WORDS FROM THE WEBMASTER & THE THSESWS NEWSLETTER EDITOR:

Welcome to the THSESWS monthly newsletter for the month of November 2000. The headline news for this month is in regards to the rebuilding of Tonga High School(from 'Evaline and also the Premier's Office Press Release ). The mourning over the devastation caused by the fire must be over by now and we are now looking forward to the next step. The THSESWS is aware that the Tonga High School communities all over the globe are waiting with interest to hear about the latest developments in regards to the rebuilding of our school. After a long wait, an angel ('Evaline Ha'angana) came to the rescue and gave us an insight to what is happening at Tonga High School. For a while it seemed that the fire at Tonga High School also "destroyed" all communications from the Friendly Isles. Thank Goodness, the communication channel has been reopened! According to 'Evaline, the real cause of the fire has not been identified. Knowing our Tongan detectives, we are in for a long haul before the culprits are found; if ever! By reading 'Evaline's briefing, the implications are; that on top of the excellent effort of her staff - a long break and restful holidays are just what they need. Christmas can't come any quicker!

It was quite interesting to see a lot of people joining the discussions on the "Lalo Kasia Forum". The responses to the topic of the month (October's topic)"Chasing the Big Dollars" and the "Global Peace" were two of the most entertaining to date and everyone must be congratulated for their great effort. This is a sign that we are heading in the right direction and the THSESWS would welcome your contribution in raising new topics for us to discuss.

Our ex-students who are capable of writing articles have not had the chance to find time to write us some articles for us. Therefore, we have asked Loseli's friend; Dr. Wolfgramm to write another article for us and his third article is published below for everyone to read. So, if Dr. Wolfgramm can write articles so do you!

The THSESWS did ask Vuki Tangitau to write us an article but due to illness, Vuki could not write us one. The THSESWS and our ex-students' global community hereby wish Vuki a swift and quick recovery. Our prayers are with you Vuki!

Faka'apa'apa atu

Loseli M Hafoka & 'Amelia Piutau

NEWS FROM TONGA HIGH SCHOOL: PLAN TO REBUILD IS STEAMING AHEAD!

The latest and the good news that we have been waiting for. Hili e mamahi 'e hoko leva e FIEFIA!

Supplied by:
'Evaline Ha'angana (Principal)

"Greetings from the students and the staff of the school! We have survived the last 4 most difficult weeks and are still kicking and alive. The Forms 1 - 4 have just finished their Final Exams last week and the Forms 5 & 6 are now sitting for the external exams.

Sorry for the long pause in our communication but we are now back! I know that everyone is anticipating the outcome of the police investigation. You might be disappointed to know that the police are still working hard but have not got a reliable clue or a strong lead to work on, however it looks like that the fire might be professional work(done by outside people), as all the rooms that we were keeping the school's records and documents were the first to burn - the office, library and 3 bookrooms, before the rest of the building was on fire."

Irrespective of what the outcome of the police investigation might be, Tonga High School must move on. Therefore, the plan for next year is this. After a period of deliberation by the authorities and consultations among the government leaders, the Cabinet has approved the plan to rebuild the most famous school in the Kingdom of Tonga. Early estimation has indicated that the construction will take 12 to 14 months. The government of Tonga will fund the whole scheme(hooray!!!!). The Ministry of work is now doing surveys of the school ground to prepare for the drafting of the map and plan for the new building. So, phase 1 is now rolling!

"For the next year's school programme - the ministry of education is planning that we continue in the present location with additional temporary classrooms. We have arranged through Lynn Scott - the project director for Development Aid (and Steve French) from New Zealand to make an appeal to all New Zealand schools for resources - We have a list of requests for textbooks which are critically needed. We are receiving several responses from schools and I believe that we can start next year with at least a class set of books for most subjects. It is very sad that we lost most of our new textbooks that the ex-students spent several thousands to purchase during term 2 and 3. The ex-students and PTA have kindly step in to assist us with the office printer and copier and computers as we need them immediately for the ongoing running of the school exams and revisional classes. In terms of Office Equipment, Tapu Panuve & his team were most efficient and prompt with what we asked. We also got help from the New Zealand, Australian and the Chinese High commissioners with classroom equipments and furniture, the Tonga Defence Services with the tents and other several friends of the school who were readily helping at the time of need.

We are asking the ex-students from Australia and New Zealand to help arrange a depot for the resources that we will be collecting from overseas schools to be despatched to us. I understand that you have contacts that will easily arrange for this. We are now keeping some of our books in a containter that the ex-students gave us here at school. As we don't have bookrooms or any spare room for storage, we are now looking for more empty containters to store the resources and text books that we will be getting - or better still, you can send the resources in a container that we can keep for at least 14 months.

As you are probably aware, we lost most of our precious computers and are now looking for donors - The PTA has offered to supply 8 computers but we need at least 30 more. Siaosi Sovaleni from Treasury has been asked to supply informations and technical advice in regards to our computer needs. All our 3 Science Labs with equipments and Language Lab have been badly damaged and now require renovations. We plan to ask the Japanese Government or Canada for assistance on this - at least the equipments for students' use are desperately needed.

