THE VOICE

We were not able to register for a postal vote on the Voice because our departure date was earlier than the first scheduled time for ballot papers to be distributed. However, the Australian Consulate in Honolulu is providing an opportunity to vote. It is only about ten minutes walk, so we are pleased to register our support for the Voice. But all appears lost for a Yes outcome. 

There is NO talk about the Referendum on this ship - only a great silence. We have not learned to speak kindly and with respect on ‘controversial topics’, so we don’t speak at all. We are terrified that any discussion will turn ugly. It was the same with the climate change debate and with Covid. People take positions and then are unwilling to debate them for fear of ……being wrong, being attacked, being tagged as ‘stupid’, tarnishing a valued relationship? I’m not sure what it is.

The Federal Government, and Albo in particular, must take ownership of this failure. Unfortunately, Albo led with his heart and not with his head. For all his extensive experience, he has misjudged the political nature of this Referendum. He announced it in the high emotion of Election Night stating that he would implement the Uluṟu Statement from the Heart in full. He then passed the ball to a Committee to do the preparation making it clear that this idea did not ‘belong’ to the politicians but to the indigenous people and to all people in Australia. And he was right about that. What he was wrong about was that such an issue would not be politicised. He trusted in the good heart of the Australian people who were ready for such a change.

seconds 

Dutton’s decision to oppose the Voice was quite transparent. The Liberal Party had been trashed at the last election and its leader for the past three years shown to be incompetent and politically corrupt, leaving the country in debt to almost a Trillion Dollars with high inflation and low wages. The incoming Government set about a six month program of repair and the polls were stratospheric. The two areas of government in which the Conservative Right had claimed superiority (economic management and national security) were now being competently managed by the Progressive Left.. 

The Coalition were in disarray. They had brought no new policy ideas to the last election apart from a promise of Stage 3 Tax Cuts in 2024. The only strategy now open to Dutton was to oppose everything the Government proposed in the style devised by Dr No himself (Tony Abbott). Dutton could not afford to give Albo another win with the Voice.

Vigorous opposition is a hallmark of Westminster adversarial politics. It does not matter that an Opposition’s argument is flimsy or substantial.Those who lean towards Conservative political beliefs, as well as many who have little interest in politics at all, are positively influenced by information fitting their own internal biases. Say it often enough and loudly enough, particularly if repeated by friendly media, and an Opposition will begin to create doubt in the minds of the electorate. 

Now it is important to be clear here. Dutton is not against a Voice to Parliament. He is opposed to the Voice being placed permanently in the Constitution. He knows he cannot dispute that the indigenous were the first inhabitants (owners) of this land, that they were dispossessed of it by colonisation, and that many indigenous people are highly disadvantaged relative to the general population. So he will support a legislated Voice to Parliament thereby retaining the high moral ground for this issue. In the process he raises his profile as a leader and tarnishes the reputation of Albanese as being fallible, not in touch with the majority. If Albo then goes on to attempt to legislate the Voice, with a National Party opposed to any Voice at all, Dutton will play hardball with getting such Legislation through. There appears to be no easy path through for the Government if the Voice is lost.

Jim

https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/share/16909/Y0ZSnpb

Here’s what Albo says about the timing of the Voice and why he remains confident of his decision to proceed expecting that he would get bipartisan support:

The Albanese interview: There's still hope for the Voice
7am

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-albanese-interview-theres-still-hope-for-the-voice/id1461999702?i=1000628793115

AMERICAN SAMOA

PAGO PAGO

The history of American Samoa is a complex and rich narrative that involves indigenous culture, European exploration, colonization, and its current status as an unincorporated territory of the United States.

1. Indigenous Settlement: The islands of American Samoa were inhabited by Polynesian peoples for thousands of years before European contact. These indigenous peoples developed their own cultures, traditions, and social systems on the islands.
2. European Exploration: The first recorded European contact with the islands occurred in the 18th century when Dutch explorers arrived. Later, in the 19th century, American and British explorers, including Captain James Cook, visited the islands.
3. Missionary Influence: Christian missionaries, particularly from the United States, arrived in the mid-19th century and had a significant impact on the islands' culture and society. The influence of Christianity remains strong in American Samoa to this day.
4. German and American Influence: In the late 19th century, Germany and the United States established colonial interests in the Pacific region, including Samoa. The islands were divided between the two powers: Germany controlled what is now Samoa (formerly Western Samoa), while the United States took control of eastern Samoa, which includes what is now American Samoa.
5. Treaty of Berlin: The Treaty of Berlin in 1899 officially divided the Samoan archipelago between Germany and the United States. American Samoa was established as a U.S. naval station and later as a coaling station. The islands remained under U.S. naval administration for several decades.
6. Naval Administration: The U.S. Navy governed American Samoa from 1900 to 1951. During this period, efforts were made to promote economic development, modernize infrastructure, and introduce education.
7. Transition to Civilian Government: In 1951, administration of American Samoa was transferred from the U.S. Navy to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The islands' inhabitants were granted U.S. citizenship, and a civilian government was established.
8. Cultural Preservation: Throughout its history, American Samoa has worked to preserve its indigenous culture and traditions in the face of external influences. Efforts have been made to maintain the Samoan language, traditional arts, and customs.
9. World War II: During World War II, American Samoa played a strategic role as a military base for the United States in the Pacific theater.
10. Current Status: American Samoa remains an unincorporated territory of the United States. The islands have their own local government with a governor and a territorial legislature. American Samoans are U.S. nationals, which grants them certain rights but not full U.S. citizenship unless they move to the U.S. mainland.
11. Economic Development: The economy of American Samoa has traditionally been based on subsistence agriculture and fishing, but in recent decades, the tuna canning industry has become a significant driver of the local economy.
12. Cultural Identity: The people of American Samoa have managed to maintain a strong sense of cultural identity while integrating aspects of modern life. Traditional communal and familial structures continue to be an integral part of Samoan society.

PAGO PAGO

Pago Pago (pronounced Pango Pango) is one of the most dramatic harbours in the South Pacific. Eons ago, the massive seawall of a volcano collapsed and the sea poured in. Today, towering mountain peaks encircle the deep harbour. The people who live on this island are settled pretty well entirely on its perimeter with the sea. Behind them are towering tree-clothed cliffs of the original volcano referred to above. If climate change brings sea level rise of two metres they will need to construct new roads and new homes. The current roads and sea walls were built by the Americans during the Second World War and are still in great condition.

Princess was offering a two and a half hour tour on quaint island buses for $160 each. We walked out to find local operators providing much the same tour charging $30 each in equally quaint buses and the tour was excellent, although the discomfort of wooden seats was perhaps the price you pay for economy. 

Samoans are highly religious people. Substantial churches of all denominations stood guard around the perimeter. Religious symbols are everywhere including in the front yards of many houses where mausoleums are constructed for family who have died. An odd practice from a Western perspective but very practical. Flat land is at a premium on this island. Why waste it on a cemetery! A taxi stood by with a sign painted on its boot - God is my Provider!

One of the big employers on Pango Pango  (as the locals pronounce it) is a very large fish processing plant. We drove by as the workers in aprons and hats were spilling from the factory. Perhaps Pongo Pongo would be a more appropriate name for this Tuna processing facility!

We have previously been to Apia in Western Samoa, so this was a new and interesting experience. Although, I spoke with a client from Western Samoa when he sought JP services from me in Brisbane. I told him we would be visiting Pago Pago in American Samoa and he said, “We are all the same! We visit each other.”

We now embark on five days cruising before our next stop in Honolulu, Hawaii. Looks like lotsa drinking and eating. But there is a gym and walking around the deck is what the old athletes do. Which reminds me - we had dinner last night with two gentlemen who had also turned 80 in September. I was the youngest! All agreed we were the ‘lucky generation’, probably because our fathers had come home from military duty at Christmas for a fond reunion! You never know your luck!

The sun sets over Pago Pago as Coral Princess steams out of this magnificent harbour.

   INTERNATIONAL DATELINE 

Coral Princess crosses the International Dateline on September 26. It is of course an imaginary line positioned at about 180 degrees from Zero degrees longitude in Greenwich, England. When travelling from west to east as we will do, We are required to set our clocks forward by one hour for every 15 degrees of longitude and back by 24 hours upon crossing the 'line'. Now, had that been September 24, I could have celebrated my birthday twice in the one year! Samoa and American Samoa are 'artificially separated' by the International Dateline that allows American Samoa to relate to US time and for Samoa to relate to its trading partners in the South Pacific!  

SUVA, FIJI

Throughout its history, Fiji has evolved from a collection of traditional societies to a modern nation with a diverse population and a complex mix of cultural influences. Its journey has been shaped by interactions with indigenous Fijians, Indo-Fijians, and European powers, as well as struggles for political representation, land rights, and national identity.

• Fiji's history dates back to around 3500 years ago when the first settlers, likely of Polynesian and Melanesian origin, arrived in the islands. They brought with them their distinct cultures and languages.
• The Fijian society developed into a collection of chiefdoms with various levels of political organization and social structure.
• Warfare, trade, and cultural interactions among different island groups contributed to the shaping of Fijian society.
• European contact with Fiji began in the 17th century, with explorers and traders visiting the islands. The most significant period of European influence began in the late 18th century when British explorer Captain James Cook visited Fiji. This marked the start of increased European interest in the region.
• In the early 19th century, Christian missionaries arrived and began converting Fijians to Christianity.
• Fiji was officially ceded to the British Crown in 1874 by the Fijian chiefs as a way to counterbalance French influence in the region.
• The British colonial administration introduced indentured labour from India to work on sugarcane plantations, beginning in the late 19th century. This led to the arrival of a large Indian community, which has significantly shaped Fiji's cultural landscape.
• Fiji achieved self-governance in 1960 and became fully independent in 1970, while still maintaining close ties with the British Commonwealth.
• The political landscape was marked by tensions between the indigenous Fijian population and the Indo-Fijian community, with several coups and political upheavals.
• Fiji experienced a series of military coups in 1987, leading to shifts in political power and governance. The 1990 Constitution established a system that favoured indigenous Fijians, leading to tensions and controversies.
• In 2000, another coup occurred, followed by more political turmoil and international pressure for a return to democratic governance.
• The early 2000s saw efforts towards reconciliation and constitutional reforms to address the political and ethnic tensions.
• In 2006, another military coup led by Commodore Frank Bainimarama took place, resulting in his government taking control.
• Over the years, Bainimarama's government implemented constitutional changes and held elections to restore democratic governance.
• Fiji's political climate has remained relatively stable since, with a focus on rebuilding the economy and fostering unity among the diverse ethnic groups.

BULA - WELCOME TO FIJI

After a warm, sunny and calm passage to Fiji yesterday, the view from our balcony this morning over the busy port of Suva is grey with misting rain. We have been to Fiji a number of times, so have not organised any shore excursions through Princess. Fiji was a brief stop on our first ever flight in 1966 on our way to take up a teaching position in Canada and again in 1972 when we returned with a five year old daughter and a suitcase filled with memories. We stayed a week in Nadi exploring the island and taking a sailing ship out to one of the outer tropical islands. It was an exciting time.  So when (if) the mist clears we will take a walk downtown where the locals typically greet the tourists with ‘Bula’.

Twenty years ago, cruise ships would typically hire a bus free to passengers to take a trip down town to and from an appointed place where they would shuttle back and forth. Not any more. Over the years there has been clear evidence of cost cutting everywhere for company profits. A bus tour around an island starts at $250 each for a tour of 3 or 4 hours. Then there are full day tours, involving kayaking, scuba diving, zip lines, local ceremonies (like Cava drinking), treks to volcanoes, lakes and waterfalls - even more expensive. An interesting change was to remove trays from self-serve eating areas.  Now one can only take up a plate to load an intended meal. This has prevented passengers taking and wasting too much food to their tables. We notice a glass of juice is considerably smaller and that milk is provided in a glass of just the right size for your cereal rather than in a jug from which there would be wastage. I imagine there are teams of expert estimators who run their rulers over everything to save a dollar here or there and those dollars add up to millions. I am not complaining about it. It is simply big business at work.

So, we did venture out into the town area by the port, still very light rain and humid as Fiji always is. It wasn’t long before we stumbled into a fabric shop that caught Michele’s eye, as it always does. Two pieces of brightly patterned Fijian/Hawaiian cloth were soon out the door. M makes her own dresses and is regularly complimented by women who think her ten dollar dresses are very elegant indeed!

Next stop American Samoa and Pago Pago.

 

 THE BIG BIRTHDAY

So, today I have now boarded the 80 year old bus and got off to celebrate with Michele at the fancy Bayou Cafe and Steakhouse on the Coral Princess There are more of us octogenarians now than there used to be and I think they have all turned up here. Lots of ‘old’ people on this cruise ship!  

“You are only as old as you feel”, so the saying goes, and there are times where I have guessed, ‘this must be how 80 feels!’ The first clear sign that Father (or Mother) Time was adjusting the clock, was in attempting to ‘spring up’ from the floor. That spring was clearly rusting out and by 80 is barely functional. 

Did you say something? Sorry, my hearing isn’t what it used to be. Apparently, we older people are reluctant to accept the fake audiograms manufactured  by an industry only focused on becoming wealthy at our expense! We may have a very slight diminution, but we could save everyone a lot of expense and repetition if they would only stop mumbling or whispering or speaking into the refrigerator. 

Apparently, leg ulcers are a gift to the aged and I was fortunate to receive one of those recently for which I am very grateful. Two lovely nurses rubbed and caressed my right leg twice a week for about two months! 

There was something else we ‘older’ people get tagged with, but I forget what that was. Ah, now I remember - we have memory problems, short term memory problems apparently! Today, on my birthday of all days, my memory was called into question. We visited the ‘Gobble-and-Go’ for lunch and had a lovely conversation with an ex-Navy man on Deck 14 who regaled us with stories of life on the high seas. We returned to our cabin on Deck 10 and I inquired about the whereabouts of my iPad. It was not accepted that I left it intentionally on the table in the restaurant just to check out the honesty of these old cruisers. Anyway, all’s well that ends well and it was located at the Lost & Found counter on Deck 5. (The carry bag was not located for which I am in serious trouble!)

A superb birthday dinner of Fillet Mignon, prawns and lobster with a surprise birthday ‘gift’ from Princess followed by a very entertaining ‘magician’ show in the theatre completed the Big Birthday en route to Fiji.

JUST CRUSIN’ 

Our last cruise was in August 2019 from Shanghai to Brisbane on the Majestic Princess. After a hectic two week land tour from Beijing through China, cruising home was a good way way to avoid a long flight. And, of course, three months after returning to Australia, COVID-19 arrived in Wuhan in 2019/20, began to spread throughout the world, and locked us all down. So this cruise from Brisbane to Hawaii and back marks our return to cruising after eleven other cruises to almost every corner of the world. Our cruises have often been timed to mark an occasion, and in this case, it will signal my 80th birthday. Such a big number, but I am grateful to be able to complain about it.  

This cruise is truly a cruise with almost half of the time just at sea cruising. It is clearly a self-indulgent experience. And we will enjoy that for these 35 days. We booked a 'Mini-Suite' a little over twelve months ago judging COVID-19 would have been tamed by then! We both find lots to do and often go in different directions to pick up the activities we prefer. And we both enjoy meeting new people over dinner to hear their stories. I suspect that a cruise from Brisbane to Brisbane is likely to comprise ‘locals’ rather than the more interesting cruisers from distant lands. But, we shall see.

After opening in the midst of a disastrous period for the tourism industry, Brisbane’s new $177 million cruise terminal finally opened mid June 2022. This terminal will be a new gateway for people coming into Brisbane, but it will also set us up well for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032. If you haven't had the pleasure of using the new terminal here's a 90 sec video; 

https://youtu.be/T8WRW5TDcxE 

And if you haven't had the displeasure of driving to the terminal on poor roads among dilapidated buildings with an obnoxious effluvia still rising in the air above Luggage Point, well here's a two minute sample of those concerns. Perhaps it will all be fixed in ten years! 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLEc-s3fI64

This cruise makes its first stop in Fiji, then on to Pago Pago in American Samoa, to five islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, to Tahiti and Moorea, and on to New Zealand docking at Auckland and the Bay of Islands before a stop in Sydney and a return to Brisbane.

For all our cruises, I like to research the places we are going to before arriving. That is often a complex process trying to summarise in as few a words as possible the history of a location. For this Blog it was much easier. I simply logged into ChatGPT and a very neat summary was provided. The marvels of 21st Century technology.   

                                              

"No grocery shopping and cooking for 35 days!" Guess who said that!

Boarding Coral Princess was surprisingly painless. Only 500 passengers embarking from Qld which means 1500 got on previously as this is just one section of a larger around the World passage. We picked up our personalised medallions which unlock the cabin door as we approach it, and anything we purchase on the ship is paid by presenting the medallion which of course is linked to the credit card. Reservations for dinner were made through the television screen and the menu can be previewed on line. Our cabin is towards the stern of the ship which means considerable walking as punishment for eating too much. The NRL semi final is being screened in room or in one of the large lounges. I can feel the engines have started for the sailaway party at 5.00.