A YORK academic caught up in the Fijian military coup told today of her fears for the future of the paradise Pacific Island.

Dr Jackie Bock, 42, left her lecturing post at the College of Ripon and York St John in March to start a new life in Fiji with her husband Edwin and seven-year-old son Peter.

She had secured a "dream" job teaching psychology at the University of the South Pacific in the country's capital, Suva.

But within three months, Fiji was thrown into chaos following a coup attempt by rebel leader George Speight, who claimed he was acting on behalf of all ethnic Fijians.

The Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, and his cabinet were locked in the parliament and there followed weeks of civil unrest in Suva before Speight's arrest two-months later.

Dr Bock said: "We were having a wonderful time. It's a really beautiful place.

"We knew there were political tensions between the minority Indians and indigenous Fijians but we weren't expecting any problems at all.

"One day I went into work as normal and people were standing around saying there had been a coup and a lot of rioting and looting in Suva. I was immediately worried for my son Peter who was three miles away at international school."

The family decided to leave Suva when the communications broke down and the troubles increased and were eventually advised by the High Commission not to return.

The family stayed with family and friends in York on their return and are still waiting for their possessions to be shipped back.

"Our biggest concern is for the people who have to stay in Fiji," said Dr Bock.

Dr Bock has secured another lectureship in Hampshire and the family intend to move their soon.

matthew.woodcock@ycp.co.uk

PICTURE: Dr Jackie Bock with her son, Peter

Picture: Paul Baker