Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, MSD, OStJ, Fijian Navy, known commonly as Frank Bainimarama and sometimes by the chiefly title, Ratu^[1] (born 27 April 1954) is the Commander of the Fijian Military Forces and, as of 5 January 2007, Interim Prime Minister. He also holds the ministerial portfolios for Information and Home Affairs. Image File history File links Bainimarama. ... Fiji became a republic in 1987, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom formally abdicated as Queen of Fiji, following two military coups led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. ... Fiji became a republic in 1987, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom formally abdicated as Queen of Fiji, following two military coups led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. ... is the 149th day of the year (150th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 194th day of the year (195th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ... December 5 is the 339th day (340th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Look up sir in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The Right Honourable Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara GCMG KBE CF, (May 6, 1920 – April 18, 2004) is considered the founding father of the modern nation of Fiji. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President of Fiji since 2007. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President of Fiji since 2007. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President of Fiji since 2007. ... Fiji received its independence in 1970. ... January 5 is the 5th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Dr Jona Baravilala Senilagakali is a medical doctor who was installed as interim Prime Minister of Fiji by Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama in the military coup of December 5, 2006[1] Baravilala is considered by some to be the best known and respected medical practitioner , having previously been the president of... April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... Year 1954 (MCMLIV) was a common year (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Tailevu is one of Fijis fourteen Provinces. ... Fiji is divided administratively into four divisions, which are further subdivided into fourteen provinces. ... The United Methodist Church is the largest Methodist denomination, and the second-largest Protestant one, in the United States. ... Commodore is a military rank used in some navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a Captain, but is less than that of a Flag Officer. ... The Fijian honours system dates from independence in 1970, when the Fijian Independence Medal was awarded to participants in the Fijian independence celebrations. ... HRH The Duke of Gloucester is Grand Prior of the Venerable Order of Saint John. ... The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), with a total manpower of 3,500 men, is one of the smallest in the world. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 248 days remaining. ... Year 1954 (MCMLIV) was a common year (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), with a total manpower of only 3500 men, is one of the smallest in the world. ... January 5 is the 5th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Fiji received its independence in 1970. ...

Bainimarama has taken power twice in Fiji's history, the first time as Head of the Interim Military Government of Fiji from 29 May to 13 July 2000, after organizing a counter-coup to neutralize the earlier putsch led by George Speight. He handed power over to the newly-appointed President Ratu Josefa Iloilo. He was instrumental in the rise to power of the government of the Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, but his intense criticism of the government's policy of showing leniency towards persons implicated in the coup later strained his relations with the regime, and on 5 December 2006, he overthrew the Qarase government and announced that he had "reluctantly" assumed the powers of the presidency. He restored Ratu Josefa Iloilo to the Presidency on 4 January 2007,^[2][3][4] and was formally appointed Interim Prime Minister by Iloilo the next day.^[5][6] Kings (1700s to 1874) Nailatikau : ???? - 1770 Banuve : 1770 - February 1803 Naulivou : 21 February 1803 - 1829 Tanoa Visawaqa : 1829 - 1832 Navuaka Komainaqaranikula : 1832 - 1837 Tanoa Visawaqa (Restored) : August 1837 - 1852 Seru Epenisa Cakobau : 8 December 1852 - 10 October 1874 (ceded Fiji to the United Kingdom) British Monarchs (1874 to 1987) From... is the 149th day of the year (150th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 194th day of the year (195th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ... The Fiji coup of 2000 was a complicated affair involving a civilian putsch by hardline Fijian nationalists against the elected government of Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry on 19 May 2000, the attempt by President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara to assert executive authority on 27 May, and his own resignation, possibly... George Speight George Speight, occasionally known as Ilikimi Naitini (born 1957), was the principal instigator of the Fiji coup of 2000, in which he kidnapped thirty-six government officials and held them from May 19, 2000 to July 13, 2000. ... Fiji became a republic in 1987, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom formally abdicated as Queen of Fiji, following two military coups led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. ... Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President of Fiji since 2007. ... Fiji received its independence in 1970. ... Laisenia Qarase (born February 4, 1941) was Prime Minister of Fiji from 2000 to 2006. ... December 5 is the 339th day (340th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President of Fiji since 2007. ... is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...

