By ROSI DOVIVERATA

The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) will hold its first official meeting on Thursday June 20 at the Fijian Teachers Hall in Knolly Street, Suva.
This was confirmed by party Secretary General, Pio Tabaiwalu.
On the agenda is the confirmation of an interim managerial board.
“Because we are a new, the interim board will come in to provide some sort of structure for the party,” he said.
The board will consist of 8 to 10 members.
“The normal and previous process was to have the branches recommend names during the meeting. But that has been impossible with the current set-up. “

Expressions of Interest
Once confirmed, the management board will issue an expression of interest for the candidate selection committee.
“We are considering to bring people from outside to be part of our candidate selection committee.
“We want neutrality,” Mr Tabaiwalu said.

Formalise appointments
The meeting will also formalise the appointment of current party officials.
The current party president is the Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreket, Ro Teimumu Kepa.
There are two Vice Presidents, Ratu Lote Yavuca and Silivenusi Waqausa.
Treasurer is Ruci Karuru while Mr Tabaiwalu is secretary-general.
The five officials were appointed as a requirement of the Political Parties Registration Decree.

Laisenia Qarase
Former Prime Minister and Soqosoqo ni Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) leader, Laisenia Qarase, is also expected to be at the meeting.
Mr Qarase, since returning from prison, has been away on his village of Mavana in Vanuabalavu.
According to the draft constitution, Mr Qarase will not be able to hold any official position within SODELPA, nor stand for election. This is because of his conviction for abuse of office.
Mr Tabaiwalu said: “But that does not stop him from supporting the party. In fact we will be able to gain much from Mr Qarase’s political knowledge and experience – not only for the party but for Fiji as well.
“He will be very useful in SODELPA’s mentoring process.”

Branch setup
Mr Tabaiwalu added that SODELPA’s branch set-up is going ahead as planned all around the country.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from the public and we are progressing well so far.”

Declaration of assets
On Friday before the midday deadline, SODELPA officials presented a written declaration giving details of all assets and expenditure including, all contributions, donations or pledges of contributions or donations, whether in cash or in kind, made or to be made to the initial assets of the political party.
This declaration was presented to the Register of Political Parties office in Suvavou House.
Party officials and – in the future party candidates   will also have to disclose personal incomes, assets, business connections, directorships, gifts, and liabilities.
On May 3, SODELPA was officially registered under the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Decree.
Since then, SODELPA has been able to operate, function, represent and hold themselves out to be a political party.
The National Federation Party and Fiji Labour Party were also officially registered on the same day.
SODELPA applied for registration with 8825 member signatures, 136 of which were discounted as anomalies. Total remaining, 8689.
The June 20 meeting will get under

Social Democratic Liberal Party president Ro Teimumu Kepa.

way at 2pm.

By ANA SOVARAKI

The outgoing Archbishop Emeritus, Petero Mataca, made an emotional plea to the newly-ordained Archbishop, Father Peter Loy Chong, to always serve his people during the Episcopal Ordination at the Vodafone Arena in Laucala Bay, Suva yesterday.
This plea was witnessed by thousands of people who filled the Vodafone Arena to capacity and to the thousands more outside including those who followed the live commentary on TV and radio.
“I welcome Father Chong as I conclude my service and I ask him to serve his people,” Archbishop Emeritus Mataca said.
“People in all corners of the world, the squatters, the disadvantaged who at times tend to be ignored.”
In congratulating the new Archbishop of Suva Father Peter Loy Chong, he said: “Let us support him as our Archbishop.
“Sa dre ko Malolo, it is time for me to say goodbye,” an emotional Archbishop Emeritus Mataca said.
Archbishop Chong also extended his heartfelt gratitude to his predecessor.
Meanwhile, the village of Nataleira in Dawasamu in Tailevu was also in jubilation over the ordination of one of its sons.
Archbishop Chong’s Matanivanua (traditional spokesperson), Ratu Sireli Ratei said they were happy because no one in Dawasamu has ever achieved such a prestigious and sacred calling.
“The village has already discussed putting on a traditional welcoming ceremony for the Archbishop but I will have to discuss it with him first on when he will be visiting the village,” Ratu Sireli said.
Ratu Sireli is also pleading for everyone to kindly support the new Archbishop in prayer.
“As he is young, he will need everybody’s support and guidance.”
Archbishop Chong will celebrate his first mass as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Suva during the Episcopal Installation and Thanksgiving Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Suva at 10am today.

The newly-consecrated Archbishop Peter Loy Chong (third from right), and retiring Archbishop Petero Mataca (third from left), with Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama (far right) and wife Mary Bainimarama following the ordination ceremony yesterday. Photo: RONALD KUMAR.

