By SITERI TALEITAKI

The Turaga na Tui Macuata, Na itaukei Bolatagane, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, has urged chiefs to remain apolitical as the nation prepares for this year’s elections.
He said in the past chiefs had been used by politicians and political parties for their own benefits.
According to Ratu Wiliame many chiefs had benefitted from corrupt deals initiated by past governments.
This, he said, was one of the reasons the Bainimarama-led government removed the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC).
This decision, he said, was opposed by past politicians who had politiciced the chiefly institution. He said he supported the dissolution of the council.
“If the government says no GCC, fine no GCC,” the Tui Macuata said.
Rather than being involved in politics, chiefs, according to Na itaukei Bolatagane, should be more interested in developing their individual vanua.
“I am not standing for politics but my support for the government remains intact. I am neither interested in politics nor interested in joining any political parties for elections.”
He said chiefs were born into leadership roles and were God-gifted. “Why not use this power and authority for the good of their people?”
“It is odd for a paramount chief to be involved in politics; it’s only for people who’re hungry for authority.”
He said chiefs should only wear their chiefly hat and no other hats.
The chiefs of Fiji, he said, should be more interested in strengthening the traditional structure of their vanua, reviving traditional protocols and re-introducing communal work (lala vakavanua).
He said the old traditional system worked well in the past and it could still work well today.
“Now traditional chiefs should come together as one, sit and discuss how development can be used as a tool to move the people forward. Doing this will help the people and the government.”
“It would be right to see a chief sitting on his traditional seat and watch the government carry out its role and should only intervene if Government had interfered with the chiefly role.”

Chiefs bribed
The co-ordinating representative in the PM’s Office Strategic Framework for Change Unit, Kisoko Cagituevei, yesterday confirmed that past politicians had bribed chiefs to get their support.
He said that in his numerous tours around the nation, chiefs showed his team what they were given by past politicians to side with them.
Some, he said were given fibre-glass boats, houses, water tanks, etc.
For some, he said, promises were made and they were still waiting for what was promised to them by those politicians.

Chiefs have changed
Mr Cagituevei warned politicians that chiefs should not be used in this coming election.
A good majority of them had given their support to the Government because their people now had access to water, electricity, roads, education, and health centres.
These were things promised to them by past governments but were never delivered.
They have also been warned that more people would be visiting them with more promises especially when the nation was preparing for this year’s election.
“We have advised them not to be easily swayed by these people and they should be firm on what they believe in,” Mr Cagituevei advised.

The Tui Macuata, Na itaukei Bolatagane, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.

By AQELA SUSU

Incomplete projects at the World Heritage site is the reason behind the late confirmation date for the state celebration of the World Heritage listing of Levuka Town.
An official at the ministry, who wished to remain anonymous, has confirmed that the date for the state celebration will be released by the end of the month.
The official said the final date for the celebration was not confirmed yet because of some incomplete projects.
“At the moment, all the committees are on leave so the date has not been finalised yet,” the official said.
“Some projects that were earmarked to be completed before December have not finished and that is why the date for the celebration has been moved to this year. Some of the projects and refurbishing of old monuments are still in progress at the moment.
“The projects were supposed to finish before December but due to the unavailability of experts and technical assistance in completing the projects, the celebration date has been moved.”
It is believed that a media release from the ministry by the end of the month will confirm the date of the celebration.
The people of Ovalau are also ready to take part in this auspicious event.

By ANA SOVARAKI

Three-hundred-and-eight more schools received their share of the free education grant as the second batch was disbursed yesterday.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr Brij Lal, confirmed a total of $7,703,361 was deposited into the bank accounts of the respective 240 primary schools and 68 secondary schools.
“Headteachers, principals and school managements of the eligible schools should make necessary arrangements to prepare their schools for classes as there are only 13 days before the school opens for Term One,” Dr Lal said.
He said to date 723 schools out of the eligible 898 have received the free education grant.
The final batch will be released tomorrow.

