The Jet Volume 6 Number 5

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER, 2014. ISSUE 56 www.thejetnewspaper.
com 50 CENTS
THE
JET
Water joy
The Water Authority of Fiji
(WAF) has achieved another mile-
stone in provision of treated water
to the residents of Nawaicoba Nadi
after 21-years.
This was made possible through
the assistance of Government and
WAF respectively.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainima-
rama personally commended WAF in
the provision of this basic need espe-
cially in Nawaicoba after 21-years.
Speaking to the residents of
Nawaicoba in July, PM Bainima-
rama said that water has started to
come in some of the homes of Nawa-
icoba.
WAF is going to continue to
work to bring water to your homes.
Water will eventually come to you
when WAF nishes work in Nawa-
icoba area, said PM Bainimarama.
He said Government will contin-
ue to provide services to its people
out of which one of the basic neces-
sities is water.
PM Bainimarama personally re-
minded WAF to continue this pro-
vision of service while at the same
time to be mindful of the new devel-
opments that are also taking place in
Nadi.
Nawaicoba Advisory Councillor
Kuwar Singh said that more than
3000 people of Nawaicoba are really
very happy with this great initiative
taken by the Government and WAF.
He said this scheme started in
1993 under the Rural Regional Self
Help Project but was never com-
pleted.
While thanking the Government
and WAF, Mr Singh said the peo-
ple of Nawaicoba have waited for
21-years for this day to come.
The residents have been depend-
ing on boreholes, wells, creeks and
rainwater all this while but now
their dream is coming true, said Mr
Singh.
Mr Singh said WAF was ap-
proached in 2010 and water cart-
ing commenced for the residents of
Nawaicoba which was very helpful.
I am really grateful to WAF and
the Prime Minister that at the end we
are successful in getting water to the
Nawaicoba community, added Mr
Singh.
Another resident Navin Pillay
said they have been receiving nor-
mal supply and now they dont have
to depend on boreholes to consume
water.
We are now receiving water ev-
ery morning and the pressure is re-
ally good, said Mr Pillay.
He thanked WAF for a job well
done in providing water to the resi-
dents of Nawaicoba.
Nitya Nand also shared a similar
sentiment thanking the Government
and WAF for the provision of this
service to their area.
We thank the Government and
WAF and we all are so happy. We
are nally getting treated water after
21-years, he further added.
Ten percent of the Nawaicoba
community has access to clean drink-
ing water now and very soon the rest
of the residents will be enjoying this
basic need. WAF will continue to
provide sustainable and clean drink-
ing water to all Fijians.
By NAVINESH KUMAR
Bula Festival a success !
The 2014 Bula Festival ended on a high note on Saturday, Au-
gust 9 with major sponsors Digicel conrming more support in
future years. Seen above are the winners of the Miss Priscilla
pageant. The Jacks of Fiji Miss Priscilla 2014 Miss Emirates
Airline Chanel Medel is seen standing second from left. INSET:
Digicel Fiji CEO Darren McLean with Miss Digicel Bula Festival
2014 Rowzel Madden who was sponsored by Sharma Music
Centre. More coverage on pages 16 & 17. Photos: MARGARET
NAQIRI.
www.thejetnewspaper.com www.epapergallery.com/thejet
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 2
PICK OF THE MONTH
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
Fiji - the way the world should be
Being the hub of the Pacic, Fiji has everything that a spectacular tropical paradise
has to offer - from private island resort accommodations, top class restaurants to
white sandy beaches, inbound tours, jet boat rides, hot air balloon rides, mountain
trekking, inland tours, eco tourism, sky diving, helicopter rides, cruise trips, scuba
diving, massage and beauty parlours, vibrant night life and a lot more than any other
destination in the world offers
MINFO
THE JET is Fijis rst community newspaper published monthly by
SHAMBU ADVERTISING from Nadi - the tourism capital of Fiji.
PUBLISHER : SHALENDRA PRASAD Cell: 9232073
FAX : (679) 6708188
EMAIL : thejetnewspaper@gmail.com
WEBSITE : www.thejetnewspaper.com
Young woman takes up
organic farming
Tokasa Vadrasola in her plantation at Sabeto. Photo: SPC.
By ASHLEY GOPAL
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
A
s the early morn-
ing sunlight bathes
the Sabeto Valley in
Fijis west, a farmer wakes up,
leaves home and walks about 20
minutes to a plantation, greeting
others also on their way to their
farms.
There the farmer begins
work, weeding and caring for
the crops aiming to get a few
hours of work done before the
heat of the day starts in earnest
and the sun drives workers into
the shade to take a break for
breakfast.
This is a common scene all
over the Pacic Islands, but a
difference in this case is that
the farmer is a woman and is
only 22 years old. Tokasa Va-
drasola from Sabeto has turned
her hand to farming as a career
commercial organic papaya
farming to be precise.
Ms Vadrasola nished form
6 at Vulinimono High School
and then stayed home to assist
with the family chores and grew
a small mixed crop garden in-
cluding vegetables such as cab-
bages for home consumption. In
mid-2013 she joined a group of
20 farmers in the Sabeto valley
to form the Sabeto Organic Pa-
paya Association (SOPA) with
the aim of becoming organi-
cally certied and exporting
papaya to New Zealand.
SOPA is being supported in
this effort by a project funded
by the International Fund for
Agricultural Development
(IFAD) and implemented by
the Pacic Organic and Ethical
Trade Community (POETCom)
and the Secretariat of the Pacic
Community (SPC).
The aim of this project is to
enhance the access of Pacic
smallholders to high-value mar-
kets by obtaining appropriate
and recognised organic certi-
cation and support. The project
facilitates the development of
organic participatory guaran-
tee systems (PGS) to provide
a credible organic guarantee
to consumers seeking organic
produce through the direct par-
ticipation of farmers and con-
sumers in the organic guarantee
process, and is based on recog-
nised standards for organic pro-
duction.
The organic production tech-
niques used by SOPA are also
benecial for building farming
systems that are resilient and
help mitigate climate change
impacts, and therefore the
group has also been able to re-
ceive support from the USAID
Enhanced Climate Change Re-
silience of Food Production
Systems initiative.
Ms Vadrasola has one acre
of organic papaya about 130
trees. She explains that as the
farm is becoming organically
certied she doesnt use any
chemicals or weed killers on the
land. She says that the weeding
is sometimes hard work but that
she believes that the organic
methods produce better fruits
that is healthier and safer.
The SOPA members meet
weekly to discuss progress and
learn more about organic farm-
ing.
We all have to follow the
rules of the PGS and the organ-
ic standard, she explained, we
have to make sure the plantation
is clean of rubbish and plastics
and do other things to make
sure we have a good quality
crop like pruning and applying
compost and organic fertilis-
ers. We have also learned to bag
owers to collect seeds because
seed saving is an important part
of organic farming.
The PGS members are also
trained to keep records of all
activities on their plots and to
inspect each others farms to
ensure all members are comply-
ing with the organic standards.
There are currently 20 farmers
in SOPA, seven of whom, are
women. When asked who the
best farmers are in the group
their certication manager To-
masi Draunimasi immediately
responded, The women! They
are reliable and work hardest.
Ms Vadrasola was quick to
add that the men in the group
do help them with weeding at
times and that everyone works
well together.
SOPAs rst harvest will be
starting in September, and Ms
Vadrasola is looking forward
to earning a regular income
from exporting her papaya. She
hopes that from the money she
earns she will be able to help
her family and also to save a
little and start a small store in
the village.
She says her family is very
supportive of her farming ef-
forts and plans and sometimes
family members help out on
her papaya plot. Her advice to
other young people considering
going into commercial farming
is: Work hard and be honest,
it can be hard work but organic
farming is a good career and it
will pay off.
Army to respect
poll results:
Commander
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces will support the elected
Government and accept the outcome of the 2014 General Elec-
tion.
Speaking at the RFMF Commanders parade recently for
military personnel who have returned from the United Nations
Disengagement of Force mission in Golan Heights, RFMF
Commander, Brigadier General Mosese Tikoitoga urged the
196 ofcers to remain apolitical at all times.
We should not be involved in any political party activities
nor should we be participating in any political party activities,
but rather we should remain apolitical for the mere fact that
we should be ready to accept the role of the custodian of any
Government that comes into power after the election, Briga-
dier General Tikoitoga said.
We can only do that if we remain neutral in preparation pri-
or to the election, remain neutral during the election and accept
the result of the election and subject ourselves to the Govern-
ment that comes into power after the elections.
The RFMF Commander said the RFMF would not favour
any individual or political party and reminded those who had
not read the constitution to familiarise themselves with the
document.
We will take our role in the constitution seriously and we
will continue to uphold that role for the sake of upholding sta-
bility and maintaining law and order in our nation, Brigadier
General Tikoitoga said.
Fiji remains the largest contingent in Syria with over 400
troops on the ground.
Treat for special kids
Pacic Transport employ-
ee Sachindra Govind cele-
brated his daughters birthday
with students of Nadi Centre
for Special Education.
Instead of hosting a party
at home with family and
friends, Govind treated the
special kids with lunch on
July 17 to mark his daughter
Divya Darshikas 13th birth-
day.
Darshika who is a form-
four student of Sangam Col-
lege was not present at the
lunch as she was attending
school that day.
My daughter said to me
that it will be a good idea to
provide lunch to children of
the special school instead of
spending money for a birth-
day party so I readily agreed,
Govind said.
Sachindra Govind serving lunch to children of Nadi Special
School. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
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ADVERTISEMENT
NADI TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
By SHALENDRA PRASAD
By SHALENDRA PRASAD
By SHALENDRA PRASAD
Hygiene
awareness at
Nadi Market
The Nadi Town Council has taken a lead role in the country
as far as food hygiene for fresh fruits and vegetables is con-
cerned.
Starting from the Namaka Market last year, Dr Namrata,
an expert in food hygiene from the International Trade Centre
(ITC) in conjunction with the Secretariat of the Pacic Com-
munity (SPC) has been carrying out workshops with market
vendors to raise awareness on the importance of hygiene and
the important roles the vendors play in the whole equation.
This year Dr Namrata was back in the country and conduct-
ed a special workshop with Nadi market vendors on Wednes-
day, August 13.
Dr Namrata carried out various presentations to educate ven-
dors on how to carry out their daily chores in a hygienic manner.
She also highlighted various examples whereby people have
lost their lives due to carelessness in handling food.
Nadi Town Council special administrator Robin Ali said the
council and vendors are very lucky to get access to such high
level of training as far as food hygiene and safety are concerned.
He said the council is always encouraging such initiatives
which are aimed at improving lifestyles in the township.
Nadi Market Vendors Association president Ram Chand said
such workshops are very benecial to vendors. He also com-
mended the council for keeping the market clean at all times,
keeping the image of an international town intact.
Dr Namrata of India carries out the awareness workshop at the Nadi Market. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
Government has given $40,000 for the upgrade of Nadi Bus
Stand public toilets in a bid to provide better facilities for resi-
dents and visitors while looking at the needs of special citizens
as well.
Special administrator Robin Ali said work at the bus stand is
nearing completion with the council also having to spend close
to $10,000 apart from the government grant.
The upgrade work will be a great relief for people with dis-
abilities as they will be also able to use the facilities at their
ease, Mr Ali said.
He said the council is also inviting members of the business
community to join hands with them in a public private partner-
ship to further enhance the bus stand area.
Bus Stand
upgrade
nears
completion
Market ready
for opening
Work on the Nadi market upgrade project is nearing
completion says special administrator Robin Ali.
We are targeting to complete the works by early Septem-
ber and have it opened by the Prime Minister depending on
his availability, Mr Ali said.
The completion has been delayed by almost four weeks
due to some issues with Fiji Electricity Authority and rede-
signing of the cantilever.
We are currently working on seeking sponsors for f-
teen durable bunkers for the hostel. The total utilization of
fund as at 15/08/2014 is 76% and Council has given another
$35,000 from its recurrent funds to complete the project,
Mr Ali said.
He said the total cost of the project upon completion will
be $839,000 of which $804,000 is funded by government and
$35,000 by council.
Upon completion, the new market will have proper ac-
commodation facilities for thirty vendors who were other-
wise spending their nights on footpaths, Mr Ali informed.
He said currently, the female staff members of the coun-
cil are carrying out an awareness campaign educating the
vendors on how to properly use the facilities being built for
their convenience.
NADI TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
Experts begin ood control study
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
between the Fijian Government and the Government of Japan,
two experts have started work to look at mitigating ooding in
Nadi.
Nadi Town special administrator Robin Ali says the two Ja-
pan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) ofcers are car-
rying out assessment works at the Nadi River and will put a
report on proposed solutions.
The two have been working out of the Nadi Town Council
and will put together a detailed and comprehensive report for
best ood control practices.
They are working with the Ministry of Agricultures Land
and Water Resource Management Unit to compile a report that
would best address the issue of ooding in Nadi, he said.
We are grateful to Government for making this a priority as
ooding in Nadi affects close to 50,000 residents and puts a lot
of constraints to services to the people including tourists.
The Japanese government has already committed three hun-
dred million dollars for the project.
Mr Ali says this solution will be a huge relief to the people
of Nadi.
I can say that its going to bring a lot of relief to the Nadi
people. As for ooding, we dont know what is the extent of
rainfall but this cut-off channel is going to take the bulk of the
water to the other side so obviously the level of water would be
much, much less compared to the last oods.
Its taken more than a decade to get the project started but
thanks to the Government for getting this far in getting a ood-
ing solution for Nadi and the next three years will see further
studies carried out before the actual diversion begins in 2016,
Mr Ali added.
MINFO
Nair Dais upgrade
works planned
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
If all goes according to
plan, Nair Dais a popular
spot in the heart of Nadi Town
could soon get an internation-
al standard upgrade.
Special administrator Rob-
in Ali said the council has al-
ready sketched the proposed
upgrade works and is inviting
a public private partnership to
move forward with the proj-
ect.
He said Fijis Ambassador
to the Middle-East, Dr Robin
Nair has pledged a generous
donation of $20,000 for the
project and the council will
also be approaching govern-
ment to partly fund the project
via the challenge fund initia-
tive.
The Nair Dais is named in
honour of Late Raman Nair
who hailed from Nadi and was
a much respected government
ofcial. He was the father of
Ambassador Nair who is cur-
rently based in United Arab
Emirates. According to Mr
Ali, the council intends to cre-
ate an open space for activities
at the Dais while also build-
ing seating facilities, a water
fountain and other facilities.
Nadi Town Council special administrator Robin Ali, left, caught in a jovial mood with prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama
during the senior citizens day and Eid celebrations at the Civic Centre on Wednesday, July 30. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
LOCAL NEWS
With the push for more
women to be represented at
senior levels of decision mak-
ing, at least one woman is al-
ready literally on the road to
achieving that.
The countrys senior most
female qualied road engi-
neer, Zaina Khan is encour-
aging young girls not to limit
their goals.
Zaina Khan was born and
bred in England.
Zainas father left Fiji to
marry her Kenyan mother in
1966.
He was one of the sons of
the founder of M. R. Khan
Buses Limited which still op-
Khan excels in male
dominated eld
erates in Nadi today.
I have a family connec-
tion. My father is a Fijian.
With the introduction of dual
nationality, it makes it pos-
sible for me to be here, Khan
says.
Zaina performs one of the
top jobs in the Fiji Roads Au-
thority looking after NAS-
RUP, the Nadi and Suva Road
Upgrade Project.
What inspired me into
this profession, nothing in
particular. Thinking I come
from the UK where we have
a lot of great women in our
history Queen Elizabeth the
1st, Queen Elizabeth the 2nd,
Queen Victoria, Margaret
Thatcher, for us women in
the UK, we just think we can
do whatever we want, said
Khan.
Zaina Khan is not only a
road engineer, shes also a
specialist in water and sew-
erage engineering and for a
woman its very inspiring in-
deed and also could be tough
working amongst men.
You need to be qualied,
you need to be working really
hard, you need to be honest
and stick to your values.
FIJI TV
MINFO
Zaina Khan has links with the famous
M.R. Khan family of Sabeto, Nadi. Photo:
MIKA LOGA / FIJI TV.
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
Plans for new detention centre
The Department of Immigration is working
towards purchasing land to build Fijis rst
ever detention centre in Nadi.
The Departments assistant director Ed-
ward Brown said they have earmarked a piece
of land in Nadi and are currently nalising de-
tails including the lease agreements.
We are currently working towards acquir-
ing a piece of land for the detention center
which will ensure that it is on its own and not
at the Nadi international airport, he said.
The initial plan was to have it together at
the airport but we feel that security should not
be compromised thus the reason for the delay.
Mr Brown said that those entering Fiji il-
legally or violating anti-immigration laws are
usually detained at hotels while being processed.
He said that the high costs of this process should
be mitigated through the establishment of a per-
manent detention centre.
However, the number of persons that are
kept under detention varies and some weeks, it
could be as high as 10 while there could be none
on some days and it will all depend on our sur-
veillance and monitoring, Mr Brown said.
Government has given the immigration de-
partment $450, 000 for the construction of the
regions rst centre and Mr Brown says the proj-
ect will speed up once the land is secured.
CCTV cameras for Nadi on track
Nadi will soon be wired with
CCTV cameras installed at stra-
tegic points to improve on the
safety and security of residents
and visitors.
Local ICT company
Shazcom Technologies has
come forward to carry out the
work at cost-to-cost following
a successful demonstration of
how the system will work.
Director Shanil Chandra car-
ried out a demonstration of the
system at the Nadi Chamber of
Commerce and Industry board
meeting and is currently work-
ing on installing cameras at
various points within the town
so that a nal demonstration
can be carried out involving all
stakeholders.
This is a small way of giv-
ing back to my town of birth,
Chandra told NCCI members.
LOCAL NEWS
Ripal is Rotarian
number one
New bridge a relief for residents
Two Western villages are amongst the rst
of hundreds to have river crossings xed or
rebuilt, as the Fiji Roads Authority looks to
improve access for people in isolated areas or
those vulnerable to being isolated by ooding.
Work has begun on crossings at Masi and
Togo Lavusa, two villages near Nadi. Fiji
Roads Authority Capital Works Manager Ian
Hunter says the projects should be completed
before the rainy season, in November.
These are just two of around fteen cross-
ings throughout the country that are coming
into the construction phase. The work is not
just about repairing the crossings, but making
sure they are stronger, less likely to fail and
easier to maintain in future.
There are hundreds of crossings just like
these, all over Fiji, in need of repair or replace-
ment, says Mr Hunter. The list is very long,
and it is a matter of prioritising the crossings
that have the greatest need, or that can be xed
relatively quickly and simply before they fail
completely. Really, they are all a priority - giv-
ing Fijian people everywhere reliable access to
the outside world is extremely important, for so
many reasons.
For villages that are cut off when crossings
are washed away, the most pressing problems
are access to work, education and health care.
At some locations, we havent been able to
get buses in for upwards of ve years because
By ONARINA UMU
a crossing was destroyed and cut off from safe
vehicle access.
FRAs consulting engineers, MWH Global,
says as pressing as the crossings are, they are
proving to be some of the FRA engineering
consultants most challenging work.
The logisitics are enormous, which is
why it is going to take some time to work our
way through the list, says Technical Delivery
Manager Don Clifford. Many are deep inland.
Getting people and materials to the site is time-
intensive and costly - some are several hours
from a main road. But all the reasons we are
nding these projects a challenge, are the rea-
sons they are such a priority.
Its not just getting equipment and people on
site that is making the crossing projects more
time consuming than might be expected.
Simple crossings are quick to put in, but
they dont last. It takes high tech expertise
to make a reliable, permanent solution and
a great deal of attention to detail. The reason
many have failed isnt that they werent strong
enough, it was caused by failure of individual
components.
Mr Clifford says the very nature of crossings
makes them a difcult proposition.
The work is incredibly weather dependent,
and because we are putting them across river
beds that are difcult to de-water, building
them becomes more complex.
By MARGARET NAQIRI
Rotary Club of Nadi president Ripal Patel, centre, is anked by her husband Sanjit Patel,
right, and brother-in-law Vinod Patel during the change-over night at Sitar Restaurant in Mar-
tintar. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
Longtime member Ripal
Patel has been elected to lead
the Rotary Club of Nadi dur-
ing a special change-over
night at Sitar Restaurant re-
cently.
Ms Patel takes over the po-
sition from Hemant Kumar
who has been working hard
for the past one-year.
The club has been making
a huge impact in the lives of
people in Nadi and the greater
western division with various
community initiatives in ar-
eas of health, education and
disaster relief efforts.
While addressing members
during the function, Ms Patel
said the club will be raising
funds for Friends of Fiji Heart
Foundation as the rst project
under her leadership.
She said other projects will
include assisting Animals Fiji
and upgrading of the mater-
nity unit at Nadi Hospital.
ADVERTISEMENT
LOCAL NEWS
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
Former mayor joins FijiFirst
Former Nadi mayor
Sanjit Patel. Photo:
FijiFirst.
NFP policies to benet ALL: Prem Singh
Prem Singh (pictured)
of Nadi is a respected busi-
nessman, company director,
consultant and farmer, and
an experienced politician and
leader in local government
with a history of community
work with youth, sports, sugar
industry and business.
Political involvement:
Singh was educated in Fiji and
New Zealand at Wellington
polytechnic. He was elected
to Parliament in 2001 and as
lone NFP member was leader
of Opposition. He was elected
to Nadi Town Council three
times and became Deputy
Mayor, 1999-2001.
Community service: On
Nadi Chamber of Commerce
directors board since 2007,
appointed to Multi-Ethnic
Cultural Centre, Chair of Nadi
District Advisory Council
2003-2012, member of Nadi
Rural Local Authority, on
technical committee for Nadi
Basin Catchment and was
chairperson of National Rec-
onciliation committee 2004;
founder member of the Fiji
Cane Growers Association;
Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi
Sabha (SDPS) of Fiji National
Vice President 2002-2009,
President Nadi and has led
sports and youth committees.
Concerns: rise in cost of
living, poverty and unfair dis-
tribution of wealth, return to
full democracy, with rule of
law, decent wages for decent
jobs and leaders accountable
to the people.
National Federation Par-
ty Plan for Your Future
1. Reduce Value Add-
ed Tax (VAT) from 15% to 10
%.
2. Increase retirement
age to 60 in the Civil Service.
3. Give full scholar-
ships to eligible students from
poor families who do not
qualify for scholarships under
Toppers scheme.
4. Increase monthly
pension under the Social pen-
sion Scheme to $50.
5. Remove restrictions
on workers rights and allow
free collective bargaining.
6. Hold an Education
Commission of Inquiry into
curriculum, teaching and class
size.
7. Meet with leaders of
the i-Taukei community and
others about improving the Fi-
jian administration as a matter
of priority. For political stabil-
ity, the NFP will work hard
with other political parties to
implement policies that en-
sure the i-Taukei community
feels supremely condent and
secure about its place at the
heart of Fiji.
8. Re-establish Public
Works Department.
9. Improve health ser-
vices and upgrade hospitals
and health centres to provide
quality care.
10. Increase the avail-
ability of land for agricultural
purpose through a Master
Lease.
11. Provide welfare
funding for all widows/ wid-
owers/ destitute regardless of
other support already provid-
ed.
12. Promote gender
equality in access to produc-
tive resources, education,
training, economic opportu-
nity and decision making at
all levels.
13. Support training to
police and military to enhance
professionalism and commit-
ment to democratic gover-
nance and rule of law.
14. Implement a mini-
mum guaranteed price on
cane of $85 per ton and pro-
vide subsidy for inputs such as
fertilizer and weedicides.
15. Produce a set of na-
tional guidelines for child pro-
tection, safety and support.
16. Provide strength-
ened support for training and
employment opportunities for
young people.
Achievements of the NFP
In the last 50 years, the
National Federation party has
achieved many things for peo-
ple of all walks of life in Fiji.
Some of its major achieve-
ments are listed below:-
1. Establishment of the
Fiji National Provident Fund
(FNPF).
2. Successfully and
peacefully negotiating the
independence of Fiji and the
1970 Constitution.
3. Proposing the idea
of a local university that led to
the establishment of the Uni-
versity of the South Pacic
(USP).
4. Brought about
ALTO in 1996 and ALTA
in 1976 in partnership with
the landowners that provide
mechanisms and basis for res-
olution of future land tenure
problem in Fiji.
5. Played a key role in
the sugar industry by negoti-
ating the Denning Award, pur-
chase of the CSR and SPSM
and establishment of the FSC
and in restructuring the sugar
industry in 1984 allowing
farmers to have greater say in
the industry.
6. Establishment of the
Housing Authority of Fiji.
7. Establishment of
the Reeves Commission to
review the 1990 Constitution
and the successful passage of
the 1997 Constitution.
8. Negotiated Diwali
and Prophet Muhammads
Birthday public holidays.
Our Commitment
The NFP will: - Re-
store Respect for the Rule of
Law in our nation.
Return Dignity to
all people.
Restore and defend
the right to Speak out freely.
Restore Con-
dence to business and invest-
ment with reasonable and sup-
porting economic policies.
Support NFP for progress.
Support NFP for open, hon-
est change. Support NFP for
justice, fairness and equal
treatment under the law. Sup-
port NFP so you can TRUST
again.
Former Nadi mayor Sanjit
Patel believes FijiFirst is the
best party to take the country
forward.
Patel who is a graduate
from Canberra University in
Australia is a well-known per-
sonality in Nadi and has been
serving people at various lev-
els.
I strongly believe that Fi-
jiFirst has the ability to take
the country forward and we
should all support the party
for future prosperity, Mr Pa-
tel said.
Patel who has a track re-
cord of doing well in his
various public roles has been
a Rotarian for many years
having served as president as
well.
I have been working on
the eld with people of grass-
root level during natural disas-
ters and during our commu-
nity outreach programs and
know exactly what the people
of Fiji need. I believe FijiFirst
is ready to deliver that ser-
vice and assistance needed for
prosperity, Mr Patel added.
Apart from running his
business, Mr Patel is also
busy with various educational
institutes. He is the chairman
of the board of governors of
Nadi College and president
of the Fiji Education Society.
Patel has also served as presi-
dent of Nadi Gujarati Sports
Association and Fiji Gujarati
Sports Association respec-
tively.
In 2005, Patel created his-
tory in the local government
circles by accumulating a sur-
plus of $1 million during his
term as mayor of Nadi. He
was also instrumental in the
construction of the Namaka
Market which is providing
service to thousands of resi-
dents and visitors alike.
His election number is 145.
NFP
TRAVEL AND TOURISM
Expo dates released
Following the success of
the inaugural Fijian Tourism
Expo (FTE) in May, Tourism
Fiji has announced that FTE
2015 will take place in Fiji
from 16-18 June 2015 at the
Denarau Island Convention
Centre.
After a competitive ten-
der process, the Denarau Is-
land Convention Centre was
chosen to host FTE again in
2015 due to the success of this
years event and the Centres
ability to cater for an even
bigger event next year.
After this years hugely
successful inaugural event,
the interest in next years Fi-
jian Tourism Expo is incredi-
ble, says Tourism Fiji Events
Director, Sally Cooper. We
expect the event to be signi-
cantly larger in 2015 with the
addition of more niche op-
erators and service providers
from the wider tourism indus-
try.
Event organisers will work
with a number of resorts to
provide accommodation for
the attendees of the event and
will be showcasing a range
of venues for the events and
functions that are part of the
main programme. Pre and
post- FTE familiarisation
tours will also be offered to
showcase the wider Fiji to
visiting travel industry spe-
cialists.
Tourism Fiji has purpose-
fully selected dates immedi-
ately prior to Australian Tour-
ism Exchange (ATE) 2015,
to be hosted in Melbourne, to
make it easier for buyers from
key long haul markets to make
the most out of their annual
visits to the Pacic region.
"By timing FTE to run im-
mediately prior to ATE, we
hope to not only attract more
long-haul buyers to Fiji, but
also give them the opportunity
to understand and experience
the great variety of tourism
product we have to offer,
says Cooper.
For more information on
FTE visit www.jiantouris-
mexpo.com, or contact Sally
Cooper scooper@tourismji.
com.fj.
TOURISM FIJI
Vika Cokakosova secures
expatriate role at Sheraton
By IRENE EDWARDS
By LATA YAQONA
By MARGARET NAQIRI
Sheraton & Westin Resorts Fiji, on Denarau
Island, part of Fijis only ve star integrated re-
sort complexes has announced the appointment
of Vika Cokakosova (pictured) to the position of
Director of Conventions - a role previously held
by expatriates.
We are delighted to have one of our very
own local associate replacing an expatriate and
we have every faith that Vika will continue to
lead her team with utmost professionalism that
has bought her to this point, said Vishnu Deo,
Director of Human Resources.
Vikas journey with Starwood Fiji started in
February 2010 and quickly got the respect of her
fellow associates. She was part of the rst group
of candidates to participate in the Starwood Ca-
reers Track in 2011 and 2012.
The Starwood Careers Program is a series of
fast track developmental program for both in-
ternal and external talents at different phases of
their professional career with Starwood.
Talent management and people development
are one of the core focuses of Starwood and
as such, Starwood is committed to developing
programs that allow associates to tap into their
potential to achieve greater success in their pro-
fessional career with Starwood.
In addition, Vika, while on holiday in Aus-
tralia did cross training in the conventions de-
partment with sister properties, Sheraton on the
Park and The Westin Sydney. These opportuni-
ties enhanced her knowledge and skills in the
role and other areas of the business which has
inspired her to take up this new and exciting
challenge.
It is rewarding and I am excited about the
opportunity. It is true that the steps of a good
man are ordered by God, says Vika of her pro-
motion.
My career has always been centered on
tourism which I have always been passionate
about. Years I had spent with ATS Pacic con-
tributed hugely to my success in the eld that I
will continue to champion. Starwood is a fan-
tastic organization with opportunities to grow.
I was fortunate to be a part of the rst group of
candidates to take part on the Starwood Career
Track which is a promising program for career
expansion.
It is a great achievement for not only Vika
but for Starwood Fiji as the complex is now
establishing to be the training ground for the
Pacic Island region.
Powell leads Fijian Resort
Shangri-Las Fijian Resort
and Spa announces the ap-
pointment of Mr Craig Powell
(pictured) as General Manag-
er of Shangri-Las Fijian Re-
sort and Spa. He replaces Mr
Michael Monks who has been
in Fiji since 2010.
It is a homecoming for Mr
Powell, a Fiji islander who
was born in Singapore but
grew up in Fiji.
A graduate of the presti-
gious Swiss Hotel Manage-
ment School Ecole Les
Roches in 1994, Mr Powell
has a wealth of international
experience in hospitality
spanning 25 years.
Mr Powell began his career
in hospitality with the Regent
Hotel in Auckland in 1989 be-
fore he returned to Fiji where
he joined Shangri-Las Fijian
Resort and Spa as a manage-
ment cadet in 1991.
Outrigger family day a success
It was a perfect family out-
ing for kids as Outrigger on
the Lagoon held its third an-
nual staff carnival on Saturday,
August 2 for the staff and their
children.
General Manager Peter
Hopgood said that they do this
to say thank you to the chil-
dren of their staff for allowing
their moms and dads to work at
Outrigger six-days-a -week and
they dont get to spend much
time with their parents.
Today all the children that
belong to Outrigger on the La-
goon Fiji staff family are very
excited. We have a very dedi-
cated team here at the resort and
they work a lot of hours and we
do take them away from their
children so this is our way of
saying thank you to their kids,
he says.
The day was lled with lots
of activities, bouncing castles,
rides, face painting, garage and
bake sale, barbeques and more
for all to enjoy and the staff
also put up stalls and the money
which was raised went to their
community funds.
The RFMF Band made a
special appearance performing
for the children and the staff.
Weve had a wonderful
year and its shaping up to be
our best year on record and we
cant do this without our staff
and we are up to 650 staff now
and I truly believe we have one
of the best teams throughout the
South Pacic so we are very
lucky, Mr Hopgood said.
We have unbelievable res-
taurants, a world famous spa
but our number one asset is our
staff and this is what our guest
always talk about and its im-
portant that we do recognize
and acknowledge them as well.
ADVERTISEMENT
For Transparent and
Accountable Government
National Federation Party
NFP
Singh Prem
Vote 324
Our Peoples Future
Published and Paid by the NFP. Authorised by NFP General Secretary Kamal Iyer.
ADVERTISEMENT
TRAVEL AND TOURISM
The Managing Director
and CEO of Fiji Airways, Ste-
fan Pichler, is the new Chair
of Tourism Fiji, the organisa-
tion that presides over the for-
tunes of the local industry and
markets the country as a holi-
day destination. Mr Pichler's
appointment - for a term of
three years - was announced
by the Attorney General and
Minister for Tourism, Aiyaz
Sayed-Khaiyum, who said
it signaled an exciting new
era for the tourism industry
and the Fijian economy as a
whole.
"Stefan Pichler brings an
unprecedented level of expe-
rience to this role, having held
senior positions in the tourism
industries of Germany and
Australia. Coupled with his
stewardship of our national
airline, he is ideally placed
to lead our industry and take
it to new heights. And his
strong commercial back-
ground means that not only
will Tourism Fiji be placed on
a stronger commercial foot-
ing but the highest standards
of corporate governance will
be introduced to safeguard the
interests of Fijian taxpayers,
who nance its $23-million
a year budget, the Minister
said.
Pichler chairs
tourism board
"This appointment un-
derlines the importance the
Bainimarama Government
places on our biggest revenue
earner and our determination
to continue to grow the local
tourism industry by identify-
ing new markets and opportu-
nities. Stefan Pichler has done
a great job at Fiji Airways
- spearheading its continued
revival and return to prot-
ability - and has a wealth of
ideas about how to consoli-
date the work that has already
been done to put our tourism
industry on a better footing.
Never before has the future
looked so positive for Tourism
Fiji, the health of the industry
and the jobs on which the
wellbeing of so many Fijians
depends", the Minister added.
Aside from holding senior
executive positions in several
airlines, Mr Pichler is a former
CEO of Thomas Cook AG, the
world's second largest leisure
travel group, with 35,000 staff
and an annual turnover of $US
20-billion. For four years, he
chaired the peak German
tourism body, Bundesverband
der Deutschen Tourismus-
wirtschaft (BTW), and has
also been a member of the
board of Tourism Australia
and the global tourism body,
the World Travel and Tour-
ism Council (WTTC). He also
chaired the Tourism Working
Group of the World Economic
Forum, the prestigious Swiss-
based non prot organisation
that brings governments and
the private sector together
to promote global economic
growth.
Mr Pichler - who took over
as head of Fiji Airways in
September 2013 - said he was
honoured and delighted to as-
sume the Chair of Tourism
Fiji. " I have developed a deep
love of Fiji and its people and
am fully committed to mak-
ing our industry the best in
the world for a nation of our
size. We already have tremen-
dous branding with our slogan
"Fiji: Where Happiness Finds
You" but there are parts of
the world which our market-
ing effort has yet to reach and
where there are great opportu-
nities for expansion. I intend
to begin work immediately
with the great team around me
at Tourism Fiji and all of the
stakeholders in our industry
to step up our efforts to seize
those opportunities", Mr Pi-
chler said.
Fiji Airways CEO Stefan Pichler. Photo: MINFO.
MINFO
FIJI AIRWAYS
The Fiji Airways Group is pleased to an-
nounce that a career progression plan has been
put together by both Fiji Airways and Fiji Link
to facilitate a full career path for pilots from
Fiji Link into Fiji Airways. The plan has been
carefully designed taking into consideration the
current and future pilot requirements for both
airlines, while enabling Fijian pilots to have a
career at home.
Commencing in January 2015, the rst of 20
pilots currently ying for Fiji Link will trans-
fer to Fiji Airways as First Ofcers on Boeing
737 and Airbus A330 aircraft and will continue
their ying career through to eventual Command
(Captain) status. After these 20 pilots have made
the transition, which will take place over two
years, the remaining Fiji Link pilots who have
the necessary qualications will begin to transfer
gradually to Fiji Airways as requirements dic-
tate.
Stefan Pichler, Fiji Airways Group Managing
Director and CEO commented: We are commit-
ted and have made provisions in our Five-Year
Master Plan to have a pilot localisation policy
in place. This Pilot Progression Plan (PPP) has
been worked out carefully between the two air-
lines to cater for operational readiness. Its tangi-
ble and its here to stay. It is part of our efforts to
become the employer of choice for all Fijians.
Mr Pichler also stated that this Pilot Progres-
Pilot progression plans at
Fiji Airways
sion Plan provided an excellent opportunity
for all Fijian pilots to have a full ying career
from Twin Otter aircraft through to modern
wide body aircraft such as the Airbus A330.
He added: We recognize that so many
young Fijians wishing to become aviators
link their aspirations with us, as the National
Airline Group. We are committed to honour-
ing their career goals right here at home. Of
course, we have to ensure the progression
occurs methodically, as we need enough pi-
lots to operate Fiji Link ights. And, we need
pilots who are the best and most seasoned
professionals we can get. The Plan now in-
centivises recently-hired Fiji Link pilots who
currently do not have the necessary quali-
cations to progress to Fiji Airways, but will
do in the near future.
The PPP Pilot Progression Plan has been
designed in two stages. The rst stage is the
transition of 20 identied Fiji Link pilots into
Fiji Airways. The second stage will begin in
2017, and will allow pilots to transition to
Fiji Airways as First Ofcers and return to
Fiji Link for a period of time as ATR Cap-
tain, before returning to Fiji Airways to take
up command on the jets.
National Airline Group now offers complete career path for Fijian pilots
ADVERTISEMENT
The Allocation of Seats
Table 1 presents the party list of Party C as delivered by the
Supervisor of Elections. For space reasons, only the frst ten
candidates names and totals are presented (out of the full 50
candidates Party C is running). The total number of votes gained
by all 50 candidates is at the bottom.
The Electoral Commission takes the totals for each party and
independent candidate and puts them at the head of separate
columns under the name of each such party and independent
candidate. See table 2.
The Electoral Commission then determines which
are the 50 highest fgures (50, because there are 50
seats to be allotted). It marks these fgures by
putting a circle around each of them, in order, up to
the number 50. (In the example, the fgures are
shaded instead.)
The number of highlights in the column of each
party and independent candidate is the number of
seats due to that party or independent candidate. In
Table 3, the total of seats due to each party and
independent candidate is written at the bottom of
each column of the table.
The Electoral Commission must now determine
which candidates of each party are to occupy the
seats won by that party. This it does by looking back
at the party lists, ordered according to who got most
votes, as given by the Supervisor of Elections. The
topmost candidates on each list will occupy the
number of seats that party has won.
Looking back at our tables we see that Table 3
indicates that Party A won 12 seats, Party C won 5
seats, and so on.
In Table 1 therefore the 5 candidates at the top of
Party Cs list are deemed elected. (And so on for the
rest.)
211 10,200 Name
Name
Name
Name
Name
Name
Name
Name
Name
Name
List continues 53,890
10,060
4,113
3,717
3,221
1,233
1,052
1,084
900
882
Party C Candidates Number Votes
140
390
277
137
381
143
299
248
371
Party A
117,064
Party B
23,441
Party C
53,890
Party D
29,112
Party E
221,457
Party F Independent 1 Independent 2
10,462 27,504 67,099
Table 2 shows the total for each party and independent candidate of our example. The total valid vote is 550,029 (which is the sum
total of all the fgures in table 2). 5% of that fgure is 27,501.45 (called the threshhold). Any party or independent candidate that does
not get 5% or more is eliminated. Party B (with 23,441 votes) and independent candidate No.2 (with 10,462 votes) fall under the
threshold of 5% and are therefore eliminated. They will not be allocated any seats.
Now begins the allocation of seats. See table 3
This is done by dividing the total votes of each remaining party and remaining independent candidate by 1, entering the fgures
under the names of the respective parties and independent candidates.
For parties (but not for independent candidates) the top row of fgures is then divided by 2, then by 3, then by 4, and so on, up to
the number of candidates a party is running. It enters the resultant fgures (termed quotients) in their respective columns. The
fgures will be rounded of to the nearest whole numbers. For reasons of brevity not all the possible fgures have been entered in the
columns of the example (table 3)
Table 2
Table 3
Table 1
In the 2014 General Election, the Fijian Electoral Commission will determine from the total number of votes which 50 candidates will occupy the 50 seats of
Parliament.
When the results from all polling stations have been received and then tallied in the National Results Centre, the Final National Results Tally will be delivered to the
Electoral Commission by the Supervisor of Elections.
This Tally will contain the total number of votes received by each candidate and the total number of votes received by each political party. The party list of each
party will have been arranged in descending order, the party candidate with most votes being at the top, and the one with least votes at the bottom
In the example presented here, there are 6 parties (A, B, C, D, E, and F) and two Independent candidates running.
Divisor Party A Party C Party D Party E Party F Independent 1
1 117,064 53,890 29,112 221,457 67,099 27,504
2 58,532 26,945 14,556 110,729 33,550
3 39,021 17,963 9,704 73,819 22,366
4 29,266 13,473 7,278 55,364 16,775
5 23,413 10,778 44,291 13,420
6 19,511 8,982 36,910 11,183
7 16,723 31,637 9,586
8 14,633 27,682 8,387
9 13,007 24,606
10 11,706 22,146
11 10,642 20,132
12 9,755 18,455
13 9,005 17,035
14 8,362 15,818
15 14,764
16 13,841
17 13,027
18 12,303
19 11,656
20 11,073
21 10,546
22 10,066
23 9,629
24 9,227
25 8,858
Seats 12 5 3 23 6 1
ADVERTISEMENT
Do you know where your
Polling Venue is?
F
R
E
E

T
X
T
T
O
F
I
N
D

O
U
T
5
4
5
STEP 1
Send a free TXT with your Voter ID
card number to 545
STEP 2
You will receive a confrmation reply
advising you of your polling venue
STEP 3
Save TXT
STEP 4
If your polling venue is incorrect,
please call 545 or visit your nearest
Voter Information Centre
This service is available to all Vodafone, Inkk and Digicel users.
RUPS BIG BEAR AND RUP KI RANI OPENING FEATURE
Rups
sets new
shopping
trend in
Nadi
By MARGARET NAQIRI
Fijis leading retailers have yet created another trend follow-
ing the opening of their world-class shopping complex in
Nadi.
Rups Big Bear opened its new three-storey, shop 2 building
complex on Main Street, Nadi with a big bang on Friday,
August 1 as thousands of customers ocked in to take advan-
tage of the opening specials.
The store which carries a huge range of furniture, curtains
and clothing has become an instant success in Nadi.
We have opened this spectacular shopping complex in our
previous shop 2 location because of customer demand and
we wanted to bring in a bigger and better range of imported
furniture, curtains and clothing, said store manager Rajnesh
Kumar.
The response from customers has been really good, as this
shop offers them a one stop shopping experience, Mr Ku-
mar added.
Our prices are very affordable and customers can also get
lay-by deals and discounts on marked prices. We also offer
a wide range of bridal wear which comes in full set for the
bride and groom.
So the next time you are in town, do not miss the opportunity
to visit the all new Rups Big bear complex.
ADVERTISEMENT
BUSINESS NEWS
The Fiji Roads Authority
(FRA) has announced that Hig-
gins (Fiji) Limited had been
awarded the Nadi N2 Road
Upgrading Project that will see
a signicant improvement to a
total of 6kms of road in Nadi in
two years time.
Making the announcement,
interim chairman for FRA and
Public Service Commission
permanent secretary, Parmesh
Chand said that the value of the
contract was $65.9 million.
The project is part of the
Nadi and Suva Road Upgrad-
ing Programme that the Gov-
ernment had approved in 2012
considering the many benets it
will provide to the country, Mr
Chand said.
The intent of the Nadi and
Suva Road Upgrading Pro-
gramme is to improve the inter-
national gateways to Fiji.
The upgraded roads will
become an attractive welcome
to both the local communities
and the tourists.
Mr Chand added that the
completion of this programme
will bring added benets such
as reduced travel times and
congestion for our road users.
The improvements apart
from the extended road width
will include better pedestrian
footpaths, improved street
lighting, and upgraded trans-
port service facilities like new
bus stops that will improve the
trafc ows providing relief to
the bottleneck experience that
travellers in the area are en-
during daily in both Nadi and
Suva, Mr Chand said.
The contract award rep-
resents major road widening
along Queens Road from Na-
soso Junction to Wailoaloa
Junction.
Higgins
gets
contract
MINFO FBC
Pacics leading golf course equipment and machinery sup-
pliers, J. Kevi Group recently delivered brand new Ransomes
Jacobsen golf turf equipment on Denarau Golf and Racquet
Club.
Sheraton Fiji golf maintenance manager David Brennan said
the acquisition of the machines is a big step for the Starwood
Group to allow the golf course to be of world-standard at all
times.
We have received eleven new maintenance equipments
plus a eet of four new golf carts and all of these will be main-
tained by the J. Kevi Group, he said.
J. Kevi Group CEO Kevi Reddy said his company is proud
to be involved in such a project as they continue to be the lead-
ers in the eld.
New golf equipment
to boost services
By MARGARET NAQIRI
Bred Bank extends
services to the West
BRED Bank has opened a
new branch in Namaka, Nadi
on Saturday, August 30.
Chief Executive Ofcer
Satish Deb says the bank is fo-
cussed on setting up branches
around the country in order to
reach more customers.
Our business principle is
customer rst in determining
our products, services, culture
and presence. We are very
mindful of our customers ex-
pectations, needs, wants and
aspirations, Mr Deb said.
We will be innovative and
fair. We will strive to bring
you fantastic customer ser-
vice, convenience in banking,
good and simple products and
our best offer possible.
The Bank has introduced
a home loan product and a
motor vehicle loan facility in
order to compete with most of
the established competitors in
Fiji.
EDUCATION
LA\TCKA CAMP\S
1CWAFDS XC!C ! AF!!C A!D K!CWDC CFA1C!
CARECIVIMC
F\MDAMEMTALS
The USl Luutoku Cuupus |s p|eused to unnounce |ts lourth oller|ng ol the
tru|n|ng course. Cureg|v|ng Funduuentu|s lor 2014.
ll you ure |nterested |n Cureg|v|ng us u Houecure worker. or us u Fuu||y
Cureg|ver. or pursu|ng u cureer |n Cureg|v|ng. then th|s course lor you. The
Course cons|sts ol 110 hours ol c|ussroou theory. sk|||s und deuonstrut|ons
und F|rst A|d/ClR tru|n|ng together w|th 40 hours ol pruct|cu| w|th un upproved
c||ent. Th|s course prov|des you w|th necessury sk|||s requ|red |n Cureg|v|ng.
Successlu| students w||| be uwurded u Cert|l|cute ol Coup|et|on und F|rst A|d/
ClR Cert|l|cute lrou F|,| Red Cross Soc|ety.
DAY CLUSIER
15 Sept 2014 81 Dctober 2014, Duration: 7 weeks, Iime: 0uu 2pu,
Venue: USl Luutoku Cuupus
EVENINC CLUSIER
15 Sept 2014 14 Noveuber 2014, Duration: 0 weeks, Iime: 5pu 8pu,
Venue: USl Luutoku Cuupus
Fees: $000 (Cush. |nstu||uents. Cheque or cun be uss|sted by FNlF)
Minimum admission requirements: Must be 18 yeurs und over, F1C
puss |n Eng||sh or hus good couuund ol spoken und wr|tten Eng||sh. Subu|t
the upp||cut|on w|th u copy ol b|rth cert|l|cute und two (2) pussport photos.
Io obtain the enroIment form and for further information. contuct
Ru,endru S|ngh. te|: 6666800, lux: 6667188 or euu||: s|ngh_ru_usp.uc.l, or
Bub|tu Shuruu euu||: Bub|tu.Shuruu_usp.uc.l, or enqu|re ut the USl Luutoku
Cuupus. western House. corner ol \|d||o Street. Luutoku.
LA\TCKA CAMP\S
1CWAFDS XC!C ! AF!!C A!D K!CWDC CFA1C!
MYCB TRAIMIMC
Enhunce your MYDB sk|||s und becoue uore prol|c|ent ut work.
Acqu|re MYDB sk|||s und udd vu|ue to your C\ und eup|oyub|||ty.
MYDB FDR BECINNERS
Learning Dutcomes
At the successlu| coup|et|on ol th|s tru|n|ng purt|c|punts w||| be ub|e to:
1. Coup|ete bus|c nuv|gut|on ol the MYDB upp||cut|on
2. Creute new coupuny l||es (Bus|c)
8. Creute und uod|ly uccounts ||st
4. Creute supp||er und custouer curds
5. Cush trunsuct|ons
6. lroduce bus|c reports
MYDB INIERMEDIAIE
Learning Dutcomes
At the successlu| coup|et|on ol th|s tru|n|ng purt|c|punts w||| be ub|e to:
1. lnvo|ce und Rece|pt luyuents
2. Hund|e returns und cred|ts
8. Set up und hund|e petty cush
4. B||| & Muke luyuents
5. Buckup und restore l||es
6. lroduce end ol uonth und end ol yeur reports
Tru|n|ng |s on Austru||un Account R|ght l|us v10.5
Iraining is conducted by a registered MYDB Partner
LeveI Days Iime Date
Beginners Monduy/Tuesduy 8.80uu to 8pu 80 Septeuber
Intermediate wednesduy/Thursduy 4pu to 0pu 1011 Septeuber
Advanced Express|on ol |nterest |nv|ted/ Dutes w||| be conl|rued |uter
Fees: $250 per stuge. lnc|udes ||ght relreshuents und cert|l|cut|on. (luy cush or through FNlF)
AppIication Due Date: 8 Septeuber 2014. ln order to secure your p|uce. lees uust be
pu|d |n lu|| two duys pr|or to couuenceuent ol tru|n|ng.
Io obtain enroIment form and for further information: Ru,endru S|ngh. te|: 666 6800,
lux: 6667188, or euu||: s|ngh_ru_usp.uc.l, or Bub|tu Shuruu. euu||: Bub|tu.Shuruu_usp.uc.l, or
enqu|re ut the USl Luutoku Cuupus recept|on. corner ol \|d||o Street. western House. Luutoku.
UNI FIJI
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
USP open day a success
Lautoka would have never
been the same without USP
says Lautoka City Council
CEO Jone Nakauvadra.
Speaking at the Lautoka
Campus open day on August
8, Nakauvadra said USP has
helped massively in the devel-
opment of the city and pacic
region at large.
Divisional education of-
cer western Lorima Voravora
said USP has changed thou-
sands of lives with its qual-
ity education and training.
He told students attending the
open day on how lucky they
are.
In our times, university
education was very rare and
very expensive. There were
no private students. In com-
parison, you all are so lucky
to have so many opportunities
to excel in life, Mr Voravora
said.
USP is one of the only
two regional universities in
the world. The chief guest for
the open day was acting com-
missioner western Luke Mo-
roivalu.
Michael Kirby to deliver Sir Moti Tikaram
Memorial Lecture at UniFiji
The second Sir Moti Ti-
karam Memorial Lecture will
be delivered at the Saweni
campus of the University of
Fiji at 6.00 pm on 31st Octo-
ber, 2014.
The annual oration was in-
augurated last year by Profes-
sor Julian Moti QC, the Dean
of UniFijis Law School, to
honour the distinguished life
and legal career of Late Sir
Moti Tikaram, one of Fijis
longest serving judges.
Professor Moti QC an-
nounced that The Honour-
able Michael Kirby AC CMG
has accepted his invitation to
speak at this years oration.
A renowned international
jurist, Kirby is currently Chair
of the United Nations Human
Rights Councils Commission
of Inquiry on Human Rights
in the Democratic Peoples
Republic of Korea. Before he
retired, Kirby was a Judge of
the High Court of Australia
from 1996 to 2009 and served
as President of the Courts of
Appeal of Solomon Islands as
well as New South Wales.
We are honoured and
privileged to have Michael
Kirby address us on the topic:
Regarding Others as Our-
selves: Law and Dignity. I am
so pleased he is venturing to
Fiji again to pay tribute to our
dear friend and the memory
of our long association with
him, said Professor Moti QC.
Admission to the lecture
will be free.
Masters in Nursing launched
Close to fty nurses, includ-
ing four from Cook Islands
and one from Marshall Islands
has enrolled for the inaugural
Masters in Nursing program
offered for the rst time in the
country by Umanand Prasad
School of Medicine (UPSM)
at the University of Fiji.
While ofcially launch-
ing the program at UPSM on
August 20, director of nursing
Selina Ledua commended the
University of Fiji for coming
up with such a program.
Todays launch marks an-
other signicant milestone for
the development of nursing
education in the country, Ms
Ledua said.
She said the new program
will be instrumental in the
academic and professional
development of nurses in Fiji.
AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMAAT FEATURE
ADVERTISEMENT
AIR NEW ZEALAND CARGO AWARDS
The management and staff
of Air New Zealand, distin-
guished guests and fellow
freight forwarders. A very
good evening to you all.
It gives me great pleasure
to give you all a brief insight
into our role as a forwarder
and how we contribute solely
to the airline industry. We
were incorporated and estab-
lished on the 8th of March,
2004 mainly to cater for our
members interest on issues
related to customs and other
government stakeholders that
play an important role in our
operations.
We are a rm that special-
izes in arranging storage and
shipping of merchandise on
behalf of its shippers, with the
commencement of services
such as
Inbound transporta-
tion
Preparation of ship-
ping and export documents
Warehousing
Transshipments
Booking cargo spac-
es
Negotiating freight
charges
Freight consolida-
tions
Cargo insurance
Filing insurance
claims
Freight forwarders usually
ship under their own airway
bills (Called HAWB) and their
agents or associate at destina-
tions (overseas freight for-
warders) provide document
delivery, deconsolidation and
freight collection services.
Our role also is to provide
the platform to support com-
pliance of our members with
all its stakeholders for the
importation/exportation of all
goods via air into and out of
Fiji. The relationship that we
have to build with our airline
industry is imperative in our
business.
Financial payment
via IATA is a critical part of
our industry, as we receive
(Imports) and also payout on
behalf of our exporters, this in
return puts us at a very high
risk in terms of debt manage-
ment.
In terms of inter-
national security compliance
we are compelled to meet im-
portant security requirements,
Address by Mr Santokh
Singh, chairman of
Customs Brokers and
Forwarders Council
this establishes the need to be
certied as regulated agents
by the local authority, CAAF,
with non-recoverable secu-
rity training and programs and
also the annual audit which is
mandatory for forwarders.
Sales and service is
also a critical part of our role,
mainly establishing the mar-
ket with revised airline rates,
new airline requirements and
updated schedules, as this
solidies our operations as
IATA regulated agents to se-
cure space on the airlines, pre-
pare shipment loads, execute
and tender the consignment
timely with compliance for
the departure of carriers. We
endeavor to provide the most
shared volume by commodi-
ties for the export.
I wish to take this moment
to pay special tribute to Air
New Zealand on behalf of our
team at Williams & Gosling,
as we were quite fortunate to
have partnered with Air New
Zealand since the establish-
ment of its cargo division 25
years ago and hope that this
relationship will continue
grow in years to come.
Mr Pradip Singh and your
team at the cargo division
thank you for the support
and the opportunity to work
together to make our mark a
successful one.
On behalf of the Customs
Brokers & Forwarders Coun-
cil I also wish to take this op-
portunity to thank Air NZ for
the support rendered through-
out the years and much heart-
felt appreciation from our end
for the continuous familiar-
ization trips to explore new
markets. We can look upon
assisting each other in terms
of strengthening our business
relationship.
Thank you, dhanyavaad,
Sukria and enjoy your eve-
ning.
Santokh Singh
TOP: The boys from IFC having a good time. BOTTOM: The
red team at Natadola Golf Course a day after the awards.
From left during the awards night are Air New Zealands international cargo sales manager Daniel Kinney, Fiji and Pacic
Islands cargo sales manager Pradip Singh, New Zealand and Pacic Islands cargo sales manager Blair Gourdie and cargo
sales supervisor Fiji Neelesh Prasad.
Air New Zealand
Cargo leads...
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
Air New Zealand Cargo Sales Manager Fiji and Pacic
Islands Pradip Singh, left, shares a light moment with
Carpenters Shipping General Manager Manikam Narain,
right, and Airport Manager Fabian Vikash Verma. Photos:
SHALENDRA PRASAD.
Air New Zealand ofcials and cargo agents pose for a group photo
during the annual cargo awards held on Friday, August 8.
Air Zealand Cargo contin-
ues to make a huge impact in
the Fijian economy by carry-
ing our exports all over the
globe.
The airline which has been
operating its cargo division
in Fiji for the past 25-years
has become the number one
choice for exporters and im-
porters alike.
At the helm of the suc-
cess of the cargo operations in
Fiji is none other than cargo
heavyweight Pradip Singh,
the airlines cargo sales man-
ager Fiji and Pacic Islands.
An emotional Mr Singh
told agents at their annual
cargo awards held on Friday,
August 8 that he has only two
more years left at the position
before his retirement.
Whoever comes in after
me, I can assure you all now
that the service delivery and
high level of professionalism
will continue to be the trend at
Air New Zealand Cargo, Mr
Singh said.
The function also provided
an opportunity for agents to
meet Air Zealand Cargos new
international cargo sales man-
ager Daniel Kinney.
Air Zealands new coun-
try manager Fiji and Vanuatu
Brent Roxburgh also took the
opportunity to mingle around
with agents.
AIR New Zealand Cargo
sales manager, Fiji and Pa-
cic, Pradip Singh says
the annual awards is a time
to recognise growth and
achievements of their cus-
tomers.
It is an important part of
any partnership to recognise
the achievement and support
of the other party, Mr Singh
said.
Air New Zealand Cargo
has changed from its regular
Fiji/New Zealand destina-
tion carrier to a global car-
rier to support the growing
needs of our Fijian custom-
ers.
We have carried more
cargo beyond New Zealand
for the last two-years as we
are now more focused on
opening up Fijian exports to
the world, by using Auck-
land as a hub we are able
to open up global destina-
tions for the local exporters
and businesses to get Fijian
products into the worldwide
market.
From Fiji we are the pre-
ferred air freight carrier for
cargo to Japan, South East
Asia, London, Australia and
greater US and Canada,
added Mr Singh.
We see ourselves as lead-
ers in designing and deliver-
ing excellence in cargo solu-
tions in partnership with our
customers and Fijian export-
Singh is king at
Air NZ Cargo
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
ers. We take pride in provid-
ing superior cargo solutions
that will enable the success
and protability of our cus-
tomers.
Air New Zealand wants
to create a culture around
being customer centric, that
being we create partnerships
through focusing on our cus-
tomers wider business and
how we can in term grow
revenue for all parties in-
volved.
Mr Singh left Air Pacic
in June 1990 to join Air New
Zealand as cargo sales su-
pervisor Fiji.
He took charge of sales of
Air NZ cargo Fiji, Tonga and
Samoa in 1993.
Today he is cargo sales
manager for entire Pacic
Islands where Air New Zea-
land ies into. These are
Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti,
Cooks, Niue, Norfolk Island,
Vanuatu & New Caledonia.
Air New Zealand manager cargo Fiji and Pacic Islands
Pradip Singh. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
ADVERTISEMENT
BUSINESS NOTICE BOARD
ADVERTISEMENT
SPORTS
2014 Sheraton Fiji Villa
Teams Challenge
The 2014 Sheraton Fiji Villa Teams Chal-
lenge nished in great style with a lavish ban-
quet, themed as a Coronation Street Party
at The Sheraton Fiji Sandy Point Beach on
Friday night 29 August.
The golf tournament, which has a history
spanning fteen years, includes four days of
golf, all played at the Denarau Golf & Rac-
quet Club. Teams of mixed fours, scored
under a modied stableford system, where
handicaps are changed daily.
The 2014 winners were announced as
Team Top of the South comprising of Pe-
ter & Shona Johnson, with Mike Inwood and
Tania Appleman, all members of New Zea-
lands Motueka Golf Club. With a winning
margin of 9 points, they nished with 875
team points. This was the rst year that they
had competed in the event, with captain Pe-
ter Johnson, announcing they will be back,
and their expectations had been exceeded,
greatly.
Team Shore Matas with team members
Jill & Graeme Udy (NZ North Shore GC)
along with Chris & Paul Mackenzie (NZ
Matamata, GC) were placed second on 866
points.
Tied equal third were the teams known as
4-Play and Steel Foxes, with 858 points.
4-Play team members Marie and Bill Platt
from New Zealands Manor Park were in the
winning team in 2013, but were back with
their long-term teammates, Judy & Ross
Morten. The Mortens (members of NZs
Manor Park & Boulcott Farm GC, respec-
tively) who had been playing for some years
in the tournament were unable to make the
event last year.
Team Steel Foxes also had a new look,
with Sid & Ollie Thornton from NZs Waiuku
GC, and playing in their rst Villa Challenge,
partnered up with previous competitors, Ike
and Barbara Ashworth who are members of
Thames GC in New Zealand. They were tied
in 3rd place with Team 4 Play.
Johnny & Di Crook (Australias Bayview
GC, along with Simon Cox (NZs, Man-
gawhai GC) previous winners, partnered with
Tiri Naylor from the Denarau Golf & Rac-
quet Club, came in 5th place with 856 points.
They competed under the team name of Bent
Anzacs with their traditional 4th player, Sue
Cox taking a managerial role, out of action
with a shoulder injury.
Derek Larsen from Mount Maunganui,
(NZ) scored the perfect shot during the week
with a hole in one on the par 3, 17th. Club
of choice was a 7 iron - it was Larsens rst
hole in one.
The best round on any one-day was scored
by tournament regulars, Team 4 Uro with
233 points on day 3. The team players are
all members of NZs Pupuke GC and include
Karen Cater, Karen Purdy, Linda Millsteed
and Susan Binks.
The Villa Challenge rst started by John &
Wendy Cooper of previous tour company IS-
TAS, has been managed for some years now by
PaR nz Golng Holidays, who are based out of
Auckland. The scoring system has remained
unchanged over the history of the tournament
where players score against par and then add
their handicap to get their score of the day.
Good rounds are rewarded with handicap reduc-
tions daily, and poor rounds are assisted with ex-
tra handicap points for the next days play. The
name changed two years ago to the Sheraton Fiji
Villa Teams Challenge.
Local teams were placed down the eld with
Team Fijian Floozies, Sulu Brook, Linda Cal-
laghan and Edwina Paterson, all DGRC mem-
bers along with Suvas Sereima Bale, nishing
with 828 points in 8th place. With total points of
819 and playing under the team name of Strug-
glers Cove, Laura Cunning, Trevor Fox, Marc
Hinton and Joy Leslie nished in 15th place.
PaR nz Golng Holidays have announced
the dates for the 2015 Sheraton Fiji Villa Teams
Challenge as the 9th to 14th August 2015, which
will follow their popular womens tournament,
The Sheraton Fiji Denarau Womens Golf Clas-
sic scheduled to be played the week earlier.
Final Results (all NZ based players unless
noted)
1st: 875 - TOP OF THE SOUTH: Peter &
Shona Johnson, Mike Inwood, Tania Appleman
2nd: 866 - SHORE MATAS: Chris & Paul
Mackenzie, Jill & Graeme Udy
3rd: 858 - STEEL FOXES: Ike & Barbara
Ashworth, Sid & Ollie Thornton; 4 PLAY: Ma-
rie & Bill Platt, Judy & Ross Morten
5th: 856 - BENT ANZACS: Simon Cox, Di
& Johnny Crook (AUS), Tiri Naylor (FJ)
6th: 837 - BOPPERS: Julie & Grant Whit-
taker, Eric McPherson and Phillipa McKnight
7th: 831 - COXLESS FOUR: Jad Suttor,
Elaine Swanney, Pam Prenter, Wendy Parkes
8th: 828 - FIJIAN FLOOZIES: Sulu Brook
(FJ), Edwina Petersen (FJ), Linda Callaghan
(FJ), Sereima Bale (FJ); 4 URO: Karen Cater,
Karen Purdy, Linda Millsteed, Susan Binks
10th: 827 - SENIOR CIRCUS: Jim & Sue
Senior, Bill & Raewyn Roan
11th: 826 - GREY WACKIES: Sue & Rich-
ard Gibbs, Warwick & Jennifer Wakeham
12th: 825 - WINDY JAFFAS: Warwick Co-
peland, David Hartstone, Carole & Phil But-
land; 3 PENSIONERS & 1 FILLY: Derek &
Jane Larsen, Peter & Jill Northcott
14th: 821 - BULA VA: Ken & Elaine Magill,
Pearce & Marilyn Bresnehan
15th: 819 - STRUGGLERS COVE: Laura
Cunning (FJ), Marc Hinton (FJ), Trevor Fox
(FJ), Joy Leslie (FJ)
16th: 816 - HAPPY HACKERS: Jenny Cart-
wright, Shaun Iles, Trish & Russ Lategan
17th: 813 - 4 SHADES OF GREY: Linzi
Bull, Chris Ellett, Sally Chambers, Mary Hag-
gas
Winners from left, Mike Inwood, Tania Appleman, Shona Johnson, Paul Yui (Sheraton) and
Peter Johnson. Photos: SUPPLIED.
PRESS RELEASE
Derek Larsen grabs his ball
from the 17th hole.
SPORTS
PRESS RELEASE
Andrew strives to put
Fiji on record
Nadi based water sports
professional and sailing enthu-
siast Andrew Redfern wants to
put Fiji on world record when
it comes to speed sailing - just
as humans have always had
a hunger to run faster, jump
higher, further and generally
out do others.
To our ancient hunter gath-
erer ancestors, this would
have been vital to survival.
The faster, tter and more ath-
letic you were, the better you
were able to hunt and avoid
being hunted.
Today those needs and de-
sires have evolved into a com-
petitive edge in humans that
we often fulll through the
sports that we pursue.
As a race we constantly
strive to be faster, better in all
walks of life and nowhere is
this more so than in the world
of speed sailing.
From a 26.3 (now consid-
ered pedestrian) knots in 1972
to a blistering current record
of 65.45 knots, the speed
sailing record has bounced
around between multi-million
dollar purpose built sailing
crafts to windsurfers, kite
surfers and currently back to
the big boys and their toys
through the present record
holder Vestas Sail Rocket 2.
So what does this have to
do with Fiji and Andrew par-
ticularly? To date some 42
countries around the world
have National Speed Records
and Fiji doesnt! Yet!
But if Andrew has his way,
that is all about to change.
He will become the rst ever
Fiji Citizen to take part in the
Luderitz Speed Challenge
held annually in the deserts of
Namibia.
Its kind of strange, said
Mr Redfern, but I was look-
ing through the International
Speed Sailing records one
day and I noticed Fiji wasnt
there!
I was actually quite
surprised and a little disap-
pointed, he continued. So I
decided to contact the World
Sailing Speed Record Coun-
cil (WSSRC) who veried
that Fiji did not indeed have a
National Record for the 500m
class. So thats when I decided
to do something about it and
put Fiji on the map in the
world of speed sailing.
The Luderitz Speed Canal
developed in 2007 and rened
annually has been responsible
for some 11 World Records
and 64 National Records over
the years.
To sail fast, said Mr Red-
fern, you need strong wind
and at water, two things that
rarely occur together. The
channel was developed pur-
posely to give sailors the best
of the thermal desert winds
but smooth water to sail on.
The competition now has
a huge worldwide audience
which means it is also a fan-
tastic opportunity for us to
promote Fiji and our incred-
ible location for water sports
on an international level. The
response from local sponsors
has been incredible to date,
Mr Redfern added.
It takes a little bit of
thinking outside the box to
recognize the potential behind
something like this which is
new to Fiji and I would really
like to thank, Williams and
Gosling, Viti Water Sports,
Pacic Tourist Store, Jacks of
Fiji and Port Denarau Marina
for their fantastic support.
Getting to Namibia from
Fiji in itself is a very expen-
sive exercise especially with
the excess luggage charges for
equipment.
But its not just a case of
getting there, he stressed, I
really want to set a record that
Fiji can be proud of and to do
that requires some very spe-
cialized equipment which is
expensive.
I would like to take the
opportunity to urge Fiji busi-
ness houses; especially those
involved in tourism and ex-
port, or in fact anybody with
an interest in sailing, to get
behind this record attempt and
promote our beautiful islands
to the world.
With over ten hours cov-
erage on prime time TV, a
huge social media following,
some 250 plus print media
articles covering the event
and up to 7000 unique hits
per day on the event web site,
sponsors will certainly get
great exposure and value for
their investment, Mr Redfern
added.
The fact that Fiji has a
competitor for the rst time
has already started to cre-
ate interest overseas. Two of
the worlds top professional
windsurfers, one of whom
is a former world champion,
have expressed an interest in
coming to Fiji and shooting
an episode about windsurng
here as part of their series on
sailing locations around the
world. Fiji has a great history
of sailing especially through
former World Windsurng
Champion Tony Philp.
Tony was a true world
class competitor and showed
what can be done even with-
out the support and coaching
that many overseas competi-
tors benet from, said Mr
Redfern.
We live in a sailing and
water sports paradise, he
added, It would be great to
see more kids getting into
these activities.
Im hoping that kids in
Fiji watching this event might
be inspired to take up sailing
and the ultimate aim is to have
regular Fiji sailors compete in
all types of sailing and im-
prove on the record, said Mr.
Redfern.
The Fiji Yachting Asso-
ciation has coaching available
for those interested in sail-
ing and I would urge anyone
interested to get in touch and
lets get some more Fiji cham-
pions out there, concluded
Mr. Redfern.
Fijis hopeful Andrew Redfern with daughter Josephine in
Nadi. Photo: SUPPLIED.
Nadi Sports
Council
update
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
The interim Nadi Sports
Council committee is on
the verge of completing
the contact directory of
all sporting bodies in Nadi
says Bobby Tikaram, the
main man behind the for-
mation of such a body in
the jet-set town.
Mr Tikaram said the commit-
tee will soon call a special
general meeting to formal-
ly invite heads of sporting
bodies or their representa-
tives to become members
of NSC and to ofcially en-
dorse the formation of the
Nadi Sports Council.
Following the meeting, the
council would then elect
a board of ve to seven
members and together
with the interim commit-
tee form executive board
of the Nadi Sports Coun-
cil to look after the day
to day affairs of the NSC.
The meeting will be fol-
lowed by a social function
to celebrate the formation
of NSC, Mr Tikaram con-
rmed.
He said the immediate ac-
tion following the proper
formation of NSC will be
the adoption of a basic
constitution with a vision
and mission of improving
the sporting standards and
sporting facilities in Nadi,
designing of a logo plus
planning of other events
like the annual sports
awards towards the end
of 2014 or the beginning of
2015.
The interim-chairman of
NSC Mr John Grey will
also announce and intro-
duce the proposed NADI
SPORTS CITY project to
be part of or incorporated
into the council projects,
Mr Tikaram said.

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