UN Replies Querry on Driti's Cancelled UN Posting .

Fiji has been and continues to be an active participant in UN peacekeeping and other operations. Since the December 2006 coup, there has been no increase in the number of Fijian troops participating in existing operations or any participation of Fijian troops in new UN operations established since that time. This position is consistent with the stance of the Security Council on Fiji, which has called for a prompt return to democratically-elected government. In November 2009, the United Nations was informed by the Mission of Fiji to the United Nations of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ intention to appoint Colonel Pita Driti as the next Commander of Fiji’s contingent to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI). In light of credible allegations of serious human rights violations allegations against Colonel Driti, the United Nations advised the Fijian Mission--and subsequently a senior military officer dispatched from Suva to discuss the matter-- that the Organization would not accept any personnel alleged to have committed human rights abuses or other illegal activities and that Colonel Driti would thus not be accepted as the head of the UNAMI Fijian Contingent. This decision was taken in accordance with standing UN rules and regulations that apply to all troop contributing countries.




UNDPKO Release

UN reason for not letting Driti to be the contigent mission Head

Fiji has been and continues to be an active participant in UN peacekeeping and other operations.  Since the December 2006 coup, there has been no increase in the number of Fijian troops participating in existing operations or any participation of Fijian troops in new UN operations established since that time. This position is consistent with the stance of the Security Council on Fiji, which has called for a prompt return to democratically-elected government.  In November 2009, the United Nations was informed by the Mission of Fiji to the United Nations of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces' intention to appoint Colonel Pita Driti as the next Commander of Fiji's contingent to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).    In light of credible allegations of serious human rights violations allegations against Colonel Driti, the United Nations advised the Fijian Mission--and subsequently a senior military officer dispatched from Suva to discuss the matter-- that the Organization would not accept any personnel alleged to have committed human rights abuses or other illegal activities and that Colonel Driti would thus not be accepted as the head of the UNAMI Fijian Contingent.  This decision was taken in accordance with standing UN rules and regulations that apply to all troop contributing countries.
 
UNDPKO Release

Voreqe Bainimarama is an idiot

by Nostradamus
Voreqe feels good about himself for having stated his intention. That is as far as it will get. Like the PER, there will aways be some excuse to remain in power, and after all, there is nothing to stop him. Meanwhile the population is growing and incomes and employment are falling, so the squeeze is on. Will the squeeze reach the military, or will Voreqe continue to rob the 99% to keep the 1% with guns loyal? In any case, 2014 is just so much bullshit, arbitrarily cooked up as a 5 year period after the Constitution was trashed. It is the normal term for an elected government, so Voreqe has no doubt convinced himself that he and his cronies deserve it, or that he can put up some smoke and mirrors justification to the same kind of people who gullibly accept the notion of a coup to end all coups, or moving forward while moving backward, or correcting racial balance while leading an army which is 99% one race, or ending corruption while suspending and corrupting all government indigenous, and religious processes. My question is does this idiot actually believe his own delusions, or does he think the rest of society is so stupid as to believe them?

Fiji's economy will hit rock bottom before 2014

The economy will hit a brick wall before 2014, that is 100%. Ever increasing dept levels, a sugar industry that falls apart and the dabbling with ill conceived land reforms by Aiarse are accelerating factors of a rapid downward trend. I have my doubts that even if Cassava Frank’s intentions are honest (which only a complete fool can believe) the valve will blow before 2014. The moment indigenous Fijians realize that the slimy Aiarse is really after their land, the shit will hit the fan and it will hit hard.

Ofa

Band leader i in control in Fiji

In todays Fijisun we read that the band leader says otherwise, who is in controll Franky or Leweni.


Ive just being home for the christmas holidays and when you speak to the people you can see the different opinions.

Those who have being affected by this Dictatorship and the minority who think he is doing some thing good and still have some doubt in his leadership styles.

And those who would not comment.

So the whole country is in a delusion of this dictatorship.

The chiefs are dumb founded, so as politician and the whole country.

The perception is lets see what these guys can do.

I will retrate what I’ve said before the whole country should stand up, lead by a cheif whose got balls excuse the language to fight this dictatorship, enough of this so call passing the buck.

Because in the end the whole country will suffer and there is no turning back, its better late than never.

God bless Fiji

‘Bainimarama won’t retire from Commander’s post

The government has today clarified that Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama will not retire from the Army Commander’s post in 2014.

