#header-inner img {margin: 0 auto !important; #header-inner {text-align: Center ;} Fiji Coupfourpointfive: Indigenous Fijian rights in Fiji's politics

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Indigenous Fijian rights in Fiji's politics

Presentation by Niko Nawaikula at the FDFM AGM in Melbourne.

I am putting the title Indigenous Fijian rights in Fiji's politics to this paper and within that I will attempt to answer the questions that I am assigned by the organizers of this conference.

The population of Fiji has been and continues to be a colorful mixture of many different races. About 48% each of that population is made up of ethnic Indians and indigenous or native Fijians. So that together they make up more than 96% of the total populations. The remaining 4% is made up of others.

In 1986 the appearance was that the people of all races in Fiji were living in harmony. Indeed when Pope John Paul II came there for a short visit in that year he said Fiji was the way the world should be. But he was proved wrong shortly after that when on 14th May 1987, nationalist Fijians, under Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka over threw the democratic and constitutional government of Dr Bavadra in a bloodless coup.

We all know that indigenous Fijian rights and interests lie at the heart of Fiji’s politics. It was one of the key factors as well as a reason and motives for the 1987 coups by Sitiveni Rabuka, the 2000 coup by George Speight and the 2006 coup by Frank Bainimarama. Rightly or wrongly these individuals and their collaborators blamed indigenous Fijian rights and interests as a reason for them doing what they did.

The coup of 1987 was executed by Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka on behalf of those who said that it was necessary to restore and maintain the paramountcy of Fijian rights and interests.  George Speight and his gang also did what they did to restore the paramountcy of Indigenous Fijian rights and interests.

Frank Bainimarama’s reasoning was the opposite but still having something to do with indigenous Fijian Rights. He did what he did to remove a government dominated by what he called were ethno-nationalists and racist Fijians bent on imposing their rights and interest at the expense of all others.

So what then is this so called indigenous Fijian rights? Are they paramount or should they be. Is the fear that they were being compromised, neglected or removed real? If they are indeed how can they be addressed and considered in a manner that will not be discriminatory against other races in Fiji. Is there a political solution apart from the whims of military officers conducting coupes one after another.

Before I define for you the meaning of indigenous rights generally and in the context of Fiji and native Fijians, I for one am sincerely of the view that Fijian rights and interests that were originally nurtured, protected and held paramount by a benevolent colonial administration has been badly ruined.
They were compromised, ignored or simply neglected. Individual right and commercial progress was talk of the day and a measure of success. And native Fijians were left behind wondering why everyone else had progressed economically.

I hold the view that there was a sincere need to review government policy and the legislation that recognize and regulate native rights and interests. The task was always how to recognize those rights and balance them with the rights of other citizens. But the way to do it is not through a coup. A coup for whatever reason is selfish, illegal and sinful.

But first let me define Indigenous rights before I come back to tell you how much of native Fijian rights has been removed or compromised and how that can be resolved in a multicultural country like Fiji.

 3. Indigenous Rights

In May of this year I was invited by the UN Voluntary Fund to attend the 10th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. And as expected we were each given a pamphlet outlining the 46 articles that constitute the rights recognized by the UN for the indigenous people

They include the right of self determination, the right to maintain their social and cultural institution, the right to maintain their ethnic identity, the right to practice their culture and customs, the right to language, land right and others.

If you are a native Fijian or if you have lived in Fiji you will probably say we know all those and they all sound too familiar. Native Fijians have been recognized the right to self determination for a very long time by virtue of their matanitu Taukei established under the Fijian Affairs Act.

Native Fijians do maintain their social and cultural institution by virtue of their Mataqali, Yavusa and Vanua. Native Fijians have been given and recognized the right to maintain their ethnic identity and to practice their culture and to speak and learn their language.

Fijians have the right to their lands and they have a selfish share of 86% of all the land in Fiji when they only constitute half the population. They have the Native land trust act to protect and give to them the investment value of their land. They have their provincial council and the Great Council of Chief to look after and promote their customs.

But the truth is, in my view is, that all those things are not what they seem. They are facades of what a benevolent crown had given to them initially. They are the last remains of what successive governments beginning with the communal government of 1904 had taken away.

Those that were too entrenched in legislation like the Native Land Act, Native Land Trust Act and Fijian Affairs Act they either stripped them of their function or it used those institutions to control and submit native Fijian to state authority.

Ironically, they are the same rights that are now recognized under the UN declaration of Indigenous Rights. Except that the UN declaration is saying where   rights exist together with those of others it is imperative that they must not be exercised at the expense of the right of others.

Article 46(2) says “ in  the exercise of the rights enunciated in the present Declaration, Human rights and fundamental freedom of all shall be respected. The exercise of the rights set forth in this Declaration shall be subject only to such limitation as are determined by law, and in accordance with international human rights obligations. Any such limitation shall be non-discriminatory and strictly necessary solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for meeting the just and most compelling requirements of a democratic society. 


What had happened initially in Fiji is that the crown colony had conferred upon native Fijians the totality of what you may call indigenous rights similar to those that are now recognized under the UN Declaration.

These where all institutionalized under its laws and policy under what was then called Native policy making indigenous Fijian rights and interests paramount. In 1904 onwards successive governments have been trying to take this away. There is now an even more urgency to do this by the present regime

Let me show this by example. Firstly, the recognition of indigenous rights under Native Policy: Here you can see the recognition of Fijian right to land under the Native Lands Ordinance of 1882.  The rights to maintain cultural institution was recognized under the Native Affairs Ordinance.

Fijian language was promoted, written, taught and was the official second language. Village communities where regulated under the Native Affairs health regulation. There was a Fijian court system to adjudicate on customary law and minor offences.

On the other side of the coin, there are many examples of the removal and striping away of indigenous rights.  Legislation was introduced in 1905 to enable the sale of Native Land. If not stopped by Sir Arthur Gordon there would be no more Native Land. Legislation was passed in 1940 namely the Native Land Trust Act. This took away control of native land and put it in a government agent known as Native Land Trust Board.

 By virtue of this legislation native Fijians where forced to give out their land to subsidize development at the expense of investment at the market rate. There are many examples here and I know this very well because I have worked for the Native Land Trust Board.

The Fijian court system was removed totally. The Fijian administration was stripped of its function to regulate health and regulate custom.

