The Republic of Fiji Military Forces’s (RFMF) assurance that it will accept the results of next year’s election has been welcomed, but there remain concerns about its the RFMF’s impartiality. Since 1987, there have been military three coups in Fiji within a year after elections. In an interview last week, RFMF chief of staff Colonel Read more
The Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Bill being considered by Fiji’s parliament will silence the essential independent accountability of agencies such as the media, civil society, religious organisations and others. This is the opinion expressed by the Methodist Church in its submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights last Thursday. The Read more
Fijian Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa used Easter as an opportunity to call for Fiji to safeguard religious freedom in Fiji. “Fiji must be committed to safeguarding and upholding this fundamental human right, by defending the right of every citizen to practise Christianity or any other religion at home and abroad.” Kepa said Easter was a Read more
Fiji’s Immigration Director, Nemani Vuniwaqa, has confirmed that the prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama had banned Fiji-born (Mere)oni Kirwin from entering the country. Oni Kirwin is a controversial figure who lives in Australia. According to some commentators she has little credibility and little support. Vuniwaqi told the Fiji Sun that Kirwin was “in attempts to form a so-called Read more
Reports from Fiji are confusing but it appears that up 60 people have been charged with sedition in three separate cases. Twelve people from Nadroga-Navosa were scheduled to appear in the Sigatoka Magistrates Court on Monday morning but were later informed that the case will be heard in Nadi. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Read more
The archbishop of Suva, Peter Loy Chong says the Catholic Church wishes to congratulates Fiji as a nation for returning to parliamentary rule. He also said “We congratulate Frank Bainimarama for leading us to elections and for his party’s election victory.” Archbishop Peter made this statement, as Fiji celebrated the 44th-year of independence last Friday. Read more
Following the conclusion of the election which was preceded by a controversial letter currently causing a rift between the new administration and the Methodist Church in Fiji, the church has expressed its willingness to work with the elected government. The reaction came in the wake of a response by the Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Ret) Read more
Fiji’s former military ruler was sworn in as the South Pacific nation’s elected leader on Monday. The new democratically elected Prime Minister of Fiji Rear Admiral (Ret) Voreqe Bainimarama says he intends to govern for all Fijians. This was his message to about 4000 party supporters who attended the FijiFirst inter-faith thanksgiving church service at Read more
With the first Fiji general election since the 2006 coup less than three weeks away, it is important to understand Fiji’s new electoral system. The Catholic Church in Fiji has been conducting workshops for Catholic politicians. Head of Catholic Church, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong says it is the church’s role to train politicians to have an Read more
A well know priest in Fiji, Fr. Kevin Barr, had his testimony invalidated and was found in contempt of court because of remarks he made about the Government. Barr was acting as a character witness for the former Prime Minster Mahendra Chaudhry. Barr claimed “strong voices in the business lobby” wanted Chaudhry out of the Read more