“Fiji is not a failed African State”

Bainimarama dispels a few common myths

Visions of military personnel guarding airports, roaming the streets, seeking identities of people at will and people living in fear vanish almost as soon as one lands in Nadi International Airport. No one confronts planeloads of people (most of them businesspersons and tourists) as they go through immigration and customs to reach their destinations. In fact, it is difficult to see even a policeman on the beat, leave alone a gun-wielding soldier.

Of course, the Military Council commands considerable power in running the State as Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama engages himself in the civilian task of running the country as the chief executive. But they too are seen in civilian clothes performing administrative tasks and none seems to be conscious of their titles as Lieutenant Colonel or Commander functioning as permanent secretaries in a couple of ministries.

Most people are aware of the adverse publicity that the Western media has been according to their country since Mr Bainimarama ousted the Laisenia Qarase government on December 5, 2006 but have no means to counter them.

Fiji has been called a “Banana Republic,” “a country on the verge of collapse,” and “a nation in which people live in terror and dilapidation.”

None of these fits reality and Mr Bainimarama began the formal interview with a categorical statement: “We are not a failed African State. We are a nation of people that seeks dignity and honour in the international community.”

It is almost impossible to ignore the charming smile of the man who is single-handled in combating the disinformation being disseminated abroad, although some of his staunch supporters believe that expulsion of two successive high commissioners from New Zealand “could have been avoided.”

A responsible media

But Mr Bainimarama made no reference to the diplomatic incidents. He was keen to explain his stand on the media.

“Freedom of the press is vital for democracy but such freedom must be preceded by responsibility and those who cannot substantiate what they write, publish, telecast or broadcast must face the consequences,” he told Indian Newslink in an exclusive, extensive and no-holds barred interview at his office in Suva on August 17.

He insisted that the Fijian press was not muzzled but officials do visit the media offices to check on what is being printed, published, broadcast or telecast. It may sound as strange logic but in his books, irresponsible reporting has already caused serious damage to the country’s image, investments and the perception of the international community.

“No country should tolerate irresponsible reporting; anything said or written must be substantiated,” he said.

It seemed incredulous when Attorney General and Minister for Anti-Corruption, Trade and many other portfolios Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum told this reporter (at an earlier interview) that it was hard to fight the anti-government stand of the privately owned newspapers, television channel and radio stations (see separate story in this Report).

Mr Bainimarama said any visitor to Fiji could go about “anywhere, anytime” freely and discover the true state of affairs in the country.

“Do not listen to the media. Come and see for yourself. We have had enough of coups, violence, disharmony and discard in this country. If we have to move forward, we must bring about radical changes in our systems, thinking and approach. We must be an all-inclusive society,” he said and asked, “Can you tell me if there is anything wrong with that?”

The way forward

As far as the outside world is concerned, there are three types of people: those who know everything about Fiji and care but can do nothing; those who know everything about Fiji and do not care and hence do nothing; and those who know nothing about Fiji and do not care.

Mr Bainimarama is convinced that political, economic and social reforms are imperative before the country can face an election.

Neither he nor his people want Mr Qarase to return to power.

“There will be another coup which the country cannot afford,” they say in unison.

“The People’s Charter is the only way forward,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“In this day and age, it is untenable to even think of marginalising one or more communities. Every person born in this country should have equal rights to education, health, ‘economic and political suffrage,’ everything in fact that would make every person lead a dignified life.

“I will not budge until I have achieved the common good,” he said.

But can an interim government, which is not elected by the people, make changes to the constitution?

The interim prime minister was quick to answer.

“The Charter has been taken to every city, town and village in this country – not by my officials or the army but by those who are interested in Fiji’s future. These are common people with a common cause,” he said.

Fiji Media Council Vice-President, The National Charter for Building a Better Fiji member and former Ba mayor Dijendra Singh agreed, saying that Mr Bainimarama wanted Fiji to be “everyone’s country.”

“New Zealand and Australia must understand our point of view. The People’s Charter has been endorsed by more than 70% of the population,” he said at a meeting at his home in Ba (see separate story in this special report).

Dual Citizenship

Mr Bainimarama’s cleansing process does not end with political reforms. He is keen to bring about a positive change in every aspect of Fijian life.

“Since the 1987 coup, we have lost hundreds of thousands of our talented people to other countries. Fijians (he meant Indo-Fijians) have successfully settled down in other countries. We have bled talent and this brain drain must stop.

“I would like all our people to come back home, participate in economic development and help Fiji prosper. But they will return only if they can be treated with equality and respect,” he said.

His government has reinstated dual citizenship, the details of which appear elsewhere in this report. It is understood that the facility, which had existed prior to 2000, was removed by Mr Qarase “in a bid to keep Indo-Fijians out of the country.”

(See separate story in this Special Report)

Better Bilateral ties

Mr Bainimarama said he was pained by the ‘continued inability of New Zealand’s leaders to understand, appreciate and support his stand to cleanse Fiji of racial politics and put in place orderly politics and economics which would in turn lead to a more progressive and prosperous society.

“New Zealand and Fiji have a long history of association even through the military. Even today, Fijians have fond memories of Brigadier Thorpe. We have been good neighbours since long and there is no reason why we cannot continue the cordial relationship,” he said.

Editor’s Note: Brigadier Ian Thorpe was contracted to command the Royal Fiji Military Forces from 1979 to 1982. Following his retirement from the New Zealand Army, the Fijian government invited him to establish the Fiji Military Forces Officer’s School after foreign military assistance was cut off soon after the first coup in 1987.

Brigadier Ian and his wife Pat were instrumental in establishing the Honours and Awards of Fiji, which was made effective by then President Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara on March 8, 1995.

Mr Bainimarama said he had neither abused authority nor misused funds since taking over the reins of administration almost three years ago.

“I am here to stop Fiji from declining in wealth, peace, harmony and prosperity. It is time all these problems are fixed forever. While a majority of our people have accepted the need for reforms, some of those in rural areas need to be educated. Their mindset is also changing; which is why we need more time. We will be prepared for elections in 2014,” he said.