Young, skilled Fijians put off returning home

Updated November 5, 2009 18:05:37

An Indo-Fijian law student in the United States says many talented and qualified younger Fiji citizens living and studying abroad are reluctant to return home because of the actions of interim prime minister Frank Bainimarama. Perena Lal, whose parents left Fiji 10 years ago, has a Masters Degree in International Relations and also runs a blog which comments on Fiji politics. She says she has been a strong supporter of the 2006 military coup, but her doubts have been growing recently, and the deportation of Australian-based academic Dr Brij Lal was the last straw for her. Ms Lal, says like many younger Fiji citizens with skills and qualifications, she had wanted to return home to help with Fiji's development, but not anymore.

Presenter: Bruce Hill
Speaker: Perena Lal, Indo-Fijian law student living in California