Fiji’s Constitution

Press, 26 September 1988, Page 20

Fiji’s Constitution

Sir, —September 25 is the anniversary of the second military coup in Fiji. On this day a year ago the Governor-General announced his intention to broadcast a statement on the Deuba Accord — an agreement between the two main political parties to form a caretaker government and set Fiji on the path back towards democracy. An hour before the-planned broadcast Rabuka intervened once more to do it his way. Your editorial of' September 17 pointed out the facts. Things may appear to have improved from a distance, but in reality nothing has changed. The oppression continues. “Indigenous rights” is a smokescreen used by the present administration to justify its tyranny. The army-backed Alliance Party interim Government is supported by wealthy Chinese, Indian and European citizens in the same way that ,Dr Bavadra, himself a Fijian, and his party are supported by citizens of all races. This is not a race but a power struggle. — Yours, etc., B. MOUNTIER. September 23, 1988. Sir,—John Wanklyn (September 20) speaks of Britain snubbing the Fiji problem. Of all countries which might intervene in Fiji’s internal affairs, Britain, as the ex-colonial Power, should be the last, unless invited to do so by all sides to the question. In recent times Britain intervened in a few Commonwealth countries over the Peter Wright affair. Although she did so constitutionally, through the courts of justice of those countries, she was nevertheless criticised, rightly in my view, for insensitivity to national feeling. Britain cannot be blamed in perpetuity for all that goes wrong politically in her ex-colonial empire: nor, without invitation, can she disown the word “independence” and intervene. Was she to blame, for example, when, many years ago, Uganda was handed over, peaceful, well-governed and prosperous to her self-chosen leaders; only a few years later, to start a long journey down her endless vale of tears?—Yours, etc. D. P. K. RENNICK. September 23,1988.