Even though the media coverage has focused almost exclusively on the events and machinations in and around the parliament, glimpses have emerged of intense hostility toward Speight's thugs, among Indo-Fijians and indigenous Fijians alike. Mills are not running and seasonal workers have been turned away. Farmers are defying the military regime, which has threatened to prosecute them under martial law for boycotting the harvest. Tourist resorts have been emptied and airlines have diverted their flights, leaving thousands of workers without jobs. Most teachers and many other government employees are not working.
Schools remain closed.
Many shops and businesses have shut their doors, particularly in Suva, where nearly 170 shops have been looted, damaged or destroyed. The Suva City Council has threatened to lay off its workers because of the collapse of revenue from rates. One handicraft company, Sandollars, has laid off 300 villagers. Strikes have also hit the tourist industry, garment factories and fisheries. Hundreds of workers have already been placed on reduced hours.