Regime supporter and benefactor Sundip Patel has died of a heart attack at the age of 52.
The managing director of the CJ Patel Group, which includes the subsidiaries the Fiji Sun and CJ Farms (formerly Rewa Dairy), is believed to have collapsed while exercising on a treadmill at his Waimanu Road home in Suva.
It's understood Patel was known to have heart problems and had a bypass when he was just 30.
The Fiji Sun has paid tribute to Patel, hailing him as a 'trailblazing business leader' but his support of the military dictatorship and subsequent business benefits will not be forgotten by many.
Bloggers will remember him, too, from these pages as having been accused of price fixing and cheating Fijian provinces by selling merchandise at inflated prices as early as 2010.
CJ Patel went on to purchase the monopoly Rewa Dairy company, with substantial discriminatory assistance
from the regime, and raised the price of milk and milk products.
The company's financial controller (a Sri Lankan) has also been appointed by
and serves the regime on a wide range of influential government boards,
often as chair.
But it will be Sundip Patel's flagrant overlooking of the biased reporting by the Fiji Sun and endorsement of regime propaganda, especially during the September elections, that will be fresh in many minds.
Another regime favourite, former vice-chancellor of the Fiji National University Ganesh Chand, is also under the spotlight today.
Chand escaped a number of challenges in recent years, including a $1million law suit brought by a former lecturer for unjustified dismissal and claims of bullying, but was last week dismissed.
No official explanation has been given but a replacement is expected to be named today.
489 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 489 of 489Most of the same elements involved in securing safe passage for the Filipinos were also out scouring the hillside for Al Nusra's RFMF captives. And they were STILL out looking for the RFMF after the Filipinos had already come in safely with all of their men, weapons and honour still intact.
MAY BE FIJIAN SOLDIERS CAN LEARN FROM THIS FEMALE.
A Kurdish female fighter has been hailed on social media for allegedly killing over 100 Isis (Islamic State) militants single-handed in the battle for Kobani.
The fighter, known only as Rehana, was named in a tweet which has already been shared thousands of times since it was initially sent on 13 October.
Had the Qataris not fronted the Bainimarama regime a huge ransom, the RFMF hostages would have been slaughtered like sheep.
Obviously the Filipino's should have nothing to fear.
So why withdraw from the Golan now ?
GOLAN, Syria --- Fiji has exceptionally well-trained professional soldiers who are among the world’s best United Nations peacekeepers, says United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).
Head of Mission and Force Commander at Camp Ziouani, Golan Heights, Lieutenant General Iqbal Singh Singha made the comment while welcoming Fiji’s resident ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Robin Nair at a one day event known as the “Ambassadors and Defence Attaches Day.
He said the attitude and personality of Fijian soldiers lend substantially and positively to the difficult work in the Golan Heights. “It is a pleasure for me to work with such high quality soldiers.
Fiji should be proud of their men and women in uniform and for the great contribution they are making to regional peace,” Lt. General Singha said.
Nair said the Fijian troops make the country tall in international peace-keeping efforts and he paid tribute to the government for such pro-active contribution to world peace.
The Fiji Battalion carries the maximum number of troops in the Golan Heights and also covers the most volatile operations on both sides of the border between Syria and Israel.
Commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Qiliho is also commanding the Nepalese contingent, bringing the number under his command to around 600 soldiers.
Oct. 10, 2014
UNDOF commander Singha now says Filipino troops bravely faced Golan Heights incident
On Oct. 10, 2014, in a briefing to the UN Security Council, Lt. Gen. Singha stated that the Filipino peacekeepers "bravely faced the situation, and exhibited raw courage, resilience and patience". He went on to say that it is to the credit of the senior management and peacekeepers from the Philippines and other troop-contributing countries that in all incidents of detentions since 2013, all peacekeepers have been released safely and unharmed.
Why are the RFMF apologists now second-guessing Singha?
The Filipinos do have nothing to fear.
That's because they're no longer in the Golan Heights, taking irresponsible orders from a non-Filipino commander and backing up Fijians who have already shown they're unequal to the mission.
Instead of taking news from the Philstar and the Rappler (Filipino media) go to the UN website for Singha's actual address where he gives full perspective and context to whats happening and is on video:
http://webtv.un.org/watch/iqbal-singh-singha-undof-on-un-peacekeeping-operations-security-council-7275th-meeting/3830218327001
Singha is a liar
Ontop of that he called Philipino Troops unprofessional "FOR NOT SURRENDERING..."
Huhhhhhhh??????
@Anon 12.41
After releasing the 44, al Nusra told UNDOF that they would target the Filipino's.
That is why the Filipino's withdraw from the Golan immediately after that event, two months before the end of their mission.
Of course Al Nusra would target Filipino peacekeepers, because the Filipinos are a threat to Al Nusra's terrorist ambitions to control the Golan Heights. The self-described Fijian "pussies" are obviously no longer a concern.
The RFMF showed its "professionalism" by overthrowing its own democratically elected government and installing itself in power.
Irish officer to take deputy lead of UN Golan Heights mission
Irish Times
A senior Irish Army officer will become the deputy force commander of the under pressure United Nations deployment in the Golan Heights, Syria.
Brig Gen Tony Hanlon, logistics director at Defence Forces Headquarters in Dublin, is preparing to take up his post during a tense period for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).
At the weekend, Irish troops were forced to rush to the aid of Filipino soldiers taking part in the 1,200-strong UN mission after they were trapped by al Qaeda-linked rebels in a post they were manning.
The Irish rapid reaction force managed to evacuate their colleagues on Saturday morning and escort them from the danger area after a gun battle with rebels, while a second group of Filipino troops surrounded by rebels at another posting managed to escape during the night.
Lt Gen Singha, under whom Brig Gen Hanlon will work as second in command on the mission, has been quoted in the Indian media saying the order to the Filipinos to surrender had been made in the interests of the safety of the Fijian troops being held by the same rebels.
He suggested that the refusal by the Filipinos to surrender had put the lives of their colleagues in danger. “They have defied orders at a time when we had negotiated a ceasefire with the rebels to ensure that all troops in the conflict area could exit,” Lt Gen Singha told India Today.
“The higher UN echelon as well as the Indian Army agrees with me that the decision was correct. It is an act of cowardice to desert posts especially when a delicate ceasefire was in place, They broke the chain of command and UN orders.”
Next time al Noushra comes, FIJIAN PUSSIES WILL JUST BEND OVER.
HERE IS A JOB FOR THE USELESS PUSSIES....
Innstead of wasting Police Resources, USE THE PUSSIES FROM DELAINABUA to guard the Suva Foreshore
"Taskforce to monitor
Dawn Gibson
Monday, January 05, 2015
THE Fiji Police Force has put together a taskforce to head the Inter-Agency Emergency Committee which will monitor the Cunningham River and part of the Suva cwoastline.
This follows last month's sewer line burst which resulted in untreated waste spill leaking into a creek outside Suva City.
Speaking to this newspaper yesterday, police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the force's role was to now be sure that among other things, people were evacuated safely.
"We will evacuate people in their own interests in order to avoid any environmental and health related sickness," Ms Naisoro said.
"Also to prohibit the use of affected areas from the Cunningham River to Suva foreshore area coastline (which includes the mouth of the Rewa River to the FDB foreshore) to source livelihood and for recreational purposes."
Looks like the Filipino's now have their hands full at home anyway.
Their dance with al Nusra in Golan now follows them home.
Looks like Al Nusra hasn't forgotten them and the score it said it will settle with them.
Syrian rebels funded Filipino Muslims to join ISIS—MNLF
By Francisco Tuyay, Maricel V. Cruz | Sep. 17, 2014 at 12:01am
SYRIAN militants had recruited and funded Filipino Muslim rebels to wage war alongside Islamic State forces in Syria, which was the same scheme employed by Libya with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MNLF) during the Mindanao rebellion in the 1920s, MNLF spokesman Absalom Cerveza said in refuting the military’s claim.
Cerveza said a financier from Syria, probably from opposition militants, has facilitated the funding and recruitment of Filipino rebels to fight in the war-torn country.
Secessionist rebels seen in Mindanao explosion
By Manolo B. Jara
January 03, 2015
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MANILA: A mayor on Friday blamed members of a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the deadly New Year’s Eve bombing in North Cotabato in restive Mindanao even as the number of fatalities rose to two when one of the four seriously wounded victims died in the hospital.
“I have concrete evidence that could prove the BIFF was behind the explosion,” said Mayor Joselito Pinol of M’lang, North Cotabato where an improvised bomb was set off on Thursday afternoon at the public market crowded with residents making last-minute shopping to welcome the New Year.
A woman died on the spot and another woman succumbed at the hospital early on Friday morning due to severe injuries she sustained during the explosion that also wounded 33 others, Pinol said.
Pinol was referring to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) founded by former MILF field commander Ameril Umbra Kato who broke away with 1,000 of his followers following major differences with the front leaders over the conduct of their peace talks with the government.
Pinol revealed that earlier on Tuesday, police arrested a suspected member of the BIFF linked to the bombing of a billiard hall at the height of the celebration of the town fiesta on Nov.23 that killed three high school students and wounded 25 others.
Soldier killed, 3 hurt in rebel raids in Philippines
AFP
January 3, 2015 1:16 AM
A soldier was killed and three others wounded when Muslim rebels simultaneously attacked military detachments in two southern Philippine provinces on Saturday, a military spokeswoman said.
An hour-long gun battle broke out when separatist rebel group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters raided a camp in President Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat province shortly after midnight, Captain Jo-ann Petinglay said in a statement.
Philippines Bus Bombing
By Dennis Lynch
December 10 2014
The Philippines’ military accused a radical Islamist group that identifies itself as an ally of the Islamic State terrorist group of carrying out a bus bombing Tuesday that killed 10 and left 42 wounded in the southern part of the country, according to First Post
The military reasoned that BIFF was behind the Tuesday attack because the bombing technique was similar to the one used in a suspected BIFF bus bombing in November, said a spokesman. The remote-detonated mortar that decimated the bus and killed mostly students, is a favored method of an apprentice of Filipino bomb-making expert Abdul Basit Usman, a notorious figure in the country whom the U.S. State Department believes to be hiding out in central Mindanao
Bomb blast in Philippines kills 2, wounds 30
By Associated Press
Published: December 31, 2014, 6:30 am | Updated: January 1, 2015, 12:32 am
MLANG, Philippines (AP) — Hardline Muslim rebels may have detonated a bomb that killed at least two people in a public markete packed with New Year’s Eve shoppers in the restive southern Philippines, officials said Thursday.
The homemade bomb, which was packed with nails for more lethal effect, went off at the entrance of the crowded market in Mlang town in North Cotabato province Wednesday, killing at least two people and wounding more than 30 others, Mlang Mayor Joselito Pinol and police said.
Police initially reported four people had died but revised the figure after checking with hospitals, where the victims were brought.
Pinol said one vendor died while being brought to a hospital and another victim passed away Thursday morning. Two more victims were in serious condition at a hospital, he said.
Most of the victims were shoppers buying fruit and horns used for noise-making to greet the new year, said Mlang police chief Joan Resurreccion.
Abu Sayyaff ambushed and killed 6 Filipino soldiers immediately after that incident in the Golan in September.
Abu Sayyaf is the al Qaeda branch in the Phillipines. They come under the same umbrella as al Nusra.
AFP probes deaths of 6 soldiers in Abu Sayyaf ambush
November 3, 2014 2:24pm
6 soldiers killed in Basilan ambush brought to Zamboanga
The military is looking into the circumstances that led to Sunday's ambush by the notorious Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan province that killed six soldiers.
“We have directed the conduct of an investigation as to how come that incident happened,” said Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in an interview Monday.
He said the investigation will look into the possible tactical lapses on the part of the soldiers, who were providing security to the construction of the Basilan Circumferential Road project.
“If there were lapses, we will find out," Catapang said. “There will be people who have to [be] investigated.”
The investigation will be led by AFP Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, Catapang said.
Meanwhile, Catapang said the military is still studying Autonomous Region in Muslim Minadanao governor Mujiv Hataman's recommendation for an all-out military offensive against the al Qaeda-linked bandit group.
He said they would seek dialogue first with Basilan residents before launching an offensive.
“I want to correct that impression that we are on all-out offensive, what we are doing now is an all-out law enforcement operations,” he said.
Next week, the military will conduct a peace and economic development in Sulu, another bailiwick of the Abu Sayyaf, to identify the projects that would have to be secured.
"We’ll be having a meeting with the barangay captains, the mayors and the governor in Sulu to identify [the projects], para hindi naman tingin na panay giyera na lang 'yung ginagawa natin doon," he said.
Last month, the AFP has reinforced its forces in Sulu after the Abu Sayyaf threatened to behead its German hostages. The hostages were eventually released.
ASG camps
General Catapeng gave the order Filipino soldiers in the Golan to subvert General Singha's order.
al Nusra had said after that incident that they will target the AFP.
Obviously al Nusra kept their word because their branch in the Phillipines, the Abu Sayyaf, made sure that it happened in a matter of two weeks after they gave their word to UNDOF.
They ambushed killed 6 Filipino soldiers on Filipino soil.
Heavy payback for Filipino's in follow up to Golan "dance" with al Nusra as Abu Sayyaf carries out al Nusra vow to extract payback from AFP for their three killed as a result of the shelling support from the Syrian Armed Forces on UNDOF Filipino position. And it looks like Abu Sayyaf have not yet finished with the payback....
Five soldiers fall in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu
November 14, 2014 6:28pm
A clash between the military and members of the Abu Sayyaf group in Talipao, Sulu left five soldiers dead and 26 others injured, the head of Joint Task Group Sulu said Friday evening.
According to Col. Allan Arojado, four Abu Sayyaf members died in the firefight.
"Its a major encounter...as of now the fighting is over. We are tracking their whereabout, we are pursuing them," Arrojado, who declined to answer questions, said.
According to an earlier military report, the clash involved 4 officers and 74 soldiers against around 300 Abu Sayyaf bandits under Radullan Sahiron. The soldiers had been conducting a law enforcement operation when the firefight happened.
The Palace has ordered operations against the Abu Sayyaf stepped up since six soldiers securing a road project in Basilan province were ambushed and killed by the bandit group earlier this month.
Re-read the Irish Times posting at 1:14 PM. This is published here months after the fact iby an RFMF apologist who seeks to salvage some of the RFMF's wounded pride, at the expense of the Filipinos. But what dies it actually show? It shows that Lt. Gen. Singha ordered the Filipinos to surrender "in the interests of the safety of the Fijian troops being held by the same rebels." In other words, the Filipinos were ordered to surrender to Al Nusra because the RFMF had surrendered, and Singha was afraid Al Nusra would harm the Fijians if the Filipinos did not also surrender. So it was the RFMF who first put the Filipino troops in danger, not the other way around.
If it is an act of cowardice to desert one's post, then whose cowardice was greater? Was it the Filipinos who refused the terrorists' demand to surrender but instead fought back, inflicting multiple casualties on the terrorists over the course of a 12-hour firefight, before running low on ammo and then skillfully exfiltrating their position across enemy lines until they reached safety, without loss of men or weapons? Or was it the RFMF, who immediately gave in to the terrorists' demands and surrendered to them their position, their weapons and the fate of their men, without firing a single shot in self-defense, and leading to the collapse of the UNDOF presence in their sector?
Also, what are we then to make of Singha's subsequent admission that the Filipinos faced the situation bravely and with raw courage? It's very dishonest to quote Singha's warlier remarks and not his later statement.
THE Labasa Town Council has always opened its public convenience during public holidays.
Town special administrator Vijay Chand, while responding to concerns raised by a vendor on the issue yesterday, said the toilets near the food stalls was open to the general public during holidays.
"The paid convenience at the Labasa Market closes during public holidays but the one at the food court is always open and is free of charge," Mr Chand said.
"People can go and use the toilets there. The one at the market is closed because not a lot of people move around town during public holidays.
"However, the one at the food court is open to the general public during public holidays
"We are doing everything we can to facilitate the town for the purpose of providing every person who visits Labasa with the best resources."
Meanwhile, Mr Chand earlier said there was a number of capital projects eyed this year for the northern municipality.
Mr Chand said the women's resource centre, a proper fish market and a walkway from the end of the Labasa Bridge to the hospital were among other projects tabled out by the council this year.
Abu Sayyaf has been active in the Philippines for 15 years at least. To say that the recent Abu Sayyaf attacks against innocent civilains is meant as retribution against the AFP for its manly stand against Al Nusra in the Golan Heights is a logical fallacy. Just because A followed B doesn't mean that A is because of B.
By the way, through its cowardice in the Golan Heights, the RFMF directly contributed weapons to the same kind of terrorists who have for years stooped to murdering unarmed innocents in the Southern Philippines. Keep it up, and the RFMF may one day find itself on the Terrorism Watchlist. It would probably be there already, if its terrorism wasn't so localised to Fiji.
Better send some RFMF to giard the public toilet at the Labasa food court as well. Their discipline and professionalism well suit them for an expanded toilet patrol.
The Filipino soldiers performed with exemplary skill and courage in the Golan Heights because they have been well blooded, fighting guerilla actions during World War II, serving in Korea, performing engineering duties in Vietnam, and fighting Communist and Muslim insurgencies for two generations.
The Fijian soldiers disgraced themselves in the Golan Heights because since WWII, the Fijian armed forces have become a paper tiger. They're only good now for a light infantry garrisoning role that allows them to engage in their favourite activities, which consist of rugby, bullying and sodomy. They've been increasingly politicised by a series of self-seeking officers who are more interested in their personal power and comfort than in the welfare of the nation. The worst of these is Bainimarama. His selfishness and cowardice tops them all.
Obviously the Filipino's have to retake parts of their country back from al Qaeda and a whole host of other militant groups who have taken over parts of their country.
Maybe the AFP can show the same cowboy stuff they did on the Golan
Who knows it might work ?
In defence of the RFMF, its choir does sing beautifully, and some of its leaders are reputed to be world-class sprinters.
Or then again maybe the very cowboy antics shown on the Golan is the reason why no Force coherence is possible and why they cannot even secure their borders and their country from Irregulars who are ambushing them left right and centre ?
Maybe we should invite the Filipinos here, to help us take back our own country. Obviously the RFMF would be no match for them.
Not hard to figure out why they are ineffective against those Irregulars on their own Home soil when its there to see clearly with what happened in the Golan with the defiance of commands and subversion of the command structure.
Was it professionalism, discipline or force coherence when the RFMF commander stomped the belly of a pregnant woman held at the camp? I'm just wondering which term applied in that case.
They had to be rescued by Irish Batt, the IDF and the Syrian National Army after that cowboy antic.
Not only did they escalate the situation they also put at risk the Irish Batt they also compromised UNDOF and upset the UN Command.
Not hard to see why they aren't making headway against those Irregulars on their own home soil with that Rambo mentality.
It's not hard to see why the RFMF spends so much time defending itself on C4.5 rather than in the Golan Heights. It doesn't know how to defend its mission, but it sure can bullshit.
2 CAFGUs killed in Abu Sayyaf ambush
By Roel Pareño (philstar.com) | Updated September 1, 2014 - 4:54pm
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Two paramilitary troopers were killed in ambush staged by the Abu Sayyaf militants in the hinterland of Sumisip, Basilan, a military official said.
The military said the members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA) assigned to guard the Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development Corporation were ambushed by the Abu Sayyaf group led Radzmil Jannatul alias Kubayb at the vicinity of Barangay Mahatalang about 8 a.m. Saturday.
Capt. Franco Salvador Suelto, spokesman of 1st Army Division, identified the slain pro-government militia as Haji Aldam and a certain Mused, both members of the CAA assigned to secure the plantation.
The military have deployed CAA paratroopers in the rubber and palm plantation which has been a subject of Abu Sayyaf attacks.
Suelto said the ambushed came hours before 14th Special Forces Company troops encountered 10 Abu Sayyaf militants across Lantawan town.
The firefight that erupted at Sitio Basak Tiki, Barangay Calugusan about 8:20 p.m. Saturday left Capt. Mark Zember Gamboa killed.
@Anon 3.50
RFMF is on the Golan doing its work.
The counter narrative going on here is to show the truth and not allow the falsehoods to develop the insidious narrative that has been used to undermine the RFMF and so attack the stability of the country
If the RFMF had held its own in the Golan Heights, Al Nusra probably wouldn't have been emboldened to try to take on the Filipino contingent. The RFMF's cowardly capitulation recklessly endangered themselves, their Filipino comrades in arms, and everyone else who had to risk their lives searching for the Fijians or covering the sudden exposure to the UNDOF caused by the surrender of the RFMF position. The weapons surrendered by the RFMF are still being used to threaten civilians — just like here in Fiji, come to think of it.
The counter narrative here is the RFMF's vain attempt to turn black into white, night into day, rank cowardice into phony heroism. Nobody bought it then, and nobody buys it now.
Five Filipino Army Battalions chase a group of 300 Irregulars around the Basilan countryside
5 military battalions sent to Basilan vs Abu Sayyaf
in Asean Headline | November 8, 2014 10:37 am (296 views)
The military has deployed five battalions from various military units as part of its all-out law enforcement operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan, according to INQUIRER.net.
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr refused to give the exact number of troops. A battalion consists of up to 300 to 500 soldiers.
On Sunday, six soldiers, including a lieutenant, were killed in an ambush by the Abu Sayyaf in Sumisip town in the same province. The soldiers were securing a development project. Catapang visited Basilan on Friday and met with regional military commanders and local government officials.
Basilan mayors are asking for an intensified counter-terrorism drive to neutralize the bandits. In response, Catapang said that they have launched all-out law enforcement operations with the police.
“This is an intensified all-out law enforcement operation because the Abu Sayyaf have standing warrant of arrest. We are pursuing them,” the military chief said.
The Philippine military is also doing operations in Sulu after the Abu Sayyaf freed its two German captives in October.
What has undermined the RFMF isn't someone's narrative on Coup 4.5. It's the RFMF's own choices, its own actions and inactions. It's the RFMF's willingness to follow the unlawful orders of its treasonous commander — not just in December 2006, when he was promising transparency and a clean-up, but in the years since, after the true ugly nature of the regime had been amply revealed. It was undermined by the RFMF's participation in bullyiing, thuggery, torture and murder. It was undermined by the cowardice of its command, which was content to leave the fate of its soldiers in the hands of terrorist whilst it campaigned for elected office — office it would never have usurped or aspired to in the first place had it been the professional force now alleged by its apologists.
This is the problem when there's a cowboy mentality and too many Rambo's....
AFP probes "security lapses".
Abu ambush: AFP probes possible security lapses
Written by Tribune Wires
Tuesday, 04 November 2014
The military leadership yesterday ordered an investigation on the ambush staged by the Abu Sayyaf group against government forces in Basilan province last Sunday that resulted in the killing of six Army men, including a junior officer.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., at a press conference, said Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero will be leading the probe into the ambush against elements of the Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion (IB) by the bandit group.
“We are now directing the conduct of investigation as to how come that incident happened. I am not saying anything as of now, whether who’s at what is important is that the incident be investigated,” he stressed
How many regiments does it take for the RFMF to hold Fiji captive, even though our citizenry is unarmed?
Cowboy mentality too many Rambo's lacl of discipline.....net result....
Elements of the 64th IB were on foot patrol, securing a government development project along Sitio Mompol, Barangay Libug in Sumisip town when waylaid by more or less 20 heavily armed ASG terrorists.
Killed were Lt. Jun Corpuz, Sgt. Tranquilino Germo, Pfc Rolando Entera Jr., Pfc Freddie Pandoy, Pfc Raffy Cabuto and Pfc Mark Anthony Singson.
At the same time, Catapang said that he wants an “honest to goodness assessment” of the real situation in Basilan, where the Abu Sayyaf terrorists, from time to time, manage to pull off ambuscades against government troops.
The last massive military setback in Basilan was the ambushed against Special Forces in October 2011 staged by combined ASG and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters. Nineteen SF soldiers, including four officers, were killed during the attack.
“It’s a never ending story that every now and then the soldiers are ambushed so they lose the upper-hand so I want an honest to goodness assessment so that history will not keep repeating itself,” said Catapang.
Yes, too many Rambos now posting their inane comments on this website. Is this what we're paying the RFMF for?
Nor surprising if the cowboy antics on the Golan are anything to go by its probably par for the course over there at home as well.
One Unit does whatever the hell it wants to do and then gets into trouble and other Units have tp scramble and then pretty soon everybody is in the soup and Gen Catapeng is calling for an Inquiry.
Elements of the 3FIR were on routine foot patrol, ransacking the home of Ben Padarath, when waylaid by the homeowner himself. Although unarmed. Padarath's ambush was complete. He managed to catch several RFMF soldiers completely by surprise. In the ensuing struggle, several of the soldiers were finally able to overpower the 120-pound Padarath and subdue him. The heroic RFMFsoldiers then stripped Padarath and repeatedly prodded his anus with a rifle barrel.
Asked about the ambuscade, RFMF Commander and Interim Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama said that he wants an “honest to goodness assessment” of the real situation in Padarath's arse.
“It’s a never ending story that every now and then the soldiers are ambushed and lose their upper-hand up someone's arsehole, so I want an honest to goodness assessment so that history will not keep repeating itself,” said Bainimarama.
The Filipinos wanted an honest to goodness assessment of the actions of the UN and the RFMF in the Golan Heights, too. They wanted to know why the RFMF surrendered without resistance and why the UN Commander had sought to recklessly endanger the Philippines' own troops by giving them an illegal order to surrender. After completing their inquiry, Manila made the only choice appropriate, which was to let the RFMF contingent in UNDOF fend for itself at the sufferance of its new friends, the Al Qaeda-affiliated Al Nusra terrorists.
Is a blogger on C5 now undermining the stability of the country by criticising the RFMF's cowardice in the Golan Heights? Better mobilise more RFMF to blog on C5 in order to drown out his voice!
The cut-and-paste fetishist is obviously a member of the RFMF. Why else does he receive media feeds about every military story involving the Australians, Filipinos, and PNGDF?
On that score, isn't it interesting how he roots for the BRA against the PNGDF? Since his writing must be scrutinised by those higher up his chain of command, it would seem that his anti-PNGDF views are shared by the leadership of the RFMF. I hope Port Moresby is taking due note of this.
GOOD ONE!
MAY BE FIJIAN SOLDIERS CAN LEARN FROM THIS FEMALE.
A Kurdish female fighter has been hailed on social media for allegedly killing over 100 Isis (Islamic State) militants single-handed in the battle for Kobani.
The fighter, known only as Rehana, was named in a tweet which has already been shared thousands of times since it was initially sent on 13 October.
Just because one points out the problems with Canberra's geopolitical stance over PNG and particularly its role in destabalising the PNGDF (yes its role in getting the PNGDF to do a retrenchment and then failing to fund it it which has caused massive problems to stability over there as soldiers have mutinied and rebelled).
Does not men that Suva does not respect Moresby
On the contrary Suva is close friends with Morseby
The RFMF has done missions for Moresby since 2008. Some flew out of Suva on private jets with seven man squads to help Moresby with mining area disputes.
And unlike the Aussies the RFMF does not go there and shoot villages and burn them down.
RFMF went there quietly and did the job quietly and returned to Suva without fanfare.
And unlike Canberra it doesn't need an Army, just a seven man teams on a private jet a job.
Go in assess, advise, put in place tactical plans, implement, monitor and leave.
All done quietly and without fanfare. And achieving sustainable outcomes.
Maybe Lowy Institute can send its researchers to find out about the special Tactical Units Bainimarama has sent to Moresby to help Suva's PNG friends there and now do a big song and dance about it to the Canberra Press Gallery.
Sensationalist and false reporting in the Kiwi media.
Firstly no tactical team can fly armed in a private jet from Nadi to a job site in PNG without Immigration clearance unless its right from the top in Moresby.
Mercenries ? yeah right !
Fijians at PNG mine claimed to be mercenaries
9:46 January 25, 2010Comments Off
Scoop New Zealand
Sir Julius Chan ... backing Simberi landowners and furious with the mine management. Photo: Malum Nalu
Pacific Scoop:
By Henzy Yakham and Pacific Media Watch
The suspicious arrival of 14 hired Fijian “mercenaries” at Simberi gold mine in Papua New Guinea’s northern island province of New Ireland has raised serious security, immigration and work permit issue concerns, reports the Sunday Chronicle.
The weekend claim has also been republished in the Fiji Sun’s Sunday edition.
According to the Sunday Chronicle, concerns were first raised by New Ireland Provincial Police Commander Tomonmon in a brief to the Islands Regional Commander and police headquarters in Port Moresby.
Chief Superintendent Tomonmon warned the police hierarchy of threats of a private army being brought in by the miners to challenge landowners.
This followed the closure of Simberi mine last year by the Mineral Resource Authority (MRA) over health, environmental and safety concerns.
During the closure, the Simberi Mining Area Association (SMAA) imposed traditional sanction (tambu) of “Gorgor” over ongoing disputes regarding a range of unsettled businesses and commitments with the Simberi mine management (SGCL).
The Gorgor was removed on January 2, 2010, after SMAA and SGCL signed a memorandum of understanding.
Surprise arrival
However, to the surprise of SMAA, police, local people and the New Ireland provincial government, seven Fijians were flown directly into Simberi from Nadi, Fiji, on January 4, by SGCL.
On January 7, another seven Fijians were flown in raising grave concerns among the leaders, people and police.
Commander Tomonmon’s brief also claims that there is a strong possibility the Fijians were brought in with firearms, but have been hidden for use.
“The [good] faith of the mine company operating on Simberi should now be revisited.
“There will be more men coming in. We are no match to what they have and what they are capable of doing. They have the resources and the capability to do and carry out anything,” Chief Superintendent Tomonmon’s brief stressed.
On January 19, the Governor of New Ireland, Sir Julius Chan, spoke out in support of the Simberi landowners and people with a blunt message for the mine developer to “get out of Simberi and New Ireland if you are not willing to consult, listen and negotiate amicably with local landowners”.
A furious Sir Julius said if the developer refused to comply with the conditions of its engagement and did not want to work and operate in harmony with the local people in the mine area, the company should leave
The Filipinos have brought their boys home from the Golan Heights. They're needed to fight against the heavily-armed Muslim separatists in Mindanao.
It's time we brought our boys home, too. They're needed to post comments on Coup 4.5 and to guard the toilet at the Labasa food court.
My government in Port Moresby, including our Honourable Prime Minister, is not feeling the love. Republishing anti-PNGDF hit pieces like "The PNG Army in Bougainville — Dirty Damned Rascals" and sending squads of Fijian mercenaries to "help" in our mining disputes is not the kind of "respect" one Melanesian brother pays to another.
ISA, SA I VEI O VILI? SA MATE DINA?
ISA O VILI!
You guys have really crucified poor Vili and I guess we will never hear from the poor chap for a long time to come...at least not under the same identity! But if he does show up under another identity, then it's not hard to pick out such an idiot and a fool who talks big with no facts!
Cegu ga, boy! Sa rauta na via comment tiko ena blog. O sa vakaloloma!
Vili wasn't crucified. He was crucificated. As was earlier explained, there's a big difference.
Vili enjoys a good crucification.
Very wise and good advise.
Words are his weapon
Ernest Heatley
Monday, January 05, 2015
HE believes words are a much more effective way of ending a potentially violent physical altercation.
Malakai Tusabanivalu's ability to control the situation with "words rather than punches" has made him one of the more respected nightclub bouncers in the business.
The 59-year-old has been "bouncing" and involved in other security-related work in the country for more than 30 years.
The native of Somosomo Village in Taveuni recently returned to nightclub security work after a short break sorting out personal business interests on the Garden Island.
To prepare for his nocturnal profession, Mala immerses himself in physical exercise every morning and afternoon.
"For this job you have to be 100 per cent mentally and physically fit and use your head while working," he explained.
You can find the Taveuni man outside popular Traps Bar in Suva on any given day greeting patrons in his normally jovial manner — with a smile.
For Mala, controlling the crowd and adhering to the law go hand in hand.
"You have to realise too that you are working under the law and make sure you know about customer care and ensure they are well looked after," said the gentle giant.
"It pays to screen the people and know the people in town so you can separate the good and the bad. That's the most important thing in this job.
"I see the attitude of customers is getting better because people are more educated now."
Apart from being a bouncer, Mala also is engaged in bailiff work within the Capital City.
This is enough to put food on the table for a growing family of eight children.
He started off as a bouncer as a 17-year-old in the 1970s, a few years after arriving from Tubou Village on Lakeba in Lau where he was raised.
It was a good transition and soon enough with his ways, he was able to diffuse volatile situations. In this regard Mala enjoyed the distinction not normally shared by those in his profession of never being assaulted while on the job.
Judging by his imposing frame, it would not be a good proposition to consider in the first place.
"I know how to protect myself and use my words at the right time and at the right place to sort out things," he said confidently.
Mala believes other bouncers need to take their work seriously and know more techniques on how to diffuse a certain situation in crowded bars and clubs without allowing them to develop into a brawl.
As people around the country let loose in pubs and nightclubs around the country, spare a thought for hardworking gentlemen like Mala, whose passive yet vigilant attitudes generally allow for a smooth night out on the town.
If you're white and you're wrong, then you're wrong; if you're black and you're wrong, you're wrong. People are people. Black, blue, pink, green - God make no rules about color; only society make rules where my people suffer, and that why we must have redemption and redemption now.
Bob Marley
Too many narratives. Not enough truth.
Following the noble policy of chuche and the wise leadership of the Korea Workers Party and especially our brilliant Leader and General Kim Jong Un, Socialist Korea is a workers paradise, and its people are the happiest in the world. Let any polling company come to the New Korea and ask any Korean, and they will not find one — no, not even one! — who is unhappy. We are happy because of the leadership of our Supreme Leader and General, the greatest man in history. My family and I will serve our Supreme Leader for ten generations and beyond. I will redouble my work in the salt mines in order to make our Supreme Leader happy. He is our golden sun. Because of him, we are the happiest people in the world. Praise him! Praise him!
@Anon 10:57....all your fault mate....Vili has been sacked by Bainimarama,and his Pejero has been returned.He could not answer your question,even name one policy,where Qarase was racist...lol...may be he is still doing his research,and probably joining his old man back as Sodelpa.
Wrong! Bainimarama is the greatest man in history. I think we've established that now.
Below is a link I found in the archive by Chaudhry in 2002 after election.
"The Fiji Labour Party has been allocated office space, staff and other parliamentary resources in accordance with its numbers in Parliament.
The allocation was made by the Speaker and the House Committee based on the fact that as the second largest party in Parliament, FLP was entitled to parliamentary resources on a proportional basis.
“This is the reality not an Alice in Wonderland fantasy, as Mr. Qarase sees it. He would have done well to have checked the facts out with the parliamentary secretariat instead of displaying his lack of knowledge of procedures so blatantly,” Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry said.
“If anything this is more a tale of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. Mr. Qarase is clearly the lawbreaker here. He stands in blatant violation of the Constitution. He has stolen Labour’s Cabinet seats and, bought his way into power.
He sheds crocodile tears about Fiji’s widening racial divide when he himself has deepened this with his overtly racist policies and speeches. Mr. Qarase and a minority of those who think like him are entrenching racism in Fiji.
“Does the prime minister really think that marginalising virtually half the population of Fiji of one racial group is conducive to fostering harmonious race relations in Fiji?” Mr. Chaudhry asked.
Affirmative action policies that discriminate against half of the country’s needy population will only intensify racial resentment and segregation.
“The international community needs to realise that here sits a man with apartheid ingrained in him. As prime minister he ought to bring the races together, not to continually harp on superficial differences based on ethnicity,” Mr. Chaudhry said.
Mr. Qarase is equally wrong when he claims that the Fijian people prefer ethnic voting. It is a few extremists like him who cling to ethnic voting and race-based politics. because therein lies their power base.
He is wrong again in his claim that indigenous people have benefited under “Fijian” rule. It is common knowledge that the lot of the indigenous Fijian, the man on the street, has grossly deteriorated since the coups of 1987.
Those who have benefited under the guise of affirmative policies for the indigenous people are an elite group who hold positions of authority and maintain a stronghold on power through undemocratic and unlawful means.
“These are the people who milk the system for their own benefit leaving their unfortunate constituents more impoverished and forsaken.
“It is time the world saw through these false prophets of indigenous rights,” the Labour Leader said."
Following his party's racist manifesto Qarase continued by selecting only his I Taukei's friends so he can have support when inserting racist policies in his government.
below another example of Qarase the racist law breaker courtesy of the Fiji archives in 2002.
"Government sneaked in amendments to a Bill this week which makes it mandatory for the courts to allow bail after two years, thus taking the discretion away from the courts.
The Fiji Labour Party claims the amendment was sneaked in without any notice so that Joe Nata and Ratu Timoci Silatolu, facing treason trial for their involvement in the May 2000 coup, can be released on bail.
Of the 13 conspirators now detained on Nukulau Island, only Nata and Silatolu are still awaiting trial. To date the two have deliberately delayed the trial getting underway: Silatolu by asking for a State lawyer to defend him and Nata by sacking his lawyer at the last minute and asking for a State lawyer.
The two have now been detained for more than two years and will have to be freed on bail once the Bill becomes law. Government bulldozed it through the Lower House on Wednesday despite strong opposition from the Fiji Labour Party. It still has to go through the Senate before it enters the statute books.
Speaking on the Bill in the House, Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry said he saw no need for the amendment. Under the current law, every accused person has the right to be released on bail “unless it is not in the interest of justice that bail should be granted”.
Whether it is in the interest of justice or not has always been left to the discretion of the courts. “When you write it into a statute, you are ordering the judge to do it,” Chaudhry said.
“The judges have no discretion there. That is a very dangerous thing to do and as I said, let us not be roped in by this two year thing. It has no significance.”
“We have no business, and this House has no business to order the judge on what to do. If the judge is satisfied with the arguments advanced by the accused counsel, the judge would grant bail and lay conditions.”
The stipulation of two years was merely a red herring, Chaudhry said. He asked the Government to withdraw the amendment in line with the doctrine of separation of powers.
Otherwise Fiji was simply being turned into a banana republic. “You are putting the seal of a banana republic on Fiji and we are trying to prevent that,” he said.
Coup leader George Speight pleaded guilty early this year and was given a three year jail term to be served on Nukulau. Ten other conspirators had the treason charge withdrawn and have been sentenced to 18 months jail for lesser charges."
Links from Fiji archives 2003.
"Fiji Labour Party condemns the deferment of coup related cases against prominent personalities until February next year.
Deputy Speaker Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, Vice President Ratu Jope Seniloli, Sports Minister Isireli Leweniqila, Viliame Savu, Peceli Rinakama and Viliame Volavola appeared in Court on Thursday but the case had to be deferred because of the absences of lawyers from the prosecution’s office.
The DPP’s staff were attending a conference at the Coral Coast.
The Labour Party deplored the absence of prosecution lawyers slamming it as dereliction of duty. The Party is of the view that the DPP’s office is not serious about pursuing the case because of the prominent personalities involved.
“The deferment of cases against those in influential positions is indeed deplorable and cannot be tolerated”, said assistant secretary general Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi.
Those charged for treason should be treated more seriously by the justice system. The mere reason that the lawyers from DPPs office were attending a conference is no excuse for deferring a case that is related to crime against the state.
Rule of law has simply been compromised for the benefit of the few influential people holding powerful positions, which is yet another glowing example of making a mockery of the judicial system in Fiji.
The DPP should take its role more seriously and ensure that lawyers are available to attend such serious cases in future.
FLP demands that all those charged with events of May 2000 be dealt with without any further delay, said Vayeshnoi."
Archives 2003 links
"Fiji Labour Party is concerned at the leniency shown in the sentencing Varinava Tiko and six others who were involved in the siege of Korovou town at the height of the 2000 political turmoil.
The seven were sentenced by Nausori Court on Monday. Tiko received a for two year jail term while his father Iferemi, 65 was given a suspended sentence considering his old age and deteriorating health.
The other five were sentenced to terms ranging from 18 months to two years.
FLP has written to the DPP protesting the leniency of the sentences and has asked that he appeal against it.
In the letter to the DPP, FLP asked, ” How can the court have failed to take into account the extent of lawlessness and suffering that these people inflicted upon the innocent rural communities living around Korovou.
“You must remember the lawlessness that was unleashed on the surrounding countryside following the siege of Korovou town. Scores of families, at times entire settlements, were forced to flee from their homes in fear after they were terrorised by marauding gangs…Homes were ransacked and burnt down, crops pillaged, livestock stolen and killed, shopkeepers terrorised, residents beaten up and raped women.”
“These seven men should be held accountable for not only seizing the town but for the terror that was unleashed on the rural community as a result of their actions, often instigated and condoned by them,” Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry said in his letter.
He questioned the suspended sentence given to Iferemi Tiko, 65, because of his old age and deteriorating health.
Mr Chaudhry said the rebels themselves had shown no sympathy for the hostages in Parliament several of whom were old and victims of chronic degerative diseases such as heart problems. A couple of these hostages have since died while some others have suffered permanent damage to their health.
The men who took over Korovou town were in close league with the rebels in Parliament."
Archives 2004.
"Vice President Jope Seniloli’s release from prison on a compulsory supervision order has sparked off strong criticism from the army.
Army commander Frank Bainimarama described the move as a threat to national security, and questioned government’s motive in releasing a man found guilty of complicity in the 2000 coup.
Seniloli’s release was also strongly condemned by the Fiji Labour Party which has always accused the government of showing strong support and partiality towards all those involved in the 2000 coup.
Seniloli was granted a CSO on Friday by Attorney General Qoriniasi Bale supposedly based on a medical report. Government’s refusal to release details of the medical report has aroused suspicions.
He was sentenced to six years imprisonment for taking an illegal oath to serve in George Speight’s rebel government after the terrorist takeover of parliament on 19 May 2000."
Yet more racist and corruption practise of Qarase.
Archive 2004 links.
Qarase knew about 2000 coup.
"Fiji Labour Party has lodged an official complaint to police against Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase alleging he had prior knowledge of the May 2000 coup.
The complaint comes two years after the Labour MP, Mr Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi, made the first allegation in the Lower House.
Prime Minister Qarase had challenged the FLP on February 22, 2002 to provide concrete proof or withdraw its claims.
FLP Member of Parliament Poseci Bune believes he now has the evidence and has lodged a complaint at the Central Police Station on Saturday.
In his report, Mr Bune refers to two specific meetings, which he says implicates the Prime Minister.
Mr Bune has also reported allegations against Mr Qarase on having instructed military Commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama to remove President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, following a meeting at the Fijian Holdings Limited offices.
Bune is requesting a police investigation. He says the onus is on the Prime Minister to clear himself of any involvement in the 2000 Coup.
These allegations continue to surround the Prime Minister’s Office. In the Upper House last week, Senator Jim Ah Koy, said former Senator Adi Finau Tabakaucoro had informed him of the Prime Minister’s knowledge of the plans for the overthrow of the People’s Coalition Government."
Archives 2004.
Qarase's racist statement in New Zealand.
"The Fiji Labour Party today hit out at Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase’s statement in New Zealand which it described as highly charged with racial overtones.
Mr Qarase’s statement covertly justifying the illegal overthrow of democratically elected Labour governments is despicable to say the least, said Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry.
“Mr Qarase should not insult the Fijian psyche by implying that it condoned terrorist acts of treason and subversion so long as they were cloaked in the indigenous rights garb.
“The truth is that the insurrections of 1987 and 2000 were treasonous acts conceived, orchestrated, financed and executed by criminal elements in our society who preyed on the emotions of the ordinary Fijians.
“These people combined with other vested interest groups to stage the coups which ruined the lives of thousands of our citizens,” said Mr Chaudhry.
Where is Fiji today – seventeen years from the execution of the first coup? These so-called revolutions triggered off debilitating economic decline, pushing thousands of our people into unprecedented poverty levels. These treasonous acts ushered in an era of rabid lawlessness, corruption, racial bigotry and religious intolerance.
The fact that the coups overthrew democratically elected Labour governments, committed to uplift the masses and tackle the corrupt elements in our society, should be sufficient to indicate the type of people who were behind the coups.
Mr Qarase has, by his highly charged racist statement, done a disservice to the Fijian people and ridiculed their stature in the public eye.
He should have known better and understood that the international community will no longer tolerate terrorist acts to subvert democracy. They will no longer be fooled by the charade of Mr Qarase and his likes.
“Fiji does not have to be an ethnically polarised nation as Mr Qarase puts it. It is people like him who want to make it so for their own selfish ends,” said Mr Chaudhry."
Archives 2004.
Qarase's racist statement in New Zealand.
"The Fiji Labour Party today hit out at Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase’s statement in New Zealand which it described as highly charged with racial overtones.
Mr Qarase’s statement covertly justifying the illegal overthrow of democratically elected Labour governments is despicable to say the least, said Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry.
“Mr Qarase should not insult the Fijian psyche by implying that it condoned terrorist acts of treason and subversion so long as they were cloaked in the indigenous rights garb.
“The truth is that the insurrections of 1987 and 2000 were treasonous acts conceived, orchestrated, financed and executed by criminal elements in our society who preyed on the emotions of the ordinary Fijians.
“These people combined with other vested interest groups to stage the coups which ruined the lives of thousands of our citizens,” said Mr Chaudhry.
Where is Fiji today – seventeen years from the execution of the first coup? These so-called revolutions triggered off debilitating economic decline, pushing thousands of our people into unprecedented poverty levels. These treasonous acts ushered in an era of rabid lawlessness, corruption, racial bigotry and religious intolerance.
The fact that the coups overthrew democratically elected Labour governments, committed to uplift the masses and tackle the corrupt elements in our society, should be sufficient to indicate the type of people who were behind the coups.
Mr Qarase has, by his highly charged racist statement, done a disservice to the Fijian people and ridiculed their stature in the public eye.
He should have known better and understood that the international community will no longer tolerate terrorist acts to subvert democracy. They will no longer be fooled by the charade of Mr Qarase and his likes.
“Fiji does not have to be an ethnically polarised nation as Mr Qarase puts it. It is people like him who want to make it so for their own selfish ends,” said Mr Chaudhry."
Archives 2004.
Qarase's racist statement in New Zealand.
"The Fiji Labour Party today hit out at Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase’s statement in New Zealand which it described as highly charged with racial overtones.
Mr Qarase’s statement covertly justifying the illegal overthrow of democratically elected Labour governments is despicable to say the least, said Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry.
“Mr Qarase should not insult the Fijian psyche by implying that it condoned terrorist acts of treason and subversion so long as they were cloaked in the indigenous rights garb.
“The truth is that the insurrections of 1987 and 2000 were treasonous acts conceived, orchestrated, financed and executed by criminal elements in our society who preyed on the emotions of the ordinary Fijians.
“These people combined with other vested interest groups to stage the coups which ruined the lives of thousands of our citizens,” said Mr Chaudhry.
Where is Fiji today – seventeen years from the execution of the first coup? These so-called revolutions triggered off debilitating economic decline, pushing thousands of our people into unprecedented poverty levels. These treasonous acts ushered in an era of rabid lawlessness, corruption, racial bigotry and religious intolerance.
The fact that the coups overthrew democratically elected Labour governments, committed to uplift the masses and tackle the corrupt elements in our society, should be sufficient to indicate the type of people who were behind the coups.
Mr Qarase has, by his highly charged racist statement, done a disservice to the Fijian people and ridiculed their stature in the public eye.
He should have known better and understood that the international community will no longer tolerate terrorist acts to subvert democracy. They will no longer be fooled by the charade of Mr Qarase and his likes.
“Fiji does not have to be an ethnically polarised nation as Mr Qarase puts it. It is people like him who want to make it so for their own selfish ends,” said Mr Chaudhry."
A former Australian envoy to Fiji has finally admitted that the 1997 constitution contributed to racial divisiveness in Fiji.
Susan Boyd who was the Australian High Commission to Fiji at the time of the 2000 coup, told the Accountants congress over the week-end that the constitution did not foster multi-racialism.
She was referring to the entrenchment of the communal electoral system in the 1997 Constitution, a point which Labour Parliamentary Leader Mahendra Chaudhry had vehemently criticised at the time.
Chaudhry had received no backing then from either local politicians or the international community who all ignored this major flaw in an otherwise commendable constitution.
She said the constitution forced racially based politics and “when elections are fought matters of national importance are forgotten.”
These is exactly the reason why we needed a new constitution. And the 2013 constitution was the answer.
Vili Rakoro, after all this time, this is all you were able to muster against Kua Ni Rere? C'mon, man, this is pathetic. This stuff is nearly as weak as your reply to Mere.
Past FLP accusations against Qarase do not prove racism on his part. You didn't even include the statement by Qarase contended by FLP to be racist, so that we could judge for ourselves. If it's referring to Qarase's statement that Fiji is racially polarised, then accusing Qarase of racism because of that is just plain ridiculous.
That Fiji is racially polarised is plainly evident to everyone. Recognising the problem exists is the first step to dealing with it. Nelson Mandela said South Africa was racially polarised. Did that make him a racist, too?
Supporting the granting of bail for certain participants in the 2000 coup does not connote racism. If it did, then how much more racist must it be to support the coup attempt's mastermind, Frank Bainimarama?
Saying the 1997 Constitution didn't foster multi-culturalism doesn't mean the Constitution was racist, nor does it tar all of its supporters as racists. Amendments could have corrected any flaws in the Constitution or made any necessary changes. The regime had no right to rubbish our Constitution. In fact, it was treason.
Also, I hate to break it to you, but Mahen Chaudhry changed his tune in the last few years. At last check, he now supports communal rolls. Or are you now saying that he's a racist, too?
Anonymous 11.43 am
Seriously mate it's only weak if you have blinkers on. Mere accused Bainimarama of human rights violations and when I asked her for evidences to back up her allegations she couldn't even produce any shred of evidence.
And as for Kua ni ReRe well he just posts his very left opinion which is normally filled with hatred and racist tones on top of name calling and swears. As for the constitution well Bainimarama had more right to making a constitution then the two Australians who drew up our previous one.
Vili, asking Mere to give evidence of Bainimarama's human rights violations is ridiculous. Every human rights organisation has catalogued these. Why should she repeat them, when they're widely available, have already been quoted on this website by what you call the "cut and paste crowd", and can be easily looked up by anyone, especially someone with the research skills you claim to have?
As for KNA, I've seen nothing to suggest he's a leftist. He is vulgar and repetitive, but then again, you're occasionally vulgar as well and often repetitive also. Perhaps if you substantively answered his question about which specific Qarase policies were racist, he wouldn't feel the need to keep asking the question.
Personally, I believe both Qarase and KNR to be racists, though they'll both deny it. I think Bainimarama is a racist also, despite his rhetoric.
Racism is deplorable. But as deplorable as racism is, it's a common failing, it's prevalent amongst people of all races, and it isn't nearly as deplorable, in my book, as betraying your country through treason.
KNR is racist, but you are a traitor, Vili. And that is much, much worse.
I live in united state, Two years ago i married a lady called saline, we had two children together, we were very happy to be husband and wife, so when i travel on a business trip to Brazil, i spent a year in Brazil due to my kind of business, i and my wife talked on phone all the time, we chatted on the Internet, i never knew that my wife had started cheating on me by going out with her old school friend called Mark, i never knew something was going wrong till i came back from my trip, then i and My wife started having problems, she goes out and come back late at night, she changed in a strange way that i could not endure, i tried to do everything to please her but it got worst, so one day she left the house and never came back, i tried reaching her but no way i could reach her, i never knew she had travelled with her new lover which was Mark, i wanted her so much because of the children she left for me and because i loved her so much too, because of the heart break she has put me into, i went into search of a real magic spell caster though I was scammed twice by a spell caster, but I never relented in my search because I wanted a happy life with my wife, So one morning i saw a testimony about a spell caster Esango Priest, so i contacted him and to my greatest surprise this esangopriest@gmail.com made life manful for me again, my wife came back to me after 3 days of a love spell from this Esango Priest, i took her back and I am now settled with my wife by the magic power of Esango Priest .
Malcolm franks'
So, Nancy Alfred is a man who lives in the United States but isn't even able to spell the name of his country correctly? Apparently he thinks C4.5 is a lonely hearts column and that perhaps some of us might be takers for his love medicine in order to make life manful again
Vili Rakoro, I think this letter's for you.
Nancy Alfred, please ask Esango Priest to contact me, on an urgent basis, by way of the Office of the Prime Minister, in Suva, Fiji.
Vinaka.
Fiji's 'unsung heroes' of UK army
Black Watch soldier with tank on patrol in Basra
Fijians are serving the British Army in countries around the world
Fijian soldiers have a reputation of physical strength and spirit and have been quietly serving in the British Army for several generations.
Long colonial links have seen the South Pacific islanders serve alongside British troops for more than a century.
Some observers say their physical robustness and boundless bravery echoes the famous Gurkhas.
But Fijian troops do not enjoy the high profile of their Nepalese counterparts.
While other observers describe them simply as good, reliable infantry soldiers.
Fijian soldiers helped combat the Japanese in World War Two, where they gained a reputation as fierce jungle fighters.
They later served in Malaya, Borneo and Oman as well as Iraq.
In 2002, the British High Commissioner in Fiji, Charles Mochan, said the islanders made "exemplary soldiers".
Military tradition
A spokesman for the Fijian Embassy in London said more than 2,000 are now serving with British regiments around the world as a result of recruiting since 1998.
The British Army holds regular recruitment drives on the islands and the South China Morning Post said more than 10,000 hopefuls have applied since 2000.
Major Charles Heyman, senior defence analyst for Jane's Consultancy Group, said: "There is a long military tradition in Fiji and many serve today because their fathers and grandfathers did.
The truth is they are just normal guys, just like our guys. They make very, very good infantry soldiers
Major Charles Heyman
"The Fijians have been an essential part of the British empire and what they are doing, basically, is filling the vacant slots in the British Army because we cannot recruit enough from the UK itself.
"This happened very successfully in the 1960s and 70s and is working very well again today.
"The truth is they are just normal guys, just like our guys. They make very, very good infantry soldiers."
Fiji is one of the smallest Commonwealth countries and gained independence in 1970 after almost a century under British rule.
It has a population of over 880,000 and is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies.
A tourist on a beach near Suva
The island paradise and Britain share a long military history
But high unemployment as well as historical ties are often given as reasons for the high interest among young islanders in joining the British military.
They are also paid far more than they would in their own armed forces and money sent home is important to their families, especially in the remote villages and outlying islands.
'An honour'
The Fijian embassy spokesman said there was a long tradition in serving with the British Army which was seen as "an honour".
"You have to understand that Fijians have a strong admiration for the British Royal Family and there is a huge sense of pride in serving the Crown."
The embassy spokesman added the first recruitment drive was in 1961, and many at the time went into Scottish regiments.
Fiji's 'unsung heroes' of UK army
Black Watch soldier with tank on patrol in Basra
Fijians are serving the British Army in countries around the world
Fijian soldiers have a reputation of physical strength and spirit and have been quietly serving in the British Army for several generations.
Long colonial links have seen the South Pacific islanders serve alongside British troops for more than a century.
Some observers say their physical robustness and boundless bravery echoes the famous Gurkhas.
But Fijian troops do not enjoy the high profile of their Nepalese counterparts.
While other observers describe them simply as good, reliable infantry soldiers.
Fijian soldiers helped combat the Japanese in World War Two, where they gained a reputation as fierce jungle fighters.
They later served in Malaya, Borneo and Oman as well as Iraq.
In 2002, the British High Commissioner in Fiji, Charles Mochan, said the islanders made "exemplary soldiers".
Military tradition
A spokesman for the Fijian Embassy in London said more than 2,000 are now serving with British regiments around the world as a result of recruiting since 1998.
The British Army holds regular recruitment drives on the islands and the South China Morning Post said more than 10,000 hopefuls have applied since 2000.
Major Charles Heyman, senior defence analyst for Jane's Consultancy Group, said: "There is a long military tradition in Fiji and many serve today because their fathers and grandfathers did.
The truth is they are just normal guys, just like our guys. They make very, very good infantry soldiers
Major Charles Heyman
"The Fijians have been an essential part of the British empire and what they are doing, basically, is filling the vacant slots in the British Army because we cannot recruit enough from the UK itself.
"This happened very successfully in the 1960s and 70s and is working very well again today.
"The truth is they are just normal guys, just like our guys. They make very, very good infantry soldiers."
Fiji is one of the smallest Commonwealth countries and gained independence in 1970 after almost a century under British rule.
It has a population of over 880,000 and is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies.
A tourist on a beach near Suva
The island paradise and Britain share a long military history
But high unemployment as well as historical ties are often given as reasons for the high interest among young islanders in joining the British military.
They are also paid far more than they would in their own armed forces and money sent home is important to their families, especially in the remote villages and outlying islands.
'An honour'
The Fijian embassy spokesman said there was a long tradition in serving with the British Army which was seen as "an honour".
"You have to understand that Fijians have a strong admiration for the British Royal Family and there is a huge sense of pride in serving the Crown."
The embassy spokesman added the first recruitment drive was in 1961, and many at the time went into Scottish regiments.
Fiji's 'unsung heroes' of UK army
Black Watch soldier with tank on patrol in Basra
Fijians are serving the British Army in countries around the world
Fijian soldiers have a reputation of physical strength and spirit and have been quietly serving in the British Army for several generations.
Long colonial links have seen the South Pacific islanders serve alongside British troops for more than a century.
Some observers say their physical robustness and boundless bravery echoes the famous Gurkhas.
But Fijian troops do not enjoy the high profile of their Nepalese counterparts.
While other observers describe them simply as good, reliable infantry soldiers.
Fijian soldiers helped combat the Japanese in World War Two, where they gained a reputation as fierce jungle fighters.
They later served in Malaya, Borneo and Oman as well as Iraq.
In 2002, the British High Commissioner in Fiji, Charles Mochan, said the islanders made "exemplary soldiers".
Military tradition
A spokesman for the Fijian Embassy in London said more than 2,000 are now serving with British regiments around the world as a result of recruiting since 1998.
The British Army holds regular recruitment drives on the islands and the South China Morning Post said more than 10,000 hopefuls have applied since 2000.
Major Charles Heyman, senior defence analyst for Jane's Consultancy Group, said: "There is a long military tradition in Fiji and many serve today because their fathers and grandfathers did.
The truth is they are just normal guys, just like our guys. They make very, very good infantry soldiers
Major Charles Heyman
"The Fijians have been an essential part of the British empire and what they are doing, basically, is filling the vacant slots in the British Army because we cannot recruit enough from the UK itself.
"This happened very successfully in the 1960s and 70s and is working very well again today.
"The truth is they are just normal guys, just like our guys. They make very, very good infantry soldiers."
Fiji is one of the smallest Commonwealth countries and gained independence in 1970 after almost a century under British rule.
It has a population of over 880,000 and is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies.
A tourist on a beach near Suva
The island paradise and Britain share a long military history
But high unemployment as well as historical ties are often given as reasons for the high interest among young islanders in joining the British military.
They are also paid far more than they would in their own armed forces and money sent home is important to their families, especially in the remote villages and outlying islands.
'An honour'
The Fijian embassy spokesman said there was a long tradition in serving with the British Army which was seen as "an honour".
"You have to understand that Fijians have a strong admiration for the British Royal Family and there is a huge sense of pride in serving the Crown."
The embassy spokesman added the first recruitment drive was in 1961, and many at the time went into Scottish regiments.
THE FIJIAN ARMY: KEEPING PEACE IN OTHER LANDS
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By Ian Steele, Special to The Christian Science Monitor August 20, 1980
Suva, Fiji — Within the pale green walls of the officers' mess, heavy overhead fans beat the thick tropical air for a semblance of life. Beyond the parade ground a brass band cleared its lungs for the afternoon review, and armed troops in lightweight jungle greens dragged their bellies through the slop of an afternoon downpour.
But across the stiff white tablecloths in the Central Command dining room, the thoughts of the officers of the Royal Fiji military forces were elsewhere.
Most had served in the Middle East, and their minds were tuned to days and nights maintaining the harsh winter watch in Lebanon, bundled up in goose-down parkas from New Zealand and coarse woolen battle dress from India -- and to the question of where on earth their next posting might be.
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The Fijian Army has a long history of involvement in other people's wars. The country offered its men to the British in both world wars. fijians served with the American ground forces in the Solomon Islands during the Pacific war and by 1952 were back in service with the British struggle against insurgents in Malaya. In that conflict, from 1952 to '56, Fijian troops amassed an unchallenged combat record to which even the Gurkhas run second.
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Their objective since then has been peacekeeping and nation-building. Apart from a brief, tense role as policemen during Indian-Fijian racial strife in the early 1970s, the government has used the Army to train thousands of young men in combat, engineering, and building trades.
Through the long and often treacherous cyclone season the Army acts as a disaster relief force, ferrying supplies to the outer islands and rebuilding community facilities. Army platoons are lent out, for the cost of materials only, to village administrations for school and hospital construction.
Beyond these national preoccupations, however, the prime minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, has held to a strong sense of internationalism, traveling extensively through the Pacific, the Commonwealth, Europe, and the United States. In 1978, when the United Nations decided to put a peacekeeping force in Lebanon, he immediately offered a battalion and airlifted 659 men to the Middle East by May of the same year.
Trained to kill and retrained for peace service, the Fijian battalion has taken the brunt of Palestine Liberation Organization activity on the north and western fronts. It has rejected offers to transfer to safer sectors and in the past 18 months lost 7 men killed and more than 20 wounded.
"They have had to contend with periods of intense animosity and coexistence, and they have won the psychological battle," says their commander, Col. Robert Ian Thorpe, a lean New Zealander who fought with the Fijian forces in Malaya 25 years ago.
"Our men have maintained the essential role of peacekeeping and gained a reputation for being precise and methodical. The casualties testify to the fact that they hold their ground."
FIJIANS BRING NEW FIGHTING STYLE TO MIDEAST
By ROBERT TRUMBULL, Special to the New York Times
Published: August 9, 1981
SUVA, Fiji— The small but tough Fijian Army, blooded in Lebanon and now preparing for new peacekeeping duties in Sinai, has brought to the Middle East a style of fighting new to that arid area half a world away from the lush South Pacific islands.
For example, said the army commander, Brig. Ian Thorne of New Zealand, instead of firing their rifles the Fijians would rather swing them like the war clubs of their ancestors.
Similarly, he said, they like to hurl a hand grenade at an enemy without first pulling the firing pin, thus making it a steel equivalent of the traditional throwing club with which earlier Fijian warriors stunned an opponent before closing in with the larger bludgeon for the kill.
The Government of Fiji, which has had 600 soldiers in Lebanon since 1978 as part of a United Nations peacekeeping force, has agreed to send a 500-member infantry battalion to Sinai. It is the only country besides the United States that has publicly agreed to participate in the Sinai peacekeeping force, although one unnamed Latin American country has said privately that it would contribute to the force, according to American officials. Early Leader Served With British
Fijian experience in modern warfare began with a political leader named Lala Sukuna, later knighted by the British King for service to the Empire. Sir Lala tried to enlist in the British Army at the outset of World War I, was rejected, joined the French Foreign Legion, was discharged after being seriously wounded, applied to the British Army again and was accepted.
At about the same time, Brigadier Thorne said in an interview, large numbers of Fijians joined New Zealand's Army posing as Maoris, members of the indigenous Polynesian stock of that country, and fought against the Germans. To bolster the disguise, he said, many of the Fijian volunteers adopted British surnames common among Maoris of mixed race, like Smith and Brown, that survive in prominent Fijian families today.
The Fijians gained renown as jungle fighters against the Japanese in World War II, serving under American command in the Solomon Islands campaign, and against Communist guerrilla insurgents in Malaya, now part of Malaysia, in the 1950's.
Sir Penaia Ganilau, who commanded the Fijian troops in Malaya and is now Deputy Prime Minister of independent Fiji, recalled in an interview that the islanders had killed more than 10 guerrillas for every Fijian lost in that action. Unfamiliar Cultural Traits
Palestinian intruders into the area guarded by the Fijian peacekeeping units in southern Lebanon around Tyre have confronted the Pacific island soldiers with cultural traits as strange to them as theirs are to the Arabs, said Brigadier Thorne, a retired New Zealand Army officer who took command of the Fijian Army three years ago on contract.
''An Arab stopped at a checkpoint may become upset, strike the Fijian soldier and be carried away with a fractured jaw,'' Brigadier Thorne said. ''Four or five days later, there's a retaliatory attack on the Fijian post. This puzzles the Fijians, who are accustomed to settling differences on the spot.''
Thirteen members of the Fijian force have lost their lives in the three years of duty in Lebanon. Brigadier Thorne believes that the Fijians, who have been under orders to fire back when attacked, have inflicted many more casualties upon those who attacked them, but he said that ''it is impossible to keep score.''
US honours Fijians with highest medals
By Ritesh Kumar
6:09 pm GMT+12, 14/08/2008, Fiji
The United States Government has awarded five Fijian civilian security contractors who were killed in Iraq with the Defence of Freedom Medals in Suva today, reports Fiji Live.
US Embassy Chargé d'Affairs, Jeffrey Robertson acknowledged the presence of the families of Penaia Vakaotia; Viliame Rovutugaga; Alivereti Cereilagi; Josaia Seniasi and Vilisoni Gauna at a solemn ceremony this morning.
The five were contracted by the America-based security company Armor Group in Iraq to transport and protect Iraqi currency in the war-torn nation. They all died in separate incidents in Iraq while being employed by the company.
US Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Reardon reminded the families of the valour of the five men who bravely laid down their lives as part of an international effort to fight terrorism and preserve freedom.
The Defence of Freedom Medal is the civilian equivalent of the military's Purple Heart, a medal given for serious injury or death suffered in times of war.
The Purple Heart and Defence of Freedom medals are special because they are entitled not recommended.
The Defence of Freedom Medal was first created to honour civilians/employees of Department of Defence injured or killed during the September 11th Terrorist attacks. The medal symbolises the extraordinary fidelity and essential service of individuals.
Rovutugaga's wife, Amelia, from Nakavu, Namosi, said life without a husband was very difficult since he was killed in a roadside bomb in Baghdad more than two years ago.
"It's a very difficult situation when you don't have someone to support you and your children, especially when you don't have a husband or a father."
She said their only child Osea Rovuturaga, 11, is too young to understand the burden that has been left by their father.
"I'm working at the moment but life will never be the same again without our father," Ms Amelia said.
Fiji's representative of Armor Group, Hendry Ma'afu, said that families who lost their loved ones in Iraq have been compensated.
He said each and every employee of the group was insured. Also present at the ceremony was the Director of Armor Group Jonathan Ryan.
Source: PACNEWS/FIJILIVE
U.N. Says Haddad Men Killed a Fijian Soldier
AP
Published: May 31, 1983
BEIRUT, Lebanon, May 30— A Fijian soldier in the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon was killed during a gunbattle with members of Maj. Saad Haddad's Israeli-backed militia, a United Nations spokesman said today.
The United Nations spokesman, Timur Goksel, said the incident began when Ali Sweidan, a member of Major Haddad's militia from Tyre, refused to allow his car to be searched on Sunday at a Fijian checkpoint.
Israeli soldiers in two jeeps came to Mr. Sweidan's aid, the United Nations spokesman said.
The Fijian battalion's duty officer, after a visit to the checkpoint to investigate, was pinned down by sniper fire from a house owned by Mr. Sweidan outside the village of Kneise, three miles southeast of Tyre, Mr. Goksel said. He said that the Fijian officer then called for reinforcements, and a gunbattle erupted with Mr. Sweidan and seven other armed men in the house.
In the gunbattle, Pvt. Taniela Taukei Moivalu, 23-years-old, was fatally wounded in the head, Mr. Goksel said. Several hours later six carloads of Israeli troops arrived and surrounded the house.
The Israeli Army, according to the United Nations spokesman, informed the Fijian battalion headquarters that Mr. Sweidan and two of his men were taken to Tyre during the night, but that seven Israeli soldiers remained on guard at the house and about 30 Fijian soldiers continued to surround it. ----
Fijians for UNIFIL
Torika Chandra
Sunday, December 14, 2014
FIJIAN peacekeepers will soon be deployed to Lebanon under the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The last time Fijians served in UNIFIL was in 2002.
RFMF Commander Brigadier-General Mosese Tikoitoga said more than 100 Fijian peacekeepers serving under the UN Disengagement Observer Force at the Golan Heights would be deployed to Lebanon early next year.
"There are preparations underway to commence peacekeeping efforts with UNIFIL. Towards the end of the year or early next year, we will deploy men from Golan Heights to Lebanon," he said.
He said RFMF had a long and distinguished history of more than 20 years in Lebanon.
"I am grateful for the opportunity that we have been given to go back there but we will also need to prepare ourselves physically and mentally as next year the RFMF will be engaged in peacekeeping operations in Iraq, Egypt, Syria and Lebanon."
Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Ret) Voreqe Bainimarama, who visited the troops on the Golan Heights earlier this month, commended the RFMF for expanding its commitment to international peacekeeping by re-joining the mission in Lebanon.
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