Career

Bainimarama's naval career spans three decades. He has received a number of honours for his service. He has been made an Officer Brother in the Order of St John of Jerusalem, and has received the Meritorious Service Decoration, the Peacekeeping Medal for United Nations peacekeepers, the General Service Medal, the Fiji Republic Medal, and the 25 Anniversary Medal. HRH The Duke of Gloucester is Grand Prior of the Venerable Order of Saint John. ... The Fijian honours system dates from independence in 1970, when the Fijian Independence Medal was awarded to participants in the Fijian independence celebrations. ... The General Service Medal (GSM) was first introduced in 1918 as an Army and RAF equivalent to the Naval General Service Medal (NGSM). ...

Pre-2000 coup

Following his education at Marist Brothers High School, Bainimarama enlisted with the Fijian Navy on 26 July 1975 and rose smoothly through the ranks, becoming an Able Seaman in August 1976, a Midshipman in December the same year, and an Ensign on 1 November 1977. Marist Brothers High School is an Roman Catholic all-boys high school situated in Suva, the capital of the Fiji. ... is the 207th day of the year (208th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... // In the Royal Navy in the middle of the 18th century, the term Able Seaman referred to a seaman with at least two years experience at sea. ... A midshipman is a subordinate officer, or alternatively a commissioned officer of the lowest rank, in the navies of several English-speaking countries. ... Ensign is a junior rank of commissioned officer in the militaries of some countries, normally in the infantry or navy. ... is the 305th day of the year (306th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also: 1977 (album) by Ash. ...

After completing the Midshipmen's Supplementary Course in Australia, he was appointed Navigation officer of HMFS Kiro in August 1978. At the end of that year, he was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant. In January 1979, Bainimarama embarked on the Chilean naval training ship, the Buque Escuela Esmeralda, which spent six months circumnavigating South America. On his return to Fiji in August, Bainimarama was appointed Executive Officer of HMFS Kiro. The HMFS Kiro (MSC 206), formerly known as the USS Warbler (AMS/MSC-208), was laid down on 15 October 1953 at Bellingham, Wash. ... A Lieutenant, Junior Grade, is a division officer in the United States Navy. ... Esmeralda (BE-43) Esmeralda (BE-43) is a steel-hulled four-masted barquentine tall ship of the Chilean Navy and currently the second tallest and longest sailing ship in the world. ... South America South America is a continent crossed by the equator, with most of its area in the Southern Hemisphere. ...

After a brief Navigation Course in HMAS Watson in March 1982, Bainimarama underwent Search and Rescue training at the United States Coast Guard Centre in New York. On his return to Fiji, he was appointed commander of HMFS Kikau, his first command post. He went on to command HMFS Kula, and spent four months in 1984 in the markings of the Exclusive Economic Zones of Tonga, Tuvalu, and Kiribati. After being promoted to Lieutenant Commander in February 1986, he departed for the Sinai where he served for eighteen months with the Multinational Force and Observers. HMAS Waterhen is a shore establishment of the Royal Australian Navy, located in Sydney. ... USCG HH-65 Dolphin USCG HH-60J JayHawk The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is a branch of the United States armed forces and is involved in maritime law enforcement, mariner assistance, search and rescue, and national defense. ... “NY” redirects here. ... In the Royal Navy, United States Navy and United States Coast Guard, a lieutenant commander (lieutenant-commander or Lt Cdr in the RN) is a commissioned officer superior to a lieutenant and inferior to a commander. ... Sinai Peninsula, Gulf of Suez (west), Gulf of Aqaba (east) from Space Shuttle STS-40 For other uses of the word Sinai, please see: Sinai (disambiguation). ... The Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) is an international peacekeeping force. ...

