Military Regime's best laid plans (targetting Fiji Water) go awry

Ripples are being felt within the national coffer custodians because the heavy-handed leaning by the illegal and treasonous military regime, explicitly targetting Fiji Water and manipulating via illegal laws to get Fiji Water to fork out more has not gone their way.

Firstly, Fiji Water is the only mineral water company in Fiji that have meters installed at their bore holes in abiding by the legislation of measurements taken at "extraction point" which records how much they extract in a day, month, year etc. The other water companies submit documentation to FIRCA outlining how much they actually produce and then that amount is equated to tax payable by FIRCA. The use of 2 different extraction processes are not only unfair and unequal, but is a system wide open for exploitation where the other operators are concerned.

Now it has become apparent that the regime were anticipating a monthly payout of FJD$1Mill or so from Fiji Water, to kickstart their coffers this year, and they were sorely disappointed to fall short. Waaaaaaay short. Undoubtedly this will impact their revenue projections.

Why? Simply gross incompetence in the drafting of the amendment legislation as circulated shortly after the budget announcement last year, which did not make explicit whether it should be read with the orginal water table tax in the substantive legislation, or whether it was to replace the first water table tax altogether.

This dear folks, is the state of ineptitude of the people guarding the national coffers under the guidance and Chairmanship of the illegal and treasonous Pio Tikoduadua.

How the US Army engages with Social Media

Now that a study has confirmed what we already know, in terms of social media usage rocketting upwards in Fiji, it is perhaps timely that we share how the US Army views social media.

Read the US Army's Social Media Handbook for 2011 here and understand the dynamics and tactics deployed by military types.

We're not suggesting that the illegal and treasonous military of Fiji is anyway near this standard (if our sources are correct, they're still very much fudging about in this arena), but it helps to know how exploit their loopholes once they begin to get a clue.

Xinhua: Social networking websites influence Fiji population: study

English.news.cn

2011-02-27 15:14:39

SUVA, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Social networking websites have a growing influence on the population in Fiji and many business houses and organizations are now changing their attitude towards social websites exploring ways to utilize its influential powers as many are drawn to it.

It is a recent study by "the What's on Network". Based in Fiji' s western city Nadi, "the What's on Network" specializes in social networking and its commercial implications is looking into how social networking is changing the mindset of the people of Fiji through Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, You Tube and Skype amongst others.

Its director Ian Collingwood revealed that according to their findings, the use of social networking websites is growing at a significant level in Fiji and helping disseminate information very quickly as many are hooked on.

Collingwood said their findings show that there are currently 110,000 Facebook accounts origination in Fiji with an annual growth in 2011 expected to exceed 75 percent.

Their survey on radio station Fiji Village's website shows that the dominant social media user segments in Fiji are aged between 18 and 44 years old. This represents 80 percent of all social networking users while the fastest growing segment are aged between 45 and 55 years old.

In Fiji, 49 percent of Facebook users are male while 51 percent are female and Collingwood said on average, people spend 56 minutes a day on their Facebook accounts.

But those who access their accounts through mobiles and hand held devices spent 84 minutes a day on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Editor: Xiong Tong

The Fijian Holdings Sting Operation

When the news whining about "corruption" within Fijian Holdings first saw the light of day, it was almost too convenient that heads at the very top of the organisation rolled without them even being given a chance to defend themselves - at least through the courts, for the shareholders benefit. This is the least that would be expected given the severity of the alleged crimes.

But the illegal and treasonous Bainimarama gave the plot away when he attempted to add closure to the whole saga by insisting via his mouthguard, Pio Tikoduadua, on 2 February that they had washed their hands off the whole saga and would let the board now take control.

A little after a week later,  in a total about-turn they unilaterally decide that because they had done their own investigations, this episode was now over and it was apt for the whole matter to now be put to rest.

The funny thing is, even though the Chairman and CEO had "voluntarily resigned" which automatically tainted them as being somehow guilty, the concrete halls of bureaucracy are rife with whispers that Bainimarama's hatchetman Tikoduadua, supposedly at Bainimarama's insistence, pushed for the axed CEO (with her knowledge) to get a nice little payout to the tune of about FJD$200K.

So at the tip of the iceberg in what must be snake-pit of scandalous under-the-table liaisons, it becomes clear that the whole saga was a setup, where the CEO agreed to be collateral damage for a fee.

What will undoubtedly become clear one day soon [we live in hope] is who this sting operation really intended to trip up, and who manipulated the hit.

In the meantime the shareholders are still in the dark about the impact of these shenanigans on their investments.

Where is Aiyaz these days?

If you're wondering why it is that we have not heard from the illegal and treasonous Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, especially during the height of all the covered-up fragmentation within Bainimarama's military ranks, reports are surfacing that Khaiyum is courting a young lady who resides in the Western division in the hope that he can play happy families once again.

The young lass is the "i taukei" daughter of a prominent rugby official and ex-senior tourism official.

It is said that they hope to be traipsing down the aisle in mid-March.

Khaiyum is said to have already gifted her with a Koran for her reading pleasure.

Military regime families to rattle visa bans using Netball

As we alluded to earlier, family member's of the regime are attempting to agitate the visa bans put in place by Australia and NZ, knowing full well what the restrictions are, and what the outcomes are most likely to be.

This is simply an exercise in futility, that will obviously be exploited to whip out the vicitm routine that we have all come to know and abhor and seems like a convenient ploy to seek the support of the "largest women's sport" in the country to champion their visa cause.

Equally baffling is why the President of the sporting body need's to accompany the team if the purpose of these matches is simply for "exposure".

Cloud of doubts
Rashneel Kumar
Friday, February 25, 2011

TOUR plans for four members of the Netball Fiji (NF) team to New Zealand and Australia for build-up matches are in doubt over travel ban.

Australia and NZ have imposed bans on Government officials and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) officers and their families.

The four are NF president Wainikiti Bogidrau, assistant coach Una Rokoura, acting secretary Alini Sovu and player Bernie Daurewa.

Rokoura's brother is a military officer while the rest have their husbands working for the RFMF.

Bogidrau said they would apply for the visas and hope to get a favourable response from both embassies.

"We will be submitting visas for all our players and officials (regardless of their military connections) who are expected to be part of this tour," she said.

