Special coverage

on 2023 Prefects
Investiture Ceremony
Pages: 2, 6, 7, 8, 10

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AG Siromi Turaga motivates Natabua student leaders

Sanjay Goundar

“As a student leader, you are tasked with assisting your teachers in ensuring that school rules,
processes and procedures are not only followed but also respected.”
“You are also tasked with the vital role of ensuring that discipline is not only upheld but also
maintained and occasions may arise where teachers may not be present and you will be required
to exercise your judgment.”
This was highlighted by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga while
officiating at the Natabua High School Prefect Investiture ceremony in Lautoka on March 17.
AG Turaga told student leaders that when moments of difficulty arise, they should remain
steadfast in the knowledge that no leader ever became great without facing some adversity.
He stressed that mistakes will be made and the challenges will be constant, but the test of a
great leader is how they respond to the challenges that they are presented with and how they
choose to move forward.
“Remember, leaders lead by example! Your peers will emulate your actions and words so
before you say or do anything, I challenge you to ask yourselves, is this what a leader would
say or do? Do this and you will earn the trust and respect of your peers and teachers, and who
knows, your actions and words may inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and
become more and if you have been able to achieve this, then you have indeed achieved your
goal of being a true leader.”
The A-G acknowledged the teachers and reassured them the Coalition Government is here
to assist in whatever way they can and should it be warranted, their doors are always open to
discuss any matters that you may be concerned with.
“To our Parents and Guardians of the prefects that are present, I thank you for all your hard
work and the sacrifices that you have made. Being a parent myself, I understand the challenges
that come with being a parent, especially in today’s day and age and I commend you for all that
you do for your children.”
“Take the time to sit with your children and discuss the events of their day, the lessons learnt
in school and some hardships that they may be facing, and I can assure you, the attention that
you pay your children will leave a long-lasting impression on them.”
Meanwhile, newly inducted head girl of Natabua High School who hails from Tuvalu
Manuokepa Monise stated in her address that she is there to serve and not to be served.
Monise thanked parents and guardians of all the prefects for their great upbringing and never
ending support and care.
She also thanked the teaching and administrative staff of Natabua High School for selecting
her as the head girl of this prestigious institute.
Head boy Titifanue Howard who hails all the way from the beautiful island of Rotuma stated
that it is a great honour and privilege for him to be chosen as the student council head for the
year 2023.
Howard pointed out that he stands as the leader of the student council body not to lead all the
students but to work in collaboration with each one of them to achieve the best for their school. Attorney General Siromi Turaga with Natabua High School Head Boy Titifanue Howard and
He reminded all the newly inducted student leaders that being a prefect requires responsibility, Head Girl Manuokepa Monise at the schools prefects induction function recently.
commitment, honesty and accountability. Photo: Sanjay Goundar
2 NEWS MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023

Further IT enhancement vital for women

Sanjay Goundar

There is a real need for women in our society to further

enhance their knowledge on Information Technology.
Speaking at University of the South Pacific Lautoka Campus,
International Women’s Day celebration on March 9, Assistant
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Sashi
Kiran stressed that though many women and girls nowadays
have access to information technology proper usage for quality
growth is still missing.
She pointed out that whilst many women are now able to
connect to each other from remote locations through internet
and are quite versatile using the social media platforms there
has to be a proper direction to utilize ICT for professional
growth.
“We have to think about ways in which our women and
girls can make proper use of the digital platforms for growth
professionally and economically.
“There are so many accredited courses available online which
our women and girls can benefit from along with numerous
business opportunities instead of just scrolling on social media.
“Also, we have to very importantly know how to promote
our girls in the digital world against online and ICT facilitated
gender-based violence. There is absolute need for us to know
how to use social media.”
The assistant Minister added that the new coalition
government is very much committed in involving young
women and girls in the development of the nation.
She revealed that the Ministry of Women is developing Assistant Minister for Women Sashi Kiran (4th from right) and USP Lautoka Campus MBA alumni Wainikiti Soqolala with USP
policies for national action plan on women’s economic Lautoka staff members during the IWD celebration. Photos: Sanjay Goundar
empowerment.
against women is still extremely high. equity.
“This will also focus on unpaid care, informal economy,
She pointed out that it is very important for each one of us to Soqolala stressed that women today are building a culture
property and assets, digital and financial inclusion education
recognize whether we are treating our women and girls as just of inclusivity, through their commitment and hard work whilst
and future jobs.
a part of the country’s population or as our sister, mother or a forging ahead in their careers in their different spheres of work.
“The plan will also aim at bringing women in other
child to avoid abusing them. The USP Lautoka Campus Director Dr Pramila Devi
marginalized groups in technology results and more creative
Guest speaker at the event USP Lautoka Campus MBA alumni highlighting on the IWD 2023 theme “DigitALL: Innovation
solutions that has greater potential for alleviation that will meet
Wainikiti Soqolala highlighted that as the world celebrates and technology for gender equality” questioned on what extent
women’s needs and promote gender equality.”
International Women’s Day this year, women colleagues across are women in Fiji using ICT, are women using it appropriately
Kiran added that while great strides are taken to empower
the globe are now breaking gender stereotypes, challenging the and how ICT can be diverted towards more effective use by the
women it is a major concern that as a nation our violence rate
status core and enabling and educating others to embrace Fijian women.

Andhra head boy sets academic benchmark Shavinesh rewarded by JP Bayly Trust

Lautoka Andhra College Principal Aruna Singh (middle) with school head boy Shivneel Nand and J P Bayly Trust Chairperson Albertina Lilo and Manager West Sarojani Michael with
head girl Shazlin Nisha
Sanjay Goundar The former dux of Lautoka Andhra Sangam
Primary School revealed that he is very grateful to
Newly inducted head boy of Lautoka Andhra the Andhra College principal and all his teachers
College is optimistic that his leadership role will for seeing him capable of leading the school
pave the way for greater academic excellence in student council.
his life. Whilst, Nand’s parents are also very proud of his
Shivneel Nand is one of the highest achievers major leadership role they are eagerly awaiting for
in the Fiji Year 12 external examination last year. the day their son will succeed immensely in life
The 18-year-old lad from Field 40 scored an and salvage them from the poor financial situation
aggregate mark of 380/400 in the Year 12 national they are currently facing.
examination with 100% marks in Mathematics, 86 The Nand family were hit very badly during the
in English, 98 in Biology, 96 in Chemistry and 94 hike of the Covid-19 pandemic as both Shivneel’s
in Physics to be the top scorer of his school. parents lost their employment and their household
Nand’s exceptional academic performance and was reduced to extreme financial hardship.
resounding leadership quality saw him being “My father injured his leg during Covid-19 and
promoted from a senior school prefect position was admitted in hospital for quite long and luckily,
last year to Head Boy of the school this year. he escaped getting his leg amputated.
The Year 13 pupil revealed that he is fully “It was through generosity of some non-
optimistic that the new major leadership role will government organizations like the Foundation
not affect his academic performance anyhow this for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development
year. (FRIEND) that we managed to survive. I have two
“In fact, I will use this new leadership role as other siblings an elder sister and a younger brother
a guiding pathway for much enhanced academic and all three of us are fully determine to succeed
performance from this year leading into my properly in life and pay back our parents for all
tertiary education studies,” Nand stressed. their sacrifices in our upbringing.”
Tilak High School Principal Vinod Sharan and Vice Principal Ashmin Rizwan
rewarding Shavinesh Prasad for excellence results in Year 12 English.
Zareena Bi continue to study and work towards his
goals and dreams’.
The J.P Bayly Trust, established in While presenting the award of $250
1954, is a notable name when it comes to to Shavinesh Prasad recently, Michael
assisting the less fortunate in the society. further congratulated both students for
According to the Trust’s Manager making their school and the Trust proud.
Western Welfare and Education, Sarojani “We hope that this award is an incentive
Michael, for the last 69 years they have to all our other students to work toward
been caring for the less fortunate as well their dreams and goals for their future.
as providing education assistance to “This year we have assisted 154
students. students with their educational needs like
“For several years now, we have been shoes, bags, uniforms, exercise books,
giving out this Bayly award to our Year12 stationeries, sports uniforms and cadet
student who scores the highest marks in uniforms.”
English. Meanwhile Tilak High School Principal
“Last year 2022, we have two students Vinod Sharan informed that the school is
who have a tie. They are Shavinesh very happy with this gesture.
Shivam Prasad from Tilak High School in “This will surely motivate our students
the Western Division and Aariza Hussain further to do well. Some of our students
from Suva Muslim College in the Eastern do not have the required facilities at home
Div.ision. and support like this really enhances their
“Shavinesh became a recipient of Bayly studies. There are other students in our
in the year 2021, after his dad became school and this award will give them
sick and had to leave work. We at Bayly the boost to do better. I am really happy
Lautoka, are very proud of Shavinesh’s and thank the J.P Bayly Trust for coming
achievement and encourage him to onboard with this education fellowship.”