Permanent Secretary for Information Lt Colonel Neumi Leweni said it is common sense that Commodore Bainimarama would have to step down from the Prime Minister’s post when the elections is held in 2014 but he stresses that Commodore Bainimarama will stay on as the Army Commander.

Lt Colonel Leweni said there have been some misinterpretations by some media outlets but he reiterates that Commodore Bainimarama will stay on with the RFMF to ensure that all the reforms implemented by the current government are followed by the government after the 2014 elections…

Haha!

Yep right on KAI COLO you said it..now they will take the poor female Fiji Times reporter to task for ‘mis reporting’.OILei Viti!!

Bainimarama’s Predatory State

 

Fiji's illegal regimes new Criminal Procedure Decree that comes into effect on Monday 1st February 2010, are the final acts of a predatory state seeking Legitimacy- the life giving oxygen for its survival. Some four years later, this is it, the big, "Final Solution."

For Baimimarama's Predatory State, this is the last weapon it has to use to survive. The theory goes that the fear of life incarceration will finally bludgeon those critics of his regime and the people into submission.

It is cruel coercion plain and simple. Bainimarama's military training with the Chileans has exposed him well to such draconian measures. That country was famous for silencing all and sundry critics.

This decree is chiefly concerned with protecting the Bainimarama regime and nothing more. Like Chilean dictator Pinochet who ruled for nearly two decades from 1973 this decree is used to ferret out and persecute political dissidents. Over 3,000 citizen of Chile were killed or are still missing as a result of such decrees.

Again there have been calls from some international coup apologists this week for Australia and New Zealand to relax Travel Bans in support of re-engagement. Even though Australia and New Zealand have been magnanimous enough to not slap trade bans on and not cut aid.

They argue you will get a better caliber of civil servants and those serving on statutory boards etc.

This is simply not true .What right minded person would want to sacrifice his/ her professional integrity for an uncertain future? Job security is non existent with a dictatorial regime, provided you are a lackey.

See what happened to the recently fired magistrates and DPP lawyers – arbitrary firing, no due process and avenue to redress.

Former Foreign affairs CEO Ratu Isoa Gavidi got the boot all for what? Giving the man sound diplomatic advice to enter into dialogue.

More so hoping meritocracy gets you to the top with the regime is a piped dream. Forget it.

Bainimarama posts his own people to tell him what he wants to hear.

Look at the wholesale sacking of nine government ministers back in 2007.

Basically what Bainimarama is saying is 'Don't confuse me with facts my minds made up!'

The latest grandstanding with New Zealand regarding Leweni's posting is a sham. Why conduct a public campaign by releasing Leweni's name in the open press if the Nadi meeting was all in good faith?

Obviously to pressure New Zealand in bad faith. As Driti openly admits, 'they are testing the Kiwis'! I mean they tried the same thing with Malaysia as regards Driti's posting. They politely and quietly refused without much fan fare and a firm, 'Terima kasih menyimpan dia' (thankyou- keep him- or even better – promote him!)

Bainimarama has a set mindset- in other words it is not in his DNA to Dialogue! New Zealand likes to be seen to understand the Pacific and it does in many ways. She did great with the Bougainville truce and peace accord.

But with Prime Minister Keys trying to play the honest broker (and elections around the corner) with a known serial liar- it is high risk for him. Bainimarama is only interested in regime survival. A return to liberal democracy with the military back to barracks is totally off the cards with him.

His brand of militarism is here to stay. So many good RFMF officers have lost their careers to attest to this. So stop fooling yourselves.

We are in for a protracted predatory military rule with the façade of democracy. Fiji's society has become one big espionage network which the regime is trying its best to spread overseas to New Zealand and Australia with its sympathizes.

This has been the mode of operating for dictatorial regimes of the past. In Fiji people spy on their neigbours in order to curry favour with the regime.

In Australia and New Zealand these coup apologists suffer from messianic delusions that Bainimarama has the magic bullet but really have revenge as their underlying motive.

Why are there so many draconian decrees? Obviously it facilitates a false sense of legitimacy at the same time grandstanding to the world that the peoples' regimented silence is acquiescence.

Why is the Land Force Commander defending the regime when you have a whole Ministry of Defence with Ganilau, his CEO etc that sits above him?

