The coup, led by third ranking and little known army colonel, Sitiveni Rabuka, deposed the democratically elected government of Dr. Timoci Bavadra. Dr. Bavadra led the Fiji Labour Party.

 The coup ushered Fiji into a new era of hate, intolerance, stagnation, racism, instability, and poverty. The country and its people suffered immensely for most of the 14 years. But it elevated the profiles of coup conspirators like Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, Jim Ah Koy, Apisai Tora, Viliame Gonelevu, Taniela Veitata, Meli Vesikula, and a handful of others. While some of the conspirators passed away or left, the first 3 named here remained to plot other coups. These politicians usurped power and watched the nation slip by day by day. Corruption, nepotism, and lawlessness became the order of the day. These provided fodder for some businesses to grow and acquire mega-status in Fiji.

 Poverty escalated to over one-third in the country. Unemployment reached its highest level. Destitution and other social problems escalated.

 Twelve years since the coup, the people saw hope in the Fiji Labour Party again and voted it into power overwhelmingly. The new government began addressing each of these problems with determination and vigour.

 But the defeated forces featuring the same elements who threw Fiji into the status of a banana republic on 14 May 1987, with the financial assistance of corrupt businessmen and defeated politicians from Bavarda’s then partner the National Federation Party, struck again last year. Again they destroyed a government led by the Fiji Labour Party and western Fijians.

People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands
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Last update: August 27, 2001