The provincial council and the great council of chiefs were turned into institution of the state to control and make Native Fijian submissive to state authority.

Examples from the current regime include the announcement that the great council of chief function and role is useless and they are better of drinking home brew under the mango tree. Restrictions have been but permanently on the Great council of chiefs holding any meeting.  Amended legislation were introduced to allow the regime to control the great council of chief and provincial council by giving the regime discretion to appoint sympathizers.

On land the current regime has established committees to work with its agent the NLTB to coerce native land owners to renew their lease. There are also policy announcement and amendments made to give to the government in unilateral power over Native Land . The Land Use decree now allows the state to set aside portions of native land under direct control.

Amendments to the Fiji Hardwood Decree has terminated all claims against the state by native Fijians and allows the state direct ownership and control. The irony is that Fiji's Mahogany Plantations were intended initially to be owned by native Fijians to compensate removal of native timber. As its potential and financial value became obvious the state moved in to take control.


I have expressed my views on the way forward for Fiji in at least one of my speeches in parliament. I approached it from the need to create a common identity for all who live in Fiji. And I apply the principle guide of the UN Declaration that Fijian indigenous right must not be held paramount but is to be balanced with the rights of other communities.

On common identity I submit that the common identity for all people who live in Fiji is the Fijian identity.

Let me illustrate this by example. Many times while I was in Australia as a student the final climax of every major function we go to is the singing of a very unique Fijian song the “Isa Lei”. When the time comes for that every person who identifies with that song, with the country, with that land in a very unique way would rush up to the stage to sing that very special song the Isa Lei.

When I look around me in that crowd everyone from Fiji is there Native Fijian, Indian, Chinese, European, part European. And I look around and see that everyone is singing their hearts out.

Even many who cannot speak native Fijian were feeling well and truly Fijian. But the reality is that they cannot speak the language of what they were uniquely feeling inside on something that sets them out as unique which is what identity is all about.

There is a need to promote those common bond that make us unique, like all having to know the Fijian language and the basics of Fijian custom and the need for these to be taught and promoted in schools. Much like what New Zealanders are doing, adopting Maori as their identity.

We do not become that by forcing the “ Fijian “ label upon us because that label implies some commonness like the language and custom associated with that label which we must all learn and acquire.

The problem in Fiji is that if you promote the teaching of Fijian language and culture in schools some will say you are discriminating against Indians and we must also teach Hindi. But I'm talking about our common identity here. I think it will be an all inclusive thing to do.

Moving from there to our community and its institutions, including political institutions, we must begin to break down barriers. For example what is wrong with the Rewa provincial or the Cakaudrove provincial council having  Indians in that province represented there when they truly consider themselves Rewans and the Rewa Chiefs as their chiefs.

What is wrong with Indians being represented in the Great Council of Chiefs . The GCC is not sacred or sacrosanct; it is simply a council of representatives.

On political institutions my model of Fiji’s parliament is to have the Great Council of Chief to replace the senate to manifest that the sovereign power of Fiji is held by them but they delegate that to a parliament for democratic process and they reserve the right for review. It will also be an inclusive symbol at that level and unifying symbol of our common identity with the appearance they are chiefs to all who live in Fiji

For my model the Fijian indigenous right is no longer paramount but is balanced with the rights of others. On land rights for example to remove the feeling of insecurity of tenants of land and a third type of title to native land called the Native freehold can be introduced which can give better security.


To conclude Mr. Chairman, I say that indigenous rights that is now only recognized by the UN was nurtured and promoted for Native Fijians a long time ago between the period 1874 – 1904 under Native Policy making those rights paramount.  From 1904 – 1987 colonial administration have systematically tried to remove them totally. One reason is obvious and it is because Fiji was then becoming a very plural society. The coups of 1987 and 2000 were vain attempts to restore those paramount rights. The current regime is again trying its best to remove them totally. As a way forward, I submit we should be guided by the UN Declaration for Indigenous Rights which now recognize that Indigenous Rights are Human Rights. The challenge however, is for us or any future government for Fiji in that matter is to balance those rights against the rights of others. I am suggesting here that if we accept that the Fijian identity is our common identity we should therefore be able to work about balancing those rights and using the institutions that are already there to create for us a society that is truly Fijian and harmonious not only in name but in a true Fijian character maintaining the uniqueness of its language and custom in a way that is inclusive to all.


solomone said...

we can all live in harmony and peace in fiji...but plis Aiyaz & Bainimarama do not touch anything beyond your capabilities such as our FIJIAN CULTURE & IDENTITY & LAND away from us....OR you will live a life of torture & pain as you never come across your life...silent pain always eats slow & pain....BEWARE OF THAT....

Dick_tator said...


I agree with you that Bainimarama and his govt should refrain from making policy that should be determined by a democratic government.

But please find Jesus. You talk about some satanic evil, inflicting slow pain on people. In doing so, you are worse than Bai and Aiyaz.

Another thought to think about is this: If a democratic government tried to reform the Land Issue... would you accept it then? What if the governemnt was a multiracial one like in 1999?
I'd bet you wouldn't accept it then as well, right?

You want a dictatorship... but you want yourself in charge, not Bai.

Anonymous said...

This is why frank must stay because we must take fijian politics away and build a true democratic society.

Anonymous said...

Alleluiah! I totally agree with your sentiments re the Fijian language. In Fiji it is placed on a par with Hindustani. Ha ha ha.

mark manning said...

Until all Fijians accept that coups are illegal, there will be no change in Fiji.

Any excuse can be made to try and justify a coup and as little to no punishment is handed out for committing Treason, the cycle is bound to continue.

Get rid of the military, and someone else will use another excuse, for another coup.

Many Fijians seem to support Rabuka and excuse the 1st. coup, yet few know the truth as to why it was initiated, though many explanations have been given by the smooth talking Rabuka.

The reality is, it is a criminal act, carried out by criminals with criminal intent and criminal purpose in mind.

Coups are illegal and can never be justified, get that right and the coup culture in Fiji will die a natural death, keep trying to justify them and making exceptions and excuses and Fijians are bound to a cycle of coups.

Rabuka, as educated and intelligent as he is and was, still doesn't seem to accept that what he did was illegal and inexcusable.
He continues to justify his coup and sadly, so do many Fijians !

Anonymous said...

Whats new? Seems same old thinking.Speight coup for Fijian rights?
Speight could not speak Fijian,had very little to do with indigenous people before he was removed from native forest and timber administration.