Bainimarama returned to Fiji in September 1987. He took charge of the delivery of two naval ships, the Levuka and Lautoka, from Louisiana in the United States. He became Commanding Officer of the Fijian Navy in April 1988, and was promoted to the rank of Commander on 4 October that year. He held this post for the next nine years. Official language(s) de jure: none de facto: English & French Capital Baton Rouge Largest city New Orleans [1] Area  Ranked 31st  - Total 51,885 sq mi (134,382 km²)  - Width 130 miles (210 km)  - Length 379 miles (610 km)  - % water 16  - Latitude 29°N to 33°N  - Longitude 89°W... The commanding officer (CO) is the officer in command of a military unit. ... Commander is a military rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. ... is the 277th day of the year (278th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Bainimarama underwent further training at the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College in 1991 and at the Australian Defence Force Warfare Centre at RAAF Williamtown, Newcastle, New South Wales, where he studied Maritime Surveillance Training. This was followed by Disaster Management training at the Asian Institute of Technology in 1993, and Exclusive Economic Zone Management training at Dalhousie University, Canada, in 1994. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in October of that year, and went on to attend the Australian Joint Services Staff College (JSSC). He attended the Integrated Logistics Support Overview course of the Australian Defence Co-operation Program on 23 September 1996, and the Chief of Army Conferences in Singapore in 1998 and 1999, as well as the Chief of Defence Conference in Hawaii. RAAF Base Williamtown is a Royal Australian Air Force base located 20km north of Newcastle, New South Wales. ... Disambiguation: This article is about the metropolitan area in Australia. ... Slogan or Nickname: First State, Premier State Motto(s): Orta Recens Quam Pura Nites (Newly Risen, How Brightly You Shine) Other Australian states and territories Capital Sydney Government Constitutional monarchy Governor Professor Marie Bashir Premier Morris Iemma (ALP) Federal representation  - House seats 50  - Senate seats 12 Gross State Product (2004... Asian Institute of Technology environment The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is an international institution for higher education in engineering, advanced technologies, and management and planning. ... Dalhousie University is a university located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. ... Captain is a rank or title with various meanings. ... The Australian Defence College (ADC) comprises three tri-service educational organisations operated by the Australian Defence Force, in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies (CDSS), the Australian Command and Staff College (ACSC) (both located at Weston Creek), and the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). ... is the 266th day of the year (267th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... Official language(s) English, Hawaiian Capital Honolulu Largest city Honolulu Area  Ranked 43rd  - Total 10,931 sq mi (29,311 km²)  - Width n/a miles (n/a km)  - Length 1,522 miles (2,450 km)  - % water 41. ...

Bainimarama was appointed Acting Chief of Staff on 10 November 1997, and was confirmed in this post on 18 April 1998. On 1 March 1999, he was promoted to the rank of Commodore and was named Commander of the Armed Forces, to replace Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Ganilau, who resigned to pursue a political career. It was in his capacity as Commander of the Armed Forces that Bainimarama assumed command on 29 May 2000. is the 314th day of the year (315th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... is the 108th day of the year (109th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 60th day of the year (61st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... Commodore is a military rank used in some navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a Captain, but is less than that of a Flag Officer. ... The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), with a total manpower of only 3500 men, is one of the smallest in the world. ... Brigadier General (sometimes known as a one-star general from the United States insignia) is the lowest rank of general officer in some countries, usually ranking just above Colonel and just below Major General. ... Ratu Epeli Ganilau Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Ganilau, MC, MSD, (born 10 October 1951) is a Fijian soldier and statesman, who currently heads the National Alliance Party of Fiji. ... is the 149th day of the year (150th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ...

Post-2000 coup

Bainimarama attended a Leadership and Change Management course with the Public Service Training and Development program in February 2002, and a Policy Planning Analysis and Management course at the University of the South Pacific in Suva the following month. He went on to attend the Defence and Strategic Studies Annual Conference at the Australian Defence College in Canberra on 2 August, and the Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security at Harvard University in the United States from 18 August to 30 August. In November that year, he was promoted to Rear Admiral, but this promotion was reverted to Commodore on 1 February 2003. The University of the South Pacific (USP) is the premier provider of tertiary education in the Pacific Region, and an international centre of excellence for teaching and research on all aspects of Pacific culture and environment. ... Suva is the capital city of Fiji. ... The Australian Defence College (ADC) comprises three tri-service educational organisations operated by the Australian Defence Force, in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies (CDSS), the Australian Command and Staff College (ACSC) (both located at Weston Creek), and the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). ... For other uses, see Canberra (disambiguation). ... is the 214th day of the year (215th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Harvard University (incorporated as The President and Fellows of Harvard College) is a private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA and a member of the Ivy League. ... is the 230th day of the year (231st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 242nd day of the year (243rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The term Rear Admiral originated from the days of Naval Sailing Squadrons, and can trace its origins to the British Royal Navy. ... Commodore is a military rank used in some navies for officers whose position exceeds that of a Captain, but is less than that of a Flag Officer. ... is the 32nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

On 4 September 2003, Bainimarama attended the Pacific Armies Management Seminar XXVII in Seoul, South Korea, and went on to attend the PKO Capacity Building Seminar in the Philippine capital of Manila. is the 247th day of the year (248th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Seoul (서울)   [] is the capital of South Korea and is located on the Han River in the countrys northwest. ... Nickname: Motto: Linisin Ibangon Maynila Map of Metro Manila showing the location of Manila Coordinates: 14°35 N 121° E Country Region Districts 1st to 6th districts of Manila Barangays 897 Incorporated (city) June 10, 1574 Government  - Mayor Alfredo Lim (2007-2010 GO)  - Vice Mayor Isko Moreno (AM/PDP-Laban...

Despite his deteriorating relationship with the government, Bainimarama was reappointed Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces on 5 February 2004. That month, he attended the Pacific Area Special Operations Conference. This was followed by the Seminar Executive Course at the Asia Pacific Centre for Strategic Studies in Hawaii in April. In May and June, he attended the South East Asia Security Symposium. In September, he attended both the PAMS XXVII in the Indian capital of New Delhi, and the 7th Chief of Defence Conference in Tokyo, Japan. is the 36th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Official language(s) English, Hawaiian Capital Honolulu Largest city Honolulu Area  Ranked 43rd  - Total 10,931 sq mi (29,311 km²)  - Width n/a miles (n/a km)  - Length 1,522 miles (2,450 km)  - % water 41. ... Location of Southeast Asia Southeast Asia is a subregion of Asia. ... , This article is about the urban region that is the capital of India. ... Tokyo ), the common English name for the Tokyo Metropolis ), is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan and, unique among the prefectures, provides certain municipal services characteristic of a city. ...

On 14 December 2005, Bainimarama began an official visit to China, at the invitation of the People's Liberation Army. He reaffirmed Fiji's support for the One China policy. is the 348th day of the year (349th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

The Fiji coup of 2000

Main article: 2000 Fijian coup d'état

Believing that the then-President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was not dealing effectively with the situation, he apparently forced Mara to resign on 29 May 2000, in what some politicians have since called "a coup within a coup," and formed an Interim Military Government which negotiated an accord under which the rebels would release all hostages, including the deposed Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, and would surrender without penalty. The government later reneged on the last part of the agreement and arrested Speight on 27 July 2000, with Bainimarama saying that he had signed that part of the accord "under duress." The Fiji coup of 2000 was a complicated affair involving a civilian putsch by hardline Fijian nationalists against the elected government of Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry on 19 May 2000, the attempt by President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara to assert executive authority on 27 May, and his own resignation, possibly... The Right Honourable Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara GCMG KBE CF, (May 6, 1920 – April 18, 2004) is considered the founding father of the modern nation of Fiji. ... is the 149th day of the year (150th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ... Fiji received its independence in 1970. ... // Mahendra Pal Chaudhry (born 9 February 1942) is the leader of the Fiji Labour Party. ... is the 208th day of the year (209th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ...