By MAIKA BOLATIKI and ANA SOVARAKI

Expect changes in the church, newly-ordained Archbishop Peter Loy Chong has told Catholics in Fiji, Rotuma, Rabi and Kioa.
Archbishop Chong made the comments during his official ordintion service at the Vodafone Arena in Suva yesterday before a jammed packed audience.
He said one good thing about the Catholic Church was that there was a clear guideline given for church leaders to follow.
Archbishop Chong said new leaders usually came up with changes and that was what he would do.
The church, he said, must go with the changes put in place by the Government.
He added that church members were living in a changing environment and it was only proper that the church adopted the changes in its own environment.
However he said changes would not be overnight as there were procedures that had to be followed.
“I have to consult certain church committees for the changes that I want to put in place and I must get their support,” Archbishop Chong said.
In revealing his new Coat of Arms he said: “The church wanted to speak to different cultures and religions and address the questions emerging from the modern world.”

Ready to serve
Archbishop Chong has assured all Catholics, all religious denominations, all those present at his ordination and the Government that he was ready to serve them.
“At this time and place I am your humble servant.”
He also pleaded for their support during his leadership.

Thanking the people
The Archbishop thanked all the people who had offered him support during his ordination.
He thanked the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and the First Lady Adi Koila Nailatikau, the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and his wife Mary Bainimarama, members of the Diplomatic Corps and religious leaders.
He also thanked the Bishops, Priests and all Catholics for coming together to celebrate his ordination.

Unique welcome ceremony
After the ordination, the people of Burebasaga under the leadership of the Marama Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa performed a unique traditional welcome ceremony for the new Archbishop.
Burebasaga spokesperson Ro Dona Takaleiyale said the welcome ceremony was unique as it was only performed for the RokoTui Dreketi. Ro Teimumu has given her blessing for her ceremony to be performed for the new Archbishop.
A delegate from the Catholic Church led by Father Beni Kaloudau made a traditional presentation to the Roko Tui Dreketi asking for her traditional ceremony to be performed to the new Archbishop.
Ro Dona said they had also performed the traditional welcome ceremony for outgoing Archbishop Petero Mataca in 1976 at St Annes School. His son, Ro Viliame Takaleiyale was born in that year and he was yesterday the traditional yaqona preparer (mixer) during the welcome ceremony.

Special thanks to Ro Teimumu
Archbishop Chong offered a special thanks to the Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi and her people for the unique traditional ceremony accorded to him.
He said the church had wanted Burebasaga to perform the ceremony because the Suva Parish was on the land traditionally owned by the people of Burebasaga.
Archbishop Chong said he would ask the Almighty God to bless the Rewa chief and her people.
He offered a whale’s tooth (tabua) to thank the people of Rewa.
He also thanked Ro Teimumu for accompanying him to his graduation in the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California.

Archbishop Peter Loy Chong acknowledges the crowd after he was officially ordained yesterday by his predecessor, Archbishop Emeritus Petero Mataca. The Vodafone Arena was filled to the brim with Catholics and invited guests who came to witness the Episcopal Ordination. Reports and photos on pages 2, 3. Photo: RONALD KUMAR

BY LITIA MATHEWSELL

Lautoka special administrator Praveen Bala has added responsibilities for looking after the affairs of Nadi town.
He brings plenty of experience to the role.
This follows the dismissal of Aisea Tuidraki and Nemia Tagi from the Nadi Town Council.  They are being investigated by the Fiji Commission Against Corruption.
Mr Bala holds extensive experience in public office and is also a former mayor of Ba as well as a former President of the Fiji Local Government Association.
Meanwhile, Sigatoka River Safaris managing director Jay Whyte is pleased to assume the role of Sigatoka special administrator and without remuneration.
Mr Whyte’s appointment follows the dismissal of predecessor Aisea Tuidraki and former Nadi Town Council chief executive officer Nemia Tagi, who are being investigated by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Mr Whyte said immediate plans include consultations with rate payers next Tuesday at 6pm. He said this is to hear their views on the positives and negatives and allow them to have a clear pathway for dialogue.
‘’The areas I would like to work on are providing the rate payers with a great service, build on the positives we have and create a town which will thrive and benefit from our points of difference with other towns around Fiji,’’.
Mr Whyte accepted a request from Government to take on the role as Sigtaoka special administrator but declined remuneration, opting to provide his service freely.
‘’ I was asked if I was willing to assist the town that I call home and love, so it really was an easy decision to make.
“True public service is done with the knowledge you are giving back not because you are receiving payment- this is what motivated the decision to work without remuneration,’’.

Praveen Bala (right) is the new Special Administrator for Nadi.

BY ANA SOVARAKI

The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji together with the Nature Fiji-MareqetiViti launched the American Iguana Bounty Programme at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in Nabua yesterday.
The Authority’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Waisiki Gonemaituba said the bounty strategy was to motivate people to catch the American iguana and assist in eradicating the pest.
“We are offering $10 per adult, $5 per juvenile and $0.50 per egg of the American iguana.”
Gonemaituba said a team was in Taveuni yesterday conducting awareness programmes with the local communities in Qamea, Matagi and Laucala Island.
“They are also planning on how they will roll out the eradication plan in the communities,” he said.
“This is the first approach that we are taking as it is one of the options available to us at the moment,” Mr Gonemaituba said.
“The bounty programme will be one of the ways to control the American iguanas because it targets their mating and breeding season from May to October.”
He said during this period, American iguanas become most visible and vulnerable because the female iguanas migrate from their island forest habitat to coastal areas to lay their eggs.
The Government has allocated $120,000 for American iguana eradication programmes.
“Other strategies include tracker dogs, the use of canoes and search and having search and destroy teams,” Mr Gonemaituba said.

Nature Fiji, Mareqeti Viti Director Nunia Thomas making a statement during the American Iguana Bounty eradication plan at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) office in Nabua. Photo: JONA KONATACI

BY RINU SHYYAM

The public now has a say in the costume Miss World Fiji will be wearing in Indonesia for the 2013 Miss World contest.
Fiji Broadcasting Corporation marketing manager Morika Hunter says this was a chance for the public to voice their opinions.
Four costume designs will be displayed in today’s Fiji Sun for the public to review.
Telecom Fiji Limited (TFL) users can text onto 433 to vote for their favorite costumes while Vodafone and Inkk users can text to 866.
“The costume which has the most votes will be taken to Indonesia. The costumes represent the issue that Miss World Fiji, Caireen Erbsleben  will highlight on the Miss World stage which is on climate change.”
“The four costumes represent the four elements which are, earth, water, fire and wind.”
“Please send in as many votes as you can in trying to help us choose the costume. Ten per cent of the money generated from the text promotion will be going towards Caramaka Pathway Education Fund. This a fund that is put in place by the Ministry of Education and the Fiji Arts Council to provide art supplies to schools.”
Ms Erbsleben will represent Fiji in the 63rd Miss World finals which will be held in Bali, Indonesia, on September 28, 2013.

Miss World Fiji Caireen Erbsleben at the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation yesterday. Photo: RONALD KUMAR

BY RINU SHYYAM

Twelve Miss Teen Australia pageant contestants arrived into the country last night.
Pageant managing director Gavin Dooley said the pageant was a platform for young women for international representation and local recognition.
“The contest has been going on for the past ten years and is one of the biggest beauty pageants in the southern hemisphere,” Mr Dooley said.
“Australia is a multicultural country and all the contestants have been selected from around the country. We are not only about beauty, the girls are here for traditional activities, visiting local schools and learning about the culture here.”
The pageant winner will be crowned on Sunday night at the Pearl South Pacific Resort and Spa in Pacific Harbour. Miss Teen Australia Congeniality would be crowned tomorrow night.
Pearl Resort General Manager Natalie Marletta says the resort was exited to host the pageant.
“This pageant is not only an opportunity to market the Pearl internationally but also an exposure for Fiji tourism,” Ms Marletta said.
“The team at the resort is working hard to make this event one of the best there could be and we would like to encourage the general public to take advantage of this.”
“Tickets are available for the Miss Teen Congeniality Night at $25 per person which includes drinks and refreshments and $89 per person for the crowning night which includes a four course meal and drinks. Transportation from Suva to Pacific Harbor would be provided free of charge and people can contact the office for further details.”

Miss Teen Australia contestants with Fijian warriors at the Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour last night. Photo: RONALD KUMAR

By ROSI DOVIVERATA

Taufa Vakatale was the first iTaukei woman to be principal of Adi Cakobau School and later she became the first woman deputy Prime Minister.
She is now 75 years old but she says she thinks like a 40-year-old.  Ms Vakatale travels extensively.  She recently returned from a trip to the United States of America visiting family members.
Her first taste of politics came in 1992 after retiring from the civil service in 1990.  The 1992 elections were the first election held after the two coups in 1987.  Ms Vakatale stood in her province of Lomaiviti under the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa  ni Taukei (SVT) ticket.
“I saw myself as a minister and I told my constituency that I was ministerial material.  I was very confident from the start that I would win.”
She won convincingly.  In 1994 she stood in the same constituency and again won by a large margin.  Her running mate was Joeli Kalou who polled in second.
The 1999 elections, however, became a different ball game.
Ms Vakatale said: “By that time SVT was a dirty name because the iTaukei thought that we had sold out the Fijian cause.  Similar sentiments were directed towards the National Federation Party whom they had teamed up with.
“I stood alongside James Raghwan Raman from the NFP.  We were top people at the time, Mr Raman was a good debater but we both lost. “
The pair stood in the Samabula Tamavua Open constituency.
In recent times, Ms Vakatale was part of the Fiji Constitutional Commission led by Professor Yash Ghai.
Here are the thoughts of a small yet  courageous and gifted lady who has stamped her mark in Fiji’s educational and political history.

