KEEP FIJI IN YOUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK!
Julian Fox
SUVA: 17th February -- Two nights ago, a good number of Suva residents (including the inhabitants of Don Bosco House) were thrown out of bed around 2 am by a strong earth tremor that reached 5.2. The jolt caused no damage other than to crockery - but it did bring a premonition to the nation which is nervously awaiting this coming Monday 19th February. On this day, Supreme Court Judges (and a few visiting ones from overseas) will meet to determine once and for all - is there a case for the present interim government (which is government by decree and without an opposition, and under a state of emergency) or must we somehow try to return to a pre-19th May situation?
The potential for disturbance and violence is there, since the decision, whatever it is (and it won't be Monday, but some days or weeks later) will satisfy only half the population. At least 42% of the population are not behind the interim administration, but the remaining 58% are hopelessly divided over the substantial issues.
So - we need your prayers!
Many sensible people can see that to return to last year's chaos, with schools and major industries closed, would spell long-term disaster for our society. Our concern is that just a handful of senseless individuals can cause problems.
The army and the police are out in force, and from today, the city and surrounds are largely closed down, making movement around the place slow if not at times impossible. We have mixed feelings about it - the show of force makes a point, but it also heightens anxiety.
Friday was national youth day - which the Salesians celebrated by taking a large group of leaders down the river to a deserted beach called Mata-i-Suva, opposite Nukulau Island where the perpetrator of the May 19th 2000 Coup is incarcerated. Our day was wonderful, and we kept our attention away from the island to the bamboo rafts the kids made, and the coconuts and bananas in abundance around us. Mercifully it was not as hot as the last four weeks have been, but the only shelter was under the water or under a raft! As reported in the papers today, very few other celebrations were held - people preferred to remain at home in case there was trouble. We were just glad to get ourselves and the kids out of town and have some fun.
My own personal feeling is that Monday will slide by rather uneventfully...except for the fact that people will turn it into a national holiday! It is certain that there won't be many children going to school, even though police have promised to put a guard at each school gate - that promise will seal the decision of most to stay at home!