Political controversies

See main articles: Military unrest since the 2000 Fijian coup d'état; 2005-2006 Fijian political crisis; 2006 Fijian coup d'état

Bainimarama, who initially kept a high profile after the coup, later became embroiled in constant controversy. He repeatedly entered the political arena to criticize government policy - especially its policy of leniency, as he saw it, towards persons responsible for the coup. Politicians countered with charges of inappropriate interference in political affairs, and some accused him of hypocrisy, saying that he himself had a case to answer for his role in Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara's resignation from the presidency. Following the quashing of George Speights civilian coup détat in 2000, the Military handed power over to a civilian administration led by the banker, Laisenia Qarase, who won the parliamentary election held to restore democracy in September 2001. ... The tension between Fijis government and Military forces, which had been simmering for more than two years, appeared to escalate in late December 2005. ... The Fijian coup détat of December 2006 occurred as a continuation of the pressure which had been building since the military unrest of the 2000 Fijian coup détat and 2005-2006 Fijian political crisis. ...

Bainimarama condemned the early release of persons imprisoned for their involvement in the 2000 coup, including former Vice-President Ratu Jope Seniloli and Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the Paramount Chief of the Tovata Confederacy. He spoke out against the organizing of Fiji Week, a week of religious services and cultural ceremonies, in which persons could apologise for their participation in the coup, that was held from October 4 to October 11, 2004. On 13 May 2005, he announced his implacable opposition to the government's proposal to establish a Reconciliation and Unity Commission, with the power to grant compensation to victims of the 2000 coup, and amnesty to perpetrators of it. He agreed with detractors who called it a sham to grant amnesty to supporters of the government who had played roles in the coup. His attack on the legislation, which continued unremittingly throughout May and June and into July, further strained his already tense relationship with the government. The Fijian vice-presidency is a mostly ceremonial office. ... Ratu Jope Seniloli Ratu Jope Naucabalavu Seniloli (born 1939) was the Vice-President of Fiji from 25 March 2001 to 29 November 2004, when he was forced to resign following his conviction for treason on August 6, 2004, and the rejection of his appeal early in November. ... Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu is a Fijian high chief and politician, who was the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, prior to his resignation on 7 April 2005. ... The Tui Cakau is the Paramount Chief of Cakaudrove Province in Fiji. ... Tovata is one of three confederacies comprising the Fijian House of Chiefs, to which all of Fijis chiefs supposedly belong. ... Fiji Week was a week of prayer meetings and multicultural programmes that took place the week of the fourth through the eleventh of October, 2004. ... is the 277th day of the year (278th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 284th day of the year (285th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 133rd day of the year (134th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Reconciliation and Unity Commission is a proposed government body to be set up if the Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity Bill, which was introduced into the Fijian Parliament on May 4, 2005, is passed. ...

On 11 July, Bainimarama issued one of his strongest-worded challenges yet to the government, saying that it was forcing the country into the same anarchy as in 2000. In an eight-page statement, he warned that the Military would take decisive action against any "destabilisers" - among whom he named Attorney-General Bale and Ministry of Reconciliation Chief Executive Apisalome Tudreu. "The military will dish out the same fate we dealt George Speight and his group to anyone whom we think deserves this treatment," Bainimarama said. He said that he would arrest and put on trial anyone who threatened the stability of Fiji. The next day, it was revealed that a draft document signed by Bainimarama had originally contained a direct threat to overthrow the government if the bill went through. "The RFMF must stop the Bill from passing or get rid of the Government if it is passed. We can recover without this government, we cannot recover from this Bill," said part of an emboldened paragraph, which was edited out of the document, part of the Military's draft submission to the parliamentary committee considering the bill, before publication. The document accused Prime Minister Qarase and Attorney-General Bale of playing the race card deliberately for political reasons. is the 192nd day of the year (193rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Home Affairs Minister Vosanibola finally admitted on 13 July that the government was constitutionally powerless to do anything to discipline the Military commander. He said that the government was very concerned about Bainimarama's behaviour, and accused the media of exacerbating the tensions. "You (the media) can play a major role and come to us first instead of coming to us after highlighting what he (Bainimarama) has said," Vosanibola told the Fiji Times. On 20 July, however, Bainimarama claimed that Vosanibola had attempted to dismiss him in June. Vosanibola had presented a letter of termination to the government, which they had discussed, he claimed. is the 194th day of the year (195th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Background The Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands dates from 1997. ... is the 201st day of the year (202nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

On 24 August, Bainimarama went public with allegations that Senator Apisai Tora and other politicians, whom he did not name, had asked him to depose President Iloilo in 2000. Tora angrily denied the accusations, and was supported by Prime Minister Qarase, who claimed to have attended the meeting where the topic of removing President Iloilo was alleged to have come up. No such topic was discussed, Qarase said. Bainimarama reiterated his allegations on 1 September, and police spokeswoman Sylvia Low said that a file had, in fact, been opened as far back as 2001, when Bainimarama had made a statement to the police naming individuals he said were involved in the plot. That file was still open, Low said. is the 236th day of the year (237th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Senate of Fiji is the upper chamber of Parliament. ... Senator Apisai Tora Apisai Tora, sometimes known as Mohammad Tora, is a Fijian politician and former trade unionist. ... is the 244th day of the year (245th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

On 5 September, a team of Criminal Investigation Officers interviewed Bainimarama about his allegations. The details of the discussion were not disclosed, except that Bainimarama had filed an official statement. He told the media after the meeting that he was willing to testify in court. Earlier, Kevueli Bulamainaivalu, the police officer heading the investigation, had said on 29 August that until Commodore Bainimarama had filed an official report and signed it, the police could do nothing. is the 248th day of the year (249th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 241st day of the year (242nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Counter criticisms

Bainimarama's detractors accused him of hypocrisy for vehemently opposing what he saw as the government's policy of leniency towards perpetrators of the 2000 coup, when there were unanswered questions about his own role in it.

On 25 April 2004, then-Opposition Leader Mick Beddoes called on the army to answer for its failure to protect President Mara while the country was in crisis. He called this "a fundamental failure" on the part of the army. On 5 January 2005, Joji Kotobalavu, a spokesman for Prime Minister Qarase, reminded the public that Bainimarama himself was currently under investigation for his role in the apparently forced resignation of President Mara. is the 115th day of the year (116th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The post of Leader of the Opposition is a political office common in countries that are part of the Commonwealth of Nations. ... Mick Beddoes Millis Malcome Beddoes, widely known as Mick Beddoes, is a Fijian politician, who has led the United Peoples Party (formerly the United General Party) since 2001. ... January 5 is the 5th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Joji Kotobalavu Joji Kotobalavu is a Fijian civil servant, who is currently the Chief Executive in the Prime Ministers office. ...

On 2 May 2005, Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes announced that Bainimarama had volunteered to make a statement about his own role in Mara's resignation. To lay any charges, Hughes had earlier said, it would have to be proven that Bainimarama actually forced the President to resign. May 2 is the 122nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (123rd in leap years). ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Assistant Commissioner Andrew Andy Hughes is a senior officer of the Australian Federal Police (AFP). ...

Bougainville security situation

Main article: Fijian mercenaries in Bougainville

Bainimarama told the Fiji Live news service on 13 December that Noah Musingku, a Papua New Guinea businessman who once ran a failed pyramid scheme and has since been involved with an armed separatist movement on the island of Bougainville, had contacted him several months earlier, offering F$35 million for his cooperation with respect to "security work" in Bougainville. Bainimarama recognized the scheme as an obvious "con job", he said, and did not reply to the letter. Relationships between Fiji and Papua New Guinea became strained in November 2005 in the wake of revelations that 9 Fijian mercenaries had entered Papua New Guinea illegally and were arming and training a private militia on the island of Bougainville. ... Fiji Live is an online newspaper and business and cultural directory in Fiji. ... December 13 is the 347th day of the year (348th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Noah Musingku is a businessman, warlord and Bougainville separatist leader. ... The unsustainable geometric progression of a classic pyramid scheme A pyramid scheme (or pyramid scam[1]) is a non-sustainable business model that involves the exchange of money primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme, usually without any product or service being delivered, and is highly illegal. ... Bougainville and neighbouring islands Bougainville is part of Papua New Guinea and is the largest island of the Solomon Islands group. ... ISO 4217 Code FJD User(s) Fiji Inflation 1. ...

