Sanjesh Kumar wants to develop a good network in Japan
and share ideas
ZAFIYA SHAMIM
SUVA

Participants for the Young Leaders for Pacific Island Countries and Local Governance Training Programme in Japan.

Sanjesh Kumar, 32, is excited to be one of the nine participants taking part in the Japanese Young Leaders Training Programme in Japan facilitated by Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA).
Mr Kumar has been working as manager of Landuse Planning Development at the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources for the past 10 years.
“I’m really grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I’m very eager to learn about Japan’s economy, culture, history and art, among other things,” Mr Kumar said.He said he wanted to develop a good network with new friends in Japan and share ideas that would help them here in Fiji.
JICA Fiji resident representative Shumon Yoshiara said this was a good opportunity for the youths to promote human resource and development.
“Some of these young leaders will become nation-building leaders and there is a need for them to improve capacity and service delivery,” Mr Yoshiara said.
Public Service Commission permanent secretary Parmesh Chand thanked the government of Japan for providing this opportunity.
“Since 2007, a total of 100 Fijians have benefited from this programme and this is the first year that a delegation is being sent to participate in a course on good governance and leadership,” Mr Chand said.
He said in addition a total of 2600 participants have been exposed to JICA training programmes.
Mr Chand advised the youths, who were representatives of Fiji, to learn as a team and use the experience to re-enforce and strengthen their own abilities.
The nine youths will leave for Japan on May 19.
Ruci Daulako
Inoke Lutumailagi
Christina Panikar
Ulamila Cakaunitabua
Nilesh Naidu
Jale Ratudoi
Melenia Tuinasau
Jocelyn Stewart
Sanjesh Kumar
zafiya.shamim@fijisun.com.fj

ANGLICANS to explore ways of how same gender relationships can be part of Church life

The General Synod/te Hinota Whanui of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia has decided to explore ways that the blessing of same gender relationships could be part of Church life.
The Synod had discussed the subject in a meeting in Nadi in 2012. Fiji is part of Polynesia.
The ruling body of the Church is meeting in Waitangi, NZ, this week to acknowledge 200 years since the arrival of the Christian missionaries to Aotearoa, New Zealand.
The three Archbishops, reflecting the three tikanga structure of the Church, Archbishops Brown Turei, Philip Richardson, and Winston Halapua, say the Synod upholds the traditional doctrine of marriage. At the same time the Synod wants to develop ways to respond to committed relationships between two people, that tell of the love of Christ, regardless of gender.
The Archbishops say the Synod holds a wide range of views but it has expressed unanimous support for the decision to identify what changes could be recommended. The Synod wants to protect diversity in the Church as a way forward is developed.
Archbishop Winston Halapua says: “The Synod is committed to ongoing talking/talanoa as it considers change and to follow the mandate of Christ to love one another at all times.”
Archbishop Philip Richardson says: “We have witnessed across the Church a depth of extraordinary trust and respect, there is a unity in Christ in conversations that have enabled us to get to this point.
There is a hope that this trust we have seen with faith, hope, and love will continue as change is considered.”
The Synod statement has recognised that over many years it has become increasingly aware of the pain to the LGBT community. The Synod has apologised unreservedly for the times actions of the Church have contributed to that pain.
A working party will be appointed to recommend processes and structures that allow people to choose whether they lead, or not lead, same gender blessings.
That choice will be dependent on whether each person believes such blessings are contrary to, or in agreement with scripture, doctrine, tikanga or civil law. The Synod was very mindful that there are present legal restrictions in some nations in Polynesia on same gender relationships. The working party would also propose a liturgy to bless right ordered same gender relationships.
A report has also been requested on how such possibilities may impact on future requirements for ordination and the rite of marriage.
The working party will report to the next General Synod in 2016. Any change is likely to take up a minimum of four years as it may require  constitutional change for the church as well as parliamentary legislation.

