Women lament the death Taraivosa Toka believed drowned during a fishing trip in Suva

Police officers and Colonial War Memorial Hospital security with the body yesterday. Photo: Ronald Kumar

Rusila Vakasere and Melaci Nakarawa are finding it hard to believe the loss of their family friend who is believed to have drowned during a fishing trip.
Taraivosa Toka, 60, failed to return home after fishing along the Nasese seawall in Suva on Tuesday. Her body was found yesterday.
“We are still shocked at the loss, we didn’t think things would turn out like this, we have lost a true friend,” Mrs Vakasere said.
The three women left on Tuesday morning to go fishing at the Nasese seawall.
“We left home at around 11am, then we spent hours fishing and we were supposed to head back home at 6pm,” Mrs Nakarawa said.
Mrs Vakasere said she had gone to see Mrs Toka telling her that they needed to return home since it was getting dark and cold.
“She said yes,” Mrs Vakasere said.
Mrs Vakasere and Mrs Nakarawa both waited for Mrs Toka on land from 6pm till 9pm.
“At around nine I told Mela to swim back again and call Tarai for us to go, Mela returned saying that she was not there and so we assumed that she had swum up towards Maunikau Police Station and took the lead home.”
The next morning, Mrs Vakasere went to check on Mrs Toka.
“I saw her niece there and asked if her aunty had arrived, unfortunately she said no,” she said.
Police later told them they had found a body and that they had taken it to the hospital.
“When they showed us her belongings we were sure it was her,” she said.

varanisese.nasilasila@fijisun.com.fj

Litia Cava
suva

After 12 years the Levuka sub-divisional hospital has finally managed to undergo a facelift worth $322,000.
This was made possible by a timely assistance from the Australian government through the Fiji Health Sector Programme.
The hospital will be opened today by Acting Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Glenn Miles.
Levuka Town Council chief executive officer, Suliana Sandy confirmed the acknowledgement of the renovation would be done today.
“The new upgrade will help improve the services at the hospital,” Ms Sandy said.
Ministry of Health spokesperson Sunil Chand said the people of Ovalau could now receive health care services at the hospital, but would only be transferred to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital if they were in a serious situation.
“There is also a specialised operation department in the hospital,” he said.
The acknowledgement speech will be delivered by the Deputy Secretary for Public Health, Eric Rafai.
Feedback: litia.cava@fijisun.com.fj

Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, with staff of Total in Vuda yesterday. The Minister was there to launch the petrol company’s solar power system. Report on page 6. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

LITIA MATHEWSELL
and JYOTI PRATIBHA

Questions are being raised on whether unemployment and the wellbeing of ordinary Fijians were on Felix Anthony’s mind when he actively lobbied against Fiji and national development during his trade union days.
Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said comments and supposed concerns by the leader of People’s Democratic Party were ‘rich coming from a person’ who had actively engaged in lobbying against tourists coming to Fiji, among other things.
“This is rich, coming from a man who has been internationally going out to tell people not to trade with Fiji, to tell people not to travel to Fiji,” he said. Mr Anthony has said that the unemployment figures cited by the National Employment Centre are disappointing, excessive and unacceptable.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said: “He (Anthony) is at the moment sending out information to take out a certification that has been given to Fiji Pine/Tropik Wood.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the most recent lobbying against a Fiji Pine/Tropik Wood certification would not only deny the Fijian economy through stopping Fiji Pine/Tropik Wood from getting optimum prices but it would deny landowners who are shareholders from getting higher returns and bonuses.
“He’s a man trying to make people’s job insecure, make them lose their jobs and he is stopping job creations for ordinary Fijians,” he said
“Such actions by such trade unionists and politicians will affect the workers in the pine industry, the hotel industry, the manufacturing industry, and have an overall negative impact on employment rate in Fiji.
“It’s very, very rich coming from a person like that, who seems to be more concerned about trivial allegations but not focusing on the main issues, and these are the main issues.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum has also questioned why some positions in trade unions vacated by such trade unionists have been filled in acting capacity and not permanently.
“Why are certain positions, for example in trade unions, from which some of these people have resigned from, people who have taken over these positions are now acting, is it because they have not really left, and want to still maintain control? And/or they want to keep their seats kept warm in case they do not win any seats in the upcoming elections?
“Unfortunately, all of this together with the very tangible attack on the jobs of ordinary Fijians demonstrates the hypocrisy of self serving politicians.”

WATI TALEBULA and VARANISESE NASILASILA
suva

Dr Colin Shelley(left), during the Scientific Seminar Series at USP Lower campus yesterday. Photo: Wati Talebula

Sending my message across to people who share common struggles kept me going: Tevita

Tevita Halahingano Hafoka while preforming at Pacific consciousness creative practice. Photo: Oceania Centre

Robert Oliver here to shoot second series of Mea’Kai

Celebrity chef and television host, Robert Oliver (right), presents a copy of his prize-winning new book on Samoan cuisine to the Acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Photo: Minfo News

Carpenters (Fiji) Limited director retail and marketing, Kunaseelan Sabaratnam (left), picks out a winner during the at MHCC yesterday. Photo: JONA KONATACI

Twenty-five lucky mums were yesterday named winners of MH Mums Getaway Promotion.
The promotion was held in partnership with Digicel Fiji and Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa and other corporate organisations.
The winners get a one night accommodation at the Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa and get to bring another mum with them. The winners will also receive an Alcatel Pixis smartphone each plus top up.
Carpenters (Fiji) Limited director retail and marketing, Kunaseelan Sabaratnam, hailing the promotion a success, said more than 300,000 entries were received for this promotion.
“Mothers mostly shop with us and every year this is one promotion we never forget. Mum’s Getaway is where we want to treat the mums,” he said.
“25 mums win and they can bring another 25 mums with them for one whole night of dinner and treat. The Mum’s Getaway is one promotion mum’s look forward to.
“Once we changed the competition from Mum’s Getaway but we did not get a good response from the mothers. So now we continue with the promotion. We don’t want to divert to any other promotion.
“Obviously the number of entrants grows and this year we have one winner from Lau. It’s reaching that far and it shows it’s reaching the islands of Vanua Levu and other outer islands.”
Digicel regional chief executive Maurice McCarthy said: “This is a third year in a row partnership with MH for Mother’s Day and its keeps getting bigger and better.
“We are delighted to be in partnership with MH and there has been a fantastic response to it we are really looking forward to bring in the mums and having a fantastic night.
“Next weekend everything will kick off we will contact all the mum’s and give them the great news.”
Mr Sabaratnam said MH would be coming up with a major promotion next week.
Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj

Talebula Kate
suva

A 32-year-old woman of Vatuwaqa was charged and convicted yesterday for one count of theft after she pleaded guilty in the Suva Magistrates Court.
Milika Bogiwalu who appeared before Magistrate Sufia Hamza told the court she had pleaded guilty on her own free will after the charge was read out to her in court.
She also waived her right to a lawyer. The court heard that the mother of two stole $200 after being asked by her employer to deposit cheques and cash worth $2046 in February 3, 2014.
The former salesgirl of Konica Digital photo express at Morris Hedstrom City Centre (MHCC) only deposited $1846 after a physical check was done on the bank statement.
The matter was then reported to the Totogo Police Station; the accused was questioned and admitted stealing the money. In mitigation she told the court she was married with two children, unemployed, apologised to the court and promised not to reoffend.
She said at the time of the offence she was facing difficulties because her husband who was also unemployed was away and she had to look after the children alone.
Bogiwalu who is a first offender also asked the court if she could be given time to pay back the money.
Magistrate Hamza ordered that she sign a $500 bond. Bogiwalu will be sentenced on June 12.
Feedback: talebulak@fijisun.com.fj

Romantic comedy conveys many messages, says India born actor Deepak

Highway to Suva actors (from left) lead actress Tarishma Gaundar, singer\actor Vijay Kumaran, lead actor Rishi Deepak and Adwin Awadh while prompting their movie at MHCC yesterday. Photo: Ronald Kumar

From left: Tui Levuka Ratu Seru Rokotuinaceva, Deputy Secretary Public Health Dr Eric Rafai and Acting Australian Head of Mission Glenn Miles.