By SITERI TALEITAKI

The relocation of Vunidogoloa village has been praised by the villagers.
Now they want the Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, to officiate at the commissioning ceremony.
Village headman Sailosi Ramotu said they wanted to thank the Prime Minister for the support his Government did in the relocation.
“We want the Prime Minister of the day to be present, as all the credit goes to him and all the government departments because they made it happen,” Mr Ramotu said.
Village elder, Tevita Tuimalawai, 86, said the relocation had been foreseen by their grand-parents.
The actual relocation work started in 2010 when Government provided funding worth $310,000 for the project.
Mr Ramotu said the new site, covering five acres of land was donated to the village by the mataqali Nadawa without any cost.
The new village according to Mr Tuimalawai will be home to 30 families.
In his 12 years as village headman he said people had been living with fear after witnessing daily the impact of climate change on the village.
The village boundaries he said had continually been eroded by the waves over the years and most of the landmarks had been washed away.
However with the new site they would surely start a new life and they were looking forward to it.
He said they were given assurances by the Minister for Labor, Industrial Relations and Employment, Jone Usamate, that they would be provided with funding by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to purchase seedlings for vegetable and pineapple farming and a copra drier.

By ANA SOVARAKI

There have been favourable comments on the Government’s tertiary scholarship and loan scheme [TELS], with many saying it is a great help.
Yesterday students, parents and guardians turned up at Suvavou House in Suva applying for scholarships and loans.
Salesh Kumar, 45, who is applying for a loan for his 18- year old son, said the initiative would be very helpful for parents like him.
“I think this is a great idea that the Government has introduced. They are heading towards the right direction in terms of helping financially disadvantaged people,” Mr Kumar said.
The schoolteacher from Waila, Nausori, said Government should be commended for this help.
Another happy parent, 40 -year old Sanaila Uludole, thought the initiative was great in terms of trying to raise the quality of education in the country.
“If we want more educated people, then initiatives like these are what it takes to achieve it and it would really assist us parents as well,” Mr Uludole said.
Meanwhile, the Government will grant full tertiary scholarship for certain courses to the top 600 school-leavers and has set aside $52.5 million for the scheme.
The scholarships are given under the National Toppers Scheme for the top 600 applicants from Form Seven in 2013 and equivalent in foundation studies in priority areas established by the Government.
All other students who have completed Form Seven or foundation studies can take interest-free loans under the TELS to cover university tuition if they study full time.
Continuing tertiary students who need tuition funding to complete their studies are also eligible for the assistance.
Scholarships for overseas studies will be merit-based and would apply to programmes currently not available in Fiji and which are high on the Government’s priority for Fiji.
The head of the Tertiary Education Scholarship and Loans Unit, Senimili Kamikamica, said application for the loan scheme is still open and currently has no closing date.
“We are guided by the deadline for enrollment and closing fee payments of the qualifying institutions although the closing date for scholarship application is on the 10th as previously advertised,” Ms Kamikamica said.

Agnes Madigi (left) of the Tertiary Education Scholarship and Loans Unit assists Sanaila Uludole (right) and others who turned up to take advantage of Government scholarships or loans at Suvavou House yesterday. Photo: RONALD KUMAR

By LOSALINI RASOQOSOQO

People in the Lau Group still enjoyed the fine weather yesterday although reports from Radio New Zealand yesterday said a tropical depression near Tonga had formed into Tropical Cyclone Ian.
The Nadi weather office said the tropical depression was slowly moving away from Fiji in a southeasterly direction and heading towards Tonga.
Although Cyclone Ian poses no threat to Fiji, the Nadi weather office has warned that a strong wind warning remains in force for the Lau Group.
Strong south to southeast winds with average speeds of 45km/hr to 50km/hr gusting to 70km/hr and rough to very rough seas was the forecast for the Lau Group till midnight tonight.
While Cyclone Ian is in Tonga, Fiji is expected to see just an increase in showers. The weather forecast in Tonga says the cyclone is intensifying but slow moving.
Special Constable Peni Vulaca, of the Lakeba Police Station, said there were no signs of bad weather in Lakeba when contacted yesterday evening.
He said the sun was out the entire day but the heat was unbearable.
Ono-i-Lau, the furthest island in the Lau Group, and much closer to the Kingdom of Tonga, also experienced fine weather yesterday.
Keith Williams of Doi Village in Ono-i-Lau said it was a fine day, however clouds had started to form late yesterday.
Mr Williams said the sea was starting to get rough.
Cyclone Ian, as forecasted yesterday, was expected to intensify over the next 24 to 48 hours to possibly Category 3.

