Page 9 - IB May 2024

Whispers Whispers

have us believe, he knew nothing about! setting up a Truth and Reconciliation,
Now, barely 18 months into their term, signalled by recent meetings between
they have managed to cause a national the Assistant Minister responsible, Sashi Front Page Pte Limited
uproar this month by voting to give Kiran, and the Army Commander. Makes GPO Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands.
themselves (and all parliamentarians) one wonder whether the government Tel: +679 9209375
a massive pay rise. The decision has will be able to pull off such an Sales & Advertising
been lambasted as economically, ambitious step given its recent record. marketing@islandsbusiness.com
socially, and morally wrong by unions, Circulation & Subscriptions
businesses, churches and voters. Fiji is Of heroes and villains subs@islandsbusiness.com
struggling under the weight of one of Meanwhile, there were some
the highest levels of public debt in the interesting reactions across the region Finance
region, and the person on the street at Bainimarama (and former Police finance@islandsbusiness.com
is struggling to make ends meet amid Commissioner, Sitiveni Qiliho) being sent Fiji stockists
soaring inflation and costs of living, to jail in Fiji in May. Online platforms Dominion Bookshop - BSP Life Building Arcade, Suva
following an increase in Value Added featured folks from Vanuatu, Solomons, Ginger Kitchen - Fiji Museum
Tax from 9 to 15% last year. Which, Papua New Guinea and other places Hot Bread Kitchen - Damodar City, Suva/LICI building,
by the way, the government said then hailing Frank as a “hero”. There were, Butt St, Suva/Namaka, Nadi/Rajendras Foodtown Complex,
was a necessary bitter pill given the however, others who commended Fiji Valelevu/Namoli Avenue, Lautoka
public debt situation. Not surprising, for the rare feat of sending a politician Kundan Singh Supermarket - Tamavua
therefore, that has there been such a to jail. Speaking of heroes and villains, Maui Bay TOTAL Service Station - Lot 15, Maui Bay Estates
forceful expression of the loss of public how dramatically the pendulum has Nausori Airport Kiosk - Nausori International Airport,
confidence in a Fijian government. To swung for University of the South Nausori
add insult to the injury of everyone who Pacific Vice Chancellor, Professor Pal Palm Court Bistro - QBE Arcade, Victoria Parade, Suva
had pitched their support behind him Ahluwalia. He was hailed a “hero” and Post Fiji - Suva General Post Office
to get rid of the two-man dictatorship “saviour” some years ago for going Raiwaqa Bakery - Flagstaff/Nausori/Nukuwatu St, Lami
of former PM Voreqe Bainimarama and against the then-Fiji Government- The Projects Collective - Colova Estate (The Beachouse),
former Attorney-General, Aiyaz Saiyed- backed ‘gang’ at USP, for which he was Coral Coast, Korolevu
Khaiyum, Rabuka came out a few days eventually deported by Bainimarama. USP Book Centre - USP Laucala Campus, Suva
later to say that he was not worried These days, the same staff that backed Vuda Marina General Store - Vuda Marina, Lautoka
about how the move might impact his him and prayed for him during his Yees Xpressmart - Unit S22, Port Denarau, Nadi
government at the next elections. Of deportation, want him gone. Mystery of Regional
course, public reaction was that it was all mysteries. ASCC Le Bookstore - Pago Pago, American Samoa
the people who would be paying for it, Friendly Islands Bookshop – Nuku’alofa, Tonga
not the politicians! In the meantime, Whispers is compiled under the Hachette Pacifique – Papeete, French Polynesia
there’s grand ambitions of national supervision of the editorial team. Heritage Park Hotel – Honiara, Solomon Islands
reconciliation with moves towards Naoero Postal Service Corporation (Nauru Post) – Civic
Centre, Aiwo District, Nauru
Palau Community College Bookstore - Koror, Palau
Samoa Stationery and Books - Apia, Samoa
Tuvalu Post - Funafuti, Tuvalu
Vanuatu Post - Port Vila, Vanuatu
Yap Cooperative Association – Colonia, YAP, FSM

Islands Business, May 2024 9