"We hope that both countries (Australia and NZ) can consider the visa applications that we will be submitting on the basis of the request, sports."

NF is eyeing the Australia and NZ tour as a build-up for the national team to the upcoming World Netball Championship (WNC).

The Gabrieli Qoro-coached side is hoping to play six elite teams from each country in a bid to retain their top five status when they face the giants in Singapore from July 3-10.

"The one and only reason we are headed for both countries is to ensure that our team is exposed to high-level netball as part of our build-up to the WNC in Singapore," Bogidrau said.

"The team leaves for Australia on March 20 and to New Zealand on March 24 both trips would be about 7-9 days long."

Meanwhile, the first of the two expat coaches sought by NF will be in the country by the mid of next month.

"Our overseas-based players are expected to be in Fiji for this part of the training (conducted by the overseas experts)," Bogidrau said.

Sam Speight recovering in Australia and speaks out: Radio Australia

Fiji politician recovering in Australia after alleged army beating
Updated February 25, 2011 17:34:45

A former Fiji politician, Samisoni Speight Tikonisau, has just been released from hospital in Brisane, where he was recovering from what he claims was a beating at the hands of Fiji soldiers.

He says he was working at the headquarters of the SDL Party of deposed prime minister Laisenia Qarase on Wednesday night when army officers in civilian clothes arrived and took him to the Queen Elizabeth barracks.

He says he was kicked and beaten with rifle butts.

His family arranged for him to be flown to Australia for medical treatment as soon as he was allowed to leave the barracks.

Mr Tikonisau is now back with his family in Brisbane.

Presenter: Bruce Hill
Speaker: Samisoni Speight Tikonisau, Former Fiji politician

Listen here.

TIKONISAU: Yeah, I think Bruce there's a dvd that was prepared in Australia by the freedom community in Australia who are in the struggle for the return of democracy to Fiji and they've prepared a documentary in the Fijian language on certain important issues that were happening in Fiji prior to the coup 2006 and our information giving it a true state of the country economically and so forth. This was on this particular dvd which was sent to us in December, and which was circulated to supporters of the SDL party in the rural areas.

HILL: So your suggesting that the military got wind of this distribution of this dvd which had been prepared in Australia and they were trying to find out who was distributing it?

TIKONISAU: Yes, that is basically it Bruce, yeah.

HILL: Did they give you any reason for the beating, did they say anything to you while they were doing this?

TIKONISAU: Well, the contents of the dvd was the thing that they were very angry about, because sort of anti-regime and they exposed a lot of truths leading up to the coup in 2006. As you know, the leaders of the coup in 2006 were accusing the government of the day of corruption and various other things and so I think the disk exposed material that was contrary to that, yeah.

HILL: Well, I have to ask this question, you're a former politician yourself. Your active in the SDL, the party which was deposed in the coup. You've got a vested interest in painting the current government in as negative a light as possible. How can we know that this beating did take place and that you're not perhaps exaggerating what happened?

TIKONISAU: Yeah, that's a good question, because I was the only person taken from the office that evening on Monday the 21st and for two nights and two days, there was total blackout. No one knew what was my fate, only just the SDL party members and family. I was held there from Monday night through to Tuesday, then Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, about three in the morning when this incident occurred where they took me from the cell, got me to crawl and into the interrogating room and tactics were used to kind of extract information further regarding the disk.

HILL: Now how did you manage to get to Australia immediately after you were beaten?

TIKONISAU: Yeah, surprising thing Bruce, I really didn't expect to be released, because I just told them yes, I received this material from Australia, and distributed it. And the reasons are that I felt that the people needed to know some truths, the other side to the story and to give them an informed judgement of really what happened in Fiji during the coup 2006. My release late Wednesday night, about 10.30pm came as a surprise, so I came out of there and I walked out and made my way to the main hospital in Suva to try and get some treatment and then the family were just so concerned, they said no, no we've got to try and get you out of here and make arrangements made here in Australia from family to get me out so I just made by way to Nadi and thankfully I managed to get onto the plane.

HILL: And what are the extent of your injuries?

TIKONISAU: Well, basically bruising to the face and all that and swelling on my head and on sprained fingers which they tried to sort of bend back to get information, use of the pain and overall body aches and all of that, yeah.

Amnesty International sounds warning about Sam Speight

Amnesty says Fiji military beats former politician unconscious
Posted at 01:49 on 25 February, 2011 UTC

Amnesty International says it has grave concerns for the safety of activists and government critics in Fiji following the savage beating of a former politician, Samasoni Tikonisau, at the hands of the military.

Amnesty says Mr Tikonisau was taken into the Queen Elizabeth Barracks on Monday and released three days later to be flown to Australia for treatment.

It says Mr Tikonisau, also known as Sam Speight, was beaten until he lost consciousness.

It says in the last week a government critic, several trade unionists and politicians were detained and beaten.

The chief executive of Amnesty International Aotearoa/New Zealand, Patrick Holmes, says the latest detention is just another in a series of intimidation.

    “This is serious and I think the government cannot hide this one, and I think they have been pretty successful closing down the free press of hiding things in recent months. But I think they have of made a big mistake this time because if Sam Speight doesn’t recover consciousness or he has permanent damage, particularly as he a high profile individual, I think that inevitably will hit international press.”

Patrick Holmes says the detentions are a continution of the bully boy tactics since the abrogation of the consitution by the interim regime.

The military has refered inquiries to the information ministry.

The information ministry has so far declined to comment.

Driti and Mara fate in Bainimarama's hands

Someone in the regime is getting the idea that it is critical at this time to launch out on a PR gloss-over offensive, and attempt to set the story straight about the "ousted from inner military circle" Pita Driti and Roko Ului Mara.

Surprisingly (well unsurprising really) Driti is corroborating with the regime and states that he was on leave in Levuka all this while, and is now in Suva -- perhaps a CYA tactic to prevent him from being implicated in Ben Padarath's case that is currently before the courts.

Driti, Mara decision after leave taken: Army
February 25, 2011 07:54:20 AM

Fiji army commander and Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama will decide the status of two senior army officers once they have completed all outstanding leave.