Church’s role questioned; Tui Nadi and yavusa spokesperson in clash

By WAISEA NASOKIA and JYOTI PRATIBHA

Trouble seems to be brewing in the vanua ’o Nadi.
The Methodist Church in Fiji is being blamed for bringing discord between the Tui Nadi, Ratu Sailosi Dawai, and the leader of the matanivanua (spokesman) ni yavusa Sila, Narewa, Ratu Tevita Maqu.
The church has washed its hands of any dispute within Narewa village, and the Tui Nadi says there is no friction despite claims he had neglected the vanua in favour of the church.

The issue
Following the decision by the iTaukei Lands and Fisheries Commission that the rightful Tui Nadi is Ratu Sailosi, two months ago, a traditional ceremony to install him was undertaken.
It was then decided that for long there had been disunity in the vanua o Nadi and that the dispute over who was the rightful Tui Nadi had stretched for more than a decade.
To start afresh, there were discussions to hold a reconciliation session for the villages to put aside their differences and unite for the betterment of the villagers. However, before the reconciliation process could be undertaken, the Methodist Church, led by its president, Reverend Doctor Tuikilakila Waqairatu, held a church service for the Tui Nadi, which is now being seen as an insult to the vanua.
“The vanua ‘o Nadi is hurt at the moment because of the Tui Nadi’s decision which has placed more importance towards the church rather than the vanua first,” Ratu Tevita said.
He claims the vanua went earlier to the Tui Nadi suggesting the reconciliation but after one week he changed his mind.
“He supported the sweet talks of the church. They are two separate governments – vanua and church in an iTaukei structure.
“There are standards set out to be followed as we are the spokesman of the Tui Nadi we speak for the vanua ‘o Nadi but now the Tui Nadi (Ratu Sailosi Dawai) has overruled our stance.
“The only way to change things around is not to let the church deal with the affairs of the vanua.”
Turaga ni Yavusa Noa i Qoro (kingmakers) Ratu Waisake Labalaba said he was also not happy with the decision taken by the Tui Nadi.
“We do support him as he is our chief but we still question why there was no reconciliation done between Ratu Sailosi and Ratu Kaliova (Tui Nadi title claimant) where the vanua does its part.
Ratu Waisake said when the tribunal declared him the rightful Tui Nadi they also advised to settle the dispute in the traditional way.
“We expect both of them with the vanua to show their appreciation by their presence but he went on ahead with the church leaving behind the duties of the vanua.”

Tui Nadi’s response
Ratu Sailosi said he sought blessings from God and not necessarily the church.
“I need to be blessed by God rather than the church so that I can take care of my duties for my people,” Ratu Sailosi said.
“There is no other vanua, but I am the vanua. For the last 18 years there was no Tui Nadi and after I was declared by the NLC tribunal, I am the Tui Nadi.
“I do not wish to talk about this matter anymore. There is no problem in the vanua ‘o Nadi. I know there are people who are against this. There is no hidden agenda and neither did this have anything with the Methodist Church. It was my sole decision.

The church clarifies
Former Methodist Church president and current superintendent of Nadi district circuit, Reverend Tugaue, said the church facilitated the request from the village.
He said when villagers found out that Reverend Tugaue  was to be inducted as the new Nadi superintendent on November 24 by Reverend Tuikilakila, they requested a church service for the Tui Nadi on the same day.
“It is not for the church to be involved in title disputes. It was the day when the church president was to induct me and the villagers wanted the service to be held by the president on the same day,” Reverend Tugaue said.

The Tui Nadi, Ratu Sailosi Dawai (white coat) at the Narewa Methodist Church in Nadi. Photo: RAEVENN BREEN

A 38-year-old woman is in Police custody following an early morning drug raid at Delasese Settlement, Tailevu.
The joint operation by the K-9 and Drug Unit was conducted at 3am yesterday following weeks of information gathering regarding an alleged marijuana plantation being cultivated by the 38-year-old suspect and her 35-year-old husband who is a wanted person.
Chief operations officer Assistant Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says the Drug Unit will be conducting similar operations around the country.
“This is just one of the many drug raids we will be conducting throughout the year and we are once again issuing a strong warning that this form of illegal activity will not be condoned,” ACP Tudravu said.
“For those who are currently involved in such illegal activity I urge      you to stop now before you find yourself on the wrong side of the law.”
More than 70 plants up to 15-foot (4.6 metres) tall were uprooted and $700 cash was retrieved from the home of the suspects.
After searching the suspect’s home, officers then trekked for more than three hours inland and found the farm where the plants, believed to be marijuana, were being cultivated.
“We are grateful for the assistance given through the information provided about this alleged illegal activity and it is encouraging that people are taking ownership of the issue of crime and doing something to stop it from happening.”

Police with their haul after an early morning drug raid at Delasese Settlement in Tailevu yesterday. Photo: POLICE MEDIA CELL

- POLICE MEDIA CELL

By LEONE CABENATABUA, General Manager Publications

LEONE CABENATABUA

Counting on the elections

Word is around that political parties and politicians are busy doing their groundwork for the general elections due to be held by the end of September.
Dickie Bird said senior executives of a prominent political party, are now busy head hunting for potential candidates while at the same time interested candidates are already out trying to establish themselves in the community.
However, Dickie Bird was told the veteran politicians are playing their cards close to their chest as they monitor and anaylse the situation before they decide on their next step.

Commission war

Dickie Bird flew in last night confirming reports that, a new player in the handicraft business is offering more commission to tourism operators who bring tourists to his Suva shop to buy souvenirs.
This is 10 per cent more than what the two main players are offering.

Go forth to serve

Still on the general elections, a caller participating in a radio talkback show enquired that since he was a university graduate and still unemployed this means he can contest the general elections.
But the answer he got from the other end was “Parliament is the place for people who are ready to serve the community and is not for people who are out looking for jobs.”

Lau mining move

Possible deep sea mining preparatory work is expected to start in the Lau waters soon.
Dickie Bird was told of this after a company got approval last month.

The Attorney-General and Minister Responsible for the Elections, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum (front), with Korean Ambassador to Fiji, Seong-in Kim. Photo: RONALD KUMAR

By ROSI DOVIVERATA

The four vehicles donated by the Korea International Co-operation Agency (KOICA) will be put to very good use, Attorney-General and Minister Responsible for Elections, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said yesterday.
The Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to Fiji, Seong-in Kim, handed over four vehicles to be used by the Elections Office.
“We want to tell you that these vehicles will be put to very good use in terms of holding what we believe will be the first most transparent, free and credible elections in Fiji’s history,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
The Minister thanked Mr Kim for the wonderful donation.
Mr Kim said diplomatic ties between Korea and Fiji was established in 1971 and the two countries had enjoyed co-operative relations for the last 43 years.
“The vehicles I am handing over today are a modest donation which is a gesture of my government to continue to build up friendly and constructive engagement with Fiji,”  he said.
“With these vehicles, I hope the Fiji Election Office could further accommodate logistical arrangements in preparing for the 2014 General Elections and serve better the voter population of about 610,000 for the whole country.”
Mr Kim also wished Fiji much success in its efforts to conduct a free, fair and transparent election.

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

Pacific Destinationz, a leading Nadi- based inbound travel and transport management company yesterday celebrated 15 years of existence in the country.
From their humble beginnings in 1999 with four staff, the company now employs 104 Fijians who consistently deliver quality inbound travel seven days a week and 24 hours a day.
Its managing director – Fiji, James Sowane said, “We are always proud of our young dynamic team who continue to thrive on the challenges and opportunities that are a daily constant in our business.
“We have a clear strategic plan for 2014 and beyond. This year, we will be recruiting more talented Fijians to join us in our journey of commitment and investment in Fiji.”
Mr Sowane attributed their growth to the support of their tourism industry supplier partners and to the Government.
“In 2005 the company started investing in its own fleet of quality vehicles to maintain the consistency of our quality service standards to international visitors that we service during their Fiji holiday.”
They have invested over $4 million since 2005 in their current quality fleet of 47 vehicles and recently introduced two brand new BLK 49- seat deluxe tourist coaches.
The two coaches are built to the strict Australian design standards by Bonluck buses in China which, Mr Sowane said, focussed primarily on passenger safety and comfort features.

