Frank Bainimarama
When it’s this cold many of us think of escaping to a warm island paradise, but when it comes to Fiji the postcard images of warm water lapping pristine beaches mask an uglier picture.
Many travellers have been able to ignore the fact that Fiji is under a military dictatorship, but when the government is using their absolute power to stifle free speech and attack the rights of the workers who are serving you, it’s time to ask some serious questions.
The problem is what do we do? Making calls on how we treat developing nations, especially our neighbours, is always tough. Tourism keeps the Fiji economy afloat and is vital to the living standards of all its people. Fiji is far from being North Korea with palm trees – there is still some civil society and freedom left.
Continue reading "Fiji: Franksta’s paradise hides a dark side" »
If there was an award for ‘most popular military dictator’ Commodore Frank Bainimarama would win hands down.
Muammar al-Gaddafi came close by hugging the Lockerbie bomber this week, but his habit of farting like a horse – and murdering thousands of his own people – relegated him to second.
Fiji’s coup leader, and Prime Minister, is viewed by the international community as a paranoid, unpredictable maverick.
Continue reading "As military dictators go Bainimarama ain’t that bad" »
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leisha gibbons says:
Oh please tehre were more people murdered under the previous coups then this one the only difference between this coup is that its working to aid the grassroots of the people. This lady has done a great job in highlighting alot of things. Read more »
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Sam says:
Tracey, Re: Gaddafi “and murdering thousands of his own people – relegated him to second”... What are you refering to? The bloodless coup in 1969? care to provide a link or back up your “murder” claim with some evidence? I’m curious, because it sounds like libel to me, and having… Read more »
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