LEVUKA was on the verge of tribal warfare when rebels burnt down
the Masonic Lodge and took over the Pacific Fishing Company
Limited last week.
The rebels who were from Lovoni village held PAFCO's general
manager Mitieli Baleivanualala hostage and had also tried to capture
Levuka high chief Ratu Kolinio Rokotuinaceva.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity from Levuka yesterday, a
traditional warrior of the Tui Levuka said they had to provide security
for their high chief and were ready to take on the rebels.
He said their allegiance to the high chief was very much still intact.
They, like their ancestors were ready to defend their chief and even
fight to the death if necessary.
He said what happened in Levuka was very unfortunate and it only
showed disrespect for the law.
The riot and illegal takeover of the PAFCO according to a source
from Levuka started off with only about 30 youths. However it was
the support of the vanua that strengthened the rebels' unlawful act.
The rebels also took the Levuka Mayor Councillor George Gibson to
task for his comments about the lodge and the alleged search for a
tunnel reportedly to be underneath the lodge.
The mayor had publicly denied the existence of such a tunnel.
It was after this denial over Fiji One Television that Cr Gibson was
taken by the rebels and questioned.
The peace that has always been there in the Old Capital is now in question
after what the rebels did.
While Mr Baleivanualala has been freed, the actions of the rebels has only instilled
fear in Levuka residents.
Some residents say it will a while before life really gets back to normal.
The source confirmed that arms used by the rebels were ferried to Levuka from
Suva.
There was no confirmation from police in Levuka about the arms.
Army spokesman, Major Howard Politini yesterday confirmed that the Decree granting
immunity to those who
overthrew Mahendra Chaudhry's government would only be gazetted if all arms
were returned to Queen
Elizabeth's Barracks.
The army has records of all arms taken away from it's amoury.
Fiji's Daily Post
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