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

‘Fiji is on the right track.’
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama made the comment while celebrating the success of Pacific Destinationz Fiji, a travel specialist.
Pacific Destinationz Fiji celebrated its 15 years in the country and to commemorate this, they also purchased two state-of-the art deluxe tourist transport coaches.
While congratulating the company, Commodore Bainimarama said it was vital to keep policies consistent if Fiji has to experience real growth holistically.
“One of the cornerstones of our reform programme is that policies must be consistent,” he said.
“This is the only way they can be effective and bring real benefits to the country.”
He said investors and stakeholders need to have confidence that if taxes were lowered one year it would not be raised the next.
“If that confidence doesn’t exist, they won’t reinvest that money, grow their businesses and create new jobs.
“Similarly, programmes like free primary and secondary education and government loans for university must continue from one year to the next in order to truly benefit future generations of Fijians and our nation as a whole.
“I firmly believe that if Fiji continues along the path we have set and maintain our current policies, our opportunities are limitless.”
Commodore Bainimarama said keeping policies consistent and encouraging growth had been the cornerstone of his Government.
He also gave a strong message to tourism industry stakeholders that “Fiji has the capability to become the Pacific’s true success story.”

Congratulating Pacific
Destinationz:
“For 15 years, Pacific Destinationz has helped strengthen our tourism industry by promoting Fiji in some of our most important markets overseas.
“And for 15 years, they have helped ensure that visitors to our country receive the best possible experience from their very first moments here.”
He said he was sure that Pacific Destinationz will continue to improve on this experience by setting new standards.
He also reminded tourism stakeholders that in Fiji, the entire experience was interrelated.
“It’s a collective effort, and we grow stronger as we continue to support and challenge each other to keep pushing the industry forward. In this way, each time a step is taken, big or small, to achieve higher standards and improve visitors’ experiences, brand “Fiji” is strengthened.”

Prime Minister Voreqe Commodore Bainimarama enjoys the tour during Pacific Destinationz 15th anniversary and launch of two new coaches at The Westin Fiji Resort in Nadi yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

By AQELA SUSU

There is good news for residents of Wailoku in Tamavua.
The Vunidilo Bridge, which was closed to all traffic earlier this week, will be reopened for light vehicles and pedestrians later today.
Residents of the five villages of Wailoku can use light vehicles and taxis to transport their supplies to and from the main road on the other side of the bridge. The Fiji Roads Authority has confirmed that only light vehicles and pedestrians will be able to use the bridge as of today.
FRA chief executive officer Dale Nicholls said the authority was trying to evaluate if large vehicles can also cross the bridge. He said meanwhile engineers were working on a temporary bridge to cater for large vehicles.
Following a report in yesterday’s Fiji Sun, villagers of Wailoku had been pleading for a solution to their problem.
Mr Nicholls said the authority was working to solve this problem before the new school term started.
He however said the option of putting in a completely new bridge to replace the old one may not happen this year.
The Vunidilo Bridge was closed by the authority on Tuesday after they had found that a steel beam had rusted and was on the verge of collapsing.

