He advocated to Methodist Church Leaders “If God is for you, who can be against you?”
Message to the people of Fiji [18 August 2011]
People of Fiji, all races and religion, I congratulate you all.
You have held your head high in the face of five years of oppression and repression by the military junta led by Bainimarama and Khaiyum.
You have shown courage while your legal rights and freedoms have been taken away from you.
You have shown faith while all around you, your custom, your tradition and your religion are being suppressed.
You have shown strength while your relatives or friends or family are seized without legal process, and are beaten or tortured by military hooligans.
You have shown fortitude while the ruling elite are getting richer from your taxes and you are getting poorer.
You have shown patience when a job, a regular wage and a future are being denied you.
You have shown tolerance in wave of high prices and poverty staring you in the face.
You have also turned the other cheek to injustice and tyranny, but you can now show peaceful resistance.
I am proud of you.
I have taken up the challenge and made it my duty to free you and liberate you from the bondage of Bainimarama, Khaiyum and their mafia of violent and corrupt terrorists.
I am deeply involved in campaigning in Australia and New Zealand where Democracy Movements have been set up in each country to lobby their governments.
I have visited Samoa and Tonga and held discussions with their Prime Ministers.
I will visit other Pacific Island Countries on your behalf, to carry the fight for the return of Democracy, the Rule of Law and Economic development to Fiji. [See full statement]
You have held your head high in the face of five years of oppression and repression by the military junta led by Bainimarama and Khaiyum.
You have shown courage while your legal rights and freedoms have been taken away from you.
You have shown faith while all around you, your custom, your tradition and your religion are being suppressed.
You have shown strength while your relatives or friends or family are seized without legal process, and are beaten or tortured by military hooligans.
You have shown fortitude while the ruling elite are getting richer from your taxes and you are getting poorer.
You have shown patience when a job, a regular wage and a future are being denied you.
You have shown tolerance in wave of high prices and poverty staring you in the face.
You have also turned the other cheek to injustice and tyranny, but you can now show peaceful resistance.
I am proud of you.
I have taken up the challenge and made it my duty to free you and liberate you from the bondage of Bainimarama, Khaiyum and their mafia of violent and corrupt terrorists.
I am deeply involved in campaigning in Australia and New Zealand where Democracy Movements have been set up in each country to lobby their governments.
I have visited Samoa and Tonga and held discussions with their Prime Ministers.
I will visit other Pacific Island Countries on your behalf, to carry the fight for the return of Democracy, the Rule of Law and Economic development to Fiji. [See full statement]
FBCL's lack of accountability & transparency [17 August 2011]
Documents with our lawyers reveal that the self appointed AG, who is also a master conman that is also "milking" the Fiji economy, is lying again about being Accountable and Transparent! His brother Riaz Sayed Khaiyum (the CEO of FBC) is allowed to get away with it supported by Public Enterprise. This also highlights the NOT so competent abilities of PS PECCAT, another Con-artist (details to follow).
THE documents tell the story of FBCL engaging consultants, to upgrade their FM radio and network and to implement their new TV system, and the buying agent having the same shareholders and directors. We will publish the documents shortly, but here is a summary of events, and the questions remain:
Summary of events:
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Message of Condolence To The Family of the Late Honourable Sir Paul Alfred Reeves ONZ, GCMG, GCVO, CF.
On behalf of the Mara family, and on my own behalf, I extend with great sadness, deep and profound condolences to you on the untimely passing of The Right Reverend and the Honourable Sir Paul Alfred Reeves.
Sir Paul was an outstanding and distinguished Maori and son of New Zealand. He was also a good friend of Fiji. He made a significant contribution to Fiji’s constitutional development and to the resolution of internal issues. Alas “all that lives must die, passing through nature to eternity.” Sir Paul will long be remembered by the people of New Zealand, the people of Fiji and the people of the South Pacific.
MAY SIR PAUL REST IN GOD’S GRACE AND IN ETERNAL PEACE.
Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara
Sir Paul was an outstanding and distinguished Maori and son of New Zealand. He was also a good friend of Fiji. He made a significant contribution to Fiji’s constitutional development and to the resolution of internal issues. Alas “all that lives must die, passing through nature to eternity.” Sir Paul will long be remembered by the people of New Zealand, the people of Fiji and the people of the South Pacific.
MAY SIR PAUL REST IN GOD’S GRACE AND IN ETERNAL PEACE.
Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara
Samoa's PM tells Ratu Tevita to "stay the course" [14 August 2011]
THE Samoan Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, met with Ratu Tevita Mara today in Samoa to discuss the situation in Fiji. Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi tells Ratu Tevita to 'stay the course and not to be dissuaded'.
The PM agrees that Fiji needs to return to Democracy and to the Rule of Law. He will issue a statement in the next few days and will also raise this issue with his colleagues at the next Pacific Island Forum meeting in Auckland, September 2011.
The PM agrees that Fiji needs to return to Democracy and to the Rule of Law. He will issue a statement in the next few days and will also raise this issue with his colleagues at the next Pacific Island Forum meeting in Auckland, September 2011.
Message to MSG Countries 12 August 2011
Ratu Inoke Kubuabola is infamously known throughout Fiji as an opportunist, a man who would do anything to get a top Government job and is a coupster......an insidious person who is in the background of Fiji coups and enjoys the benefits from them. Read Ratu Tevita's message to MSG countries.
Warning on Fiji government plan to severely restrict workers' rights
[10 August 2011] On 8 August the ILO expressed “its serious concern about developments in Fiji”, including the arrests of the two trade union leaders under the PER and the new restrictive Decree.
Under international law, all workers have a human right to form and join trade unions, to bargain collectively and to strike.
These rights are an essential foundation to the realisation of other rights, and are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and conventions adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), including core conventions 87 and 98 which have been ratified by Fiji.
As a member of the ILO, the Government of Fiji also has a commitment, through the 1998 ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, to respect, promote and realize the fundamental rights set out in the organization’s core conventions.
Moves to limit fundamental workers’ rights in Fiji are also at odds with commitments made under the Cotonou Agreement which defines the European Union’s relations with 79 countries from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, including Fiji.
Amnesty International has outlined its concerns about the Public Emergency Regulations in its detailed report in 2009, Fiji: Paradise Lost, A tale of ongoing human rights abuses April-July 2009, available at http://www.amnesty.org
Under international law, all workers have a human right to form and join trade unions, to bargain collectively and to strike.
These rights are an essential foundation to the realisation of other rights, and are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and conventions adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO), including core conventions 87 and 98 which have been ratified by Fiji.
As a member of the ILO, the Government of Fiji also has a commitment, through the 1998 ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, to respect, promote and realize the fundamental rights set out in the organization’s core conventions.
Moves to limit fundamental workers’ rights in Fiji are also at odds with commitments made under the Cotonou Agreement which defines the European Union’s relations with 79 countries from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, including Fiji.
Amnesty International has outlined its concerns about the Public Emergency Regulations in its detailed report in 2009, Fiji: Paradise Lost, A tale of ongoing human rights abuses April-July 2009, available at http://www.amnesty.org
Talking with Tagata Pasifika, TVNZ 21 July 2011
Ratu Tevita Mara talking with Tagata Pasifika, during his visit to New Zealand 21 July 2011
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