DO YOU THINK THAT THIS ASSEMBLY IS GOOD FOR FIJI - NO!

Ladies, Gentlemen, Children and Youth of Fiji Today!

This not the way we do things in Fiji as a Fijian to stage a protest that would bring a worser situation as to things we are presently going through. We as a Nation are to look at a bigger picture as how the present World situation has been heading too, how it is now and what the future looks like.

Past Few Years World Situation

It could be seen that the depression, the increase in oil prices, the involvement of the lead nation USA after the Twine Tower incident going after those responsible, the devaluation in currency and the non assistance of richer nations to the betterment of humanity in this World we live in, has brought about the general theme of the poor gets poorer and the rich gets richer. The economical margin gets wider for the larger richer nations and the snow balling effect reaches all of us at our day to day life in Fiji. Including you and me in City, Town and villages.

The Present Situation

The Lead Nation USA trying to get his dollar at a reasonable value with other major currency will be a major balancing act that would affect all in this universe. It is presently affecting home first but the wave will go out to the rest of the World. US is presently trying to balance its budget and its affecting alot of lives at home just like you and me. This is also affected by the large in balance of trade and loan made to China and the wealthier Nations. Additionally, the non assistance to the Lead Nation to counter major problems around the World has brought a domino effect. A large Nation that goes out to help others financially etc and not assisted by friends will surely at a time think twice why he is helping at the first place. Money to help doesn't grow on trees!

Our Fiji Nation - A dot in the ocean will surely be affected. That is the reason the prices of things have gone up as the Nation or Government needs to pay for Services and Material etc to reach our door steps, when imported from Overseas. It all comes with a cost. Fiji is a Nation with limited wealth and resources and as such will have to borrow from available sources. Such borrowing are made with interest and as such we are to plan well for such matters, taking into consideration priorities of the Nation. This is what the present Government is doing, trying to divide the cake evenly between the rural dwellers and those who live in the Towns and Cities. Have you seen past Government doing this? Have a aim, the Peoples Charter and going about trying to achieve it. All these achievements are shown in the papers when Government Staff  visits these places.

Same as the principal of the Lead Nation USA with the rest of the Countries. We Fijians all have to give our little share of wealth, property etc as to achieve the Nations aim and plans for a better Fiji. The Fiji Dollar doesn't grow on the coconut tree. Share and Care are the words for all.

The Future Looks Like

The idea of staging a march protest won't bring anything positive to Fiji for now and the future. It would only bring a worser Fiji - economically, spiritually, politically and physically if matters gets worse. 

The year 2014 is not far ahead. We plan things and matters don't grow over night. The fast tracking of all matters without plan is problem and headache to all leaders. Lets join hands and wait.

Over seventy five percent of bloggers and internet users that talk on this forum about present bad governance are living overseas and they don't know the actual true story or facts that goes on the ground in Fiji. They are staging the protest march from afar and won't be present on the day.

The best option is to plan now for a Party that you will join and will take part in the 2014 election. Get things ready while we still have time. You could be our next Parliamentary member that would be making decisions in the running of our Fiji, That would be very good and legal.

Please stay safe and don't do anything foolish. You will be breaking the Public Emergency Regulation (PER) Orders and you will be liable to be charged and put in to prison. Think twice and be wise.

Do you think as a Christian it is rightful for you to do such a thing? 

We are here to carry our crosses of life.

May the Lord Jesus be with You, your Family and your thoughts. 

Thank You.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2011

Can Fiji step up to the challenge?

With the huge international support Fiji has enjoyed in the past week,  it is not unreasonable to ask: Where to Now?

It is not a new question but it is one that has fresh urgency because of the interest and support shown Fiji this past week with the presence of the ILO in  Suva and affiliates worldwide publicly endorsing our beleagured trade unions.

The reality, though, is that it could be some time before the ILO decides it can spearhead a campaign to hurt the military dictatorship (although we say 'the sooner the better'); hopefully, the sort of hurt that will not only reign it in, but bring it down.

With the tantalising promise of global labour organisations ready to pitch in for Fiji, it is not unfair for those fighting the good fight to feel now is the time to march and to push for a response from the people. (see Sukuna Park flyer right).

Unfortunately, while we are quick to comment on blogs, few of us have the courage to take to the streets and march: Yes, because of the fear of being beaten and arrested but also because we fail to grasp that the issue of our rights is as crucial as the more prosaic issue of our daily survival and overcoming our fear.

Yet, if we are to succeed in removing the military dictatorship, we must give equal import to our core rights as people, our entitlement to dignity and basic justice. For in securing our rights as free people, we ultimately secure a safe and equitable future for our families. 

Freedom is not given, it is our birth right.

We need to work together to show unity and courage as never before and stand up to the thieves who have been 'governing' Fiji without mandate since 2006.

Last year, we put faith in the disillusioned members of the Military Council doing right. Before that New Zealand and Australia. Four months ago, it was he who defected from the senior ranks of the RFMF. We now nurse the same hope in the trade unions.

The Save Fiji Movement has again challenged us to stand up and are calling on people to march at Sukuna Park this Saturday (March 20). 

The Movement is asking the people of Fiji to stand up for democracy saying “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.”

On Facebook and blogs this week, the Group have posted messages like this: "People of Fiji, citizens and friends ... we challenge you to take up a stand against this illegal regime. We can provide the venue and time, but the challenge is on you to step forward and stand up as one, only than we will be free again. I can't do this alone and neither can my 50 colleagues .. we need you."
 

Save Fiji says: "Everyone asks, who is organizing such marches and we need a face. We say why do you look for a leader - look at your current leaders - they are all afraid and can’t support themselves - how can they defend our freedom."

"We ordinary people of Fiji just need to come to Sukuna Park and our strength will come from the person standing next to you - as we all are free men and we will die free men."

"Remember when an ordinary man stands - the whole nation trembles."

The Movement goes on to say: "So we challenge you ... are you ready to come and free Fiji on the 20th August 2011 and change the history of this nation and a lesson to the army that the people of Fiji say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, and let it be a lesson to everyone that we no longer tolerates coups and decree."

The regime will not lift the PER. It will not hold elections. It will not restore media freedom. It will not back off from the decree to crush worker's rights.

Every second day, if not every day, everyone involved in the fight for democracy is revealing incriminating information about the corrupt, unelected leadership. But the question has to be asked "where do we go with it?"

The challenge has been issued for people to march. So what's stopping us?

1) Fear of being the only one who turns up

2) Fear of being beaten up (perhaps even tortured) by soldiers
3) Fear for repercussions on family

And what do we have to gain?

1) We empower ourselves

2) We unite ourselves as a people

3) We break the cycle of fear

4) We stand up to the regime

5) We show the international community we are serious about our fight for democracy

6) We mobilise to be ready for when labour movements worldwide take action

7) We serve as an example for our children