Fiji has the right to self-determination

A pledge as the Nation marks its 39th Independence Day

Fiji may be experiencing the effects of economic sanctions (though not suspension from the Commonwealth last month) and unfair and unneighbourly treatment from New Zealand and Australia, but the island nation is not in isolation.

Hundreds of thousands of people from either side of the Tasman, UK, US and Canada have expressed their solidarity with the Interim Government led by Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and the people of Fiji.

While reader response to the 24-page Indian Newslink report (September 1, 2009) included some adverse comments, a majority of the correspondents agreed with us and an increasing number of others that Fiji should be given a chance to order its own affairs and reinstate democracy at its own pace.

Mr Bainimarama had told me during an interview at his office in Suva on August 17 that his country can move forward only if it was freed from the bondage of racism, corruption, political, social and economic inequity and poverty.

He instated his belief in his address to the UN General Assembly in New York City on September 26.

“There have been critics of the events in Fiji since December 2006, when the military, with great reluctance was forced to remove the then government of Fiji.

“I believe that these critics are largely unaware of the extent to which politicians, in league with those who employ terror as a tactic to push a racial supremacy and corrupt agenda, had become a threat to the safety and security of our people,” he said.

Mr Bainimarama said his country would mark the 40th anniversary of independence on October 10, 2010.

“We embraced our independence full of enthusiasm, excited by the prospect of deciding our own future and believing that our community as a whole would work together in order to achieve a better life for all our people.

“Our path has not been smooth or easy,” he said.

He said the Road Map that he had advocated in July this year would be followed implicitly to create a new Constitution, conduct elections based on equality, equal suffrage, human rights, justice, transparency, modernity and true democratic ideals and establish a society that was not divided on the basis of race, caste or religion.

“I and my Government were mandated to carry out and continue the reforms which will ensure that true, democratic, non-communal, and equal suffrage based elections for parliamentary representation are held by September 2014,” he said.

Mr Bainimarama may not have avid listeners or believers among the leaders of New Zealand and Australia but a visit to Fiji and an honest assessment of the ground realities will bring the country and its polity in the true light.

Fijians are not bothered what others think about them.

They go about their work and profession without a care in the world.

The long-suffering Indian community has cause to believe that after 140 years of discrimination and discard, they now have a chance of being treated as humans.

That spirit will be evident on October 10 in Fiji, when the nation observes its 39th Independence Day, bringing alive its culture and heritage.

Festivities in New Zealand

Radio Tarana, People of Fijian origin and friends of Fiji will mark Fiji’s Independence Day at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre on October 4.

The radio station’s Managing Director Robert Khan said the daylong festival (from 11 am to 9 pm) will feature food, trade and craft stalls with a number of competitions for men, women and children.

“It will be a family festival, highlighting the cultural and social heritage of Fiji. Fijian food, known for its culinary art and delight will be among the highlights of the event. Entertainment will be non-stop with traditional and cultural performers showcasing their talent,” he said.

Mr Khan said the enthusiasm and support extended by commercial, social and community organisations have been inspiring, encouraged by which the festival this year would be bigger and better.

“It comes on the heels of Diwali 2009 (October 3) at the same venue,” he said.

A number of celebrities, including the popular Ramdeo Murgiwalla will perform at the festival, which is expected to draw thousands of people.