ANGLICAN CHURCH IN AOTEAROA
and POLYNESIA
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PM warns people not to smuggle in fruits from Rotuma

MAIKA BOLATIKI

The Prime Minister, Rear Admiral (Retired) Voreqe Bainimarama, yesterday warned civil servants not to smuggle fruits from Rotuma.
He made the warning during his briefing with the civil servants at Ahau pavilion yesterday.
A biosecurity officer on the island told the PM that the people of Rotuma had never breached the regulation in regard to the illegal transfer of fruits from Rotuma.
Under the regulation, the Biosecurity officer said all fruits in Rotuma were to remain on the island.
The officer said the people of Rotuma respect this regulation but only civil servants were always breaching the regulation.
According to Biosecurity of Fiji website, fruit flies are a major concern because they cause damage to fruits and vegetables, hindering production and decreasing exports.
He said they were prohibiting the export of fruits to Fiji because of the fruit disease spread by the fruit flies.
The Prime Minister had given his directive to Biosecurity officers on Rotuma Island to check every bag before loading today,
To the civil servants going back to Fiji today, the Prime Minister said – “Do not take any fruits with you.”
The fruit flies, according to the Biosecurity officer, is a fruit disease only found in Rotuma.
He said the disease was dangerous if transferred to Fiji. The Prime Minister said he did not want to hear or see that fruit disease had found its way into mainland Fiji.
“It’s a dangerous disease and we must join forces in keeping it out from Fiji,” he said.
All fruits are not allowed into Fiji except for the coconuts. Fruits are not allowed to be exported to Tuvalu as well.
Meanwhile, Rotuma farmers are ready to trade with Fiji as the Tuvalu marked is not reliable.
The PM has urged Rotumans to free up more land for agriculture as they needed increased production and higher yields.

Fiji has been praised for banning shark fin trade.
The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji’s (BAF) made news on the National Geographic blog site http://newswatch.nationalgeograhic.com  for its efforts to enforce compliance to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulation banning illegal international trade of shark fins. BAF executive chairman Xavier Riyaz Khan said being recognised by National Geographic was a milestone for BAF and he had been inundated with accolades from several people around the globe since the news appeared on the blog site.
“Not only are sharks of priceless value to our oceans, they are huge revenue earner in the tourism industry; particularly to the country’s dive tourism industry,” Mr Khan said.
“Our highly-traded, threatened shark species urgently need protection from the unsustainable trade that jeopardises populations, ecosystems, livelihoods and ecotourism.”
Mr Khan said the only way to truly give some of our most heavily traded shark species a respite from commercial onslaught was to have stringent enforcement of regulations at the border.
“We must do all we can to stop this trade and make sure that these shark are not driven to extinction,” he said.
Last year in March, CITES decided to heavily regulate exporting of five endangered species of sharks including three species of Hammerhead sharks, Oceanic Whitetip and Porbergle sharks.  These sharks are amongst most valuable and vulnerable species in international trade and with CITES regulation in place will require countries to issues certificates of permission for international trade of these sharks.Following the CITES decision, in February this year, more than 100 frontline Biosecurity officers were trained in indentifying shark fin of these five endangered shark species listed under CITES.  BioSecurity Authority of Fiji

FIJI DEVELOPMENT BANK
Food Processors (Fiji) Limited is one of the companies which will take part in the Fiji Development Bank’s Market Day tomorrow at the FDB Building along Victoria Parade in Suva.
The company will be promoting and selling their range of products during the event.
Food Processors acting chief executive, Noushad Ali, said: “We have a long standing relationship with the Fiji Development Bank going back more than 20 years.
“They have continued to assist us and we are thankful to them for including us to be part of the market day initiative.
“We will be promoting and selling a lot of our frozen products at the market day and we encourage the public to come and buy these locally produced products.”
The market day will feature fresh fruits, vegetables, frozen vegetables, root crops, frozen meats, fresh fish and sea foods, house hold items, cooked foods and many others.

Food Processors
Products
Food Processors is a government commercial company specialising in the value adding of local fruits, vegetables, root crops and marine products for the local and export market.
Mr Ali said: “You can imagine yourself as a Fijian or a Pacific Islander living abroad and longing for food from home such as dalo, cassava, bele, coconut cream and even sea food.
“We bring that to our customers so they can enjoy food they are used to which is still fresh and of the best quality as if they pulled it out of their own back yard garden.”
The company processes food products using local indigenous raw materials for local and export markets with the vision of being the best processor of the ‘natural foods of Fiji’.
Some of their renowned products include brand names such as Pacific Crown, Agro Crown, Natural Foods of Fiji and other associated co- brands.
“We pride ourselves with the fact that we can produce local products that are just as the same quality or even better than imported food items,” Mr Ali said.
“Forty five per cent of our products are sold locally to ensure that locals are getting the same quality of goods that we export to our overseas market.”
Feedback: rachnal@fijisun.com.fj