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023 ADVERTISEMENT 3

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MBA Graduate School of Business

I am delighted that I enrolled for the USP MBA

programme. The USP MBA programme is recognised
regionally and internationally. It is AMBA accredited. My
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The MBA programme, through the guidance and
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to have a better understanding and knowledge of
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Pilot – Fiji Link

Applications open for Trimester II 2023 Intake

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CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

4 LAUTOKA CITY COUNCIL NEWS
LCC embarks on major cleanup campaign at Marine Drive
Lautoka City Council officials with volunteers from various organizations that took part in the Lautoka City Council Manager Health Services Rouhit Karan Singh with council staff and
cleaning up of the Marine Drive seafront. Photos: Supplied
The Lautoka City Council’s Health Department and Department of Environment launched a
clean-up campaign on March 11 to restore the beauty of the Marine Drive seafront. The campaign
aimed to create awareness among the public about the importance of keeping the environment
clean and preserving marine life.
The Marine Drive seafront is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, but the area
has been plagued by litter and garbage, which has been detrimental to the marine ecosystem.
To tackle this issue, the LCC Health Department and Department of Environment organized a
clean-up campaign, which saw the participation of over 60 volunteers.
The volunteers, including employees of Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, employees of Tanoa
Waterfront Hotel, members of Lautoka Tennis Parents Association, members of the public and
employees of various companies, worked tirelessly to collect garbage and clean up the seafront.
The clean-up campaign involved removing debris such as plastic bottles, cigarette butts, food
wrappers, and other waste that had been left behind.
The event was a huge success, and the volunteers managed to collect more than 50 bags of
garbage. The campaign was about cleaning up the seafront and educating the public on the
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA
MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023
volunteers cleaning the Marine Drive seafront
importance of preserving the environment. Participants were educated on the harmful effects of
littering, and the importance of recycling and proper waste disposal.
The Lautoka City Council’s Health Department and Department of Environment expressed
their gratitude to all those who participated in the clean-up campaign. They also urged members
of the public to keep the environment clean and report any littering or illegal dumping to the
relevant authorities.
The campaign has sent a strong message that preserving the environment is everyone’s
responsibility, and that small actions can have a big impact. The LCC’s Health Department and
Department of Environment are committed to ensuring that the Marine Drive seafront remains
clean and beautiful for generations to come.
The Council requests members of the public to dispose of wastes properly and refrain from
littering in the sea and public places.
MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023 LAUTOKA CITY COUNCIL NEWS 5

LCC praised for refurbished facility

Churchill Park in Lautoka is due to host the Auckland Blues on April 29 at 2-05pm, followed
by the return match against the Moana Pasifika side on May 27 at 2-05pm.
And the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua team are pleased with how the first of the Shop N Save
Super Rugby Pacific was hosted at Churchill Park in Lautoka on March 11.
The Drua upset the 11-time champions 25-24 with a last gasp penalty to send the more than
14,000 fans into a frenzy.
Head of Commercial & Marketing Shane Hussein said it was pleasing to see all the hard work
done by LCC in preparation for the hosting of the champion Crusaders team.
“It has been very pleasing to see the hard work done by CEO Mr. Khan and his entire team
for the upgrade done to Chuchill Park as to the standards required by Super Rugby Pacific,”
Hussein said
Lautoka City Council chief executive officer Mohammed Anees Khan was very appreciative
of the Fijian Drua for choosing Lautoka as one of its venue.
“We are very thankful to the Fijian Drua for choosing this venue and the current improvements
are part of what is needed which is competitive to other venues in Fiji and equally a quality fa-
cility as they experience overseas,” Khan told media in an interview.
Currently, further facelift is being provided to the main concrete pavilion with refurbishment
and extension of the commentary booths.
Meanwhile, at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, the Drua fcaed the Rebels on April 1, before
the Hurricanes tour the Capital City on May 6 for a 2-05pm kickoff and then the Reds clash at
the Laucala Oval at 4-35pm on June 3. The Lautoka City Council has been praised for their hard work behind the scenes in
preparation for the hosting of the Super Rugby Pacific matches at Churchill Park.

Lautoka City Council’s Managers and Supervisors attend LMCCC Training

The Lautoka City Council’s managers and supervisors attended the Labour Management
Consultation and Cooperation Committee (LMCCC) training recently in the LCC Chamber.
The training was conducted by Mr. Jitendra Naidu, Manager Productivity and Training from
the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations.
The LMCCC is a bipartite forum established under the Employment Relations Act 2007
that aims to promote and realize ‘good faith’ employment relationships, and to promote and
improve productivity levels in workplaces.
The LMCCC training highlighted the benefits of establishing a Labour Management Com-
mittee in the workplace. The committee provides a platform for communication based on good
labour-management relationships, where workplace issues such as productivity improvement,
social and recreational activities, and staff development can be resolved through open forums.
Additionally, the committee consults on issues such as safety and health, operational proce-
dures, and other relevant matters.
The LMCCC training emphasized that establishing an active committee is crucial in en-
suring that grievances in the workplace are addressed amicably through a win-win situa-
tion based on good faith relations. This ensures the resolution of workplace grievances in an
un-confrontational manner.
The Lautoka City Council’s managers and supervisors left the training with a better under-
standing of the benefits of the LMCCC and how it can be utilized in their workplace. They
expressed enthusiasm in implementing the strategies learned in the training to improve pro-
ductivity and workplace relationships.
Overall, the LMCCC training was a success in educating attendees on the benefits of estab-
lishing a Labour Management Committee and promoting good labour-management relation-
ships in the workplace.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

6 NEWS MARCH 25- APRIL 25, 2023

EDITORIAL COMMENT Empowering by developing skills

Fijian Drua stir up Super Rugby Pacific
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s March 11 historic 25-24
win over 11-time champions the Crusaders at home is a
testimony that the Fijians are not in the competition just to
make up the numbers.
And it’s a slap on the faces of teams who opt to or are
thinking of fielding their second string team against the
Drua.
The Crusaders did it and got the first taste of it.
Rugby pundits in New Zealand have criticized the Crusad-
ers coaching staff for resting most of their All Blacks reps
if not all, and they have seen the consequences.
Its a clear fact that the newbies in Super Rugby together
with their Island brothers the Moana Pasifika team will al-
ways field their best team in all their games while the other
teams will rotate players or field B- teams to be exact.
But after what transpired at Chuchill Park in Lautoka un-
der the scorching western heat, this perception of teams
visiting or even hosting their matches against the Drua will
now probably change.
What the Drua achieved in only their second season in this
elite competition is commendable.
Fijian players are renowned athletes and ply their trades
around the world and it is no surprise they are catching fast
and becoming a team to look out for in Super Rugby. Simi-
lar sentiments can be said for the Moana Pasifika side who
are also raising eyebrows with their near win performance.
Drua ruled the (NRC) National Rugby Championship a Radini Ciriyawa (3rd from left) teaches hostel students of Jasper Williams High School how to make traditional Fijian
few seasons ago and a few doubted their entry to the Super Salusalu. Inset: Master Vimlash Pillay teaches at the SI Lautoka IWD workshop how to make Indian wedding garlands.
Rugby franchise. Photos: Sanjay Goundar
But with what that has transpired already it is going to be a
long season for most of the teams. Zareena Bi are very much in demand in our country for special occasions.
Drua head coach Mick Byrne did not mince his words “We have organized two resource persons to teach these skills.
when he set a target for the Drua at the start of the season. Each year, International Women’s Day (IWD) on March The Salusalu workshop is being conducted by Radini Kolora
He wants that number eight spot that will enable them to 8 provides the opportunity for women to celebrate their Ciriyawa while for the garlands we have sought the services of
play in the knockout competition. achievements and renew their effort in providing enabling Vimlash Raj who is a school teacher by profession.
It wont be easy but he believes and trusts his players. opportunities and empowerment for women and girls across the “This workshop has proved to be very interactive as the
A similar feat from the burning west will make things eas- world. learnings are hands on and the participants have enjoyed the
ier for the Drua. This year the focus for IWD was also on accelerating equality opportunity to make Salusalu and garlands under the guidance
The first ever win over the Crusaders is history now and if and empowerment and how women’s collective action can of our experienced resource persons.
they are to relish their dreams they will need to start again, make a difference to drive progress towards gender equality and “Even our members have learnt a lot today and we realize
work hard again, put in a consistent performance week in empowerment. how valuable these skills are for every individual as its provides
week out to stand a chance. With this focus in mind the women’s NGO group, Soroptimist so many opportunities.”
The ball is in their court with five more home games for International (SI) Lautoka club organized a skill-based workshop Prasad further added that last year the club also had a similar
the Drua. for women and girls at Jasper High School on March 11. workshop at Amichandra Primary School where the skills that
The 16th player surely made the difference in the Sugar According to SI Lautoka president Vinesh Prasad the club were taught was sewing, screen printing and floral arrangements.
City. Similar reception is expected in Suva. decided to organize a workshop for women and girls to learn “It is our endeavor to provide a number of skill-based
the skill of making Salusalu and garlands. workshops in our communities, so it provides enabling
Toso Drua Toso!! The president added that these skills will give the opportunity opportunities for women and girls”.
for women to become entrepreneurs as Salusalu and garlands