Indeed making overt threats to society at large is predatory mentality of the lowest animal order. They need the military watchdog to keep barking to frighten the very tax payers who they owe their living to. Compounding this mentality, the PM and his predatory state has been very generous in dispensing with others, honest work tax dollars to the military for keeping national security intact!

The national dialogue forum set for February 2010 for want of a better phrase is "simply pissing in each others pockets". The puppet of a CEO at the PM's office say's "No race based political organization should be represented". Well if that's the case they should exclude the military because it is now the most race based political institution ever created by mankind not only in Fiji but the world with 99 % Indigenous Fijians.

Then again who cares, so long as we have our babakau and draunimoli tea.

THE PATH FOR DESTRUCTION CONTINUES

By solivakasama

We thought we'd heard it all but NO, the ILLEGAL REGIME continues on it's path of SELF destruction.

Last week they deported Dr Padma Lal, you got it, she's Brij Lals wife. Tit for tat,  like the morons they are,  the coupsters can't behave like adults and just had to take revenge on Brij Lal. This was their pathetic, reprehensible way, what a bunch of sad shitheads.

Then, wait for it …….

Two men trying to help their fellowmen by holding a stress management workshop were taken in for questioning  by the illegal police for alleged breach of the stupid PER. They weren't charged, Thank God. Maybe tele tapi had a moment of clarity.

But here's oink in all his wisdom (NOT!!!), this boci decree is a true indication of oinks inability to manage anything, especially his anger …

The Regulation of Pensions and Retirement Allowances Decree gives  Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama powers to stop allowances, salaries, pensions or any other State entitlements to pensioners critical of the government.

The decree covers the Parliamentary Retirement Allowances Decree, 1989, the Prime Minister's Pensions Act 1994, the Judges Remuneration and Emoluments Act and the Pensions Act "and any other related law on pensions".

Government spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Neumi Leweni has said that former civil servants who were critical of the government will have their pensions stopped to change the view of people opposed to the Bainimarama government.

The provisions of the decree are effective against anyone the PM is satisfied has acted or attempted to "bring hatred or contempt or disaffection against the government or any institution or authority of the government".

Other grounds on which pensions could be stopped are if the person has promoted or incited "feelings of ill-will and hostility amongst the different classes of population in Fiji; or bring hatred or contempt or disaffection against the administration of justice or the judiciary; or incite communal antagonism or racial discontent".

The decree does not apply to allowances, pensions or any other benefits or entitlements payable under the Fiji National Provident Fund.

A Fund spokesperson said the decree did not apply to its members and that the Fund is separate from the government pension.

WOW, WHAT A DECREE, WHAT AN INCREDIBLE EXAMPLE OF INCREDIBLE LUNACY.  THAT'S THE BIPOLAR OINK  AT HIS BEST, IT GETS WORSE WHEN HIS RECIDIVISM REALLY GOES INTO FULL SWING, THAT'D BE SATURDAY 30 JANUARY 2010.

YOU SEE THERE ARE TWO FULL MOONS THIS MONTH OF JANUARY AND THE EFFECTS OF THE BLUE MOON IS SHOWTIME FOR THE INCREDIBLE BIPOLAR OINK.

NUTS ANYONE?

OINK! OINK!

NAVOHA WARNED THE MILITARY

Fiji military your time is up…..stop this coward act….enough is enough….we the people of Nadroga and Navosa can fight you alone…..you are just people with guns and big mouth …….we have been silent most of the time….but now will show you the real warriors of Fiji…..and with God's help you'll see the fun

FRANK THE FALL IS GOING TO BE HARDER,NASTIER AND MESSIER then the rise!

It's so laugable to think that this is what Voreqe and his illegal ministers label "democracy".

The pea-brained lot just don't seem to see that their actions continually expose them to be the

COWARDS (No one will challenge this decree in a court of alw, etc etc)

and

LIARS (Decree will be brought upong on who will "bring hatred or contempt or disaffection against the government or any institution or authority of the government"…Hello!!! Voreqe that's exactly what you did when you stole our government's leadership and then abrogated our Constituition)

they are!

But at least we can be rest assured that the FALL IS GOING TO BE HARDER, NASTIER AND MESSIER than the rise! That the effects is going to be paid on his grandchildren and descendants to come. Ya!

WHAT WILL BE NEXT FRANK BAINIMARAMA?

These decrees clearly show where we are: In a dictatorship of the common variety. After his abrogation of the constitution last year Cassava Franks actions have been utterly consistent with those of any other tin pot dictator presiding over an opera state. Even the most gullible have in the meantime received the message loud and clear: If you are a judge trying to do your job to be independent, you get sacked for disobedience. If you dare to voice an opinion in the media you will be gagged. If you contemplate opposition you will be suppressed by tactics seen in Zimbabwe, Iran, Myanmar or China. If you are on a government pension and critizise the dictator well there is no food on the table of your familiy. And Driti, one of his stooges and major coup beneficiary has announced that in 2010 the military will even come down harder on anyone who disagrees. While still postulating his determination to fight against corruption he has used the anticorruption bureaucracy established by him to harass regime critics such as human rights lawyer Jalal. Banimarama at the same time has committed nepotism and corruption at a scale unseen in Fiji by giving posts, power and money to cronies and yes-creeps.

Cassava Frank sometimes whines that he is misunderstood by the Western world and other Pacific leaders and demands that more notice must be taken of the underlying issues of racism corruption and the need to fight terrorism all of which he names in attempting to justify his coup. While the terrorism claim he made in a speech at the UN was dismissed as right out laughable and he has in the meantime refrained from uttering this nonsense, the other issues were – at least initially- seen by the outside world as worth a consideration. Unfortunately for Cassava Frank, there are still records intact that clearly suggest that his coup coincided with a closing in of investigators on this involvement in the brutal murder of soldiers in 2000. Most people in Fiji believe that his ulterior motives for his coup were not democracy but were self-preservation and the temptations of the absolute power he now holds. In the context of the history of dictatorships that makes a lot more sense than fighting for freedom and democracy through brutal oppression of any dissent.

What will be next? What about a total travel ban on anybody, the style the Eastern Block dictators used to avoid that their people see how a democracy works? Or a mandatory 'praise the dictator' at the beginning of every school day, North Korea style? Switching off the internet would hurt a few private enterprises in Fiji, but they hurt anyway as with all the power Cassava Frank holds he failed to do anything about a collapsing economy.

 

THE PRESIDENT OF FIJI WAS PUNCHED AND ROBBED AT AN ATM IN SUVA

 Story going around the Suva corridor on how the President of Fiji Epeli Naulukau was recently robbed at an ATM after a random passerby punched him in the face! He was being his wanna be macho self strolling around Suva streets minus body guards when the incident occurred !! Of course the news has been suppressed and heavily censored to protect his stupidity and low down image by the illegal regime. Pse investigate this story and publish for the world to see their lolovira ness and how they certainly dont deserve to be in such high office because after all he is not a Fijian but a fokisi from Tonga!!!!
--
Epi D
chief strategist
Solivakasama Worldwide Movement
www.solivakasama.org

Fiji’s Dictator is hoping for Leweni to be working from New Zealand

In a move that is bound to ruffle feathers in the New Zealand government, the junta has applied to have Lieutenant Colonel Neumi Leweni working from Wellington.

Leweni played a major role in the country's 2006 coup and has been responsible for censoring local media, deporting Australian and New Zealand journalists and curbing free speech.

He, like others directly connected to the country's regime, is banned from even travelling to New Zealand or Australia.

But the Fiji government hopes to have him officially installed in a counselling post in Wellington under a new arrangement to boost diplomatic ties between the two countries.

New Zealand's foreign minister Murray McCully offered the extra posting earlier this month as an olive branch to mend regional relations and help return Fiji to democracy earlier than the 2014 election date set by leader Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Nomination 'yet to be confirmed'

The self-appointed prime minister has broken several promises to go to the polls since staging a December 2006 coup.

Bainimarama's office told the Fiji Village website it had nominated Leweni for the job, while Leweni himself says his nomination is yet to be confirmed.

Fiji government sources confirmed to Fairfax New Zealand that Leweni's name had been put forward.

Bainimarama did not confirm the name on Auckland's Radio Tarana on Thursday but said he was awaiting New Zealand's response on the posting.

"We are extremely pleased that the New Zealand government is taking a step forward in redeeming our diplomatic relations," he told the station.

"We have submitted our nominee for the position for counsellor as agreed to in our initial meeting between our two foreign ministers.

"New Zealand is yet to respond on this."

