Fiji PM calls for sacrifice as isolation looms

Fiji’s interim Prime Minister has called on his people to sacrifice for the benefit of future generations as pressure mounts on his administration to return the country to democracy or face isolation.

Fiji’s 15 Pacific neighbours have threatened to suspend it from its regional group whilst the EU -the largest donor to Fiji- and other international organizations, likely to follow suit with retaliatory measures if Fiji does not hold elections this year. But, Bainimarama is adamant that he has to do what is “best” for Fiji and his people, beginning with changing the country’s race-based voting system. “Every now and then we need to make sacrifices for the betterment of our future generations,” Bainimarama told Fiji TV.“We cannot let the financially powerful players in the region dictate to us, when we know what is best for our future.Maybe we lose some now, but in the long run, we are more independent, confident and our children will have a lasting multi racial, cultural and tolerant society they can develop in.”

Bainimarama has until 1st May to make his stand known to the Pacific Island Forum if he will adhere to its 2009 election deadline. “We don’t know the extent of the suspension if it happens, but the Pacific Island nations have to make that decision. “Are we going to remove each other’s embassies? “Will they send our Police Officers in the Solomon Islands back?” he said.