By Fr Kevin Barr

Many in Fiji believe that Voreqe Bainimarama's intentions are good and are in opposition to the aims of previous coups. Some think he is power-hungry but others say that he needs time to carry out the necessary reforms and set in place a new non-racial vision for Fiji. Maybe he does not always get the best advice and certainly some mistakes have been made. There is division in the political parties, the judiciary, the churches and the NGO community. Your position depends on the perspective you take.

There has been some religious mirth surrounding the coup. Some called it a "Catholic coup" because many of the army officers involved were Marist Brothers Old Boys (and then the Archbishop became co-chair of the People's Charter and two Catholic priests had non-political positions on the electoral and other boards). Some called it a "Muslim coup" because a number of Muslims took up positions of authority under the Interim Government. Again, others called it a "Hindu coup" because it received support from a number of Hindu organizations.

Very recently New Zealand seems to have taken a different stance towards Fiji. The Foreign Minister says perhaps they should not criticise Fiji and harp on about elections. Perhaps they need to offer their assistance and leave Fiji decide what is best for itself. They recognise that Fiji needs to be allowed to solve its own problems in its own way. This has been a dramatic change and a very welcome one. Hopefully Australia and the US will take a similar approach. Because of the strong opposition from Australia and New Zealand, Fiji has been turning for help to India and China and receiving it. This "look north" policy may in effect be a good balance to the previous strong influence of Australia and New Zealand.

* Father Kevin Barr is economic and social justice coordinator of the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy (ECREA). He is an outspoken advocate on the issue of poverty and squatters in Fiji. PMC Online/Pacific Media Watch, 21/04/09.