Fijian Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama can expect a warm welcome from the members of the Fijian community, the Pacific Island population and perhaps people from other segments as he arrives in New Zealand next week.
He is due to arrive in Auckland on August 8 and return home on August 11 with his wife Mary and officials of Fiji First Party.
Prime Minister John Key, his ministerial colleagues and officials of the Government would not meet him primarily because the codes of protocol would not permit such meetings when the leader of another country is on a private visit. However, they would evince much interest to assess the popularity of the man who has been at the helm of his country’s affairs for more than seven years. None of the sanctions that New Zealand and other countries imposed on Fiji following the military coup and seize of power by Mr Bainimarama seems to have had any effect.
India has always stood by Fiji, offering support and assistance, with Mr Bainimarama and other leaders regularly visiting Delhi. China, Russia and a few others have also been friendly with Fiji.
The new spirit of rapprochement by the New Zealand and Australian Government by lifting sanctions and allowing travel of ministers and officials to their countries would transcend into a full-fledged bilateral relationship after Fiji conducts its general election on September 17, 2014.
In any case, Mr Bainimarama is not visiting New Zealand in his official capacity. He would be here as the Leader of ‘Fiji First,’ a political party that he established a few months ago to contest in the election. He would be in Auckland, interacting with the supporters of Fiji First and members of the community.
Fiji First Festival
The highlight of his visit would be his presence at the ‘Fiji First Festival,’ organised by Fiji First Party. The event, scheduled to be held on Saturday, August 9, 2014 from 1 pm to 5 pm at Vodafone Events Centre (located at 770 Great South Road, Manukau) will feature the best of Fiji, including its cuisine and entertainment.
The Festival will be held inside the Centre, enabling thousands of families to enjoy the day with their friends. The organisers said that as well as free parking for vehicles, there would be amusements for children.
Radio Tarana
Mr Bainimarama will participate in a special talkback programme on Radio Tarana (1386 AM) for two hours on Sunday, August 10 between 4 pm and 6 pm. Those keen to talk to him during the programme may send their questions to info@tarana.co.nz or call the Radio Tarana studio on (09) 3031386.
Pacific Radio
He will participate in a talkback iTaukei programme hosted by Nemai Vucago on 531 AM pi on Saturday, August 9 at 8 pm. For more information, please write to info@531pi.co.nz or call 0800-000531.
To an outsider wearing the bifocals of the Western media or a beholder jaundiced by prejudice and preconceived notion, the Republic of Fiji will always appear warped with an admixture of political eccentricity and social exigency.
But those with normal visual acuity will perceive the country as one with a chequered past and a benignant present working towards a halcyon future, with a commitment to equity and equality at the core of its polity.
Benefits of cooperation
New Zealand has much to gain through positive, interactive and bilateral relations with Fiji, if our Government takes a non-aligned approach that remains oblivious to the internal affairs of that country. Fijians have the right to self-determination, and the new Constitution, which assures a ‘single class’ of citizenship to all has had a warm reception not only in Fiji but also in different parts of the world.
Growth
The Fijian economy, which took a beating during the Global Financial Crisis and the strangulating sanctions, seems to be recovering well. According to the latest figures released by the Reserve Bank of Fiji, the economy grew by 3.6% in 2013 and the growth projected for the current year is expected to be 3.8%. Foreign reserve, at F$1.69 billion, is showing healthy signs of growth.
As Reserve Bank Governor Barry Whiteside mentioned in his Annual Report 2013, the surge in domestic demand had led to a significant turnaround in macroeconomic indicators, supported by accommodative monetary and fiscal policies as well as improved investor and consumer confidence.
“Domestic demand continues to be buoyant supported by a number of factors including improving labour market conditions, the expansionary 2014 Budget, record low commercial bank lending rates and a favourable general business environment. The pick-up in underlying economic activity is evident in rising domestic credit growth, which has accelerated to 14.3% in December 2013,” he said.
Unfair rhetoric
Five years ago, we had said that for all the rhetoric spoken and written by political and media leaders, there has never been a fair representation of facts, especially since December 5, 2006, when Mr Bainimarama took over the reins of the administration to find a new road to prosperity. The country has been subject to summary dismissal without a just course to defend itself, discard without discussion and adjudication without trial. Of course, there have been aberrations from this side as well.
“We want Fiji to have a democratically elected Government, with one vote for all,” he had told us during an interview.
That promise will be realise as Fiji goes to poll on September 17, 2014.
Apart from Fiji First, four other political parties, including the Fiji Labour Party, National Federation Party, Social Democratic Liberal Party and the People’s Democratic Party have registered with the Fijian Election Office. Each of them has been campaigning vigorously and whatever be the verdict of the people, it would be a turning point for the South Pacific Nation.
