For Jones to take the time to downplay information from blogs (while chastising what they do control ie the local media) in support of Bainimarama and their supporters only lends weight to what we know -- they no longer control the information that the masses have access to.
News Flash military regime: you never DID have total control over the hearts and minds of We The People.
SHARON SMITH-JOHNS
Permanent Secretary for Information, National Archives and Library Services of Fiji
‘Think Fiji First’
New Wing, Government Buildings
Tuesday. 31st May, 2011
First let me take this opportunity to thank you for your attendance.
I wish to address the issue surrounding media coverage regarding the ex soldier Ratu Tevita who is in Tonga awaiting extradition.
The media in New Zealand and to some extent Australia have helped fuel rumors regarding this person and the false accusations targeted at the Fijian Government and its citizens.
I must stress to you all that reading these anti Fiji blog sites is not a source of credible information, these sites are run by politically motivated individuals who are mostly failed politicians and a smattering of disgruntled journalists. The majority of those commenting are from overseas and not from Fiji.
These blog sites have nothing positive to contribute to the growth of Fiji. They propagate rumors and stir up emotions to destabilize this country. Suffice to say the local media have unfortunately fallen for this trap and have used false information to lend false credibility to these stories.
The media has been misled by these baseless reports and have been used as a tool to further the interests of this select group of people who have proven to be anti Fiji.
Let me draw your attention to some examples of this false reporting.
Reports have suggested that Fiji is currently under 24 hour military roadblocks and people must be very cautious when traveling to Fiji. This is totally misleading and malicious.
I also bring to your attention the recent report by a New Zealand journalist that states that Fiji will not be having elections in 2014. No one from Government made that statement, its false reporting and deliberately used to question Fiji’s commitment to holding elections. Let me state one more time, Fiji will go to elections in 2014; we have clearly said this time and again.
A direct consequence of this incorrect and unfair reporting is the upgrading of the Australian Government’s travel advisory. We all know that there are no road blocks – there is no trouble. I am sure those Australians currently on holidays in Fiji, or doing business can confirm this. The unnecessary travel advisory will not only hurt the Tourism Industry but the people of Fiji.
Why can’t journalists in Fiji counter the overseas media and correct this misreporting, why are we not doing more to stop the spread of these intentionally damaging and spiteful rumors, you ladies and gentlemen know exactly what is going on in this country, you have the tools to inform the world of what is really happening on the ground in Fiji, please use your collective power to work together to build a better Fiji.
As the case of Ratu Tevita is before the courts there will be no further comment from the Government.
Let me urge the media to stop using any anti Fiji blog sites as a credible source of information.
Let me also urge you today to put Fiji first and report in a fair and balanced way.
Lastly let me urge you to be objective and ‘THINK FIJI FIRST’.
-Ends-
4 comments:
This women is just another fling of the Prime Minister......Husband committed suicide because of her fling... maybe she can enlighten us more...
Sharon’s real statement to the Media
Think Frank First. Statement by Sharon Smut-Jobs, Permanent Secretary for MisInformation,
First let me take this opportunity to thank you for your attendance.
I wish to address the issue surrounding media coverage regarding Lieutenant Colonel Tevita Mara who is in Tonga. We have applied for extradition but know we are only going through the motions. As you know we have been suspended from both the Forum and the Commonwealth. Our extradition treaty with Tonga was only in place through membership of those organizations. It is so unfair that when you are an illegal government, legal options are not available any more.
The media in New Zealand and to some extent Australia have been very prominent in passing on his message of truth. I know all of you in this room don’t like to tell the truth and you are all very grateful to me and my censors for keeping you supplied with lies.
I must stress to you that all of us in Government read the blogs to find out the real situation. Even the Prime Minister would read the blogs but unfortunately he has never learnt to read. It is important for us with future political aspirations to read about our failings.
The Ministry of Information has nothing positive to contribute to the growth of Fiji. We propagate rumours and stir up emotions to bankrupt this country. Suffice to say local media have fallen into the trap of printing what I say and feeding the people of Fiji false information.
The media has been misled by these baseless reports and have been used as a tool to further the interests of the select Group of 2. Khaiyum and his hand puppet Bainimarama. These 2 are well known to be anti Fiji.
Let me draw your attention to some examples of this false reporting.
Reports have suggested that you have to be very cautious when travelling in Fiji because some of the potholes are as big as house. That is not true the biggest on record was only as big as a bus.
I also want to bring to your attention a report that Bainimarama has announced there will be elections in 2014. This is completely untrue and is as believable as when he said we would have elections in 2009 and 2010. As his permanent secretary I advise him against making false statements but he can’t help himself.
I want to thank the Australian Government for upgrading their travel advisory. There have been 132 reports of home invasion in the past 2 weeks. Crime is increasing and we do advise all tourists travelling in Fiji to be careful. You need to be like me and travel with a driver and a security guard. My security guard has a big gun and a massive ammunition pouch. He is perfect to take away for long weekends.
Why can’t journalists in Fiji counter these lies with the truth. Hold on aren’t we telling the journalists what to write. Message to self, double check what I sent to Peter Lomas of the Sun on Saturday. Did I send him the headline PM: Lies, Lies, Lies
As the case of Lieutenant Colonel Mara is before the courts there will be no further comment from government. Please put your hand up if you know the answer. How many times has the government said his departure is of no consequence and we will not mention him again because we are too busy running away with the country’s money. I can’t remember is that the fifth or the sixth time?
Let me urge the media to stop using the Ministry of Information as a credible source of information.
Let me also urge you today to put Fiji first and support the Pro Democracy movement.
Lastly let me urge you to be objective and ‘THINK FRANK FIRST’.
Why give it prominence. Not worthy of printing in the first place.
It is impossible to have an election in 2014 unless they begin the preparation now. What do we need?
a) a new constitution & electoral system
b) another census
c) boundaries commission
d) boundaries declaration
c) Writ of election
d) registration of voters
e) training of elections officials
f) registration of candidates
h) acceptance and declaration of candidates
i) declaration of poling stations and booths
J) printing of ballot papers
f) Logistic planning - transport of poling officials and ballot papers
Nah you cannot do it by 2014 if it is to be done properly. I think the lady will eat her words.
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