Faiyaz Koya

FijiFirst candidate nominee Faiyaz Koya believes that his father would never disagree with his choice to join the Voreqe Bainimarama-led party.
“Our father never told us to follow his exact footsteps and my brother chose the National Federation Party and I choose FijiFirst,” he said.
“And I think that my father would never disagree with my choice; he never bought us up to be the same people.
“With respect to what my Dad actually believed in, and what the NFP fought for from Day One is being espoused by FijiFirst,” Mr Koya said.
Faiaz Koya will be contesting against his brother Faizal Koya who will be standing on a NFP ticket. Their father Siddiq Moidin Koya was once party leader for the NFP. Mr Koya was also credited for his role in paving the way for Fijian independence from Britain in 1970
“It is about a choice and I have chosen FijiFirst with respect to my political career,” said Faiaz Koya.
“I was not too inclined to go into politics. Having seen what FijiFirst is all about and what is being done, I firmly believe that is what I wanted to do.
“I have been involved in the peripheries and this time I thought of standing in the elections and doing my bit as a proud citizen.
“It is not about my brother and me; it is about choice, in our household, our parents never brought us up to be clones,” he said.
“For me personally, I believe in what the Prime Minister has done so far and I certainly support him 200 per cent, I believe in what FijiFirst is doing and what it actually aspires to be,” he said.
Mr Koya said he has been at the Legal Aid Commission, chair of the Hotel Licensing Board and also with Tourism Fiji.
“Through this I have travelled and seen the developments in the country,” he said.
“I am a true citizen and I want to do my bit for the country,” he said.
Mr Koya believes in equal citizenry and said that if he get a seat in Parliament, he wanted to play his part in building a better Fiji for all.
“I believe this is the bottom line and the start that FijiFirst has had over the last seven years in terms of infrastructure and development, tourism and education is unsurpassed,” he said.
“I think it is a wonderful opportunity for the people to realise what can happen in the future”
“This is fairly new to me and I have resigned from the boards, I was not part of the campaign trail and we will be organising meetings around the West first,” he said.
nandni.vandhana@fijisun.com.fj

Voreqe Bainimarama is consistently clear leader in the preferred Prime Minister polling.

Social Democratic Liberal Party leader Ro Teimumu Kepa remains his strongest opposition. After failing to score in the first two polls in March, Ro Teimumu’s popularity shot to 8 per cent in the third poll.
Since then she has maintained the second and third position in the polls taken so far.
Mr Bainimarama continues to show that he is the favourite among voters. Well before the FijiFirst party was registered, he was the preferred PM by the 600 plus individuals who took part in the weekly Razor Research/Fiji Sunsurvey.
Mr Bainimarama’s clear lead will see other party leaders scrambling even for a two digit percentage in this category.

AQELA SUSU

Methodist Church Fiji and Rotuma interim President Reverend Laisiasa Ratabacaca greets Reverend Joji Rinakama during the Golden Jubilee church service at the Vodafone Arena yesterday. Photo: Paulini Ratulailai

Methodist Church leaders yesterday urged members to go out and vote on September 17.
Reverend Laisiasa Ratabacaca, interim president of the church, called on members during his sermon to cast their votes and make them count.
Those who were eligible to vote should vote because their votes would make the difference, he said.
Rev Tevita Banivanua, the church’s general secretary, also encouraged members of the church to vote.
Church members gathered at the Vodafone Arena in Suva to launch their week-long celebration to mark the church’s golden jubilee.
The leaders were echoing the church’s position in politics and the election.
The church has moved away from being directly involved through its ministers as it happened after the 1987 coups. It has given the members the freedom to choose which party to vote for.
The church will not be involved in party politics.
Rev Banivanua said: “It has always been our stand; we have our civic duties to do; first we were encouraging them to register and now we are encouraging everyone to vote because this is the only time we can put our vote into the system that governs us so we are very hopeful that together we will march Fiji on to a better future,” he said.
“Party politics is what we were trying to get our group away from because we as a church do not want to be too lenient to one side or the other party because we want to be in the middle, neutral, but to love all parties. Whoever is successful will stand and make up the government.”
This is a special week for the church. It can now hold its full annual conference after certain restrictions and conditions were imposed by Government. Its permit to hold the conference was refused under Fiji’s Emergency Regulations because of the political involvement of some church ministers
However, the Police have confirmed that all these restrictions and conditions have now been lifted.
Several thousands attended yesterday’s meeting.
Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj

Methodists happy with Govt as they celebrate golden jubilee

WATI TALEBULA

Methodists say they are happy with the lifting of the restrictions on their annual conference and the direction the country is heading.
Members of the church and hierarchy expressed their joy in Suva yesterday in their first full annual meeting in five years.
Assistant Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed last night that, “all restrictions on the Methodist Church have been lifted”.
Government originally stopped earlier meetings because of the political involvement of some elements in the church. Since then the church has moved away from politics.
Yesterday it kicked off a week of celebrations for the church’s golden jubilee of independence from the Australian Methodist conference. Events began at Suva’s Vodafone Arena.
Anaseini Baleisasa, 65, from Burebasaga in Rewa said: “I am happy that the Government has lifted the ban. I am happy with what the Government of the day has been doing. The lifting of the ban means a lot to us and I hope that there would not be another ban.”
Marika Komainalolo, 79, of Nailuva Rd, Suva, said: “I am thankful that the Government has lifted the ban.
“It feels good to be among my brothers and sisters to worship God.
“I am happy that it was closed and I am happy that it has opened again.”
Ratu Paula Baleisasa Vakawaletabua, 76, from Navuniivi in Ra said: “I am happy that I am chosen to witness the Golden Jubilee and also the conference.
“The ban hit those of us who have been attending the conference.
“I am happy with the lifting of the ban and the way the Government is heading.
“The conference is a good time where all Methodist come together.”
The general secretary of the Methodist Church, Reverend Tevita Banivanua, said: “This year was not only conference but it was also the time to remember the past 50 years of the Methodist Church in Fiji and we are happy that the ban has been lifted.
“We are thankful that the weather and atmosphere is very encouraging and we thank God that this year has turned out to be like this,” Reverend Banivanua said.

zafiya shamim
suva

Indiana Bollywood group members during the 2014 Vodafone Fiji Hibiscus festival yesterday. Inset: Papua New Guinea international singer, Mereani Masani. Photos: Rama

zafiya shamim
suva

Miss Grand Pacific Hotel Adele Lingham, and Miss Fiji Sun Fanifau Spring at Queen Elizabeth Barracks yesterday. Photo: Wati Talebula

FARISHA AHMED
suva
Youths are the future leaders of tomorrow.
Here is a look at what political parties want for their young people:

NFP
nStrengthen and provide support for training and development,
nstrengthen the existing National Youth Policy by including effective and beneficial strategies that empower young people,
nensure that the policy is the product of multi-party, national consensus.

PDP
nPromote education, training, upskilling and employability of young people and their active participation in civic and political life.

FLP
nPursue a National Service Scheme for unemployed youths to engage them in community work,
nset special funds to encourage and assist self-employment among youths by providing financial assistance to start business venture,
nestablish youth councils at major centres geared to serve the needs and aspirations of youths,
nencourage youths with special talents.

SODELPA
nCreate a strategic plan to focus on employment and empowerment of young,
nincrease support and funding of the activities of the National Youth Council with emphasis on family
nnurture and enhance the talents and potential of young citizens in academia, sports, leadership, entrepreneurship, artistic and musical pursuits and performing arts,
nreinstate and strengthen the Student Youth Parliament programme.
FUFP
nCorporate structure which will promote youth empowerment,
neducation and training programmes on setting up micro and macro businesses with financial assistance for start-up capital,
npart-time work scholarship scheme,
nset-up centres for vegetable and transport mechanisms
nSet up professional mechanisms for shoeshine and wheelbarrow boys
nto be provided with the standard leave structures and also provide them with FNPF contributions.

FijiFirst
The Government introduced free education and scholarship for young people to invest for their future.
The government also allocated the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) scholarship, which received $5million, the agricultural scholarships, which received $500,000, and the Rural and Maritime Vocational Training programme, which received $1.8m.
Mr Bainimarama had said most experts agreed that sports were an important element in the development of youths. Young people learn many things through sport, like personal discipline, perseverance, leadership, and teamwork. This is important, and Government will continue to support sports and youth development.