Anonymous said...

@ Mark,
Exactly!!!!If only we could all start there...we all acknowledge that coup is illegal, than may be we could get somewhere.

Unfortunately, evil will always loose no matter how long it will take.

Power to the people!!!!

Anonymous said...

What a joke, democracy movement preaching some are more equal then the others.Please do not hide behind democracy to play your outright racist agenda.

The case against said...

There's an inconsistency here that I find very hard to understand. The case is made that Fijian i'taukei rights have been steadily eroded without anything more than a token attempt to explain why.

is this guy a Fijian nationalist fighting for a bigger share of the national cake for the i'taukei? Obviously. Does he make a strong case as to why that is necessary? No.

It seems to be Fiji for the Fijians because it was ever thus, until it allegedly started to be eroded. But with the sugar coating that "Indians" can be included so long as they accept the paramountcy of the Fijians, even to the extent of being members of the GCC. (yeah, right).

No. Fiji needs a level playing field for all its citizens, irrespective of race. And that is why Frank Bainimarama enjoys the popularity that he does, especially among non indigenous citizens.

Yes, we can all acknowledge the special place of the i'taukei in national life, just as the Aussies and Kiwis do in their multiracial, multicultural nations. Yes, we can all sing Isa Lei and celebrate the wonderful attributes of the i'taukei, like their family ties, their yalo loloma ( on the part of most ) fighting spirit and sense of attachment to their land. But paramountcy, no.

That is not possible in any 21st century nation because it's a dagger at the heart of the notion of equality and justice. This is why the SDL finds itself on the margins. Embrace equality for all citizens and it can come back. Stand only for Fijian interests and it will enter the history books like the British colonists, a quaint feature of Fiji's past.

The Oracle said...

I'm sorry but I just cannot understand how a lawyer can wrap himself in a cocoon of denial and still expect to practice his profession with any sense of fair-play.

Let's get one thing straight.... the rights of the indigenous i -Taukei have always been enshrined AND PROTECTED in Fiji's various Constitutions. They have always been and will always continue to be. There is NO COMPROMISE on that front.

What has failed over the years is NOT the PROTECTION of those rights but the PROMOTION and ENFORCEMENT of it. In this regard, it is the (former)Native Land Trust Board and the (former) Ministry of Fijian Affairs that have FAILED to promote indigenous rights in the BEST INTERESTS of the i-Taukei, NOT the Colonial administrations since 1904 as Niko would like to have us believe. And, "enlightened" i-Taukei like Niko are partially to blame for that because they did not "push" the relevant i-Taukei institutions in the right direction enough.

Niko rightly points out that most of what's being promoted under the UN Declaration of Indigenous Rights has already been in practice in Fiji from the time of Cession - unlike the Aborigines of Australia or the native Americans. Surprisingly, as a lawyer, he is now arguing that these rights have either been diminished or compromised in some way - without pointing us to the relevant offending Constitutional changes. This is the same bogey that Niko and other 2000 coup supporters bandied around the place to generate "blind support" from ordinary grassroots Fijians.

REMEMBER - under the 1970 Constitution, the Senate nominees of the GREAT COUNCIL OF CHIEFS were the CUSTODIANS of Indigenous rights. There was always a "Back-Up" protection in place. Frank's now destroyed that "gatekeeping" role and belittled the very people entrusted with protecting I-Taukei rights by disbanding the GCC and telling its members to go find a shade and "drink home-brew". Those who choose to belittle Fiji's chiefy system fail to realise how important the system is as a sinew to their very existence as i-Taukei.

It's becoming more evident to me that the FDM's reasons for wanting to remove Frank are not the same as the reasons I and many others in Fiji share.

TUI VITI said...

MARK MANNING SAID: Coups are illegal and can never be justified.

Manning, while I commend you for your anti-coup stance, you should refrain from making nonsense statements like this. You sound like a 21yr old idealist. When you grow older and develop wisdom, you will realise that very few things in this world are black and white.

I'm sure the french are very happy about their revolution, which is a coup by definition.

The American Declaration of Independence says that people have a right and a duty to overthrow a government under certain circumstances.

This is well known political theory from far back in history.

A lot of people on this blog would support a coup now to overthrow the Govt.

Clearly people feel that in some cases, a coup is ok. We just all disagree on which cases.

I am a strong opposer of Bainimarama and his government. But there is one thing he could do that would change my mind forever:

Step 1: Disband the military completely. I am sure Australia and NZ would help with this. We would need to give the colonels a carrot in order for them to accept this. A good severance package would go a long way. Maybe give the younger army boys jobs in the Aus and NZ military. That would make them happy to leave.
Once the military is gone for good...

Step 2: Hold elections in 2014.

If Bainimarama did these two things, I would be very very grateful. Then he could truly say he did the coup to end all coups.

If he fails to do this, then God save us... we will have to take up arms and fight eventually... though it might take ten or twenty years for people to get angry enough to do so.

Anonymous said...

I dont think indigenous right means discriminating against other groups.This never was the intention of UN.

Anonymous said...

Isa Niko if only you had only practiced what you preached then-especially when you were around for sometime time at the NLTB! People always seem to have short memories of where they had laid their support in the past. Bainimarama may now be going around telling Fijians to lease their lands you mob at the NLTB were doing the very opposite under Qarase going around telling Fijians not to renew leases to Indo -Fijians farmers! No?
You right when you say the removal of Fijian Rights but this was done by Fijians to Fijians not by the insistant of any other race in Fiji.Lets address the health rights you talk about -this was done so all matters relating to health was address by the Central Authority on Health, not done to take away any rights what so ever but to give equal rights to the Taukei as anyone else who lived in Fiji with matters relating to health or living in the village. The court system and all the others you mention would have made Fiji have 2 different sets of laws one for Taukei and one for others that in itself was discrimination!Can you imagine if the old traditional Fijian court system be still in existence today-the Taukei would have to get up at the call of the Turaga ni Koro in the morning etc, etc. If that happened today people would have challenge this concept of democracy-because it would be a case of the Chiefs all "running the show" as some say! At best Niko you might not be even given a chance to study law? We are trying to move forward whilst some cry over the what was done in the the 1902, we are here today because of coups-those that lost elections supported the coups because their Chiefs & Party lost-its because of your education that you now have a chance of speaking up other wise you most probbaly be still-waiting for the call of the Turaga ni Koro to clean the Chiefs house! Enough gabbage-now we can all see that you & Mere Samisoni are both paddling the same bavelo! We ain't blind Niko-you played some pretty silly & stupid games in your time at the NLTB and some of us know!

Police Intel said...


some good news for people, the commissioner of police has a team of top officers working on a strategy where they are building the chargers againist:

1. Frank Banimarama
2. Esala Teleni
3. Leweni
4. Aziz
5. Driti
6. Mara

( core group of 2006 coup) AND THE PAPERS compol is sharing through NIB to aus and nz via interpol.

Thank you Inoane for at least soem good work.

Joker said...

Again some comments have simply gone overboard without thinking or reading the article.

The speech is merely on indigenous rights as recognised by the UN. Not too long ago the same indigenous people were exploited and forced to embrace forign govenance, economic and political system where they simply became second class citizens in their own country.

The rcognition of their rights as indigenous people is merely a token gesture. The wrongs they suffered are impossible to put right under current democratic principles and human rights.

It is not about a race being superior; its about recognising their rights as a people; a nation, a country and their cultural heritage. The same that was trashed by colonial powers.

Rishab said...

Indians do not make 48% of the population...better check the results of the last census

Rishab said...

a very well written article. cheers

Anonymous said...

The NLTB has managed Native Lands well so why criticise it.
Look at the exploitation going on ,,,would have been worse if NLTB wasnt there. By the way, please take away all these indigenous issues and focus on returning Fiji to democracy. After that then we look at the indigenous issue again. Right now the FDM is seen as more and more a pro indigenous movement rather than a pro dem.

mark manning said...

@ Tui Viti
If only I was 21 again, but sadly, I'm nearly 3 times that now !

In reading your suggestion, perhaps it could be argued that you are more idealistic than me.

My response simply implies that in order to begin resolving Fiji's issues, Fijians should perhaps begin from the ground up, by 1st. confirming for all and sundry, that coups are illegal , not the answer and won't be accepted as an excuse.

Your response in part, confirms for me, that Fijians are nowhere near accepting that yet !

To me, justifying a coup, as Fijians seem to do, is a bit like justifying a murder.
" Oh, I killed him because I didn't agree with him and he wouldn't do things the way I wanted him to do them, but it's okay, it's not murder, I just strangled him until he stopped breathing " !

How does one argue with the logic ?

Anonymous said...

Is Ratu Mara in the FDM as a mole for the Fiji Military Government?

Anonymous said...

any comments on the new pharmacy decree, tailor made for some one i know

Mafi..USA said...

I belive what we have to focus on is to find ways and strategies to topple the Illegal Military regime.
We understand the overview of the situations that causes the coup, for what the coup perpetrators said was the reason why they did it in the first place.
We dont need to know what happen in 1884 or 1904....what we want to hear from the Democracy Movement around the world is what strategies do they have or think of to topple the Regime. What to do.How to do it, When to do it and Who to do it????
I strongly believe those are the areas that we have to focus on during the Democracy meetings.
I don't believe the speeches done by those speakers will do any good. What we need to do now is to look at our fronts and strategize our forms of attacking the regime where it will hit em hard and badly.
We can keep on looking back on what the SDL or Qarase should have done differently to avoid the coup. That was five years ago. We have to look at where we are now, where we want to go and what we need to do to reach our destination.
I hope leaders of Democracy movement should start looking more into this..

Anonymous said...

Indians today make up 30% or lower of the population,It probably will be 25% by next cencus

Anonymous said...

Coups were wrong from the very beginning, their intentions were all wrong.

Indigenous rights are important, we need to preserve our culture, language, our identity,our heroes & heroines. Otherwise we will get extinct!!

As much much as we respect other cultures, please keep the Fijian culture for our future generations.....

Anonymous said...




Anonymous said...

The contents are the same old crepe weball have been hearing since 1987. How about facing realities and providing some intelligent solutions

Anonymous said...

I commend Niko on a well written article. And Thank You Joker for actually reading the article before commenting. The article was not about the paramouncy of Fijian interests at the expense of all others, it was about finding a balance so that all citizens are equally recognised and represented.

Nikos article on ‘indigenous rights and politics’ is a very relevant one. Rabuka and Speight determined it ‘was necessary to restore and maintain’ those rights. And in opposition to that, Bainimarama who reasoned that he did it ‘to remove a government dominated by…ethno-nationalists and racist Fijians bent on imposing their rights and interest at the expense of all others’. Coups are illegal, I maintain and acknowledge that. And I’m not supporting their justifications but they share a common reason.

Maybe that’s the underlying problem, how do you protect and maintain indigenous rights without impinging on the rights of others? Is the answer in having equal representation in all aspects of government as Niko illustrated with the GCC and the Rewa provincial council?

Anonymous said...

@Mark Manning
"Fijians justifying the coup.." etc etc.
What about the Indians who plotted the 2006 coup and the ones that joined soon after?
Do they also have stupid logic?
What about the ones who joined immediately after that: Chaudry,Shameem, John Sami,Kevin Barr, Penny Moore, Petero Mataca, Felix Anthony,USP academics; Gates etc etc
Are these people just as stupid as the Fijians? because they have also "justified the 2006 coup". That's why they joined it in the first place.

May be they are more stupid, because they did not learn from the first 2 coups (talk about "not learning from history")

Since you have implied in your post above that Fijians are living in Denial, does that mean that all these Indians and academics are also living in denial.
They must be (if that is the rule you are applying to the Fijians.)

So perhaps you should also say that "Indians also from the ground up and especially the academics I've mentioned above should "confirm for all and sundry that coups are illegal and are not the answer and won't be accepted as an excuse..."

I can categorically say Mark that this coup would have died a natural death in 2006 if Indians pulled back and decided not to support it from its conception.

So at the end of the day it's not just the Fijians who are guilty.
The Indians are also guilty.
Every race in Fiji is guilty.
Its not just stupid uneducated villagers but even highly educated professors and clever businessmen are all guilty.

Niko has a right to his view.
You have a right to your view.
The wonderful thing about Democracy is each one of us can voice our opinion via a vote, as to which view we want to go with.

-Valataka na Dina.

(Keep blogging Mark. I'm just trying to open your eyes to the other side of the coin)

Fijian Native said...

