On Ratu Sukuna Day it is traditional for Fijians to go to the nation's parliament and polish his statue. Yesterday they would have had to do so under the guns of Mr Speight's men and the eyes of the hostages. Many of the Indian vehicles on the Coral Coast were travelling at high speed and in convoys, those fleeing included some of the nation's senior public servants, including magistrates. Hardly any shops or businesses appeared to be open in Suva. Many government departments, closed for the public holiday, are not expected to reopen today.
Schools are closed and the public bus system is running a skeleton service.
Yet, in Nadi last night, the city appeared to be calm and operating normally. Many shops were open and twilight golfers were out in force on the Nadi course. Along the coast road, Fijian and Indian villages appeared calm. Many people were at the roadside watching the almost constant lines of vehicles fleeing Suva. In Nadi the only signs of a coup were banners on some homes that supported President Mara and derided Mr Speight.