Scene of the accident in Nadi yesterday. Photo: Waisea Nasokia

Five people were rushed to the Nadi Hospital after a van collided with the bus near Kennedy Avenue in Nadi yesterday afternoon.
A bruised father, Raj Karan, of Black Rock, Votualevu, was travelling on the bus which belonged to Classic Buses Limited registration FWQ30 with his two daughters when the accident happened.
He suffered cuts to his jaw, while his daughter injured their noses.
“We were on the way to the hospital since one of my daughters had high fever,” Mr Karan said.
“As usual as a passenger we looked towards oncoming vehicles, and after we passed the sharp bend I saw this van in front of us overtake a vehicle and I think he was too late to get back in line then suddenly we heard a loud big bang.”
“My daughters were thrown away from their seats including the other passengers. There were 15 of us on board the bus. It was a scary experience.”
Police spokesperson, Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri, said the driver of the van belonging to Redbrick Laundry (CU 555) suffered injuries to his legs and admitted.
“The driver of the van is still admitted at the hospital with a suspected broken leg while the others on the bus were treated and sent home,” he said.
“He was alone in the van when the incident happened and investigation is still going on to determine the cause.”
Meanwhile, the Police are again advising drivers and the public at large to take precautionary measures while on the road.
“We appeal to all drivers that it is very important to follow simple basic road rules at all times,” Inspector Sokomuri added.
Feedback: wise@fijisun.com.fj

SITERI TALEITAKI
LABASA

Naua, near Nakanacagi Village in Dreketi has been identified as the potential site for an independent power plant project in Vanua Levu.
The proposed site was identified by a Chinese company, China Chengdu Import and Export Group Company Limited (CCIE) after years of feasibility studies.
In a meeting with stakeholders in Labasa, the company expressed its interest in establishing a hydro-power plant to supply power to places which are still without a consistent supply of electricity.
The project’s manager, Simon Liqing, said after consistent feasibility studies in the country, the North has the potential and is a good place to invest in.
Mr Liqing said the independent power plant would supply electricity to all rural areas and would draw in local and foreign investors to invest in Vanua Levu.
However, he said, negotiations were currently ongoing with the Fiji Electricity Authority, Investment Fiji and other relevant stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the divisional planning officer – North, Uraia Rainima, said electricity power supply is in great need in the Northern Division.
Feedback: siteri.taleitaki@fijisun.com.fj

Despite bad conditions SCHOOL students still eager to learn

Sailo Namolote pointing at the old Fijian bure that was used by the children for learning before they moved to the village community hall. Photo: Siteri Taleitaki

Six men caught fishing illegally in Mali waters

SITERI TALEITAKI
LABASA
Earlier this week six men from Udu Point, Macuata, were caught fishing illegally at the tikina ‘o Mali’s combined fishing ground.
Divisional fisheries officer- Northern, Joji Vakawaletabua, said the men were seized after the Fisheries Department was alerted.
“About 300 kilograms of A -grade fish were seized having a market value of $1800.”
A-grade fish are sold at a market price ranging from $9 – $10 per kilogram.
Mr Vakawaletabua said the six men were apprehended with assistance of community members who were well versed with fishing regulations.
The Fisheries Department understands the need to put food on the table but people are advised to use legal means.
Meanwhile, Mr Vakawaletabua said his department had been conducting awareness activities regularly.
Feedback: siteri.taleitaki@fijisun.com.fj

Saivou villagers raise money for first 3-in-a-day wedding

Saivou Village men selling their firewood in Savusavu main highway. Photo: Siteri Taleitaki

Guest of honour is the String Quartet of the Conservatory of the Music of New Caledonia

WATI TALEBULA
SUVA
Every year on June 21, more than 340 cities in 110 countries worldwide take part in a music festival which was first initiated in 1983 by the French Government.
The Embassy of France in Suva together with Alliance Francaise is organising a week-long music festival from June 17 to 21.
Head of Culture, Education and Science section Emmanuelle Charrier said the festival was celebrated every year.
“It is very different type of festival; this is a free popular event dedicated to music,” Ms Charrier said.
“This was first organised in Fiji several years ago and it is a good day for families to come and spend their time together.”
She said they organised a popular event for everyone.
“The music festival is free so that people of all walks of life can be part of it,” Ms Charrier
“Last year it was held for one day only and we decided that this year will be a week long.”
This year’s guest of honour is the String Quartet of the Conservatory of the Music of New Caledonia.
Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj

FARISHA AHMED
SUVA
Ten key thematic areas have been identified as essential components for sustainable development to be discussed during the two-day Prime Minister’s first Summit on the Green Growth Framework.
The meeting starts today at the Novotel Convention Centre Suva Lami Bay.
Permanent Secretary for Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics Pita Wise during a press conference said a draft framework had been designed to restore the balance in the development that was sustainable for the future.
“This green growth framework is the first of its kind for Fiji and as such it is a ‘living document,” Mr Wise said.
“We are anticipating 360 participants from the private sector, civil society as well as regional and international development partners.
“For Fiji as with other countries, the impetus for green growth emanates from the need to better harness natural resources, reduce vulnerability to environmental risks and promote socially inclusive development.”
He said in May the ministry approached all the provinces to include them and their views to go about ways for sustainable development.
“An integrated and inclusive consultative approach was undertaken whereby we approached the provincial councils and the advisory boards and we came back with comments and views on ways for better sustainable development,” Mr Wise said.
“These have all been incorporated in the draft and during the summit we hope for more changes and ideas to come forward.”
farisha.ahmed@fijisun.com.fj

Masi maker eager to learn more

Varanisese Nasilasila
Suva

2014 Melanesian Art festival participant, Sanita Vu

varanisese.nasilasila@fijisun.com.fj

Ambassador Shmuel
Ben-Shmuel confirms medical team coming in August
MAIKA BOLATIKI
SUVA
Israel has agreed to Fiji’s request to send a specialised medical team to Fiji in August.
Israel’s new Ambassador to Fiji Shmuel Ben-Shmuel, after his meeting with the Minister of Health, Dr Neil Sharma, last week confirmed this.
“We received a request for a medical team and we have agreed for the team to come in August and we are happy to do so,” Mr Ben-Shmeul said.
He also confirmed that they had talked about another ear, nose and throat (ENT) team that would be coming to Fiji.
Mr Ben-Shmuel said in the area of medicine there was strong bilateral relation for Israel to provide vital assistance to Fiji in some crucial areas like diabetes.
“In the crucial problematic segment of diabetes, Israel provided Fiji with crucial assistance be it medicine to control this horrible disease and assistance by doctors from Israel. This is a very crucial area. Today when we met with the Minister of Health we provide them with another gesture of more insulin. In weeks and months we have sent hundreds of thousands of small items that are related to diabetes.”
He said thay had also discused further ideas and projects on how to promote this vital area of medicine between Israel and Fiji to promote more health here in Fiji and vice versa. Dr Sharma said Fiji had a very good working relation with the government of Israel.
In the past he said they had been very supportive and they had provided consumables in the area of diabetes.
“They have provided injections, insulin, needles and equipment to use so that our treatment improves on diabetes,” he said.
He said last year for the first time surgeons from Israel came to Fiji and they were planning to return in August.
Feedback: maikab@fijisun.com.fj

JYOTI PRATIBHA
NADI
Excitement in the upcoming second summit of the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) in Denarau, Nadi, from June 18 to 20, continues to grow.
As of yesterday, 19 countries from outside the region have registered to attend the international meeting. More are expected to register.
Last year more than 30 countries from outside the Pacific attended.
Those from outside the region that have registered include Argentina, Singapore, Australia, Israel, Georgia, European Union, India, Kuwait, Japan, Colombia, Republic of Korea, Kazakhstan, Russia, Germany, Malaysia, Morocco, Turkey, Venezuela and United Kingdom.
Some of these countries are sending special representatives from their capitals, while some are being represented by their diplomatic missions in Fiji or their aid agencies.
President of the Republic of Indonesia Soil Bam bang Yudhoyono will open the Summit on June 19 at Sheraton Fiji Resort, Denarau Island in Nadi.
Commenting on the interest, the Interim Secretary General of the PIDF Mr Feleti Teo said: “Successfully shifting to a model of growth that sustains natural assets over time will require the engagement of all countries.
“The international community plays a crucial role in helping the Pacific make the shift, especially by providing assistance to manage the short-term trade-offs of going “green”.
“The PIDF welcomes the participation by all our development partners.”
Those who wish to participate can visit the PIDF website www.pacificidf.org to register.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Smoking is strictly banned in public places and the Ministry of Health has stepped up its drive against smokers.
So far this year 236 people have been booked for smoking in public places.
The ministry’s Tobacco Control Enforcement Unit manager, Aminiasi Tavui, said they were carrying out surveillance and were stepping up their enforcement duties.
“If anyone is found smoking in such areas by enforcement officers, the landlord will be fined $1000 whilst the person smoking will be fined $200,” Mr Tavui said.
He said these fines needed to be paid within 21 days in default of 20 days in prison.
“Fiji has joined other Pacific island countries in achieving the Tobacco Free Pacific 2025 goal.”
Mr Tavui said they had adopted the Tobacco Free Pacific 2025 goal which aimed to reduce tobacco use to less than five per cent.
“Smokers should always think of non-smokers before they light up a cigarette because every person has the right to breathe clean air as it is a basic human right.”
Zafiya Shamim