Mark M.What do you you call the land grab criminals in in your country.Where are the Abo's now?.Why are you making so much noise about Fiji just go up north and ensure all the poor indigenous in your country are well look after by that crook exconvicts leading that country including you.

Anonymous said...

i was born in Fiji in 1972. I am an indian by race. now i live in the USA.Amazing that i have more rights and being treated equally as any other US citizen. They call me American.






Anonymous said...

@7:47 AM. you in today's multicultural anti-western destructive environment are an 'Indian-American', not an 'American'. Got that?

Anonymous said...

It would be a good idea if the Niko & co can do these kind of presentation here in Suva. Come on Guys, bring it to Suva.

Jake said...


E levu ga vei iko na vosa vaka lialia.

The british give the Fijians, clothes spoons among other things education and not to forget land protection.

So what the hell are you complaining about.

Na ka e vacacani iko sa rui sivia nomu mama duna.

mark manning said...

@ anon 332 a.m.
Exactly and when I say Fijian, I don't differentiate between Indigenous and non Indigenous. I mean, Fiji Citizens !

There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding and misinterpreting of what I'm saying going on here !

The educated and elite have their own hidden agendas and the not so educated, tend to believe what they're told, it seems.

I can't see Fijians resolving their issues through Democratic means, until they all sit round the table and sought through their differences.

I believe the 1st. thing to do is to appoint a neutral Prime Minister and Caretaker Government in accordance with the Fiji Court of Appeal Ruling of April the 9th. 2009 and set a date for new Elections.

Over time and in the peaceful setting of a People's Government, Fijians can thrash out their issues amicably and without interfering with the fabric of society and without destroying the livelihoods of its people.

Call me an optimist !

Anonymous said...

@7:47 AM ... and where are the Native Americans (Indians) who were the first inhabitants of the Land?? who respected and nurtured the land, depended on the Land for Life! ... YES ... they are living as a minority in some 'reserve' in the wopwops! ...

The Abo's and Maori are seen and treated as a minority in their own native land. Yes equality is an awesome virtue that hundreds of laws, regulations etc etc can be written, passed and enforced .. BUT .. 'respect' can not be put onto a piece of paper and thumb-tacked onto everyones forehead.

We all have to respect the native custodians of which ever or whos ever land we decide to settle on ...

... a little respect goes a hell of a long way ...

Anonymous said...


THAT WILL REQUIRE NIKO AND COUP 4.5 to clarify to Bloggers.

Otherwise, Niko Nawaikula will go down in history book as an Indigenous Rights Advocate hypocrite.

What say Hon. Niko Nawaikula?

mark manning said...

@ Mafi USA
To me, each coup was based on greed, ego, unfounded suspicion, the perception of elitism over others in the community and ignorance as well as some criminality.

Fiji is a pretty unique Community in the World today and unfortunately, the population is being taken for a ride as it continues to believe whoever spreads the best yarn, no matter the cost to themselves and their Families.

Fijians need to give Democracy a chance and to stop using destructive and self serving means to counter it. The self serving part, relates to only a handful of Fijians and others with vested interests and something personal to gain from a coup.

It's at the Polls, on Election day, that the people have their say !
If you don't approve of your Government's performance, vote them out !
If you don't approve of your local Member's performance, vote them out of Office.

Democracy is not perfect, you only have to see how they got rid of Mr. Whitlam and Kevin Rudd, but personally, I get my revenge at the next election as do all other Citizens of Australia, unless you agree with the outcome already !

Most Westerners don't understand Democracy, so perhaps Education is the key here.

It's not up to the Democracy Movement to find the solutions to Fiji's woes, it's up to Fijians living in Fiji to find the solutions.

The Democracy movements were set up to give Fijians somewhere to voice their opinions, with the hope of returning Fiji to Democracy.

Frankly, if Fijians don't change their mindset and accept the status quo, then all the Democracy Movement's efforts will amount to nothing.

Anonymous said...

Anon 1019

Sorry you got it wrong, check your facts before you write.All American citizens are called American.

American Indians are the Indigenous people of USA.

Please do not replace facts with your hatred for Indo-Fijians.

Anonymous said...

Anon 3:32AM (Valataka Na Dina)

I very much agree with your sentiments.

Why many Indians agreed with Bainimarama's coup was either that they just wanted to exact revenge upon the native Fijians for the earlier coups or they wanted to reform land qoliqoli ordinances to satisfy their greed for more economic power.

Bainimarama's own personal reason for the coup was that he was to be convicted for his part in the 2000 coup.

Nothing about the promotion of indigenous rights as adopted by the UN.

The Indians have now realized, such as Mahend has realized, that a coup is not the answer to their vengeful wants or their avarice.

Bai is also gradually realizing that his coup is not the answer to his personal reasons of trying to evade a court judgement.

Truth, fighting for which is your motto, will always prevail in the end.

May the peace of God be with you always.

Anonymous said...

American is American but India will always be Indian.

mark manning said...

To clarify my last sentence above :-

Should read :-
Frankly, if Fijians don't change their mindset and [ continue to] accept the status quo, then all the Democracy Movement's efforts will amount to nothing.

Joker said...

Anon American 19:19 @23/11

Good on you mate for getting more rights and whatnot but that is not the point.

The point is about the indigenous people of America who have been trashed and stomped into oblivion while the likes of you enjoy your so called rights and equality.

Robert Whittaker said...

Bulla .This comment comes from one who lived in Fiji for more than
fifteen years and who still has family living there ...All that you
have written is ,IN MY OPINION .exactly the way it should be written
,or said ,,,In Australia ,all those who hold an Australian passport
are known as Australian ,regardless of race or origin of birth
...Australian ....It works ,and those who can claim this identity are
proud to be called Australian .....I applaud the term ..FIJI FOR THE
FIJIANS ..However how much better it would be if all persons that hold
a Fijian passport were called ,,FIJIAN, Not Indo Fijian or European
etc ....FIJIAN ..These people would be the proud race that ethnic
Fijians once were ....If this were so all policies which were adopted
by the Fijian Government would apply equally to all FIJIANS
....Then,,Fiji would truely become ...THE WAY THE WORLD SHOULD BE
...Robert Whittaker....

Anonymous said...

if yo look like an indian, feel like an indian, eat like an indian, speak hindi, smell like an indian, why the hell are you calling yourself fijian or american or australian....aareh wah..bout paklah..indians very hard to understand.....what is wrong with calling yourself indian.. my goodness. then our country will trully be multiracial

Anonymous said...

The problem today is that people are so educated that they can call a monkey,a bird.

The Oracle said...

@ Mark Manning...
No one disagrees with what you're saying about democracy - on that front you're wasting your time preaching to the converted. Contrary to your claim about us being taken for a ride.. you obviously keep forgettng we've got a gun to our heads. So have the local media. The "solution" to our current dilemma could have come earlier if we had access to weapons. However, our ports have been secured, so "importing" weapons is a futile exercise.. any "uprising/people's revolution" without weapons will be suicidal. Despite our so-called conversion to Christianity, we are still a nation with a history of tribal warfare and let me assure you that when confronted by the masses, those with the weapons will not hesitate - through fear for their own safety - to use extreme violence.

As for talk about "peaceful" resistance .. the Public Emergency Regulations are specific in its intent with regards to the number of people who can gather (for whatever purpose) in a public place. If you haven't poperly digested reports on this blogsite since 2006, please recognise that our Sri Lankan-dominated judiciary has been manipulated to favour the regime..... THREE people jailed for simply voicing opposition to the current regime- several others charged along similar lines including one trade unionist being accused of inciting "TWO" people to agitate against the regime. One chief who "backed" his vehicle into another is having to "mark time" as the courts drag on with trying his case while the police continue to hold a knife to his throat by not charging him for choosing to "set up a second kitchen" with an under-age girl .

We may have been subdued by Frank's army but don't for a moment think we are DUMB.

I suggest you go spin your yarns elsewhere and don't come back until you're able to get a more accurate handle on our situation.

Anonymous said...

Anon 22, 2.26am
Fijian politics for Fijians (make that i taukei). Some may be able to make others Fijians (simply because they have the guns) but we all know who is the real Fijian in this land. Shame on the IG for the bastardisation of this ethnic identity and all the monkeys who have jumped onto the bandwagon calling themselves Fijians. Dream on.

Anonymous said...

anon 7.47am.
You said that you were born in Fiji, now reside in America and they call you American. Bunch of lies! In the US you will be called a Fiji born American. And because you are an Indian origin from Fiji , you will be addressed 'Fiji born American with an Indian descent'
See what's happening to the Kenyan Obama? the real American public are still in pursuit of his real identity.

Indigenous Fijian

Anonymous said...

f yo look like an African, feel like an African, eat like an African, , smell like an African, why the hell are you calling yourself fijian or american or australian....aareh wah..bout paklah..Africans very hard to understand.....what is wrong with calling yourself Arfrican my goodness. then our country will trully be multiracial

Joker said...

Robert Whittaker

Good point but not all people that live in Australia are called Aborigines nor those in NZ called Maori.

The problem is that "Fijian" has always been used to identify indigenous Fijians; why? I dn't have a clue.

The other alternative is to create another name for all citizens. But Bai decided to go the other way and change Fijians to "i taukei".

Whether this will works out in the long term remains to be seen. But as for now the name exists only in official documents in Fiji. The world at large will always know Fijians as the indigenous people of Fiji.

Anonymous said...

Anon 0440

I can live with what you saying. But I suggest Itaukei start paying tax so the infrastructure mainly in place by non taukei tax dollar can be maintained.

The problem with idiots like you is you want everything but not willing to work for it.

Weather you like it or not. if you are from Fiji, you will be called Fijian, standard practice everywhere in the world.

I say to you GROW UP.

Anonymous said...

@ The Oracle said 3:36
Were those THREE people not jailed for commiting vandalism and arson on more than one occasion ?

Who in any society would consider that as simply 'voicing an opposition' ?

Anonymous said...

@The Oracle said...However, our ports have been secured, so "importing" weapons is a futile exercise..

Who said? And who said just because the ports are "secure" that importing weapons would be futile?

Fiji would be one of the world's EASIEST places to smuggle weapons into. I don't have to state the reasons why. It's very obvious.

Anonymous said...

police intel...

is this for real or just another gimmick?
i doubt the credibility of this information, knowing that most of the current police commissioner's decisions are sourced from the kitchen. Maybe he has some guts now..

Anonymous said...

Indigenous rights is full of crapp. For yrs the great council of chiefs enjoyed the great feasts and groging sessions. What constructive work have they done in terms of Govt policy, welfare of all citizens, good goverance, peace and properity-Nothing they always had this provincialism segregation looking after their own needs and did not see Fiji as a whole. The natives in Fiji were always secure in terms of their language and culture and land protected even to this day close to 90% of the land is secured.Thyere is absolutely no excuse for fear of Fijians losing out, almost everythnig was given to them on the silver paltter. If they cuold farm, the whites would have used them and not bring Indians over, they were comfortable with the lease money so they did not bother to work harder.
Even scholarships and Uni entry were lowered for them, what else you wanted, in terms of business - don't forget AMCOL business does not come by on a silver plater -its sweats and guts. Now the self appointed leaders in exile have to fight themselves and not hide and fire blanks-go face them

Anonymous said...

Niko, Indian Fijians compromise 37% of the population and decreasing...do your homework. Much of what you fear will no longer be a threat. The demographics will take care of that. Fijians are their own worst enemy. The overwhelmingly indigenous Fijian army is your nemesis, not the Indians. And by the way the UN Convention you write about was developed to protect minority indigenouse and disenfranchised groups. By no stretch of the imagination are the Fijians of Fiji within that category.

Anonymous said...

@ Anonsense 12.43p.m. Suggest you get your facts right too dude!

The indigenous or natives of the Americas were called "Indians" by their colonisers, who ERRONEOUSLY thought they had landed in India! Sika!

The Oracle said...

@ Anon 6:30pm.. My apologies and yes, thanks for setting the record straight - arson of a police bure and vandalism related to writing anti-Bainimarama slogans on billboards. Now compare that to deaths associated with the 2006 military take-over; abuse of human rights in the case of people taken up to the military camp; rapid depletion of the national coffers and rampant abuse of people's FNPF savings; treasonous acts of using military might to oust an elected government; and committing future generations to massive debts via "soft" loans from China (Make no mistake about it - actual Chinese "aid" to Fiji dwarfs in size to our mounting Chinese debt and Chinese exploitation of our natural resources).Get the picture?? But thanks anyway for setting the record straight.