The school will have its Prize Giving night on the December,1 and we are looking forward to having a break and to enjoy the holidays just for a few days before we come back for planning and implementing. It looks like another difficult year is looming in the horizon awaiting us!"

Indeed, 'Evaline and her staff have done a tremendous job to maintain student's concentration and kept them focus during what has been regarded as a difficult and somewhat horrendous period after the devastation caused by the fire. Such circumstances would have directly affected students but to their credit and the support provided by staff, parents and ex-students, Tonga High School students went about doing what they do best - remain focussed on school work and work hard!

TONGA GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASE(Supplied by Kalisi Mafikaunanga Matoto - Relayed by Nakamura Ko, issued on November 16,2000)

RECONSTRUCTION OF TONGA HIGH SCHOOL

Recommendations for reconstructing the recently destroyed Tonga High School building have been approved by His Majestys Government last week. A major portion of Tonga High School was totally destroyed by fire on the 1st October of this year. The fire claimed most of the facility including the Administration Block and Library as well as seven Classrooms on the top floor. Since then the school was forced to close for three days while the Fire Department and the Ministry of Works undertake preliminary assessment of the damage. Temporary arrangements therefore had to be made, along with locating substitutes for classrooms. This included the temporary occupation of Queen Salote Memorial Hall, the main building of GPS Nukualofa as well as remaining classrooms in Tonga High School that were not destroyed by the fire.

Reconstruction of the school building is being estimated to be approximately $3,000,000. This large amount is primarily due to the replacement of destroyed and severely damaged facilities as well as some structural failures. One other obstacle is the fact that the present building is not of the required standard of today. The building, constructed and formally opened in 4th July, 1962, would further require structural repairs regarding fireproofing, water systems along with electrical systems will have to be carried out.

Nevertheless, after considering all alternatives, it was sustained that a whole new Administration, Library and classroom building be built. However at the same time, another site will be required for the temporary movable classrooms to be built. After the design of the new building(s) is approved, Government and other aid donors may possibly provide funds of at least $3 m. The set goal for the completion of the new building is before the 2002 academic year. However at present, the search for land and sites for temporary classrooms is continuing.

DR. KAVALIKU(THS Ex-student), RETIRES AFTER THIRTY FOUR YEARS OF SERVICE

Dr. S. Langi Kavaliku, one of the longest serving ministers in the Government of Tonga, is due for retirement, commencing on the 11th November 2000. Dr. Kavaliku was born on the 23rd June 1939 at Pangai Haapai and started his academic career in Tonga High School from 1950 to 1955. Following Tonga High School he moved to the United States where he attended Putney School in Vermont until 1957. He was then granted a place at the renowned Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he graduated in Honors with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961, distinguishing himself as the first Tongan to enter Harvard University. Subsequent to completing his degree in Harvard, he went on to England where he entered Cambridge University. There he accomplished a Masters in Arts degree in 1963. He went on to complete a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education degree in 1966 from Victoria University in Wellington New Zealand, thus being the first Tongan to achieve a Ph.D.

In commencing his professional work career, Dr. Kavaliku was appointed as the Probationary Assistant Teacher in the Ministry of Education in 1967, where, in the same year, he was appointed Minister without portfolio in the Prime Ministers Office. Just two years after that he was appointed the Minister of Education and Public works, and in 1973, was appointed the Minister of Works, also responsible for Disaster, Relief and Reconstruction. Thus he was the chairman of the Natural Disaster Committee and it was through these, that Tonga gained assistance from the United Nations.

In 1980 he was appointed the Minster of Civil Aviation and in 1982 - 1984, became the Minister in Charge of National Office for Disaster Relief and Reconstruction. Dr. Kavaliku under this mandate led the country's reconstruction after the famous Hurricane Isaac in 1982.

At the height of his career, Dr. Kavaliku was appointed the Deputy Prime Minister in 1991. The variety of job mandates and responsibilities dictate the services of Dr. Kavaliku as a prominent figure and a member in numerous bodies and committees. He was thus a member of Privy Council, Cabinet, Legislative Assembly and the Tonga Defence Board and Tonga Traditions Committee since 1967. A Chairman of the National Development Coordination Committee, National Scholarships Committee, National Volunteer Coordination Committee since 1967; the Finance Committee of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga conference in 1980; and the UNESCO National Commission in 1985. His ongoing participation at UNESCO was evident as important issues based on Education, Size and Culture were emphasized throughout his membership. Additionally, he chaired the UNESCO Advisory Committee for the study of Oceanic Cultures in 1975 - 1983, which further accentuated his valued perception on cultural aspects.