Former Land Force Commander Brigadier General Pita Driti and former chief of staff Lieutenant Colonel Tevita Uluilakeba Mara’s position within the military will be decided by Bainimarama, the newly appointed Land Force Commander Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga told FijiLive.

“Pita Driti is still on leave ... officially being paid by the RFMF and likewise, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara. They will complete their leave and then Commander RFMF (Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama) will decide,” he said.

Col Tikoitoga said both officers will be on leave until April because they are owed a lot of leave.

“That’s one of the reasons they were sent on leave,” he added.

When asked if the two were under any investigation, Col Tikoitoga said “No. Not that I know of.”

Driti and Mara went on leave on 25 October, 2010.

Subsequently, Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga was appointed Land Force Commander and Major Amani Suliano, 3rd Fiji Infantry Regiment Commander.

Brigadier General Driti was appointed Land Force Commander in January 2007, the third most senior position in the military.

Ratu Uluilakeba Mara, the youngest son of former Fiji Prime Minister and President, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, was named Land Force chief of staff on February 3 in 2006, succeeding Colonel Meli Saubulinayau, a close relative of his.

This position is the fourth highest in the RFMF, behind that of the Military Commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Driti told FijiLive that he spent most of his leave in Levuka and is now back in Suva.

By Farzana Nisha

Amnesty International - Fiji: Arbitrary detentions and beatings must stop

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC STATEMENT
AI Index: ASA 18/001/2011
24 February 2001

Fiji: Arbitrary detentions and beatings must stop

The severe beating, amounting to torture, of a government critic and the reported detention and beating of several trade unionists and politicians in the last week indicate that the human rights situation in Fiji is worsening, Amnesty International said today.

The military detained politician Sam Speight at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks outside of Suva, the capital, on 21 February. They repeatedly beat him until he lost consciousness. He was released on 24 February. Speight was a cabinet minister in the deposed government of Laisenia Qarase.

The military continually denied knowledge of Speight’s whereabouts to his wife and other family members during his three day detention.

Speight has since gone to Australia to receive urgently needed medical attention.

Human rights activists who visited the military barracks to obtain more information on Speight during his detention said that the military threatened them and warned them to keep quiet or they themselves would be beaten.

Speight’s detention and torture followed the recent arrest of a number of trade unionists and politicians who were also threatened and beaten by military officers at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks. Those who were beaten up include trade unionists Felix Anthony and Maika Namudu and two politicians. They have subsequently been released, but there are continuing fears for their safety.

Amnesty International is gravely concerned for the safety of activists and government critics as another crackdown begins in the country.

The government continues to use the Public Emergency Regulations (PER) as a tool of repression. The PER was enacted in April 2009 in the wake of the government’s abrogation of the Constitution, and greatly restricts freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Ongoing censorship of the media and threats, intimidation and attacks against government critics continue to evoke a climate of fear in Fiji.

Amnesty International calls on the Fiji government to:

• Immediately stop the arbitrary detention, torture and other ill-treatment of critics and activists;
• Immediately initiate an independent impartial investigation into the arbitrary detention, torture and other ill-treatment of Sam Speight and others,  and ensure that those military officers suspected of involvement in these acts, irrespective of rank, are brought to justice;
• Immediately suspend the Public Emergency Regulations;
• End the censorship of the media;
• Ensure that freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly are respected.

ENDS/

Public Document
International Secretariat, Amnesty International, 1 Easton St., London WC1X 0DW, UK www.amnesty.org

Thomas Yocum
Asia-Pacific Press Officer

Amnesty  International
International Secretariat
1 Easton Street
London WC1X 0DW

desk:  +44 (0) 20 7413 5871
mobile: +44 (0) 7904 398 103
e-mail: thomas.yocum@amnesty.org

Military Regime attempts to revive Charter

In dangling a carrot to appease the masses, the illegal and treasonous military regime via their pliant mouthpieces, whip out the dead Charter discussion and in an attempt to to revive it, and bundle it as some kind of necessary bottomline for political manifesto's of aspirant political parties.

For your reading pleasure, we link you up to a sound rebuttal of the Charter by Mick Beddoes.

Fiji Charter to guide political manifesto
Friday, February 25, 2011

The Peoples Charter is here to stay and political parties or groups will have to base their manifesto around it says Strategic Framework for Change director – Joeli Besetimoala.

Besetimoala says come 2014 political parties and any elected government will have to align their manifesto to the People’s Charter and continue with the current government’s development corporate plan.

“I believe the political parties will just have to base their manifesto from the Peoples Charter so it will make things much easier for those who would like have political parties because the Charter is there and this document will guide every government in Fiji from this government to future Fiji political parties -so it will be much easier for political parties to come up with a manifesto because the Charter is there to guide them.”

Report by: Sekope Toduadua

Local Media reports that Ben Padarath appeared in Court

No surprises really about this extremely sterile account of Ben Padarath's recent haul-up by Bainimarama's military operatives.

What is not mentioned is the fact that Padarath turned up in court on Monday in a wheelchair, looking pretty under the weather, and that in court he gave a full account of his physical abuse which sources report also include the use of a bottle in a sexually perverse way.

Ben Padarath appears in court
Friday, February 25, 2011

Suva businessman Ben Padarath appeared at the Suva magistrate court this week charged with one count of concealing government documents.

No plea was taken when he appeared before magistrate Kaweendra Nannaykkar.

Magistrate Nannaykkar has given time for Padarath to enter a plea.

Padarath is represented by Suva lawyer Rajend Chauhdry.

The case is adjourned to April 11, 2011.

Report by: Stanley Simpson

Fiji: Journalist Detained for Investigative Business Report

9:51 February 24, 2011Pacific Press Releases
Press Release – International Federation of Journalists

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins with the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) in condemning the detention of a Fiji Times journalist by military officers for his investigative
reporting.

Fiji Times journalist Felix Chaudhary, 41, who is based in Lautoka on Fiji ’s main island of Viti Levu , was apprehended by military officers on February 18 when he was reporting on an event where the country’s regime leader Frank Bainimarama was present, PFF reported.

During his one-hour detention Chaudhary was told the regime was unhappy with the reports appearing under his byline on the sugar and aviation industries in Fiji . The journalist was not physically harmed in the incident.