@Anon 7:17 pm .. Let me assure you Port security is no longer as "lax" as it used to be. All incoming (and some outgoing) containers are being checked thoroughly - some to the extent that some consignees are finding some of their goods missing!! But seriously, try and import weapons through our ports and see what happens. In 1987, the arms that were "imported" as "machinery" by a Ba engineering firm left the port but were soon confiscated. This time they won't even be allowed to leave the port -- the confiscation of weapons earmarked for the police in 2006 is an example. The only weapons that may still be coming through would be those for pigeon shoting and use n farms. They don't compare in any way to SLRs and AK47s.
If you're saying ports are not secure because thefts are continuing -- I agree with you. But if you're saying arms can be brought in via the ports in "revolution" quantities, I have to disagree with you -- one of the "good" things that has come about since 2006 is the heightened awareness of "Border Control". That's not to say I support Frank's balmy army and his gang of thieves -- I'm just stating reality.

Anonymous said...




Anonymous said...

anon 602, the idiots are the ones who who cannot spell right, and, look at themselves in the mirror and delusionally see a Fijian

Anonymous said...

@ Anon 12:09 ... Indians Japanese Tavioka or Pateta! ... Sorry for the 'ERRONEOUSLY' infected info in my comment ... I hope that wasnt the only part of my comment you found as nonsense. Sa sika madaga o au nikua...Nothing but respect for you my sister

Anonymous said...

Why is FDFM based in the country which surpresses thier natives. Australia and NZ. Niko plse go and tell the PM's of these countries to give back leadership to the natives.
Why just fight for i'taukeis why not for Abos n maori.

FBI said...

I am Indian, I do not want to be Fijian, speak Fijian etc,etc,etc.

Just give me my rights to speak my Hindu language,practice my culture, right to lease or buy land, right to government resources,right to qoliqoli,right to do business, right to be in government,right to be elected, right to be PM and President and so forth, right to be a citizen.

You can keep the rest

FBI(Full Blooded Indian)

FBI said...



You can keep the rest

FBI(Full Blooded Indian)

Anonymous said...

Anon@9:57am...You got that right we're all Fijians.As long as Frank
control of the Military is still intact.Even that Fijian lands he confisicated via the Land Use Decree for the indo to use,they'll be ok as long as Frank is in control.Once he's ousted and new Fijian power comes into the picture
all these illegal decrees and changing of our institutional name etc,etc will be immediately challenged and reversed? Vinaka Mere Samisoni, Niko and Qarase we know that we're going to outlast these bunch of thugs! Stay focused and be ready to come back and complete your term in our democratic parliament?

Anonymous said...

Before 1970 indigenous Fijians were always known as natives thus we have NLTB etc. They are also better known as Kai Viti, which may be more appropriate name for them then I-Taukei.

Anonymous said...

All American citizens are called American, its the law there.

Of course if they catch an illegal alien, they might call him Fijian weather you look like Mere Samisoni,Jim Ah Koi, Speight,Rabuka or Mahen Chaudhary.

To Anon 0141,0329,0536 and 1209,little knowledge is dangerous, if dont know USA, please dont go into it.

Anonymous said...

@8.21p.m, indigenous rights is not crap at all. It's embedded in international law. It's also a right that is inherent in an indigenous person - not something that you or any one else needs to give or bestow on an indigenous person. LOLS... No way jose, and every indigenous person knows that... hence, the sooner the rest of you recognise it, the better it is for everyone in Fiji.

The problem as we all know, lies in the way some politicians, corrupted chiefs and half-schooled idiots have manipulated the rights of indigenous persons to enrich themselves and their families..

Instead of helping to break down the barriers and reform key indigenous institutions and indigenous practices perhaps that have stood in the way of indigenous progress... their every decision has been based on selfish reasons - self-preservation from being exposed and held accountable for their corruption - case in point is the appointment of Frankenstein as commander of the RFMF which todate, remains a wholly indigenous institution and the main culprit behind every cursed coup we've been dragged through.

Cursing our indigenous rights is not going to improve your lives..

Any changes will require open, transparent and honest consultations and processes with those affected by it - which we all know will never happen under the Bai/Aiz regime.

So... first things first is to remove the Bai/Aiz regime and reclaim our God-given rights and spaces so that we might move on to making whatever necessary changes that have been long overdue.

Anonymous said...

@ 11.40a.m. my apologies and I take back that totally unnecessary name-calling. We all get carried away now and again but I think it's important that we all try not to add to the confusion and try to keep things in their proper perspective and on an even keel particularly when it comes to race relations... people need to keep the faith even if others who should know better are losing theirs.

Anonymous said...

Where were these pro-demcracy advocates in 1987 and 2000.Alas if you all had taken a similar stand during those times than this coup culture would never have been repeated.As I read these blogs its not about democracy or indegenious rights.Its all about power.Please stop hoodwinking the innocent people on the ground.If you so called freedom fighters have any guts than take it to the streets of Suva.You guys are none other than foxes hiding in sheep skin and will come out with your true colours when Bai is gone.Rather than inciting hatred,violence and fear amongst the ordinary people start preparing for the 2014 election.By opposing and bad mouthing this regime from the comforts of your new found overseas heavens,you guys are doing nothing but giving an excuse to IG from having elections in 2014.To those yester years politicians namely Samisoni,Qarase,Chaudary,Anthony,Urai and others please step aside.You guys had the opportunity but could not unite the 2 major races.Its time for the younger generation to come up with a fresh approach.
I rest my case.May God Bless Fiji

Anonymous said...

The term Fijian actually first came out when Europeans landed in Tonga and saw the dark skinned people of Viti there. When asked by the whites who they were the Togans said they were from "Fisi".As we know the Tongans don't pronounce the the letter "j". This was basically the direct translation of the the word "Viti". From then on the word Fisi took on many different pronunciations depending on who the speaker of the word was-today we all know it as Fiji!DRi yani.

Anonymous said...

FACT- Fiji was named FIDJI by Dutch sailor Abel Tasman in 1643. The term "FIJIAN" clarifies Nationality. IT IS NOT A NAME OF A RACE!

Anonymous said...

Wow man, that was real smart! Where'd you get that info from???Wow,hey guys we have smart people in da house!!!!

Anonymous said...

