Speight supporter treated free in NZ

By EUGENE BINGHAM political reporter

One of George Speight's closest advisers during the Fiji coup flew to New Zealand for medical treatment at the expense of the New Zealand taxpayer before the burden was shifted to the impoverished Suva Government.

The man, who joined Speight in the Parliament grounds during the hostage siege, slipped into New Zealand through a medical aid scheme run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, even though he was identified as a key player in the coup.

He underwent surgery paid for out of a $140,000 fund set aside for cases where Fijian medical authorities believe the patient would be better cared for in New Zealand.

But when the Beehive realised who the man was, his funding was cut off. His treatment is now being paid for by the Fijian Government.

Details of the man's case emerged in Parliament on Tuesday. Foreign Minister Phil Goff refused to reveal his identity or divulge his health problem, but it is understood the man is a Suva lawyer closely linked to Speight.

His office in Suva confirmed yesterday that he was overseas but would not say in which country or whether he was ill.

The way in which the man eluded detection has staggered Auckland-based Fiji democracy campaigners.

Immigration authorities did not recognise him from the list of 154 Fijians banned as a consequence of their involvement in the May 19 coup because they did not have his date of birth.

Nik Naidu, of the Coalition for Democracy in Fiji, said it was amazing. "Why protect him?"

He added that a Fijian relative of his was having to raise $50,000 to pay for cancer treatment in Auckland.