Chaudhary is the first journalist known to have been detained in 2011, though the practice has been common since April 2009, when Public Emergency Regulations were put in place. The regulations were to be replaced by a new enforcement body, the Media Industry Development Authority, MIDA, which is backed by decree. However the regulations remain in force.

“This crude attempt by Fiji ’s military regime to intimidate and threaten a journalist who is doing his job reporting matters of public interest is of significant concern,” IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said.

“The military’s reliance upon the Public Emergency Regulations to harass journalists is intolerable and does not go unnoticed by the international media community.”

The IFJ joins with PFF in condemning the continued use of the Public Emergency Regulations which allow the military to arbitrarily detain and question civilians, and stands in solidarity with our colleagues in Fiji who comply with codes of journalistic ethics of an international standard under extreme circumstances.

ENDS

Australian citizen claims he was beaten by Fijian soldiers

Updated February 24, 2011 09:08:48

An Australian citizen of Fijian descent claims he was beaten by soldiers when he visited the country in December.

66 year old Apisai Tawake has made public statements in Australia opposing some of the political developments in Fiji since the 2006 military coup led by military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

But he says he had no concerns for his safety when he returned to the country to see friends and family over the Christmas period.

Mr Tawake says while he was in Fiji he tried to speak to Commodore Bainimarama because they have a traditional Fijian cultural link.

Presenter: Geraldine Coutts
Speaker: Apisai Tawake, Australian citizen
Listen to the interview here.

Military Regime clarifies visit to President yesterday

After fervent whispers yesterday that the current illegal and treasonous President, Rt Epeli Nailatikau, was visited by the military for purposes unclear, Leweni suddenly takes to his bugle the airwaves to downplay what transpired.

When the military see fit to put a spin on an otherwise non-event, we are now accustomed to being wary that there is much, much more brewing under the surface.

Fiji Military visits President
Thursday, February 24, 2011

Senior Officers of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces led by Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday paid a courtesy visit to the President His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

RFMF Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Neumi Leweni says the visit to government house was to express their support to the president who is their Commander in Chief.

Leweni says this is a normal tradition of the RFMF to visit the president.

The military accorded the same honour and courtesy to the late Tui Vuda Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda when he was president.

Report by: Apisalome Coka

Government House Update

Alternative reports are now surfacing confirming that the military entourage currently at Government House are there to deliver magiti from Vuda for the Lakolako ni Matanitu from Ratu Iloilo's funeral.

Roko Ului has also apparently been released.

Illegal and Treasonous President Currently Being Removed

As per the President's deadline to vacate his role by the end of February, reports are surfacing that the illegal and treasonous Commander in Chief, Rt Epeli Nailatikau, is currently being removed from Government House by Bainimarama's military operatives.

Reports are also surfacing that the reorganised treasonous "Executive Arm" will consist of a line-up of Bainimarama taking on the Presidency, Ioane Naivalurua as PM, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum as Finance Minister with advisory support from former SDL Finance Minister Ratu Jone Kubuabola. A new  Communications Minister is also being touted.

Breaking: Roko Ului Mara Detained Again

Reports are surfacing that Roko Ului Mara is the latest to be rounded up by Bainimarama's military operatives.

Mara was apprehended yesterday in Lautoka whilst attending a Hardwood (Fiji) Ltd meeting and was transferred to Suva today.

It is understood that Mara is currently being held behind bars at the Central Police Station. 

Mara now joins Pita Driti and Sam Speight.

Both Driti and Mara were once solid allies of the Bainimarama regime but were ordered to stand down shortly before revelations of a counter-coup were uncovered.

Military Regime Hypes Up Revised Fiji Credit Rating

Bainimarama leads the charge in trumping up and "massaging" S&P's revised credit rating of Fiji.

The illegal and treasonous  pretend PM and Finance Minister states that the revised rating "reflects well on government’s policy objectives which include prudent management of Government finances and a transparent and accurate recording system."

He is quickly echoed by academic, Dr Tiru Jayaraman, at the University of the South Pacific lauding that the revised rating "raised the credibility of the country, inspired confidence in the currency, as a safe destination for investment which would eventually lead to greater foreign direct investment inflows."   

Reproduced below in totality is what S&P really said. The only revision to the rating is the outlook on our long-term foreign currency rating.

Much of this also depends on whether we can service our US$150 million bond that is due on 13 September 2011 and as we all know, it will be almost impossible for Bainimarama to make good on that front.

The ratings and what they mean were well demystified by Moody's in 2009.

Other ratings by Moody's and Fitch have not changed either.

Foreign Currency Ratings On Fiji Islands Affirmed At 'B-/C'; Outlook Revised To Positive On Improving External Position
Publication date: 18-Feb-2011 01:19:16 EST

MELBOURNE (Standard & Poor's) Feb. 18, 2011--Standard & Poor's Ratings
Services said today that it has affirmed its 'B-/C' foreign currency and 'B/C'local currency issuer credit ratings on the Republic of Fiji Islands. The outlook on the long-term foreign currency rating is revised to positive from stable. The outlook on the long-term local currency rating remains stable.

At the same time, Standard & Poor's maintained its 'B-' T&C Assessment and assigned a '4' recovery rating to the government's foreign currency debt instruments. 

The ratings on Fiji reflect the country's persistent fiscal and current
account deficits, as well as deficiencies in available data–a factor that complicates our analysis. These factors are offset, in part, by Fiji's improved external indicators. 

We estimate Fiji's gross external financing needs (current account outflows plus short-term external debt by remaining maturity) as having fallen to 100% of current account receipts plus usable international reserves in 2010, and we forecast the ratio will remain at this level this year from 108% in 2009. A recovery in tourism, merchandise exports (fuelled by mining and mineral water), and foreign direct investments (FDI), along with a US$93 million Special Drawing Rights allocation from the IMF, helped boost reported official reserves to around US$715 million in February 2011 from a low of US$240 million in March 2009, and in turn improve the external indicators. Fiji's improved external position also reflects a 20% devaluation of the Fiji dollar against a currency basket in April 2009 and the use of some capital controls.
Our forecast of US$263 million for Fiji's 2011 external borrowing needs
includes the government's US$150 million bond due Sept. 13, 2011. We expect the government to refinance this debt in the first half of this year.