WESTIN DENARAU ISLAND RESORT & SPA
The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa, has announced the end of its partnership with Australian Chef, Peter Kuruvita. Both parties have come to a mutual agreement with regards to Steakhouse by Peter Kuruvita, located within the resort.
Mr Kuruvita is taking up a new venture with new sister property Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island (Fiji).
Steakhouse by Peter Kuruvita will now be rebranded as ‘The Kitchen @ Westin’, retaining Melbourne chef Michael White at the head of the helm.
Mr White has been a chef for 12 years and in that time has worked for such names as Guy Grossi and Peter Kuruvita. He has a strong passion for fresh, local produce and incorporates this into his fun and exciting menu. Chef Michael and his team have also revamped the menu with a little twist of Italian.
Feedback: rachnal@fijisun.com.fj

Man charged with theft and trafficking in obscene publications
TALEBULA KATE
SUVA
A 25-year-old industrial worker appeared at the Nausori Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with one count of theft and unauthorised access, and two counts of trafficking in obscene publications.
Yashnal Singh appeared before Magistrate Waleen George.
It is alleged that between October and December last year, Singh stole a Blackberry mobile phone belonging to the complainant from his car at Nausori. It was valued at $1499.
He managed to unlock the phone, accessed it where he saw a video footage of the complainant and a woman having sex and was alleged to have distributed the obscene video clips through mobile phones.
He then went and publicly exhibited the footage to two of his friends who knew the complainant.
He has been released on a $200 surety bail and will reappear in court on June 5.
talebulak@fijisun.com.fj

Fiji Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry outside High Court in Suva yesterday. Photo: Ronald Kumar

TALEBULA KATE
Suva
The lawyer of convicted former Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party leader, Mahend- ra Chaudhry, yesterday made an application in the High Court for a stay of sentence pending appeal.
Anand Singh submitted their application before Justice Paul Madigan.
Justice Madigan told Mr Singh that the application only applied only if there was an abusive process or a delay, but as far as he knew there was no abusive process or any delays in the case.
“It has never been heard of a sentence to be stayed; I don’t think that I will be able to do it,” Justice Madigan said.
Mr Singh then said that the fine was huge and that the funds were not covered by the Exchange Control Act.
Justice Madigan said the appeal would still go ahead and if successful the AUS$1.5m would be given back to Chaudhry.
He added that Chaudhry was at liberty to do what he liked with the funds, if the appeal case was successful.
Mr Singh then told the court that there would be a fee if the money was converted into Fiji dollars, of which Justice Madigan replied that this would be another penalty of Chaudhry’s conviction.
Mr Singh informed the court of a ruling by Madam Nazhat Shameem in the case of Paek  Kyeong  Yeopl  v The State [2003] FJHC 216; HAM0035D.2003S (October 1, 2003) and he quoted “There is no provision in the Court of Appeal Act which suggests that sentences generally should not be stayed pending appeal. Further, where a sentence has finality in execution, any appeal against it will be frustrated unless it is stayed. A stay may therefore be necessary to regulate and protect the appellate process.”
Justice Madigan then informed Mr Singh that the appeal case was not being finally determined.
He said that the notice of motion by the applicant relied on suspension of sentence under Section 253 (2) of the Criminal Procedures Decree, which says if the person is not released on bail, the High Court or the court convicting the person, shall at the request of the person, order that the execution of the sentence or order against which the appeal is pending be suspended pending the determination of the appeal. Justice Madigan said this section relates solely to a term of imprisonment.
“If by the 30th of June he does not pay his fine and face a term of imprisonment then can rely on 253,” Justice Madigan said.
He said either Chaudhry paid the fine and face appeal or did not pay the fine and face imprisonment.
He added that he could only act with the powers given to him and that was to act within the law. Meanwhile, Assistant Director of the Public Prosecutions Mosese Korovou asked if they could be given time to respond to the application and for the matter to be heard on June 16-20. The ruling is on notice.
talebulak@fijisun.com.fj

