NationStates Jolt Archive

So I'm researching the Solomon Islands for an essay and among the necessary data is obviously some various GDP numbers. I check out the Wikipedia page of a List of countries by GDP PPP per capita (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29_per_capita) and I find a rather large difference:

According to the IMF, the Solomons' GDP PPP per capita for 2005 was $2,082.
The CIA World Factbook's 2005 estimate was $600.

That's more than a 300% difference; how can the two come to such different figures? I know there will be some fairly negative opinions about both the IMF and CIA here but when it comes to these sort of figures both groups have academic credibility as far as being used as a reference.

I'll be using whichever best suits my argument, but does anybody have any idea about this?

EDIT
Note I checked the original sources; not a Wikipedia mistake.

my moneys on IMF seeing as how its there money

World Bank goes for roughly $600 as well as GDI rather than GDP.

CIA puts United States at 6 and IMF at 4 huh

I believe the IMF uses figures supplied by the country, whereas the CIA tries to calculate its own figures when possible.

That's what I seem to remember... could be wrong. :confused:

I'll be using whichever best suits my argument...


...and you will thus provide a quick and easy way to destroy your own argument, as well as your credibility. Purposefully cooking the numbers is not a good habit to get into.

Your statement indicates that you have already drawn a conclusion, and are now working to fit the data around it. You should be doing exactly the opposite: observing the data, and then formulating a (or many possible) conclusion(s).

So, a better approach would be to find as many credible sources as you can, and cite and explain them all, even if they differ. If a particular number best suits your argument, present it and explain why it best suits your argument. But data that does not suit your argument cannot be ignored. Present that data as well, while positing and explaining possible counterarguments or alternative hypotheses.

I've been working on a research project myself, for the last 7 months now, and I've got three large models ("arguments") which can possibly explain the observed data. I'm pretty confident that one of them is "the" model/argument, but I cannot ignore the others.

"I'm right and here's why and ignore everything else that says otherwise" is nonsense for internet forums. In the real world, the goal should be to find the truth, whatever it is. If it turns out your argument is wrong, then it's wrong. But you've excluded one possibility, and thus have narrowed down the search for truth; the exercise is still worth while.

I'm taking a guess here, but it may depend on whether they count the entire population, or only those who have integrated the cash economy. In parts of the country people still live with a subsistence or "mixed" economy.

If you want information on the Solomon Islands, I've got quite a bit. I can recommend book titles, and send you recent press articles about various events in the country (it depends on what you're looking for). I've got a fair number of articles relating to RAMSI.

The government's website is here: http://www.pmc.gov.sb/

The Solomon Times: http://solomontimes.com
The Solomon Star: http://www.solomonstarnews.com
Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation: http://www.sibconline.com.sb

I'm too lazy to check this right now but PPP?

Are the CIA figures GDP per capita by PPP as well?

GDP by Purchasing Power Parity is not the same as actual GDP per capita and would certainly be higher.

Oh, I think I have it.

The difference is because of PPP (purchasing power parity).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purchasing_power_parity

If the two organisations use a different basket of goods or a different time period then they will come up with different exchange rates.

The data is also years out. The CIA's estimate is for 2005 (from which their GDP (PPP) estimate is from 2002), whereas the IMF's data is from 2006 (in their 2007 report).

Actually scratch all that. It looks like in calculating GDP (PPP) per capita someone at the CIA used GDP (official exchange rate) instead of using GDP (PPP).

...and you will thus provide a quick and easy way to destroy your own argument, as well as your credibility. Purposefully cooking the numbers is not a good habit to get into.

Your statement indicates that you have already drawn a conclusion, and are now working to fit the data around it. You should be doing exactly the opposite: observing the data, and then formulating a (or many possible) conclusion(s).

So, a better approach would be to find as many credible sources as you can, and cite and explain them all, even if they differ. If a particular number best suits your argument, present it and explain why it best suits your argument. But data that does not suit your argument cannot be ignored. Present that data as well, while positing and explaining possible counterarguments or alternative hypotheses.

I've been working on a research project myself, for the last 7 months now, and I've got three large models ("arguments") which can possibly explain the observed data. I'm pretty confident that one of them is "the" model/argument, but I cannot ignore the others.

"I'm right and here's why and ignore everything else that says otherwise" is nonsense for internet forums. In the real world, the goal should be to find the truth, whatever it is. If it turns out your argument is wrong, then it's wrong. But you've excluded one possibility, and thus have narrowed down the search for truth; the exercise is still worth while.

I didn't mean to imply that I am intentionally looking for data that will suit my argument. For one thing I'm not even sure what my argument is yet. But in the case for this specific figure, I may well leave it out until I have more reliable data for every other indicator I want and will use these to come to the conclusion of which number is most likely to be accurate.

I'm taking a guess here, but it may depend on whether they count the entire population, or only those who have integrated the cash economy. In parts of the country people still live with a subsistence or "mixed" economy.

If you want information on the Solomon Islands, I've got quite a bit. I can recommend book titles, and send you recent press articles about various events in the country (it depends on what you're looking for). I've got a fair number of articles relating to RAMSI.

The government's website is here: http://www.pmc.gov.sb/

The Solomon Times: http://solomontimes.com
The Solomon Star: http://www.solomonstarnews.com
Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation: http://www.sibconline.com.sb

Right now I'm reading about the earlier "civil war" from 1998 onwards and the de facto coup by the Eagle Force. Please suggest some books though. I've got a few out from my library right now. One, Happy Isles in Crisis, seems to be pretty much exactly what I was after. I have only read the first 20 or so pages but, and don't really understand the displacement that originally started the whole deal. Before I do anything else I need to come to grips with it geographically. But by all means toss me anything that you think may help.

By the way, do you have anything about the Arc of Instability?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arc_of_Instability

Note: I made that page myself only a few days ago.

I would personally trust the CIA more than the IMF, as the CIA is an agency of the mixed-market socialist government of the United States, whereas the IMF is an agency of the fully socialist World Government-wannabe called the United Nations.

However, I would like to see both of them shut down and I think we would be better off without them, their anti-prosperity activities, and their statistics.

Looks like they made an error by reporting the official GDP per capita as the PPP adjusted GDP per capita. If you work it out, the 2002 PPP per capita was $1,411.38. So, the IMF figures are the accurate GDP as measured by purchasing power parity and the CIA figures is the official GDP per capita capia.

If you adjust that 2002 PPP figure for growth in GDP since 2002, you get around $2,040 per capita, or roughly equal to the IMF's estimate (the remaining difference is likely from parity adjustments and inflation rates since then).

Whoever wins.... we lose....

Whoever wins.... we lose....

I think that would be more the CIA vs. FBI...

I would personally trust the CIA more than the IMF, as the CIA is an agency of the mixed-market socialist government of the United States, whereas the IMF is an agency of the fully socialist World Government-wannabe called the United Nations.

However, I would like to see both of them shut down and I think we would be better off without them, their anti-prosperity activities, and their statistics.

IMF is socialist? Could've fooled me, what with forcing countries to adopt free-market principles to get access to loans.

Looks like they made an error by reporting the official GDP per capita as the PPP adjusted GDP per capita. If you work it out, the 2002 PPP per capita was $1,411.38. So, the IMF figures are the accurate GDP as measured by purchasing power parity and the CIA figures is the official GDP per capita capia.

If you adjust that 2002 PPP figure for growth in GDP since 2002, you get around $2,040 per capita, or roughly equal to the IMF's estimate (the remaining difference is likely from parity adjustments and inflation rates since then).

Thanks. I had an inkling the IMF was correct, seeing as though the Solomons weren't listed BELOW THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO! lol

Right now I'm reading about the earlier "civil war" from 1998 onwards and the de facto coup by the Eagle Force. Please suggest some books though. I've got a few out from my library right now. One, Happy Isles in Crisis, seems to be pretty much exactly what I was after. I have only read the first 20 or so pages but, and don't really understand the displacement that originally started the whole deal. Before I do anything else I need to come to grips with it geographically. But by all means toss me anything that you think may help.

By the way, do you have anything about the Arc of Instability?


The books I have on the Solomons predate the events of the late 1990s. On the other hand, I've saved recent press articles and information about RAMSI (Operation Helpem Fren). I've also got a few about the riots in Tonga, and a heck of a lot about the coup in Fiji and its aftermath. I could send you any of that (or urls to articles, at least).

The books I have on the Solomons predate the events of the late 1990s. On the other hand, I've saved recent press articles and information about RAMSI (Operation Helpem Fren). I've also got a few about the riots in Tonga, and a heck of a lot about the coup in Fiji and its aftermath. I could send you any of that (or urls to articles, at least).

Yeah, go for it, thanks. Just post the URLs if you could.

The CIA World Factbook is notorious slanted, I wouldn't expect accurate information from it, after all they are an organization whose job it is to fudge the truth.

The CIA World Factbook is notorious slanted, I wouldn't expect accurate information from it, after all they are an organization whose job it is to fudge the truth.

AFAIK it is a generally accepted source.

AFAIK it is a generally accepted source.
That's BS. The only decent sources these days are the UN and EU, even them with a grain of salt in some subjects, but generally the EU is the best.

Just look at the CIA government definitions of all countries in the world, just try and keep a straight face when reading through it.

That's BS. The only decent sources these days are the UN and EU, even them with a grain of salt in some subjects, but generally the EU is the best.

Just look at the CIA government definitions of all countries in the world, just try and keep a straight face when reading through it.

Definitions of all countries in the world? What the hell is that supposed to mean? Link plz.

Until fairly recently the CIA World Factbook used to state that the United Kingdom gained independence in 1801. If they can't get something as simple as that right no wonder it was impossible to find the WMDs. Mind you they have probably edited all the criticism out of wikipedia by now.

Until fairly recently the CIA World Factbook used to state that the United Kingdom gained independence in 1801. If they can't get something as simple as that right no wonder it was impossible to find the WMDs. Mind you they have probably edited all the criticism out of wikipedia by now.

In fairness (I think this is the only time I have ever defended the CIA, or ever will), they were technically correct. Due to the Act of Union passed in 1801, to make Ireland a member of the UK IIRC. Though I agree, very misleading and simplistic.

I think this oversight was corrected in the 2000 edition.

In fairness (I think this is the only time I have ever defended the CIA, or ever will), they were technically correct. Due to the Act of Union passed in 1801, to make Ireland a member of the UK IIRC. Though I agree, very misleading and simplistic.

I think this oversight was corrected in the 2000 edition.

I really do not see how the Act of Union is gaining independence.

I really do not see how the Act of Union is gaining independence.

Independence is probably the wrong word. But 1801 is when the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was established. The term is probably used due the nature of the US's own establishment. Looking through other entries they don't seem to use any other word. Just "independence"

Though look on the bright side at least it didn't say

Independence: 1927 ;)

Yeah, go for it, thanks. Just post the URLs if you could.

RAMSI website: http://www.ramsi.org/

RAMSI in the news:
http://www.forumsec.org/pages.cfm/newsroom/press-statements/2007/sigramsiforum-consultations-begin.html
http://www.eastwestcenter.org/events-en-detail.asp?news_ID=317
http://www.worldpress.org/Asia/2684.cfm
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2006/665/6833
http://www.solomonstarnews.com/?q=node/12934
http://www.islandsbusiness.com/islands_business/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=15882/overideSkinName=issueArticle-full.tpl
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6082768.stm
http://www.islandsbusiness.com/islands_business/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=17431/overideSkinName=issueArticle-full.tpl
http://solomontimes.com/news.aspx?nwID=287
http://solomontimes.com/news.aspx?nwID=286
http://www.defence.gov.au/opanode/
http://www.islandsbusiness.com/islands_business/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=17617/overideSkinName=issueArticle-full.tpl

the December '06 Fiji coup:
the build-up, context & the coup:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6101446.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4617132.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4727543.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3540692.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6108630.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6179318.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/769527.stm
http://www.abc.net.au/ra/pacbeat/stories/s1796685.htm
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_8009.shtml
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6197492.stm
http://www.fijilive.com/news/show/news/2006/12/01/fijilive19.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6195086.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6205148.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6208758.stm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/fiji/article/0,,1964247,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=1
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52961
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52960
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52938
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52944
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52651
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52866
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52519
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52950
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52951
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52953
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52962
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_8059.shtml
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_8054.shtml
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_8044.shtml
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_5927.shtml (regarding the "Amnesty Bill" which was one of the motivations Bainimarama stated for the coup)
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_5029.shtml (ibid)
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_4982.shtml
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6209620.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6209486.stm (summary of the four Fijian coups)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6210464.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6208980.stm
http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/coup-leader-invokes-whitlam-sacking/2006/12/05/1165080944969.html
http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/nz-pm-bainimarama-has-ripped-up-fijis-constitution/2006/12/05/1165080938986.html
http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/fiji-coup-leader-in-control/2006/12/05/1165080909814.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Fiji-Coup-Fears.html?ex=1165986000&en=c31be5de006d7fd5&ei=5040&partner=MOREOVERNEWS
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20879528-601,00.html
http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/world-leaders-condemn-fiji-coup/2006/12/06/1165080980778.html
http://www.thenational.com.pg/120506/nation1.htm (article on the coup from a Papua New Guinea newspaper)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6212364.stm
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10414072

A transcript I made of Bainimarama's statement when he announced the coup (shown on BBC):


“[Reference to Fiji’s ‘constitutional democracy’] […] As of 6 o’clock this evening, the military has taken over the government, has the executive authority [?] and the running of this country. […] [inaudible] over the years [inaudible] regular concerns with the government, in particular the introduction of controversial bills, and policies which have divided the nation now and will have very serious consequences for our future generations. These concerns have been conveyed to the Prime Minister in all fairness and sincerity, with our country’s interests at heart. […] All my efforts to the government were to no avail. […] Qarase has already conducted a silent coup, through bribery, corruption and the introduction of controversial bills. […] This Constitution allows His Excellency [the President] to sack the Prime Minister in cases such as these. However, the stalemate has forced me to step forward, and the military has taken over government. The RFMF throughout this impasse has sought to resolve this matter constitutionally, legally and expeditiously. The RFMF could have carried out unconstitutional and illegal activities, but has not done so, and will not do so. It believes in the rule of law, and shall adhere to the Constitution. [… It also,] more importantly, believes in adherence to the spirit of the law, and the Constitution. Our position can be differentiated from the Qarase government which, for example, through the passing of the Reconciliation, QoliQoli and Land Claims will undermine the Constitution and deprive many citizens of their rights, guarenteed under the Constitution and compromise and undermine the integrity of the Constitutional offices, including the judiciary. […] [The President’s powers to dismiss the Prime Minister due to “exceptional circumstances] are sometimes refered to as ‘reserve powers’, which have been exercised in Fiji previously and other Commonwealth jurisdictions, including Australia by Governor-General General [sic] Kerr. Kerr as you all know sacked Prime Minister Whitlam. [References to court decisions confirming the President’s authority.] […] The President is supported by some, including the Vice-President, who are putting undue pressure on him. […] Accordingly, given […] the need to resolve the current crisis, the need to invigorate the economy, the need to normalise the state of affairs, the need to maintain the Constitution, the need to maintain law and order, and recognising that the President has been prevented […] from exercising his Constitutional prerogative […], as commander of the RFMF, I, under the legal doctrine of necessity, will step into the shoes of the President.”

I've got heaps more, including on the aftermath of the coup, if you need it.

the Tonga riots (events & context, and the subsequent sending of foreign troops to Tonga):
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6153238.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5412008.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6156878.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6160552.stm
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10411220
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10411218
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10411219
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200611171722/tonga_passes_emergency_stop-and-search_laws
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200611191731/king_vows_to_put_down_criminal_destruction
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6163544.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6177522.stm
http://www.abc.net.au/ra/pacbeat/stories/s1795993.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/ra/pacbeat/stories/s1794653.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/ra/pacbeat/stories/s1793081.htm
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/3340
http://www.matangitonga.to/article/demos_infight051206.shtml
http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/crime/suspects011206.shtml
http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/tourism.travel/seaview051206.shtml
http://www.niufm.com/?t=3&View=FullStory&newsID=1489
http://www.matangitonga.to/article/senituli_281206.shtml
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1818332.htm
http://www.pmo.gov.to/artman/publish/article_256.shtml
http://www.pacificislands.cc/issue/2007/01/01/nukualofa-burns

Aftermath of the looting of Honiara's Chinatown:
http://www.china.org.cn/english/2006/Apr/166336.htm
http://www.newsgd.com/news/picstories/200604250001.htm
http://www.islandsbusiness.com/islands_business/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=15887/overideSkinName=issueArticle-full.tpl

RAMSI website: http://www.ramsi.org/

RAMSI in the news:
http://www.forumsec.org/pages.cfm/newsroom/press-statements/2007/sigramsiforum-consultations-begin.html
http://www.eastwestcenter.org/events-en-detail.asp?news_ID=317
http://www.worldpress.org/Asia/2684.cfm
http://www.greenleft.org.au/2006/665/6833
http://www.solomonstarnews.com/?q=node/12934
http://www.islandsbusiness.com/islands_business/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=15882/overideSkinName=issueArticle-full.tpl
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6082768.stm
http://www.islandsbusiness.com/islands_business/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=17431/overideSkinName=issueArticle-full.tpl
http://solomontimes.com/news.aspx?nwID=287
http://solomontimes.com/news.aspx?nwID=286
http://www.defence.gov.au/opanode/
http://www.islandsbusiness.com/islands_business/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=17617/overideSkinName=issueArticle-full.tpl

the December '06 Fiji coup:
the build-up, context & the coup:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6101446.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4617132.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4727543.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3540692.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6108630.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6179318.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/769527.stm
http://www.abc.net.au/ra/pacbeat/stories/s1796685.htm
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_8009.shtml
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6197492.stm
http://www.fijilive.com/news/show/news/2006/12/01/fijilive19.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6195086.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6205148.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6208758.stm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/fiji/article/0,,1964247,00.html?gusrc=rss&feed=1
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52961
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52960
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52938
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52944
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52651
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52866
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52519
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52950
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52951
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52953
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52962
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_8059.shtml
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_8054.shtml
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_8044.shtml
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_5927.shtml (regarding the "Amnesty Bill" which was one of the motivations Bainimarama stated for the coup)
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_5029.shtml (ibid)
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_4982.shtml
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6209620.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6209486.stm (summary of the four Fijian coups)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6210464.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6208980.stm
http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/coup-leader-invokes-whitlam-sacking/2006/12/05/1165080944969.html
http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/nz-pm-bainimarama-has-ripped-up-fijis-constitution/2006/12/05/1165080938986.html
http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/fiji-coup-leader-in-control/2006/12/05/1165080909814.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Fiji-Coup-Fears.html?ex=1165986000&en=c31be5de006d7fd5&ei=5040&partner=MOREOVERNEWS
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20879528-601,00.html
http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/world-leaders-condemn-fiji-coup/2006/12/06/1165080980778.html
http://www.thenational.com.pg/120506/nation1.htm (article on the coup from a Papua New Guinea newspaper)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6212364.stm
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10414072

A transcript I made of Bainimarama's statement when he announced the coup (shown on BBC):



I've got heaps more, including on the aftermath of the coup, if you need it.

the Tonga riots (events & context, and the subsequent sending of foreign troops to Tonga):
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6153238.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5412008.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6156878.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6160552.stm
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10411220
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10411218
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10411219
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200611171722/tonga_passes_emergency_stop-and-search_laws
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200611191731/king_vows_to_put_down_criminal_destruction
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6163544.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6177522.stm
http://www.abc.net.au/ra/pacbeat/stories/s1795993.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/ra/pacbeat/stories/s1794653.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/ra/pacbeat/stories/s1793081.htm
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/3340
http://www.matangitonga.to/article/demos_infight051206.shtml
http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/crime/suspects011206.shtml
http://www.matangitonga.to/article/tonganews/tourism.travel/seaview051206.shtml
http://www.niufm.com/?t=3&View=FullStory&newsID=1489
http://www.matangitonga.to/article/senituli_281206.shtml
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200612/s1818332.htm
http://www.pmo.gov.to/artman/publish/article_256.shtml
http://www.pacificislands.cc/issue/2007/01/01/nukualofa-burns

Aftermath of the looting of Honiara's Chinatown:
http://www.china.org.cn/english/2006/Apr/166336.htm
http://www.newsgd.com/news/picstories/200604250001.htm
http://www.islandsbusiness.com/islands_business/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=15887/overideSkinName=issueArticle-full.tpl

Is that all you've got?

:p Cheers.