newsroom@fijisun.com.fj

AQELA SUSU
SUVA

The Apostles Gospel Outreach Fellowship International Church says it has always wanted Fiji to become a Christian state since its inception in 1990.
The church’s general secretary, Pastor Orisi Qica, said this when asked what his church’s stand was on the secular state provision in the 2013 Constitution.
“We do not want to comment on Fiji becoming a secular state because it has always been our stand that Fiji becomes a Christian state,” Pastor Qica said.
“Since we started we have always wanted Fiji to become a Christian state. We have never changed our stand on that since we started a few years ago. The word Christian state has a wide interpretation.
“We need to help those men and women who have come into the church and the church needs to teach them Christian principles and Christ- like character because people have really changed,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said they would also be discussing whether church members in political offices should be allowed to hold hierarchical positions within the church. Their three- day conference started this week
The church’s former president, Pastor Poate Mata has been confirmed as a candidate of the People’s Democratic Party. He was stood down not because of his political involvement but because of sensitive church issues.
Feedback: aqela.susu@fijisun.com.fj

FARISHA AHMED
SUVA

FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry (right), with Labour Party president Lavinia Padarath.

AQELA SUSU
SUVA
Residents of Nadawa, Nasinu, attending a campaign meeting on Wednesday night were reassured that the FijiFirst party would accept the results of the poll even if it did not win.
This was after FijiFirst candidate, Dr Jiko Luveni was asked by Ulaiasi Tuikoro what she meant when she said that everything would be back to normal after the elections.
Dr Luveni replied that during this campaign period parties would come and try to run down other parties because there was a lot of competition amongst them. However, that would be normal after the September elections.
“We are normal now before this period of campaign. Government was doing well and development works have continued and people were happy. But now we are going through a phase of campaign where we will be hearing all sorts of negativity about this Government,” Dr Luveni said.
“We are having free and fair elections with no loopholes and we feel the people should accept the results of this election.
“Even if we don’t win the next elections we will accept the result of the elections so the onus is back to our people.”
She also reminded them to choose a party they knew would best represent their interests after the elections.
Dhirendra Prasad asked Dr Luveni if the FijiFirst party was ready to contest the poll.
“People are ready to make their decisions. The only thing that I can say to you is ‘Don’t waste your vote on a party you think is going to lose.’
“Choose a party that you know is going to win. All these issues that have been brought up by these different parties during their campaigns are normal things that happen during campaigns,” she said.
“Remember, democracy is government of the people, by the people and for the people and the leaders that have been elected are accountable to the people so that people’s voices are heard.”
Close to 40 people attended the meeting.

Feedback: aqela.susu@fijisun.com.fj

NEMANI DELAIBATIKI
suva
Pio Tikoduadua is a quiet unassuming man. But behind his humble personality is a powerhouse of organisational brilliance and service delivery.
The former Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office is from from Nakorovou, Namalata, Tailevu, but FijiFirst is banking on him to counter Ro Teimumu’s growing presence and influence just across the border in Rewa in the context of the election. Rewa is her traditional powerbase.
She has recently changed her tact. She has ditched her reservations about the media and has stepped up.
In a short time, she has become media savvy, appearing on multi-media platforms in a bid to get her message across about equal citizenry, common identity, secular state, indigenous and qoliqoli bill issues
In the one constituency election, Rewa, becomes a crucial piece of the jigsaw puzzle that will influence the final outcome of the election. The jigsaw puzzle is the Suva-Nasinu-Nausori corridor.
It has the highest population density in the whole of Fiji. To win big here would mean securing seats in Parliament.
Ro Teimumu has other Rewan SODELPA candidates like Tomasi Vakatora and Samu Saumatua to help her.
Mr Tikoduadua will help Rewan Jimilai Wainibalagi stamp FijiFirst’s mark in the area for the first time. Undoubtedly he has no illusion over the mammoth task facing him and FijiFirst in trying to neutralise the Ro Teimumu factor in Rewa. She is the paramount chief and she has been mobilising her traditional forces on the ground to reinforce her hold on the delta.
If there is one candidate in the FijiFirst team who can counter Ro Teimumu, it is Mr Tikoduadua. Not only is he well trained as a career military officer he is well versed with government service in civilian life. When he took over from Parmesh Chand as Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, he reportedly developed a reputation of always getting the job done, no matter how big or small. That can-do attitude has been the driving force behind the outstanding service delivery from the PM’s office not only on national priorities but also on community needs.
The office has gone out of its way to bring relief to those in need, from church groups, to villages and communities and social organisations, to sports teams.
Mr Tikoduadua has established a culture of compassion as part of the office’s corporate social responsibility. In turn, it builds an image that this high office is not inaccessible but responsive and connected to the grassroot.
It is this same style, that party strategists in FijiFirst, hope Mr Tikoduadua will take with him on the campaign trail and beyond.
His military background compliments his civilian life. He has an impressive record. He joined the cadet training school with the current RFMF Commander, Brigadier-General Mosese Tikoitoga, after some legal experience in the courts as an interpreter. Since then he has held several leadership roles before becoming Chief Of Staff Operations. When Mr Chand left to join the Public Service Commission, Mr Tikoduadua slotted in comfortably.
Rewa has always been a fierce battleground in previous general elections. Even the favourites have lost there. In 1977 maverick nationalist Sakeasi Butadroka stunned the ruling Alliance Party by capturing the seat. While there is no longer a seat now in Rewa, votes there will add to the votes in the Suva-Nasinu-Nausori corridor.
There is a saying in Rewa that no one knows who you vote for when you go into the polling booth. The unpredictability of the voting trend will add a bit of drama and excitement when it comes to counting the votes cast.
That works in Mr Tikoduadua’s favour.

nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj

FARISHA AHMED
SUVA

The National Federation Party has filed objections against FijiFirst candidates Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mere Vuniwaqa.
In a statement, they allege that Mr Sayed-Khaiyum, the current Attorney-General and Minister Responsible for Elections and Ms Vuniwaqa, a former Permanent Secretary for Justice, are barred from standing from elections. In the statement, signed by NFP general secretary Kamal Iyer, the NFP cites Section 57 of the Constitution as the basis for their objection. The Electoral Commission is expected to rule on the NFP objection today.
Under Section 57 (2) of the 2013 Fijian Constitition ‘A person who has held office as a member of the Electoral Commission or as the Supervisor of Elections is ineligible to be nominated as a candidate for election to Parliament for 4 years after ceasing to hold that office.’
The NFP argues that prior to the confirmation of the incumbents, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum served as the Electoral Commission and Ms Vuniwaqa as the Supervisor of Elections, making them ineligible to stand in the 2014 General Elections.
The NFP has continued their campaigning, in the meantime. The party leader Dr Biman Prasad, party president Tupou Draunidalo, Attar Singh and Bimal Prasad spoke at their campaign meeting on Wednesday night at the Namosi Provincial Hall, Navua.
A small crowd turned up to listen to the candidates speak.
“We are a party that has always held its values and principles with pride and honesty,” Dr Prasad said.
He urged the residents and the people of Fiji to give the NFP a chance to show what they can do for the people rather than voting for someone involved in a coup.
A question was asked about which party they would go into coalition with after elections if they did not win the majority seats.
“This would depend on the results. We will look at our manifesto, look at other parties’ manifestos, and have negotiations,” Dr Prasad said.

Feedback: farisha.ahmed@fijisun.com.fj

MAIKA BOLATIKI
SUVA

FijiFirst leader and Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, spoke about the name ‘Fijian’ at the party’s campaign meeting at Raiwaqa’s Ed’s Court on Wednesday.
He said the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) had totally misinterpreted this to the voters.
“Other countries have a common name. In Australia they are called Australians, in New Zealand they are called Kiwis or New Zealanders, in the United States of America they are called Americans.”
“Their common name represents their patriotism to their country.“
“Now, when people living in Fiji are called Fijians it will show how patriotic they are for their beloved Fiji,” he adds.
He stressed that calling everyone Fijian did not take away the racial identity of the various ethnic groups in Fiji.
Section 5 (2) of the Constitution says: “All Fijians have equal status and identity, which means they are equally:
(a) entitled to all the rights, privileges with benefits of citizeship and
(b) subject to the duties and responsibilities of citizenship.
The Prime Miniser said the word ‘Fijian’ would not take away the rights of the iTaukei landowners nor would it mean equal rights to land ownership.
Section 28 (1) says the ownership of iTaukei land shall remain with the customary owners of that land and iTaukei land shall not be permanetly alinated, whether by sale, grant, transfer or exchange , except to the State in accordance with section 27.
SODELPA leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa has been leading her party’s campaign to have only the iTaukei people called ‘Fijians.’
Her claim is that the word ‘Fijian’ belongs only to the indigenous people.

Feedback: maikab@fijisun.com.fj

MAIKA BOLATIKI AND AQELA SUSU
suva
The two top contenders to lead the country after the September 17 general election fly out today to chase overseas votes.
Prime Minister and FijiFirst leader Voreqe Bainimarama and Social Democratic Liberal Party leader Ro Teimumu Kepa head to different destinations.
Mr Bainimarama, still fresh from his successful campaign meeting in Auckland and with an overwhelming lead in public opinion polls, travels to Sydney.
Ro Teimumu, after her encouraging visit to the United States, jets to Auckland, New Zealand.
Mr Bainimarama will visit a mosque and temple in Sydney today before holding a talanoa session tomorrow from 1pm-4pm (Aust time) at Mytilenian House, Canterbury.
It will be followed by an Island Night from 7pm where admission costs $50. Entertainment will be provided by Jese Mucunabitu and Pasifika Sunset with Indo-Fijian cuisine and iTaukei lovo. On Sunday, there will be a combined church service at Mytilenian House at 1.30pm.
One of the trip’s organisers, Jason Narayan, in an interview with Radio Australia’s Pacific Beat, said Mr Bainimarama will give a public address in Sydney.
He said Mr Bainimarama’s address would include a question and answer session, which was open to those wishing to attend, as well as members of his FijiFirst party.
Ro Teimumu will be accompanied to Auckland by SODELPA’s general secretary and candidate Pio Tabaiwalu and Patricia Raivoce.
Mr Tabaiwalu confirmed they would meet strong party supporters in Auckland.
“We will be at the Kiwi Epworth Hotel and we will speak to our party’s supporters at Manukau. We will be only there for the weekend,” Mr Tabaiwalu said.
“Our party’s supporters there have specifically asked us to come over and talk about our activities in the party and we will brief them on our campaigns. What all has been happening on the ground and also our manifesto.”
Mr Tabaiwalu added that their party’s supporters in New Zealand would be fundraising.
Feedback: newsroom@fijisun.com.fj

Two people died yesterday after the vehicle they were travelling in veered off the road at Sigatoka Valley yesterday.
Police spokesperson Atunaisa Sokomuri said that the vehicle failed to negotiate a bend at Sigatoka Valley near the Sigatoka Research Station.
The accident is believed to have occurred at about 1am.
Inspector Sokomuri said the vehicle was overspeeding. Police are investigating and warn road users and drivers to be careful while using the road. Police Media Cell
Feedback: newsroom@fijisun.com.fj

ANA SOVARAKI
Suva

The Fiji Police Force has launched a criminal investigation into the death of robbery suspect Vilikesa Soko who passed away at the Lautoka Hospital on Wednesday after being in Police custody.
This was confirmed by Commissioner of Police Bernadus Groenewald during a press conference at the Police headquarters in Suva on Thursday.
Mr Groenewald said the same senior officer who initially investigated the matter would continue as lead investigator on the criminal case.
“At this stage, we cannot release the details of privileged evidence because they form part of the sub-judicate investigation,” Mr Groenewald said.
The Commissioner made it very clear that under his leadership, the Fiji Police Force would not tolerate any misconduct by its officers, including the use of excessive force.
“If there is any concrete evidence of Police wrongdoing I will not hesitate to suspend, interdict or terminate their duties.
“This man’s family deserves to see justice for what happened to their son and I’m determined to see this done,” he said.
Soko, 30, was one of the five suspects who allegedly took part in the robbery of $50,000 from the City Forex Money Exchange in Nadi last Friday.
Mr Groenewald, on Thursday, said the deceased, when taken to the Lautoka Hospital, had refused medication and kept removing drips throughout the night while he was admitted.
When asked what the medication was for, he said “without any speculation we have information that he (deceased) was a sickly person and apparently there was internal bleeding”.
Mr Groenewald said the deceased had undergone an operation the morning after and passed away after 6am.
Speaking to the Fiji Sun on Thursday, Soko’s 62-year-old father Jeremaia Soko was pleading for justice for his son, claiming his son was a victim of Police brutality.
“Police did not advise that my son was taken into custody, but information was conveyed to me that my son was taken into custody on Sunday night,” Mr Soko said.
He said when his family had visited his son at the hospital; he was cuffed to the bed and was in a critical condition.
Mr Soko said the doctors had asked his consent for his son to undergo operation on Tuesday and had consented because his son’s condition was deteriorating.
“Police should carry out their duties within the parameters of the law; I will be consulting a lawyer to handle this matter,” Mr Soko said.
Meanwhile, two other suspects are still at large while another has been produced in court.
Senitieli Boila, 36, appeared in the Nadi Magistrates Court after being charged with one count of aggravated robbery.
He was denied bail and the matter has been transferred to the High Court in Lautoka.
Feedback: ana.sovaraki@fijisun.com.fj

The church’s standing committee says no kava drinking on Sundays

maika bolatiki
suva

Reverend Dr Jovili Meo preaching during the morning service at Furnival Park. Photo: Jona Konataci

jyoti pratibha
nadi

The pilot programme of recognised seasonal worker scheme will kick off from 2015 says New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully to the Fiji Sun yesterday. This was after a historic meeting with his Fijian counterpart Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.
“We have had very positive and very constructive talks this afternoon. The significance of this occasion should not be underestimated. In our last bilateral meeting we set ourselves the target of resuming normal foreign policy discussions between our two countries before the elections of both countries and I am very pleased that we have been able to do so,” Mr McCully said.
“This sets a new chapter between Fiji and New Zealand, one that sets us up well for normal business to be resumed immediately after the elections in both countries.
“There were a range of discussions we have had today and in previous meetings. Some of them are under the development co-operation area, where New Zealand has the opportunity to share some skills in areas like agriculture, but there are other areas where we have been able to get to the point of focusing on Fiji rejoining programmes like the recognised seasonal employers scheme. We have our officials working on that.
“We are planning for Fiji to come into this scheme next year with a pilot programme. This is not something that you can turn on overnight.
“What’s important is that on one side there is good preparations made for those who would be introduced into the scheme and on the other hand, the employers who drive the scheme need to be introduced to the opportunities and given confidence about their ability to deliver.
“We want very good pilots to take place in 2015 and we see Fiji’s role expanding after that. New Zealand recently announced that we have increased the number of places in the scheme and Fiji could come in together with other Pacific Island countries.
“While this is the first formal discussions I have had with my Fijian counterpart for some time, we have had a lot to do with each other over recent years and the relationship has always been very professional and very respectful. When there have been disagreements, I think we have tried to manage those respectfully and professionally. I am very pleased to see the progress Fiji has made towards elections. We wish the people of Fiji well.”
Mr McCully said discussions took place because the progress Fiji has been making towards September 17.
“We have skin in the game as they say as we have had senior people from our elections office in New Zealand involved in supporting your programme here; it’s a contribution that we have been very pleased to make,” he said.
“We are supporting programmes in terms of rebuilding capacity in Parliament after the elections, so we are obviously interested in hearing about the progress and we are looking at ways in which we can fine tune the contribution to ensure things move well here.
“I am very pleased with the reports that we have been receiving and we look forward to elections here on September 17. We, of course, have elections three days later.”
Mr McCully said New Zealand’s decision not to be very much involved in the multi-national observer group on their mission to Fiji was because of its own general elections coming up.
“I have said from the outset that New Zealand will have a limited role in this process, having proximity of elections in our own country but we are pleased to have been represented in that process,” he said.
“We are happy to be part of the process led by other countries.”
Mr McCully flies out of Fiji today.

Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj

zafiya shamim
suva

It was a double celebration for Miss Central Cuisine, Sereana Rainima as she was crowned the 2014 Vodafone Hibiscus Teen Queen after she had won the Miss Humanitarian award on Thursday.
The Nausori lass describes herself as outgoing, caring and energetic.
“I attend Latter Day Saints School, Suva and I’m in Year 9,” Miss Rainima said.
She said the festival was all about charity and a platform to make a change.
“I believe that I’m old enough to witness various issues affecting societies and I’m willing to make a change.”
Miss Rainima said she wanted to thank her mother for moulding her to become the young woman she is today.
“I want to address issues that affect us,” she said.
The first runner up and the best talent was was awarded to Miss Apco, Joanna Naqota.
Miss Patel Dhaba Kess Baleirara walked away with the second runner up. Miss People’s Choice/ Miss Internet was awarded to Miss Lei Entertainers, Jessie Toma and Miss Personality went to Miss Fine Fitters Ana Nawaikula.
The 2014 Hibiscus Queen and King will be announced this evening.
zafiya.shamim@fijisun.com.fj

litia cava
suva

Maikeli Seru went home a happy man yesterday after being drawn the lucky winner for a raffle.
He won a return air ticket to New Zealand. This win came through a $5 raffle ticket.
The fundraising was to help raise funds for Miss Fiji Sun 2014 and her contribution to the Hibiscus charity fund.
He said the win was an unexpected one.
“I only did this to support our Queen and I am excited about it,” Mr Seru said.
Prizes included a Hisense flat screen TV 32, Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3, Accommodation at Outrigger on the Lagoon Resort for two nights and 20 x $100 shopping voucher from Morris Hedstrom.
Feedback: litia.cava@fijisun.com.fj