Independence and Turmoil
The independence movements of the 1960s did not escape the Fijian islands. While earlier demands for self-government were resisted, negotiations in Fiji and London eventually led to total political independence for Fiji on October 10, 1974.
Early years of the new republic continued to see a racially divided government, with the ruling Alliance Party dominated by native Fijians. Pressure from numerous internal and external sources resulted in the formation of the Labour Party in 1985, which, in coalition with the predominantly Indian National Federation Party, won the election of 1987.
Fiji, however, could not easily escape its racially divided past. The new government was quickly overthrown in a military coup. Following a period of negotiation and civil turmoil, a civilian government returned to power in 1992 under a new constitution heavily weighted in favor of the native majority. Internal and international pressure, however, led to the appointment of an independent commission in 1996. This commission recommended another new constitution which was adopted a year later. This constitution provided for recognition of minority interests and established a mandated multi-party cabinet. Mahendra Chaudhry was sworn in as Prime Minister, and became the first ever Indo-Fijian Prime Minister of Fiji. Unfortunately, once again civilian rule was short-lived. On May 19, 2000, elite army units and racialist gunmen led by businessman George Speight seized power with the backing of the Great Council of Chiefs, an un-elected assembly of traditional land-owning chiefs. Chaudry and his cabinet were held hostage for several weeks.
The crisis of 2000 was ended by the intervention of military commander chief Frank Bainimarama, a native Fijian. As a result, Chaudry was forced to resign. Speight was eventually arrested on treason charges. Laisenia Qarase, also an indigenous Fijian was subsequently elected prime minister.
After weeks of tension and threats of a coup, the Fijian military, once again under the command of now Commodore Frank Bainimarama seized power on Tuesday, December 5, 2006 in a bloodless coup. Bainimarama dismissed Prime Minister Qarase and assumed the powers of president from President Ratu Josefa Iloilo with the promise that he would soon return power to Iloilo and a newly appointed civilian government.
While both Bainimarama and Qarase are native Fijians, the coup was apparently prompted by Qarase's proposals which would have benefited native Fijians to the detriment of minorities, especially the ethnic Indians. Bainimarama opposed these proposals as unfair to minorities. As CNN reported "The military is angry at a government move to introduce legislation that would grant amnesty to those involved in the (2000) coup. It also opposes two bills that Bainimarama says unfairly favor majority indigenous Fijians in land rights over the ethnic Indian minority."
Visiting Fiji Today
Despite its history of political and racial turmoil, dating back almost 3500 years, the islands of Fiji have remained an excellent tourist destination. It is impossible to determine the effect of the most recent coup on the tourism which is so important to the islands.
The people of Fiji are known as some of the most friendly and hospitable of any of the islands in the South Pacific. While islanders may disagree on many issues, they are universal in their recognition of the importance of the tourist trade to their islands' future. In fact, because tourism has suffered as a result of the turmoil of recent years, excellent travel bargains are available. For travelers wishing to escape the large number of tourists often found elsewhere in the South Pacific, Fiji is a perfect destination.
In 2000 almost 300,000 visitors arrived in the islands of Fiji. While the islands are some of the most popular vacation destinations for citizens of Australia and New Zealand, over 60,000 visitors also arrived from the United States and Canada.
Online Resources
Numerous resources are available online to assist you in planning a vacation in the islands of Fiji. We have gathered an extensive collection of resources in our Fiji Articles and Links section. In particular, prospective visitors should visit the official Web site of the Fiji Visitors Bureau where you can sign up for their mailing list featuring hot deals and specials. The Fiji Times offers excellent coverage of the current political climate in the islands.
While English remains the official language of Fiji, the native Fijian language is preserved and widely spoken. Thus, when you visit Fiji, don't be surprised when someone walks up to you and says "bula (mbula)" which means hello and "vinaka vaka levu (vee naka vaka layvoo)" which means thank you as they show you their appreciation for your deciding to visit their country.
Sources:
Aqua Trek Fiji
Fiji Visitors and Convention Bureau
Fiji Government Online
The Pacific Islands: An Encyclopedia - University of Hawaii Press