More than 15,000 Fijians living in the Lomaiviti Group can now enjoy better health service.
This is after the newly-upgraded Levuka Sub-divisional Hospital was opened yesterday by the Acting Australian Head of Mission, Glenn Miles.
The upgrade was worth FJD$322,000 and that included improved facilities for a shared specialist outpatient department and ante-natal care clinic.
Speaking at the opening ceremony Mr Miles said a healthy population lied at the heart of any form of development.
“In our support for the Millennium Development Goals, the strengthening of primary health services is a pillar of our development assistance to Fiji,” Mr Miles said.
“History will argue that Levuka is also home to the first established hospital, where doctors of the British Empire served the colonial administration.”
He said local medical assistants helped battled comuicale diseases that reached their shores.
“We hope that the new facilities will contribute to an enhanced work environment with better health care standards and health outcomes for all.”
Feedback: zafiya.shamim@fijisun.com.fj

The Attorney- General, Aiyaz Sayed -Khaiyum with Savusavu Town council staff visits the Savusavu market new extension yesterday.Photo: Siteri Taleitaki

A decision to lift the freeze on road transport permits will be made after a report on public consultations is handed to the Prime Minister.
The Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said this at the public consultation on road transport at the Savusavu Town Council Chambers yesterday.
“The Government has been awaiting a report on the criteria LTA is going to follow before issuing the new permits.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said after the report had been finalised and handed over to PM Rear Admiral (Retired) Voreqe Bainimarama then a decision would be made.
“LTA wanted to lift the freeze of permits but this cannot be done, without a criteria, to avoid any problems in the future.”
He said if LTA lifted the freeze without any proper rules in place than the same problems would occur over again. He added Government was trying to sweep off corruption in the relevant agencies.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said people were being bullied because of their ethnicity when they applied for a permit.
“This is a concern for the Government. We are trying to fix things up and we are trying to change the mindset of the people.
“However, concerns were also raised regarding LTA officers using bullying tactics for personal gain. We are trying to put a stop to this; everyone is needed to be treated equally.”
Feedback: siteri.taleitaki@fijisun.com.fj

Estranged husband had made attempts to reconcile

Mother Kaliamma with Rohini at Lautoka hospital yesterday. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Some political parties are ‘misleading and feeding people wrong information’

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum

The Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, yesterday accused other political parties of misleading people on the rights of iTaukei landownership.
He said in Savusavu that politicians had misinterpreted the rights of ownership and protection of iTaukei, Rotuman and Banaban land under the 2013 Constitution.
He said he had been prompted to respond to what politicians had been reported as saying in the newspapers.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said people were being fed wrong and inaccurate information.
He highlighted the relevant section of the Constitution.
In Section 28 (1) it states: “The ownership of all iTaukei land shall remain with the customary owners of that land and iTaukei land shall not be permanently alienated, whether by sale, grant, transfer or exchange, except to the State in accordance with section 27.”
(2) It states: “Any iTaukei land acquired by the State for a public purpose after the commencement of this Constitution under section 27 or under any written law shall revert to the customary owners if the land is no longer required by the State.” The same goes for Rotuman and Banaban land.
“It means no iTaukei land can be converted to any other type of land. iTaukei land remains as iTaukei land,” he said.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said people should always refer to the Constitution as it was there for their reference. He said before and after Independence, when Government needed to build new roads and bridges, landowners were approached, an evaluation was done and they were paid compensation.
“Before the current Constitution came into place, whatever land is attained by the Government remains with the Government. But according to the 2013 Constitution, the land will have to revert back to the landowners if it remains undeveloped after 5-10 years.”
People should know that there were three types of land; iTaukei land, crown land and freehold land. Some landowners were cheated and remain confused not knowing the differences of the three entities, he said.
He said under the old laws and 1997 Constitution it stated crown land could be converted to freehold land and iTaukei land to crown land. But it could convert i-Taukei land to freehold land.
“Today’s Constitution prohibits this; iTaukei land cannot convert to freehold. But what happened, under the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT) and Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) government, was they converted some iTaukei land to freehold land.
“SVT converted a section of Denarau to freehold land where the rich people reside and hotels are built. How can an iTaukei land in the middle of it, have some freehold land.
“Under SDL they did the same thing with the iTaukei land in Momi, Nadi, bypassing the system. This is totally wrong and is clearly stated in the Bill of Rights in Section 6(1). The Bill is the heart of the Constitution and everyone should be well versed with it.”
Landowners were also reassured they would get royalties if any minerals were found below six feet of their land.
Bone Raikalou, 65, of Nakama said he is to be a landowner said the A-G’s explanation empowered him and he was grateful to him.

