PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT

Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center
With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies/University of Hawai‘i

By the Pacific Institute of Public Policy

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (PNG Post-Courier, May 19, 2009) – When Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd came to power, he signalled an end to the previous Howard Governments’ hard-line approach to the Pacific islands.

He made an important first step by making his first overseas trip to PNG where he announced the "Port Moresby Declaration", which aimed for a new era of "partnership" with island states. He has what seems a good relationship with Sir Michael Somare. In much of the region this has been a welcome change from the bellicose Howard era, but in one place — Fiji - this good intent is not on display.

Listening to Mr Rudd last week angrily reject an offer by Commodore Frank Bainimarama for him and the New Zealand PM John Keys to personally visit and discuss the situation underlines how, in this instance, he is missing the importance of person to person contact that shapes much of how Pacific politics work.

"Fiji is in crisis and it is starting to affect the region. From a Pacific perspective now is the time for big chiefs to sit together and talk", says Vanuatu’s first President and member of the Pacific Institute of Public Policy Advisory Council, Ati George Sokomanu.

Paramount Chief Vincent Boulekone, former Speaker of Parliament in Vanuatu, suggests "if Kevin Rudd truly wants to develop constructive partnerships in the Pacific, then as a Pacific leader he must be prepared to act like a chief — and that means sitting down with rival chiefs, supping a shell of kava and talking things through".

He may not be able to change Commodore Bainimarama’s mind, but he will have a much more personal appreciation of why the Commodore has embarked on his plan and who is supporting him.

Wouldn’t he want to get a first hand idea of how, for example, China is increasing its posture in the South Pacific through places like Fiji? Chinese financial support to Fiji has reportedly more than quadrupled in recent years. The latest Defence White Paper reaffirms the need for Australia to focus on its immediate region.

Surely there is an argument for the Australian Prime Minister to at least take the measure of his opponent; like the mafia maxim "keep your friends close and your enemies closer".

President Obama recently met with US foe Hugo Chavez, shook his hand and said that while there were many differences they would try to work things through. Chavez wants to rule for life; Commodoree Bainimarama says he needs fgve years to set Fiji straight.

For his part, the Commodore needs to clearly articulate how he intends to introduce one-person one-vote, which is the last vestige of his legitimacy, otherwise his position looks like a naked power grab.

"He too must be prepared to assume the role of chief," says Ati George Sokomanu, adding "if the invitation to Mr. Rudd and Mr. Keys is a genuine attempt to commence dialogue, then we may yet find a way out of this mess. A Pacific Way — or nai tovo vakavanua."

Fiji sits on a host of fault lines that have long simmered. Apart from the indigenous versus Indo Fijian issue is the east-west rivalry, which sees the more Melanesian west long, ruled by the (Polynesian) Tonga-influenced eastern "kingdoms".

There is spiritual rivalry between the dominant Methodist Church and other faiths including Catholicism, Hinduism and Islam. On top of this is a lingering class struggle, which has united many ordinary workers of all ethnic backgrounds.

In terms of democracy, four coups in 20 years suggest that the system is broken and needs a circuit breaker.

Examining the nuances of these disputes is essential if Fiji is to finally define a workable and truly democratic system of governance.

Fiji’s Melanesian siblings are also going through processes of shaping political frameworks a generation in from independence.

The Melanesian Spearhead Group has a clear role to play in coordinating shared interests and engaging leaders as they chart the next phase of nation building.

None of this is to justify the abrogation of the Fiji Constitution or the ham-fisted crackdown on media, political dissidents and the judiciary that the Commodore has embarked on.

The media crackdown is particularly odious and calls to mind the paranoia of certain other military regimes.

There is so far no blood on the streets, but the economy is haemorrhaging.

As businesses fail, sanctions are applied and Bainimarama is backed further into a corner, we will likely see a breakdown in civil order. And then what?

The apology to the indigenous peoples of Australia has not gone unnoticed in the region. "By saying sorry on behalf of all Australians, Rudd has demonstrated a commitment to appreciating the importance and diversity of cultures that make up our region. In return we welcome him as a Melanesian brother," says Ati George Sokomanu.

So go Chief Kevin and Chief John! Put on your best floral shirt, be prepared to drink kava and get to know the Commodore so we are better informed about this strategic front-line in our immediate region.

Otherwise Frank will just continue doing it His Way.

The Pacific Institute of Public Policy is an independent, non-partisan and not-for-profit "think-tank" based in Port Vila, Vanuatu and exists to stimulate and support policy debate in the Pacific.

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