Fiji prides
itself in the work it does for the UN as a ‘peace keeper.’ Fiji earns a good
deal of money from this ‘service.’ The money repatriated to Fiji is a significant
earner and many families benefit form Fiji’s excellent work in many countries.
That Fijis
leader ‘supports’ the actions of his security force as exhibited in the video that
has done the rounds recently says much about him as a leader and for the future
of this beautiful nation. He claims that the so-called escaped prisoners terrorized
the people of Fiji after they had robbed a bank,’ is enough reason for the barbaric
treatment of these ‘prisoners.’
The very
least he could have done would have been to distance himself and order an inquiry.
He says he doesn’t care about the attitudes of NGOs who have criticized Fiji.
Fiji’s neighbours must speak out and not be cowered by his actions and New Zealand
should reconsider any aid heading Fiji’s way in times of trouble.
However, NZ
does not take a hard line with Fiji; not one that matches the actions of this Government.
That is because we have a strong relationship with the people of Fiji and we
are reluctant to hurt the ordinary people. It is the power hungry leaders that we
should (and do) target. One is left with the feeling that a great deal more of
barbarism exists in Fiji, but it is well hidden.
The images
we have seen in recent days should act as a timely reminder that we have a
sister nation in the Pacific that is reluctant to adhere to decent and fair
standards. Then again, they join a list of nations who go a great deal further
down that line. One day Fiji will arrive at a point where once again, tourists
will be able to travel to the Isle of Fiji and enjoy the wondrous hospitality
of the people, knowing that they are led by a ‘kinder hand.’
So, Fiji, join the family of Pacific nations with pride, not with the behaviours that are the opposite of the image you ,like to portray.