PARTY OPINION
Pio Tabaiwalu

SODELPA, general secretary
This is in response to Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s statement in the Fiji Sun (Friday 6 June), saying once again that iTaukei land is safe – Part 1

To the iTaukei, land is not just an economic commodity. It is part of culture, kinship and group identity. That is why the iTaukei cling so fiercely to their land ownership. The 2013 Constitution does not reflect this indigenous attachment to their land.
Their claim that Fijian land has greater protection than before is a lie. Its protection has been weakened. In fact there was no reference at all to native land in the first draft of the Constitution.
It was left out completely. This caused great fear and uncertainty among landowners. It was only when supporters of SODELPA began to speak out that Bainimarama-Sayed Khaiyum decided to include specific reference to native land in their constitution. Without the SODELPA protests they would likely have enacted their supreme law with no special reference to native land.
SODELPA’s view that Bainimarama-Sayed Khaiyum have seriously weakened native land ownership is shared by others, including legal analysts. Lawyers for the Citizens Constitutional Forum concluded there is no real protection for Fijian landowners in the 2013 Constitution. This view was also shared by Professor Yash Ghai.
In previous constitutions there were special entrenched provisions, providing extremely strong safeguards for Fijian land ownership and ownership by the Banaban and Rotuman communities.
The 1997 Constitution laid down a very detailed and entrenched procedure for altering the following: Fijian Affairs Act, Fijian Development Fund Act, Native Lands Act, Rotuma Act, Rotuma Lands Act, Banaban Lands Act, Banaban Settlement Act and the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act.
To change these land laws required a two thirds vote in Parliament and a nine votes of the GCC nominees in the Senate. This was to provide extra safeguard in protecting these laws.
Sayed-Khaiyum and Bainimarama have scrapped this provision which means there just a need to have a simple majority in Parliament to change land laws. This is the crux of the issue which Sayed-Khaiyum is avoiding.
He is lying deliberately to the indigenous people by skirting around this missing “entrenched legislation” as contained in the 1997 Constitution.
The people’s draft constitution by the Yash Ghai Commission, that was scrapped by the Bainimarama-Sayed-Khaiyum regime, also included a listing of protected laws: iTaukei Lands Act (Cap 133), iTaukei Land Trust Act (Cap 134), Rotuma Lands Act (Cap 138), Banaban Lands Act (Cap 124) and Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Act (Cap 270).
All these safeguards were thrown out by Bainimarama-Sayed-Khaiyum.
Why? There has never been a proper explanation.
Instead they simply placed Fijian land ownership among a long list of provisions in the Bill of Rights.
However section 6 of the Bill of Rights (5) (a) (b) (c) permits rights to be limited and therefore changed. At least 55 of the rights listed can be subject to limitations.
Clause (c) of section 6 is particularly broad in its application. It allows parliament to pass “necessary” laws limiting rights and freedoms. This could obviously be applied to Fijian land. In our view there would be nothing to stop enactment of a change to Fijian land ownership provisions by a simple majority in Parliament.
Any such changes could further weaken or undermine Fijian land ownership. Even provisions relating to compulsory acquisition of property might be changed by a new law.
We note that the 1997 Constitution also permits limitations of rights. But these have to be “reasonable and justifiable in a free and democratic society”. This important protective condition is missing completely from the 2013 Constitution. Why?

Group ownership
Fijian land does not belong to individuals. It is owned by groups of people. This was clearly recognised in the 1997 Constitution. A full chapter of the document was dedicated to group rights. Much of this focused on Fijian land and protective provisions for it. Group rights are recognised as human rights. But there is no mention at all in the 2013 Constitution of iTaukei group ownership of land. This integral aspect of iTaukei culture has simply been removed. (Continued next week)

n The opinions expressed in this column are those of the Social Democratic Liberal Party. They are published by the Fiji Sun to enhance free and open debate ahead of the General Elections.
Feedback: rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj

Anjali Sharma wins Monash Uni’s marketing law honour

waisea nasokia
nadi

Former Natabua High School commerce student, Anjali Sharma, is already reaping rewards while studying at Monash University, in Australia.
Last month the Lautoka scholar received the university’s Department of Business Law and Taxation top BTF3181 Marketing Law award for this year.
“My journey at the university so far has been a truly rewarding experience,” Ms Sharma said.
“I got to know about this awards ceremony during the latter half of my first year. Although I had been very hopeful for this award, it truly came as a phenomenal surprise as I have always been a firm believer of ‘Dream big and achieve bigger’.”
The Faculty of Business and Economics, at the university does an awards ceremony every year to honour the most outstanding students in their respective courses, across all of their Australian campuses.
“I was informed in May this year that I had achieved the highest grade for Marketing Law. I had developed high hopes, despite being aware that the uni has an extremely competitive and intelligent set of students who have come here from all around the world and from all avenues of life,” she said.
Ms Sharma did Form Seven in 2010 and was awarded a PSC overseas scholarship on merit for a three- year degree programme. She started in mid- July, 2011, (had received her student visa a little late so unfortunately had to miss out the first semester).
Currently she is in her final semester, doing a Bachelor of Business – majoring in Business Law and a minor in Economics.
“I am thankful to God, my parents, family, and friends and the Fijian government that has helped me reach this height of success. It has been an honour to be associated with outstanding students from around the world, achieve world class education and experience the enriching culture and activities that Melbourne offers,” she concluded.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj

Former students start fundraising for minor school causes
waisea nasokia
nadi
The newly- formed Nadi College Ex-students Association (NCESA) is raising funds for projects to help the school they once went to school in.
The association’s media liaison officer, Ben Nadredre, said there had been favourable responses from past students, even though the committee was formed this year.
“A few ex-students have made their way out with good heart to make a difference in school starting with the formation of the interim committee,” Mr Nadredre said.
“It has been so nice to see a lot of supporters out there who want to contribute and are working with the committee in organising fundraisings to support our beloved Nadi College since the association was formed.”
He said the association had set up two branches in Nadi and Suva to assist each other in projects already planned.
“The association brought out ideas of small projects first and then we will be targetting the bigger ones later when the association continues to grow,” Mr Nadredre said.
“We have organised two fundraising events in Nawaka Village, Nadi and the committee thanks all the ex-students for their continuous support so far especially from Nalauwaki, Waya and the Yasawas.
He said more updates would be posted in the association’s Facebook page. The next fundraising drive will be held in Navutu Village, Lautoka, on Friday, June 13, at 8pm. Vodafone 7s rep Samisoni Viriviri, the first Fijian to be awarded the best IRB 7s player of the year, is also a past student and will be the chief guest at the occasion. For more information you may contact the association’s president, Samisoni Koroi, on 9929 768.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj

TALEBULA KATE
SUVA

A 48-year-old man was yesterday sentenced to 14 years in jail by the High Court for raping his stepdaughter on numerous occasions.
The court heard that the man first started sexually abusing the victim in Kadavu in 2004, when she was 13 years old. The victim is the daughter of the accused person’s wife from a previous relationship.
The man pleaded guilty to the counts of indecent assault and was convicted accordingly. For the other five counts of rape he was found guilty and convicted after the trial.
In 2005 the abuse turned into rape until 2010, happening on frequent occasions.
In sentencing the accused person Justice Salesi Temo took into account the age of the accused person and that he was a first offender. The accused had been in remand for approximately one year and 11 months and was previously the sole breadwinner in his family.
“You seriously abused your position by molesting her and raping her on numerous occasions as a child and a young person,” Justice Temo said. He said those who abuse children must expect a severe sentence.
Feedback: talebulak@fijisun.com.fj

by Jyoti
Pratibha

Questions for parties
How come none of the political parties opposing the Government are talking about what will happen to lease money distribution? Will it go back to its old way of chiefs getting more and the rest being divided up amongst the commoners if they somehow win power?
Which party will advocate keeping the Independent Legal Services Commission in place? A number of lawyers who have been brought before the Commission and found guilty for various offences are now part of some of these same political parties.

Throwing stones
from the sideline
Come on, people, the media decree does not mean “self-censorship is pervasive”.
The Media Decree has our old code of ethics in it. Did having a code of ethics mean we were self-censoring before? To make such claims to foreign media is a bit rich coming from one who is no longer part of mainstream media. He’s just sitting on the sideline throwing verbal stones at the real players.

Beware of these jobs
Talk of Fijians being given access as seasonal workers to Australia have barely been on the table and we already have “middle men” coming up with all sorts of offers. A look on the social media shows that there are many operating in Fiji. One was caught up in its web and had to refund money to one of the many who had signed up and paid a “fee”.

Manoj Narayan at his home, which was destroyed in a fire at Nadovi, outiside Nadi. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

A two-bedroom house in Nadovi, Nadi, went up in flames early yesterday, shattering the home owner’s dream of getting married next month.
Manoj Narayan, 40, had worked hard as a dental technician to build his house.
Having lost his father more than 20 years ago, the responsibility of setting himself up financially fell solely on Mr Narayan.
His house, which he built over the years from scratch was razed at around 4am. Mr Narayan was not at home at the time of the incident.
“Nothing could be saved. I was spending the night at my sister’s place when I got a call from the neighbours that my house was on fire. The only things I have are the clothes on my back,” Mr Narayan said.
National Fire Authrity chief fire officer John O’Connor said 90 per cent of all residential fires recorded so far this year took place between midnight and early morning.
He said people needed to be proactive and take initiative in ensuring no naked flames were left burning overnight.
Mr O’Connor said they received a call reporting the fire at around 4.10am. They managed to put out the fire, but nothing much in the house could be saved.
Investigations into this fire are continuing.
“Members of the public need to know that when going to bed or leaving the house for the night, they have to make sure their belongings are protected. If using a kerosene stove, ensure that none of the wicks are left burning. If using candles, please put it on flat surface, away from clothes. These instances are very worrying,” he said.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Human traffickers Inoke Raikadroka (left) and Mohammed Sheefaz Jameer Sagaitu on their way to prison after their sentencing yesterday. Justice Paul Madigan described their treatment of young girls used as “sex slaves” as egregious. The court was told the girls were shuttled between Suva and Nadi to service clients at places such as (Inset from left) Elixir Apartments, Annandale Apartments and Studio 6 Apartments in Suva. Sentencing details: Page 3

TALEBULA KATE
Suva
The two men convicted of human trafficking last week were yesterday sentenced to more than 10 years each by the High Court in Suva.
Inoke Raikadroka was jailed for 16 years while Mohammed Sheefaz Jameer Sagaitu was given a 12-year sentence for domestic trafficking. Raikadroka was found guilty of two counts of slavery and five counts of domestic trafficking. Sagaitu (Margie) was found guilty of two counts of domestic trafficking of two girls aged 15 and 17 and their elder sister. The three were trafficked between Suva and Nadi from May to December 2012.
Justice Paul Madigan, in sentencing Raikadroka, said that the treatment of the teenage girls at the hands of Raikadroka was egregious. “They were sold like objects and forced to work with no pay; they were used by him to make a profit,” Justice Madigan said.
He said from this condition of slavery, which was obnoxious in itself, the situation was aggravated by the fact that the slaves were children, 17 years and 15 years old.
Further aggravation can be seen that the condition was extended over a long period of time, at least seven months and even thereafter the girls were “on call” to go to Nadi to service more clients for Raikadroka.
“There has never been a case of slavery in Fiji before, nor has either defence counsel been able to provide authorities from other commonwealth jurisdictions,” he said.
He added that because it was such an outrageous and shameful crime, denying the victims of their constitutional and community rights, a long imprisonment term must be imposed.
In mitigation the court heard that Raikadroka is 24 years old, unemployed, comes from a broken family, and was brought up by an aunt.
He was making a living by doing odd jobs before becoming a sex worker. He maintained that he had no interest in being a slave master but merely wanted to provide for the girls and treated them like a family. The court did not find any aggravating features in Sagaitu’s domestic trafficking conviction but stated that the crime itself subsumed the unsavoury and despicable features of the offence.
Justice Madigan then sentenced Raikadroka to 14 years for the counts of slavery and 16 years for the domestic trafficking to be served concurrently. Sagaitu was sentenced to 12 years for the two counts of domestic trafficking and will be eligible for parole after 10 years.
Feedback: talebulak@fijisun.com.fj