Maika Kasami
Editor
Serve positively Dreketi prefects urged
Zareena Bi

“Leadership is about serving so as

school prefect, you must have a positive
attitude to serve and not expect to be
served.”
This was the message from chief guest
Team CITY STAR contact Information: Lalita Leemay, former Fiji resident now
residing in Australia, to student leaders of
Publisher: Sanjay Goundar Dreketi Sangam Primary School during
their induction program on March 14.
Phone : (679) 996 0129 / 7844836 The chief guest also encouraged the
Email: sanjaygoundar@gmail.com newly inducted prefects to always set a
good example so that others may follow.
“Remember, to lead is to serve, so a
Editor: Maika Kasami good leader is not someone who throws
Phone: (679) 918 9779 / 741 5752 his or her weight around and very little
to show for.
Email: m2kaaz@gmail.com / “Good leaders lead from the front, and
citystarnews15@gmail.com they show the way and help others with
how things are to be done. Newly inducted prefects of Dreketi Sangam School in Lautoka with the invited guests
“As prefects, you also assist your Meanwhile, Dreketi Sangam head who wants to do it all by himself or to get
Marketing Manager : Zareena Bi teachers, you are therefore you are re- teacher Ashwin Chandra advised the stu- all the credit for doing it as we need to
Phone (679) 932 2621 quired to be responsible and reliable. You dents that they will be the beacon of hope work in collaboration with others.
have an obligation and a very important for not only their fellow colleagues but to “Great leaders are almost always sim-
role to play in the nurturing and develop- the other stakeholders as well. plifiers who cut through argument, debate
Office Location: 19 Naviti Street, ment of your peers who will be assuming “Outstanding leaders go out of their and doubt to offer a solution everybody
Lautoka the responsibilities in future.” way to boost the self esteem of their fol- can understand”.
Leemay added that it is important and lowers and if leaders believe in them- He added that good leadership consists
memorable for the students and she was selves, it is amazing what they can ac- of showing average people how to do the
Postal : P.O Box 4230, Lautoka excited to share their achievement with complish. work of superior people.
them.
Printer: Universal Print “No student will make a great leader

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

MARCH 25- APRIL 25, 2023 NEWS 7

Former Natabua scholar receives top honours at FNU

Every economy requires proper management, and as a result,
the demand for economists is likely to increase daily.
These are the words of Fiji National University (FNU) grad-
uate, Rachna Shayal Datt. Datt graduated recently with a Bach-
elor of Commerce in Economics and Finance from the College
of Business, Hospitality, and Tourism Studies (CBHTS).
She was also the recipient of the T K Jayaraman and Family
Annual Prize for Topper in Bachelor of Commerce (Econom-
ics).
Datt, from Saru Back Road in Lautoka, is a former scholar of
Natabua High School.
“I am extremely proud of myself for graduating with a Bach-
elor of Commerce degree, majoring in Economics and Finance.
It brings me great joy to see my parents happy and proud of my
achievements. I am also thrilled being the recipient of the T K
Jayaraman and Family Annual Prize for Topper. The recogni-
tion means a lot to me and my family,” she said.
“I have always been fascinated and interested in understand-
ing how an economy works. Economics and finance are two
academic majors that provide an in-depth explanation of how
an economy is funded, how businesses and governments oper-
ate, and most importantly, how an economy can survive during
times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In her leisure time, Datt enjoys engaging in physical activi-
ties such as cycling, dancing, and playing outdoor games.
She strongly believes that physical health plays a crucial role Fiji National University’s Topper in Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) programme at the recent graduation Rachna Shayal
in the learning process and that staying active and healthy is es- Datt receive her honours from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad. Photo: Supplied
sential for overall well-being. By engaging in regular physical
activity, she said, one can maintain a healthy balance between finance,
academic pursuits and their personal life. “I am thrilled to be pursuing a career in this field. However, I She further added that graduates can work in various sec-
“My journey in economics began in 2017 when I was first am aware that success in this profession requires hard work and tors, including finance, government, consulting, and research,
introduced to the subject in Year 11. I found the concepts and dedication, whether working locally or internationally. among others. Th programme provides a solid foundation for
critical thinking required in economics to be the most interest- “I am prepared to put in the necessary effort and strive for individuals interested in pursuing further studies, such as a
ing part, as it allowed me to think outside the box,” she said. excellence in order to achieve my goals and make a positive Master’s degree or a PhD in related fields.
“My family is my biggest source of inspiration. Growing up, impact in the world of economics.” “In the next five years, I envision myself working as an econ-
I often listened to conversations about economic growth, de- Datt highlighted that economics and finance opens up a omist in the ministries of Fiji or for any other reputable firms,
velopment, business cycles, and market factors, which piqued plethora of opportunities for individuals. either within Fiji or abroad. My goal is to utilise the skills and
my curiosity to learn more about these complex topics. This “This programme equips graduates with the knowledge and knowledge that I have gained through my academic journey
eagerness to gain a deeper understanding of economic issues skills required to analyse economic trends, make informed de- to contribute to the development and growth of the economy,”
is what led me to pursue a degree in economics and finance. cisions, and contribute to the development and growth of busi- she revealed.
“As someone who is passionate about economics and nesses and economies,” she said.

Good leaders are role models

Head prefects of Lautoka Zhong Hua School with important dignitaries at their induction

Zareena Bi Roy also stressed to the students to have a

“A good leader is a role model who is able
to inspire others through his or her actions.”
This was the important leadership advice
offered to the school prefects of Lautoka Zhong
Hua Primary School during their investiture
ceremony by chief guest, Education Officer
Lautoka/Nadi/Yasawa, Ragni Roy.
The chief guest added that despite the fact
that teachers can manage the students, the
head of school and the school management
committee can manage the schools at large
there is still a need for prefects as there is a
need to train and develop leadership qualities
in students.
“The leaders inducted today could lead our
country tomorrow and leadership practice
begins from primary schools.
“Prefects are sometimes also called teacher
assistants and peers relate better to their peers.
“What a teacher may not be able to get
through to the students, the prefects will be
able to”.
positive attitude and try not to get frustrated or
angry in front of other students.
“As a role model you want to show them
that optimism and a good attitude are the key
to success, even in difficult situations.
“Whether you are interacting with another
student, a teacher, or anyone for that matter,
be respectful.
“Other students will be looking to you to
see what is acceptable behavior, so set a good
example for them”.
The chief guest also highlighted the
importance of being a good communicator.
“Communicate with students so you have a
better sense of how they are doing and what
kind of help they could benefit from.
“If students are having a hard time with their
classes or they are struggling to make friends,
support them and offer to help.
“Do not favour or target those you do not
like among the student body. Set aside your
personal opinions so you can treat all students
fairly and equally”.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

8 NEWS MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023

Great opportunity to inculcate virtues: Central College head girl

Sanjay Goundar

The newly inducted head girl of Lautoka Central College

Avani Lingam believes her new leadership role is a great
opportunity for her to inculcate values, discipline and harmony
in the lives of others.
Speaking during the investiture ceremony of the school
recently Ms Lingam pointed out that this is an opportunity for
her to lead by example and create a shared vision force for a
better society.
The elated student council head revealed that she cannot
express her feelings in words after being bestowed upon with
such a major responsibility.
“From now on my new journey is going to start and I will try
my best to reach the pinnacle of this journey.
“It is indeed a pleasure for me together with the head boy
and the entire student council body to carry out the assigned
responsibilities in a sincere, systematic and dedicated manner.
“For me being the head girl is about action and example
which can make a difference.
“My prime duty will be to take care of the norms of discipline
of our school and maintain very high level of discipline amongst
around 600 students of the college.
“I stand here as a leader not just to lead but to work in
collaboration to achieve the best for our school.
“I promise to work hard with devotion and determination and
I will try my best to work persistently for the excellence of our Head prefects of Lautoka Central College with Acting Divisional Education Officer Western Napolioni Locoloco and the school
school.” administration and management team. Photos: Sanjay Goundar
She wholeheartedly thanked her teachers for training her to The pure science pupil scored a aggregate mark of 376/400 optimistic of achieving similar academic achievement from
become the leader she is today and her parents for their never- in the Year 12 external examination and there is a lot of last year in Year 13 as well.
ending support. expectation from her to top the school once again in this year’s She informed that she intends to become a biomedical
However, the leadership appointment is an added Year 13 external examination. engineer and will be putting a 100 percent in her studies this
responsibility for the 17-year-old lass from Balawa, Lautoka Avani said that though it will be a challenge to manage year to score excellent marks to pursue her career.
who is the highest achiever of the school in the Year 12 external between studies and the leadership responsibility she is Meanwhile, she lists her hobbies as reading, listening to
examination last year. music and playing the piano.

Win the support of fellow colleagues Parental guidance vital for prefects

Lautoka School for Special Education Head boy Abdul Khan, Head Girl Payal Sharma
with DO Lautoka Apisai Vularika and head teacher Kailash Pillay. Photo: Maika Kasami

Zareena Bi their new roles and I hope and pray that

you will do your school proud.
Former Divisional Education Officer Western Lorima Voravora with Drasa Secondary School’s Prefects have a very important role in “You must also keep in mind that this is
Head Boy Aarian Kumar and Head Girl Elvina Naidu after their induction. the school to enable students to progress your stepping stone to leadership in soci-
Sanjay Goundar of you. and display good behaviour but parents ety”.
“Communicate with your students regularly have a greater role to play as a support sys- Meanwhile, Lautoka Special school
School prefects should always work towards so that they will understand what you want to tem for the prefects. head teacher Kailash Pillay stressed that
winning the hearts and minds of their fellow be done and once they understand the task they This was an important reminder to the some people are born with innate qualities
colleagues. will follow it throughout the year.” aspiring prefects and parents of Lauto- that predispose them to be leaders, and
Moreover, respect from the students is gained The former education head from the west ka School for Special Education by chief other people, while not naturally gifted
through prefect’s deeds and not by forced also urged the prefects to be aware of the rebels guest, District Officer Lautoka/Yasawa with leadership ability, can acquire it.
talkable approaches. within the school system who will attempt to Apisai Vularika during the prefect induc- “Moreover, all leaders, born or made,
Former Divisional Education Officer Western jeopardize their work. tion ceremony recently at the school. can improve their ability with desire, ex-
Lorima Voravora shared these sentiment with He emphasized that every society has rebels “Parents have a great role to play as the perience, and effort.
the newly inducted prefects of Drasa Secondary and schools are no exception. prefects cannot do without your guidance “Likewise, we here at Lautoka School
School during the student leaders investiture “There will be students who will be non- and support. for Special Education prepare our Students
ceremony recently. corporative and making work difficult, identify “This support and guidance need to be with Special Needs to be also leaders just
Voravora reminded the prefects that they them quickly and try to befriend them with ongoing and daily to help enable your like leaders in mainstream schools.
should always lead from the front and thrive respect and dignity to win them to your side. “ child maintain great leadership skill”. “The truth is, with support, motivation,
towards winning the support of their peers. Meanwhile, head boy of Drasa Secondary The chief guest added that prefect induc- and the right principles, anyone can grow
“By winning the hearts and minds of your School Aarian Avish Kumar has assured the tion is an important day to recognize and into a great leader. Many great leaders
fellow colleagues you will gain maximum school administration team that together with acknowledge young leaders. started out as average people — they had
respect from them and managing the affairs of his student council members he will work He also advised teachers to instill true to learn how to lead. As such, we try our
the school will be much easier. towards overcoming all challenges in the days leadership skills in the students, keeping in best to also empower our students in the
“You will never gain respect from your peers to come to take the school to new heights. mind that leadership is not about bossing society so that they are not left behind.
if you continuously force them to do a task. Kumar stressed their work will be based on around but guiding and supporting. They also need the same dignity and re-
“We must strike a balance between what a the principles of truth and honesty for the best “I wish the prefects every success in spect in society”.
prefect is entitled to do and what is required out interest of the school.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

MARCH 25- APRIL 25, 2023 ADVERTISEMENT 9

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CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA
10 NEWS MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023

Leaders encouraged to be outstanding role models

Zareena Bi
“Having you all as our prefects, we trust that
our investment will yield results that we can
all be proud of, and that is having dedicated
student leaders who are ready to step up and
serve the school in various capacities, and
strong leaders who set themselves up as out-
standing role models.”
These were the encouraging words for the
newly inducted prefects of Gandhi Bhawan
Primary School from their head teacher Shel-
vin Prasad.
“By selecting you as prefects, the school is
committed to devoting time, effort and energy
to groom and develop you as leaders.
“A prefect induction is a ceremony in which
the school demonstrates how earnest we are
in conferring on you a heavy responsibility to
lead your peers and serve your school.
“So, I would like to ask that our prefects re-
flect on this responsibility. When you put on
the prefect badge, do constantly ask yourself
how well have you lived up to expectations,
and how you want to be even better leaders.”
Meanwhile, chief guest Doctor Atul Lal
from Aspen Hospital Lautoka urged all the
newly inducted prefects to work diligently for
the betterment of the school.
Head girl Suhana Devi assured that she will
give her absolute best and perform her duties
with my utmost dedication.
“I would like to thank all my teachers, each
one of you has taught me, enlightened me,
sometimes scolded but most importantly loved
me.
“I would also like to thank my parents for
being the perfect parents.
“And teachers thank you so much for giving
me this opportunity, I promise you that I shall
fulfil this and maintain your trust with me al-
ways.”
The head boy of Gandhi Bhawan, Rethart
Kumar, informed that he is extremely honored
to be bestowed this role.
“Being elected as the head boy is an abso-
lute honor which I will always hold close to
my heart as one of my biggest achievements.
“Today I stand before all of you accepting
my post with extreme dignity, honor, humility,
and prestige.
“I will forever work for the betterment of Newly inducted head prefects of Gandhi Bhawani Primary School, chief guest Dr Atul Lal
our school and will work sincerely and lead (middle back row), Head Teacher Shelvin Prasad (3rd from right), school management team
by example.”, and assistant teachers during the student council induction. Photo: Sanjay Goundar

FNU hosts first ever nationwide Careers Teachers workshop

The Fiji National University (FNU) recently organized a
first ever nationwide careers teachers workshop with its inau-
gural workshop at the Ba Campus recently.
More than 20 secondary school careers teachers from the
districts of Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki turned up with high in-
terest to be part of the university’s historic event and a first
for the nation, while more than 30 teachers turned up to the
workshop at the Namaka Campus in Nadi last Friday.
The workshop was established to provide career teachers at
secondary schools with guidance and vital information they
can utilise in their career classes to counsel and guide stu-
dents in terms of choosing a career path.
Discussions were held around the areas of career paths, ed-
ucation, and training requirements from the College of Agri-
culture, Fisheries, and Forestry (CAFF); College of Business,
Hospitality, and Tourism Studies (CBHTS); the College of
Engineering, Science, and Technology (CEST); the College
of Humanities and Education (CHE), the College of Medi-
cine, Nursing, and Health Sciences (CMNHS); the Fiji Mari-
time Academy (FMA); and the National Training and Produc-
tivity Centre (NTPC).
The University also provided teachers with application pro-
cess training so the teachers would have knowledge and un-
derstanding of the process so they could later help guide and
assist students in lodging their online applications at FNU.
FNU Manager Outreach, Vishal Lal said the universi-
ty aimed to provide the right training to the teachers, who
would pass on the information and guide the young students
to choose the right career path.

