Conflicts and human tragedy throw up bizarre sides of humanity. Take the use
of language, for example. The 19th May terrorist take-over by George Speight
revealed just how unthinking a newspaper could be in its use of words.
Democracy in press reporting staggered as George Speight began to receive
newspaper credibility in Fiji. Immediately following the hostage seizure by
Speight some newspapers talked about a civilian government. One terrorist,
Ratu Timoci Silatolu was referred to as the "interim prime minister."
George
Speight was called "self-proclaimed head of state."
On June 3, the lead article on the front-page of The Fiji Times was by
journalist Charles Chambers. He was reporting on the policeman murdered by
Speight supporters and mentioned " George Speight and the military
government." Does an army that takes over a country automatically mean
that
a new government is formed?
On page three of the same newspaper there was also an unsigned article
mentioning "the Taukei civilian government has included Mr.. Speight as
prime minister." What government?
But today (July 3), some forty plus days after the seizure of the hostages,
Speight is becoming persona non grata. The Fiji Times editorial begins,
" Never before have the indigenous people faced such a serious lack of
leadership."
This editorial clearly sees Speight and his camp followers as going out of
favor. The present army leaders are obviously seen as non-starters in the
leadership race. The present Great Council of Chiefs are ignored except for
Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, who is now residing in safety on his home island.
Ironically neither the Indo/Fijians and the Trade Unions receive a mention
in this editorial. Yet both have been in the forefront of conflict since the
insurrection began. The Prime Minister is seen as responsible for many of
Fiji's ills while the trade unions have been called to account for their
support of trade bans.
On the opposing page from the editorial is a long interview with Father
Makario Waganivalu, a Marist priest. The interviewer asks if the Fijians
have themselves to blame for the tragedy developing in their country. The
priest replies,
" Yes. The Fijians have themselves to blame and the institutions that
have
been set up to deal with these matters."
This turbulent priest has strong views; " It seems to me the elite of
Fijian
leadership rests in the army."
Yes but who are they supporting? An outsider from Fiji needs to be
constantly reminded that the army is on both sides of the conflict. Some are
inside parliament with guns helping Speight, while some are outside the
complex with guns and diplomacy trying to free the hostages and set up a new
interim government. Today part of that task was completed.
The Commander of the Fiji Armed Forces announced the setting up of an
interim government composed entirely of Fijians. All are classified by the
commander as honorable men with expertise and credibility.
The many non-Christians watching this presentation by the military commander
will surely have noted how Commander Bainimarama mentioned God as the
highest authority. God, like truth has been one of the coup victims in the
last forty some days. His name has been involved as a savior, a leader, and
a fountain of understanding. Some unknown citizens have even paid a thousand
dollars for a full-page newspaper advertisement calling on His divine
wisdom.
At the same time as God (read Christian, not Hindu or Muslim) is being
invoked there have been advertisements on TV with poor people from a
squatter settlement talking about their plight. One man said he was coached
on what to say, which was about losing his job and his inability to feed his
family. He did not get a cent for his efforts. I did not have the courage to
phone up TV and ask them if the advertisements they were transmitting were
paid for. So I can't comment on that matter either way nor on the present
eating habits of the man who lost his job.
Before you go have one more look at today's newspaper and the new language
of restaurants. Many eating places are open, but like all good citizens they
close at eight in the evening to avoid breaking the curfew. The food is
prepared quickly, you eat in haste, and pay the bill before rushing home to
beat the eight o'clock curfew.
For weeks I'd been toying about what to call early dinner in a restaurant?
A
food rush, a dinner disaster or what?
Cardo's, is still a most pleasant restaurant to visit with a view over the
peaceful harbor. Today they came with newly coined language worthy of a
mention in the annals of coup history. Dinner was advertised as being
available during the "Attitude Adjustment Hours" of 4 -7.30 p.m.
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last revision July 5, 2000