Border movements
There was much fanfare from the Fiji Navy and police after they seized a firearm and some ammunition on a ship arriving from Tonga. First it was reported that there were a number of firearms and bullets on board. Once the Tongan ship arrived in port, it was found that there was only one firearm. Nonetheless, there was much patting of backs and congratulations. This from a navy that caught one firearm coming in
and couldn’t catch one person running away to Tonga.
Where’s the accountability?
What’s happening in Fiji’s military? Hauled before the Public Accounts Committee, the military brass was asked why the army had not submitted audit reports for more than 10 years. The answer? Those facing the Committee said, ‘We weren’t in charge at the time’. This from a military which claims to be the last bastion of democracy and justice.
Missing funds
More than FJ$250,000 is missing from one of the region’s oldest and biggest education institutions. After receiving money from an Asian government, a subcommittee of the school management opened a new account without following procedures. Now the project is incomplete, but the money is gone.
Copping out?
Australia’s opposition coalition has indicated it may not back bids to host the Conference of the Parties climate summit, or COP31, in Australia next year. The Australian government has touted its bid to host the meeting as an opportunity to work with Pacific Island nations to push renewables and other solutions to the climate emergency, and to profile the existential threat faced by its regional neighbours. But the coalition’s climate change spokesman, Ted O’Brien, says their priorities are elsewhere, specifically in addressing the cost of living for Australians. Pacific leaders at this stage aren’t worried about the development, dismissing it as pre-election politicking. Australians go to the polls this year.
