Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama
Prime Minister of Fiji
Incumbent
Assumed office  05 January 2007
President	Josefa Iloilo
Preceded by	Jona Senilagakali
President of Fiji
In office 29 May 2000 – 13 July 2000
Preceded by	Kamisese Mara
Succeeded by	Josefa Iloilo
In office 05 December 2006 – 04 January 2007
Preceded by	Josefa Iloilo
Succeeded by	Josefa Iloilo
Born	27 April 1954 (1954-04-27) (age 54) Kiuva, Tailevu, Fiji
Spouse	Maria Makitalena
Religion	Methodist

Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, MSD, OStJ, Fijian Navy, known commonly as Frank Bainimarama and sometimes by the chiefly title, Ratu^[1] (born 27 April 1954) is the Commander of the Fijian Military Forces and, as of 5 January 2007, Interim Prime Minister. As a former British colony, Fiji has largely adopted British political models and follows the Westminster, or Cabinet system of government in which the Events 1477 - Battle of Nancy: Charles the Bold is killed and Burgundy becomes part of France. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, MSD, KStJ, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President Dr Jona Baravilala Senilagakali is a medical doctor and former diplomat who was installed as interim Prime Minister of Fiji by Commodore Josaia Voreqe (Frank Fiji 's Head of State is the President of the Republic of the Fiji Islands. Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Events 1174 - William I of Scotland, a key rebel in the Revolt of 1173-1174, is captured at Alnwick by forces loyal to 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara Kabakoro] GCMG KBE CF, ( May 6, 1920 &ndash April 18, 2004 Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, MSD, KStJ, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President Events 63 BC - Cicero reads the last of his Catiline Orations. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 46 BC - Titus Labienus defeats Julius Caesar in the Battle of Ruspina. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, MSD, KStJ, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, MSD, KStJ, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President Events 1124 - David I becomes King of Scotland. 1296 - Battle of Dunbar: The Scots are defeated Year 1954 ( MCMLIV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1954 Gregorian calendar) Tailevu is one of Fiji 's fourteen Provinces. One of eight Provinces based in Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island its 755 square kilometers occupy the south-eastern Fiji (Matanitu ko Viti फ़िजी officially the Republic of the Fiji Islands (Matanitu Tu-Vaka-i-koya ko Viti फ़िजी द्वीप समूह गणराज्य Methodism is a movement within Protestant Christianity represented by a number of denominations and organizations Commodore is a Military rank used in many navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a navy captain, but is less than The Fijian honours system dates from independence in 1970 when the Fijian Independence Medal was awarded to participants in the Fijian independence celebrations The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem or Order of St John is a British -based royal order of Chivalry, and is The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF with a total manpower of 3500 men is one of the smallest militaries in the world Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank An equivalent title Adi (andi is used by females of chiefly rank Events 1124 - David I becomes King of Scotland. 1296 - Battle of Dunbar: The Scots are defeated Year 1954 ( MCMLIV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1954 Gregorian calendar) The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF with a total manpower of 3500 men is one of the smallest militaries in the world Events 1477 - Battle of Nancy: Charles the Bold is killed and Burgundy becomes part of France. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. As a former British colony, Fiji has largely adopted British political models and follows the Westminster, or Cabinet system of government in which the He also holds the ministerial portfolios for Information, Home Affairs, Immigration ^[2], Public Service, and Indigenous and Multi-Ethnic Affairs ^[3].

Bainimarama has taken power twice in Fiji's history, the first time as Head of the Interim Military Government of Fiji from 29 May to 13 July 2000, after organizing a counter-coup to neutralize the earlier putsch led by George Speight. Tui Viti (King of Fiji (1871 to 1874 See also Tui Viti Seru Epenisa Cakobau: 5 June 1871 - 10 October Fiji (Matanitu ko Viti फ़िजी officially the Republic of the Fiji Islands (Matanitu Tu-Vaka-i-koya ko Viti फ़िजी द्वीप समूह गणराज्य Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the Events 1174 - William I of Scotland, a key rebel in the Revolt of 1173-1174, is captured at Alnwick by forces loyal to 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. The Fiji coup of 2000 was a complicated affair involving a civilian Putsch by hardline Fijian nationalists against the elected government of Prime George Speight, occasionally known as Ilikimi Naitini (born 16 May 1957) was the principal instigator of the Fiji coup of 2000, in which he He handed power over to the newly-appointed President Ratu Josefa Iloilo. Fiji 's Head of State is the President of the Republic of the Fiji Islands. Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, MSD, KStJ, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President He was instrumental in the rise to power of the government of the Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, but his intense criticism of the government's policy of showing leniency towards persons implicated in the coup later strained his relations with the regime, and on 5 December 2006, he overthrew the Qarase government and announced that he had "reluctantly" assumed the powers of the presidency. As a former British colony, Fiji has largely adopted British political models and follows the Westminster, or Cabinet system of government in which the Laisenia Qarase (born February 4, 1941) served as the Prime Minister of Fiji from 2000 to 2006 Events 63 BC - Cicero reads the last of his Catiline Orations. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. He restored Ratu Josefa Iloilo to the Presidency on 4 January 2007,^[4][5][6] and was formally appointed Interim Prime Minister by Iloilo the next day. Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank An equivalent title Adi (andi is used by females of chiefly rank Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, MSD, KStJ, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President Events 46 BC - Titus Labienus defeats Julius Caesar in the Battle of Ruspina. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[7][8]

Contents 1 Career 1.1 Pre-2000 coup 1.2 Post-2000 coup 2 The Fiji coup of 2000 3 Political controversies 3.1 Counter criticisms 3.2 Bougainville security situation 3.3 Fijian political unrest and coup d'état, 2006 4 Police investigation 5 Personal life 6 See also 7 References 8 External links

Career

Bainimarama's naval career spans three decades. He has received a number of honours for his service. He has been made an Officer Brother in the Order of St John of Jerusalem, and has received the Meritorious Service Decoration, the Peacekeeping Medal for United Nations peacekeepers, the General Service Medal, the Fiji Republic Medal, and the 25 Anniversary Medal. The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem or Order of St John is a British -based royal order of Chivalry, and is The Fijian honours system dates from independence in 1970 when the Fijian Independence Medal was awarded to participants in the Fijian independence celebrations The General Service Medal (GSM was first introduced in 1918 as an Army and RAF equivalent to the Naval General Service Medal (NGSM

Pre-2000 coup

Following his education at Marist Brothers High School, Bainimarama enlisted with the Fijian Navy on 26 July 1975 and rose smoothly through the ranks, becoming an Able Seaman in August 1976, a Midshipman in December the same year, and an Ensign on 1 November 1977. Historical background Marist Brothers High School was founded and run by members of the Marist Brothers order since it opened to students in 1949 Events 657 - Battle of Siffin. 811 - Battle of Pliska; Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Royal Navy In the Royal Navy in the middle of the 18th century the term Able Seaman (abbreviated AB) referred to a Seaman with at For the fish called midshipman see Midshipman fish. The rank of midshipman is one of the oldest ranks still in existence Ensign (ˈɛnsən is a junior rank of commissioned officer in the militaries of some countries normally in the infantry or navy Events 996 - Emperor Otto III issues a deed to Gottschalk Bishop of Freising which is the oldest known document using the name Ostarrîchi Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays

After completing the Midshipmen's Supplementary Course in Australia, he was appointed Navigation officer of HMFS Kiro in August 1978. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. At the end of that year, he was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant. Sub-Lieutenant is a military rank It is normally a junior officer rank In January 1979, Bainimarama embarked on the Chilean naval training ship, the Buque Escuela Esmeralda, which spent six months circumnavigating South America. Chile, officially the Republic of Chile ( Spanish:) is a country in South America occupying a long and narrow Coastal strip wedged between the Construction The ship is the sixth to carry the name Esmeralda. South America is a Continent of the Americas, situated entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a On his return to Fiji in August, Bainimarama was appointed Executive Officer of HMFS Kiro.

After a brief Navigation Course in HMAS Watson in March 1982, Bainimarama underwent Search and Rescue training at the United States Coast Guard Centre in New York. HMAS Waterhen is a shore establishment of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN located in Waverton, Sydney New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous On his return to Fiji, he was appointed commander of HMFS Kikau, his first command post. He went on to command HMFS Kula, and spent four months in 1984 in the markings of the Exclusive Economic Zones of Tonga, Tuvalu, and Kiribati. The Kingdom of Tonga is an Archipelago in the south Pacific Ocean comprising 169 islands 36 of them inhabited stretching over a distance of about 800 kilometres (500 miles Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is a Polynesian Island nation located in the Pacific Ocean midway between Hawaii and Kiribati or ( kirr-i-bas or KEE-ree-buhss ˈkiɾibas in Gilbertese) officially the Republic of Kiribati, is an Island nation located in After being promoted to Lieutenant Commander in February 1986, he departed for the Sinai where he served for eighteen months with the Multinational Force and Observers. Lieutenant Commander ( Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Navy) is a Commissioned officer rank in many navies Superior The Sinai Peninsula or Sinai ( Coptic: sina; Egyptian Arabic: sina سينا Arabic, sina'a سيناء The Multinational Force and Observers (MFO is an international Peacekeeping force overseeing the terms of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.

Bainimarama returned to Fiji in September 1987. He took charge of the delivery of two naval ships, the Levuka and Lautoka, from Louisiana in the United States. The State of Louisiana ( or, État de Louisiane, pronounced) is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America The United States of America —commonly referred to as the He became Commanding Officer of the Fijian Navy in April 1988, and was promoted to the rank of Commander on 4 October that year. The commanding officer ( CO) is the officer in command of a Military unit. Commander is a Military rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service Events 610 - Heraclius arrives by ship from Africa at Constantinople, overthrows Byzantine Emperor Phocas He held this post for the next nine years.

Bainimarama underwent further training at the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College in 1991 and at the Australian Defence Force Warfare Centre at RAAF Williamtown, Newcastle, New South Wales, where he studied Maritime Surveillance Training. For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and RAAF Base Williamtown is a Royal Australian Air Force base located north of Newcastle, New South Wales ( by road The Newcastle metropolitan area is the second most populated area in the state of New South Wales and includes most of the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie This was followed by Disaster Management training at the Asian Institute of Technology in 1993, and Exclusive Economic Zone Management training at Dalhousie University, Canada, in 1994. The Asian Institute of Technology ( AIT) is an international institution for Higher education in Engineering, advanced technologies, Dalhousie University is a University located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page He was promoted to the rank of Captain in October of that year, and went on to attend the Australian Joint Services Staff College (JSSC). The Australian Defence College (ADC comprises three tri-service educational organisations operated by the Australian Defence Force, in Canberra, Australian Capital He attended the Integrated Logistics Support Overview course of the Australian Defence Co-operation Program on 23 September 1996, and the Chief of Army Conferences in Singapore in 1998 and 1999, as well as the Chief of Defence Conference in Hawaii. Events 1122 - Concordat of Worms. 1459 - Battle of Blore Heath, the first major battle of the English Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) Singapore The State of Hawaii ( or həˈwaɪʔiː Hawaiian: Mokuāina o Hawaii) is a state in the United States located on an Archipelago in the

Bainimarama was appointed Acting Chief of Staff on 10 November 1997, and was confirmed in this post on 18 April 1998. Events 1444 - Battle of Varna: The crusading forces of King Vladislaus III of Varna (aka Ulaszlo I of Hungary and Wladyslaw Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar Events 1025 - Bolesław Chrobry is crowned in Gniezno, becoming the first King of Poland. Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) On 1 March 1999, he was promoted to the rank of Commodore and was named Commander of the Armed Forces, to replace Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Ganilau, who resigned to pursue a political career. Events 86 BC - Lucius Cornelius Sulla, at the head of a Roman Republic army enters in Athens, removing the Tyrant Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Commodore is a Military rank used in many navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a navy captain, but is less than The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF with a total manpower of 3500 men is one of the smallest militaries in the world Brigadier General is the lowest ranking General Officer in some countries usually sitting between the ranks of Colonel and Major General. Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Ganilau, MC, MSD, (born 10 October 1951) is a Fijian soldier and statesman who It was in his capacity as Commander of the Armed Forces that Bainimarama assumed command on 29 May 2000. Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar.

Post-2000 coup

Bainimarama attended a Leadership and Change Management course with the Public Service Training and Development program in February 2002, and a Policy Planning Analysis and Management course at the University of the South Pacific in Suva the following month. The University of the South Pacific ( USP) is a Public university with a number of locations spread throughout a dozen countries in Oceania. Suva is the Capital and largest city of Fiji. It is located on the southeast coast of the island of Viti Levu, in the Central He went on to attend the Defence and Strategic Studies Annual Conference at the Australian Defence College in Canberra on 2 August, and the Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security at Harvard University in the United States from 18 August to 30 August. The Australian Defence College (ADC comprises three tri-service educational organisations operated by the Australian Defence Force, in Canberra, Australian Capital Canberra ( is the capital city of Australia With a population of over 340000 it is Australia's largest inland City. Events 338 BC - A Macedonian army led by Philip II defeated the combined forces of Athens and Thebes in the The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Events 293 BC - The oldest known Roman temple to Venus is founded starting the institution of Vinalia Rustica. Events 1363 - Beginning date of the Battle of Lake Poyang; the forces of two Chinese rebel leaders— Chen Youliang and In November that year, he was promoted to Rear Admiral, but this promotion was reverted to Commodore on 1 February 2003. Rear admiral is a Naval Commissioned officer rank above that of a Commodore and Captain, and below that of a Vice Admiral. Commodore is a Military rank used in many navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a navy captain, but is less than Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar.

On 4 September 2003, Bainimarama attended the Pacific Armies Management Seminar XXVII in Seoul, South Korea, and went on to attend the PKO Capacity Building Seminar in the Philippine capital of Manila. Events 476 - Romulus Augustus, last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, is deposed when Odoacer proclaims himself Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Seoul ( soʊl is the Capital and largest City of South Korea. South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea and often referred to as Korea ( Korean: 대한민국 tɛː The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP The City of Manila

Despite his deteriorating relationship with the government, Bainimarama was reappointed Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces on 5 February 2004. Events 1576 - Henry of Navarre converts to Roman Catholicism in order to ensure his right to the throne of France. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " That month, he attended the Pacific Area Special Operations Conference. This was followed by the Seminar Executive Course at the Asia Pacific Centre for Strategic Studies in Hawaii in April. The State of Hawaii ( or həˈwaɪʔiː Hawaiian: Mokuāina o Hawaii) is a state in the United States located on an Archipelago in the In May and June, he attended the South East Asia Security Symposium. In September, he attended both the PAMS XXVII in the Indian capital of New Delhi, and the 7th Chief of Defence Conference in Tokyo, Japan. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country New Delhi (नई दिल्ली ਨਵੀਂ ਦਿੱਲੀ نئی دلی is the Capital city of India. officially, is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan and located on the eastern side of the main island Honshū. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics.

On 14 December 2005, Bainimarama began an official visit to China, at the invitation of the People's Liberation Army. Events 1287 - St Lucia's flood: The Zuider Zee sea wall in the Netherlands collapses killing over 50000 people Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The People's Liberation Army ( PLA) ( is the unified Military organization of all land sea and air forces of the People's Republic of China. He reaffirmed Fiji's support for the One China policy.

The Fiji coup of 2000

Main article: 2000 Fijian coup d'état

Believing that the then-President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was not dealing effectively with the situation, he apparently forced Mara to resign on 29 May 2000, in what some politicians have since called "a coup within a coup," and formed an Interim Military Government which negotiated an accord under which the rebels would release all hostages, including the deposed Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, and would surrender without penalty. The Fiji coup of 2000 was a complicated affair involving a civilian Putsch by hardline Fijian nationalists against the elected government of Prime Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara Kabakoro] GCMG KBE CF, ( May 6, 1920 &ndash April 18, 2004 Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. As a former British colony, Fiji has largely adopted British political models and follows the Westminster, or Cabinet system of government in which the Mahendra Pal Chaudhry (born 9 February 1942) is a Fijian politician and the leader of the Fiji Labour Party. The government later reneged on the last part of the agreement and arrested Speight on 27 July 2000, with Bainimarama saying that he had signed that part of the accord "under duress. Events 1214 - Battle of Bouvines: In France, Philip II of France defeats John of England. 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. "

Political controversies

See main articles: Military unrest since the 2000 Fijian coup d'état; 2005-2006 Fijian political crisis; 2006 Fijian coup d'état

Bainimarama, who initially kept a high profile after the coup, later became embroiled in constant controversy. Following the quashing of George Speight 's civilian coup d'état in 2000 the Military handed power over to a civilian administration led by the banker The tension between Fiji 's government and Military forces, which had been simmering for more than two years, appeared to escalate in late December 2005 The Fijian Coup d'état of December 2006 occurred as a continuation of the pressure which had been building since the military unrest of the 2000 Fijian coup d'état He repeatedly entered the political arena to criticize government policy - especially its policy of leniency, as he saw it, towards persons responsible for the coup. Politicians countered with charges of inappropriate interference in political affairs, and some accused him of hypocrisy, saying that he himself had a case to answer for his role in Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara's resignation from the presidency.

Bainimarama condemned the early release of persons imprisoned for their involvement in the 2000 coup, including former Vice-President Ratu Jope Seniloli and Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the Paramount Chief of the Tovata Confederacy. The Fijian vice-presidency is a mostly ceremonial office The position was created in 1990, to provide a constitutional successor to the President, Ratu Jope Naucabalavu Seniloli (born 1939) is a Fijian chief who holds the title of Turaga Taukei Naua and who Ratu Naiqama Tawake Lalabalavu is a Fijian Paramount Chief and politician The Tui Cakau is the Paramount Chief of Cakaudrove Province in Fiji. Tovata is one of three confederacies comprising the Fijian House of Chiefs, to which all of Fiji's chiefs belong He spoke out against the organizing of Fiji Week, a week of religious services and cultural ceremonies, in which persons could apologise for their participation in the coup, that was held from October 4 to October 11, 2004. Fiji Week was a week of prayer meetings and multicultural programmes that took place the week of the fourth through the eleventh of October 2004 Events 610 - Heraclius arrives by ship from Africa at Constantinople, overthrows Byzantine Emperor Phocas Events 1138 - A massive earthquake struck Aleppo, Syria. 1531 - Huldrych Zwingli is killed "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " On 13 May 2005, he announced his implacable opposition to the government's proposal to establish a Reconciliation and Unity Commission, with the power to grant compensation to victims of the 2000 coup, and amnesty to perpetrators of it. Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Reconciliation and Unity Commission is a proposed government body to be set up if the Reconciliation Tolerance and Unity Bill which was introduced into the Fijian He agreed with detractors who called it a sham to grant amnesty to supporters of the government who had played roles in the coup. His attack on the legislation, which continued unremittingly throughout May and June and into July, further strained his already tense relationship with the government.

On 11 July, Bainimarama issued one of his strongest-worded challenges yet to the government, saying that it was forcing the country into the same anarchy as in 2000. Events 911 - Signing of the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte between Charles the Simple and Rollo of Normandy. In an eight-page statement, he warned that the Military would take decisive action against any "destabilisers" - among whom he named Attorney-General Bale and Ministry of Reconciliation Chief Executive Apisalome Tudreu. "The military will dish out the same fate we dealt George Speight and his group to anyone whom we think deserves this treatment," Bainimarama said. He said that he would arrest and put on trial anyone who threatened the stability of Fiji. The next day, it was revealed that a draft document signed by Bainimarama had originally contained a direct threat to overthrow the government if the bill went through. "The RFMF must stop the Bill from passing or get rid of the Government if it is passed. We can recover without this government, we cannot recover from this Bill," said part of an emboldened paragraph, which was edited out of the document, part of the Military's draft submission to the parliamentary committee considering the bill, before publication. The document accused Prime Minister Qarase and Attorney-General Bale of playing the race card deliberately for political reasons.

Home Affairs Minister Vosanibola finally admitted on 13 July that the government was constitutionally powerless to do anything to discipline the Military commander. Events 1174 - William I of Scotland, a key rebel in the Revolt of 1173-1174, is captured at Alnwick by forces loyal to The Constitution of Fiji is the supreme law of Fiji. Background The Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands dates from 1997 He said that the government was very concerned about Bainimarama's behaviour, and accused the media of exacerbating the tensions. "You (the media) can play a major role and come to us first instead of coming to us after highlighting what he (Bainimarama) has said," Vosanibola told the Fiji Times. On 20 July, however, Bainimarama claimed that Vosanibola had attempted to dismiss him in June. Events 1304 - Wars of Scottish Independence: Fall of Stirling Castle - King Edward I of England takes the last rebel stronghold Vosanibola had presented a letter of termination to the government, which they had discussed, he claimed.

On 24 August, Bainimarama went public with allegations that Senator Apisai Tora and other politicians, whom he did not name, had asked him to depose President Iloilo in 2000. Events 49 BC - Julius Caesar 's General Gaius Scribonius Curio is defeated in the Second Battle of the Bagradas River The Senate of Fiji is the upper chamber of Parliament. It is the less powerful of the two chambers it may not initiate legislation but may amend or veto it Tora angrily denied the accusations, and was supported by Prime Minister Qarase, who claimed to have attended the meeting where the topic of removing President Iloilo was alleged to have come up. No such topic was discussed, Qarase said. Bainimarama reiterated his allegations on 1 September, and police spokeswoman Sylvia Low said that a file had, in fact, been opened as far back as 2001, when Bainimarama had made a statement to the police naming individuals he said were involved in the plot. Events 462 - Possible start of first Byzantine indiction cycle. That file was still open, Low said.

On 5 September, a team of Criminal Investigation Officers interviewed Bainimarama about his allegations. Events 1590 - Alexander Farnese 's army forces Henry IV of France to raise the siege of Paris. The details of the discussion were not disclosed, except that Bainimarama had filed an official statement. He told the media after the meeting that he was willing to testify in court. Earlier, Kevueli Bulamainaivalu, the police officer heading the investigation, had said on 29 August that until Commodore Bainimarama had filed an official report and signed it, the police could do nothing. Events 708 - Copper coins are minted in Japan for the first time (Traditional Japanese date: August 10, 708)

Counter criticisms

Bainimarama's detractors accused him of hypocrisy for vehemently opposing what he saw as the government's policy of leniency towards perpetrators of the 2000 coup, when there were unanswered questions about his own role in it.

On 25 April 2004, then-Opposition Leader Mick Beddoes called on the army to answer for its failure to protect President Mara while the country was in crisis. Events 1607 - Eighty Years' War: The Dutch fleet destroys the anchored Spanish fleet at Gibraltar. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " The post of Leader of the Opposition is a political office common in countries that are part of the Commonwealth of Nations. Mick Malcolm Millis Beddoes, widely known as Mick Beddoes, is a Fijian politician and businessman from Nadi, who has led the United Peoples Party He called this "a fundamental failure" on the part of the army. On 5 January 2005, Joji Kotobalavu, a spokesman for Prime Minister Qarase, reminded the public that Bainimarama himself was currently under investigation for his role in the apparently forced resignation of President Mara. Events 1477 - Battle of Nancy: Charles the Bold is killed and Burgundy becomes part of France. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Joji Kotobalavu is a Fijian Civil servant. He was the Chief Executive in the Prime Minister's office but was dismissed on 7 December 2006

On 2 May 2005, Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes announced that Bainimarama had volunteered to make a statement about his own role in Mara's resignation. Events 1194 - King Richard I of England gives Portsmouth its first Royal Charter. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Andrew 'Andy' Hughes is a senior officer of the Australian Federal Police (AFP who until recently served as the Chief Police Officer (CPO for the Australian Capital To lay any charges, Hughes had earlier said, it would have to be proven that Bainimarama actually forced the President to resign.

Bougainville security situation

Main article: Fijian mercenaries in Bougainville

Bainimarama told the Fiji Live news service on 13 December that Noah Musingku, a Papua New Guinea businessman who once ran a failed pyramid scheme and has since been involved with an armed separatist movement on the island of Bougainville, had contacted him several months earlier, offering F$35 million for his cooperation with respect to "security work" in Bougainville. Relationships between Fiji and Papua New Guinea became strained in November 2005 in the wake of revelations that 9 Fijian Mercenaries had entered Papua New Guinea Fiji Live is an online Newspaper and business and cultural directory in Fiji. Events 1294 - Saint Celestine V abdicates the papacy after only five months Celestine hoped to return to his previous life Noah Musingku is a businessman Warlord and Bougainville separatist leader from Tonu in the Siwai (or Siuai subprovince of Bougainville Papua New Guinea (or ˈpæpjuːə in Tok Pisin: Papua Niugini) officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania A pyramid scheme is a Non-sustainable Business model that involves the exchange of Money primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme without Bougainville is part of Papua New Guinea. Geographically, Bougainville is included in the chain of islands known as the Solomon Islands in Melanesia The dollar ( Currency sign: $; currency code: FJD) has been the Currency of Fiji since 1969 and Bainimarama recognized the scheme as an obvious "con job", he said, and did not reply to the letter.

Fijian political unrest and coup d'état, 2006

On 31 October 2006, while Bainimarama was in Egypt visiting Fijian forces on peacekeeping duties in the Middle East, President Iloilo moved to terminate the appointment of Bainimarama, appointing instead Lieutenant Colonel Meli Saubulinayau who declined to take the position. Events 445 BC – Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the Israelites in Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 91 NLTse Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. This article is about the country of Egypt For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Egypt topics. Lieutenant Colonel ( Lieutenant-Colonel in English from the French grade 's spelling is a rank of Commissioned officer in the armies Colonel Ratu Meli Saubulinayau is a Fijian career Soldier, who currently heads the Strategic Unit in Suva. Senior Fijian military officers backed Bainimarama, who quickly called on the Government to resign. The governments of Australia, New Zealand, the U. S. and others called for calm, and asked for assurances that the Fijian military not rise against the government. ^[9][10]

In late November 2006, Bainimarama handed down a list of demands to Qarase, one of which was the withdrawal of three controversial bills, including the Qoliqoli Bill (which would have transferred ownership of maritime resources to the Fijian people) and the Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity Bill, which would have offered conditional pardons to persons convicted of involvement in the 2000 coup. The Qoliqoli Bill 2006 is said to be a significant piece of legislation for Fiji "particularly the Fijian community" according to the Fiji government website Fijian people are the major indigenous people of the Fiji Islands, and live in an area informally called Melanesia. The Reconciliation and Unity Commission is a proposed government body to be set up if the Reconciliation Tolerance and Unity Bill which was introduced into the Fijian Despite further talks in Suva and in Wellington, New Zealand, Bainimarama gave the Prime Minister Qarase an ultimatum of 4 December to accede to his demands or to resign. Wellington (ˈwælɪŋtən is the Capital of New Zealand, the country's second largest urban area, the New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island "December 4th" redirects here For the song by Jay-Z, see December 4th (song. In a televised address, Qarase agreed to put the three contentious bills on hold, review the appointment of Andrew Hughes as Police Commissioner (Bainimarama had demanded his dismissal), and give the police the option of discontinuing investigations into the Commander's alleged acts of sedition. He refused further concessions, saying that he had conceded all that was possible within the law.

Military manoeuvres followed, including the seizure of government vehicles and the house arrest of Prime Minister Qarase. On 5 December President Ratu Josefa Iloilo was said to have signed a legal order dissolving Parliament after meeting with Bainimarama. Events 63 BC - Cicero reads the last of his Catiline Orations. Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank An equivalent title Adi (andi is used by females of chiefly rank Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, MSD, KStJ, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President The President later issued a statement categorically denying having signed any such decree, however, and the exiled Commissioner of Police, Andrew Hughes, implicated Iloilo's secretary in the fabrication of the decree at the direction of Commander Bainimarama. Fiji has a unified National police force the Fiji Police, whose motto is Salus Populi. Andrew 'Andy' Hughes is a senior officer of the Australian Federal Police (AFP who until recently served as the Chief Police Officer (CPO for the Australian Capital

As of 9 December, there were reported arrests of members of the media and open dissenters [5], as well as incidents of intimidation and violence committed against political figures. Events 536 - Byzantine General Belisarius enters Rome while the Ostrogothic garrison peacefully leaves the city [6]Stuart Huggett, Chairman of the Public Service Commission, was reported to have been assaulted. Stuart Huggett is a British -born Fijian Architect, businessman and civil servant who served as Chairman of the Public Service Commission from

Bainimarama told a press conference on 15 December that he would agree to attend a forthcoming meeting of the Great Council of Chiefs, the feudal body empowered to choose the country's President, Vice-President, and fourteen of the thirty two Senators, only in his capacity as President of the Republic, the Fiji Sun reported. Events 533 - Byzantine general Belisarius defeats the Vandals, commanded by King Gelimer, at the Battle of The Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga in Fijian) is a now dormant 1997 constitutional body in the Republic of the Fiji Islands. The Senate of Fiji is the upper chamber of Parliament. It is the less powerful of the two chambers it may not initiate legislation but may amend or veto it The Fiji Sun is a daily Newspaper published in Fiji Owned by Sun (Fiji News Limited, it was first published in September 1999. [7][8] Told that the Great Council still recognized Ratu Josefa Iloilo as President, he said that in that case he would boycott the meeting. He also condemned the Great Council's invitation to deposed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, saying that Qarase would not be allowed to return to Suva to attend the meeting.

On September 6, 2007, Bainimarama imposed a renewed state of emergency for one month, alleging that Qarase and his spokesman were spreading lies and attempting to cause destabilization, following Qarase's return to Suva after having been confined to the island of Vanuabalavu since his ouster. Events 3114 BC - According to the Proleptic Julian calendar the current era in the Maya Long Count Calendar started Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. A state of emergency is a governmental declaration that may suspend certain normal functions of government alert citizens to alter their normal behaviors or order government agencies Suva is the Capital and largest city of Fiji. It is located on the southeast coast of the island of Viti Levu, in the Central Vanua Balavu (βanua mbalaβu is the second largest island in Fiji 's Lau Archipelago (not counting the islands of the Moala Group) and Bainimarama said that Qarase and his spokesman should return to Vanuabalavu and that they could "talk from there". ^[11]

The next elections have been set for March 2009. ^{[12] [13]} Bainimarama has said that he will not be taking part in the election ^[14].

Police investigation

Police revealed on 14 March 2006 that they were investigating allegations that Bainimarama and his bodyguards had threatened a defendant outside a courtroom in Nadi the previous afternoon. Events 1489 - The Queen of Cyprus, Catherine Cornaro, sells her kingdom to Venice. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.

Tevita Tuidraki was charged with indecent assault, reportedly against a relative of Bainimarama's. Indecent assault is a form of Sex crime in many Jurisdictions Indecent assault is defined by UK Law as any unwanted sexual behaviour or touching His lawyer, Eroni Maopa, said that Bainimarama and his bodyguards had confronted him, causing him to fear for the safety of his family. The incident was not the first of its kind, Maopa claimed.

Personal life

Bainimarama hails from the village of Kiuva in the Kaba Peninsula, Tailevu Province. Tailevu is one of Fiji 's fourteen Provinces. One of eight Provinces based in Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island its 755 square kilometers occupy the south-eastern He is the brother of Ratu Meli Bainimarama and Ratu Timoci Bainimarama, both senior civil servants. Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank An equivalent title Adi (andi is used by females of chiefly rank Ratu Meli Bainimarama is a Fijian Civil servant, who currently serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO of the Ministry of Fisheries Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank An equivalent title Adi (andi is used by females of chiefly rank He is a Methodist,^[1] though Roman Catholic-educated, having graduated from Marist Brothers High School in Suva. Methodism is a movement within Protestant Christianity represented by a number of denominations and organizations Historical background Marist Brothers High School was founded and run by members of the Marist Brothers order since it opened to students in 1949 He is married to Maria Makitalena, with whom he has six children and several grandchildren, most of whom are living in New Zealand. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island He is a sports enthusiast, with a particular passion for rugby union and athletics. Overview See also Playing rugby union A rugby union match lasts for 80 minutes (plus stoppage time with a short He has also served as president of the Fiji Rugby Union, and takes a keen interest in military history and current affairs. Fiji Rugby Union is the governing body for the sport of Rugby union in Fiji.

Military offices
Preceded by Epeli Ganilau	Commander, Republic of Fiji Military Forces 1998 – present	Incumbent
Political offices
Preceded by Kamisese Mara	President of Fiji Acting 2000	Succeeded by Josefa Iloilo
Preceded by Josefa Iloilo	President of Fiji Acting 2006 – 2007	Succeeded by Josefa Iloilo
Preceded by Jona Senilagakali	Prime Minister of Fiji 2007 – present	Incumbent

See also

• Qoliqoli Bill
• People's Charter for Change and Progress

References

External links

• Fiji Military website
• Bainimarama's speech, 5 dec 2006: the stated reasons for the coup

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