Fijian political unrest and coup d'état, 2006

On 31 October 2006, while Bainimarama was in Egypt visiting Fijian forces on peacekeeping duties in the Middle East, President Iloilo moved to terminate the appointment of Bainimarama, appointing instead Lieutenant Colonel Meli Saubulinayau who declined to take the position. Senior Fijian military officers backed Bainimarama, who quickly called on the Government to resign. The governments of Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and others called for calm, and asked for assurances that the Fijian military not rise against the government.^[7][8] is the 304th day of the year (305th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... In the U.S. Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, a lieutenant colonel is a commissioned officer superior to a major and inferior to a colonel. ... Colonel Meli Saubulinayau is a Fijian career soldier, who currently heads the Strategic Unit in Suva. ...

In late November 2006, Bainimarama handed down a list of demands to Qarase, one of which was the withdrawal of three controversial bills, including the Qoliqoli Bill (which would have transferred ownership of maritime resources to the Fijian people) and the Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity Bill, which would have offered conditional pardons to persons convicted of involvement in the 2000 coup. Despite further talks in Suva and in Wellington, New Zealand, Bainimarama gave the Prime Minister Qarase an ultimatum of 4 December to accede to his demands or to resign. In a televised address, Qarase agreed to put the three contentious bills on hold, review the appointment of Andrew Hughes as Police Commissioner (Bainimarama had demanded his dismissal), and give the police the option of discontinuing investigations into the Commander's alleged acts of sedition. He refused further concessions, saying that he had conceded all that was possible within the law. The Qoliqoli Bill 2006 is said to be a significant piece of legislation for Fiji, particularly the Fijian community, according to the Fiji government website [1]. The Bill proposes transfer proprietary rights of qoliqoli areas (beach, lagoon and reef ) from the State of Fiji to the qoliqoli owners, who are... Indigenous Fijians are the major indigenous people of the Fiji Islands. ... The Reconciliation and Unity Commission is a proposed government body to be set up if the Reconciliation, Tolerance, and Unity Bill, which was introduced into the Fijian Parliament on May 4, 2005, is passed. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Wellington Region. ... is the 338th day of the year (339th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Military manoeuvres followed, including the seizure of government vehicles and the house arrest of Prime Minister Qarase. On 5 December President Ratu Josefa Iloilo was said to have signed a legal order dissolving Parliament after meeting with Bainimarama. The President later issued a statement categorically denying having signed any such decree, however, and the exiled Commissioner of Police, Andrew Hughes, implicated Iloilo's secretary in the fabrication of the decree at the direction of Commander Bainimarama. December 5 is the 339th day (340th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President of Fiji since 2007. ... The Fijian Commissioner of Police title has been held by Australian police officer Andrew Hughes since 2003. ... Assistant Commissioner Andrew Andy Hughes is a senior officer of the Australian Federal Police (AFP). ...

As of 9 December, there were reported arrests of members of the media and open dissenters [5], as well as incidents of intimidation and violence committed against political figures. [6]Stuart Huggett, Chairman of the Public Service Commission, was reported to have been assaulted. is the 343rd day of the year (344th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Stuart Huggett is a British-born Fijian architect, businessman, and civil servant, who served as Chairman of the Public Service Commission from 2004 to 2006, when he was removed from office on 6 December 2006 by the Military junta which had seized power the previous day. ...

Bainimarama told a press conference on 15 December that he would agree to attend a forthcoming meeting of the Great Council of Chiefs, the feudal body empowered to choose the country's President, Vice-President, and fourteen of the thirty two Senators, only in his capacity as President of the Republic, the Fiji Sun reported. [7][8] Told that the Great Council still recognized Ratu Josefa Iloilo as President, he said that in that case he would boycott the meeting. He also condemned the Great Council's invitation to deposed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, saying that Qarase would not be allowed to return to Suva to attend the meeting. is the 349th day of the year (350th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Great Council of Chiefs (Bose Levu Vakaturaga in Fijian) is a constitutional body in the Republic of the Fiji Islands. ... The Senate of Fiji is the upper chamber of Parliament. ... The Fiji Sun is a daily newspaper published in Fiji. ...

Police investigation

Police revealed on 14 March 2006 that they were investigating allegations that Bainimarama and his bodyguards had threatened a defendant outside a courtroom in Nadi the previous afternoon. is the 73rd day of the year (74th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Sri Siva Subramaniya temple, a centre of worship for Fijis Hindu community and one of Nadis most visible landmarks. ...

Tevita Tuidraki was charged with indecent assault, reportedly against a relative of Bainimarama's. His lawyer, Eroni Maopa, said that Bainimarama and his bodyguards had confronted him, causing him to fear for the safety of his family. The incident was not the first of its kind, Maopa claimed. Indecent assault is a form of sex crime in many jurisdictions. ...

Personal life

Bainimarama hails from the village of Kiuva in the Kaba Peninsula, Tailevu Province. He is the brother of Ratu Meli Bainimarama and Ratu Timoci Bainimarama, both senior civil servants. He is a Methodist,^[1] though Roman Catholic-educated, having graduated from Marist Brothers High School in Suva. He is married to Maria Makitalena, with whom he has six children and several grandchildren, most of whom are living in New Zealand. He is a sports enthusiast, with a particular passion for rugby and athletics. He has also served as president of the Fiji Rugby Union, and takes a keen interest in military history and current affairs. Tailevu is one of Fijis fourteen Provinces. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Ratu Meli Bainimarama is a Fijian civil servant, who currently serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... The Methodist movement is a group of denominations of Protestant Christianity. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      The Roman Catholic Church or Catholic... Marist Brothers High School is an Roman Catholic all-boys high school situated in Suva, the capital of the Fiji. ... For other uses, see Rugby (disambiguation). ... A womens 400m hurdles race on a typical outdoor red rubber track. ... The Fiji National rugby union team is a member of the Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance (PIRA) along with Samoa and Tonga. ...

A Brigadier General, or one-star general, is the lowest rank of general officer in the United States and some other countries, ranking just above Colonel and just below Major General. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Ratu Epeli Ganilau Brigadier-General Ratu Epeli Ganilau, MC, MSD, (born 10 October 1951) is a Fijian soldier and statesman, who currently heads the National Alliance Party of Fiji. ... The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), with a total manpower of only 3500 men, is one of the smallest in the world. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Look up sir in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The Right Honourable Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara GCMG KBE CF, (May 6, 1920 – April 18, 2004) is considered the founding father of the modern nation of Fiji. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President of Fiji since 2007. ... Fiji became a republic in 1987, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom formally abdicated as Queen of Fiji, following two military coups led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President of Fiji since 2007. ... Ratu is a title used by Fijians of chiefly rank. ... Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, CF, MBE, (born December 29, 1920) has been the President of Fiji since 2007. ... Dr Jona Baravilala Senilagakali is a medical doctor who was installed as interim Prime Minister of Fiji by Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama in the military coup of December 5, 2006[1] Baravilala is considered by some to be the best known and respected medical practitioner , having previously been the president of... Fiji received its independence in 1970. ...

See also

• Qoliqoli Bill

The Qoliqoli Bill 2006 is said to be a significant piece of legislation for Fiji, particularly the Fijian community, according to the Fiji government website [1]. The Bill proposes transfer proprietary rights of qoliqoli areas (beach, lagoon and reef ) from the State of Fiji to the qoliqoli owners, who are...

References

This article is about a newspaper. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... December 10 is the 344th day (345th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, 21 days before the next year. ... is the 4th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... The Fiji Village is an online news service in Fiji. ... Fiji Live is an online newspaper and business and cultural directory in Fiji. ... The Fiji Village is an online news service in Fiji. ... Fiji Live is an online newspaper and business and cultural directory in Fiji. ...

External links

• Fiji Military website

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Frank Bainimarama