by Fiji Labour Party; published 18 May 2000

A year ago today a nation full of promise, poised for unprecedented economic boom, was overnight plunged into anarchy.. The armed invasion of Parliament and the hostage taking of the Prime Minister and members of his Government were followed by months of violence and senseless destruction by a group of people bent on pushing their own selfish agenda at the expense of the people of Fiji. The insurrection was justified under the guise of protecting the rights of the indigenous people.

The coup extracted a heavy price from our people

Sixteen (16) people were killed, many more were injured and beaten, many homes and businesses were torched, destroyed and ransacked. Innocent people were terrorised and made homeless. Fiji's security forces seemed struck by some strange paralysis as lawlessness and anarchy reigned supreme.

Much of the pain and suffering inflicted by this disaster has been borne by the poor people of Fiji.

· Thousands of workers have lost secure jobs and are now living on the verge of poverty

· An independent survey shows 50% of our people are now living in poverty and are struggling to provide for their families' basic needs

· Hundreds of hotel workers are still on reduced hours and reduced pays.

· Doctors, nurses, teachers, accountants, computer experts, engineers and other skilled people and tradesmen are emigrating en masse in a brain drain that is leaving our own services depleted.

· Hundreds of farmers evicted from lands they and their forefathers have farmed for generations, became refugees overnight. Two thousand more desperate, homeless farming families will join them by December-end.

· The cost of staple food items and basic consumer goods has escalated. Food prices have soared 20% in 12 months.

· Fiji's economy lies in ruins as important industries struggle to survive

· Businesses are collapsing everyday with bankruptcies and mortgagee sales becoming commonplace

· Air Pacific, the Fiji Sugar Corporation, Fiji Electricity Authority are among once successful public enterprises that are facing huge losses.

· The Fiji dollar has depreciated substantially against major world currencies

· The nation is torn apart by deep divisions in our society

Was all this pain and suffering necessary?

We know today that the protection of indigenous rights had nothing to do with the overthrow of the People's Coalition Government. The insurrection did not have popular support and even those soldiers who participated were promised huge sums of money for their role. Scores of Fijian youths were lured into Parliament with the promise of money, jobs and excitement.

We know that the coup was planned by a number of disgruntled and defeated politicians, some chiefs and officers of the security forces, with the financial backing of several unscrupulous businessmen who feared exposure for their corrupt dealings. .

As Lt. Col Viliame Seruvakula says: these men are still walking the streets free. They have to be brought to justice and made to pay for the suffering they have inflicted on our people and our nation. Unless the plotters are punished, Fiji will not be safe from seditious elements who overthrow democracy and elected governments and impose their will on us.

Remember, our people have been victims of these criminal elements three times since 1987. This cancer must be eradicated from our midst if we are to save our nation from total ruin.

The Poor are ignored

An interim regime has been running the nation since last July. This regime has reverted to the policies of the discredited Rabuka administration. It ignores the plight of the poor and continues to serve the interests of the rich and corrupt elements in our society. The regime is not fulfilling its numerous promises of assistance to the Fijian people It has reimposed VAT on food items and removed concessions granted by the People's Coalition Government to the poor and suffering.

Our future as a nation

Fiji's reputation in the international community lies in tatters. Its judiciary and law enforcement agencies have become objects of ridicule as fresh disclosures surface about their involvement with the coup plotters. As a country, we are shunned by investors because we have thrice demonstrated that elected governments and democracy can be overthrown here by armed forces. Fiji is no longer regarded a safe destination by visitors because they feel unsafe and insecure here.

What is your future in a nation torn apart by deep divisions in our society? What lies ahead for you and your family in a country which in recent months has shown scant regard for the rule of law, has demonstrated no respect for human rights and has ignored all tenets of good governance? In a country where medical and educational services have become incompetent with the departure of experienced doctors, nurses and teachers?

There is but one answer to these questions. Yes, Fiji and her people of all races face a very bleak future unless we commit ourselves to restore and uphold democracy and the rule of law in our nation at all times. We as a people, must free ourselves from prejudices that have denied us peace and progress since independence.

We must overcome forces which have exploited our emotions and kept us divided as people of different races, religions, confederacies or provinces. We must work to unite our people for the common good of all.
Only then will we and our children have a secure future here.

What the People's Coalition
Government did for you ...

In one short year in office the People's Coalition proved it had dedicated leaders who could provide the good governance and policy directions needed to steer Fiji to economic growth and prosperity. We proved we were a caring and considerate government that took care of the needs of the poor and disadvantaged in society. Compare our record with the state of the country today:

Relief to the poor

· Cost of staple food prices came down with the removal of 10 % VAT and Customs Duty
· Water rates were reduced by 10% and changes in the billing system brought further reduction
· Electricity rates were slashed by 16% - 1.5c in the unit
· International telephone rates reduced by 10%
· Housing Authority interest rates brought down to 6% from 11% for workers with lower incomes
· A number of income tax concessions granted to poor families and those with dependents
· Tax allowances were increased for FNPF/insurance payments
· People's Coalition Government's poverty alleviation measures came close to $50 million in the 2000 Budget
· Student Loan Scheme was introduced for poor families
· A special $2 million provision was made in Budget 2000 to upgrade facilities in rural schools
· In addition, the education Budget received a $10 million boost
· Health Budget went up $15 million

Economic Growth

The People's Coalition Government achieved a dramatic turn around in the economy with a 6.6 % growth for 1999 after two years of dismal negative performance.

· The construction, manufacturing and retail sectors were all experiencing a boom
· Employment - 6640 jobs were created in the informal sector-another positive indicator that the economy was flourishing
· 3000 new jobs were created in the subsistence sector
· The formal sector expected 10,637 new jobs in the fiscal year 2000
· Investment was high - $300 million of hotel projects alone were poised to take off
· Foreign reserves were at record levels
· Inflation was running at negative levels as a direct result of Government policy to bring down prices of basic consumer goods

Prudent management of government finances saw:

· $23 million saving to taxpayers with the scrapping of bogus contracts on the Y2K scheme and the accrual accounting system
A Budget surplus of $47 million in the first quarter of 2000 - money that would have been used to develop infrastructure and boost social services and welfare schemes.

END