The bad news is that trade unionist Rajeshwar Singh has been removed as a director of Air Terminal Services which, whatever the reason and despite government denials, indicates government continues in its efforts to reduce union influence. It is true Singh associated with Australian trade unions in an unwise attempt to win their support. But it is equally true that the attempt would have been unnecessary had government not passed the unnecessary Essential Industries Decree — with no prior consultation with the union movement. The removal is another example of how government loses friends who could make important contributions to Fiji's future. I would welcome informed comment from readers on this development, particularly with respect to the union shareholding in ATS.
The sad news is that former SDL politician, business woman (and my old student) Mere Samisoni has been taken into detention, as was predicted and feared by her daughter months ago. No reason was given but Mere has been very vocal in Fiji and overseas in her opposition to the Bainimarama government, and has probably provided financial support to anti-Bainimarama groups. It's very likely she broke PER more than once but government would have been better advised to ignore her.
The good news, announced by Public Service Permanent Secretary Parmesh Chand, is that all public servants are to get a pay increase, effective from today.
In addition, former civil servants, their spouses, former members of the disciplined forces, war veterans, retired judges, former Prime Ministers and Ministers and former members of parliament will all receive a 20% increase on their existing entitlements.
And the very good news is that the Public Emergency Regulations (PER) will be lifted next Saturday.
The irony is that had PER been lifted three months ago the Fiji trade union movement would have been able to voice its concerns about the Essential Industries Decree and would not have had to involve their Australian counterparts, and Mere Samisoni would not have been detained.
I'm sure all readers will join with me in welcoming the decision to lift PER. One hopes that Australia and New Zealand will recognize this as a positive step forward, and reciprocate with some easement of their sanctions.
One expects that this will mean the media will now publish responsible contrary news and ideas on a range of issues, not just those relating to the constitutional dialogue; and that people and organizations will be able to freely meet and associate. Anything less than this will be seen as tokenism..
(Sunday 01st January, 2012 No:01/MOI) Fiji’s Public Emergency Regulations To Cease In January (2012)
One expects that this will mean the media will now publish responsible contrary news and ideas on a range of issues, not just those relating to the constitutional dialogue; and that people and organizations will be able to freely meet and associate. Anything less than this will be seen as tokenism..
PER to be lifted next Saturday!
Fiji’s Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama today announced that the Public Emergency Regulations will cease by January 7th, 2012.
In his New Year’s Message, the Prime Minister said that he would ‘in the next few weeks’ announce a nationwide consultation process for a new constitution for the country.
“The constitution must establish a government that is founded on an electoral system that guarantees equal suffrage – a truly democratic system based on the principle of one person, one vote, one value; We will not have a system that will classify Fijians based on ethnicity; and, Our young men and women, those 18 years old must have the right to vote”, Prime Minister Bainimarama said.
He said that in order to facilitate this process, the Public Emergency Regulations commonly known as the PER would cease by the 7th of January, this year.
“We must all remember that public order, protecting the vulnerable and safeguarding the economy will always be paramount. We must also as a nation, be intolerant of those that seek refuge and political power in religious, ethnic and communal divisions”, the Prime Minister said.
A full version of the Prime Minister’s message can be accessed at www.fiji.gov.fj
-ends-
UPDATE
(Monday 02nd January, 2012 No:02/MOI) Update On Mere Samisoni And Others
UPDATE
(Monday 02nd January, 2012 No:02/MOI) Update On Mere Samisoni And Others
These persons Mere Samisoni , Mataiasi Ragigia , Apete Vereti and Semisi Lasike will be charged later this afternoon with the offence --- Urging Political Violence – Contrary to Section 65 (1) (b) of the Crime Decree No. 44 of 2009.
The four, between the months of September and December 201, in Suva in the Central Division intentionally conspired to overthrow by force of violence the Government of Fiji.
They are to appear at the Suva Magistrate Court tomorrow morning.
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