--
Epi D
chief strategist
Solivakasama Worldwide Movement
www.solivakasama.org

THERE IS GOING TO BE A COUP AT THE FIJI RUGBY UNION HEADQUARTERS

 

January 19, 2010 by Free Fiji

Filipe Tuisawau has been fired from USP in his capacity as the Deputy Director of Human Resources for gross negligence of duties and insubordination. This is also the same bloke that got fired from Air Terminal Services for incompetence and overspending his budget, whereby
leaning towards embezzlement charges. He ran away to USP to dodge being fired and investigated by the current regime.

Our sources in the PM's office have sighted and overheard him making recommendations to Frank for the restructuring of FRU to make him the new boss of our rugby fraternity.

Explosive exchanges are expected at the FRU's next AGM at the end of the month. Where he will use the REWA rugby union(the most minute rugby union in the COUNTRY) as his vehicle where he will lobby for changes to the FRU constitution to suit Frank and his greedy and sly motives.HEADQUARTERS

Birds of the same feather flock together.

Cunning and sly idiots.
--
Epi D
chief strategist
Solivakasama Worldwide Movement
www.solivakasama.org

REVELATION 13 REVISITED

 

It seems that every time someone such as myself attempts to encourage our Fijian people to resist anunconstitutional or otherwise reprehensible, and oppressive government, we hear the retort, "What about Romans Chapter 13? We Christians must submit to government. Any government. Read your Bible, and leave me alone." Or words to that effect.

 

No doubt, some who use this argument are sincere. They are only repeating what they have heard their pastor and other religious leaders say. On the other hand, let's be honest enough to admit that some who use this argument are just plain lazy, apathetic, and indifferent. They want an easy way out.And Romans 13 is their escape from responsibility. I suspect this is the much larger group, by the way.Nevertheless, for the benefit of those who are sincere (but obviously misinformed), let's briefly examine Romans Chapter 13. I quote Romans Chapter 13, verses 1 through 7, from the Authorized King James text:

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

 

Do our Christian friends who use these verses to teach that we should not oppose Fiji's illegal regime and leaders really believe that those who have appointed themselves to lord over the people have unlimited authority to do anything they want without opposition? I doubt whether they truly believe that. For example, what if our President decided to resurrect the old monarchal custom of Jus Primae Noctis (Law of First Night)? That was the old medieval custom when the king claimed the right to sleep with a subject's bride on the first night of their marriage. Would our sincere Christian brethren sheepishly say, "Romans Chapter 13 says we must submit to the government"? I think not. And would any of us respect any man who would submit to such a law?

 

Limits of authority So, there are limits to authority. A father has authority in his home, but does this give him power to abuse his wife and children? Of course not. An employer has authority on the job, but does this give him power to control the private lives of his employees? No. A pastor has overseer authority in the church, but does this give him power to tell employers in his church how to run their businesses? Of course not. All human authority is limited in nature. No man has unlimited authority over the lives of other men. (Lordship and Sovereignty is the exclusive domain of Jesus Christ.)

 

By the same token, a civil magistrate has authority in civil matters, but his authority is limited and defined. Observe that Romans Chapter 13 clearly limits the authority of civil government by strictly defining its purpose:

"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil . . . For he is the minister of God to thee for good . .. for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."

Notice that civil government must not be a "terror to good works." It has no power or authority to terrorize good works or good people.It cannot terrorise the people. God never gave it that authority. And any government that oversteps that divine boundary has no divine authority or protection. This is a basic principle of Natural Law (and all of Fiji's legal documents--including the Fiji Constitution--are founded upon the God-ordained principles of  Natural Law).

 

The apostle clearly states that civil government is a "minister of God to thee for good." It is a not a minister of God for evil. Civil magistrates have a divine duty to "execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." They have no authority to execute wrath upon him that doeth good. None. Zilch. Zero. And anyone who says they do is lying. So, even in the midst of telling Christians to submit to civil authority, Romans Chapter 13 limits the power and reach of civil authority.

 

Did Moses violate God's principle of submission to authority when he killed the Egyptian taskmaster in defense of his fellow Hebrew? Did Elijah violate God's principle of submission to authority when he openly challenged Ahab and Jezebel? Did David violate God's principle of submission to authority when he refused to surrender to Saul's troops?