TALEBULA KATE
Suva
Two former security guards who were convicted in March for willfully and unlawfully setting fire to a building at Government Buildings were sentenced yesterday to eight years in jail by the High Court in Suva.
The court heard that Isikeli Nakato and Antonio Matairatu of Matrix Fiji on June 25, 2012, poured diesel on a structure of the court house and set the same on fire.
Nakato was asked by a third party to burn the Magistrates court No. 6 down for $5000. Nakato then asked Matairatu to assist him burn the building down.
They then fled the scene when the building was on fire but luckily the security guards at Government Buildings saw the fire and managed to put it out.
Justice Salesi Temo said if it was not for the guards’ quick action Magistrate court No. 6 would have been burnt to the ground.
The aggravating factors were that the accused persons deliberately set out to challenge the judicial arm of Government by burning the Magistrate court No. 6 and also the court house is a public property.
“It was paid for and maintained by the taxpayers of this country; to burn it is an affront to the public purse,” Justice Temo said.
The court heard that the convicted persons were 38 years and 48 years old respectively, married with children and were the sole breadwinners of their families.
The duo will serve seven years before they are eligible for parole.
Feedback: talebulak@fijisun.com.fj

TALEBULA KATE
SUVA
A married couple was handed a suspended sentence on Monday by the High Court in Suva for manslaughter arising from breach of duty.
The court heard that the accused persons, Mesake Raburau and Salote Katia Selema, of Tailevu had pleaded guilty to the charge. They were convicted for failing to ensure the safety of their child, under the age of two.
The deceased was in the care of his parents in February when he was found floating dead in a creek. The child was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. A post-mortem report stated that the cause of death was drowning.
Police found that the couple’s house was close to the creek and was not fenced to prevent the child from entering the creek. They were then sentenced to 24 months imprisonment suspended for two years.
Feedback: talebulak@fijisun.com.fj

talebula kate
suva

Illicit drug suspect Shalendra Narayan at the court house in Suva yesterday. Photo: Ronald Kumar

MAIKA BOLATIKI
Suva

Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Retired) Voreqe Bainimarama, RFMF’s chief of staff, Brigadier-General Mohammed Aziz and Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Brigadier-General Mosese Tikoitoga after the opening of the new office yesterday. Photo: Jona Konataci

FARISHA AHMED

Grieving Roy Ravana Senior plans to fly to the United States this weekend to bring back the body of his son Roy Junior.
Junior died after he was shot in a random shooting in his Sacramento county neighbourhood on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister, Rear Admiral (Retired) Voreqe Bainimarama, has joined many people in expressing shock and sadness at the killing of the former Marist High School athletics champion.
“Like all Fijians, I am appalled that Roy – an innocent bystander – should lose his life in this way,” he said.
“To have his life cut short when he had so much promise is a terrible tragedy”.
He sent his deepest condolences to the Ravana family.
“I can only begin to imagine the heartbreak they feel over the loss of their precious son. The hearts of every Fijian go out to them and they are in our prayers and thoughts.”
He said Roy was not only a great athlete but a wonderful role model for every young Fijian.
“Many people dream of being given an opportunity to pursue success overseas.
“Roy was living that dream when he died. And many young Fijians, even those who didn’t know him personally, will feel a sense of shock and loss at his passing.”
“As a Marist old boy, I certainly share the pain being felt by the whole school community.”
Mr Ravana Snr said his loss could not be explained in mere words.
“I am waiting for a clearance from the sheriffs in Sacramento so that I could bring my son’s body home for burial,” he said.
“The sheriffs told me that they would be able to clear within three days so I should get a call tomorrow (today).”
Mr Ravana Snr said they were hoping to have the funeral service at the Lambert Hall at Marist Brothers High School.
“We still have not confirmed that. I have to speak to the principal but it would be nice to have it where he spent most of his time.”
Roy was one of two men who were shot by two Latino youths. The other man, a Tongan, is recovering.
Two youths have been arrested in connection with the shooting.