Dr. Kavaliku chaired the Royal Tongan Airlines Board of Directors since 1988; however, prior to that appointment he was a member of the Air Pacific Board. This marked an important aspect in the development of Tonga within the Civil Aviation area. It was through his membership and experiences that Tonga endeavours to set up its own airlines, the Royal Tongan Airlines. Tonga also became a member of the ICAO, known as the International Civil Aviation Organization. The ICAO aids in establishing Land rights; Air space rights as well as Safety regulations for Airports and Planes.

In 1976 - 1980, and again in 2000-2003, he was appointed Pro-Chancellor for the University of the South Pacific and chaired the University Council, during which he attended the USP Finance Committee in his capacity as the Pro-Chancellor in 1977. He was a member of the USP Council in 1976, and again in 1985. His direct involvement with USP affairs contributed largely in maintaining and improving ties between Tonga and other member countries of the council. The USP also allows progressive education to be more accessible to Tongan students, as a branch was expanded to Tonga, thus contributing to the development in the educational field. In addition to his duties performed abroad, Dr, Kavaliku chaired the AIDAS/COLAdvisory committee for the Pacific in Sydney, Australia in 1989-1993, as well as being appointed a member of the South Pacific Council of Aviation Ministers in 1967. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR) in Hawaii in 1988, and from 1980-92 he held the position of Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Conference, and its executive committee, at the East-West Center in Honolulu.

Moreover, Dr. Kavaliku was a member of the Board of Governors, Commonwealth of Learning based in Vancouver, Canada in 1992-97. His association in the educational field became an important agenda in various international organization meetings and in particular the Commonwealth Ministers Meetings. This enabled Long distance education as well as appropriate grants and scholarships to Tonga, all of which was under the auspices of the Commonwealth organization.

Dr. Langi Kavaliku would be best remembered for the variety of duties and responsibilities he performed, not only within the Kingdom of Tonga, but also internationally. His contribution has moved the country forward in appropriate areas.

HONORARY DOCTORATE AWARD TO HIS MAJESTY, TOKYO

His Majesty King Taufaahau Tupou IV has been awarded with an Honorary Doctorate from the Soka Gakkai University, Tokyo,Japan.The Soka Gakkai University, established by President Ikeda of Soka Gakkai International, had expressed their valuation for His Majesty's brilliant achievement with respect to the development of peace within his Kingdom. His Majesty was informed by the Secretary General of the Soka Gakkai University, Minoru Harada. The presentation ceremony, which will be held in Japan, is being scheduled for the second week of November 2000.

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF SELECTED VOLCANIC ISLANDS

His Majestys Government has approved a request from Professor Peter Stoffers and Dr. Tim Worthington of the Institute fur Geowissenschaften, Christian Albrechts-Universitata zu Kiel, Germany to conduct geological investigations in Tonga on November 13 - 01 December, 2000. These investigations are designed to look at the development of volcanoes with time, the origin of the magma and their history, and evaluate the hazards that may occur during future eruptions of such active volcanoes in the Tofua Volcanic Arc.

The Islands arcs are unstable within these tectonically active regions, making them the site for the subduction of oceanic crusts at plate boundaries. The result of these processes is a chain of active volcanoes. Periods of explosive activity are dominant and commonly produce widespread tephra deposits and pumice rafts. Effusive activity is generally limited to the sub-aerial volcanoes.

Volcanic islands within these Islands Arc and where the investigations will be conducted include the islands of Tofua, Kao, Late, Fonualei, Hunga Tonga, Hunga Haapai, Metis Islands and 'Atata.

OPEN SHIPS REGISTER FOR TONGA

Last week the Government of Tonga approved a proposal for operating an Open Ships Register for Tonga. The proposal was submitted by Mr.Papadoupolos, Director of Axion Services Ltd., Piraeus, Greece, and in which a draft for appropriate legislation was also submitted.

Mr. Papadopoulos proposal provides for the establishment of an organization in Greece, for registering ships and a classification society. This organization is to be operated on behalf of the Kingdom of Tonga. The primary function of the classification society is the survey and assessment of registered vessels in Tonga, to ensure compliance with appropriate requirements of the international maritime conventions, in which Tonga is a member.

TONGA STAR NEWSPAPER LIMITED

The Star Newspaper Limited has been granted approval by government to use the word Tonga in its registered name, thus becoming "Tonga Star Newspaper Limited". The use of the word 'Tonga" as part of a name of any business is subject to Section 28 of the Tourist Act, (Cap. 117), which HM Council grant such approval. "Tonga Star Newspaper Limited", with its proposed registered office at Lavengamalie, Tofoa, Tongatapu, on operation will specialize on production and distribution of Newspapers.

GOVERNMENT OF TONGA BOND ISSUES 2000 SERIES

The Government last week approved issues of a public bond to raise $1 million. The bond is for 3 years at 6.0% interest per annum. The interest income is not taxable. The National Reserve Bank will administer the bond issue as in the past.