 

Did Daniel violate God's principle of submission to authority when he disobeyed the king's command to not pray audibly to God? Did the three Hebrew children violate God's principle of submission to authority when they refused to bow to the image of the state? Did John the Baptist violate God's principle of submission to authority when he publicly scolded King Herod for his infidelity? Did Simon Peter and the other Apostles violate God's principle of submission to authority when they refused to stop preaching on the streets of Jerusalem? Did Paul violate God's principle of submission to authority when he refused to obey those authorities who demanded that he abandon hismissionary work? In fact, Paul spent almost as much time in jail as he did out of jail.

 

Remember that every apostle of Christ (except John) was killed by hostile civil authorities opposed to their endeavors. Christians throughout church history were imprisoned, tortured, or killed by civil authorities of all stripes for refusing to submit to their various laws and prohibitions. Did all of these Christian martyrs violate God's principle of submission to authority?

 

So, even the great prophets, apostles, and writers of the Bible (including the writer of Romans Chapter 13) understood that human authority--even civil authority--is limited. Plus, Paul makes it clear that our submission to civil authority must be predicated on more than fear of governmental retaliation. Notice, he said, "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." Meaning, our obedience to civil authority is more than just "because they said so." It is also a matter of conscience. This means we must think and reason for ourselves regarding the justness and rightness of our government's laws. Obedience is not automatic or robotic. It is a result of both rational deliberation and moral approbation.

 

Therefore, there are times when civil authority may need to be resisted. Either governmental abuse of power or the violation of conscience (or both) could precipitate civil disobedience. Of course, how and when we decide to resist civil authority is an entirely separate issue. And I will reserve that discussion for another time.

 

Beyond that, we in Fiji do not live under a monarchy. We have no king. There is no single governing official in this country ( well that is before Bainimarama). Fiji's"supreme Law" does not rest with any man or any group of men. Fiji's "supreme Law" does not rest with the President, the Congress, or even the Supreme Court. In Fiji, the Fiji  Constitution is the "supreme Law of the Land." Under our laws, every governing official publicly promises to submit to the Constitution of Fiji. Do readers understand the significance of this distinction? I hope so. This means that, in Fiji, the "higher powers" are not the men who occupy elected office; they are the tenets and principles set forth in the 1997 Constitution. Under our laws and form of government, it is the duty of every elected official to obey the 1997 Constitution. Therefore, this is how Romans Chapter 13 reads to Fijians:

 

"Let every soul be subject unto the [1997 Constitution.] For there is no [Constitution] but of God: the

[Constitution] that be [is] ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the [Constitution], resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For [the Constitution is] not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the [Constitution]? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For [the Constitution] is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that

 

which is evil, be afraid; for [the Constitution] beareth not the sword in vain: for [the Constitution] is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also: for [the Constitution is] God's minister, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

 

Dear Christian friend, the above is exactly the proper understanding of our responsibility to civil authority in these islands, according to the teaching of Romans Chapter 13.

 

Furthermore, Christians, above all people, should desire that their elected representatives submit to the Constitution, because it is constitutional government that has done more to protect Christian liberty than any other governing document ever devised in Fiji. As I have noted before in this column, Biblical principles and Natural Law form the foundation of all three of Fiji's founding documents: the Deed of Cession, the Fiji Constitution, and the

 

Bill of Rights.

 

As a result, Christians in Fiji (for the most part) have not had to face the painful decision to "obey God rather than men" and defy their civil authorities, until today. The problem in Fiji today is that we have allowed a few people to violate their oaths of office and to ignore--and blatantly disobey--the "supreme Law of the Land," the 1997 Constitution. Therefore, if we truly believe

 

Romans Chapter 13, we will insist and demand that our civil magistrates submit to the 1997 Constitution.Now, how many of us Christians are going to truly obey Romans Chapter 13?

REVELATION 13 REVISITED

It seems that every time someone such as myself attempts to encourage our Fijian people to resist anunconstitutional or otherwise reprehensible, and oppressive government, we hear the retort, "What about Romans Chapter 13? We Christians must submit to government. Any government. Read your Bible, and leave me alone." Or words to that effect.

 

No doubt, some who use this argument are sincere. They are only repeating what they have heard their pastor and other religious leaders say. On the other hand, let's be honest enough to admit that some who use this argument are just plain lazy, apathetic, and indifferent. They want an easy way out.And Romans 13 is their escape from responsibility. I suspect this is the much larger group, by the way.Nevertheless, for the benefit of those who are sincere (but obviously misinformed), let's briefly examine Romans Chapter 13. I quote Romans Chapter 13, verses 1 through 7, from the Authorized King James text:

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

 

Do our Christian friends who use these verses to teach that we should not oppose Fiji's illegal regime and leaders really believe that those who have appointed themselves to lord over the people have unlimited authority to do anything they want without opposition? I doubt whether they truly believe that. For example, what if our President decided to resurrect the old monarchal custom of Jus Primae Noctis (Law of First Night)? That was the old medieval custom when the king claimed the right to sleep with a subject's bride on the first night of their marriage. Would our sincere Christian brethren sheepishly say, "Romans Chapter 13 says we must submit to the government"? I think not. And would any of us respect any man who would submit to such a law?

 

Limits of authority So, there are limits to authority. A father has authority in his home, but does this give him power to abuse his wife and children? Of course not. An employer has authority on the job, but does this give him power to control the private lives of his employees? No. A pastor has overseer authority in the church, but does this give him power to tell employers in his church how to run their businesses? Of course not. All human authority is limited in nature. No man has unlimited authority over the lives of other men. (Lordship and Sovereignty is the exclusive domain of Jesus Christ.)

 

By the same token, a civil magistrate has authority in civil matters, but his authority is limited and defined. Observe that Romans Chapter 13 clearly limits the authority of civil government by strictly defining its purpose:

"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil . . . For he is the minister of God to thee for good . .. for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."

Notice that civil government must not be a "terror to good works." It has no power or authority to terrorize good works or good people.It cannot terrorise the people. God never gave it that authority. And any government that oversteps that divine boundary has no divine authority or protection. This is a basic principle of Natural Law (and all of Fiji's legal documents--including the Fiji Constitution--are founded upon the God-ordained principles of  Natural Law).

 

The apostle clearly states that civil government is a "minister of God to thee for good." It is a not a minister of God for evil. Civil magistrates have a divine duty to "execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." They have no authority to execute wrath upon him that doeth good. None. Zilch. Zero. And anyone who says they do is lying. So, even in the midst of telling Christians to submit to civil authority, Romans Chapter 13 limits the power and reach of civil authority.

 

Did Moses violate God's principle of submission to authority when he killed the Egyptian taskmaster in defense of his fellow Hebrew? Did Elijah violate God's principle of submission to authority when he openly challenged Ahab and Jezebel? Did David violate God's principle of submission to authority when he refused to surrender to Saul's troops?

 

Did Daniel violate God's principle of submission to authority when he disobeyed the king's command to not pray audibly to God? Did the three Hebrew children violate God's principle of submission to authority when they refused to bow to the image of the state? Did John the Baptist violate God's principle of submission to authority when he publicly scolded King Herod for his infidelity? Did Simon Peter and the other Apostles violate God's principle of submission to authority when they refused to stop preaching on the streets of Jerusalem? Did Paul violate God's principle of submission to authority when he refused to obey those authorities who demanded that he abandon hismissionary work? In fact, Paul spent almost as much time in jail as he did out of jail.

 

Remember that every apostle of Christ (except John) was killed by hostile civil authorities opposed to their endeavors. Christians throughout church history were imprisoned, tortured, or killed by civil authorities of all stripes for refusing to submit to their various laws and prohibitions. Did all of these Christian martyrs violate God's principle of submission to authority?

 

So, even the great prophets, apostles, and writers of the Bible (including the writer of Romans Chapter 13) understood that human authority--even civil authority--is limited. Plus, Paul makes it clear that our submission to civil authority must be predicated on more than fear of governmental retaliation. Notice, he said, "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." Meaning, our obedience to civil authority is more than just "because they said so." It is also a matter of conscience. This means we must think and reason for ourselves regarding the justness and rightness of our government's laws. Obedience is not automatic or robotic. It is a result of both rational deliberation and moral approbation.

 

Therefore, there are times when civil authority may need to be resisted. Either governmental abuse of power or the violation of conscience (or both) could precipitate civil disobedience. Of course, how and when we decide to resist civil authority is an entirely separate issue. And I will reserve that discussion for another time.

 

Beyond that, we in Fiji do not live under a monarchy. We have no king. There is no single governing official in this country ( well that is before Bainimarama). Fiji's"supreme Law" does not rest with any man or any group of men. Fiji's "supreme Law" does not rest with the President, the Congress, or even the Supreme Court. In Fiji, the Fiji  Constitution is the "supreme Law of the Land." Under our laws, every governing official publicly promises to submit to the Constitution of Fiji. Do readers understand the significance of this distinction? I hope so. This means that, in Fiji, the "higher powers" are not the men who occupy elected office; they are the tenets and principles set forth in the 1997 Constitution. Under our laws and form of government, it is the duty of every elected official to obey the 1997 Constitution. Therefore, this is how Romans Chapter 13 reads to Fijians:

 

"Let every soul be subject unto the [1997 Constitution.] For there is no [Constitution] but of God: the

[Constitution] that be [is] ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the [Constitution], resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For [the Constitution is] not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the [Constitution]? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For [the Constitution] is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that

 

which is evil, be afraid; for [the Constitution] beareth not the sword in vain: for [the Constitution] is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also: for [the Constitution is] God's minister, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

 

Dear Christian friend, the above is exactly the proper understanding of our responsibility to civil authority in these islands, according to the teaching of Romans Chapter 13.

 

Furthermore, Christians, above all people, should desire that their elected representatives submit to the Constitution, because it is constitutional government that has done more to protect Christian liberty than any other governing document ever devised in Fiji. As I have noted before in this column, Biblical principles and Natural Law form the foundation of all three of Fiji's founding documents: the Deed of Cession, the Fiji Constitution, and the

 

Bill of Rights.

 

As a result, Christians in Fiji (for the most part) have not had to face the painful decision to "obey God rather than men" and defy their civil authorities, until today. The problem in Fiji today is that we have allowed a few people to violate their oaths of office and to ignore--and blatantly disobey--the "supreme Law of the Land," the 1997 Constitution. Therefore, if we truly believe

 

Romans Chapter 13, we will insist and demand that our civil magistrates submit to the 1997 Constitution.Now, how many of us Christians are going to truly obey Romans Chapter 13?

--
Epi D
chief strategist
Solivakasama Worldwide Movement
www.solivakasama.org

Methodist church should come out and oppose this illegal regime

I strongly think that the Methodist church should come out and oppose this illegal regime. The taukeis are looking to thge church elders for leadership but the church hierachy are just being ok with the abuse that this idiot of a dictator is doing to them. Doesn't the Talatalas know that all they have to do is lead in the opposition to Bainimarama and the 400,000 member5s will st6and up to Bainimarama 3,000 strong? This is the time for the Methodist church to stand up and be counted

--
Epi D
chief strategist
Solivakasama Worldwide Movement
www.solivakasama.org

Bainimarama treading on Dangerous ground will ultimately causes his down fall

By Tui Nivuravura
The land will be the downfall of this illegal govt. The taukei ni qele better stand up and voice their opposition to this govct. or they are going to lose what is theirs.The tenants had better not build proper houses or they are going to lose it when Bainimarama is out.
--
Epi D
chief strategist
Solivakasama Worldwide Movement
www.solivakasama.org

The ultimate gamble that will bring Bainimarama down

By G.devreal

The pension threat is obviously designed to allow the dictator to put his foot across the throat of all ex MPs. He knows he's pulled the pin on a political grenade.

The whole scheme (99 years and the pension threat) probably came straight from Aiyaz. He no doubt thinks that that the 99 year leases will build a constituency for the illegal regime. They know that they are hated by cane farmers who can see they're wrecking the sugar industry by throwing away EU aid when it's needed most.

What Aiyaz doesn't understand is that most cane farmers who use native land will not necessarily welcome the 99 year leases announcement. It looks like theft of land and they will know it and fear that they will be blamed. Those farmers who've just got new thirty year leases, the ones who get along with their landowners, don't need all these extra years now.

This is a desperate gamble that seems bound to fail. Maybe the announcement in the Fiji Times by Qetaki means that Frank wants to be able to walk away from it.

--
Epi D
chief strategist
Solivakasama Worldwide Movement
www.solivakasama.org

Bainimarama was rushed to Hospital on Sunday morning

Dictator of Fiji and coup leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama was rushed to hospital on 2:25am Fiji time after suffering from  a mild heart attack,according to our source from within the Fiji military Force Headquaters.For more updates please refer to http://www.solivakasama.org/