Fijian administration needs a review

Fijian administration
www.fijitimes.com - Thursday, March 05, 2009

IT is time for a serious review of the Fijian administration and its relevance to the nation and the indigenous people.

Recent reforms of State ministries and departments were conducted in an effort to increase efficiency, reduce expenditure and ensure the streamlining of services to the people.

In the case of the administration of the Fijian people, the costs of operating provincial offices far outweigh any possible benefit from maintaining facilities which provide for a particular racial group.

This administration has consistently called for the removal or references to race or the provision of benefits according to ethnicity.

Through the Rural Development Ministry, the State offers funding and technical assistance to people who live outside the urban areas.

These projects must be conducted according to the needs of the community after relevant analysis by experts.

Whether the beneficiaries of the projects are Indian, Fijian or some other ethnicity is irrelevant.

If a need exists, it is the duty of the State to see that these requirements are met from taxpayers' funds.

With the Fijian administration, a second, unnecessary tier of bureaucracy has been established to cater to the indigenous people.

Offices are maintained in the 14 provinces to ostentatiously care for landowners and minister to their needs.

With these offices are the accompanying costs of utilities, maintenance, staff salaries, administrative and operational costs.

Yet the needs of the indigenous community are fully catered for through services provided at the offices maintained by government departments and ministries. At provincial council meetings, matters raised by district representatives are referred to civil servants who must return to their offices, make inquiries and report back — sometimes six months later.

In truth, the Fijian administration is a relic of the colonial era, an un-needed layer of bureaucracy and a burden to the taxpayer.

We should not be forced to maintain a dual system of governance for reasons which are purely sentimental. The indigenous people have access to infrastructure and State-provided service. It is their duty to take the first step and approach government officers for assistance.

Addressing these issues through a system which caters only to Fijians wastes time and money.

It also encourages people to think in terms of ethnicity or breeds a mistaken sense of greater self-importance in members of the indigenous community.

This must change for the benefit of the Fijian people in general

The time has come for them to realise that circumstance has brought us together as a nation of one people.

We must all work hard for success. In this endeavour, ethnicity and religion are irrelevant.

It's time for the indigenous people to cast off the shackles of the past and enter the future under their own steam.

Reshuffle for Roko Tui posts

Wednesday, March 04, 2009
www.fijitimes.com

THE interim Government will reshuffle Roko Tui positions in provincial council offices, says interim Indigenous Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

There are 14 provincial roko serving at provincial councils nationwide.

He said the aim of the reshuffle was to ensure that no roko served in his or her own province.

When contacted at least one roko Tui said the last he understood was that he would continue his current post.

Roko Tui Tailevu Joape Nalatu, who is from Nadroga, referred queries to the Fijian Affairs Board.

But he also confirmed that he would stay on this year at the Tailevu Provincial Council.

Roko Tui Namosi Samisoni Tuilawaki said he was on long-service leave and not aware of any changes by the ministry.

"I am on leave and will start some time next week. I have not heard or been informed on that issue," Mr Tuilawaki said.

Yesterday Ratu Epeli also denied claims that the interim Government was considering reviewing provincial councils.

The denial came after some concern that the ministry was considering following the example of the Local Government Ministry, which replaced mayors with administrators last month

Floating on an island

Floating on an island
Rashneel Kumar
www.fiitimes.com - Sunday, February 22, 2009


THERE are people who have heard and read about the Floating Island on Vanua Levu but I doubt if many of them know about the myth that lies behind this captivating place. Well, I never knew anything about this place until I went on a recent trip back home. I discovered how the island is supposed to have originated. Let me start with my journey back to the Friendly North.

Waves hit the side of our ship, creating that milky foam leaving it to glimmer under the light of the moon.

I gazed across the sea that night looking for a beam of light which was far too away to imagine.

Well, that's what the life of a seaman is like and for a night I was no different.

Night was miserable with people cramped in to get a nap before witnessing a new day on a new land but there was some relief from my companions Ema Racule (LTC student) and Ravikash Singh (FIT student) who were going back home too after a year of studies on Viti Levu.

There was some noticeable change in Savusavu with new buildings cropping up.

But that fresh aroma on the hilltops as the bus to Labasa drove, fighting the mist, remained the same.

After a three hour bus ride, I reached my hometown, Labasa.

I noticed something - the introduction of new and expensive boutiques, restaurants and hotels.

Well my stop for the night was my home at Taganikula (about 50km drive from Labasa Town) close to where the Survivor Fiji television series was shot.

It was a heart-breaking sight as I gazed out on the arid fields of my village which were once covered with 'green gold' and beautifully designed houses.

It is a sad fact that a lot of people have either moved to urban areas in Labasa or local overseas, Suva because of the unsolved land problem.

But life goes on, no matter where you live.

The Floating Island

Early one morning I set off with my nana (mum) Veniana Vakatari for the Floating Island, as it is known, in the yearn to unearth the myth following it's existence. I have been living in that area since birth but honestly speaking, this was my first trip to this amazing place.

After an hour of bus drive, I managed to get to the place where this lady my Nana said was familiar with the myth of the Floating Island.

The place was peaceful and clothed in the colours of the vast and ancient place. Ghost gums and roots in the earth as red as blood stood against the expanse of blue sky which lined up in the meandering path down to a restful waterhole.

This waterhole is a drano (or a lake) of approximately 100 square metres in dimension.

It is situated at a remote place, to where one has to travel the entire rutted route to get - named Kurukuru in Nubu (about 60km from Labasa).

This lake is surrounded by pandanus (suluka) tree of almost similar size giving the lake quiet a queer but more of a uniform look.

Upon stepping on the banks of the drano, I felt the ground underneath to be of sand. This is believed to be the remains of the yagona which the Vu's (ancient God) used to consume during their time!

"Isa ... o sa siga ni kila vinaka na vola ni drano" (I don't know much about the Floating Island) were the foremost words of 63-years-old Litiana Dicauna whom my nana said was the only person left in the area vividly knowing the myth.

But she combined with her pal Kesaia Ranuve, 60, and did satisfy my longing for the ancient discovery. I was told to observe some traditional norms during the trip.

The drano is believed to be founded by the Vu (ancient god) of Nubu.

This was because they can have easier excess to the nearby sea for fishing and transportation. They were said to have made a drain (I don't know why they called it a drain because it actually looked like a river) through to the sea.

Once the Vu from Nubu had a fierce battle against the Vu of the neighboring village and this forced the owners of drano to leave the place and reside to a little far away village named Siriaga.

Nothing is particularly special about the lake apart from its appearance. But the thing which is really charismatic is what is floating on the drano.

The drano has two huge islands, one of which amazingly floats. It is believed that both used to make a circular trip around the Floating Island ,however, one of it has anchored itself on the side of the lake.

The one that is still floating is named Vanalato (it is named after a tree) and the one that is not functional is called Vanavadra (pineapple tree). The names have been given after these things were found on the islands.

Dicauna said that the Vanalato and Vanavadra have spiritual guiders who steers the island.

The Vanalato used to move on the tunes of the Bete (or priest) in the olden days but now any person speaking Nubu dialect can command it for a short journey around the drano. Also other people, but rarely, are able to make the island stir.

Only fortunate ones are able to ride on Vanalato .The people also believe that the Floating Island has a captain who is really moody and is the one that navigates the Vanalato. When sometimes the island does not move, it is believed that the captain is missing or not in a mood to steer the drano.

I was told that the Vu (which the people living in Nubu believe is still residing) has a name - Yame-bua-ovo (meaning - fire). Well how the Vu got the name has its own story.

Some centuries ago a white man used to live on the hillside near the lake. One day he ran out of matches (or fire).He mumbled to himself asking if there was any fire left anywhere and to his surprise flames erupted from the lake to his cooking place.

From there on people living near to the lake named the Vu, believed to be still living in the lake, Yame-bua-ovo.

The Source (Origin) of the Lake

The lake is believed to be sourced from a far (almost 60km) place set high amongst the towering cliff called Kiriyaganilali. The shape of this place, I was told, is bit extraordinary - it looks like a house and the door shaped part is where the water surges down forever to far and wide.

The Depth of the Lake

Believe me - no one to date knows how deep the drano is? The bank of the lake is about neck high of an average person but centre is still a mystery. People had tried many times with none succeeding in determining the depth. I was told that about some decades ago a man tried to dive in to check the deepness but he never reappeared again leaving all in a total misery and mystery.

The Evidence that the Vu still resides there

Nine years ago on a beautiful Sunday a boy aged 19 took some visitors who had come to church service in Kelikoso (neighbouring village of Kurukuru) for a trip around the lake.

Let me call this teenager Pita (I know the name but cannot reveal due to privacy) was a bit mischievous youth. During the trip he was bit off the traditional norm that should be practiced during the visit to the place. Everything went well, the Vanalato responded and left the port (where it haboured) making a circular round. When it was on its way back to its base, the boy jumped into the lake ... maybe to take a quick dip because of the searing heat of the day.

Pita was well ahead of Vanalato, swimming towards the land when he suddenly went underneath the water. The other mates accompanying him thought he was just on the way to crack another joke.

But he never came up and a search party was called who later found him somewhere floating about meter down the surface of the lake. He did not even have a scratch on his body and even the doctors were unable to find the cause of his inconceivable death.

This according to the villagers shows that there is still existence of the Vu who looks after the welfare of the drano and his people.

Now and Future

Ranuve and Dicauna sometimes sit under the hurricane lantern light and share the story with their grandchildren.

"They always ask me about the drano and are eager to know more about it," Ranuve said.

As I board on the bus again that day to return home, watching the dust scattering carelessly in the winds, the legend woven in the tapestry of the land kept on banging my head.

Was it true or just another of the tales my grandfather always used to share with me... that is for you to decide!

Bringing out the truth

Bringing out the truth
By Geraldine Panapasa

http://www.fijitimes.com/ - Sunday, February 01, 2009

They performed at the Flood Appeal Concert at Albert Park two weeks ago and have promised to bring the best out of traditional and cultural sounds of Fiji.
The local-based music band Vuku led by talented musician and Fijian chant master Sailasa Cakau (pictured right), is one of many local groups ready to take the world by storm with their fusion of indigenous and modern beats.
As he sat and explained the origins of the group, Sailasa had more than just cultural intuition and pride when talking about the significance of Fijian chants in modern day music.
Quietly sitting beside him was drummer Tevita Sauliga.
The five-member group was formed in 2002 during a yaqona session in Qauia.
Sailasa said the sounds produced from the group are a fusion of traditional Fijian chants and rock beats.
"This is the first time for Fiji to have a group producing a fusion of Fijian chants and rock," said Sailasa, who is also the lead singer, composer, arranger and innovator of Vuku.
"Our drawback is lack of instruments. At the moment, we are using a 12-string guitar and acoustics.
"We have participated at various musical events including the Fiji Music Festival in 2002."
Just like the Irish rock band U2, Vuku is ready to take on the world with their fusion of traditional rhythm and beats, and to share with the world a new genre of music that carries years of Fijian heritage.
Sailasa spent 11 years studying and learning traditional Fijian chants or the I Vola Vivigi Kei Viti (The hidden chronicles of Fiji).
With the help of his father and the elders of Nakorotubu and Nalawa in Ra, Sailasa said the inspiring U2 focused on telling the world about their pain and their cries.
"People are watching Fiji, not only in the political arena but in the kind of music we can come out with," Sailasa said.
"This is the moment for an uprising."
Originally from Tuatua Village on Koro Island, Sailasa says as an indigenous chanter, he had to live off the land to really understand the traditional gist of Fijian chants and heritage.
His ability to understand and relay Fijian chants is like carrying Fiji in the palms of his hands.
The 39-year old said success for the group is when they perform or play.
"It's not about the money but about the knowledge passed down from our elders. It's not about a race," he said.
"I want to bring about a revolution in Fiji through my music. I gave the first track for George Veikoso's Transition album called Na Vatu Kwe, meaning 'this jewel', referring to the people of Fiji.
"Also chants in the Killer album for Black Rose. I just want to empower other musicians that the world of music is a big market.
"And there's even space for our music."
The eldest of eight siblings, Sailasa was born and bred in Suva. His mother, Mere Tora was a trainer for caregivers while his father, Laisiasa Tora is a draftsman or land technician.
His mother introduced him to orchestra and with his passion for music firmly intact Sailasa braved his way through the challenges of the Fiji music industry.
He attended primary school at Delainamasi in Suva and Lautoka Fijian.
Sailasa continued his secondary education at Natabua High. He joined the National Youth Band and was awarded top honours in 1992.
He was awarded the best performer of the year award and most outstanding student of the year.
"I continued my interest in studying western music and traditional chants. I went on to teach music at Natabua High, Suva Grammar School and International Secondary School in Suva, and Koro High School," he said.
"From 1998 to 2007, I was the first musician in residence at the Oceania Centre at the University of the South Pacific.
"I would encourage the people of Fiji especially the cauravou to stand up for truth, for the needy and for the silenced," he said.
"Bring your heritage out. Put more value on your heritage because it's the truth about your past and future."

Qarase is Tui Kobuco in Mavana Village

CHIEF QARASE
3-Jan-2009 12:18 PM
www.fijidailypost.com

OUSTED Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has been installed as the new chief of Mavana village in his home island of Vanuabalavu in Lau. The decision was reached after the chiefly clan of Tota met on Wednesday.

He was traditionally installed as the Tui Kubuca in what was described as a moving ceremony on Thursday with the full support of Mavana villagers.

The Tui Kubuca, leader of the Yavusa Qalita, is chosen from the House of Nadroga, Nukucagina, Qilaqila or Naisogobua.

Qarase belongs to the House of Qilaqila and succeeded Josefa Cagi, who passed away in April last year:

Sau kei Mualevu and Tui Mavana Josefa Basulu, who is also a representative of the Lau province to the Bose Levu Vakaturaga, gave his full backing and blessings to the newly appointed chief.

The installment service was conducted by Reverend Josateki Koroi, a former President of the Methodist Church in Fiji. Qarase has been a very influential public figure in the country especially amongst indigenous Fijians. He has worked in government organisations and banks before being appointed caretaker Prime Minister following the coup in 2000. He moved to his village after the military overthrew his Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua led multi-party government in December 2006.

By LOSALINI RASOQOSOQO


Qarase wears chief's hat
By Ana Niumataiwalu
www.fijitimes.com - Sunday, January 04, 2009

OUSTED prime minister Laisenia Qarase is the Tui Kubuca of Mavana.

Mr Qarase was installed as the new chief on New Year's Day, witnessed by villagers who went to Vanuabalavu to be part of the celebration.

The Tui Kubuca's herald, Mesake Koroi, said Mr Qarase was installed as head of yavusa Qalitu.

The title was vacant after the death of the previous holder, the late Josefa Cagi, who passed away in April last year.

Mr Koroi said since the passing away of Cagi, the four mataqali of Tota, Vatulami, Valika and Valevono looked after the affairs of the village until a new Tui Kubuca was installed.

"The Tui Kubuca is the head of the four mataqali in Mavana," he said.

"People of Mavana living in Suva and across the globe charted the Suilven to the village for the vakatarai sulu or end of mourning and installation of a new chief.

"The vakatarai sulu was held on December 27 and the procedures that followed were that the chiefly mataqali of Tota met to choose a chief.

"Ater the meeting the person chosen was relayed to the yavusa Qalitu and received that Mr Qarase was to be installed."

No Apology - Tui Cakau

No apology
By Verenaisi RaicolaSunday
www.fijitimes.com - December 21, 2008

CAKAUDROVE'S paramount chief, the Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, said endorsement of President Ratu Josefa Iloilo on the People's Charter should be a lesson to chiefs that attended the Bose ni Turaga.
Ratu Naiqama, who declined the invite to attend the meeting at the army camp on Tuesday and Wednesday, said despite the vanua's decisions not to attend the BNT, 125 chiefs out of the 225 invited attended.
"This is the implication of their attendance, the President endorsed the People's Charter and it should serve as a lesson for those people," he said.
Ratu Naiqama said it was disappointing and he would not accept any traditional approach by interim Minister Indigenous Affairs Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
Ratu Epeli said he planned to visit paramount chiefs who did not attend the meeting to seek their support.
Ratu Epeli said he would use his traditional ties to visit Ratu Naiqama, the Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua and others who failed to turn up at the BNT last week.
The Qaranivalu, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, and Ro Teimumu declined to comment on the issue yesterday.
Ratu Epeli, at a press conference on Friday, said he would approach the chiefs in their domain.
"I will go and visit them in their headquarters and at their home. This is all part of the process and if they are in Suva and want to come and see me the door is open," he said.
"In my program, there are plans to visit the chiefs and there is no hard feelings. They have the right to make their statement."
Ratu Epeli said the paramount chiefs should have said they were not attending the meeting because of their own reasons and allow other chiefs to decide on their attendance.
He said the invitation went personally to the chiefs and now they needed to go back to the vanua to haul them in to support the charter as they had done.
On how that would work, considering the chiefs had breached the stand taken by attending the BNT, he said: "It would have to be discussed at village level."
He said there was nothing bad in the charter as it had principles about good governance.
"It could be improved on and this is what the chiefs will do with the people.
"They will have a hard time but this is what they will have to do to convey the need to support the charter."
On whether the members of the BNT were disappointed that the election would not be held in March, Ratu Epeli said the election will be decided by the interim Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, and it was not a cause for disappointment at all.
He said Commodore Bainimarama said six months ago that sthere would be no election in March.
"There were concerns as usually the case but the PM has made a decision for the betterment of Fiji and no one else." Ratu Epeli said.
Ratu Naiqama said Cakaudrove would not entertain any such delegation.

Follow Fijian Protocol-Tui Cakau

Follow Fijian Protocol-Tui Cakau
www.fijivillage.com - 12/11/2008

The paramount chief of Cakaudrove has welcomed the interim government's idea to have a Bose Ni Turaga next month however he stressed that nothing should be forced down on the chiefs of the country.

Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu said the interim government and especially Interim Indigenous Affairs Minister Ratu Epeli Nailatikau should realize that the chiefs were badly hurt after the sacking of the Great Council of Chiefs members.

Ratu Naiqama said based on that, the interim government should now follow proper Fijian protocol to get the chiefs together for a meeting.



Ratu Naiqama said the interim government should first resolve all matters through Fijian protocol before taking the step to have a meeting with the 221 chiefs of the country.



Meanwhile, as the new Interim Minister for Indigenous Affairs consults various chiefs around the country who remain opposed to joining the new Great Council of Chiefs, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau stressed that convening the GCC is not a priority for the interim government at this stage.

When questioned on when we could see the next GCC sitting to appoint a vice president, Ratu Epeli replied that he does not wish to pre-empt anything, as Fijian protocol is the key.