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Frank Bainimarama - Source: ONE News -
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Hundreds of Fiji's civil servants will be out of jobs next month when the interim government's new law kicks in forcing retirement at 55, raising fears that it will mean significant financial hardship in an already depressed economy.
While Fiji's dirty politics may be under international scrutiny, Ana, a Fijian squatter, is more concerned with keeping her family fed.
"The life here is just the same, no coup or coup," she says.
She has lived in one of Fiji's biggest squatter settlements through all four coups.
Squatter settlements are the norm for the lives of hundreds who cannot afford to live elsewhere.
The conditions are basic, with a toilet being a luxury, and many people share the same water supply.
For Ana, the starting rate for any job would be 99 cents. So for her, a good prime minister, elected or not, is one who can improve the living conditions.
"If this government can change the wages of the people, that will be ok."
But, along with the forced retirement of hundreds of civil servants, the cost of living is rising, with the dollar recently being devalued 20%.
That makes a lot difference for people like Ana and others who are earning so little or nothing at all already.
What do you make of the Fiji situation? Post your
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Post new commentvaingloriouscoconut said on 2009-04-28 @ 23:37 NZDT: Report abusive post
Like a jedi knight said at the beginning of a certain movie, the whole crisis doesn't make sense. A phantom menace at work? Whoever stands to gain most from this charade are 'the Sith'. Alot of noble talk generating alot of thuggery. Judge by effects, and actions beloved Fijians - not by intentions and words. Time will reveal all.
UP2DATE said on 2009-04-28 @ 19:24 NZDT: Report abusive post
The UN is a joke. Sorry Fiji. The Commodore is a total dictator. Only the Fijian people can change this. It is time to stand up to this madness. Good luck.
Mark Manning said on 2009-04-23 @ 13:01 NZDT: Report abusive post
The Commander is hiding from allegations of and an investigation into , his and others , alleged involvement into the murders of 5 Counter Revolutionary Warfare Soldiers in 2000 . At that time of the civil unrest , some soldiers justified murder of these men by declaring them an act of war and thought that assertion would protect them from prosecution . However , one of those murdered , wasn't even in the vicinity of the camp at the time of the killings of the soldiers in the camp .
Udreudre said on 2009-04-18 @ 18:13 NZDT: Report abusive post
Bula Vinaka, just my comment on media. Actually the news now is much better. Before so much headache. Eg the move to get retirement age to 55. Oilei! If were in Fiji 2 months ago, you will know what I mean. As soon as the news was aired, 5 more related news: the unions, the politicians, close up show. Really very stressful. Our own version of Shortland Street was Fiji one news. Very entertaining but stressful. Even at night, we think, this and that, but now, no more. Only news not noise.
Udreudre said on 2009-04-18 @ 11:46 NZDT: Report abusive post
Actually, our beloved country can survive without aid money. we have land, sea, only thing is we get very relaxed. If we work hard and become independant, we will benefit. I am a landowner and personally if we dont get tourists, it will be good. They bring in their evilways. we have a population of 800,000, yet the tourist number is 600,000 per year!. They may be working as cleaners or maids but they come here and are treated like royalty. My children dont have to be slaves to the tourists.