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CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023
Easter - the Resurrection of Jesus
Easter Sunday is the most holy day of the
year for Christians. It commemorates the res-
urrection of Jesus.
Jesus’ body was hastily placed in a tomb on
Friday afternoon. There was no time to prop-
erly prepare the body for burial with spices
and ointments according to Jewish customs.
No work could be done on the Sabbath, so that
task had to wait until Sunday.
Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene
and several other women went to the tomb
with the spices they had prepared. When they
arrived, they found the tomb had been opened
already. When they went in, they did not find
Jesus’ body, and they wondered what had hap-
pened.
Suddenly, two angels in dazzling white
clothes were there. The women were terrified,
but the angels said to them, “Why do you look
for the living among the dead? He is not here;
He has risen! Remember how He told you that
He would be turned over to sinful men, be cru-
cified, and rise again on the third day!”
The women ran back to tell Jesus’ apostles
what they had seen. Peter and one other apostle
went to the tomb to see for themselves. They
looked in and saw the linen cloths that Jesus’
body had been wrapped in but nothing else.
Then they went home, amazed and confused.
When Peter and the other apostle went
home, Mary Magdalene stayed outside the
tomb crying. Suddenly she saw Jesus standing
there, but she did not recognize Him at first.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you cry-
ing? Who are you looking for?” Mary thought
He must be the gardener and said, “Sir, if you
have taken Him away, tell me where, and I will
take Him!” Jesus said, “Mary!” Then she rec-
ognized Him and exclaimed, “Master!”
Jesus said, “Don’t hold on to me, because
EASTER SPECIAL
Reverend Nathaniel Hem Raj preaching during a special Easter service at the Saint Peter’s That same Sunday evening most of the
Anglican Church in Lautoka. Photo: Sanjay Goundar
I have not yet returned to the Father. But go
to my disciples and tell them, ‘I am ascending
to my Father and your Father, to my God and
your God.’”
Then Mary Magdalene went and said to the
disciples, “I have seen the Lord!”, and she told
them everything that had happened.
Later that same Sunday, two of Jesus’ disci-
ples, Cleopas [KLEE uh pas] and another man,
were walking along the road to a village called
Emmaus [em MAY us], which was about sev-
en miles (11 km) from Jerusalem. All day they
had been talking and wondering about all the
things that had happened.
Suddenly, Jesus was there with them, but
they did not recognize Him. “What are you
talking about as you walk along?” He asked.
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA
The two disciples looked sad. Cleopas
asked, “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who
doesn’t know the things that have happened
there in the last few days?” “What things?”
Jesus asked. “The things about Jesus of Naza-
reth, who was a great prophet before God and
all the people, and how our chief priests and
leaders handed Him over to be crucified. We
had hoped that He was the one to redeem Is-
rael. Yes, and besides, it is now the third day
since all of this happened. And now, some
women of our group amazed us. They went to
His tomb early this morning, but they did not
find His body there. They came back and told
us that they had seen angels there who said He
was alive. Some of those who were with us
11
went to the tomb and found it just as the wom-
en said, but they did not see Jesus.” Then Jesus
said to them, “Oh you are so foolish, and slow
of heart to believe in all that the prophets have
spoken! Wasn’t it necessary for Christ to suffer
those things and enter into His glory?”
As they came near the village of Emmaus,
the two disciples said to Jesus, “Stay with us,
because it is late and the day is now nearly
over.” So Jesus went in to stay with them. As
they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it
and broke it, and gave it to them. Suddenly
they recognized Him as Jesus, and He van-
ished from their sight.
The two disciples quickly returned to Jeru-
salem and found the eleven apostles and some
of Jesus’ other followers gathered together.
The apostles told them, “It’s true! The Lord
has risen and has appeared to Peter.” Then the
two disciples told everything that had hap-
pened on the road to Emmaus.
apostles were together. They had locked
themselves in a room in fear that the religious
leaders would want them crucified next. Sud-
denly, Jesus was there among them. He said,
“Peace be with you.” Jesus showed them the
wounds from crucifixion in his side and hands.
The apostles were overjoyed to see Jesus alive
again. Jesus said again, “Peace be with you. As
the father has sent me, so I send you.”
The apostle Thomas was not with the oth-
ers when Jesus appeared to them. So the oth-
ers told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But
Thomas said, “Unless I see the nail marks in
His hands, and put my finger in the nail holes
and my hand in the wound in His side, I will
not believe it.”
12 RAMADAN SPECIAL COVERAGE MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023

The holy month of Ramadhan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islam calendar, a holy
month designed for prayer and fasting. It begins and ends with
the shape of the crescent moon, which is why Ramadan is not
set on any specific days annually.
Each year, the day it starts and ends changes as it goes with
the moon calendar. Depending on the region, it may even
change the dates on which Ramadan is celebrated.
Muslims believe that Ramadan is meant to strengthen their
relationship with God. The religious holiday involves fasting,
praying and being around loved ones.
Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, God
gave the Prophet Muhammad the Qu’ran, Islam’s holy book, in
610 A.D. It was the first time God revealed to Muhammed that
he was a prophet in charge of carrying God’s message across
the Arabian Peninsula.
The Qu’ran was revealed during the night of destiny for
Muslims, that’s why Ramadan becomes the sacred month,
Along with being a month of fasting for the Muslims
Ramadan is also a month of charity and generosity.
The idea behind fasting is to practice self restrain, which is
one of the pillars of Islam. Fasting is done from dusk till dawn.
Every Muslim that has reached puberty, and is physically
capable, is required to fast.
Muslims ask for forgiveness during Ramadan for the sins
they have committed. It is about repentance. A habit takes a
month to form, so Ramadan being a month-long allows for the
habit to form.
It becomes a time to commune more deeply with God. It
becomes a time to become more aware of God’s mercy and to
seek that forgiveness.
During Ramadan, there are five daily prayers. Muslims break
Ramadan is the most holy month for Muslims around the globe as they abstain from various daily activities devoting the entire
their fast after the evening prayer with the meal called ifṭār.
month fasting and worshipping Almighty Allah seeking His blessings and forgiveness. Photo: Supplied
This meal is often celebrated with friends and extended family.
Ifṭār traditionally starts with dates and water. Ramadan is over to make up for the days missed. and eat traditional foods. Eid ul-Fitr is an auspicious festival
Dates are one of the main staples of the Arabian Peninsula. Those who do not fast may choose a substitute like feeding celebrated by Muslims all around the world. The occasion
During the time of the Prophet, they were considered to be the poor or giving money to feed others. marks the end of the Islamic holy month fasting of Ramadan.
considered to be superfoods. The end of Ramadan is a celebration known as Eid al-Fitr, It is believed that Prophet Muhammad got the first revelation
A lost day can be made up by extra days of fasting. People one of the major holidays for Muslims. Families and friends of the Holy Quran in this month. The date of the festivity is
who get sick or are traveling during Ramadan can be exempt get together, and there is a special communal prayer to mark the dependent on the combination of the sighting of the new moon
from fasting, but would have to fast for additional days after end of Ramadan. People often dress up in traditional clothing as well as the astronomical calculations.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023 RAMADAN SPECIAL COVERAGE 13

Ramadan teaches sympathy for others

The month of Ramadhan teaches us how it
feels to be poor and hungry. Many Ahadith
expound the philosophy of fasting as a bless-
ing from the Almighty so that one becomes
aware of the hardships of the poor and the
needy. A fasting person acquires the virtues
of empathy for others, feels for them when
they go through hunger and deprivation as
he has also tasted the pain of it through fast-
ing. It is easy for those who have abundant
supplies of everything they need, to overlook
and underestimate the pains of the less fortu-
nate. The pangs of hunger felt by the fasting
person are a reminder.
Helping Others
It is the duty of those who are fortunate in
terms of material wealth, to help the less for-
tunate in different parts of the world.
The Qur’an urges people to acts of charity
and makes it attractive to believers by de-
scribing charity as a goodly loan. He says:.
“Who is he that will lend God a goodly loan,
which God will double unto his credit and
multiply many times? It is God that gives
(you) Want or Plenty, and to Him shall be
your return” (2: 245).
The Qur’an also describes the spending of
money in the Cause of God as a profitable
trade that benefits its owner on the Day of Young female Muslim girls seeking the blessings of almighty Allah during the holy month of Ramadan whilst breaking their fast.
Resurrection:
“O you who believe! Shall I lead you to helping others: • Guard yourselves from the fire (through brings men’s attention to the fact that wealth
commerce that saves you from a grievous • Charity keeps away from its givers, the heat charity) even if by a date, for surely Allah is only God’s, and that man is no more than
Penalty? You should believe in God and His of the grave, and on the Day of Judgment, the will raise it (cause it to grow), just as one of a proxy of God in supervising it; consequent
Apostle, and should strive (your utmost) in believer will be in the shade of his charity. you raises his foal . . . until it becomes great- ly, man should not disobey God regarding
the cause of God, with your property and Holy Prophet (S) er than a huge mountain. Holy Propeht (S) the trust put under his charge. Assisting the
your lives. That will be best for you, if you • Allah smiles at the person who stretches out An important point to remember is that the unfortunate and disadvantaged members of
but knew” (61: 10¬11). his hand to give charity, and whoever Allah wealth which human beings enjoy actually the public is one of the greatest teachings of
Many Ahadith also talk about the benefit of smiles at is forgiven. Holy Prophet (S) belongs to Allah. The Qur’an continuously the month of Ramadan

Zakat – Islamic charity

There are five pillars or basic tenets of the Islamic faith. These are professing one’s faith;
praying five times a day; giving zakat, or donating a certain portion of one’s wealth; fasting
during Ramadan; and making a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
For Muslims, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the most revered of all men. He is the last and
most authoritative in a line of prophets that includes Moses and Jesus and is believed to have
received direct revelations from God through the archangel Gabriel.
These revelations form the basis of the Muslim holy text, the Quran. The Quran refers to
God as Allah, which is the Arabic word for God.
Muslims belong to many different sects, including Sunni and Shiite, but they all share these
same fundamental beliefs.
Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, is an obligatory act of giving and among several dis-
tinct forms of Islamic charity. The Quran and hadiths, the words and sayings of the Prophet
Muhammad (SAW), prescribe what kind of charitable causes are eligible to receive these
funds.
Although Muslims are expected to give away 2.5% of their wealth every year, there is no
time of year officially designated for Zakat. Yet, many Muslims fulfill this mandatory charita-
ble obligation during Ramadan, a month long period of fasting and spiritual growth.
Zakat is both formal and informal. Muslims primarily support formal charities and gov-
ernment entities, but they also give informally. This generally happens either by dispatching
money to loved ones in other countries, in payments known as remittances, or giving money
directly to people in need.
Zakat consists of a wide range of acts as Muslims consider philanthropy to consist of a wide
range of acts that go beyond giving money.
In addition to volunteering or in-kind donations, these other forms of philanthropy include
actions such as smiling, doing something for others out of good intentions, helping relatives,
encouraging proper behavior, furthering good causes, abstaining from harmful acts and advo-
cating on behalf of the oppressed.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) reportedly said that “smiling in the face of your brother is
an act of charity.”
Many Muslims see this broad understanding of philanthropy as essential to their social and
civic participation. This model comes from the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who advocated
giving to charity, known as Sadaqa in Arabic.
Each of the most trusted hadith collections in Islam have a book dedicated to zakat. The
hadiths admonish those who do not give the zakat. According to the hadith, refusal to pay or
mockery of those who pay zakat is a sign of hypocrisy, and God will not accept the prayers
of such people.The sunna also describes God’s punishment for those who refuse or fail to pay
zakat. On the day of Judgment, those who did not give the zakat will be held accountable and
punished.
The hadith contain advice on the state-authorized collection of the zakat. The collectors are
required not to take more than what is due, and those who are paying the zakat are asked not
to evade payment. The hadith also warn of punishment for those who take zakat when they
are not eligible to receive.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

14 INTERNATIONAL NEWS MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023

India to play big role in launch of OneWeb’s Services

India will play a big role in the launch of
OneWeb’s satellite broadband services global-
ly, according to Sunil Bharti Mittal, the exec-
utive chairman of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
satellite communications firm, which on Sun-
day (March 26) launched 36 Internet satel-
lites into space through India’s most powerful
ISRO rocket.
“India has a big role to play in the launch
of OneWeb’s services globally. Tens of thou-
sands of user terminals would be required
with the launch of our services, and India
will become a real place to manufacture these
terminals, especially with the given Chinese
terminals that are unlikely to be accepted in
most parts of the world,” Mr Mittal said while
speaking to reporters.
The telecom tycoon, and the Executive
Chairman of OneWeb, was speaking after a
Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) rocket lifted
off from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre
in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota carrying 36
OneWeb broadband satellites towards Low
Earth Orbit (LEO). Bharti Enterprises serves
as a major investor and shareholder in One-
Web.
The Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) announced that all 36 spacecraft had
been deployed successfully to an orbit about
450 kilometres above Earth. With this launch,
the London-headquartered firm completed
placing in orbit its first generation LEO con-
stellation, which will enable it to launch its
broadband from space services globally.
Meanwhile, Mr Mittal said that he is in
discussion with space authorities to identify
companies in India for manufacturing user
terminals at a larger scale. “I’m in discussion
with the space authorities in India to see which
manufacturing companies in India can step
up to start manufacturing user terminals for
OneWeb,” the LEO satellite firm’s executive
chairman said.
Mr Mittal further said, “Two OneWeb
ground stations are being established in India
– in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai and in Gujarat’s
Vadodara. Both the stations will be ready by
June-July.”
“It will take about three months for us to
place the satellites into their final orbit, and by
July, everything will be in place,” he added.
He further said, “I’m now testing the ex-
perience of in flight connectivity of nearly
138mbps down-link and 25mbps up-link,
which is likely over 4G cross plus or the real
5G speed. This up in the sky is available on
aeroplanes, and it is going forward.”
“Three days back we demonstrated to the
defence authorities a very small lightweight
terminal, which one can carry in a backpack.
It takes about three minutes to set up and gets
connected to OneWeb’s network,” Mr Mittal
told reporters.
“We have also tested our terminals on ships,
and they are working efficiently,” he added.
“OneWeb is currently operating in 15 coun-
tries, and many user cases are being estab-
lished. Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and the
UK are among them. Our number of studies
and cases going on is over 145, and the com-
mercial revenue is also in several millions of
dollars in a month,” he claimed.
Mr Mittal said that they are in the final stag-
es of OneWeb’s merger with Paris-based Eu-
telsat, and it will resume the position as the
co-chair, and become the single largest share-
holder.
“We are waiting for the Indian space policy,
which is in progress,” he added.
Mr Mittal spoke on OneWeb’s satellite mis-
sion at length and shared their plans of launch-
ing their services soon once the government’s
space policy is introduced.
“Our tariffs will not be as low as they are in
India. But we hope to match it with rates of
mobile services rates offered in western coun-
tries,” Mr Mittal said, on being asked about
tariffs of OneWeb’s services.
Bharti-backed OneWeb, the Low Earth
Orbit (LEO) satellite communications firm,
on Sunday, confirmed the successful deploy-
ment and contact of 36 satellites launched
by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the IS-
RO’s commercial arm, from the Satish Dha-
wan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Andhra
Pradesh’s Sriharikota.
Lift-off took place on Sunday at 9 am. One-
Web’s satellites separated successfully from
the rocket and were dispensed in nine phases
over a period of 1 hour and 14 minutes, with
the signal acquisition on all 36 satellites con-
firmed.
With this, the total fleet of the in-orbit
first-generation constellation of the Lon-
don-based company has gone up to 618. These
satellites are crucial for the company to be
able to deliver broadband Internet coverage
from space to any place on Earth.
This was OneWeb’s 18th launch, and third
this year, bringing the total of OneWeb’s con-
stellation to 618 satellites. The satellite con-
stellation will enable a global connectivity
solution by the end of this year, as stated by
officials of OneWeb.

New Zealand bans TikTok from lawmakers’ phones

New Zealand is now the latest
country to ban the popular video-
sharing app from government-
related phones to protect sensitive
information.
New Zealand on March 17 banned
the short-video sharing app TikTok
from devices with access to the
country’s parliamentary network,
citing cybersecurity concerns. The
island nation is the latest among
several Western countries to ban the
app from lawmakers’ phones.
The ban will come into effect on
March 31.
Parliamentary Service Chief
Executive Rafael Gonzalez-Montero
said the risks related to the app were
“not acceptable” in the current
environment.
“This decision has been made
based on our own experts’ analysis
and following discussion with our
colleagues across government and
internationally,” he said.
TikTok, owned by Chinese
company ByteDance, has already
been banned on government-issued
devices in Canada, Australia, Britain
and the US because of concerns that
ByteDance shares sensitive user
data with the Chinese government.
The UK banned it on government-
related device less than 24 hours
ago. The European Commission
has also instructed employees to
remove TikTok from their phones.
US President Joe Biden has even
threatened a complete ban of the app
unless it separates from its parent
company.
Global action against the popular
video-sharing app started in India
in 2020 when the government
banned TikTok as well as over 100
other apps for the entire nation
following clashes with China at the
border. New Delhi maintained that
the ban was to protect the nation’s
sovereignty and in the interest of
national security. Soon after, then-
US President Donald Trump called Popular Chinese social media video app Tik Tok is getting banned by various countries around the world
the app out for spying on behalf of
the Chinese government. data to the government. It blames billion it has spent on security lawmakers who need the app to
While TikTok has admitted that fundamental misconceptions and efforts. perform their duties and that the
its employees in China can access wider geopolitics for the regulators Gonzalez said special platform can still be accessed via
details of foreign accounts, it has banning the app, stressing the $1.5 arrangements will be made for browsers.
denied ever turning over

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023 AGRICULTURAL NEWS 15

Be Positive in whatever field you are in

In recognition of International Women’s Day this year, we are proud to celebrate the mighty
women who toil the land every day to provide for their families.
Meet Bijma Wati (Pictured), a female farmer from Navula in Sigatoka. The mother of three,
originally from Vaivai Lautoka has been married for 22 years and has never regretted moving to
Sigatoka and working on the farm.
“I was married when I was 16, my parents arranged my marriage and I had to move to my
husband’s family in Sigatoka at a very young age.’
‘My family are livestock farmers and it was easy for me to adapt to farm life here because I
was brought up in a farming background.”
Mrs. Wati said farming requires hard work, perseverance and commitment.
‘I do most of the work on the farm. I prepare breakfast and get the kids ready for school. After I
finished all my house chores, I joined my husband on the farm. During harvesting season, I have
to gather the crops from the field, grade it and take it to the market.’
‘I’m responsible for the selling of our crops. Every Monday, Thursday and Saturday I go and
sell at the market. I finished around 7.30 in the evening, come home and cook again for dinner.’
Mrs. Wati said her mother is her biggest role model and she learned everything she knew from
her.
‘I’m always thankful to my mother. I learned everything I knew from her. She’s a very strong
woman and I admire her for that. Now I have a daughter and everything I know has been passed
down to her.”
Asked why it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day, Mrs. Wati said women play
a major role in our society.
“Whether we work on the farm, in an office or at home, women should be proud of their
achievements. We work as hard as men and we can do anything. That alone deserves a
celebration.”
Mrs. Wati’s message to young girls and women around Fiji is ‘Regardless of who we are and
whatever field we’re in, we must remain positive and never give up.’

Humid season is here
Source: Ministry of itaukei Affairs This month also begins the planting of sweet potato (kumala). Long yams are harvested.
Breadfruit (uto) and ivi are plentiful.
We warmly welcomed the month of March. Also known in the itaukei calendar as ‘VULA The vutu ni kana matures this month and provides an additional source of starch for the
I KELIKELI’ family.
Vulaikelikeli is normally a rainy period (draki ucauca) in Fiji and is also one of the most This is also the time of avacados (pea).
humid times of the year as we approach the end of the cyclone season. In the sea, crabs (gari) are mature as are the mud lobsters (mana) and small crabs (kuka).
The first of two annual harvests of the Fiji asparagus (duruka) occurs this month. Fishing is generally poor this month.
Flowering of certain reeds (gasau) signals a time for flies. It is also a time for conjunctivitis The migratory shore-wading Golden Plover (dilio) start to leave Fiji and head to Alaska to
(cika). breed.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

16 SPORTS MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023

Lautoka to defend Sangam title

Maika Kasami

Lautoka TIV will defend the 94th Sangam Convention foot-

ball tournament Super Premier title at Prince Charles Park
during the Easter weekend.
The Blues, one of the most successful team in the annual
event will have to overcome Ba, Nadroga and Raviravi/Tavarau
in Pool 1 to advance to the knockout stages.
Last year’s finalist and host Nadi are in Pool 2 along with Pa-
pakura (NZ), Rakiraki and Lovu.
Rifle Range of Lautoka heads Pool 3 with Waitakere (NZ),
Hamilton (NZ), Labasa; Navua, Tabucola, Valley and Uciwai
are in Pool 4; Middlemore, North America, Nasinu, Sydney oc-
cupy Pool 5, Pool 6 has Vitogo, Malolo, Vatiyaka, Solovi; South-
ern districts Rewa and Suva tackle Sydney NSW and Nalovo in
Pool 7 while in Pool 8 Varoko, Namaka, Botany and Saweni/
Dreketi will go head to head.
In the Premier division, Bucaisavu, Sabeto, Nadrala and
Nadogo are in Pool 1; Pool 2 has Tagitagi, Velovelo/Wairabe-
tia, Nacovi, Etatoko; Queensland heads Pool 3 alongside Tav-
ua, Vunivau/Batinikama, Vunisamaloa while Pool 4 includes
Topline/Banaras, Lomolomo, Victoria and Brisbane.
The Masters division have some former district reps who
have represented the country.
Pool 1 has Malolo, Valley, Sydney, Nadroga; Middlemore, Pa-
patoetoe, Waikato, Vuda, Uciwai/Sabeto are in Pool 2; Pool 3
has Lautoka, Manukau, Nadi, Solovi, Rifle Range and Pool 4 has
Queensland, Labasa, Vancouver and Ba.
The pool draws was officially done on March 19 during the
successful outgoing council of management meeting for the
National Then India Valibar Sangam Fiji at Nasinu Sangam
School.
“For the build-up for our convention this Easter, let’s all work The Lautokan TIV soccer team celebrate after winning last year’s Sangam Convention tournament beating Nadi TIV in the final
together in Sangam and make our annual event a remarkable at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Photos: Sanjay Goundar.
and a memorable one,” said Anish Krishna Raju, the Assistant
Secretary National TIV Sangam.

Blues TIV wary of Ba TIV

Maika Kasami

Lautoka TIV coach Lambert Sarju feels they are in a tough pool when they defend their
Sangam Convention Super Premier title during the Easter weekend at Prince Charles Park.
Sarju returns to coach Lautoka TIV after a lapse of 10 years and is ready to continue with
the good work done by former coach Aginesh Prasad.
Back in 2013, he guided Lautoka TIV to beat the Allen Jesoni coached Suva TIV 1-0 in
the final.
The Blues face Nadroga TIV, Raviravi/Tavarau TIV and Ba TIV in pool play this year and
Sarju says they will not be taking any teams lightly.
The former Lautoka, Nadi and Tavua district coach said they will need to begin the tour-
nament well to make things easier for themselves.
“It’s a good strong pool. No teams can be taken lightly. However, Ba has always fielded
a strong team during the Sangam Convention. We have met so many times and it’s always
a great matchup,” Sarju said.
The Sugar City side have been training for a month and Sarju said bad weather has also
hindered their preparations.
“We cannot do much when the weather is bad so we had to push the players in training in
the given time which is not a good thing to do but they have responded well.”
National rep Muni Sivam Naidu and Zibraaz Saheb will be the old hands to guide the
Lautoka TIV in this year’s campaign.

Nadi TIV and Lautoka TIV clashed during the 2022 Sangam Convention Super Premier final at
Churchill Park. The Blues came out victors and will defend their title in Nadi this year.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023 SPORTS
Drua’s Lautoka win will live on
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s Iosefo Masi on his way to the try-line against the Crusaders at
Chuchill Park in Lautoka on March 11. Masi, in only his debut season for the Drua, has been upset win. Lomani has also proven to be a reliable goal kicker in recent games ahead of regu
one of the standout players with a consistent performance.
Maika Kasami
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s 25-24 win over champion the Crusaders on March 11 will be a
story to tell to the future generations.
The Drua recorded a surprise result on Week 3 over the 11-times Super Rugby champions at
Churchill Park in Lautoka which shook the rugby pundits all over the world.
Under the scorching western heat that ranged from 30-35degree, there was no stopping the
Drua who were hugely supported by a deafeing home support that flocked in thousands to the
Sugar City arena.
The Crusaders were firm favourites to take it out but the Fijians were not going to be denied
for a second time on the very turf they narowly lost to the Chiefs last year.
It is only the second season for the Drua but are already turning heads and delivering a seal
of approval.
The Crusaders thought their second string team would be enough to beat the Drua voyage but
their instincts proved them wrong.
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA
17
Fijian Drua scrum half Frank Lomani skips his way past the Crusaders defence in the 25-24
lar kicker Teti Tela who has not been able to emulate so far last season’s performance.
However, a loss for the Crusaders was good for the game as a whole.
What the Drua and Moana Pasifika have brought to the table of Super Rugby Pacific is what
was lacking in this top southern hemisphere franchise.
A mixture of flair and running game coupled with enterprising rugby and surprising results is
what that has brought a new dimension and dawn to this competition.
Drua coach Mick Byrne has nothing else on his mind but a top eight finish in this year’s Super
Rugby Pacific that will enable his side to qualify for the knockout stages.
Its easier said than done but the outlook is bright for the Drua and alot of their chances will
also depend on other results to go their way while they themselves keep ticking the boxes with
a respectable and winning performance.
Drua’s remaining five games in Fiji will be very pivotal to determine how they fare in the race
for supremacy.
They will need the same lung power as in Lautoka when they entertain the Rebels on April 1
in Suva and later hosting the Auckland Blues at Churchill Park at the end of April.
18 SPORTS MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023

PRO-Am a success at LGC

Professional golfers and LGC executive Raymond Singh (far right) celebrate with Fijian
Amitesh Chandra (left) and Ray Singh (middle) celebrate Justin Ho’s win at LGC. Drua beer cans on March 4 a week before Drua upset 11-time Super Rugby champions the
Photos: Maika Kasami. Crusaders at Churchill Park.

Maika Kasami
The Swire Shipping/Islands Electric sponsored Fiji PGA
Pro-Am Championship turned out to be a huge success on
March 4 at Lautoka Golf Club.
The occasional rain failed to dampen the spirit of golfers
who came out in full force to be part of the first major tourna-
ment of the season.
More than 40 golfers were part of the event including 11 pro-
fessionals who battled for the lucrative prize money.
Golfers from around the country and even abroad took time
out to pit their golfing skills, and also cherish the beautiful
scenery from atop the golf links course.
The A- grade nett champion was Praveer Chand; B- grade
nett went to Dr. Vimal Murti and former national squash cham-
pion Justin Ho took out the C-grade nett title. The overall nett
champion was avid bowler Sanjay Krishna while the overall
gross champion was Xavier College teacher Ashish Chand.
In the professional category, Bill Sorowale and Amitesh
Chandra were declared as joint third place getters with a score
of 3-over par while Suva’s Tomasi Tuivuna claiming the out-
right second spot with a 1-under par score.
And it was no surprise as the inform resident professional
and school teacher Roneel Prakash walking away with the first
prize money with a score of 2-under par.
Amitesh Chandra on behalf of the Fiji PGA thanked LGC
and Raymond Singh for hosting the tournament.
“We wholeheartedly thank LGC, Mr.Singh and Regi for their
effort in getting the course ready in time.”
LGC executive Raymond Singh thanked all particpants and
those that worked behind the scene to get the golf course up
and running.
Singh also made a special announcement on the position of
the new LGC Trustee.
“We are pleased to honour former Fiji National University
vice- chancellor Dr. Ganesh Chand as the new trustee of Lau-
toka Golf Club.
“We are delighted with his appointment and as the chairman
of trustees I’m sure we will now see lots of new developments
coming up at LGC,” said Singh.
He also praised the hard work of Reginal Ram to prepare the
course in time for the tournament.
“He makes my work so much easier and today we reward
Regi for his dedication towards LGC.”

Location: Nede Street Lautoka Opposite Clyde Equipment (Pacific) Limited

For Appointments Contact us on: 2823060

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

MARCH 25 - APRIL 25, 2023 SPORTS 19

Fiji U20 happy with Tri- nation’s exposure

Maika Kasami

Digicel Fiji Under 20 coach Roneel Lal was

Coke
Games Dates
pleased with his team’s involvement in the recent
Tri-Nation series that included the senior nation-
al teams from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and our
Confirmed
The Ministry of Educa-
very own Mens Bula Boys.
tion, in consultation with the
Lal said the series provided a great platform for
games committee, confirms
his side as they continue to prepare for the FIFA
U20 World Cup to be held in Indonesia in May. that the 2023 Coke Games
He said his team was improving which is a good will be held from 2 – 4 May
sign. at the HFC Bank Stadium,
“Scoring two goals against our senior national Suva. These confirmed dates
team has given us a boost. The Tri-Nation series fall in the last week of this
is a good plaform to prepare ourselves. term one.
“We played against teams who are much older The current dates have
than us, who are much organised, and especially been confirmed to ensure that
against natal teams, so it was a good run for the students and teachers can en-
boys,” Lal said. joy their holidays without
“We also tried new things and with more prac- any disruptions before start-
tise we will get better.” ing term 2.
Along with Nabeel Begg one player that stood
The Ministry reiterates that
out during the Tri nations series was midfielder
while it encourages students
Thomas Dunn.
The stocky Navua rep has had a short stint in
to participate in games be-
Australia and returned home before the Courts cause it helps with their bal-
IDC last year. anced growth and develop-
Current Navua coach Saiyad Ali has also heaped ment, it reminds teachers and
praises on the youngster. students to exercise extreme
“He is one player from the current lot who can care and responsibility to
make it big. He is a promising talent who has a ensure that everyone enjoys
very bright future if nurtured well. I will do my the games without any hin-
best in developing his skills at district level and drance.
will also be keeping a close tab on him when he The Ministry extends its
represents the country,” Ali said. best wishes to all schools and
The FIFA U20 World Cup will be held over athletes as they prepare for
May 20 to June 11. the Coke Games.
Digicel Bula Boys forward Setareki Hughes battles for possession against Vanuatu goalkeeper Mass-
ing Kalotang during the recent Tri-Nation series held at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Fiji had lost the
opener 1-2. Photo: Sanjay Goundar.

Suva FC to play in Luganville

The Suva Football Club will play its pool games in Luganville after being drawn in
Group A of the OFC Champions League in Vanuatu in May.
Suva FC will meet defending champions Auckland City, Samoan side Lupe Ole So-
laga, and Solomon Warriors from the Solomon Islands.
Club head Coach Maxwell Thaggard says all teams are champions in their pool.
“We can’t underestimate any team as they all are champions from their respective
countries and likewise us,” said Thaggard
“It’s always good to be in a tough pool so we can have tough competition.”
Thaggard said they would treat all teams equally.
“We know the strength of Auckland City and Solomon Warriors but we are not un-
derestimating Lupe Ole Solaga.”
“We go in the tournament as underdogs and will take each game as it comes,” said
Thaggard
The former Nadi mentor says they will prepare for the matches accordingly.
“We will take our DPL matches as our build-up and try to map out plans to face the
giants in Vanuatu. We have been preparing for the OFC Champions League for the past
two years.”
He draws confidence from the fact they have a settled squad.
“We have the same bunch of players who have been with the club for the past two
years and I have faith in them,” Thaggard said.
He confirmed Vanuatu International Alex Senial will join the team after the Tri-Na-
tions FIFA International Friendlies.
“Alex has been part of the system for the past two years and it’s good to have him
back for competition.”
“We are proud to represent our country and we want to show our best to everyone,”
said Thaggard
The tournament runs from the 14th to 27th of May with Pool A located in Luganville
and Pool B in the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila.
It’ll be an exciting chance for Vanuatu to host a major OFC competition and the first
time the nation has held a full OFC Champions League.
OFC pre-determined that home side Ifira Black Bird will play their group matches
in Port Vila and was therefore drawn automatically into Group B. The other Group B
teams are Hekari United from PNG, Tiga Sport from New Caledonia and AS Pirae
from Tahiti.
Each team will play each other once in the group stage with the two highest placed
teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

20 APRIL, 2023__

Maika Kasami
Fijians fail at home
Solomon Islands took out the Tri-Nation series wih three wins ahead of Vanuatu and Fiji.
The Bula Boys Mens team had a tournament to forget as they came away with two losses
against Vanuatu and Solomon Islands respectively in the Tri-Nation series at Churchill Park
in Lautoka.
The national senior side lost 1-2 to Vanuatu in the opener before being held by the Junior
Bula Boys the Fiji Under 20 side 2-2 in their second fixture.
The Marika Rodu coached side lacked variation in their attack in the final match against
Solomon Islands going down 0-2.
The first half against Solomons was the best the national side had played until the 41st
minute when they conceded a penalty.
Former Suva and Lautoka rep Gagame Feni scored from 12yards before grabbing his
second at the resumption of the seconds half to seal the match.
Losing to our Melanesian brothers whom we used to beat easily in the past is of grave
concern.
Even failing to beat our own Junior Bula Boys will be a wake up call to all those concerned.
Stand-in coach Marika Rodu while disappointed with the outcome of the series said his
players did all they could in the given time.
He said the team showed some flashes of brilliance but this was overshadowed by lack of
cohesion and variation upfront.
“The series is an eye opener on where the work is needed. We just couldnt find that
opening in the attacking third. And when we lose possession in the opposition half we are
slow to react and find the ball in our net. We just need to work on what we have seen here
moving forward,” Rodu said.
“But overall despite the result I think this is the best game we’ve played out of the three
against Solomon Islands. We just couldn’t find the final product scoring goals. But credit to
them (Solomons) they were a strong side and we need to work more harder to achieve our
goals.
Top marksman Lautoka’s Sairusi Nalaubu was well contained and failed to score in the
three matches. He’s replacements Samuela Drudru and Christopher Wasasala could not
weave their magic although Drudru had scored against the Fiji U20 side
“The players need to take responsibility, feel confident with the playing style and system.
It took us three games to really bond well and I’m happy with the way we played in our
final match.”
Fiji U20 coach Roneel Kumar on the other hand praised the Tri-Nation series concept.
“This series has laid the platform for us in our preparation towards the World Cup in
Indonesia. We played against players who are much older than us, played against national
teams which is a bonus as far as our exposure is concerned.
“And we managed to break their defence and score goals against the three teams which
works out well for us,” Kumar, the former Labasa coach added.
A Futsal Tri-Nation series involving the three nations has also been planned that will
Digicel Bula Boys striker Sairusi Nalaubu pressured by the Vanuatu defence in their match
be held in Suva soon. The national side broke camp to rejoin their district teams. Certain during the Tri- nation series at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Nalaubu, Fiji’s top marksman and
players will also be joining their teams to participate at the Easter Games to be held around current DFPL leading goal scorer failed to score a goal for Fiji in the series.
the country. Photo: Sanjay Goundar.

Fiji to defend Singapore 7s title

Maika Kasami
The Fiji Airways Fiji 7s team’s next stop after the Hong Kong 7s will be to the Singapore
7s to defend its title they had won last year.
The national sevens team under current coach Ben Gollings had lost their opening pool
match to Ireland. However, they regrouped after the early mishap to go all the way to win its
third Singapore 7s title beating old nemesis New Zealand 28-17 in the final.
Fiji had to beat France and Japan to make the quarters where they faced South Africa whom
they edged 19-14. They outmuscled a stubborn looking Australian aide 19-12 in the semis.
Winger Vuiviwa Naduvalo was a hero in his debut season last year and crossed over for
10-tries alone in Singapore.
Joseva Talacolo, Tevita Daugunu, Waisea Nacuqu and Filipo Bukayaro are all expected to
make a return to the National Stadium in Sigapore this year following the completion of the
Hong Kong 7s.
Hong Kong has always been Fiji’s favourite hunting ground having recorded most of its win
in Happy Valley. The national side lost to Australia in the firsf of two legs of the HK meet in
November 2022, hence ending its clean state of run at So Kon Po.
The tournament returned as an official event within the Asian Sevens Series in 2013. Sin-
gapore then secured a four-year deal to host a leg of the Sevens World Series starting from
the 2015–16 season. Singapore’s rights to host a leg of the Sevens World Series was extended
for a further four years until 2023, before the 2020 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19
pandemic.
The tournament in Singapore was cancelled again in 2021 due to ongoing impacts of the
COVID-19 pandemic] to protect the health and safety of players, fans, and staff.
Rugby sevens returned in 2022, the ninth time that the Sevens World Series was hosted in
Singapore, when Fiji defeated New Zealand to win their third Singapore Sevens title.
The 2023 Singapore 7s will be held on April 8-9.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA