SUVA, Fiji (6 Dec 2006) -- Fiji's military ruler declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, one day after seizing power. Police ousted politicians and senior bureaucrats who defied the coup with passive resistance and as international sanctions began isolating the South Pacific country. Tourism figures have fallen an estimated 50 per cent from last year. Jim Sherlock, the owner of The Lagoon resort in Pacific Harbour said there had been virtually no bookings. "All my bookings have cancelled. I'm dead empty," he said. Workers described the situation as worrying. "When we don't have guests there is no income," said Sanjini Ani, a receptionist at The Lagoon resort. Similarly empty scenes were visible in Suva's Tradewinds hotel resort. A statement issued by the Information Ministry on Wednesday said Commodore Frank Bainimarama had ordered the state of emergency immediately after assuming executive power on Tuesday. He also ordered that a security cordon be set up around the capital, that check points be established at strategic points in the city, and for all military reserves to be "marched into" military camps to support the state of emergency. | 