"The positive outlook on Fiji's foreign currency rating reflects the
improvement in Fiji's external position, including in the level of foreign exchange reserves," said credit analyst Kyran Curry, of the Sovereign Ratings group. "It assumes that the government will successfully refinance its 2011 external bond."

"An upgrade of the foreign currency rating could follow improvements in one of several areas, including strengthening the islands' political institutions, improving donor relations, enhancing growth prospects through labor or market reforms, bettering the external indicators, or placing the government's debt trajectory on a steady downward slope. On the other hand, Fiji's ratings could stabilize at current levels if none of these developments materializes or if external or domestic shocks sharply reduce Fiji's international reserves from current reported levels."


Complete ratings information is available to subscribers of RatingsDirect on the Global Credit Portal at www.globalcreditportal.com. All ratings affected by this rating action can be found on Standard & Poor's public Web site at www.standardandpoors.com. Use the Ratings search box located in the left column.

Standard & Poor's (Australia) Pty. Ltd. holds Australian financial services licence number 337565 under the Corporations Act 2001. Standard & Poor's credit ratings and related research are not intended for and must not be distributed to any person in Australia other than a wholesale client (as defined in Chapter 7 of the Corporations Act).

Primary Credit Analyst: Kyran Curry, Melbourne (61) 3-9631-2082;
kyran_curry@standardandpoors.com
Secondary Contact:  Claire Curtin, Sydney 612-9255-9882;
claire_curtin@standardandpoors.com

Setaita Natai justifies Fiji's Media Censorship and Charter

Despite the current CENSORED news about individuals rights and liberties being grossly violated, the Ministry of Information's Setaita Natai, chooses to uphold the illegal and treasonous farce that our media needs to be continuously "managed" for truth and accuracy.

Natai also manages to slip in a plug for Bainimarama's Charter.

From: Minfonews <news@info.gov.fj>
Date: 22 February 2011 18:11
Subject: DIFFERENT ROLES OF THE MEDIA
To: Minfonews <news@info.gov.fj>

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
MEDIA RELEASE

(Tuesday, February 22nd 2011, No:0458/MOI)

DIFFERENT ROLES OF THE MEDIA

Receiving truthful and accurate information from the media is a challenge for everyone, especially with the new media platform in this day and age.

The Director of Information Ms Setaita Natai voiced this concern while officiating at the Fiji Media Watch workshop at the FTA Hall in Suva today.

“Gone are the days of the coconut wireless, the new media platform is the internet, twitter, facebook, yahoo and others,” Ms Natai said.

“These are also known as social sites, especially enjoyed by youths today.”

Ms Natai said the new media platform was fast, accessible, and could be dangerous too.

“It is true that information is power we should always have caution that it can also make or break the reputation of a person, a family, or a country,” she said.

"Therefore all media outlets should strive to give out truthful and accurate news to the public."

Ms Natai said  giving truthful and accurate information to the public will promote transparency and accountability.

“This is being advocated by Government through the 11 pillars of the Peoples Charter for Change and Progress,” she said.

“Something we all strive to achieve by disseminating truthful and accurate information helps encourage peaceful and harmonious living in
Fiji.”

Ms Natai said the role of the Ministry of Information was to disseminate truthful and accurate government news to the people.

“We strive for the same purpose that is to build a Fiji that does not discriminate and encourage living together and moving forward as a nation,” she said.

Ms Natai encourages participants to adopt a critical, selective and appreciative attitude towards the media.

The workshop is being conducted by the Fiji Media Watch for 50 youths and women from the Central Division to raise awareness of the power of the mass media in Fiji today.

Ends… 

Sam Speight, Pita Driti Held by Military

In corroborating with Coup 4.5's update, Intelligentsiya has also been advised about Sam Speight being held by the military @ QEB.

Mr Sam Speight was taken up at 10pm last night however other reports are surfacing that as of 10pm tonight, Speight is still MIA.

It is believed that Pita Driti is also being held at the barracks.

Ben Padarath and Felix Anthony are currently hospitalized following leaked news of their harrowing abuse at the hands of military enforcers.

There appears to be a rapid crack-down on Bainimarama's "et tu, Brute?" circle possibly related to Ratu Epeli Nailatikau's much whispered and (apparently already written request to) exit from the White House this Thursday (24 February 2011).

Felix Anthony Brutalized by Military

Reports are surfacing that Felix Anthony had his ear drums busted out by military operatives in the Western division last Friday.

It was in relation to a story printed in the Fiji Times concerning Fiji Sugar Corporation maintenance work. Possibly this one verifying the non-maintenance reality.

Felix Anthony was taken to an empty house within the CAAF compound near the military compound. It is understood that one of the key terrorizers is an army operative by the name of ROKOUA.

This is the second time Anthony was taken up for abuse by the military. The first time was in relation to the recent crackdown on anti-Frank dissidents where he was taken for a joyride in the dark to Tavakubu Cemetary.

Anthony was then given Bainimarama's cellular phone contact so that Mr Bainimarama himself can vet what stories are appropriate for public consumption before Felix Anthony releases them.

Also hauled up on this occassion was Fiji Times reporter Felix Chaudhry and sugar NFU Ba's Gaffar Ahmed.

It has also been revealed that there were 2 canefarmers near Ba who have also been abused and forced to harvest their cane. Complaints made by their families to Fiji Police's Atunaisa Sokoimuri were received unsympathetically.

And they weren't the only one's terrorized in the Western Division last weekend.

Business owners in the Western division were invited by the regime to attend the Netball Fiji fundraiser at the Tanoa International and were explicitly instructed to attend with a minimum of FJD$2K donation.

There is also a Fijian gentleman who is an Australian citizen, now attesting to the brutality of the military regime. Read Apisai Tawake's harrowing account below:

NY Times: Josefa Iloilo, Leader Who Revoked Fiji Constitution, Dies at 90

By DOUGLAS MARTIN
Published: February 15, 2011

Josefa Iloilo, the president of Fiji who in 2009 provoked worldwide censure by tossing out the island nation’s Constitution, firing its judges and naming himself head of state, died on Feb. 6 in Suva, Fiji’s capital. He was 90.

His death was announced by Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama. Mr. Iloilo, who as a traditional Fijian chief was addressed by the honorific Ratu, had Parkinson’s disease and other maladies.

Fiji, which comprises about 330 islands in the central Pacific Ocean, was a British colony until 1970. It was under military control after a 2006 coup but did not formally reject its Constitution as a republic until Ratu Iloilo’s 2009 actions. Those actions were rooted in native Fijians’ longstanding resentment over the relative financial and political success of immigrants from India. In 1999, Mahendra Chaudhry, leader of the Fiji Labor Party, became the first person of Indian descent to be elected Fiji’s prime minister.

That helped set off a dramatic series of events, beginning with the armed seizure of Parliament in May 2000 by Fijian nationalists demanding new laws to curb the influence of politicians of Indian descent. The rebels held the prime minister and his cabinet for 56 days. After the hostages were freed, Ratu Iloilo was appointed president by the Great Council of Chiefs, composed of traditional elders.

In the whirlwind of ensuing events, Ratu Iloilo pressed for greater rights for Indians, a commission to reconcile the nation’s wounds and a return to democracy. As president, he represented the government’s claim to legitimacy in the manner of a king or queen in a constitutional monarchy.

In 2006, Commodore Bainimarama, chief of Fiji’s armed forces, led the military in a coup against the civilian government that he himself had installed after an earlier coup in 2000. Ratu Iloilo endorsed the coup and, as president, named him to head the government. Ratu Iloilo had earlier been re-elected by his fellow chiefs to another five-year-term.

Fiji’s Court of Appeal struck down Mr. Bainimarama’s military government in 2009. Ratu Iloilo retaliated by abolishing the Constitution — an action critics argued he had no right to do — and appointing himself head of state. He then named Commodore Bainimarama prime minister, or chief executive, using the dubious powers he had earlier claimed for himself. The two men promised elections no later than 2014.

“You will agree that this is the best way forward for our beloved Fiji,” Ratu Iloilo said in an address to the nation on April 10, 2009.

Mr. Iloilo’s assertion of control was sharply criticized by Ban Ki-moon, the secretary general of the United Nations. Both the Pacific Islands Forum, an organization of 16 Pacific island nations, and the Commonwealth of Nations, composed of former British colonies, suspended Fiji. The move also brought sanctions by the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Ratu Iloilo countered that he had to suspend democracy in order to keep the government running. Some agreed that he had little choice; some said he was frail, ailing and not in control; some contended that he was a willing conspirator, and Brij V. Lal, a Fijian historian, said the president was “a puppet in the pocket of the military.”

Others have complimented Ratu Iloilo’s skill in navigating Fiji’s tangled, treacherous politics. After the death of Ratu Iloilo, Mr. Chaudhry cited his “tenacity” in “balancing the interests of the nation against the pressure on him.”

Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda was born on Dec. 29, 1920, in Vuda, Fiji, and worked as a teacher, a mediator between landowners and loggers, a lay official in the Methodist Church, and in a succession of political offices.

He is survived by his wife, Adi Kavu Seniloli, and three daughters and two sons from an earlier marriage.

When Ratu Iloilo retired at 88 in 2009, he was widely described as the world’s oldest head of state. On his 90th birthday, he was presented with an esteemed Fijian treasure, the polished tooth of a sperm whale.

Australian and UK Defence pledge to hasten Fiji's "restoration of democratic institutions and the rule of law"

Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial Consultations 
Joint Communiqué

• The Hon Kevin Rudd MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs
• The Hon Stephen Smith MP, Australian Minister for Defence
• The Right Honourable William Hague MP, UK First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
• The Right Honourable Dr Liam Fox MP, UK Secretary of State for Defence

Sydney
18 January 2011

Minister for Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd, Minister for Defence Stephen Smith, First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague and Secretary of State for Defence Liam Fox met for the third Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN III) at HMAS Watson in Sydney on 18 January 2011.

AUKMIN III highlighted the importance and strength of the deep and longstanding bilateral relationship between Australia and the UK and its capacity to address contemporary global and regional challenges. AUKMIN consultations were previously held in the UK in 2006 and 2008.

Australia and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to working with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to bring security and stability to Afghanistan.

Australia and the UK are committed to working together to promote global stability and prosperity and advance common interests related to bilateral strategic, defence, foreign and intelligence policy matters. The two countries agreed the G20 will continue to play a vital role in supporting global prosperity and undertook to continue to work constructively together toward securing strong, sustainable and balanced economic growth.

Both countries affirmed the value of holding regular AUKMIN consultations to continue to provide the political leadership and strategic direction necessary to respond to contemporary global challenges.

Australia and the UK welcomed reinvigoration of the bilateral strategic and defence relationship in response to the new challenges and threats generated by the changing international environment. Both countries acknowledged that Australian and UK foreign, defence and security agencies needed to continue evolving to respond to contemporary challenges, and continue advancing our shared strategic interests.

While globalisation and interconnectedness bring new opportunities for growth and development, both countries recognised that new threats to the security of their citizens and their interests are also emerging. National interests are now affected, more than ever before, by events which take place beyond the borders of our own nations. Australia and the UK acknowledged the value of cooperating with third countries in assessing and addressing strategic and security challenges.

Australia and the UK are committed to working together in concrete and practical ways to shape a more secure environment and advance common interests with respect to outer space and cyber security.

Intelligence cooperation between Australia and the UK is long-established and of high value. Exchanges on counter-proliferation and counter-terrorism are notably important at present, given their transnational character. Both countries agreed to maintain and build on the intelligence partnership.

International Security and Stability
Australia and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to ISAF efforts to deny terrorists safe haven and a base for activity in Afghanistan. They paid tribute to those Australian and UK personnel who had lost their lives or were wounded in Afghanistan.

Australia and the UK shared the assessment made in the United States’ recent Afghanistan and Pakistan Annual Review that progress had been made in Afghanistan, but that continued efforts were essential to maintain pressure on the insurgency, build the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), and advance governance and development. Australia and the UK agreed to increase cooperation on stabilisation by sharing expertise, experience and lessons in stabilisation work on the ground at provincial and district levels. Both nations also supported the Annual Review’s assessment that terrorist networks in Pakistan’s border areas are a threat to all, especially to Pakistan and to the international community’s efforts in Afghanistan. Australia and the UK concur that both the Afghanistan and Pakistan challenges should be seen in the wider political and regional contexts.

Australia and the UK reaffirmed the importance of their long-term commitment to Pakistan. Australia and the UK affirmed that their interests in Pakistan’s stability were aligned with Pakistan’s own longer-term interests of stability, security and economic growth. Both countries highlighted the importance of Pakistan implementing its economic and political reform agendas.

Australia and the UK reaffirmed the need to continue practical support for Pakistan’s efforts to combat violent extremism. Both countries emphasised Pakistan’s strategic importance and its responsibility to contribute to regional stability as a partner in international efforts to address terrorism and militant extremism.

Australia and the UK welcomed the outcomes of the recent NATO/ISAF Leaders’ Summit in Lisbon, particularly the strong support for a conditions-based transition process starting in early 2011 that would enable the ANSF to assume responsibility for security by the end of 2014. Both countries welcomed the Enduring Partnership between NATO and Afghanistan signed at the Lisbon Summit.

Australia and the UK concurred that enduring civilian efforts to strengthen governance and advance development were important to building stability in Afghanistan. Both countries welcomed each other’s additional civilian contributions to Afghanistan since AUKMIN II.

Australia and the UK reinforced their support for the commitments made by the Afghan Government to combat corruption and strengthen institutions that provide basic services for the benefit of Afghan citizens.

Australia and the UK highlighted their strong support for a just and enduring peace in the Middle East based on a negotiated two-state solution where Israel and a future Palestinian state live side by side in peace and security. Both countries highlighted the urgent need for Israel and the Palestinians to return, as a matter of urgency, to direct talks on final status issues, and to refrain from actions which undermined confidence, such as settlement construction. Both countries reaffirmed their practical support for Palestinian institution-building in preparation for statehood.

Australia and the UK reiterated their deep concern over Iran’s continuing failure to comply with UN Security Council (UNSC) and IAEA resolutions on its nuclear activities, and their commitment to rigorous implementation of UNSC and autonomous sanctions. They noted that the meeting between the P5+1 and Iran on 6-7 December 2010 was a positive step and urged Iran to engage constructively with the P5+1 at talks later this month to remove doubt about its nuclear intentions. They noted with concern the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran and called on Iran to meet its international human rights obligations.

Australia and the UK noted their deep disappointment that Burma’s 7 November elections were neither free nor fair. Both countries welcomed the release of Aung San Suu Kyi on 13 November and called for the immediate release of the more than 2,200 political prisoners still detained in Burma. They called on the authorities to begin a process of genuine and inclusive dialogue with all political and ethnic groups in Burma, including the National League for Democracy and other political parties that chose not to, or were not permitted to, contest the elections.

Australia and the UK, while encouraged by the easing of tensions on the Korean Peninsula over the New Year period, expressed concern about the DPRK’s violent, provocative behaviour in 2010, including the 23 November artillery attack and revelations about the DPRK’s uranium enrichment program. Australia and the UK called on the DPRK to take concrete steps to demonstrate its commitment to peace and security on the Peninsula, including denuclearisation. Both countries agreed that it was essential to avoid a “proliferation cascade” and to preserve the integrity of established international non-proliferation norms.

Australia and the UK share a strong interest in stability in Sudan and urged all parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement to respect the outcome of the referendum on the possible independence of southern Sudan and to resolve their outstanding differences through negotiation. Both countries affirmed their continuing commitment to helping Sudan tackle its development and security challenges.

Australia and the UK agreed on continued cooperation on counter-piracy efforts off the Horn of Africa. Australia and the UK recognised that regional states require support and assistance to successfully prosecute alleged pirates to ensure piracy does not compromise the freedom and security of the seas. They acknowledged that stabilising the situation in Somalia was a long-term task central to efforts to reduce piracy in the Horn of Africa.

Countering Global Threats
The increasingly diffuse nature of the threat from terrorism and the challenges posed by continuing violent extremism require enhanced international cooperation in the establishment of new response measures. Australia and the UK agreed to continue to coordinate responses to terrorist threats and to maintain close cooperation on proliferation threats to prevent and deter states and non-state actors from acquiring the materials and technology for weapons of mass destruction.

Australia and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to continued international and regional engagement in working with Yemen to find solutions to Yemen’s economic and political challenges, and to ensure that Yemen does not become a safe haven for terrorist activity.

The UK and Australia agreed that the disruption of Jema’ah Islamiyah (JI) by Indonesia and Indonesia’s commitment to eradicating terrorism were major achievements. Nevertheless, extremist messages continued to appeal to some, and extremist groups would continue to pose a threat in South-East Asia.

Ministers welcomed the forthcoming signing of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning National Security and Counter-Terrorism Cooperative Science and Innovation, and noted the opportunity to address shared national security capability challenges through collaboration on science and technology capability.

Australia and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and to a world free of nuclear weapons.

Both countries pledged to continue to cooperate closely, including in the context of current Arms Trade Treaty negotiations, to deter and prevent the illicit transfer of conventional arms to conflict-prone, weak and fragile states, including in the Pacific.

New Security Challenges
 New technologies have brought great opportunities, but also new security challenges. The Australia-UK security partnership, founded on the challenges of the last century, has itself adapted and evolved to tackle emerging security issues in cyber and outer space. Australia and the UK are committed to working together to shape a more secure environment and advance common interests on these emerging issues.

Cyber intrusions are an increasing challenge for the security of systems and networks of national importance. Australia and the UK are already working closely together to confront the growing threats we face to our cyber security, and it is vital to our wider, shared security and defence interests that we do so.

It is the intention of Australia and the UK to use the existing joint work as the basis for a comprehensive cyber partnership. We are developing a shared vision for the future security of cyberspace, based on our common values. We will work together to advance this vision and to contribute to the development of international norms for cyberspace.

Australia and the UK will coordinate our diplomatic, defence and security efforts to that end. We will continue to deepen our collaboration across a range of activities and between the agencies and departments that are responsible for delivering cyber security.

Australia and the UK welcomed the US decision, reflected in the June 2010 US National Space Policy, to consider practical and verifiable space arms control measures. Australia and the UK supported the need for space arms control measures that meet these criteria and agreed that they should be focused on preventing behaviours that threaten the peaceful use of space by all nations.

Australia and the UK also agreed to support the development and implementation of transparency and confidence building measures for space, to enhance stability and safety in space activities.

Australia and the UK agreed that an effective response to climate change underpins our long-term security as well as our prosperity. Recent extreme weather events around the world, including in Australia, vividly illustrate the threat we can expect climate change to pose. While individual weather events can rarely be linked with certainty to climate change, climate change models tell us that extreme weather events, including floods, droughts and heat waves, are likely to become more common as the world warms.

Climate change should be considered a key risk to both countries’ economies, societies and environments and its long-term implications should be considered a fundamental national security challenge.

Both countries welcomed the conclusion of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties in Cancun, which puts the world on the path towards a legally binding global deal to tackle climate change under the UN.

Australia and the UK are committed to working closely together to establish and deliver the new mechanisms, approaches and agreements realised in Cancun and to help build international consensus to build on the success of Cancun at COP17 in Durban; and to continue the progress towards a legally binding climate change deal.

However, action on climate change is urgent and cannot wait for the signature of an international treaty. The governments of Australia and the UK are therefore committed to promoting swift action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions both at home and abroad.

Challenges and Opportunities in Asia-Pacific
 The two countries discussed the rise of the economic and strategic influence of Asia. Australia and the UK expressed a shared goal of continued strategic engagement with all international partners in support of a rules-based approach to regional and global governance. Both expressed their shared national interest in peace and stability, respect for international law, unimpeded lawful commerce, and application of the provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, including in relation to freedom of navigation. Both countries viewed maritime law enforcement, particularly protection of fish stocks, as a major security challenge for the Southwest Pacific. Australia and the United Kingdom agreed that the expansion of the EAS to include the US and Russia would contribute to regional security and economic prosperity.

Australia and the UK are committed to seeking a constructive and cooperative relationship with China on regional economic development and common security concerns, as well as on addressing global challenges. Both acknowledged the importance of engaging with China and other partners on good governance and sustainable economic development in the Pacific region.

Australia and the United Kingdom confirmed their support for steps that would hasten the restoration of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Fiji. Both countries emphasised that the commencement of genuine, inclusive political dialogue in Fiji, without preconditions or predetermined outcomes, as called for by Leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum, is a necessary first step. They deplored the continuation of the Public Emergency Regulations and their negative impact on human rights in Fiji.

The two countries reiterated their commitment to the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) as a vehicle of practical cooperation and stability in South East Asia. Australia and the UK agreed that a key strength of the FPDA is the ability of the Arrangements to remain relevant to the needs of its members and the strategic circumstances. Both countries undertook to remain engaged in FPDA exercises, within the limitations of their resources, and looked forward to the outcomes of the FPDA Stocktake which will be finalised by the 40th Anniversary of the Arrangements on 1 November 2011.

Aid and Development
Australia and the UK both recognise the explicit links between national security, poverty reduction and development. Both countries are committed to significant increases in development assistance and to working together to ensure this leads to strong outcomes for developing countries, including progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.

The Partnership Agreement continues to underpin the close collaboration between AusAID and DFID. Examples include in Pakistan on health, education and the promotion of economic reform and towards post-flood recovery and reconstruction; in Africa on water and sanitation, HIV/AIDS and maternal and child health; in Afghanistan on stabilisation, reconstruction and development; and in Indonesia on climate change.

Australia and the UK reaffirmed their support for free trade and for working together to strengthen the healthy bilateral trade and investment relationship. Both sides recognise that trade can help build prosperity; increase jobs and drive competition and innovation. Both countries also recognise the need to work together to prevent the risk of protectionism damaging the global economic recovery.

Australia and the UK reaffirm their support for the conclusion of the Doha Development Round and for an ambitious, comprehensive and balanced package. Both sides recognise that 2011 is a critical window of opportunity for completing the endgame and that the engagement between trade negotiators must intensify and expand. Both countries recognise that the gains from trade liberalisation as well as the insurance against protectionism that the Doha Development Round can deliver are significant and will greatly benefit developing countries.

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Australia and the UK are looking forward to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to be held in Perth on 28-30 October. Both countries see it as an opportunity to reinvigorate engagement on democracy, development and human rights reaffirming the Commonwealth as a force for good in world affairs.

The countries discussed the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen and Head of the Commonwealth in 2012, reflecting on 60 years of steadfast service.

Countdown on for CEO

The CEO of the yet un-named major company is still under the spotlight.

Looks like there was more to the Wairiki Mill issue than meets the eye.

With the crescendo of this latest drama by the illegal and treasonous military regime quickly gaining momentum, we're going to take the agony out of this farce.

She's more or less going, going, gone. 

The whispers are that the now-gone CFO and the illegal and treasonous Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum did not get on and these are his orders for Bainimarama to execute while he prances around in India and China.

BREAKING: Mrs Sereana Qoro the CEO of Fijian Holdings and her board chairman, Isoa Kaloumaira have resigned AGAIN.

Findings to determine CEO’s fate
losalinir@fijisun.com.fj
1/1/2011

The chief executive officer of a major company in the country will be sent home if a probe currently underway substantiates corrupt dealings.

As this edition went to press last night the chief executive and the company's board chairman still had not responded to earlier queries from the Fiji Sun.

The Prime Minister's Office has confirmed that investigations are continuing on the chief executive officer of a major company for alleged corruption.

The investigation is centered at a big payout received by one of the company's managers following his resignation from the company.

The manager's resignation, according to reliable sources came about, after the Government discovered of his corrupt practices in allowing the CEO to enjoy two salary packages. Apart from her normal salary, the CEO was also receiving the salary as board chairman of one of the subsidiary companies.

It was revealed that it was through this connection that led to the payout of $155,000 to the manager in addition to a company car (authorised by the CEO) even though the receiver was not entitled to it.

The source said this forced the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama to intervene and initial investigations conducted have substantiated the matter.

Commodore Bainimarama then directed that the money and the car be returned. To date, according to the source, only the car and $50,000 have been recovered.

Commodore Bainimarama has confirmed that investigations are continuing while the CEO and the Chairman of the Company chose not to respond to the queries sent by the Fiji SUN.