Significant is the presence of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono

MAIKA BOLATIKI
Suva

This month’s Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) at Nadi will see more development partners from around the world participating.
Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Retired) Voreqe Bainimarama said it would be a unique privilege to welcome to Fiji for the first time, the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
“The presence in our country of this great man will be a signal honour – the leader of the most populous country in our immediate region and one that has made a successful transition itself to a vibrant genuine democracy,” the PM said.
“Among other things, it shows that Fiji matters; Fiji is punching above its weight in regional and global affairs. Our voice is now not only being heard and respected more but we have also provided a voice for others to be heard.”
The Prime Minister said this included not only the governments that have joined us in the PIDF but those civil society groups and business leaders that represent the grassroots in
our societies.
“These are the people who were excluded from the Pacific islands Forum but are now centre stage at the PIDF. And they are the voices of those who ultimately matter above all else – the ordinary men and women who we are all here to serve.”
He said he spoke at the first PIDF for all them to form; “a grand coalition throughout the Pacific to protect their environment in order to make sure that development was sustainable.”
“We must ensure that the common good comes before sectional interests, so that we leave the Pacific to our children and grandchildren in a better state than when we inherited it.”
Feedback: maikab@fijisun.com.fj

Men made of the same biological materials as women

VARANISESE NASILASILA
SUVA

Respect for Women as Stated in Our Scripture’ was the discussion topic at the Inter- Faith Search Fiji 6th Series at DAV Girls College, Samabula, Suva on Tuesday.
Present at the gathering were the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha Fiji and the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam (Lahore) Fiji.
Inter- Faith Search Fiji facilitator, Jalal Dean, said that the theme was very relevant to what was happening in our communities.
“Some of these people are not aware that these issues are also stated in our bible readings, so we need to have this kind of meetings so that we can be aware,” he said.
Mr Dean said the 2013 Fiji Constitution provided for equality between gender and the rights of men were not superior to that of women.
“Women must be fairly respected, as women are made of the same biological materials as men, apart from their gender differences,” he said.
Mr Dean said the notion that women did not have equal rights as men had penetrated into many societies and society leaders should correct that perception by informing people.
“The discussion should not be wasted by inaction and faith leaders must endeavour to influence the younger generations towards the correct paths, in their respect for women as prescribed in their holy scriptures,” he said.
The next gathering will be July 10 with the theme ‘Religious Festivals Referenced in Our Scriptures’.
varanisese.nasilasila@fijisun.com.fj

Communities urged to host events for senior citizens

FARISHA AHMED
SUVA

Young people need to understand the generational gap between them and senior citizens.
The Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Jiko Luveni, said this while launching ‘My Capital Treat for Senior Citizens,’ earlier this week.
“We would like the public to see that senior citizens also have a life. We urge communities to host events for them in their communities to help the senior citizens realise that they are not forgotten,” Dr Luveni said.
“Communities can do a noble job of forming senior citizens homes so that we all can come together and enjoy moments together.”
She said events in which senior citizens were honoured should be a task carried by all, especially by the younger generation.
“The younger generation needs to understand the generational gap and be more understanding towards them so that the gap is ameliorated,” Dr Luveni said.
“This is because one day they will become senior citizens. The whole globe is experiencing a generation gap. Fathers are looking after grandfathers and grandmothers and even increasingly we would have grandparents looking after great grandparents.”
My Capital Treat for Senior Citizens is something that the ministry hopes to do on a monthly basis.
“The future may see an increase in the number of older persons being forced out of their homes and being cared for under state- run residential homes. In Fiji, our 2010 statistics recorded 5000 people aged over 80 and it is projected that in 2050, there will be 28,500 people over the age of 80.”
farisha.ahmed@fijisun.com.fj

More development planned
for town

JYOTI PRATIBHA
RAKIRAKI

Vendors, particularly women vendors who sell at Rakiraki Market, will now be able to sell their produce in a more customer friendly environment.
This is after the $250,000 extension to the existing market was opened yesterday. The Government-funded extension was opened by the Acting Minister for Local Government, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said for long, people on the lower end of the socio-economy scale had been neglected by past Governments.
He said there were many benefits of the market extension and with the upgrade of Kings Road, the town would see more economic activities.
“When you have better facilities, for example, in the market, you make people want to come to the market. It looks good, is clean, has more space and people who sell at the market do not have to sit down on the streets, in sun and rain,” he said.
“When people feel good about their environment, they feel good about life in general and when they feel good about life in general, they are more productive.
“This also creates business and creates enterprise. When people become more productive, when there are better facilities, people then want to go out and do business.”
He said such an extension would also provide space to women to sell crafted products.
“We want to up the level of these (Fijian Made) products. We want foreigners when they come to Fiji, to buy authentic Fijian Made products. They don’t mind paying a few dollars more, knowing that the products are authentically made in Fiji.”
Rakiraki special administrator Ralulu Cirikiyasawa said more investment was also in store for Rakiraki and such support by Government also boosts the private sector’s confidence in the town.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj