The Christmas message resonates with all religions: Ratu Epeli

By MAIKA BOLATIKI

Fijians have always been able pray or hold services in private, as individuals, or together in a group, said the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau in his Christmas message.
However he said they did not have the right to force their beliefs on others.
As Fijians celebrate Christmas today he said – “For Christians, this is a time to recall the central theme of the Christian message – `that God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’.”
He adds – “The wonderful thing about the Christmas message is that it resonates with all religions – the sense of renewal through the birth of a child, in this case the baby Jesus. So whether we are Christians or not, we can all appreciate the sense of joy and hope that Christmas brings.”
The President said every part of the Christmas story was magical – the angels, the shepherds watching over their flocks by night, the shining star, the wise men and the Christ child lying in a manger.
He said there were many other aspects of the Christian message that were common to all religions; especially Christ’s teaching that; “we should all love one another”.
“Here in Fiji we’ve developed a wonderful tradition of people of all faiths sharing each other’s festivals. We share Diwali with our Hindu brothers and sisters, Eid with those who are Muslims. And everyone – no matter what their belief – gets into the spirit of Christmas.”
He said no religion should be more favoured than any other when it came to the running of the nation’s affairs.
“Our new Constitution stipulates that Fiji is a secular state – that there is a formal, legal separation between state and religion.”
He said the Constitution stated that religion was a private matter. But it does not say that religious observance should be private.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS... The members of the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces Sunday school choir with Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama (centre) at his residence in Muanikau, Suva, yesterday. The choir was there to sing Christmas carols for the Prime Minister and his family. Report on page 3. Photo: PAULINI RATULAILAI

By ANA SOVARAKI

A 52-year-old died after his two-bedroom house caught fire at Bau Road in Nausori yesterday.

Ami Chand was found after firefighters doused the fire on the wooden and corrugated iron home.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Fire Authority John O’Connor said they had received a fire call at midnight on Wednesday and by the time they reached the house it was in flames.

He said they thought the house had been empty only noticing the body after the fire had been put out.

Police are investigating.

Full details in Friday’s Fiji Sun newspaper.

Police investigating and forensic officers at the Bau Road, Nausori, home after a man died in an early morning fire. Photo: RONALD KUMAR.

By ANA SOVARAKI

Police officers on Fiji roads booked 204 motorists for speeding within 24 hours on Christmas Day as part of Operation Soar.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said eight people spent Christmas in a cell after being found driving under the influence of alcohol.

“There is zero tolerance or a no-drop policy on drink-driving cases and those found in breach will be arrested,” she said.

Ms Naisoro said there were four people booked for failure to use seat belts and 16 drivers for careless driving.

The force’s Traffic Division will continue to monitor the main highways during this festive season.

Full details in Friday’s Fiji Sun newspaper.

Constable Dhirendra Singh carries out a breathlyser test on a driver in Lami yesterday. The driver pictured above had zero per cent alcohol and was cleared to drive. Photo: RONALD KUMAR.

By RAEVENN BREEN

A 40-year old woman who was admitted to Lautoka Hospital following a fire at SIgatoka has died from her injuries.

Naomi Kolinisau died at the Lautoka Burns Unit on Thursday morning, while her eight-year-old daughter – Vikatoria – remains in a stable condition with 37 per cent burns.

The two were moved to Lautoka from Sigatoka Hospital after a fire at the Natavora Waters Pub in Sigatoka on Monday this week.

Police are looking for a 65-year-old man who they believe has information about the fire.

Full details in Friday’s Fiji Sun newspaper.

Firefighters trying to put out the blaze at the Natavora Waters Pub near Sigatoka on Monday. Photo SHEIK DEAN

Source: MINISTRY OF INFORMATION

Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association President Dixon Seeto has been named to head the board that will put into action the Government’s plan to offer scholarships to tertiary institutions and administer the loans scheme for higher education.

The Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Board (TSLB) will oversee the new Tertiary Scholarship (TOPPERS) and Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS) programs and award scholarships to hundreds, and tuition loans to thousands of Fijian students along with living allowances.

All scholarships and loan programs will be reorganised into one overall scheme, and the new independent board will administer the new scholarship and loan scheme efficiently, transparently, and with fairness.

The other members are the Vice Chancellors of the University of the South Pacific, Fiji National University and University of Fiji, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education.

Full details in Friday’s Fiji Sun newspaper.

Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association President Dixon Seeto, who has been named chairman of the The Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Board (TSLB).

By FARISHA AHMED

While everyone was feasting on Christmas Day, the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, visited inmates at Naboro and Korovou corrections centres, special homes and hospitals.

At the Corrections centres he went to every cell block greeting and wishing everyone in prison a merry Christmas.

Following behind was the Fiji Corrections Service Centre choir singing Christmas carols to inmates.

Earlier this week the President also visited patients at the Wainibokasi and Nausori hospitals.

He is also expected to visit other special homes, the St Giles Hospital and the Suva Private Hospital this week.

Full details in Friday’s Fiji Sun newspaper.

President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau greets inmates at the Korovou Corrections Centre on Christmas Day. Photo: RONALD KUMAR.

Lieutenant-Colonel Manoa Gadai briefs officers and soldiers of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces' Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) who were called back for duty in the face of impending bad weather. The parade was held at the Queen ELizabeth Barracks drill square at Delainabua. Photo: JUSTINE MANNAN

By MAIKA BOLATIKI & LOSIRENE CHAND

The military and disaster management agencies have started standby operations as a tropical disturbance to the northeast of the Fiji Group looks set to bring a spate of adverse weather in the next 24-48 hours.

In Suva, military leave has been cancelled and by members of the Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) have been recalled to Queen Elizabeth Barracks and placed on standby.

Members of the 3FIR were thanked during a parade at the QEB drill square by their commanding officer Lieutenant-Colonel Manoa Gadai.

“You have left your families behind in adhering to the Commander’s call and I must thank you for that,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Land Force Command’s chief operations officer, Lieutenant- Colonel Amani Suliano said, “ … The RFMF camp at Lautoka 50 per cent are on stand-by and in Labasa 100 per cent. We have also 50 per cent of the medical team in Suva on stand-by, 50 per cent of our transport and from the Engineers we have 50 per cent of the plant operation”.

A team had been sent to Labasa to help at the DISMAC office.

In another development, the National Disaster Management (DISMAC) team in the Northern Division are currently on standby.

Speaking to the Acting Commissioner Northern Alipate Bolalevu yesterday morning said that as off yesterday the DISMAC team were already called in for standby.

“We are monitoring the weather very closely and there is nothing serious at the moment.”

“We are worried about the heavy that is expected to cause flash flooding in low lying areas here in the North.”

A tropical disturbance with heavy rain alert was announced for the Northern Division and nearby smaller islands in the Lau Group.

Full details in Friday’s Fiji Sun newspaper.

Archbishop Peter Loy Chong led the communion service at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Photo: NAVNEET NARAYAN

By LOSALINI RASOQOSOQO

Having hope in the Messiah to bring peace on this earth was the message from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Suva.
Its head, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, said Christmas was the time to place our hope on the Messiah who will bring peace of earth.
He said we should also hope that God’s peace would break into the darkness of this world.
“Peace is the fullness of life. This is God’s gift to the world. A peaceful and just world is God’s work and initiative,” Archbishop Chong said.
“God assures us that he is a God who hears the misery of his people and wants to liberate them. Hope is a Christian virtue. Moreover, hope also sets for us the way to live in this world; that we participate and contribute towards building a peaceful and just Fiji.”
He said those who accept God’s word would experience great rejoicing and this was their hope.
Archbishop Chong said the message was the same as it was 2000 years ago.

Simon Alesia with Simon junior after the Christmas Day church service at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Wednesday. Photo: RONALD KUMAR

By ZAFIYA SHAMIM

The Alesia family, from the Solomon Islands, came to Fiji to spend Christmas with their four children studying here.
“I was born in the Solomon Islands and I have visited Fiji quite often. I believe this is a time for family, but also a time for faith and this year we decided to visit our four children and spend some quality family time,” Sam Alesia said.
He said Christmas was one time of the year that everyone looked forward to, be it old or young.
“I think Christmas is about spending time with your family and for us it is the one time where we don’t have to keep up with the fast-paced life that everyone goes through every day.”
Mr Alesia said everything seemed different; everyone was in a festive and joyous mood, and all of this takes off the stress and pressure that everyday life can sometimes put us under.
His wife, Mereseini Alesia, who was a former typesetter back in the 1980s at the Fiji Sun, said Christmas was a day when people could spend great time with their family members.
“The best thing about this time of the year is sharing your wishes and presents with people that you love,” Mrs Alesia said.
She said having everybody together at this time of the year, was one of the most important things and that was what Christmas was all about.

By JYOTI PRATIBHA, West Editor

NO SIGHT FOR
THE TOURISTS

Friend of Coconut Wireless is gagging over garbage bags with rubbish lying in the tourism area of Martintar in sight of a popular restaurant. He has sent photos to illustrate the problem.
He reports: “These garbage bags with rubbish have been seen … for more then 2 weeks.
“It is shocking to see rubbish lying in a tourist destination. I understand these shopkeepers must be paying rubbish collection levy to the Nadi Town Council.
“It doesn’t look good especially when tourists pass by. Many places i have seen written ‘KEEP NADI CLEAN’ but this is not done.”

CHRISTMAS
PASSING

Air traffic controllers reported an unusual sighting in the early hours of Christmas morning. It appeared via satellite to be a sledge pulled by four pairs of reindeer and constantly moved all over Fiji before disappearing.
No confirmed visual sightings are reported.

QUESTIONS OVER
THE QUESTIONS

Oh, dear. Seems the USP Journalism Programme is raising some eyebrows.
After virtually ignoring some Suva newsrooms, the academic types suddenly wanted to rush to interview the journalists. This for a survey about establishing a regional media self regulation body. Questions now being asked in response include who is funding this and what their motives, mandate and methodology are?
Similar questions have been asked about an Australian-funded and run “media” survey which claimed to report on the state of the Fijian media.
Wonder what the Aussies would think if some foreigners turned up, interviewed a sparse selection and claimed to produce a report on the state of the Australian media?

Participants during the two-day workshop in Vunamoli Village, Rukuruku, Nadi last week. Photo: JONE RASI

By WAISEA NASOKIA

About 50 youth were at the two -day workshop of the Ba Provincial Youth Council at Vunamoli, Rukuruku, in Nadi, last week.
The workshop, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was themed “Strengthening Youth Participation towards Transition to Democracy.”
The workshop’s head facilitator, Jone Baravilala Rasi, said the 21 tikina of Ba were fully represented. Guest speakers were People’s Democratic Party interim leader, Adi Sivia Qoro and former SDL parliamentarian, the itaukei Navo, Ratu Meli Saukuru who spoke on  leadership.
“The message of the workshop was so inspiring and empowering that it made reps volunteering to take up youth work,” Mr Rasi said.
Mr Rasi thanks UNDP representatives, Janet Murdock and Viliame Catakilakeba, including the tikina ‘o Rukuruku, and the people of Vunamoli village for their lovely hospitality.
“A big thank you to the youth worker of Rukuruku and his youth members and the two chiefly households in the tikina – the Tui Nasesevia and the Tui Rukuruku,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jone Baravilala Rasi (Matawalu) was elected the president of the Ba Youth Council at its annual general meeting (AGM).

Other office bearers are:
Youth co-ordinator – Samisoni Vugakoto
vice president – Kiniviliame Tuivonovono vice president – Josese Draya
Treasurer – Eparama Laba
Assistant treasurer – Eseroma Donu
Assistant secretary – Alesi Soqotu
Committee members are Vasenai Nalibu, Paulina Toga, Setareki Naulu, Alani Naivalu.
Youth workers are Etuate Tabua, Rupeni Nauci, Josese Draya (Yasawa 1), Emosi Niurua, Aporosa Saulete, Eseroma Donu.

Adi Finau Tabakaucoro (left), and Selita Koroi take a break at the final day of the TOPEX Conference in Natadola, Nadroga.

By ROSI DOVIVERATA

Plans are in place for the Soqosoqo Vakamarama women’s organisation to undertake a series of activities focusing on capacity building for rural women.
This includes improving political consciousness, social and economic empowerment covering electoral processes elections as well as upgrading skills towards income generation.
This was confirmed by its general secretary, Adi Finau Tabakaucoro.
“These will be undertaken first at divisional levels and then moving on to provincial levels and then on to district and village levels.”

National Register of Voters
Adi Finau said women should be happy and appreciative of the new Register of Voters and urged all women to ensure they were registered to vote in ther 2014 national elections.
“We plan to hold a national consultation involving political parties so that potential candidates can make intelligent choices regarding parties they wish to apply for and support,” she said.

Candidates
“Women are encouraged to stand and they should also be aware of the demands for example their political manifesto and finances.
“Apart from increasing women’s membership in Parliament we also wish to assure women’s equal participation in all facets of decision making in the country,” she said.
Temporary special measures for women will not be used by the Commodore Bainimarama led-government in next year’s general elections.

Members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) at the Queen ELizabeth Barracks drill square in Nabua yesterday. Photo: JUSTINE MANNAN

By MAIKA BOLATIKI

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) responded quickly to reports of adverse weather threatening the country.
Members of the Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) were recalled to their various barracks in Labasa, Suva and Lautoka yesterday.
At the Suva parade yesterday, 3FIR Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Manoa Gadai thanked the soldiers for sacrificing precious family time.
“We should be ready to respond to any call made and if we’re required to go to Ono-i-Lau or to any other place in Fiji to offer help we will be there,”| he said.
The soldiers gathered at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks at Nabua.
He said that during the cyclone season from November to April, members of the 3FIR should be at the forefront of disaster mitigation and response. He lauded their quick response to the Commander’s call, a sure sign of strong support.  Lieutenant-Colonel Gadai reminded them of their oath of allegiance.
During the cyclone season, Lt- Colonel Gadai said their main role would be to protect the lives of Fijians in affected areas.
The Land Force Command’s chief operations officer, Lieutenant- Colonel Amani Suliano, yesterday said – “The RFMF camp at Lautoka 50 per cent are on stand-by and in Labasa 100 percent.
“We have also 50 per cent of the medical team in Suva on stand-by, 50 per cent of our transport and from the Engineers we have 50 per cent of the plant operation,” Lt-Col Suliano said.
At Labasa, he said, a team had been dispatched to help at the DISMAC office.
He has appealed to all to heed the weather forecast announced by the Fiji Meteorological Department in Nadi.

View video: http://youtu.be/5UmV0AJd0ls

Lieutenant-Colonel Manoa Gadai briefs his officers and soldiers of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (3FIR) who were called back for duty in the face of an impending bad weather. The parade was held at the Queen ELizabeth Barracks drill square in Nabua. Photo: JUSTINE MANNAN

By MAIKA BOLATIKI

The heavy rain alert that affected parts of Vanua Levu and the Lau Group has now been cancelled.
The cancellation was issued in the latest weather bulletin issued by the Nadi Weather Forecasting Centre last night.
According to the bulletin, Tropical Disturbance TD06F lay slow moving to the far Northwest of Fiji. It is not expected to develop into a tropical cyclone at this stage.
The centre said showers were expected over the interior and eastern parts of the larger islands, Lau and Lomaiviti group. Rain and thunderstorms were also developing over Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands including the Northern Lau Group from today.
Moderate easterly winds were also expected with rough seas.

President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau at the Suva Corrections Centre, with inmate Peter Driti (left) on Christmas Day. More photos on page 3. Photo: RONALD KUMAR

Ratu Epeli visits former top soldier and inmates at Correction centres

By FARISHA AHMED

Jailed former top army officer Pita Driti,was probably not expecting a visit from any top State official anytime soon.
However, President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau had other ideas. The head of state spread some cheer on Christmas Day visiting two correctional facilities at Suva and Naboro.
He mingled comfortably with inmates Driti and the Turaga na Qaranivalu, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata. Both men were jailed for inciting mutiny-related charges.
Ratu Epeli went to every cell block greeting and wishing everyone in prison a Merry Christmas.
From convicted murderers, sexual offenders and former elite soldiers Ratu Epeli ensured that they were not forgotten during the Christmas season.
Following him was the Fiji Corrections Service Centre choir singing Christmas carols.
Choirmaster Roko Vatuwaqa said the choir consisted of corrections officers and inmates.
He said the team enjoyed spreading Christmas cheer to people and reminding people that Jesus Christ was the reason for this season.
“We have been going around for three weeks until Christmas Day,” Mr Vatuwaqa said.
“It feels good to bring to people the Christmas spirit and to see them smile. We visited the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, the Old People’s Home, Saint Giles Hospital, Twomey Hospital and the Rehab unit.
“On behalf of the Commissioner, we wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”
Earlier this week the President also visited patients at the Wainibokasi and Nausori hospitals.
He is also expected to visit other special homes, the St Giles Hospital and the Suva Private Hospital.

Source: MINISTRY OF INFORMATION

Fijians can save up to 10 per cent on their municipal rates in 2014 by paying the full amount early.

For the first time, the cuts apply uniformly to all municipalities throughout Fiji.

To take advantage of the full 10 per cent discount, the rates, including any arrears, must be paid by January 31, 2014. Those who file by February 28, 2014, will receive a 5 per cent discount.

In 2014, municipalities plan to focus spending on providing Fijians essential local services.

Full details in Saturday’s Fiji Sun newspaper.

By SHEIK DEAN

The chiefly village of Viseisei, Vuda, became the resting place for a 33-year-old mother and her seven month old baby after losing their lives in a brutal attack on December 18.

Sisi Patolo and her baby, Sarah Patolo were laid to rest at the Yavusa Sawaieke clan’s burial ground yesterday.

Family members and people from all walks of life paid their final respects as ball bearers carried the casket of the mother and the baby to the burial grounds.

Grieving husband Mokai Patolo was comforted by family members as he laid his late wife and daughter to rest.

The service was held at the Jone Wesele Church in Viseisei.

Meanwhile, Priya Darshani, 22, has been charged with two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder and remains in Police custody.

Her case will now be called on January 24, 2014.

Full details in Saturday’s Fiji Sun newspaper.

Mokai Patolo (front) with family members shoveling dirt onto the coffin of his late wife and daughter at the yavusa Sawaieke clan's burial ground in Viseisei Lautoka yesterday. Photo SHEIK DEAN.

By FARISHA AHMED

Help A Child Trust plans to assist 1900 needy children with school bags, stationery and uniforms next year.
Its chief executive officer, Chandra Shekhar, said the assistance would cost close to $208,000.
“This money is being raised through donations and its 2014 calendar project,” Mr Shekhar said.
“Foods Pacific Limited of Wailada, Lami, has donated $2000 towards this assistance. That will cater for 40 children.
“A further $10,000 from the 2014 calendar project has been allocated to this project, which will assist 200 children.”
He said more donations are still being sorted through and business houses and individuals can contact Help A Child Trust by joining hands to assist the needy children of the nation.
“While the Government has taken full responsibility to pay all school fees parents still have to provide school bags and stationery,” Mr Shekhar said.
“This remains a challenge for those children from needy families, generally residing in informal settlements.
“We are targeting children from families with total family income of less than $100 per week.”
Mr Shekhar calls on needy families for their children’s education to contact the HELP office and stationery will be provided before January 15, 2014.

Five Vodafone Fiji customers could not believe their luck when their numbers were drawn as winners in the ‘wish and win a smart phone’ promotion by Vodafone.
The promotion required customers to text in their Christmas wish for the Smartphone of their choice to be one of five lucky winners.
The draw was done at the Samabula Police Station by Sergeant (2543) Prashila Narayan.
“We gave our customers the power to choose a smart phone of their choice as a Christmas wish”, said Sanjeewa Perera, the chief marketing officer of Vodafone Fiji.
“Christmas is a time of giving and sharing and we wanted our customers to experience the Christmas spirit. We have concluded the promotion with the drawing of the five lucky winners.  They have won top of the range smart phones including iPhone 5S, Samsung S4, Nokia Lumia and other great phones. We are happy to put a smile on the face of these customers and share the spirit of Christmas with them.
“I wished for a Samsung Galaxy S4,” said Mereani Tabalala of Tacirua.
“Vodafone has made my wish a reality. For just 99 cents, I have won such an expensive phone I just cannot believe it.”
Adi Kavulevu of Labasa won herself a Nokia Lumia.
“This is the best Christmas gift ever. Thank you Vodafone for such a promotion where we can have our wishes come true,” she said.
Other winners include Jone Vesayara of Deuba, Shinal Prasad of Suva and Rose Maria of Nadi winning smart phones of their choice.
Handing over the prizes to the winners, Vodafone Fiji sponsorship manager Ligavatu Gukisuva said: “You just never know when lady luck knocks on your door. You have to be in it to win it. The next major prize up for grabs is the Vodafone and MH’s text win promotion giving away a brand new Honda Accord Euro worth $95,000. All you need to do is text “MH” to 362 to get into the draw.”
––– Vodafone Fiji

By ZAFIYA SHAMIM

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation, in partnership with the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and the Fiji Police Force is expanding its violence free campaign next year.
Its minister, Dr Jiko Luveni, said the campaign would empower women to report cases to the Police and build on strong families as the foundation for developing harmonious families and communities.
“The gatekeepers committee in the villages works closely with the Police and they are aware of the ‘Domestic Violence Decree’ and ‘No Drop Policy’ that all cases need to be reported to and be dealt with by the Police,” Dr Luveni said.
She said what used to be treated as a private matter was now brought to the forefront and it became an eye opener for the communities that eliminating violence was everyone’s responsibility.
“The campaign will also be monitored and reviewed by the joint taskforce on the elimination of violence against women and children that has been established this year.”
Dr Luveni said another important component of the campaign was economic empowerment of women’s groups in the communities that had joined this campaign.
“We feel that poverty is also one of the contributing factors to violence within families – not having enough food and money causes tension and pressure within the families.”
She said that through this campaign, they were also providing income generating projects to women’s groups. They were also facilitating legal, literacy and leadership training that empowered women in decision-making.