Man you're all getting nuts on each others-why? You're name calling at each others, you're finger pointing at each others,you're spitting at each others,why? and for what? Look 40 years ago, Fiji Indian population were over 52% of Fiji's total population. Today i was talking to Bainimarama ,about this very subject
and he says, that I Taukei population has taken the leads to 57.3% and Indos have noisedive, to
37.6% and is still diving real fast!He doesn't know when these numbers, will stabilized? One thing is for sure, is that the I Taukei's, are emigrating and are trying out their
hands on businesses, where Indos would normally have contained?I'm not even sure, if the one man one vote idea, is a good idea anymore,
said Bai?Seems to me that Fijians (ITaukei)will dominate the election; and the parliament in their country?By the
year 2014 comes around? How many percentage of Indos, would be left in Fiji? 25% to 20%, maybe then they'd want to return to communal
roll?Bai was very concerns by these
figures and may change his plan back to the communal roll system?

Anonymous said...

The trouble with Indians is they don't want to stay and live in their stinking hole of a country so have to push themselves into every other country and try make it their own. Not just in Fiji, Auckland, Melbourne and LA, Vancouver all now have boat loads of them all calling themselves, kiwis, aussies and americans,.. want to claim! magaitinamu!! By the way India was called Undies before the Europeans arrived to educate and civilise the skid marks! Fiji is for Fijians, Viti for Kai Vitis!

The Oracle said...

@Anon 2:06pm...
Whoa. You one angry Dude. Look in the mirror before you burst a vein.

Kai viti(s) are now also making other countries their home.. the US, Australia, NZ, UK etc and.. Why Not? GOOD ON THEM!!
In this modern day and age, that's what people do .. they settle where they feel comfortable enough to call a place home.

I will admit I didn't know India was once called the Undies, but I do have a suggestion for you.... with your current state of rage you might want to check your own undies to ensure you haven't already burst something!!

Chill out dude!!!

Anonymous said...

Anon 1:10am-maybe if some would listen to other peoples of the Pacific (Tongans) for one we could all learn more of who and where we people came from but alas-our history is now clouded in a"cock & bull" stories! I assume you have more information to share with us illiterate folks? As the old people said we always have a "maca medra" amongst our midst!

Anonymous said...

@FBI, Go back to where nana & nani sprang from. That's where you'll get that privilege. simple..

Anonymous said...

Anon 0206,

So what you want to do about it.The Americans and Australians will lough at your suggestion and call you dickhead.

At least people of Indian origin migrate legally, work hard and make something of themselves.

Unlike your crowd who go overseas and hide.
When they come out of their hole, they look like bunch of idiots
smiling at every white they go past.They back stab each other like crow.

Instead of drinking grog whole night and play your lowlife politics go and do something worthy for your so called god given country. That way your kids will look like you and not like your neighbor.

Anonymous said...

Annon 7.46 did you just swallow 10 mirja??? lols..

Taukei. said...

@ Anon 7:46.

Vinaka - glad you left - hopefully you'll work hard in your latest country of residence so you can sponsor all your relatives.

An Indian accusing Taukei of being back stabbers? Why do Indians continually assume "the victim" position?

Anonymous said...

Anonymous where do you think Abel Tasman got his idea that the name for the natives was Fidji from the Fijians? I am talking of factual history in Tongan archives that is history before Abel Tasman-as for the claim Fijian denotes nationality-who do you think brought that about? There was only one Viti.The original inhabitants who were here were know as giants they were know to come from Vu-ni-lagi and know as the children of the Kalouvu.It was well known that there was never any name for people because they were from different tribes but more importantly the Islands were also populated by different peoples of different colour skin! In the Tongan achieves you will read of the "Rogovoka" which was the known as "na nodra waqa na Vu kei Viti era vakatawa na vanua.It was the Rogovoka "ka usana mai Uwea na vatulevu balavu can vatu ni bulubulu nei Tui Toga! If as you claim the name Fidji came into existence only when Abel Tasman came around then maybe we should just leave that discussion there-for my history goes way, way back into the mists of time! Till today many still don't want to acknowledge the fact that this land was populated by people before all the new myths began, whilst some came later the fact is some never came but that is another legend for another time! The truth is far, far more closer to home than many think?? I will give you a hint -there is a cave in Yasawa which has writings on its walls that is very similar to an ancient language from Asia? No one could read it until an American Anthropologist was told about it-now the question is how did these people come to write their language & did paintings on the walls of a cave in Yasawa?? Mystery? Maybe?

Anonymous said...

Niko I think your assessment of the Pope clearly shows what grade of Lawyer you are in. What the Pope said is true and it got nothing to do with what Sitiveni Rabuka did in 1986 when he overthrew the Government of Timoci Bavadra. Rabukas sin can be blamed on the Pope nor the Pope is responsible for that coup. It only indicate how shallow you are and the Fijian nationalist who supported him thats including you and former PM and Ministers of the previous parliaments. Even though what Mr Bainimarama did maybe be wrong in Law however he did what is required by a Government to unit every other races that lived in Fiji as ONE PEOPLE. The changes he did can not be brought about by a Democratically elected Government. So he had to do it for us and then move ahead. All of you's are just just greedy, lazy, and want tauloto all the time. What will you say to the people who were denied and dispossessed of their Land by the Veitarogi Vanua in 1922, 1928, 1938 and so on. Are'nt they entitled to JUSTICE and most of whom are striped of their titles and even some were separated from their families and killed and until now their whereabouts are still unknow. eg. Navosavakadua, and Ratu Apolosi Ranawai. What are talking about. Please Mr Bainimarama alone his tenure in office one day will come to an END. Thats the cycle of live everybody in this world will go through it doest'nt matter what is your stutus here on earth. All what you should be worrying about is that when you die you are guaranteed a PLACE IN HEAVEN LIKE POPE JOHN PAUL 11 is.

God Bless Fiji

Anonymous said...

Just expel all races frm Fiji except i'taukeis. than they can have it their way. no one to blame.

The Oracle said...

Just to get the facts right. Pope John Paul simply repeated a slogan which was already in place and used extensively in Fiji. The slogan: "Fiji the way the world should be" was already in wide use before the Pope's arrival in Fiji and if I'm not mistaken, it was associated with Air Pacific and tourism.

Anonymous said...

hehe @ anonymous 2.31 - what a loser!

Many of us proud i-taukeis do not wish to be associated with LOSERS like you... and we're not in support of Bai's junta either.