Dengue Fever

Wati Talebula
Suva
The national adviser for communicable diseases, Dr Mike Kama, is happy with the way the public followed their advisory on the dengue outbreak.
“We thank the people for their support; the total number of dengue cases that was recorded is about 25,300 from October last year.
Dr Kama confirmed the dengue death toll now stands at 15, after two were recorded last week.
Feedback:  wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj

RACHNA LAL
Suva
The chief Trade Adviser of the Forum Island Countries, Dr Edwini Kessie, has indicated that progress is being made in the PACER Plus negotiations.
He was speaking during a workshop on the PACER Plus negotiations for Non State Actors (NSAs) in Nadi this week.
PACER Plus is expected to lead to an agreement that would assist the Pacific Island Countries to increase and diversify their exports and promote closer trade and economic relations between them, Australia and New Zealand.
PACER Plus is expected to facilitate greater participation in international trade.   Fiji is excluded from PACER Plus talks because it is suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum.
Meanwhile, the workshop aimed at briefing the Non State Actors on the current status of the negotiations and promoting regional dialogue among relevant stakeholders on trade and investment issues.  The workshop was attended by more than 50 business leaders from Forum Island Countries (FICs) and Australia, the NGO community in the Pacific, senior representatives of regional organisations.
Feedback:  rachnal@fijisun.com.fj

Waisea Nasokia
Lautoka
The Girmityas relocation in Fiji more than a century ago had a very big impact on their cultural identity, and the success o

f the future of the Fiji-born generation.
The comment was made by Professor Dr Rajat Gyaneshwar, who was chief guest during the Girmit Diwas at Lautoka Girmit Centre on Wednesday night.
He said despite their long suffering and health outcomes the labourers of those days upheld their strong cultures.
“Of course we can be proud of the success stories of many Girmityas progeny who have succeeded,” said Dr Gyaneshwar. “We have nurtured a golfing legend (Vijay Singh), one of our sons became a Governor-General (Sir Anand Satyanand, NZ), and we have

many leaders in the industry, in the legal profession, in medicine, in commerce, in diplomacy, in scholarship.”
He said the stolen generation should not dwell more on the past, but be optimistic over the years that lie ahead.
“We have dwelled enough on the past and we must not become prisoners of those cruel times,” Dr Gyaneshwar added.
“The 61,000 Girmityas who came to Fiji for various reasons during the period of 1879 and 1916 have contributed to several generations of development and expertise not only in Fiji but in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, and in many countries of the pacific. Their suffering led to our success.
“Our ancestors the Girmityas took the courageous plunge and ventured out from the security of their familiarity. We today have every reason to be optimistic. When the Leonidas berthed in Fiji 135 years ago our fate and destiny took a new turn. We enjoy a level of freedom, education and mobility that our forefathers would not have dreamed of.”
Meanwhile, 102-year-old Hans Raji, from Elevuka, Ba, was the oldest person present to mark the auspicious occasion. Her parents late Mangru and late Saampathi were girmitiyas.
Feedback:  waisean@fijisun.com.fj

Mahendra Pal Singh 80, admires the Girmit display at Fiji Museum yesterday. Photo: RONALD KUMAR.

What they wear can give wrong signal to sexual predators

FARISHA AHMED
SUVA
Women should dress modestly and help men in the national  campaign to cut down sex crimes, the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation , Dr Jiko Luveni, says.
She warned them that what they wore could be misconstrued and send out the wrong signal to sexual predators.
“While young girls and women have a right to choose what they want to wear, they need to be responsible as well,” she said.
That is the message that she has been sharing with people when she visits them.
Dr Luveni, who has spearheaded the setting up of violence-free communities and villages, said the campaign to stem out violence against women and children and sexual abuse had been successful. The crime rate, she said, had dropped according to Police reports.
Young girls and women needed to be cautious about their environment and what they wore.
“In my opinion if a girl is going out to drink with guys in an isolated area wearing shorts or clothes showing off her body, she is inviting trouble,” Dr Luveni said.
“We women have rights but we would not want to get into trouble by exposing ourselves and arousing the opposite sex.
“As long as we are responsible we would be able to help ourselves because situations can get out of control if we are among a group of guys in isolated areas.”

WATI TALEBULA
Suva

The Fiji Police Force will traditionally welcome the new Commissioner of Police at the Police Academy in Nasova, Suva, today.
Police spokesperson Atunaisa Sokomuri said Bernadus Groenewald was visiting Government departments yesterday.
“Commissioner Groenewald also visited the Police Academy to familiarise himself,” he said.
“He met with the Acting Commissioner Ravi Narayan today (yesterday) at Nasese.”
Mr Sokomuri said Mr Groenewald would be briefed today.
“He will be accorded a quarter guard before he is briefed by the acting commissioner Ravi,” he said.

New Police Commissioner Bernadus Groenewald (left), in discussion with acting Commissioner Ravi Narayan at Nasova Police Compound yesterday. Mr Groenewald is in a series of meetings this week and says he will meet the media later. Photo: MINFO NEWS

Siteri Taleitaki
LABASA
Positive vibes are being felt for the Northern economy given the Damodar City plans for Vanua Levu, construction for which is to start soon.
Representatives from Labasa Town Council, Fiji National University, Commissioner North’s office and other service providers were briefed on the progress of the project at the Damodar City Complex in Raiwai, Suva.
Damodar Group chief executive, Div Damodar, said the purpose of the consultations was to ensure other parties were well-informed of the progress made.
“Stakeholders were very keen and eager to make Damodar City project happen later this year or early next year,” he said.
“Damodar City is for the people in Labasa and it will be something that they will be proud of.”
Mr Damodar said they have been working with government entities to make the project a success.
“The massive retail shopping mall will help to boost the Northern economy and create job employment opportunities for the people in Vanua Levu,” he said.
“The project will also be an advantage to the tourism industry in Labasa and hope that it will become the main attraction in Labasa.”
Discussions included traffic management, structural plans and other issues that associate with the project.
The Damodar City in North will be located near the Naiyaca subdivision in Labasa Town.
Northerners will soon witness the start of construction works for the Damodar City which is expected to be a major landmark up North.
Feedback: Siteri.Taleitaki@fijisun.com.fj

Nadi man jailed after admitting to raping step-daughter
LITIA MATHEWSELL
NADI
A Nadi man who admitted to sexually assaulting and raping his teenage step-daughter was sentenced to 11 years and one month imprisonment by the High Court in Lautoka on Thursday.
Justice Sudharshana De Silva said the accused would not be eligible for parole until he serves ten years.
A permanent Domestic Violence Restraining Order was also ordered to protect the victim.
The 44-year-old was charged with one count of sexual assault and two counts of rape for the incidents at Nadele, Sabeto, which took place in June 2012 and January 2013.
The Particulars of Offence noted that the accused repeatedly threatened his step-daughter, saying he would kill her if she revealed the incidents to anyone.
The victim confided the ordeal to her mother after the first incident. The mother was pregnant at the time and forgave the accused after he offered a traditional yaqona presentation to apologise to the victim, the next day. After the third incident, the victim confided to an aunt and the matter was reported to the Sabeto Police Station, where the accused admitted to the offences.
While noting the aggravating factors of the accused, Justice de Silva said the man had removed his step- daughter from her mother’s care to the Social Welfare and had traumatised her for life, as well as breached the trust between a step-father and daughter. His mitigating factors included being a first offender, being a father to two children and being the sole bread winner in his family.
He has 30 days to appeal his sentence.
Feedback:  litiam@fijisun.com.fj

talebula kate
suva
The man who is alleged to have raped his niece in 2012 was a happy man yesterday after the High Court in Suva acquitted him of the charge.
The incident is alleged to have happened when the complainant accompanied the accused to a bus stop one rainy morning because there was only one umbrella in the house.  It is alleged that the accused started touching the victim when they were on their way to the bus stop and while at the bus stop he hugged her and forced her to sit on him.
Justice Prabaharan Kumararatnam in his judgment said the complainant confirmed that the bus stop did not have any shelter or bench.
He said when the complainant’s friend gave evidence she did relate that the complainant told her there was no penetration. Justice Kumararatnam said the doctor who medically examined the complainant told the court that there was a difference between fondling and penetration. The doctor noted in her medical examination that the accused allegedly fondled the complainant’s breasts and private part.
Justice Kumararatnam then agreed with the unanimous not guilty verdict of the assessors and acquitted the accused.
Feedback:  talebulak@fijisun.com.fj

talebula kate
suva
A former Ministry of Industry and Trade staff member was convicted of three counts of abuse of office by the Magistrates Court in Suva on Wednesday.
Filimoni Cakobau, who pleaded not guilty to the three charges, was convicted by Magistrate Sufia Hamza. In her judgment, Magistrate Hamza ruled that there was a case to answer for the accused and he was given his options, but opted to remain silent and called no witnesses. At the trial proper three witnesses was called by the prosecution.
Magistrate Hamza said that she had accepted the evidence of the three witnesses and found them to be credible and reliable. She said she relied on the evidence of their three witnesses to prove the four elements of the offence. The case has been adjourned to May 22 for mitigation.
Feedback:  talebulak@fijisun.com.fj

Accused given a suspended sentence after being warned by the court
talebula kate
suva
A subsistence farmer was yesterday given a last chance by the High Court in Suva not to reoffend after he was given a suspended sentence.
The man was initially charged with rape but was acquitted of the charge after Justice Prabaharan Kumararatnam found him not guilty.
The accused was then sentenced for the charges of assault and breach of suspended sentence of which he had pleaded guilty to.
In sentencing the accused Justice Kumararatnam took into account that the accused had co-operated with Police, was married with two children; his wife has been unwell after giving birth through Caesarean and that their baby often needed medical attention. The accused was 31 years old and was remorseful for his actions. Justice Kumararatnam then sentenced the accused to nine months suspended for three years on the charge of assault and for the breach of suspended sentence the accused was sentenced to pay a fine of $100.
The fine is in default of 10 days and the accused had asked for two weeks to pay the fine which was granted by the court.
Feedback:  talebulak@fijisun.com.fj

Rabindar Singh (right), escorted by a Police officer outside the Suva court yesterday. Photo: Rama

Rabindar Singh to file bail application by way of motion at the court registry

TALEBULA KATE
SUVA
The bus checker who is being accused of causing the deaths of a mother and her three-year-old daughter at the Suva Bus Stand last week was further remanded by the High Court in Suva yesterday.
Rabindar Singh, who has been charged with two counts of manslaughter, appeared before judge Justice Paul Madigan.
Suva lawyer Filimoni Vosarogo appeared for the accused on behalf of Reddy and Nandan Lawyers (Avinesh Reddy).
The case has been adjourned to June 6 for the State to file disclosures and information in court and serve them on the defence.
Mr Vosarogo then informed the court that the defence lawyer for the accused will be filing a bail application by way of motion at the court registry.
The court will then give a date in court for it to be heard.
Feedback:  talebula@fijisun.com.fj

Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni says she has never, nor has the Bainimarama Government ever said that victims of rape are to be blamed.
“Rape is a despicable act and we must all condemn it,” she said.
“Unfortunately and regrettably, this fundamental belief of mine was distorted in yesterday’s media coverage.
“More unfortunate though, is the manner in which some political parties are trying to turn my comments into a political issue to win points.
“Rape and victims of rape are not and should not be pawns in the aspirations of political parties and some NGOs.
“Mitigating the possibility of rape requires societal change. It requires a change in attitude, in particular by men towards women, as it is mainly women who are the victims of rape and domestic violence.
“It requires a change in the manner in which we view and condemn rape; it requires a change in the manner in which we support rape victims; and it requires a change in the laws and the implementation of laws.
“The Bainimarama Government has significantly changed the legal framework with a view to deterring rape and domestic violence and delivering justice.
“We have removed the corroboration rule which had plagued our legal system and justice system. No longer do we require an additional burden of proof in rape cases.
“We have introduced the Domestic Violence Decree, something which no previous Government  or Parliament was willing or able to do.
“We have introduced new laws that compel professionals, like doctors, to report any suspicion of violence.
“We have created national awareness and inculcated a national level of sensitization to violence against women and children through a grass roots approach in setting up violence free zones.
“The Bainimarama Government’s policies speak for themselves and so does my implementation of them.
“The issues of rape, domestic violence, and the protection and empowerment of our women and children are too important to be politicised. We must all work together to curb violence and empower our people.”

NEMANI DELAIBATIKI

nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj