| Laisenia Qarase | |
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| In office July 4, 2000 – March 14, 2001 March 16, 2001 - December 5, 2006 |
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| Preceded by | Ratu Tevita Momoedonu |
| Succeeded by | Ratu Tevita Momoedonu (2001) Jona Senilagakali (2006) |
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| Born | February 4, 1941 Mavana, Vanuabalavu Island, Lau |
| Political party | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Spouse | Leba Qarase |
Laisenia Qarase (born February 4, 1941) served as the Prime Minister of Fiji from 2000 to 2006. 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 836 - Pactum Sicardi, peace between the Principality of Benevento and the Duchy of Naples 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Events 1489 - The Queen of Cyprus, Catherine Cornaro, sells her kingdom to Venice. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Events 597 BC - Babylonians capture Jerusalem, replace Jehoiachin with Zedekiah as king Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. 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. Ratu Tatu Tevita Momoedonu is a Fijian chief and has served as Prime Minister of Fiji twice - each time extremely briefly 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 Events 211 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus dies leaving the Roman Empire in the hands of his two quarrelsome sons Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Vanua Balavu (βanua mbalaβu is the second largest island in Fiji 's Lau Archipelago (not counting the islands of the Moala Group) and The Lau Islands (also called the Lau Group, the Eastern Group, the Eastern Archipelago) of Fiji are situated in the southern Pacific The Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (occasionally known as the United Fiji Party but usually known by the acronym SDL) is a political party in Fiji Events 211 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus dies leaving the Roman Empire in the hands of his two quarrelsome sons Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of 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 After the the military quashed the coup that led to the removal of Mahendra Chaudhry, Qarase joined the Interim Military Government as a financial adviser on June 9, 2000 until his appointment as Prime Minister on July 4. The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF with a total manpower of 3500 men is one of the smallest militaries in the world The Fiji coup of 2000 was a complicated affair involving a civilian Putsch by hardline Fijian nationalists against the elected government of Prime Mahendra Pal Chaudhry (born 9 February 1942) is a Fijian politician and the leader of the Fiji Labour Party. Events 53 - Roman Emperor Nero marries Claudia Octavia 62 - Claudia Octavia commits 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Events 836 - Pactum Sicardi, peace between the Principality of Benevento and the Duchy of Naples He won two parliamentary elections, but the military intervened and forced him to step down on December 5, 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.
A native of Vanuabalavu Island in the Lau archipelago, he is one of many Lauans to have held top leadership positions in Fiji.
Contents |
Early career
Following his education at Suva Boys Grammar School, Qarase went on to graduate from New Zealand's University of Auckland with a degree in Commerce. Suva Grammar School, previously Suva Boys Grammar School, is a secondary school in Suva, Fiji. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island The University of Auckland (Te Whare Wānanga o Tāmaki Makaurau is New Zealand 's largest University. Commerce is a division of trade or production which deals with the exchange of goods and services from producer to final consumer He entered the banking profession and became managing director of the publicly owned Fiji Development Bank in 1983, a position he held for fifteen years. A banker or bank is a Financial institution whose primary activity is to act as a payment agent for customers and to borrow and lend money Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) In 1998, he moved to the private sector and became head of the Fiji Merchant Bank. Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) In 1999, Qarase received his first political office, when the Great Council of Chiefs nominated him to fill one of the 14 seats allocated to them in the 32-member Senate, where he soon gained a reputation as a vociferous opponent of Mahendra Chaudhry's government. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) 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
As Prime Minister of Fiji
Qarase was removed from power in a military coup on December 4, 2006, after many months of tensions between his government and the Military came to a head in late November. "December 4th" redirects here For the song by Jay-Z, see December 4th (song. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. He had been Prime Minister since 2000, except for a period of two days (14-16 March 2001), when he temporarily vacated the office to meet a constitutional technicality; the Supreme Court of Fiji had ruled that his government was unconstitutional and that Mahendra Chaudhry remained the rightful Prime Minister. Events 1489 - The Queen of Cyprus, Catherine Cornaro, sells her kingdom to Venice. Events 597 BC - Babylonians capture Jerusalem, replace Jehoiachin with Zedekiah as king Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. The Supreme Court of Fiji is one of three courts established by Chapter 9 of the Constitution, the others being the High Court and the In a series of moves that legal experts have considered to be of doubtful constitutionality, Qarase resigned on March 14, in favour of Ratu Tevita Momoedonu (who had been a Minister in the Chaudhry Cabinet) so that Momoedonu could advise President Ratu Josefa Iloilo to dissolve the Parliament and call an early general election. The Constitution of Fiji is the supreme law of Fiji. Background The Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands dates from 1997 Events 1489 - The Queen of Cyprus, Catherine Cornaro, sells her kingdom to Venice. Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank An equivalent title Adi (andi is used by females of chiefly rank Fiji has the Westminster system - executive authority is vested nominally in a President, but exercised in practice by a Cabinet of Ministers presided 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 Fiji 's Parliament is Bicameral. The House of Representatives has 71 members Fiji has held nine general elections for the House of Representatives since becoming independent of the United Kingdom in 1970; there had As soon as this technicality had been attended to, Qarase resumed the Prime Ministership. He was subsequently confirmed in office when he led his newly formed Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) to victory in the election held to restore democracy in 2001. The Constitution of Fiji was restored by a High Court decision on 15 November 2000, following the failure of the political upheaval As Prime Minister, Qarase proved popular with business leaders, who appreciated his steps to liberalise the economy and boost tourism, the main source of foreign exchange.
Qarase narrowly won the parliamentary election held on 6-13 May 2006, with his party taking 36 of the 71 seats in the House of Representatives. The Constitution of Fiji requires general elections for the House of Representatives to be held at least once every five years Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance. Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Fiji's Parliament. Qarase retained his own constituency with some 93 percent of the vote, after an expected challenge from Adi Koila Nailatikau, his predecessor as Lau M. Adi is a title used by Fijian women of chiefly rank namely female members of chiefly clans Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau is a Fijian lawyer who has served as a career diplomat and politician P. and daughter of former Prime Minister and President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, did not eventuate. Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara Kabakoro] GCMG KBE CF, ( May 6, 1920 &ndash April 18, 2004
Domestic policy
Qarase was known as a champion of the interests of indigenous Fijians. Fijian people are the major indigenous people of the Fiji Islands, and live in an area informally called Melanesia. He rejected suggestions that he was a racist, however. Addressing Muslims celebrating Muhammad's birthday on 25 April 2005, he said that the concept of racism was "alien and abhorrent" to him. A Muslim (مسلم pronounced Muslim, not Muzlim) is an adherent of the Religion IMPORTANT PLEASE READ ##### For all questions relating to the addition of (pbuh peace be upon him or other honorifics Events 1607 - Eighty Years' War: The Dutch fleet destroys the anchored Spanish fleet at Gibraltar. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. List of racism-related topics|Racism by country Racism, by its simplest definition is the belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that He argued, however, that to ignore racial issues would be "irresponsible and dangerous," because race was "a fact of life. " He said that his government was working to build "an inclusive society, where the views of every community and group are taken into account. " He summed up his vision for Fiji by saying, "My government's aim for Fiji is not to return to where we once were but to journey forward together to a place we have not yet been, a Fiji of lasting peace and harmony, where nobody is left behind or goes without. "
On 22 May 2005, he blamed lack of genuine mutual respect and appreciation among Fiji's diverse religions and cultures for many of the divisions the country currently faces. Events 334 BC - The Greek army of Alexander the Great defeats Darius III of Persia in the Battle of the Granicus. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
In a speech on 25 May, Qarase affirmed his strong support for the chiefly system, saying that to weaken the chiefs would be to weaken the nation. Events 1085 - Alfonso VI of Castile takes Toledo Spain back from the Moors. "I believe that the chiefs of Fiji have relevance for all our citizens not just the Fijians, they still represent stability, order and continuity. . . . If the chiefs were diminished, the entire nation would be weakened and be vulnerable," he said.
In a parliamentary debate on 3 June, Qarase set out his own interpretation of why indigenous Fijians wanted to keep the leadership of the country in their own hands. Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering This attitude sprang from insecurity, which he considered understandable in view of what has happened to indigenous peoples elsewhere. He said that Indo-Fijians had not responded to indigenous initiatives to extend the hand of friendship of cooperation, and that until a higher level of interracial trust could be achieved, the insecurity felt by many ethnic Fijians would remain. Rightly or wrongly, Qarase said, those responsible for the overthrow of the Into-Fijian-led government in 2000 were responding to the Tagi in Taukei, or cry of the Fijian people. The government's controversial proposal to establish a Reconciliation and Unity Commission would give such people a chance to clear their consciences. 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
On 7 July, Qarase told the people of Bua Province that he intended to prioritize legislation to codify and protect indigenous Fijian rights. Events 1456 - A retrial verdict acquits Joan of Arc of heresy 25 years after her death Fiji is divided administratively into four divisions which are further subdivided into fourteen Provinces Each division is headed by a Commissioner He indicated that he would seek the support of other communities, too. He blamed the lack of legislation safeguarding their rights for the "dissatisfaction" which contributed, he said, to the military coup of 1987 and the civilian coup of 2000. The Fiji coups of 1987 resulted in the overthrow of the elected government of Fijian Prime Minister Timoci Bavadra, the deposition of Elizabeth II Year 1987 ( MCMLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar)
He denied being a racial chauvinist, however, insisting in an address to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in Nadi on 29 August 2005 that while ethnic Fijians were unwilling to relinquish power, they were willing to share it. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, previously known as the Empire Parliamentary Association, is an organsation of British origin which works to support Events 708 - Copper coins are minted in Japan for the first time (Traditional Japanese date: August 10, 708) Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. He considered that the practical reality of communal politics, however, would take many years to overcome. A greater degree of interracial trust, confidence, and assimilation was required to get away from the situation where democracy was merely a façade for ethnic politics. "It requires commitment, vision and will. Differences of ethnicity and multi-culturalism have to be managed and accommodated," Qarase said. "It is a difficult balancing act, which must take account of the interests of all communities. " He added that there were about a dozen minority groups, in addition to the two principal races; they, too, must be assured of their rights. He defended his affirmative action policies, saying they were not discriminatory but "a temporary measure to correct . Affirmative action in the United States|Employment equity (Canada|Reservation in India|Numerus clausus The term affirmative action describes many policies aimed at a historically . . imbalances" and close the economic gap between indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians.
Qarase told the Fiji Village news service on 31 August that he did not believe racism was a major problem in Fiji. The Fiji Village is an online News service in Fiji. Published daily it covers political business sporting cultural and other news items and also Events 1056 - Byzantine Empress Theodora becomes ill dying suddenly a few days later without children to succeed the Throne There had been racial issues dividing the country in the past, he said, but they had been resolved.
On 4 September, Qarase reacted angrily to allegations made by Opposition Leader Mahendra Chaudhry that he and his party used hate speech to gain the support of the indigenous community. Events 476 - Romulus Augustus, last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, is deposed when Odoacer proclaims himself The post of Leader of the Opposition is a political office common in countries that are part of the Commonwealth of Nations. Hate speech is a term for speech intended to degrade intimidate or incite violence or prejudicial action against a person or group of people based on their race, Gender Qarase said that he did not condone hate speech, and claimed that Chaudhry himself was often guilty of using hate speech in his political campaigns.
Foreign policy
Qarase also took a strong stand against what he saw as foreign interference in Fiji's "domestic affairs. " On 2 March 2005, he strongly reacted to a U.S. State Department report critical of racial discrimination in Fiji, and of the racial divide between Fiji's two main political parties. Events 986 - Louis V becomes King of the Franks. 1127 - Assassination of Charles the Good Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. This article lists political parties in Fiji. Fiji has a Multi-party system with numerous parties in which no one party often has a chance of gaining He rebuked the United States for interfering in Fiji's internal affairs. "Fiji can make a similar report on the US on all those issues. Our report would be far worse than the US state department's report on Fiji," he said. Then, on 13 April 2005, he rejected criticism from Australia and some other countries over the prosecution and imprisonment of two foreigners charged with committing homosexual acts, and said that other countries needed to respect Fiji's independence. Events 1111 - Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. 1204 - The Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Homosexuality refers to sexual behavior with or attraction to people of the same sex or to a Homosexual orientation.
He also spoke out on issues relating to poverty and economic development in third world nations, including Pacific Islands states. Addressing the 28th annual meeting of the Association of Development Financing Institution in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) at the Sheraton Resort in Nadi on 13 May 2005, Qarase said that poverty was the "greatest challenge" for development banks. Sheraton Hotels and Resorts is Starwood Hotels & Resorts ' largest and second oldest brand ( Westin being the oldest 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. He lamented what he called the greed and consumerism of rich countries which, he said, had the greatest concentrations of wealth in history while nearly half of the world's population is classified as poor, with more than a billion people living on less than one dollar a day. He called this disparity "an insult to the very concept of social justice" and "a shameful mark on the civilization of the 21st century. " He went on to say that "The shame is compounded by the failure of developed countries to commit enough of their wealth and resources to helping poor populations from developing countries. "
Qarase called for an international system to provide market access to exports from poor countries, to enable them to earn their own way in the world. He also condemned corruption, saying that it hindered investment, stunted economic growth, and led to rediced standards of living and to a fall in government revenues, and called it "a stain on the integrity of any nation. "
Qarase was known as a staunch friend of Israel, a position he attributed to his strong Christian faith as well as to his partially Jewish ancestry. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Israel topics. On his orders, all United Nations votes involving Israel must be referred to him personally for approval. The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security His support for Israeli interests was not unconditional, however, and Senator James Ah Koy (a fundamentalist Christian) strongly rebuked him in Parliament for not standing for Israel strongly enough. Sir James Michael Ah Koy, KBE (born in Lautoka, 30 November 1936) is a Fijian businessman and politician of Chinese Fundamentalist Christianity, also known as Christian Fundamentalism or Fundamentalist Evangelicalism, is a movement that arose mainly within British and
Qarase was critical of the World Trade Organization, saying that its policies were unfair to small countries like Fiji. "WTO is trying to impose equality of trade in an unequal world," he said at the 18th Fiji-Australia Business Forum in Sydney on 17 October 2005, "but for developing countries like Fiji there is no level playing field, just a slippery slope. Sydney (ˈsɪdniː is the most populous city in Australia, with a Metropolitan area population of approximately 4 Events 539 BC - King Cyrus The Great of Persia marches into the city of Babylon, releasing the Jews from almost Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. " He believed that it would be a long time before Fiji's economy could compete on equal terms with that of more developed nations.
Political controversies
Qarase faced challenges on numerous fronts. Some of these challenges relate to his handling of the 2000 coup aftermath, others to the implementation of policy by his government. The Fiji coup of 2000 was a complicated affair involving a civilian Putsch by hardline Fijian nationalists against the elected government of Prime The Constitution of Fiji, which had been abrogated by the Interim Military Government of Commodore Frank Bainimarama (who organized a counter-coup to neutralize
Constitutional controversies
Less than one percent of the Indo-Fijian population voted for his party in 2001, with a further 22 percent voting for the National Federation Party, which was loosely allied to his party. Indo-Fijians are Fijians who trace their ancestry to India. They number 311591 (37 The National Federation Party is a Fijian political party founded by A Subsequent byelections and local government elections showed that his support in the Indo-Fijian community increased, but only marginally. Almost 75 percent of Indo-Fijian voters supported Chaudhry's Fiji Labour Party, which Qarase refused to include in his Cabinet, despite its winning of 28 seats, more than three times the number stipulated by the Constitution for representation in a multi-party cabinet. The Fiji Labour Party (FLP is a political party in Fiji, which holds observer status with the Socialist International. On 18 July 2003, the Supreme Court ruled that the exclusion of the Labour Party was in breach of the Constitution, and demanded that the situation be rectified. Events 390 BC - Roman - Gaulish Wars Battle of the Allia - a Roman army is defeated by raiding Gauls, Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Subsequent appeals, counter-appeals, and negotiations stalled the appointment of Labour Party ministers, however. In June 2004, the Supreme Court ruled that the Labour Party was entitled to 14 out of 30 cabinet posts. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Qarase announced that he would respect the ruling and implement it. His refusal to include Chaudhry himself in any cabinet, however, continued to stall the ensuing negotiations about the composition of the cabinet, until the Labour Party announce late in 2004 that it was no longer interested in joining the cabinet.
Several times throughout 2005, Qarase called for amendments to change the constitutional requirement for a multi-party Cabinet to a multi-ethnic one. This, he told the Fiji Village news service on 23 December, would guarantee equitable representation to all ethnic communities without requiring the government to compromise with ideologically opposite parties. The Fiji Village is an online News service in Fiji. Published daily it covers political business sporting cultural and other news items and also Events 962 - Byzantine-Arab Wars: Under the future Emperor Nicephorus Phocas, Byzantine troops stormed the city
Qarase also faced criticism for comments made at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in Nadi on 29 August. Events 708 - Copper coins are minted in Japan for the first time (Traditional Japanese date: August 10, 708) He said that while Fiji "accepted" western-style democracy, it was an alien concept and certain aspects of it clashed with Fijian traditions. Fiji 's Culture is a rich mosaic of indigenous, Indian Chinese and European traditions "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, vesting every individual with equal rights, was directly opposed to the hierarchical social structure of indigenous Fijian society. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights ( UDHR) is a declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly ( 10 December 1948 at Palais Chiefs were at the apex by virtue of their birth and rank. The rest of the people had a communal functional role in this hierarchy," Qarase told the workshop. National Alliance Party leader Ratu Epeli Ganilau, the son of Fiji's first President and the scion of a high-ranked chiefly family, ridiculed Qarase's speech, saying that Fiji's political and judicial institutions were firmly rooted in western democracy. The National Alliance Party of Fiji (NAPF is a Fijian Political party. Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Ganilau, MC, MSD, (born 10 October 1951) is a Fijian soldier and statesman who Education and early career Ganilau was educated at Northern Provincial School, Queen Victoria School and Wadham College, Oxford University He said that the Fijian people should not be "misled" by the Prime Minister's claims that democracy was alien to Fiji. "Mr Qarase should answer whether he wants the western system of governance which allows him to be Prime Minister, or the Fijian tradition which requires the chiefs to rule by virtue of their birthright and rank. Otherwise, he is just being hypocritical to save face," Ganilau said on 4 September. Events 476 - Romulus Augustus, last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, is deposed when Odoacer proclaims himself
Coup-related controversies
Another challenge for Qarase was the conviction of persons responsible for their part in the 2000 coup. On 6 August 2004, Vice-President Ratu Jope Seniloli, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure, were found guilty of treason and were given prison sentences of four and six years, respectively. Events 1538 - Bogotá, Colombia, is founded by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " 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 Rakuita Saurara Vakalalabure (born 1962 is a Fijian lawyer and politician Both are stalwarts of the Conservative Alliance, a coalition partner in Qarase's government. The Conservative Alliance ( Matanitu Vanua in Fijian) was a nationalistic political party in Fiji, and a member of the ruling Coalition Anxious not to lose the six votes of that party, on which he relied for his parliamentary majority, Qarase declared that he was "dismayed by the severity of the sentences" that had been handed down. His government indicated, however, that it would not interfere with the process of law. On 29 November 2004, however, Attorney General Qoriniasi Bale announced that the government had decided to parole Seniloli on health grounds, in return for his resignation. Events 1777 - San Jose California, is founded as el Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Fiji 's chief governmental legal officer is the Attorney General. Qoriniasi Babitu Bale is a Lawyer and political leader who has served twice as Fiji 's Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, most recently Parole may have different meanings depending on the field and judiciary system
A similar scenario unfolded in the trial of Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and Senator Ratu Josefa Dimuri. Ratu Naiqama Tawake Lalabalavu is a Fijian Paramount Chief and politician Ratu Josefa Nalumuialevu Dimuri is a Fijian chief and politician who served as a Senator from 2001 to 2006, when he was On 3 April 2005, Lalabalavu and Dimuri were convicted of unlawful assembly for their role aiding and abetting the 2000 coup by visiting rebels at the Sukanaivalu Barracks on 4 July that year, and were sentenced to eight months' imprisonment. Events 1043 - Edward the Confessor is crowned King of England. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Unlawful assembly is a Legal term to describe a group of people with the mutual intent of deliberate disturbance of the peace Events 836 - Pactum Sicardi, peace between the Principality of Benevento and the Duchy of Naples Lalabalavu subsequently resigned his ministerial portfolio. Both were released on parole after serving just eleven days of their sentences.
Opposition politicians charged that the release of Seniloli, Lalabalavu, and Dimuri was for political reasons, as the six votes of the Conservative Alliance are needed to maintain the government's parliamentary majority.
Also in May 2005, the Qarase government introduced controversial parliamentary legislation to establish a Reconciliation and Unity Commission with powers, subject to presidential approval, to compensate victims and pardon perpetrators of the 2000 coup. The proposal has generated a storm of protests from opposition politicians, many of whom were victims of the coup, as well as from the military. Even Ratu Ovini Bokini, Chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs, expressed concern on 18 May that the Great Council had not been consulted and was "in the dark" about the bill. Ratu Ovini Bokini Ratu (born 3 November 1944) is a Fijian chief and political leader The Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga in Fijian) is a formal assembly of Fiji 's senior hereditary chiefs, along with Events 1152 - Henry II of England marries Eleanor of Aquitaine. Ratu Bokini's comments drew an immediate response from Qarase, who said that he saw no need for prior consultation with anybody. "Any Bill is drafted without consulting any party or stakeholders is because it contains what the Government wants to be included in the Bill," he said. At the annual conference of his Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua on 27 May, Qarase strongly defended the proposal, saying he believed it was essential for Fiji to bring closure to the agony of the past in order to move on. Events 927 - Simeon the Great, Tsar of Bulgaria, dies 1120 - Richard III of Capua is anointed "We cannot bring the people together and concentrate all our energies on developing the country when the agony of 2000 is continuously haunting us," he said.
On 24 June 2005, former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry called on Qarase to resign in the wake of what Chaudhry called "very serious allegations" made against him by Roman Catholic Archbishop Petero Mataca, who had publicly accused the Prime Minister of misleading a delegation of church leaders on May 2 about what the Reconciliation and Unity legislation contained. Events 972 - Battle of Cedynia, the first documented victory of Polish forces takes place Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. In Christianity, an archbishop is an elevated Bishop. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion and others this means that they lead Petero Mataca (born at Cawaci, on Ovalau Island, 28 April 1933) is the Roman Catholic Archbishop Events 1194 - King Richard I of England gives Portsmouth its first Royal Charter. According to the Archbishop, the leaders, who represented a variety of denominations, had given their support to the bill after the Prime Minister had told them about its reconciliation and compensation provisions. Only later had they heard, through the media, that it provided for amnesty to be granted to persons convicted of crimes related to the 2000 coup, which Mataca said was unacceptable.
On 29 May 2005, former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka accused Qarase of hypocrisy. Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian defeats the Sassanid army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Major-General Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, OBE, MSD, OStJ, (born September 13, 1948 is best known as the instigator of two military Rabuka said that a number of groups had split from the Fijian Political Party, which Rabuka had led in the 1990s and which was then the only mainstream Fijian party, and it was this that had given rise to the current political disunity among indigenous Fijians. The Fijian Political Party (better known by its initials SVT, which stand for its Fijian name Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei) is a party The 1990s collectively refers to the years between and including 1990 and 1999 Qarase's calls for unity now were hypocritical, Rabuka said, as the Prime Minister's own Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua was one of the factions responsible for the fragmentation of the indigenous vote.
On 28 August 2005, Qarase said he was shocked by allegations that he had been a party to a plot to depose President Ratu Josefa Iloilo from office in 2000, barely a week after his inauguration. Events 475 - The Roman General Orestes forces western Roman Emperor Julius Nepos to flee his Capital Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. He said he had indeed attended a meeting at the Fijian Holdings boardroom, where Military Commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama said a group of six politicians, including nationalist Senator Apisai Tora, had asked him to remove the President, but denied that the topic had ever been raised. Commodore is a Military rank used in many navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a navy captain, but is less than Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, MSD, OStJ, Fijian Navy, known commonly as Frank Bainimarama and sometimes by the chiefly title "I have never been part of any discussions to oust the president, I am a very peaceful person and to suggest that I was part of any discussions is unbelievable," Qarase said. Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes said on 2 September that they were hoping to interview Qarase. 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 Events 44 BC - Pharaoh Cleopatra VII of Egypt declares her son co-ruler as Ptolemy XV Caesarion.
On September 6, 2007, Commodore Frank Bainimarama said Fiji's military rulers declared again state of emergency since ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase was engaged in destabilization when he returned last week to Suva after 8 months of exile. 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. Commodore is a Military rank used in many navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a navy captain, but is less than Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, MSD, OStJ, Fijian Navy, known commonly as Frank Bainimarama and sometimes by the chiefly title Fiji (Matanitu ko Viti फ़िजी officially the Republic of the Fiji Islands (Matanitu Tu-Vaka-i-koya ko Viti फ़िजी द्वीप समूह गणराज्य A military is an Organization authorized by its Nation to use force usually including use of Weapons in defending its Country (or by attacking A ruler, or rule, is an instrument used in Geometry, Technical drawing and engineering/building to measure distances and/or to rule straight 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 Exile means to be away from one's home (ie city state or country while either being explicitly refused permission to return and/or being threatened by prison or death upon return Elections were tentatively set on March 2009. An election is a Decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold formal office [1]
Financing allegations
In December 2005, Qarase and Opposition politicians traded mutual accusations of misuse of public funds and abuse of office, and on 8 December, Chaudhry announced his decision to sue the Prime Minister, and Fiji Television, for defamation. PortalCurrent events News collections and sources See WikipediaNews collections and sources. Events 1609 - Biblioteca Ambrosiana opens its reading room the second public library of Europe. In law a lawsuit is a civil action brought before a Court in which the party commencing the action the Plaintiff, seeks a legal or equitable remedy Fiji Television Limited is Fiji 's television network It was founded on 15 June 1994 as the first permanent television broadcasting network in the country
On 5 December, lawyer Rajendra Chaudhry, acting for his father, Opposition Leader Mahendra Chaudhry, gave Qarase a three-day ultimatum to apologize for what he said were defamatory allegations, that Chaudhry had attempted to collect a commission on an F$86 million dollar loan from the Indian government for the reform of Fiji's sugar industry, or else face a lawsuit. Events 63 BC - Cicero reads the last of his Catiline Orations. Rajendra Chaudhry is an Indo-Fijian lawyer and former civil servant The dollar ( Currency sign: $; currency code: FJD) has been the Currency of Fiji since 1969 and India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country Sugar is a class of edible Crystalline substances mainly Sucrose, Lactose, and Fructose. Qarase refused to apologize, and when the three-day deadline set by Chaudhry expired, he announced on 8 December that he would be suing Qarase as an individual, not as Prime Minister, meaning that Qarase would be unable to use state funds to fight his case. Events 1609 - Biblioteca Ambrosiana opens its reading room the second public library of Europe. The writ, which named Qarase the first defendant, also named Fiji Television as the second defendant. In Law, a writ is a formal written order issued by a body with administrative or judicial Jurisdiction. "Qarase has been reluctant to furnish evidence to substantiate his claims . . . The imputations are very serious and a direct question on my integrity and leadership. As such I have had the resort to legal action," Chaudhry declared.
At a press conference on 9 December, the Prime Minister revealed a confidential letter from Mahendra Chaudhry, written on National Farmers Union (NFU) letterhead in his capacity as General Secretary of the Union, to Charles Walker, chairman of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), in September 2003. Events 536 - Byzantine General Belisarius enters Rome while the Ostrogothic garrison peacefully leaves the city Charles David Walker (born August 29, 1948) is a former American Astronaut who flew on three Space Shuttle missions in 1984 Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC is the Government-owned sugar milling company in Fiji having the monopoly on production of all raw sugar in Fiji September 2003: January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September The letter proposed that the NFU purchase shares in the FSC, and stated that he, FLP Senator Anand Singh, and United Consultancy of Auckland, New Zealand, were in talks with "an India-based milling company" to restructure the FSC. Anand Kumar Singh is a Fijian lawyer and politician of Indian descent The Auckland metropolitan area or Greater Auckland, in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country According to the Prime Minister, the deal would have transferred shares, that the government was considering selling, not to cane farmers but to their trade union representatives. "The benefit was only to the NFU," Qarase said. Qarase called for an audit of the office of the Leader of the Opposition, saying that it would prove his connections to the Indian company. The most general definition of an audit is an evaluation of a person organization system process project or product Equipment in Chaudhry's office had been used to communicate with the company since 2002, he alleged. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar.
Chaudhry derided the revelations as "laughable," and said that they showed no connection whatsoever between himself and India's Exim Bank, or with the Indian government loan. Nor did it substantiate, he said, Qarase's claims that he had sought a commission from the Indian companies. He filed an application in the High Court for a gag order to prevent the Prime Minister from making media statements until his lawsuit was heard, but Justice Anthony Gates dismissed the application on 14 December. The High Court of Fiji is one of three courts established by Chapter 9 of the Constitution, the others being the Court of Appeal and the Anthony Harold Cumberland Thomas Gates is Acting Chief Justice of Fiji. Events 1287 - St Lucia's flood: The Zuider Zee sea wall in the Netherlands collapses killing over 50000 people Whether the Prime Minister's statements were defamatory was an issue that would have to be resolved in the trial itself, Gates ruled; in the meantime, the court would not interfere with constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is the freedom to speak freely without Censorship or Limitation. Chaudhry was ordered to pay F$750 to Qarase and Fiji Television Limited to cover court costs. 9 January 2006 has been set for the hearing of the defamation case. Events 475 - Byzantine Emperor Zeno is forced to flee his capital at Constantinople. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.
The same week, the Prime Minister found himself fending off allegations made by an Opposition parliamentarian, that he owned a property in Forster Street, funded by certain business leaders, and that he had received a double housing allowance while leading the Interim Government in 2000 and 2001. His private motor vehicle had also been purchased with the help of certain businessmen, the parliamentarian claimed. In reply, Qarase said that he did not know where Forster Street was. He owned only one property, in Mavana Village on the island of Vanuabalavu. Vanua Balavu (βanua mbalaβu is the second largest island in Fiji 's Lau Archipelago (not counting the islands of the Moala Group) and He had never received the double housing allowance, he insisted, and could not afford to buy another property. He was still repaying a loan from the Merchants Bank for his private car, he said.
The Prime Minister also had to deny allegations made under parliamentary privilege by Senators Ponipate Lesavua and Ratu Dr. Epeli Nailatikau, and by prominent Opposition parliamentarian Poseci Bune, that two companies, one allegedly owned by his son Laisenia Qarase, Jr. and the other by Jale Baba, the General Secretary of Qarase's SDL Party, had benefited from government contracts. Parliamentary privilege, also known as absolute privilege, is a legal mechanism employed within the legislative bodies of countries whose Constitutions are based on Ponipate Tawase Lesavua is a Fijian politician who leads the Party of National Unity, which draws most of its support from Note This article is about Ratu Epeli Nailatikau the Fijian medical doctor and former Senator. Poseci Waqalevu Bune is a Fijian politician who has served as Deputy Leader of the Fiji Labour Party (FLP Laisenia Qarase Jr is a Fijian businessman He is best-known as the son of Laisenia Qarase, Fiji's Prime Minister since 2000. Jale Baba is a Fijian businessman and political organizer A forestry graduate of the Australian National University, he worked An angry Qarase challenged his opponents to repeat their allegations outside Parliament.
An audit report released in 2007 revealed that Qarase had incurred a total of $23,108. 89 as precautionary measures for his safety between late November and early December 2006. the report also stated that the absence of invoices showed that payments were made prior to the purchases.
Fijilive. com reported that the Auditor General also highlighted the misuse of Taiwanese funds in his 2007 report, adding it did not follow financial regulations and overspending of funds over a period of seven months last year (2006) by the prime Ministers Office.
Honours
On 30 October 2005, Qarase was awarded the Star of Melanesia by Papua New Guinea's Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Paulias Matane. Events 637 - Antioch surrenders to the Muslim forces under Rashidun Caliphate after the Battle of Iron bridge. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Papua New Guinea (or ˈpæpjuːə in Tok Pisin: Papua Niugini) officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania The Governor-General of Papua New Guinea is the representative of Queen Elizabeth II, known in Tok Pisin as 'Missis Kwin' Papua New Guinea 's Grand Chief Sir Paulias Nguna Matane GCL, GCMG, OBE, KStJ (born 1931 formerly a career civil servant became Governor-General of The award was given in recognition of his contribution to business and commerce, as well as his efforts to bring political stability to Fiji and to promote the interests of Melanesian peoples throughout the Pacific region. Honoured with Qarase were his Solomon Islands and Vanuatu counterparts, Sir Allan Kemakeza and Ham Lini Vanuaroroa, respectively. The Solomon Islands is a country in Melanesia, east of Papua New Guinea, consisting of nearly one thousand islands Vanuatu, officially the Republic of Vanuatu ( French: République de Vanuatu, Bislama: Ripablik blong Vanuatu) is an Island Sir Allan Kemakeza KBE (born 11 October 1950 was Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands from 2001 to 2006 Ham Lini Vanuaroroa (born December 8, 1951) was the Prime Minister of Vanuatu from December 11, 2004 until 22 September
Personal views
Qarase is known as a devout and outspoken Christian. Addressing the Christian Youth Conference in Suva on 15 May 2005, he called on young Christians to put their faith into practice, and not to be intimidated by peers who might consider a strong religious commitment to be unfashionable. 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 Events 1252 - Pope Innocent IV issues the Papal bull Ad exstirpanda, which authorizes but also limits the Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. He also called on Christian young people to do what they could to stop the spread of AIDS, which he said "poses a terrible threat to the world. "
The Prime Minister took a public stand on 24 January 2006 to support controversial American evangelist and faith healer Benny Hinn, who was conducting a crusade in Fiji. Events 41 - Gaius Caesar (Caligula, known for his eccentricity and cruel Despotism, is Assassinated by his disgruntled Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Evangelism is the Christian practice of proselytisation. The intention of most evangelism is to effect Eternal salvation to those who do not follow the Faith healing is the attempt to use Religious or spiritual means such as Prayer, mental practices spiritual insights or other techniques to prevent Toufik Benedictus "Benny" Hinn (توفيق بندكتوس "بني" الحن born December 3, 1952) is a Televangelist, best known Despite reports of disillusionment by some people who were not healed, many thousands had been, Qarase told the Fiji Sun, and at any rate, the healings were "only a small part" of Hinn's message. The Fiji Sun is a daily Newspaper published in Fiji Owned by Sun (Fiji News Limited, it was first published in September 1999.
He also took a strong stand against the legalisation of homosexuality. Reacting on 29 August 2005 to a decision of High Court Justice Gerald Winter to free a Fijian citizen and an Australian who had been convicted of sodomy, on the grounds that it was illegal only if committed in a public place, Qarase said he was of the opinion that any law which conflicted with God's laws should be amended, and he would study ways to ensure that homosexual acts remained illegal. Events 708 - Copper coins are minted in Japan for the first time (Traditional Japanese date: August 10, 708) Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Sodomy (ˈsɒdəmi is a term used today predominantly in Law (derived from traditional Christian usage to describe the act of Anal intercourse, Oral intercourse Qarase's statement brought a strong reaction from United Peoples Party leader Mick Beddoes, who said that homosexuals were human beings and entitled to the full protection of the law. The United Peoples Party is a political party in Fiji, whose support base lies chiefly among General Electors - Fiji Islanders who belong to ethnic Mick Malcolm Millis Beddoes, widely known as Mick Beddoes, is a Fijian politician and businessman from Nadi, who has led the United Peoples Party
2006 coup
On the occasion of his 65th birthday on 4 February 2006, Qarase stated that if re-elected in the election that was duly held on 6-13 May, it would very likely be his last term in office. 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 Events 211 - Roman Emperor Septimius Severus dies leaving the Roman Empire in the hands of his two quarrelsome sons Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance. Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola. He won reelection, but continuing disagreements between his government and the powerful Republic of Fiji Military Forces culminated in a military coup on 5 December. Events 63 BC - Cicero reads the last of his Catiline Orations. Fiji Village reported the next day that he had been flown to his home island of Vanuabalavu by the Military, while Radio New Zealand claimed that he had fled there. Events 1060 - Béla I of Hungary is crowned king of Hungary 1240 - Mongol invasion of Rus: Kiev Radio New Zealand Limited (Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa is New Zealand 's public service Radio broadcaster. He told Radio New Zealand that he was "down but not out"; he intended to fight on, and called for a peaceful popular uprising. On the same day it was reported that he had asked for military assistance from Australia. The BBC reported that after being warned by Commodore Bainimarama not to "incite violence", Prime Minister Qarase planned to return to Suva, from which he was banished, but was warned that he faced arrest if he returns [1].
From Vanuabalavu, he remained outspoken in condemning the military takeover, comparing the new regime to those of Saddam Hussein, Adolf Hitler, and Idi Amin, [2] [3] in an interview quoted in the Fiji Times and Fiji Village on 13 and 14 December 2006. Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti ( Arabic: ar صدام حسين عبد المجيد التكريتي --> April 28 1937 &ndash December 30 Hi and welcome to Wikipedia! Please understand that this article is frequently vandalized and vandalism is reverted immediately Idi Amin Dada (mid 1920s &ndash 16 August 2003 commonly known as Idi Amin, was a Ugandan military dictator and the President of Uganda The Fiji Times is a daily Newspaper published in Fiji. Established in Levuka on 4 September 1869, it is Fiji's oldest Events 1287 - St Lucia's flood: The Zuider Zee sea wall in the Netherlands collapses killing over 50000 people Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.
On 2 February, Fiji Village quoted Qarase as having told Radio Australia that he was considering contesting the election to restore democracy, expected to be held within the next five years. Events 962 - Translatio imperii: Pope John XII crowns Otto I Holy Roman Emperor, the first Holy Roman Emperor ABC Radio Australia is the international broadcasting and online service operated by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia 's public broadcaster General elections were until recently scheduled to be held in Fiji in March 2009 Qarase called for the date to be brought forward. [4]
On September 6, 2007, Bainimarama imposed a renewed state of emergency for one month, alleging that Qarase and his spokesman, Peceli Kinivuwai, were spreading lies and attempting to cause destabilization, following Qarase's return to Suva after having been confined to 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 Bainimarama said that Qarase and his spokesman should return to Vanuabalavu and that they could "talk from there". [2]
Qarase initiated a court challenge to the coup on October 4, 2007. Events 610 - Heraclius arrives by ship from Africa at Constantinople, overthrows Byzantine Emperor Phocas Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. [3] Martial law was lifted on October 6[4] on the grounds that there was no threat. Events 105 BC - Battle of Arausio: The Cimbri inflict the heaviest defeat on the Roman army of Gnaeus Mallius Maximus [5]
Qarase's cabinets
As Prime Minister, Qarase led three cabinets. The first was the interim cabinet formed in the wake of the 2000 coup. The second followed the election of 2001, and the third was the multi-party cabinet formed in 2006.
Interim cabinet, 2000-2001
| Portfolio | Minister |
| Prime Minister, Minister For National Reconciliation |
Laisenia Qarase |
| Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Fijian Affairs |
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau |
| Attorney General, Minister For Justice |
Alipate Qetaki |
| Minister For Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forests, Minister for ALTA |
Apisai Tora |
| Minister For Commerce, Business Development and Investment | Tomasi Vuetilovoni |
| Minister For Education | Nelson Delailomaloma |
| Minister For Finance And National Planning, Minister For Communications |
Ratu Jone Kubuabola |
| Minister For Foreign Affairs, Minister For External Trade, Minister for Sugar |
Kaliopate Tavola |
| Minister For Health | Pita Nacuva |
| Minister For Home Affairs, Minister For Immigration |
Ratu Talemo Ratakele |
| Minister For Information and Communications | Ratu Inoke Kubuabola |
| Minister For Labour and Industrial Relations | Ratu Tevita Momoedonu |
| Minister For Lands and Mineral Resources | Mitieli Bulanauca |
| Minister For Local Government, Housing, and Environment | Ratu Tu'uakitau Cokanauto |
| Minister For Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Assistant Minister for Regional Development |
George Shiu Raj |
| Minister For Public Enterprises, Minister For Public Sector Reform |
Hector Hatch |
| Minister For Regional Development | Ilaitia Tuisese |
| Minister For Women, Minister for Social Welfare, Minister for Culture |
Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa |
| Minister For Tourism, Minister for Transport |
Konisi Yabaki |
| Minister For Works, Minister for Public Works and Energy |
Joketani Cokanasiga |
| Minister For Youth, Minister For Employment Opportunities, Minister For Sports |
Keni Dakuidreketi |
| Assistant Minister, Prime Minister's Office | Adi Finau Tabakaucoro |
| Assistant Minister For Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forests | Marieta Rigamoto |
| Assistant Minister for Education | Ratu Semi Seruvakula |
| Assistant Minister For Fijian Affairs | Ratu Suliano Matanitobua |
| Assistant Minister for Internal Affairs | Ratu Kolinio Rokotuinaceva |
| Assistant Minister for Women, Social Welfare, and Culture | Adi Senimili Dyer |
| Assistant Minister for Women, Social Welfare, and Culture | Bernadette Rounds Ganilau |
SDL/CAMV cabinet, 2001-2006
As of February 2006, the Cabinet was as follows. As a former British colony, Fiji has largely adopted British political models and follows the Westminster, or Cabinet system of government in which the The Minister for Fijian Affairs is the Cabinet Minister responsible for the preservation of Fijian culture and for the economic and social development of Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, LVO, OBE, MSD, OStJ, (born 1941 (often referred Alipate Qetaki is a Fijian lawyer and politician who served as Attorney-General and Minister for Justice in the interim Tomasi Vuetilovoni, commonly known as Tom Vuetilovoni, is a Fijian politician who is the current Minister for Tourism Nelson Delailomaloma is a Fijian politician who served as Minister for Education in the interim Cabinet formed by Ratu Jone Yavala Kubuabola is Fiji 's Minister for Finance, a position he has held since 2000. The Minister for Foreign Affairs (commonly known as the Foreign Minister) is Fiji 's Cabinet Minister responsible for international relations and diplomacy Kaliopate Tavola (born 1946) is a Fijian Economist, Diplomat, and Politician, who was his country's Minister for Foreign Affairs Pita Kewa Nacuva is a Fijian politician who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from June to December Ratu Talemo Ratakele is a former Fijian politician who served as Minister for Internal Affairs and Immigration Ratu Inoke Kubuabola is a Fijian politician who served as Leader of the Opposition in 1999 and Mitieli Bulanauca is a Fijian politician and former Cabinet Minister. Ratu Tu'uakitau George Cokanauto (born 5 June 1945) is a Fijian chief and politician George Shiu Raj is a Indo-Fijian politician who served as Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs from 2001 to 30 September 2004, when he resigned Hector Hatch is a former Fijian sportsman politician and civil servant Ilaitia Bulidiri Tuisese is a Fijian politician who currently serves in the Cabinet as Minister for Fisheries and Ro is a title used by Fijian chiefs in the Province of Rewa, as well as parts of Naitasiri, Namosi, and Serua. Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa (born 1945) is a Fijian chief and politician Konisi Tabu Yabaki is a Fijian politician from the southern island of Kadavu. Joketani Cokanasiga is a former Fijian politician who served as Minister for Public Works and Energy in the interim Keni Dakuidreketi is a Fijian politician who served as Minister for Youth, Employment Opportunities, and Minister Adi Finau Tamari Tabakaucoro is a Fijian politician who served as Assistant Minister for Women, Culture, Marieta Rigamoto is a Fijian politician As as independent candidate campaigning for improved roads and hospital services in Rotuma, she won a hotly contested Ratu Semi Seruvakula is a Fijian chief and politician who served as Assistant Minister for Internal Affairs in the Ro Suliano Matanitobua is a Fijian chief and politician who currently serves as Minister of State for Fijian Affairs. Ratu Kolinio Rokotunaceva ( 1936 - 14 June 2008) was a Fijian chief and politician who served as a Senator from Adi Senimili Dyer is a Fijian politician who served as an Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister's Office in the interim Cabinet formed Bernadette Lavenia Rounds Ganilau born July 5, 1951 as Bernadette Lavenia Rounds is a Fijian writer broadcaster and politician who recently Changes to the membership of the Cabinet since 2001 are footnoted.
| Portfolio | Minister | Political Party |
| Prime Minister, Minister for Fijian Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Minister for National Reconciliation and Unity, Minister for ALTA and Sugar Industry |
Laisenia Qarase | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Attorney General, Minister for Justice |
Qoriniasi Bale | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Finance and National Planning, Minister for Communications |
Ratu Jone Kubuabola | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Education | Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Commerce, Business Development and Investment | Tomasi Vuetilovoni | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Immigration |
Josefa Vosanibola | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for External Trade |
Kaliopate Tavola | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Tourism | Pita Nacuva | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Regional Development | Ted Young | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Fisheries, Minister for Forests |
Konisi Yabaki | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Agriculture, Sugar and Land Resettlement | Ilaitia Tuisese | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Health | Solomone Naivalu | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources | Samisoni Tikoinasau [1] | Conservative Alliance |
| Minister for Women, Minister for Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation |
Adi Asenaca Caucau | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation | Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu [2] | Conservative Alliance |
| Minister for Local Government, Housing, Squatter Settlement and Environment | Pio Wong | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Productivity | Kenneth Zinck | New Labour Unity Party |
| Minister for Public Enterprises, Minister for Public Sector Reform |
Jonetani Galuinadi | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Works, Minister for Energy |
Savenaca Draunidalo | Independent |
| Minister for Youth, Minister for Employment Opportunities, Minister for Sports |
Isireli Leweniqila | Conservative Alliance |
| Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs | George Shiu Raj [3] | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Information and Media Relations | Marieta Rigamoto [4] | Independent |
| Assistant Minister for Fijian Affairs, Culture, and Heritage | Nanise Nagusuca | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Assistant Minister for Local Government, Housing, Squatter Settlement and Environment | Joji Banuve | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Sugar and Land Resettlement | Isireli Tuvuki | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Assistant Minister for Women, Assistant Minister for Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation Assistant Minister, Prime Minister's Office |
Losena Salabula [5] | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Assistant Minister for Health | Tomasi Sauqaqa | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister without portfolio, Prime Minister's Office | Simione Kaitani [6] | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
|
||
Multiparty cabinet, 2006
The following Cabinet was appointed following the parliamentary election held on 6-13 May 2006. Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance. Events 1497 - Pope Alexander VI excommunicates Girolamo Savonarola. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. It was deposed in the military coup of 5 December 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. Assistant Ministers in previous Cabinets were replaced by Ministers of State in this Cabinet, with functions essentially unchanged.
| Portfolio | Minister | Political Party |
| Prime Minister, Minister for Sugar Reform |
Laisenia Qarase | SDL |
| Attorney General, Minister For Justice |
Qoriniasi Bale | Senator |
| Minister for Finance And National Planning | Ratu Jone Kubuabola | SDL |
| Minister for Education, Minister for Youth, Minister for Sports |
Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Fijian Affairs, Minister for Lands, Minister for Provincial Development |
Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Fisheries and Forests | Ilaitia Tuisese | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Information and Communications | Isireli Leweniqila | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Public Sector Reform | Savenaca Draunidalo | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Women, Minister for Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation |
George Shiu Raj | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for External Trade |
Kaliopate Tavola | Senator |
| Minister for Tourism, Minister for Transport |
Tomasi Vuetilovoni | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affiars, Minister for National Reconciliation and Unity |
Ratu Meli Saukuru | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister for Infrastructure and Public Utilities | Robin Irwin | Independent |
| Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Immigration |
Josefa Vosanibola | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister without portfolio | Adi Samanunu Cakobau-Talakuli | Senator |
| Minister for Environment | Poseci Bune | Fiji Labour Party (FLP) |
| Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations | Krishna Datt | Fiji Labour Party |
| Minister for Curative Health Services | Gunasagaran Gounder | Fiji Labour Party |
| Minister for Agriculture | Gyani Nand | Fiji Labour Party |
| Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources |
Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi | Fiji Labour Party |
| Minister for Primary and Preventive Health Services | Udit Narayan | Fiji Labour Party |
| Minister for Local Government, Minister for Urban Development |
Chaitanya Lakshman | Fiji Labour Party |
| Minister for Employment Opportunities and Productivity | Ragho Nand | Fiji Labour Party |
| Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industry |
AdiSivia Qoro | Fiji Labour Party |
| Minister of State for Housing | Adi Asenaca Caucau | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister of State for Youth and Sports | Rajesh Singh [1] | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister of State for Provincial Development | Ted Young | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister of State for Public Utilities and Reforms | Samisoni Tikoinasau | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister of State, Prime Minister's Office | Losena Salabula | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister of State for Fijian Affiars | Ro Suliano Matanitobua | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister of State for Agriculture, Alternative Livelihood, and Outer Island Development | Ratu Josefa Dimuri | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister of State for Immigration and Ex-Servicemen | George Konrote | Independent |
| Minister of State for National Planning | Ratu Jone Navakamocea | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister of State for Small Micro Enterprise and IT Industries | Pio Tabaiwalu | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister of State for Prison and Correction Service | Inoke Luveni | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Minister of State for Education, Minister of State for Technical and Vocational, and Special Education |
Paulo Ralulu | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
|
||
Sources
References
- ^ BBC NEWS, Emergency rule declared in Fiji
- ^ "Martial law declared in Fiji - again", The New Zealand Herald, September 6, 2007. Events 54 - Nero ascends to the Roman throne 409 - Vandals and Alans crossed the Pyrenees Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar.
- ^ "Ousted Fiji prime minister begins court challenge to legality of 2006 military coup", Associated Press (International Herald Tribune), October 4, 2007.
- ^ "Martial law lifted in Fiji", tvnz. co. nz, October 6, 2007.
- ^ "Fiji's military government to lift state of emergency after no 'threat to nation' found", Associated Press (International Herald Tribune), October 5, 2007.
| Preceded by none (office vacant) Ratu Tevita Momoedonu |
Prime Minister of Fiji 2000 - 2001 2001 - 2006 |
Succeeded by Ratu Tevita Momoedonu Jona Senilagakali |
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