What a fine sentiment. A pity that it needs to be stated.
On the outskirts of Suva the humble homes of the poor squat in the mangrove flats, while immediately above the homes of the well to do are perched on the cliffs with views of Suva Bay.
The south coast
From Suva we hired a car for the day and toured the south coast.
People seem to struggle to make a living,
Corrugated iron sheeting is the building material of choice.
We visited the Kula Eco Park which works to save endangered endemic species.
The crested and banded iguanas are reared here. Both are threatened by the larger introduced foreign iguanas.
You scratch my back........
The Chinese ambassador has a swell life. This is his residence, which stands almost next door to the impressive embassy in beautiful Suva South.
China has been generous to Fiji monetarily. It recognizes the regime.
Chinese companies gain most of the major contracts awarded, eg in construction or infrastructure.
The skilled personnel tend to be Chinese, while cheap Fijian labour fills the unskilled roles.
There is some dissatisfaction about this among the people.
China is also supportive of Tonga. Tonga's debt to China is about 30% of Tonga's GDP.
It appears that China is shaping Fiji as its Pacific headquarters to grow trade and influence.
Info for Yachties
Our stainless steel fuel tank developed a leak. Needless to say, it was on a weld at the base of the tank in one of those hard to get to places.
Bruce Ho and his team came out in their work boat, removed the tank, pressure tested, rewelded and had it all back inside 5 hours, for under $100 Oz.
Bruces"s company, Coastal Source Engineering. has 8 people including mechanics, engineers and welders. It is a customer service driven organization.
We unreservedly recommend Bruce.
Mob: 9211 899
Email: engineering.coastalsource@gmail.com
Onboard internet was a delight. We purchase a digicell "flashstick" (there was a really good priced deal going at the time) with 1 gb of data. It was reliable and had a good speed. What a bonus to have onboard communication at our fingertips again.....internet and skype.
Birds Spotted in Fiji
the Fiji parrot finch
Kingfisher collared
honey eater orange breasted
Flycatcher vanikoro
Fiji parrot finch
Swallow pacific
Mynar jungle
Mynar Indian
Bulbul red vented
Swamp harrier
Polynesian triller
Heron pacific reef
Tern crested
Frigate bird
Egret great
This country is swamped with the introduced indian mynar - thousands and thousands of them.
These birds have also taken over parts of Samoa. They have proven to be such a pest there that professional shooters are eradicating them at the moment.