The 2006 coup in Fiji has raised the question of whether or not
Rotuma should strive to become independent. Below is a commentary
by Joseph Penjueli concerning the feasibility of Rotuman independence
from Fiji at this time. For a previous discussion
of this issue, see Forum #3, Rotuman Independence.
The word independence means "a state of being free and not
being controlled by another country." Now, are we talking about independence
for Rotumans who live on the island or are we talking about independence
for Rotumans as a race. For Rotumans on the island, I would say that
from a technical viewpoint the island is already independent. We have
a council comprised of Rotuman chiefs and district nominees who manage
the island and decide what is best for those who live on the island.
However, from a legal viewpoint, the island is a dependent on Fiji
and therefore the laws of Fiji apply to the island as well.
If the question of independence is to be applied to Rotumans as a race,
then that is a different matter altogether.
According to population figures from the 1996 census, the Rotuman
population in general was 9,727. The numbers who lived on the
island was 2,580. The report further states that about 73% of
Rotumans, about 6,000, are scattered throughout Fiji and the remainder,
between 500 – 1000, live abroad. The figures are not current
and may have increased.
Lets look at the Rotuma situation from a hypothetical standpoint. I
have chosen the island state of Tuvalu as an example.
Tuvalu’s land size is 26sq km. The population of Tuvalu is 10,000
people. Tuvalu’s biggest problem is its remoteness and the lack
of proper infrastructure. The economy is dependant on the copra industry
and fishing licenses, both of which are unstable. Fewer than 1000 tourists
visit Tuvalu annually. Government revenue largely comes from the sale
of stamps and coins.
The government is dependent on an annual income that comes from an
international trust fund established by Australia, New Zealand and
the UK. Tuvalu also receives income from a fisheries treaty signed
with the US.
In 1998 Tuvalu started receiving royalties from its Area Code for “900” lines,
and in 2000 from the lease of its .tv internet domain
name.
In 1998 Tuvalu’s exports were AUD 270, 000 compared to over AUD
7 million imports. Tuvalu’s exports are a fraction of what it
imports. Continued reliance is placed on fishing, Telecom license
fees, and remittances from workers overseas and income from overseas
assets.
Global warming is a big problem for the low-lying atolls that make
up Tuvalu.
The Rotuman Situation
The majority of Rotumans live in Fiji -- about 73%, maybe more. They
own homes and land. Some of them have their own farms in Fiji. In
Fiji we have affordable schooling and health care. What would happen
to them if Rotuma became independent?
Rotuma is about 43sq km. Do we have enough land for Rotumans wanting
to return to the island, or in a worse case situation, for those forced
to return or relocate somewhere?
How would we develop the island and encourage investment and grow the
economy? Can the Rotuman economy sustain a new Rotuman government and
pay for the governmental infrastructure, let alone pay for public
services, or would we be dependent on handouts from friendly countries?
Land disputes and ownership problems would need to be resolved or it
would discourage investment and growth.
Rotumans work well as individuals, but can we work together as a united
people? We don’t have anything tangible to show for working together.
The island does not have a boat that it can call its own because the
districts can’t work together.
Conclusion
Fiji has helped Rotumans a lot when we think in terms of our numbers,
contributions and where the majority of Rotumans live today. We can’t
have our cake and eat it at the same time.
The rights of Rotumans have never been curtailed in Fiji. As a minority
race of about 2%, I believe we have equal opportunity in Fiji.
The Tuvalu experience is an example of the difficulties we Rotumans
would face if we became an independent state. Trust funds and treaties
don’t last forever and treaties expire at some point in time.
If Rotumans want an independent state, then we should start showing
signs of a people who are truly united and able to work together for
our common good, because at present our divisions are pulling us apart.
Joseph Penjueli
Nasinu
Submitted 31 December 2006
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Posted 31 December 2006
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