MR. TEVITA KOLOKIHAKAUFISI APPOINTED AS THE NEW CONSUL GENERAL IN SAN FRANCISCO

His Majestys Government approved the appointment of Mr. Tevita Kolokihakaufisi as the new Consul General in San Francisco, thus replacing Mrs. Emeline Tuita. Mr. Kolokihakaufisi will commence his tour of duty as Consul General following the conclusion of Mrs. Tuitas tour on the 18th December 2000.

He will thus perform duties such as promoting Tourism and Foreign Investment in Tonga, as well as look after immigration matters for Tongan citizens residing in the United States, and dealing with various matters requested by other Government Departments. Mr. Kolokihakaufisi served as First Secretary in the Tonga High Commission, London in 1987 - 1990 prior to his position as Counsellor on 1992 - 1996. He is currently the Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs as well as Chief Protocol within the Ministry.

EQUITY INJECTION INTO TONGAN CORPORATION, AMERICAN SAMOA

The Government has over the past years established the Tongan Corporation in American Samoa to manage and operate the property and facilities of the Government, which are located there. At the request of the Corporation, the Government through the Tonga Trust Fund approved for the latter to acquire share in the corporation to the amount of T$195,816. The Tonga Trust Fund Act, CAP 112 allows Tonga Trust Funds to make investment in securities, which include acquiring shares. The Tongan Corporation, among its commercial activities, is the export of fresh agricultural produce including root crops and vegetables to the market of American Samoa.

TELEVISION BROADCASTING LICENCE APPROVED TO BROADCAST FROM VAVA'U

The Friendly Islands Broadcasting Network was approved by Government last week to be granted a Television Broadcasting Licence to operate from Vava'u. An approval was granted earlier this year to Mr. Christopher Racine of Oceania Broadcasting Network to set-up a television broadcasting system at Vava'u and Ha'apai. As of date, this has not been in operation. Approvals to operate television networks have been granted to four (4) entities to operate from Tongatapu. At present only two stations are on the air namely. The Oceania Television Broadcasting Network and the Tonga Broadcasting Commission Television Broadcasting. The other two namely Joseph Ramanlal Television Broadcasting and Doulos Television Broadcasting are under preparation to operate.

AMBASSADOR GORAN HASSEMARK, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF SWEDEN TO TONGA

His Majestys Government approved last week, the appointment of Ambassador Goran Hassemark, as the Special Representative of Sweden to Tonga. Mr. Hassemark served in the Swedish Foreign Affairs prior to his appointment, as well as in Paris and Rio de Janeiro. In addition, he has been Head of Mission in Lusaka, Lilongwe, Lisbon, Bissau, Praia, Australia and New Zealand. It has also been approved that the Special Representative to Tonga will be based in Stockholm.

NEWS FROM SAN FRANCISCO:

Fakatatau ki he lau 'a e palesiteni moe sekelitali (Ma'ata and 'Amelia)'e lele ai pe 'a 'enau hulohula 'i he 'aho 24 'o Novema. Koia kau kolisi tutuku koia 'o e San Francisco Chapter, mou me'a kotoa hake 'o tokoni'i ho'o mou fu'u hulohula toho ko 'eni 'oku lolotonga teuaki.

NEWS FROM USP (FIJI):

Dr. Saia Kami is a lecturer in economics at the University of the South Pacific and according to Saia,"the political situation here was very volatile within the last few weeks. The attempted mutiny within the Army ranks has resulted in 11 deaths with 6 people in critical condition". Those 6 who were injured suffered significant injuries, however things have calmed down since. During the crisis, curfews were imposed. In spite of all these, all Tongan(including Tonga High School Ex-students) students were in high spirit and were busy with their preparation for the end of year examinations. The THSESWS would hope that the recent crisis in Fiji have not affected all Tongan students with all doing well before returning to Tonga for the Christmas holidays.

Dr. Kami (THSESWS Fiji Correspondent)

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ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: Dr. Robert Wolfgramm:

The very recent crisis which has just flared up in Fiji as mentioned by Dr. Kami has had a significant bearing on Dr. Wolfgramm's article. It is interesting to read Dr. Wolfgramm's article for he wrote it well before the most recent crisis. Robert wrote about the "Three considerations for Fiji's future". In retrospect, Robert and many Fijians and Tongans in Fiji did not contemplate another coup to take place so soon. How things have changed dramatically in a matter of a week or so!. Well, some people always say that "one week in politics" is a long time. How very true! Without further ado, let's hear it from Robert.

"THREE CONSIDERATIONS FOR FIJI'S FUTURE"

With the establishment of the Constitutional Review Commission, President Iloilo and the interim Qarase government are to be congratulated for following through on what will be the first of several steps to restore democracy to Fiji over the next two years. It is very early days, but my purpose here is to outline three constitutional values for government which I believe will best produce order and progress for Fiji. These are that Fiji should be a (I) Christian (II) democratic (III) republic. In so doing, my hope is to stimulate discussion and encourage informed debate among all those concerned about the events of May 2000 and their aftermath.