Progress to September 2014
“I am looking forward to the elections not because I’m going to take part but just to see people particularly the young people now that it’s the first time for most of them to vote.  I’m just excited to see their reactions.
“But politics is politics, it won’t really change much.  There’ll be good politicians and bad politicians.
“I’m looking forward to getting the constitution accepted, good or bad.  It will be the first democratically established government after so many years.
“If they are people of integrity, no matter what kind of politics is in place they will always do what they think is right,” Ms Vakatale said.

Women politicians
“I don’t think that there should be a reserved percentage of women in Parliament or in a political party.  It would mean forcing the issue on the population.
“Maybe recommend that each political party have at least two or three women in their party to stand. It should not be reserved,” she said.
Ms Vakatale added that in the general population women control at least 50 per cent of the voting public and sometimes it’s the women themselves who don’t help.
In 1994 the former Minister for Education said: “Women clamour for equality with men and will lobby for their rights and fight instances of discrimination against women.  Yet when the crunch comes and women are required to take up active political roles, very few have the courage to offer themselves.”

Lead with integrity
Ms Vakatale recalls her dismissal as Minister because of what she believed was right.
“I was dismissed and became a backbencher because I marched against my party for what I believed was wrong  – the nuclear testing on Murorua Atoll in French Polynesia.
“For me, my survival was not important, the survival of the people of the Pacific was more important to me.  So you’ve got to have integrity.  It doesn’t really matter if the person sitting next to you has a different view and is calling you a ‘liumuri.’ Simply do what you believe is right,” she said.

Working with Government
“When I’m asked by the current government to do things, I do it.  If I don’t believe in what they are doing, then I don’t.
“I respect them too for respecting my wishes.”
But often her friends, those she considers highly intelligent people who tend to think that she has sold out to the Government.
“But what matter are the people who are really important to me they know that I am not.”

iTaukei supremacy
“I don’t believe in Fijian (iTaukei)supremacy, even though I had attended a Fijian school I was against the emphasis on Fijian rights and Fijians this and that.”
She acknowledged that the SVT party strongly advocated such issues and she had reservations for most of their policies.
Ms Vakatale said Sitiveni Rabuka was a good leader.
“He wasn’t like all my colleagues with SVT.  All were out for indigenous Fijian paramouncy and they were all out for that.  I didn’t think that was right.  People now are more accepting.”
She added that this attitudinal change has been brought about by a government who doesn’t allow much debate.
“I agree with the changes like calling everyone Fijian, but not so much the way it was brought about.  But I suppose it was the only way to go about it.”

Former civil servants
in SODELPA
Ms Vakatale said their involvement reestablishes SODELPA as an iTaukei party.
“These senior civil servants were top people.  People forget they were the government of Alliance, SVT and SDL.  You change politicians but you don’t change senior civil servants.
“As senior civil servants they had a lot of power and had the ability to influence their ministers
“They have ability to delay things if they want.  Governments come and go but they go on.”
Ms Vakatale pointed out Anare Jale, Isireli Koyamaibole and Pio Tabaiwalu as hard workers and helpful.
“They will strengthen SODELPA in leadership and caliber of people.   But for the country as a whole, I would have liked marrying of the races.”

Chiefly influence
“They still have a way in Fijian politics.  It’s ingrained in us to support our chiefs.  As a people I think it’s a good thing that we don’t let our heritage down.
“Chiefs hold more political power than what we have in politics. In politics you go for one, two terms and come out.  Chiefs stay and they go on.  That’s important and the need to be identified with our chiefs, especially those in leadership,” Ms Vakatale said.
“Major chiefs like the Roko Tui Dreketi, I think a lot of people still hold allegiance to her as an institution, and when she speaks out, she is fighting for her people and that I think is commendable.
“But from our consultations around the country people prefer to have their chiefs with no political affiliations.”

Proposed party led by PM
“I think the Prime Minister should form his party soon. He seems to be leaving it very late but he is probably very confident that he is going to get the support.
“If they get in, at least they have continuity and have the opportunity to hear the views of those who in opposition – so it might be a good thing.  I just hope that if they don’t win, we won’t have another one….”

Former Cabinet Minister Taufa Vakatale

BY JYOTI PRATIBHA

Years of neglect that led to the deteriorated state of Fiji’s roads cannot be fixed overnight.
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama made these comments during the opening of a depot by a leading New Zealand road company Higgins at Navakai, Nadi. Higgins is one of the New Zealand companies brought in the government to fix roads and develop local skills in this. Its responsibility is the Western Division.
Commodore Bainimarama said the neglect from over the years was a reason why fixing of roads now was taking time.
“Yes it’s taking time to attend to every job. The neglect, the inefficiency and corruption of previous years cannot be fixed overnight.
“But the work that was so badly needed has begun in earnest and we’re all starting to see the results. However we expect to see even greater results in the next few months.”
He said Government was committed to this project and that was evident from the $420 million being spent to maintain, repair, upgrade and build roads and bridges.
“But it’s not just about the size of the price tag. It’s about being smart with the way we spend that money, making sure that the Fijian taxpayer is getting the absolute best return on their investment.
“In the past, there were too many Government departments and statutory bodies that simply weren’t delivering good enough results.
“They lacked the necessary skills, technology and know-how to get the job done right.
“Add to that the corruption, mismanagement and lack of transparency that was all too common and it’s no wonder some of our key infrastructure and industries were in such a sorry state.
He said working with the private sector companies like Higgins Group brought in the specialised training, skills and knowledge that increased efficiency and improves results.
“It allows us to right size government, leading to a more streamlined and cost effective civil service. And it creates sustained employment.”
Commodore Bainimarama said regardless of which Government comes into power in 2014, rights of every Fijian needed to be protected.
This, he said, was enabled through the inclusion of a wide range of socio-economic rights that would be part of the Constitution to be announced soon.
Board chairman of Higgins Group Sir Patrick Higgins said they were aware of the work ahead and pledged that they would work to make Fiji’s roads much better.
“We are in no doubt as to the importance of the task ahead after discussions with local councils and the public.
“I can pledge to you now that we will deliver the improvements that everyone is waiting for.”
Higgins has already established depots in Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka,Sigatoka and Nadi.
Fixing Fiji’s roads is in the hands of : Higgins in the West, Fulton Hogan and Highway Stabilisers in the Central Division and Blacktop in the North. All are New Zealand companies with strong credible reputations.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama receives the welcome during the official opening of the Higgins (Fiji) Limited Western Division offices and depot in Nadi yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

BY MAIKA BOLATIKI
Fiji is growing closer to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) compared to its historical links to the Commonwealth.
This was the reply by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation when asked by a Russian journalist whether he considered Fiji closer to the Non-Aligned Movement or the Commonwealth?
In elaborating his reply to Mr Pavel Vanichkin of ITAR-TASS news agency Ratu Inoke said membership in the NAM had provided Fiji with the opportunity to engage with its new non-traditional partners.
“Fiji’s concomitance with NAM further supports Fiji’s Look North Policy which involves developing relationships with countries outside the Southern Pacific sphere,” Ratu Inoke said.
Ratu Inoke said NAM provided a form of protection some other forums lacked.
“It ensure that the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of non-aligned countries in their struggle against imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism and racism.
“Therefore I would say that in terms of forging closer relationship with its non-traditional partners, Fiji is closer to NAM in this context.”
The other question posed by the Russian news agency was – What were Fiji’s priorities and interests on a global scale?
In response to this, Ratu Inoke said Fiji’s priorities and main interests on the global scale were aligned to its national goals.
Fiji had developed a structured dossier called the Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development as well as Fiji’s Look North Policy.
He said Fiji aimed to enhance its global integration and international relations with its existing partners as well as developing new alliances with its new countries under its Look North Policy.
Ratu Inoke said Fiji aimed to ensure that its economic development, socio-cultural development and overall social development was improved. As such Fiji’s priorities at the global scale included:

• Providing effective and efficient leadership in the United Nation for the G77 plus China Group;
• Providing effective leadership and support to all UN development initiatives especially the following fields: Peacekeeping; Climate Change and Adaptation; Deep Sea Mining under UNCLOS etc;
• Striving to be an independent sovereign state and working hard to uphold the Charter of the UN and seek to establish diplomatic relations with all UN member countries.

BY FONUA TALEI

Three local companies are currently before the Employment Relations Court charged with non-compliance of child labour-related laws.
And this is the first three cases of the like to be prosecuted for alleged child labour offences in Fiji.
This was confirmed to the Fiji Sun yesterday by the Manager Labour Standard and Child Labour Atish Kumar.
According to Mr Kumar the Labour Ministry’s Child Labour Unit had recorded 146 child labour cases in their database since 2011.
Out of this, 24 children have directly been sent to school through the assistance of the Education Ministry while the remaining 122 children had undergone various workshops and awareness programs.
“We found that 122 of these children were already in school but were partly engaged in child labour and we’ve assisted them in awareness and workshops,” Mr Kumar said.
Although none of the companies could be identified publicly, according to Mr Kumar the construction sector was amongst those that have been investigated for similar cases.
He said the increase in awareness on the issue has resulted in the overwhelming reports received for cases.
International Labour Organisation Director-General Guy Ryder stressed that there was no place and no excuse for child labour in domestic or any other form of work.
In a statement delivered by Mr Ryder to commemorate World Day against Child Labour yesterday, he said child labour was an abuse of human rights and deniec children hope for a future.
He stated that child labour in its worst form exposes children to slavery, drug trafficking and prostitution.
“Child labour is most difficult to tackle when it takes place behind closed doors away from the public eye. This is frequently the case with child labour in domestic work, with children sometimes working far from their families and communities,” Mr Ryder said.
Guests at yesterday’s Suva celebration included International Labour Organisation Director for Pacific Island Countries David Lamotte and Deputy Permanent Secretary Samuela Namosimalua.

The Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum joined executive managers of the Higgins Group and members of the public to open the New Zealand company’s new offices and depot at Navakai, Nadi, yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama drinks a ceremonial bowl of kava during the opening of Higgins (Fiji) Limited Western office. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

Sugar farms get security boost

BY JYOTI PRATIBHA

A special horse patrol unit of the Fiji Police Force will soon be patrolling sugar cane farms in the Western Division.
Permanent Secretary for Sugar Lieutenant-Colonel Manasa Vaniqi said they had received a proposal from the Police force highlighting ways in which additional security could be provided.
He said that the Divisional Police Commander West Senior Superintendent of Police Jope Ralulu had proposed the use of horses to the Ministry.
Under the proposal, Lieutenant-Colonel Vaniqi said the Ministry would provide horses and the Police force would provide the manpower for the patrolling.
The special horse patrol unit would patrol sugarcane farms to ensure there were no cases of arson of sugarcane before they were harvested.
“We received the proposal and this is something that we would be going to go on with. Such an initiative would provide additional security to the cane farms and of course additional security to people,” Lieutenant-Colonel Vaniqi said.
SSP Ralulu said for this initiative to succeed they needed assistance from the community.
“It is very important that we have the community backing. We want to provide the best possible security to people and cane farms and this can only be made possible when we have got the assistance from the community,” SSP Ralulu said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has asked Lieutenant-Colonel Vaniqi to look into avenues of compensating Nadi farmer Parvind Kumar of Togolavusa, interior of Nadi who lost his cane farm to fire. Police are investigating if arson was involved.
Commodore Bainimarama said crushing was yet to start and the farmer had sustained loss to his farm, which should be compensated.

Permanent Secretary for Sugar Lieutenant Colonel Manasa Vaniqi

By FONUA TALEI

Seven passengers were rushed to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital yesterday after a car accident in Lami.
The accident, between a taxi and a twin cab, happened at around 2pm at Vugalei in Lami.
Eyewitness Osea Tubuna, 18, said he was at the Vugalei bus stop with two of his friends immediately before the accident.
He said his friends stopped a taxi which was on its way to Lami Town.
The eye-witness said just as his friends were about to board the taxi, a twin cab travelling towards Suva City slammed into the front of the taxi causing the taxi to spin. He said his friends were injured during the accident.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro also confirmed yesterday that out of the seven passengers involved in the car crash, one was in critical condition, while two others had sustained injuries.
She said the other four passengers were also medically examined and were awaiting clearance from the hospital.
Ms Naisoro said investigations into the accident had started. However questioning of the passengers will not begin until they have been discharged.

By FONUA TALEI

A Nasinu Police Prosecutor was told by the Magistrates Court yesterday that charges could be filed against persons who interfered with Prosecution witnesses.
Police Prosecutor Corporal Mukesh Rao appeared in the Nasinu Magistrates Court in Nasinu yesterday in a defilement case involving a 15-year-old complainant.
The accused, Rakesh Chand, appeared with his lawyer to answer to the alleged incident which happened in June last year.
Corporal Rao stated in court he had been informed by the interviewing officer that the accused’s family had interfered with the complainant.
He said he was informed that the accused’s father had approached the officer on Thursday and revealed that they had reconciled with the complainant and her family.
The Defence lawyer said the accused had been in Police custody and there was no way he could have interfered with the complainant or her family.
Chand’s lawyer argued for the accused to be released on bail assuring the court that the accused would abide by the bail conditions imposed by the court.
The Defence lawyer also said the accused could be remanded in custody if there was any breach of the bail conditions.
Prosecution strongly objected to bail because of alleged interference from the accused’s family.
After considering submissions from both parties, the Magistrate released the accused on $1000 surety bail bond and $100 cash bail.
The accused was warned not to interfere with Prosecution witnesses and report to the Police Station every Sunday between 6am and 6pm.
Full phase disclosures have been served on the accused and the case has been adjourned to July 24 for his plea to be taken.

BY ARISHMA DEVI

Located in the interior of Tavua, Nadelei Village has proven that positive changes can be achieved to build a peaceful future for its people.
At least 200 people gathered in Nadelei Village this week to witness the official launching of the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Programme by the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Jiko Luveni.
Dr Luveni congratulated the Nadelei village leaders and said that the campaign would  require villages to work together to promote a violence-free environment.
Village headman Mr Ilai Manoa, said the campaign would benefit everyone and acknowledged the Government for creating the opportunity.
“This is an happy occasion for my people as we have gathered here today, it shows our support for the government towards creating violence-free communities for women and children,” Mr Manoa said.
“On behalf of my people, I thank the government for coming to our village, Dr Luveni is the first minister to visit us and we admire her ability to motivate the men and women on their roles of building violence free communities.
He said the village had also formed a crime prevention committee.
“Anyone found breaking the law, will not be spared, they will dealt by the police. This campaign has resulted in a established networking with the police who visit us once in a month to ensure everything is ok in the village,” he said.
Camasi Matakua, president of Soqosoqo Vakamarama Nadelei, reiterated that the campaign would provide a new beginning for the women and girls in Nadelei

ADI SIVIA QORO Qualifications: MA Foreign Affairs & Trade Monash University, Victoria, Australia BA Economics & Management University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji Diploma, Administrative Studies University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji Pursuing an LLB Graduate Programme from the University of the South Pacific which is temporarily on hold Professional Experience: Now working as a consultant. In the Fijian Government for more than 30 years: • Prime Minister’s Office, • Governor General / President’s Office, • Ministry of Finance (Aid Division), and • Ministry of Foreign Affairs (both HQ and as a Diplomat) • Ministry of Education • Ministry of Women • Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) based Noumea, New Caledonia, as the Women’s Development Adviser • Minister of Commerce and Industries in 2006.

By ROSI DOVIVERATA

People’s Democratic Party interim leader Adi Sivia Qoro says she had set her goal to enter parliament 20 years ago.
That goal was fulfilled in 2006 when she stood in the Yasawa Nawaka constituency on a Fiji Labour Party ticket.
Adi Sivia won and became Minister for Commerce and Industries in the multi-party cabinet of Laisenia Qarase.  Assisting her was Pio Tabaiwalu, the General Secretary of the Social Democratic Liberal Party.
“The decision to enter politics was not overnight.  It was driven by a passion to serve people and to make a difference in people’s lives,” she said yesterday.
“In a way this conviction was shaped by the environment I grew up in and my values and principles.  Hence, most of the things I did from then on, was shaped by this goal or in certain cases I found myself in environments or positions that, on reflection, was pushing me along, I believe,  towards that direction.”
Adi Sivia believes that she had a good run and had the confidence of her colleagues and the constituency she served.
“At the same time it was challenging because it was a 24/7 job. Five days was on ministerial/Cabinet work and the weekend was dedicated to Constituency work.”
Adi Sivia said as a new member of Parliament, it was a steep learning curve and at the same time you were expected to perform and to deliver.
The Yasawa native has no regrets about her decision to enter politics.
“For me it is a calling.  I believe I was there for a reason and served to the best of my abilities those that we were called to serve. It is putting to good use the knowledge and experiences I have had.
That calling has also brought quite a memorable experience for Adi Sivia.
“The rapport one makes with people, serving them and the personal friends one makes,” she said.
“The network one forms amongst colleagues, sharing of knowledge and experiences.”

Support of family and friends
Adi Sivia said she is part of a family where members were allowed to make their own decisions independently.  But at the same time retain core family, community and cultural values.
“ I knew the support was always there from the immediate and extended families, maybe not overtly expressed but one knows – it is there when needed.
“Of course there were friends and families who tried to discourage me but these were not major.”

Decision to lead the People’s
Democratic Party
“Before making that decision, even for this interim position, I had to consult my family and prayed about it.
“I had to consider a number of things and the implications of the decision. But I believe the number one overriding rationale was about serving others.
“One has to have a passion for doing this type of work.”
Adi Sivia says it is not about status or oneself but the giving of oneself to serve others.
“In general this is how I view life.  I reiterate that for me it provides again an opportunity to facilitate a pathway for like-minded individuals to come together and whose priority is to serve people.”
She added that an election of office holders will be held once the party’s registration, including the declaration of assets, is completed.

Strengths of People’s
Democratic Party
“It is a truly multiracial group.It is a group made up of those who are experienced – representing the thinking past, and the youths who have a different type of experience.
“We promote and adhere to gender equality principles with our Think Tank made up of both women and men.
“Amongst us we bring together a combination of different skills – management and organisation skills, those who can campaign on issues, activists, orators and writers,” Adi Sivia said.
“As individuals with different skills, experience and technical knowledge we form a diverse group of people who may have ideological differences but are prepared to articulate them and move ahead for the common purpose and good of all.
“We accommodate differences.”
She added that party members are friends and colleagues.
“We have different strengths that we bring to the table and provides added value to the whole process and the quality of the Party.
“It is the valuing of the person and their contribution that matters.”

Immediate party plans
Adi Sivia said detail planning on national and regional/divisional structures is currently developed to be rolled out.

Future candidates
“PDP’s goal is to be truly representative of the people, their interests and aspirations.
“Therefore representatives would be from walks of life including workers from within the formal and informal sectors, the rural and urban community, academia, youth, men and women,” Adi Sivia said.

Youth
PDP Constitution and Policy emphasises the role of young men and women leaders, an important feature of the Party, she said.
Adi Sivia said young people will be actively engaged and part of the decision making process.
“This process has started.
“Gender equality is written into our guiding documents and every attempt will be made that these do not remain in the ‘pages’ of these documents but are actually implemented.”

Forming an alliance
“Yes PDP will consider forming an alliance provided there are synergies in terms of values, principles and alignment of policies.
“Additionally, members of the Party will have to be consulted and agree,” Adi Sivia said.

By ANA SOVARAKI

The National Substance Abuse Advisory Council is in the process of helping draft a Volatile Substance Abuse Control Decree.
The decree will restrict minors from purchasing volatile substances.
This was confirmed to the Fiji Sun by the council’s director, Misaele Driubalavu, yesterday.
“The purpose of this decree is to provide a legal framework for the prevention of volatile substance abuse,” Mr Driubalavu said.
“It is to protect people, particularly children from harm resulting from substance abuse.”
He said the decree came about as there was no law that covered the selling and purchasing of glue or any other volatile substance that can be used as inhalants by minors.
“Glue, which is a very common volatile substance being used as an inhalant, can be sold to or purchased by anyone regardless of age.
“There are shopkeepers who are unscrupulous; who ignore to ask a child his age when buying a can of glue.”
Mr Driubalavu said shopkeepers should be aware that when the decree comes into effect offenders will be taken to task.
“A person who sells a volatile substance to a child knowing that it would be used as an intoxicant will face heavy penalties.
“There has been many awareness carried out on glue sniffing and substance abuse and shopkeepers should now be suspicious when a child purchases glue.”
Mr Driubalavu urges everyone to take on their civic responsibility because the issue has become one of rising concerns.
Some of the volatile substances that are now been used by students and children are glue, paint thinners and removers, dry-cleaning fluids, petrol, contact adhesives, correction fluids, felt pens and shoe polishes.

Parents urged to pay more attention
The breakdown of communication between parents and guardians and their children has been a major factor in children resorting to substance abuse.
“We have received reports from school principals, head teachers and peer educators that during their awareness programmes, children have openly discussed with them problems they go through,” Mr Driubalavu said.

Wainadoi residents, Kalivati Bati (left), and Aporosa Nailomo cross the flooded road to get to the Queens Highway as heavy rain in the area caused flooding. Photo: RONALD KUMAR

By TALEBULA KATE

Some students living in the Wainadoi area were forced to stay home yesterday because of flooding.
Heavy rain on Thursday night saw the Naqaramai Settlement flooded for the first time this year.
A resident of Naqaramai, Emele Voliti, said all the children living in the settlement did not attend school because of the flash flood.
Speaking in the iTaukei language, Ms Voliti said for years they have been subjected to flooding.
“About 5am this morning the whole settlement was under water. People who went to work had to wade through water to get to the main road,” Ms Voliti said.
Wainadoi Community Post officer in charge Constable Patrick Suleman said the Naqaramai Settlement and Nabukavesi Village were usually affected by flash flooding every time it rained heavily.
Their log book recorded that flooding in the area started at 1:30am.
He said the Minister for Agriculture and Primary Industries, Joketani Cokanasiga, had checked into the community post yesterday morning to view the flooded areas.
People living in the Wainadoi and Nabukavesi area are advised to take precautionary measures and be well prepared for the weekend.
“We had made a tour of the area this morning and have advised people to be prepared and take preventative measures for future flash floods,” Assistant district officer Iakobo Waqanidrola said.

By MAIKA BOLATIKI

The Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, will officially hand over the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) chair to the Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) in New Caledonia next week.
This was confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation yesterday.
Speaking from New Caledonia, Esala Nayasi, the director of Political and Treaties Division said the MSG Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday followed by the Senior Officials’ Meeting on Thursday, then the leaders.
Fiji had taken over the chairmanship of the biggest economic bloc in the region in 2011 from Vanuatu.
The Prime Minister will also be a guest during the silver jubilee celebrations of the establishment of the Melanesian Spearhead Grow.
The celebrations in Noumea will conclude the  Melanesia week which was celebrated in other MSG countries earlier this year.