THE INTERVIEW: DR ROBERT WOLFGRAMM

19th December, 2006 Dr Robert Wolfgramm is editor-in-chief of the Fiji Daily Post newspaper. He speaks with DAVID ADAMS about what's happening in the Pacific island nation, almost two weeks after the military - led by Commodore Frank Bainimarama - ousted the government of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase... How would you describe the situation in Fiji at the moment? "Tense but calm."   The text of 'When Angels Stand Beside Me', an editorial by Dr Robert Wolfgramm, published in Fiji's Daily Post on 15th December... "When angels stand beside me I do not run I do not hide I love too much the One who died to save me "When angels stand beside me Though lions roar and dogs attack His promise holds He is not slack to save me "When angels stand beside me My voice is clear My conscience grips The truth is here upon my lips: ‘He saves me’ "Don’t let it get you down son Life will not be denied us We stand on holy ground When angels stand beside us." What is the feeling among people on the streets? "Everyone is trying to go about their pre-Christmas business and doing their best to ignore the military coup presence on the streets of the capital Suva. Beyond Suva to the remote towns, villages and islands there is virtually no sense of a coup going on. But Suva is a different story; army checkpoints on all routes in and at major intersections. Soldiers foot patrolling the streets with police. Truckolads of soldiers coming and going to various offices and buildings searching for who-knows-what as part of their self-styled 'clean-up' campaign. There is apprehension, distrust and sadness, but, being Fiji, friendliness, hospitality and wary smiles are in there too, it has to be said. We are hanging on to hope." What's been the reaction of the nation's churches to events of the past couple of weeks? "All Christians here find the coup worthy of condemnation. The Protestant churches have been especially strong in their vilification of the commander and his troops and urging repentance and a return to democracy. Some specifically want the return of the democratically-elected but deposed government of Laisenia Qarase. The Catholic Church has condemned the coup, but rejects the vilification of those involved and some Catholics express solidarity with the commander's manifest agenda i.e. to clean up corruption. Hence there is a range of rejections of the coup from total to qualified." How does this situation compare with previous periods of political upheaval in Fiji - such as George Speight's coup in 2000? "1987 and 2000 were morning-tea coups with interim care-taker cabinets sworn in by afternoon-tea or thereabouts. This 2006 coup was a dinner-time coup and two weeks later, still no sign of an interim caretaker lineup. 1987 and 2000 were May coups - by December/Christmas, things were sufficiently normalised for Fiji to be on the recovery ropes. This present coup is a December/Christmas one - bad timing. In short, as far as coups go, this is a messy, clumsy, ill-conceived operation that looks as if it is being made up as they go along. I mean, what kind of coup takes advertisements out in newspapers for application to fill emptied government?" You're a Fijian-born Australian national. Is it true you've been told you will be deported to Australia by the army? What reason was given? "Yes, that was the advice from Colonel Mara after a brief and sharp interrogation. No reason, other than 'Fiji doesn't need people like you'." Is the media generally facing strong censorship in Fiji at the moment? "Self-restraint, self-censorship is how I would put it. The military has visited every media outlet with warnings, directives, and urging cooperation to help them. As the officer who came (with four armed soldiers) to our offices put it, 'we're trying to set up something here, so it would help if you cooperated with us'." What needs to happen in Fiji for the restoration of democracy? "The military needs to stand down, restore and hand back executive authority to the president (which is possible), restore the fallen government (which is most unlikely) or let the president put in an interim regime (most likely) elections to come. Much, if not all, depends on the Great Council of Chiefs meeting tomorrow and Thursday." Does the international community - including Australia - have a role to play here? What should it be? "Yes, smart sanctions are already in place. No one wants them, but they would seem to be a necessary evil under the circumstances. Urge the military commander to back down, to come to discussions, to come to his senses. Show solidarity with the silent dissenting movement. Pray for Fiji's chiefs, that they have the courage as well as the wisdom to re-set the military in its place." How can Fiji prevent such a situation from happening again? "Demilitarise. Obliterating coup-culture by means of demilitarisation and other structural reforms has never been addressed by any government; it must be once and for all or coup-cycle will be a fact of life." ~ www.fijidailypost.com FOR MORE ON FIJI: WorldView: Where to for Fiji?...  | more... |

Your Say

Comment left by Jim Reiher Thanks for the article/interview.... Like many Aussies I am appauled to see a democracy thrown out of office by a military coup. But I must say I am really really frustrated with the media: I have not yet heard the reasons why the military have done this. One word is said: corruption. But what corruption? What happened to make the military take this action? Has it been discussed at all and I have just missed it? If it has not been discussed, is anyone else out there frustrated at not getting the reasons for the coup? What if the elected guys were really really corrupt and ripping off the nation some how? That would make us a little less harshly judge the military. But more likely the military are doing their own thing and there are no good reasons for the action. Can anyone out there clear this up for me?

Comment left by David Adams Hi Jim, That appears to be the military's justification... Interesting comments here - http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2006/s1815105.htm - from Virisila Buadromo, of Fiji's coalition of NGOS: "There is definitely a split within civil society. There's a group that believes that this coup was justified. While they support the cause they don't support the means. And then there is another group of people of which we belong to, who are purists, and we believe that the rule of law needs to be followed to the letter. And we believe that this government is an illegal regime. As a result of this coup, which according to the military is going to be the coup that ends all coups, in our opinion, because of experiences in other parts of the world, that is often not true, that one coup just basically perpetuates a coup cycle. And unfortunately for us, that is an issue that we will have to deal with, and we as a society need to find a way to get people to understand there is a way out of this coup cycle, and we've got to get people stop thinking that the only way you can get rid of a democratically elected government that you don't like is at the end of a gun. And you've got to get people to understand that you can do it at the ballot box."

Comment left by Allan Maitra Hi Jim and David, Yes all believes that the coup culture has to be stopped but there is little suggestion to how this might be achieved. Fiji is a very young nation and until lately the common people would not despute the Chiefs wisdom at any cost. The chiefs were not so educated and a small group of people were manipulating the cheifs for their advantage. Even though the deposed govt.'s divisive policies and corrupt practices were very evident and common knowledge, majority of the people were not in a position to question partly due to the Fijian culture and partly for the fear of losing their livelyhood. the economy of the country was in a very poor state. One example of the corrupt practices was the coverting of a 20 million loan to the Fijian holdings ltd into a grant - Major shares of this company is held by Lesainia Qarase , some other mps and and few other prominent members of the society. There were many other corrupt practices and abuse of office. Another reason was the interference with the judicial system. Introduced a bill to pardon previous coup leaders like George Speight and company. It is alleged that there had been vote rigging to win the last general election. It would have been very hard for the citizens to show their discontent through the ballot boxes due to the tradition and culture combined with all the race based propaganda. It was very hard for the people to understand or accept that the devil was within. I believe small elite group indegenous Fijians were benefitting and cheating the naive and blaming the Indo-Fijians for the poor living standards that the rest of the country was experiencing. This created alot of hatred and a rise in crime. The commander understood this and he himself was a target of the last coup. Therefore I do not believe that the citizens would have been able to correct the mass that they were in for a very long time which might have been too late. Only the Army had the resources , the power to take any action. I hope the commander is sincere and genuine about his actions. So far it looks positive and there has been growing acceptance to the course and I hope this continues in the right direction. The law will take its course but for now I would look positive and give the new administeration a chance for the sake of progressing from here on. This is my concise personal veiw of the unfolding events as I see it.

Comment left by David Adams Thanks for your input Allan.

Comment left by Joshua Tukana Mr Allan, like all outsiders need to be informed that the $20 million he referred to was in fact a loan which was given under the SVT Rabuka Government for the shares of the 15 Provinces[including Rotuma]to the Fijian Holdings. The Qarase Government actually did a good thing by converting that loan into a grant under their Affirmative Action Programme and this was approved by Parliament. Nothing sinister about that!.. The Chaudhry administration of 1999 -2000 also converted a total of $53 million[ I stand to be corrected on the figure] loans to Cane farmers [including their personal loans] to a grant when in power and no body talked criticised him about that...You call that corruption Mr Allan?

Comment left by Adriu Rusanavanua The 20 million which Joshuan Tukana refers as given under the SVT Government, to be factual correct was a State loan to Fiji Holdings. This loan was mysteriously converted to grant; that was used to construct the Great Council of Chief's new palace. My question is How does the average Fijian benefit from this palace? Corruption in Fiji is now being unveiled like this FNPF scam. Notwithstanding the corruption in NLTB, like having a board member (Keni Dakuidreketi) be a developer as well. Conflict of interest, under hand deals, nods and winks was a ubiquitous standard operating procedure in Fiji, but florished under Qarase's watch. Seems the clean campaign was a muckraking exercise which Fiji sorely needed. Outwith corruption and nepotism!

Comment left by Joshua Tukana Adriu Rusanavanua missed my point. I would request him to go to the Ministry of Fijian Affairs and educate himself with the millions of dollars Return from these Investment distributed each year to the 14 Provincial Councils including Rotuma which has greatly subsidised the Provincial Taxes and have a direct impact on the reduction of levies to individuals in the communities. It is deliberate misinformation that the $20 million was utilised by Fijian Holdings for the construction of the Chief's Palace referred to by Adriu. The "Chiefs Palace"[Adriu's emphasis] was funded by the Fijian Development Trust Fund.

Comment left by Adriu Rusanavanua Excuse me Joshua but the Fijian Development Trust Fund did not have 20 million dollars to begin with. Joshua hardly realizes that all this Fijian Holdings share certificates are not held by Joe and Sainmili Taukei. So it does not benefit them. It is held by these a conglomerate of Fijian elites and nobles, some of whom have financed by Fiji Development Bank (headed by L.Qarase). It is hardly a surprise when Qarase and his village have created front organizations, as a purchasing vehicle for Fijian Holdings shares. Fiji TV is owned by Fijian Holdings by virtue of majority shareholding, TV NZ is the minority owner. Fijian Holdings have been lobbying their key persons in authority to oppose any legislations to liberalise the TV market in Fiji. It is a fact that these Fijian provinces have been used as an excuse by these layer of cronies to layer their pockets. This allows the elite faction to remain in power and continue their dominance using unethical, unlawful practices. This is evident in all spheres of Fiji, now that the this Anti-Corruption unit has been busy; more will be revealed. Read more here: http://www.fijibuzz.com/fiji-resource-ownership/fijian-provinces-betrayed-by-fijian-initiative.html#jc_allComments

Comment left by Joshua Tukana Ouch!! Adriu -you need to be informed. The Fijian Development Trust Fund was the vehicle that was responsible in funding of the Chief's complex at Draiba and Not the Fijian Holdings. Call Isoa Kaloumaira to educate you on the matter. That was my point all along. Your comments about Fijian Holdings does not hold water. We are very happy that through our Province's share allocated through the $20 million loan turned Grant to Fijian Holdings that we rae experiencing a reduction from $20 per person Provincial rate to $10 at the moment. You go to our villagers and Tikinas and the people will tell you how happy they are for that assistanse. That is what matters to our grass root communitie and not your hyped up arguments of the issue. You can keep that to yourself. Seeing is believing..

Comment left by Adriu Rusanavanua Fijian Development Trust Fund was administered by F.A.B, by 10 million grant of class A shares for Fijian Holdings. <---start---> Radio New Zealand International http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=11127 The Voice of New Zealand, Broadcasting to the Pacific Te Reo Irirangi O Aotearoa, O Te Moana-Nui-A-Kiwa My RNZI Fiji Holdings Securities found guilty of malpractice Posted at 23:45 on 20 July, 2004 UTC Fiji’s Capital Markets Development Authority, is to take disciplinary action against Fijian Holdings Securities Limited after it was found "guilty of malpractice". The incidient relates to a stock exchange transaction involving the chief executive of Fijian Holdings Securities, Siteveni Weileilakeba. The Fiji Times reports that the matter involves the sale of shares in Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Limited without the permission of the joint owner of the shares - Mr Weileilakeba’s wife, Laisa Digitaki. The newspaper says Mr Weileilakeba is denying exerting undue pressure over the sale. The Authority has issued a statement that Fijian Holdings Securities "is guilty of malpractice for failing to exercise due skill, care and diligence in the conduct of its client’s affairs." The Authority’s chief executive, Julie Apted, says Mr Weileilakeba would be heard before disciplinary action is imposed. Under the law, the CMDA can cancel or suspend the brokering licence of Fijian Holdings Securities. by ; published 24 January 2001 http://www.fijihosting.com/pcgov/docs_c/fijian_holdings_fdb_details.htm (source) FIJIAN HOLDINGS LTD: WHY AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY IS NEEDED, AND THE ROLE OF THE FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK IN FINANCING SHARES IN FIJIAN HOLDING? ON THE 13TH JULY 2000 THE INTERIM PRIME MINISTER MR LAISENIA QARASE PRESENTED TO THE GREAT COUNCIL OF CHIEFS A BLUEPRINT FOR THE PROTECTION AND ADVANCEMENT OF INDIGENOUS FIJIANS AND ROTUMANS. THE BLUEPRINT INCLUDED A DECISION TO CONVERT THE $20 MILLION INTEREST-FREE LOAN TO THE FIJIAN AFFAIRS BOARD TO A GOVERNMENT GRANT ON THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS; 1. TRANSFER OF $1 MILLION 'B' CLASS SHARES HELD BY THE FAB IN FIJIAN HOLDINGS LIMITED TO EACH OF THE 14 PROVINCES. 2. BALANCE OF $6 MILLION TO REMAIN WITH FAB [AS EQUITY IN FHL] FIJIAN HOLDINGS WAS PRIMARILY CREATED TO INCREASE EQUITY PARTICIPATION BY THE PROVINCIAL COUNCILS AND FIJIAN INSTITUTIONS IN SUCCESSFUL COMPANIES. THE $20 MILLION GOVERNMENT LOAN, ANNOUNCED IN THE DEUBA ACCORD IN 1987, WAS INTENDED BY THE COUNCIL OF CHIEFS TO BOOST THE OWNERSHIP OF THE 14 PROVINCES IN FIJIAN HOLDINGS. IT WAS STATED IN THE SENATE IN 1993 THAT ACCORDING TO THE 1992 ANNUAL REPORT OF FIJIAN HOLDINGS, FIJIAN HOLDINGS WAS DOMINATED BY LIMITED LIABILTY COMPANIES OWNED BY GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS WHICH HELD BY SIMPLE PROPORTIONING 70 PER CENT OF FIJIAN HOLDINGS WHILE THE 14 LPROVINCIAL COUNCILS AND THE NATIVE LAND TRUST BOARD AND FIJIAN AFFAIRS BOARD HELD 30 PER CENT. IT WAS ALSO STATED IN THE SENATE IN 1993 THAT WHILE 1 PROVINCIAL COUNCIL'S SHARE IN FIJIAN HOLDINGS WAS $50,100 THREE FAMILY PRIVATE COMPANIES IDENTIFIED WITH THAT PROVINCE HELD A TOTAL OF $450,000 SHARES. IN 1984 THERE WERE NO PRIVATE COMPANIES IN FIJIAN HOLDINGS BY JUNE 1992 THERE WERE 27 PRIVATE COMPANIES. IN THE MAJORITY OF CASES THERSE PRIVATE COMPANIES WERE ABLE TO SECURE FINANCE TO BUY THE SHARES FROM THE FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK. SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILY OWNED COMPANIES WHICH OWNED SHARES IN FIJIAN HOLDINGS WERE NAMED IN THE SENATE IN 1993. THEY INCLUDED MR LAISENIA QARASE WHOSE FAMILY COMPANY Q-TEN INVESTMENTS LIMITED OWNED 200,000 SHARES, AND MR SITIVENI WELEILAKEBA WHOSE FAMILY COMPANY STIKS INVESTMENT LIMITED OWNED 150,000 SHARES. THESE TWO NAMES WERE HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE AT THE TIME MR QARASE WAS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF FIJIAN HOLDINGS, AND FINANCIAL ADVISER TO THE FIJIAN AFFAIRS BOARD MR WELEILAKEBA WAS APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER IN 1991. THE 1998/9 ANNUAL REPORT OF FIJIAN HOLDINGS DISCLOSES THAT MR WELEILAKEBA'S FAMILY COMPANY OWNS 10,000 SHARES AND THAT IN 1998 THE COMPANY HELD 100,000 SHARES. ATTEMPTS TO VERIFY DETAILS OF THE OWNERSHIP OF Q-TEN INVESTMENTS, STIKS INVESTMENTS AND STIKS HOLDINGS AT THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE OFFICE HAS BEEN INSTRUCTED NOT TO REVEAL THE DETAILS UNLESS A REQUEST IS MADE IN WRITING STATING THE PURPOSE OF THE ENQUIRY. INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTERED COMPANIES IS NORMALLY READILY AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. QUESTIONS 1. WHY WERE PRIVATE COMPANIES ALLOWED TO BUY SHARES IN EXCESS OF THE SHARES HELD BY THE PROVINCIAL COUNCILS? 2. WHY WAS THE FAMILY COMPANIES OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK ALLOWED TO BUY SHARES IN EXCESS OF THOSE HELD BY THE PROVINCIAL COUNCILS? 3. WHAT ADVICE DID MR QARASE GIVE THE FIJIAN AFFAIRS BOARD ON THE ALLOCATION OF SHARES TO PRIVATE COMPANIES? 4. WHEN THE COUNCIL OF CHIEFS APPROVE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILY COMPANIES BUYING SHARES? THIS PATTERN OF PRIVATE COMPANY OWNERSHIP CONTINUES TODAY. FAMILY COMPANIES OWN MORE THAN 2.2 MILLION SHARES IN FHL. THE PROVINCIAL COUNCILS OWN 1.9 MILLION [MASTER LIST OF SHAREHOLDERS DATED SEPT 1998] IN THE FHL'S TOP TWENTY LIST OF SHAREHOLDERS OF FIJIAN HOLDINGS DATED 31ST JANUARY 2000 ONLY FOUR PROVINCIAL COUNCILS OWN MORE THAN 100,000 CLASS 'A' SHARES. THE TOP TWENTY SHAREHOLDERS UNDER STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING RULES FIJIAN HOLDINGS ARE OBLIGED TO PROVIDE TO THE EXCHANGE A LIST OF THE TOP TWENTY SHAREHOLDERS. THERE APPEAR TO BE SOME DISCREPANCIES IN THE LIST PROVIDED BY FHL. ACCORDING TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES TWO OF THE COMPANIES ON THE LIST NO LONGER EXIST. THEY ARE CICIA PLANTATION CO-OP SOC. LTD AND VATULELE ISLAND HOLDINGS LIMITED WHICH HAVE BEEN DEREGISTERED. [IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN SHAREHOLDERS HOLDING 'B' CLASS SHARES, AND SHAREHOLDERS HOLDING 'A' CLASS ORDINARY SHARES. 'A' CLASS SHARES ATTRACT A MUCH HIGHER DIVIDEND THAN 'B' CLASS SHARES AND THEY CARRY VOTING RIGHTS WHICH CLASS 'B' SHARES DO NOT. THE DIFFERENCE IS ILLUSTRATED IN FIJIAN HOLDINGS 1999 ANNUAL REPORT. 'A' CLASS SHARES ATTRACTED AN INTERIM DIVIDEND OF 10 PER CENT AND A PROPOSED FINAL DIVIDEND OF 10 PER CENT [TOTAL DOLLAR AMOUNT &2,092,930] THE ORDINARY 'B' CLASS SHARES HELD BY THE FIJIAN AFFAIRS BOARD ATTRACTED A PROPOSED DIVIDEND OF 5 PER CENT [TOTAL DOLLAR AMOUNT $1,000,000] THE TOP TWENTY SHAREHOLDERS 1. THE MAJORITY SHAREHOLDER IN FIJIAN HOLDINGS IS THE FIJIANS AFFAIRS BOARD WHICH OWN 20,329,855 SHARES OF CLASS 'B' SHARES [66.7 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL SHAREHOLDING] 2. THE SECOND LARGEST SHAREHOLDER IS THE NATIVE LAND TRUST BOARD WITH 893,501 SHARES. 3. THE THIRD LARGEST GROUP OF SHAREHOLDERS WITH MORE THAN 100,000 SHARES EACH ARE AS FOLLOWS; CICIA PLANTATION CO-OP SOC LT 400,000[finance from FDB] RATU SIR K MARA EDUCATION TRUST FUND 300,000 TAILEVU DAIRY FARMERS CO-OP 300,000 BA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 206,917[finance from FDB MACUATA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 203,614 MAVANA INVESTMENTS LIMITED 200,000[finance from FDB] MUALEVU TIKINA HOLDINGS LTD 200,000[finance from FDB] VANUA KO LOVONI INVESTMENT LIMITED 179,805[finance from FDB] DUAVATA HOLDINGS LTD 150,000 BUA PROVINICIAL COUNCIL 137,102[finance from FDB] RARA O NAKELO HOLDINGS LTD 117,616[finance from FGDB] MALOMALO TIKINA HOLDINGS LTD 107,111 MOALA TIKINA COUNCIL 101,005[finance from FDB] VUKICEA INVESTMENT LTD 100,000[finance from FDB] NAQARANI HOLDINGS LIMITED 100,000[finance from FDB] VATULELE ISLAND HOLDINGS LIMITED 100,000[finance from FDB] MUNIA HOLDINGS LIMITED 100,000[finance from FDB] DOGOTUKI TIKINA COUNCIL 100,000[finance from FDB] ON INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES THE BREAKDOWN OF OWNERSHIP OF THE PRIVATE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES IS AS FOLLOWS; 1. MAVANA INVESTMENTS LIMITED - 200,000 SHARES [FHL] MAVANA INVESTMENTS LIMITED IS OWNED BY A NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS. THE MAJORITY OF THE SHARES ARE OWNED BY THE MAVANA VILLAGE FUND - 108,500 SHARES. Q-TEN INVESTMENTS IS OWNED BY THE FAMILY OF MR LAISENIA QARASE. 2. KO LOVONI INVESTMENT LTD - 179,805 SHARES [FHL] THE DIRECTORS OF VANUA KO LOVONI INVESTMENT LTD ARE DESCRIBED AS VILLAGERS FROM VARIOUS VILLAGES IN OVALAU. THE COMPANY WAS REGISTERED ON 6TH MAY 1993. ACCORDING TO DOCUMENTS FROM THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES VANUA KO LOVONI INVESTMENT LIMITED OWES THE FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK A TOTAL OF $199,188.65. 3. VUKICEA INVESTMENTS LIMITED - 100,000 SHARES [FHL] VUKICEA INVESTMENTS LIMITED WAS REGISTERED ON 16TH OCTOBER 1992. IT IS WHOLLY OWNED BY THE VUKICEA FAMILY OF CICIA, LAU. A DEBENTURE OF $80,000 WAS REGISTERED BY THE FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK OF 30TH NOVEMBER 1993. THE MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION DETAILING THE PURPOSE OF THE COMPANY WAS WITNESSED BY MR SITIVENI WELEILAKEBA, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF FIJIAN HOLDINGS. 4. MUNIA HOLDINGS LIMITED - 100,000 SHARES [FHL] THE DIRECTORS OF MUNIA HOLDINGS LIMITED ARE KAMELI VOSA AND SOLOMONE VOSAICAKE. THE COMPANY WAS REGISTERED ON 9TH DECEMBER 1989. A DEBENTURE OF $80, 000 WAS REGISTERED BY THE FIJI DEVELOPMENT ON 26TH FEBRUARY 1995. 5. VATULELE ISLAND HOLDINGS LIMITED - 100,000 SHARES [FHL] THE COMPANY WAS FORMED ON 11TH DECEMBER 1993. ITS DIRECTORS ARE VILLAGERS FROM VALUTLELE. THE REGISTRAR WROTE TO THE COMPANY ON 11TH DECEMBER 2000 STATING THAT HE HAD REASONABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THE COMPANY WAS NOT OPERATING FOLLOWING A FURTHER LETTER ON 10TH APRIL 2000 THE COMPANY WAS REMOVED FROM THE COMPANIES REGISTER. 6. MALOMALO TIKINA HOLDINGS LTD - 107,111 SHARES [FHL] THE DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY ARE RATU SAMUELA NAULAGO AND RATU MESULAME VOSAILAGI, BOTH FARMERS OF SIGATOKA. THE COMPANY WAS FORMED ON 12TH DECEMBER 1994. WE WERE ADVISED BY THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF OCMPANIES THAT DETAILS OF THE TIKINA HOLDING COMPANIES IN THE TOP TWENTY WERE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE FIJIAN AFFAIRS BOARD BY WRITTEN REQUEST. THE FAMILY OWNED COMPANIES WITH SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDING IN FIJIAN HOLDINGS AS LISTED BY THE COMPANY IN 1998 ARE; 1. KINGFISHER ENTERPRISES 77,508 [finance from FDB] 2. KJY INVESTMENT LIMITED [KONISI YABAKI] 50,000 [finance form FDB] 3. LANA INVESTMENT LTD [RATU N. LALABALAVU] 95,000 [finance from FDB] 4. MB INVESTMENT LIMITED [M BULANAUCA] 100,000 [finance from FDB] 5. MARKIN INVESTMENT [ISIKELI TAOI] 100,000 [finance from FDB] 6. MEPSAN INVESTMENT [PECELI MATANITOBUA] 67,932 [finance from FDB] 7. NABUABUA HOLDINGS 100,000 [finance from FDB] 8. RABULI INVESTMENT [MEREANI RABULI] 50,000 [finance from FDB] 9. RAFIRE LINVESTMENT [M. RABUKA] 100,000 [finance from FDB] 10. SAKIANA INVESTMENT 50,000 11. TAOI INVESTMENT [J VITUSAGAVULU] 150,000 12. TUKULA HOLDINGS [SIR JOSAIA TAVIQIA] 100,000 [finance from FDB] 13. VENSALISI INVESTMENT 50,000 14. YALIMAIWAI INVESTMENT [ANARE BULA] 100,000 [finance from FDB] 15. 5X INVESTMENTS 100,000 [finance from FDB] 16. BAKANI INVESTMENT 100,000 17. BARAVI ASSOCIATES 50,000 18. FJ JAMNOVIS INVESTMENT 100,000 [finance from FDB] 19. I WAQA & COMPANY 80,000 20. JAY TEE INVESTMENT [S TABAKANACA] 100,000 [finance from FDB] 21. KB INVESTMENT 100,000 [finance from FDB] THE MAJORITY OF COMPANIES BOUGHT THEIR SHARES BETWEEN DECEMBER 1991 AND MAY 1993. QUESTIONS 1. WHAT IS THE FULL EXTENT OF LOANS MADE BY THE FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILY COMPANIES TO BUY SHARES IN FIJIAN HOLDINGS? 2. ON WHAT TERMS WERE THESE INDIVIDUALS AND COMPANIES GIVEN LOANS BY THE FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK? 3. WERE THE PROVINCIAL COUNCILS INFORMED THAT THEY COULD BUY SHARES ON SIMILAR TERMS? ON 26TH MAY 1995 SUBSANTIAL LOTS OF SHARES WERE ISSUED TO THE PROVINCIAL COUNCILS. ACCORDING TO THE COMPANY'S SHARE REGISTER DATED 30TH SEPT 1998. BA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 34,801 SHARES BUA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 87,002 SHARES KADAVU PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 43,501 SHARES LAU PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 17,401 SHARES LOMAIVITI HOLDINGS 52,201 SHARES MACUATA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 87,002 SHARES NADROGA/NAVOSA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 17,400 SHARES NAMOSI PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 35,671 SHARES RA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 8,700 SHARES REWA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 43,501 SHARES SERUA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 87,002 SHARES TAILEVU PROVINCIAL COUNCIL 52,201 SHARES A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF OTHER SHARES WERE ALSO ISSUED ON 26TH MAY 1995 TO MATAQALI, TIKINA AND VILLAGE BASED COMPANIES. MATAQALI 1. DROVALAU INVESTMENTS 16,743 2. ERENAWAI HOLDINGS 16,743 3. MATAITINI DEVELOPMENT 16,743 4. MATAQALI NATABUTALE 16,743 5. NABAIKPAODI HOLDINGS 16,743 6. NATURUBU TIKINA HOLDINGS 16,743 7. TOKATOKA VUWAI HOLDINGS 16,743 8. TUBANAWAI HOLDINGS 16,743 9. VALELEVU HOLDINGS 16,743 10. DOROKAVU HOLDINGS 16,578 11. RUKURUKU INVEST CO. [RAVUAMA BAISAGALE] 50,000 [finance from FDB] TIKINA 1. BURETA TIKINA HOLDINGS 26,101 [finance from FDB] 2. CICIA TIKINA HOLDINGS 33,104 3. DREKETI TIKINA INVESTMENTS 17,400 4. MALOMALO TIKINA HOLDINGS 87,000 5. MOALA TIKINA HOLDINGS 34,475 [finance from FDB] 6. MAULEVU TIKINA HOLDINGS 77,508 [finance from FDB] 7. NAMUKA TIKINA COUNCIL 17,400 8. NAWAIDINA INVESTMENTS 17,400 9. RARA O NAKELO 117,616 [finance from FDB] 10. UDU TIKINA COUNCIL 17,400 11. VANUA O SABETO 17,400 12. VATULELE ISLAND HOLDINGS 78,410 [finance from FDB] VILLAGE 1. AROVUDI VILLAGE DEVEL CO. 16,045 2. DALICONI INVESTMENT 16,142 3. DELADAMANU INVEST HOLDINGS 16.142 4. LOMATI VILLAGE INVESTMENT 44,716 5. MAULEVU KORO INVESTMENT 73,290 6. MUNIA HOLDINGS 16,142 7. NABUKEBUKE HOLDINGS 75,990 [finance from FDB] 8. NAKABEA INVESTMENT 16,142 9. NAMUKA-I-LAU 73,290 [finance from FDB] 10. NAYAVU VILLAGE 16,142 11. TARUKUA VILLAGE 25,516 [finance from FDB] 12. TAWAVA INVESTMENTS 36,645 [finance from FDB] QUESTIONS 1. ON WHAT BASIS WERE SHARES IN FIJIAN HOLDINGS ALLOCATED TO THE PROVINCIAL AND TIKINA COUNCILS IN 1995? 2. HOW WERE THE SHARES TO THE PROVINCIAL AND TIKINA COUNCILS FUNDED 3. WHAT CRITERIA DID THE FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK USE IN FUNDING THE PURCHASE OF SHARES? 4. WHAT DIVIDENTS HAVE THE PROVINCIAL AND TIKINA COUNCILS RECEIVED SINCE 1995? THE NEED FOR AN INQUIRY WHAT IS CLEAR FROM THE HISTORY OR SHARES OWNERSHIP IN FIJIAN HOLDINGS IS THAT THE $20 MILLION LOAN FROM GOVERNMENT WAS NOT USED TO BENEFIT THE FIJIAN PEOPLE AS THE GREAT COUNCIL OF CHIEFS HAD INTENDED. THE DOMINANCE OF INDIVIDUALS AND PRIVATE FAMILY COMPANIES BENEFITED A FEW WHO HAD ACCESS TO FINANCE FROM THE FIJI DEVELOPMENT. QUESTIONS NEED TO BE ASKED AS TO WHY THIS WAS ALLOWED TO HAPPEN. WHAT ROLE DID MR QARASE PLAY AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK IN FACILITATING LOANS TO INDIVIDUALS AND PRIVATE COMPANIES TO PURCHASE SHARES IN FIJIAN HOLDINGS OF WHICH HE WAS A BOARD MEMBER? WAS FINANCE FROM THE FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK MADE AVAILABLE TO THE 14 PROVINCIAL COUNCILS AT THE SAME TIME THAT IT WAS BEING OFFERED TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILY COMPANIES? IS THE LIST OF THE TOP TWENTY SHAREHOLDERS A TRUE AND ACCURATE PICTURE OF THE CURRENT OWNERSHIP OF FIJIAN HOLDINGS? THESE AND OTHER QUESTIONS NEED TO BE ANSWERED BY AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY. THE DECISION BY THE INTERIM GOVERNMENT TO TRANSFER $I MILLION CLASS "B" SHARES IN FIJIAN HOLDINGS TO EACH OF THE PROVINCE WILL BE OF MINIMUM BENEFIT TO THE MAJORITY OF THE FIJIAN PEOPLE. THE ANNUAL DIVIDEND TO EACH PROVINCE FOR ITS "B" CLASS SHARES WILL BE IN THE VICINITY OF $50,000. IF THE ORIGINAL LOAN OF $14 MILLION HAD BEEN GIVEN TO EACH PROVINCE IN THE FORM OF A LOAN TO PURCHASE ONE MILLION CLASS 'A' SHARES, THE TOTAL MARKET VALUE OF THEIR HOLDING TODAY WOULD BE $38.5 MILLION AND THEY WOULD HAVE HAD THE BENEFIT OF HIGH DIVIDENDS WHICH WOULD HAVE ADEQUATELY COVERED THEIR REPAYMENTS. <---End--->

Comment left by Joshua Tukana Thank you Adriu. With all the above the ball is in our court [You and Me] to see how we can maximise the benefits for the betterment of our own people. I was worried that you chose your name to "Rusanavanua" which by itself has a very serious negative connotation to our struggle. You are very well educated and I do humbly request you - come lets take our Fiji froward using that reality before us with the information you have given. I have been well informed of the information through my membership of our Provincial Council and of Fijian Holdings Annual Reports etc,. Whilst I share most of your arguments, reading between the line [as Driti recently was quoted by the media], I consider it prudent to take the positive side and push things forward rather than to destroy. Ni vosoti au meu kerei kemuni mo ni sa na papitaisotaki ni kua na yacamuni vou - Adriu - Bulanavanua. Lets take in on mate!!!... Qarase, Bainimarama and all will be history in their own time but giving our helping hands for our people will be the best means to achieve our God given purpose and what a wonderful means of leaving a legacy behind to time immemorial after we passed on...

Comment left by Adiru Rusanavanua Thanks for the condescending review. The fact of the matter is that, the these native institutions need a clean up and the GCC recent suspension underlines that fact. It appears that all who resent the Bainimarama may really be protecting this layer of corruption. Since you have been part of the provincial meetings and Fijian Holdings, as you just pointed out; that would make you a vestige of the past. Of course, Fiji needs to move forward, but not without exposing this explicit and implicit cronyism that has bankrupted the state treasury. What does the average Taukei have to show for it? Nothing. Meanwhile we the GCC, lounging in the self-importance and the provincial council meetings that continue to exude entitlements and little effort done to promote honest, work ethics. The Fijian customs and culture has enslaved the Taukei to perpetual slavery. Don't get me wrong, culture is good; but one should not allow culture to handicap the family in the modern lifestyle; where Bills have to be paid, food provided for the table etc. Reform has been slowly exercised in Fiji(in funerals, burua, va bogi va, bogi tini, bogi drau have been omitted altogether); but this type of in-depth reform has never ever been done to the native institutions.

Comment left by Josh Tukana Adriu,we are yet to see the truths about Bainimarama's clean up Campaigns.Lets not count our eggs before they are hatched. " Da yaco i na koro da qai kaila". You can rest assured that a lot of these will still bounce back to what you and me can do. A lot of what seems to be surfacing are products of the institutionalisation of our Fijian systems starting from Ratu Sukuna and even going back to the colonial period to Thurston when the Fijian Race were deliberately isolated under the guise of "protection" of our cultural heritage.Only our God knows the truth about those perspectives. Recognising the need to rid the Fijian people from that Policy led to the establishment of the Affirmative Action Programmes from the Alliance party ,SVT and lately the SDL. That was part of the reforms taken which you rightly pointing out above. Bainimarama's Clean Up Campaign will never resolve these matters. In fact his choice of methodology has now only sealed his own fate given his dilemna to disengage himself from the backlash of his overthrowing a Legitimate Government,etc . That by itself is an exercise which he is beginning to discover will only come with an expensive price.God help him!..In view of that per se, Bainimarama himself can never be trusted to deliever you and me from what you have pointed out above!.It is reported that he has been busy trying to save himself from his own enemies from within and outside!!. The Fijians needed people like YOU Adriu..Turn around and see them on the streets, in the villages, in the island communities...etc. They need right thinking people with passion to steer themselves clear from this current course of destruction we are heading to. The untimely removal of the Fijian institutions will only inflict more harm than good. It must be done in good faith.In consultation with all people. Not as part of an agenda of some who are hell bound to pursue self interest to attain some prestige position in the corridors of Power come hale,gale or storm. I beg to differ with you in this respect. In light of the evidences of self interests now emerging amongst the Senior Members of Bainimarama's Team, unfortunately in my view, they all fall short of the qualifications to genuinely drive the much needed change for the betterment of our own people and Fiji as a whole..That still brings everything back to us Adriu and what can we do???.The average Taukeis are no longer ignorant and they are truly well blessed with wisdom in identifying truths from myths..Reforms must be undertaken - that I agree with you but never at the expense of losing our God given heritage..

Comment left by Adriu Rusanavanua Josh Tukana wrote "Turn around and see them on the streets, in the villages, in the island communities...etc. They need right thinking people with passion to steer themselves clear from this current course of destruction we are heading to. The untimely removal of the Fijian institutions will only inflict more harm than good. It must be done in good faith.In consultation with all people. Not as part of an agenda of some who are hell bound to pursue self interest to attain some prestige position in the corridors of Power come hale,gale or storm. I beg to differ with you in this respect". You are entitled to your opinion. The fact of the matter is that, these very native institutions have been applying social slavery to the Taukei. Your views on the untimely removal of the members of GCC is unsubstantiated. 1987 and 2000 coups were all done in the name of Fijian supermacy; yet the grassroots Taukei are still in poverty. The Affirmative Action programs have been abused as far as the eye can see. Everybody sees this diconnect between the lip service of racist politicians and those of native institutions. We see the native reserve commissioner being suspended because the Taukei know that alot of communual owned lands have been mysteriously being de-registered, allowing them to be sold in the market.

Comment left by Joshua Tukana Adriu, What is your point?.We can talk about the above problems till Kingdom come. What can we do?.Or what we must do?. The current AG in the IG has a thesis which will tear apart all the very institutions of what constitute the Taukei's and seemed hell bent in implementing his ideas concerning the dismantling of those institutions under the very eyes [maybe he does not care any more by now] of Bainimarama.We continue to "fiddle while Rome is burning"?..One thing is obvious ,the problems you continue to highlight in your contribution have only been compounded by the current actions of the perpetrators of the 05/12/06 Coup.What the Taukei's and the people of Fiji have gained at least during all the previous decades of developments will now be all gone down the drain given the way the current actors are displaying their lack of skills on stage. Watch the tides,they certainly are heading into some disastrous direction..From your perspective the Native Fijian Institutions have been applying social slavery to the Taukeis then for your information, the primary objective of Mr Khaiyums thesis is to completely sell them out into oblivion. It leaves us but with little, to make a choice which is the two are the better evil.Sa dri yani!. I have to go back my village now.Time to go and grow some tavioka.Nice talking to you Adriu.God Bless Fiji.

Comment left by Adriu Rusanvanua Thesis? That probably explains the GCC's inaction in raising the issue of native lands like Monasavu, Suvavou. It is interesting to point out Kitione Vuataki is the lawyer for the Suvavou landowners case in High Court. His position on the the reasons why these cases were not addressed earlier raises serious questions on the GCC's actual objectives. The fear of native land being redrawn is another of the ethnonationalistic fer mongering, a campaign which was spearheaded by NLTB's GM Marika Qarikau and others including elements in the Fiji Times. Yaqara and Natadola is among the other cases that seems to sum up the depth of corruption. The real landowners have been complaining about their land been deregistered without their approval. The Native Lands Commission erroneously declared that Yaqara orginal inhabitants have died, giving the NLTB the land; after legislations was passed by SDL to have NLTB assume the lands of extinct Fijian tribes. Qoliqoli Bill was another dubious legislation that gave NLTB carte blanche over the native fishing grounds and foreshore. It also had clauses within it to bar mataqali members from taking legal action against the NTLB; which is a huge constitutional fallacy. I have concluded that the real threat to grass roots Taukei is the very native institutions and individuals within it; who supposedly have their best interest at heart. Laurai Vakamalua...Da ga na veisagata!

Comment left by fijiano Drau bula Adriu kei Joshua, Thank you for your discusions. The Fijian land fact is that'At the end of the lease,33,66 or 99 yrs,at $49 an acre average,the Fijian native land owner will have gained zero while the tenant has profited much and moved on' Native landowners,must now work the land.'Clean up' the bush and plant.This is spriritual,and the land will, as always,feed the people. vinaka

Comment left by Joshua Tukana Ni bula mai Fijiano!!..Sa lesu mai na tei tavioka mai na koro ka sa baci mai lesu talega o Rusanavanua. Yes, Fijiano I am happy we have people like you who are on the correct paths.That is truly the way forward for the Fijian landowners. They must till the Land if they are to reap the God given benefits associated with them. Adriu seem to be hell bent in criticising th Fijian Institutions. We would have benefitted more if you identify alternatives to the systemthat was put in place there by those systems. In fact the Suvavou issue are only tip of the ice bergs of the many misdeeds committed against the Fijian Landowners due to their lack of education and knowledge of Land Issues. To that effect the systems put in place by Rt Sukuna and the Colonial Masters greatly benefitted the Fijian Landowners and protected them from usurpation and abuse of ownership left right and centre..If Kiti Vuetaki is true with his allegation about the plot by Dr Sahu Khan and Company to acquire unutilised Fijian Lands through the Inetrim Government then we can say that Fijian fears that resulted in the institutionalisation of their Land are REAL!!!.They have a real Justification...But I agree with Fijiano. We need a paradigm shift now.One that can move the Issue of Fijian Land Ownership to Fijian Land Utilisation .Priority amongst the Fijian Landowners themslves. By the way we will need an affirmative Action Policy for such a Programme to be effective. A Policy similar to the one introduced by the SVT Government and followed on by the SDL..We need to discuss these issues more thoroughly. I thank you Fijiano for your input. It has indeed moved our discussion forward from one which we were simply crying over spilt milk. Sa lai yaco sara ena i timnitini rogoca sa vakaraitaka mai ya o Rusanavanua..We must have faith and presss= on regardless..Vinaka..

Comment left by Adriu Rusanavanua I'm more skeptical of these native institutions than anything else simply because the the test of time has proven beyond reasonable doubt that they have become a stumbling block to the financial empowerment of the grass roots Taukei. The issue of native land being taken is another of these fallacies used by the Speight and company. What the Taukei needs is more genuine programs like the case of Tailevu landowners declared by the Courts that they are free to market their own mahogany plantations. It was even demonstrated that NLTB was blocking their paths of the landowners to market and harvest their timber. NLTB did the same to the Monasavu landowners by attempting to extort the pound of flesh; after FEA had approved a payout. These actions speak to the grass roots Taukei and revealed the travesty of these native institutions; which Joshua Tukana downplays. Regardless of the papers published, it is time that the Taukei move away from the system which has enslaved them and many are realizing this dichotomy. If one disagrees with their papers; then go ahead and publish your own solutions and let the public and the grassroots Taukei judge for themselves. If one really looks at the finer point that, Fiji does not even have Taukei owned Press, Publishing Houses dedicated to the Fijian Language. This is another embarrasing state of culture; which GCC et al have long ignored. We have the old slogan;"Fiji for the Fijians" yet realistically find this unforgivable that Fijians can't even publish their own books. Taukei have told lies about threats about the Indian race an even Ratu Sukuna words as some may claim said:" A good Indian is a Dead Indian!" Why did Ratu Sukuna in all his wisdom not set up printing presses for the Fijians if he really wanted progress. Sadly, the only progress ethnonationalists want is Chiefly progress at the expense of everyone else.

Comment left by Grassycoral Adriu and Josh...very enlightening exchange and thanks for keeping on track and refraining from the usual abusive ping pong and slander that the new blogsites are engaged in. I can't help but agree with you both. Like that Solomons story about the two mothers who were both claiming a baby, Solomon gave it to the one that didn't want the baby harmed and this reminds me of our situation in Fiji. The underlying thing is that Fiji citizens just want a quick return to democracy to restore trust and confidence in the economy both locally and internationally. However, we all know that unearthing corruption and foul play does not take overnight. It is a long process and we have to take into consideration the Commander's role and where he stands at the moment. We have to give him credit that instead of abrogating the Constitution he has chosen to keep it alive which goes against all being said by his critics that he is trying to save himself. He can easily save himself if he does abrogate the Constitution as happened in 2000. People in Fiji have a very short memory...if it wasn't for Frank we would have slid into anarchy...where along the line did the hero turn into the villain? As far as I know save for the human rights abuses...things have never been more quite and peaceful in Fiji. Fijians are too gullible and believe anything too many John Come Lately politicians take to them especially at the village level and in churches and therein lies the problem. The tripod of Vanua, Lotu kei na Vuli is being circumvented to suit politicans' agendas and they play on the people's beliefs and hearts. We will come out of this much stronger because the younger generation would have learned from this mistakes. There will come a time when both Qarase and Foreqe will be a names most would rather forget but until then let's focus on the now and try to help steer this country onto even keel and we could start with calling off the strike that is looming. Let's call on the unions not to be silly. Not at this point in time and we what Fiji needs is goodwill and not selfishness and personal agendas.

Comment left by Grassycoral Sorry the abrogation occurred in 1987 not 2000. Thanks

Comment left by Tuisalia Perhaps the abpve interviewee could enlighten the forum about his special relationship with Qarase. As I understand it Wolfgram who's originally of Tonga/German descent is married to Qarase's niece, the office manager of the same newspaper and his father in law who is the managing editor. Dr Wolfgram could do well to answer the questions about why the paper is being staffed by family who are in all aspects of the paper. His brother in law is one of the subeditors and since his ascension to the position at that newspaper, many staff who worked tirelessly and selflessly to keep the paper above water were sacked in favour of the Qarase family. The newspaper is supposedly partly owned by Government and was a strong advocate of the SDL Party through the connection of the management staff to the former Prime Minister who is currently in exile on his island Vanua Balavu.

Comment left by Peckham Tuisalia's comments reflects the kind of rot that are creating our problems here in Fiji. What's wrong with the family connection one has to principles and belief???. I ask the above persons to continue focussing on issues and do away with personal vendetta smear campaign tactics by Tuisalia.. Theirs are only made to divert attention..They speaks more of the madness people like Tuisalia possess that unfortunately spoil the enlightening exchange that has been taking place in these column..

Comment left by Adriu Rusanavanua Peckham, it's called impartiality. The same reason why in the court of law, a judge cannot be rule on a case before him or her, involving their relatives.

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