Christian

Democracies and democratic republics need an ethos - a philosophical set of values which undergird its constitution, its orientation and its operation. In countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, Islam provides just that - they are democratic Islamic republics. In other countries, such as Australia and the United States, secular humanism informs the constitution - they are secular liberal democracies. The ethos or philosophical fabric which holds Fiji together and which should thereby give rise to Fiji's constitution is Christianity.

Not everyone will agree with this. It is common in some quarters to view Christian values as the enemy of democratic government. In the past, many Christians and democrats thought that way. But Christianity can also be compatible with democracy and indeed be the basis for it. It depends on how Christianity is defined. We can think of it in terms of broad universal values such as 'love one another', 'do unto others' etc, or in terms of specific sectarian values such as identify various church organisations - healthy lifestyle for Seventh-day Adventists; no blood transfusions for Jehovah Witnesses; no abortions for Roman Catholics and so forth. Considered in terms of its universal values, Christianity has the potential for being the basis of a Fijian democratic republic. And this would be recognised by many observers as worthwhile.

Universal Christian values which can inform a Fijian democracy may be derived from many sources. One group that has worked to establish democracies on Christian principles is Christian Democrat International. (I am not suggesting that Fiji align itself with this body; I merely raise their existence as an example of what is possible.) If Fiji does go down the path of institutionalising its Christian character in constitutional terms - such an objective would be understandable given the Christian missionary history of Fiji - the CDI charter offers much. It declares -

(I) with regard to the person: that we affirm 'the inalienable dignity of every human being'; that we recognise the unique integrity and irreplaceability of every person; that the interdependent character of society renders us responsible for each other; that freedom is what we are born for, must give each other and must strive towards; that truth is transcendent and politics can never totally realise it; and that we should have equality before the law;

(II) with regard to society: that Christianity addresses all spheres of living; that economic development should aim for fair and equal distribution; that free market forces are necessary but should not monopolise a society; that we should ensure social justice and aim to maximise social participation; that recognising the principle of 'subsidiarity' means there is a legitimate function for every level of social organisation and higher levels are duty-bound to help lower levels (ie. the powerful must help the weak, the rich must help the poor, the educated must help the less educated and so forth);

(III) with regard to political systems: that democracy is 'the best' and an 'essential instrument' for the 'integral development of individuals'; that 'strengthening the constitutional state' for the diminution of violence between individuals and communities is commendable; that encouraging the 'participation of every individual in public life' is worthwhile; that state authority 'is in the service of the individual' (and not the other way around as totalitarianism has it); and that we need 'to defend and reinstate the international legal order'.

In sum, the aims of Christian Democrat International are to 'help build a world that is more firmly based on freedom, justice and solidarity, in which every man and woman is fully valued' and valued 'in all his or her complexity'.

The foregoing shows that if Fiji was to shape itself as a republic based on these Christian and democratic values, all of its peoples can be confident that irrespective of race or gender, they will be protected by these same values. That is to say, these are not values which exclude or prejudice people or which impose discrimination on them. They are not values which will allow a Fijian government to, for example, institute 'forced-line' conversions, or to encourage mosque-burning, or to prescribe Bible lessons in public schools, or to require compulsory Sunday worship, or to enforce baptism at birth or any such thing.

Rather these are values which are at the heart of what most people already think of as 'secular' values. The reason for this is that what we today call secular social values were historically shaped and lobbied for by Christian people - many of them martyrs - of the past. Christians were at the forefront of introducing democracy, freedom of conscience, notions of equality, social justice and human dignity. Christians were first to bring the institutions of European slavery to an end and first to point to the evils of stratification inequalities. Christians have been at the cutting edge of lobbying for global peace and the rights of minorities. 'Multiculturalism' - which we all rightly take for granted as a modern virtue - was an ideology first developed among Christian thinkers and pushed to reluctant political leaders.

If Fiji opts to become a Christian democratic republic, it should know therefore, that this is nothing to be apologetic about. Such a move would recognise the historical significance of the overwhelming Christianisation of indigenous Fijians. And just as the nation is called 'Fiji' after its indigenous inhabitants, so the religion of Fijians can justifiably have a proud place in its constitution. This should not be thought of as a purely nominal measure, but a dynamic commitment requiring governments to serve the national interest with great care and consideration for both the Christian and non-Christian halves of the population. As such, it will provide a worthy set of values for directing both the spirit and the practice of Fijian politics into the future.

Democratic

While some may debate the virtue of Fiji becoming a 'Christian' nation as I have suggested it, few should argue with the second of my propositions: that Fiji is right to pursue democracy. Democratic government as we are familiar with it means rule by the will or voice of the people usually through representatives sitting together in a 'house' of some sort. We call this a 'parliament' and hence the system of governing in this way is a 'parliamentary democracy'. In some societies (eg. Britain, Australia, The United States of America), parliamentary democracy sees people represented in two different ways across two separate houses: an 'upper' and a 'lower' house. The lower house is based on a notion of persons identified by their communality or region; upper houses are based on persons identified notionally in terms of their interests.

Considered together, these two houses comprise a 'bicameral' Parliament - the upper house may be called the 'House of Lords' or 'The Senate' and lower houses may be referred to as the 'House of Commons' or the 'House of Representatives'. In other cases (eg. New Zealand, the Australian state of Queensland), only one house and therefore only one notion of citizenry is deemed sufficient for government, hence, a 'unicameral' parliamentary system. Despite its flaws and liability to manipulation, parliamentary democracy offers the best prospect for national stability and progress. Everywhere in the free world, that much is being acknowledged. The questions which are pertinent for people are: what form of parliamentary democracy should we adopt (unicameral or bicameral etc)?; and what should be the means of its implementation - that is, by what electoral method should the houses be constituted? There is no absolute model of parliamentary democracy and certainly no corresponding absolute means of electoral process. Fiji's job is to find a model that works. So far, none have in the longer term.

If Fiji is to again go down the road of a Westminster system of parliamentary democracy - which would be understandable given its British colonial past - then three defining characteristics of that system are:

(I) a bicameral parliament;
(II) the superordination of the lower house over the upper house - that is to say, supreme political power must be located in a government which is based in, and determined by having the confidence (ie. a majority) of the lower house; and,
(III) people should elect their representatives to that lower house through an open electoral contest - that is, by a competition which is fair, which is open to eligible citizens, delivered by means of un-coerced votes, in secret ballots which are held at regular intervals, and which are in accordance with other ethical standards.

Fiji has satisfied conditions (I) and (II) in the past. But it has achieved condition (III) only by means of mirrors (so to speak). In all of its past constitutions, Fiji has had a bicameral parliamentary system. Fiji has also recognised the primacy of the lower house and the necessity of it being the locus of democracy. But condition (III) has only been attempted by means of a complicated, race-based, dual electoral systems (ie. cross voting or a combination of communal and open voting). These, as we know, were put in place to placate anxieties and hostilities which may have arisen from democratic contests producing lop-sided racial majorities.

The future calls for doing away with such fears of democracy. It is time to elect persons on the basis of merit rather than race. And it is time therefore to end the clumsy race-based dual voting system which has, in one form or other, been in place since 1970. Fiji should opt for open electoral contests which provide for single member constituencies. That is to say, the nation should be divided into 'seats' (ie. geographical districts with more or less equal numbers of voters) where the voters decide in their various locations, who (irrespective of race) is to be their single representative in the lower house of their bicameral parliament.

Such a system is simple and straightforward: voters by this method can regard their votes as of equal value, and candidates can be elected on the basis of merit. Such a system will be economical in terms of cost to the nation. This system will also encourage candidates to base their appeal for votes on ideas, ideas which will progress the common good rather than on race, which, as we have seen, is a divisive factor and combative of the national interest. Further, such a system will reflect a democratic maturity - a muscular willingness to trust the verdict of the ballot box and each other.

More importantly, by moving to an open electoral contest providing single member constituencies, Fiji will be satisfying the crucial and fundamental condition for democracy upon which hangs recognition by the international community. Recognition which brings with it the lifting of sanctions, and more, the enhancement of trade and intercourse. That is to say, the minimum condition for being recognised as a democracy is that government is constitutionally formed on the basis of an open contest for power in the lower house.

Democracy also allows for the coagulation of ideas and interests into social formations we call 'parties'. In modern democracies, political parties have become the filters and means whereby most candidates present themselves to their constituencies for election to parliament. Parties give the candidate a social group for easy identity. They also function as platforms for ideas and are effective for mobilising action to meet particular ends for the society. In a democracy, parties may be based on any criteria (strictly speaking), but electoral prospects, and more importantly, consideration for modern ethical and human rights means parties must now satisfy universal non-discriminatory criteria in order to appeal and survive.

In the past, Fiji has allowed for political parties to be formed without any qualifications regarding their racial complexion. This must now be reconsidered with a view to ending the practice. If the past thirty years have shown anything, it is that permitting the formation of race-based parties is injurious to the democratic character of Fiji's national interest. Race is an intolerable criterion which has encouraged social division in Fiji and has militated against the virtue of democracy - a virtue which says that progress should come about because of better ideas not by claims to being a different or 'better' race.

Fiji should place limits on the racial proportion of candidates supplied by the political parties seeking to obtain office through the democratic process. Where race-based associations or lobby-groups may be permitted, even encouraged as a democratic right of Fiji's differentiated citizens, formally registered political parties seeking electoral office at any level of government, should be regulated. Limits must be placed on the number of candidates from one particular race. It should become mandatory that no more than 50% of the candidates fielded for an election from a single party, can be from one race (ie. according to Fiji's racial classification scheme). From a modern point of view, Fiji's race scheme itself is unwarranted, but given its likely persistence into Fiji's immediate future, then a constitutional requirement that a single race cannot constitute more than 50% of a party's candidates, would be helpful. Such a provision will immediately end the 'race equals party' equation which has so damaged relations between Fiji's indigenous and Indian communities. And, as noted above, this rule will also encourage parties to think across the racial divide to ideas which promote the national rather than sectional interest.

Republic

To the first of my considerations (that Fiji should be a Christian nation) and my second (that it should be democratic), I would add that Fiji can and should be a distinctive republic. It must become a nation which reconciles its competing interests. It can reclaim itself as a 'the way the world should be'. It can be a model for others both in the region and the rest of the world. What I am proposing here is not that model - that is for the Fijian people to come up with - but I merely offer some ideas which could assist their thinking.

As a republic, Fiji requires both a democratic and an indigenous settlement. Failure to satisfactorily account for the latter has resulted in three coups and three different constitutions over the past thirty years. It is my strong view that only by a satisfactory resolution of the indigenous settlement, can Fiji progress. To this end, I suggest that six institutions should comprise Fiji's system of government. These are:

1. a president as a 'Head of State';
2. a Bose Levu Vakaturaga as a 'House of Chiefs';
3. a Bose Ni Vanua as a 'House of Commoners';
4. a House of Representatives as the 'People's House' which includes
5. the office of Prime Minister as 'Head of Government' and Cabinet as 'Executive' of the Popular Will; and
6. a Senate as a 'Provincial House' to oversee Special Interests.

Institutions 1 - 3 address the need for an indigenous settlement; 4 - 6 address the need for a democratic settlement.

THE INDIGENOUS SETTLEMENT

These are the institutions which I believe will establish the indigenous settlement:

1.The president (The Head of State)

As a republic, Fiji's 'head of state' must be a 'president'. The president should be a Fijian whose solemn responsibility is to symbolically represent the nation, the matanitu in its entirety. Like the national flag and the national anthem, the president is an embodiment of the national ethos. If Fiji is to be constitutionally defined as a 'Christian democratic republic', the president should obviously be both a Christian and a democrat.

He or she should be appointed for a lengthy tenure by a substantial majority of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (Great Council of Chiefs). This would provide for much needed stability and continuity at the very apex of the nation.

Eligibility and candidacy could be achieved by Fiji's fourteen traditional tribal zones nominating, either by popular choice or chiefly process, one chiefly candidate each for BLV consideration. By necessity, and by constitutional stipulation, the president should be a 'Fijian' (according to the formal classification of such as found in the Vola Ni Kawa Bula).

The powers of the president are largely ceremonial - as head of the armed forces, and to ratify legislation - but reserve powers to dismiss governments should be granted to the office for use in times of national emergency such as warfare, internal crises and so forth (see below under 'House Representatives').

2. The Bose Levu Vakaturaga (The Chiefly House)

The BLV should comprise Fijian chiefs (according to the formal classification of such as found in the Vola Ni Kawa Bula). Each of Fiji's fourteen provincial councils could nominate, by chiefly consultative process, a representative to the BLV for lengthy periods of tenure.

In terms of functions, as noted above, the BLV should appoint the president thereby linking Fiji's traditional power-base with the modern republican figurehead. The BLV's functions could also be specified to review and constantly the welfare of the Fijian people, to monitor their progress and to mediate their problems to the democratic arena (see below). Because of its historical, racial and sectional character as the traditional Fijian house, the BLV should not have the power to formally initiate legislation, but should possess a recommendatory function to the legislature.

3. A Bose ni Vanua (A Commoners' House)

Democracy cannot be imposed from the top down - it must come from the bottom up. Fiji needs a constitutional forum for airing commoner grievances. The lack of such a body has exacerbated indigenous anxieties and led to their explosive eruption in Fiji's coups, strikes, protests and so forth. A formally established forum may provide a safety-valve for the otherwise repressed and therefore volatile nature of indigenous politics.

The BNV would comprise Fijian commoners (according to the formal classification of such as found in the Vola Ni Kawa Bula). As with the chiefly BLV, each of Fiji's fourteen provincial councils could nominate, by chiefly consultative process, a commoner representative to the BNV for a period which is coterminous with the life of the lower house of parliament (see democratic settlement below). This would provide for relevance and immediacy in the work of the BNV. To maintain accountability to their grassroots constituents, BNV members should only be removed by due process on recommendation from the relevant provincial council.

The sole function of the BNV would be to assist the BLV and the president in their work of constantly reviewing the welfare of the Fijian people; of monitoring their progress (in all spiritual, economic, educational, moral and political spheres); and of mediating the problems of commoners to the democratic party-political arena. Because of its novel character, the BNV cannot have the power to formally initiate legislation, but should possess a recommendatory function to the BLV based on their review of legislation arising during the life of a parliament.

THE DEMOCRATIC SETTLEMENT

The institutions which would establish Fiji's democratic settlement are:

4. House of Representatives (The People's House)

The House of Representatives is where a democracy is defined. In a Westminster system, it is where the locus of political power - as embodied in offices of Prime Minister and Cabinet - is located. The HOR should comprise eligible Fiji citizens elected to office by due democratic process (see discussion under 'Democratic').

The HOR should be constituted through an electoral system which allows for parties to garner votes. Both of these institutions require reform if Fiji is to progress with prospects for stability. The reforms I have suggested are (I) that Fiji should abandon race-based electorates and opt for open electoral contests which provide for single member constituencies. (For the present number of eligible electors in Fiji, the constitution should provide for perhaps no more than 56 HOR seats for the entire nation); and (II) that Fiji should abandon the practice of permitting race-based parties to contest elections. Limits should be constitutionally placed on the racial proportion of candidates supplied by the political parties seeking to obtain office.

Since the HOR is where government is formed by the majority party having confidence of the house and as authorised by the president, its main functions should be to oversee the national economy, to secure national order, to legislate responsibly in the interests of all, and to monitor specified national affairs as devised by the PM and Cabinet. In the Westminster system only members of the HOR have the authority to formally initiate legislation.

5. Prime Minister & Cabinet (The Head of Government and The Executive)

Fiji's 'head of government' should be a 'prime minister' assisted by a ministerial heads of portfolios (ie. their accompanying public service departments) devised for overseeing the national interest. The prime minister's government would be required to have the confidence of the HOR by a simple majority. PM and Cabinet should be chosen from the political party having the largest majority in the HOR as well as having its confidence. Holding the offices of PM and Cabinet should be constitutionally stipulated as open to any eligible member of the HOR irrespective of race or other criteria.

The powers of the PM and Cabinet are extensive and well established according to Westminster principles. But since the vanua (land and seas and relevant resources derived therein) is an issue of particular political potency and sensitivity for indigenous Fijians, it behoves the people of Fiji to render a constitution stipulating that legislation affecting alienation or other changes to the classification of the vanua can only be passed and ratified by a two-thirds majority of a joint sitting of all four houses - the HOR, the Senate, the BNV and the BLV - under the auspices of the president. International charters, treaties and agreements could also act to stimulate and/or inhibit the boundaries of executive power on this matter.

6. Senate (The Provincial House)

The Senate is a 'house of special interests' - in Fiji's case, provincial (and vanua) interests should be protected by this house. The Senate should comprise eligible Fiji citizens elected to office by due democratic process. Like the HOR, the Senate should be constituted through an electoral system which allows for parties to garner votes for their candidates. Two successful senatorial candidates could be produced by open electoral contests within Fiji's fourteen provincial seats. The two successful candidates would be those garnering the most, and next most, number of votes in each of the fourteen seats. This would make 28 senators in all for the nation.

The Senate's main functions should be to oversee legislation arising from the lower house in regard to the national economy, national order and international affairs. In the Westminster system, Senators may hold government portfolios but only members of the HOR have the power to formally initiate legislation.

Conclusion

The careful reader will see that the model of republicanism I am proposing here gives unprecedented weight to Fiji's traditional tribal zones - the fourteen provinces which comprise every inch of Fiji. Each institution is configured as a factor of that figure: hence, 14 chiefs and 14 commoners; 28 senators; and 56 lower house representatives. These numbers are smaller than previous constitutions but they are workable and economical - small government is better than over-government. The fourteen provinces also determine the character of the two Fijian houses - the BLV and the BNV - and they determine the character of both the Senate and the president. This is deliberate because it is my belief that the tikina and the provinces are the best means of determining the will of the grassroots, of defining the primal form of social organisation which is indigenous to Fiji. I would argue therefore, that is where real power should spring from and responsibility resolve to, in any formulation of the nation as a democratic republic.

The complementary aspect to this provincial power, is that democracy is virtually confined to just three institutions - the Senate, the House of Representatives and the offices of PM and Cabinet. This too is deliberate since, technically speaking, that is all that is necessary to secure and define Fiji as a democracy. Hence, I am of the view that Fiji should be a genuine but minimalist democracy (given indigenous anxieties about it). The democracy I have put forward is minimalist, but nevertheless real - in fact, more substantial than Fiji has ever had. But a democratic government formed in my model will find it difficult, almost impossible to do what a democratic government, in say Cambodia can do to its traditional landowners: that is, remove them from their homelands for the sake of the national interest. Fijian taukei, as I understand, do not want to live in that kind of a democracy - which is common not only to Cambodia, but the world over.

There are many ways to skin a cat (as we say) and I am under no illusion that the suggestions I have put forward are the only way to achieve stability and progress for Fiji. But they are conducive to Fiji's national interest, now and in the future. They are rights-securing; they are workable and can deliver stable government. They have a demonstrably ethical basis; they will satisfy the calls for democracy coming from abroad; they address both indigenous and national issues. Finally, they will enhance participation in the political process by giving confidence to all of Fiji's people that forums exist whereby their needs may be heard and addressed.

Dr. Robert Wolfgramm(THSESWS Political Writer/Analyst)

Until next time, take care!

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