By FARISHA AHMED

The Ministry of Education has completed disbursement of free education grants to schools as scheduled.
“I am happy to say that the final batch of cheques for free education grants were disbursed to the remaining primary and secondary school bank accounts yesterday (Wednesday),” the Permanent Secretary for Education, Dr Brij Lal, said. A total of $21, 949,014 was deposited into the school’s bank accounts. To date the eligible 904 schools have received the free education grant.
“Previously there were 898 schools, however there has been an inclusion of six other schools and that are new infant, primary and secondary schools which are to be opened this year.
“My sincere appeal to respective schools heads is to check the school bank accounts to confirm that payment has been received.
“The Ministry of Education’s accounts section will assist schools should any inconvenience arise. Cheques for those schools whose bank accounts are not operational will be returned to the ministry but schools can still collect it from the ministry,” Dr Lal said.
Meanwhile the ministry is calling on schools to prudently utilise the grants issued to them.
“Now that grants are in school bank accounts, effective financial management is essential for schools to exercise proper controls and stewardship over significant amounts of public money,” said Dr Lal
“School heads and managements are fully aware of the important financial procedures and expectations of free education grants to schools.
“Every school should maintain a proper record book displaying usage of all Government grants.” He said the Government had committed to provide free primary and secondary education and the onus now stood with school heads and managements to utilise the grants wisely.
“Disbursement of Term Two and Three grants will only be determined after the receipt of audited and endorsed 2013 school financial reports and annual general meetings minutes by May 31, 2014,” Dr Lal said. Discrepancies in the school account may prompt an intervention and institute disciplinary actions or legal proceedings against the school or individuals.”

By ANA SOVARAKI

More than a thousand tertiary students have applied for a loan from the Government’s Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS).
The head of the Tertiary Education Scholarship and Loans Unit, Seinimili Kamikamica, said that was the number received by midday yesterday.
Ms Kamikamica said some students and parents had also sent enquiries via email and telephone since the opening date of the scheme.
“There have been overwhelming responses from the parents as most of them have been paying privately so this is a big help for them to send their children for further education.”
“The tertiary loan scheme is gaining more interest by the students as it covers all categories mostly tertiary students doing foundation courses and those who have completed Form Seven in 2013,” She said.
Ms Kamikamica has also advised that students take their time to enroll and secure a place in the institute then apply for the loan scheme as the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS) will remain open to give everyone a chance.
She said a closing date for the scheme application hasn’t been set yet.
“We are guided by the deadline for the enrollment and closing fees payment of qualifying institutions,” Ms Kamikamica said.

From left: Fiji Envoy to the United Nations Ambassador Peter Thomson, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and PNG Ambassador to the UN Robert Aisi at a meeting at the Fiji Mission in New York.

By LOSALINI RASOQOSOQO

Members of the Group of 77 and China heard yesterday that Fiji had committed to honour its great responsibilities with full respect for the duties entailed, and had held the group’s interest sacrosanct throughout its chairmanship.
The president of the United Nations General Assembly, John Ashe, and the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon were also present as Fiji handed over the chairmanship to Bolivia at a ceremonial meeting at the United Nations in New York.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Ratu Inoke Kubuabola said Fiji’s chairmanship of G77 had coincided with a challenging agenda in the United Nations.
He said it had been a year when Member States were tasked with implementing the follow-up processes to the Rio+20 conference and a year when the world’s political leaders had reaffirmed their collective commitment to accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
He said it was also a year that required the membership to deliberate heavily on the creation of Sustainable Development Goals in the context of the post-2015 development agenda and a year in which a UN Budget for the biennium 2014-15 had to be negotiated in the face of severe financial constraints. Ratu Inoke said the magnitude of the challenge was reflected in the G77 Chair’s convening of over 400 co-ordination meetings of the group’s hard-working experts of the UN’s various committees during 2013.
He reported that the chair also convened 26 G77 ambassadorial meetings during the year, and prepared and delivered more than 150 statements on behalf of the group.
Ratu Inoke said he was confident that as the group faced the many difficult issues ahead, these would be overcome through the group’s firm unity and solidarity.
He stressed that the group would be required to work together to tackle the diverse and unique challenges faced by its membership on such issues as climate change, desertification, the Post-2015 development agenda, South-South co-operation and international institutional reforms.
He highlighted the convening of the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, to be held in Samoa in September 2014, as being an example which will require the group to work closely together in support of its SIDS membership.
Ratu Inoke also expressed Fiji’s sincere thanks to the president of the General Assembly and United Nations Secretary-General for their presence and their continued support and commitment in advancing the global development agenda.
He paid special tribute to Ambassador Peter Thomson and Fiji’s team of diplomats who had carried the burden of the chairmanship with outstanding professionalism, and to the hard-working team of the G77 Executive Secretariat for their ongoing support to the chair.
In closing, Ratu Inoke pledged to President Evo Morales the full support of Fiji as Bolivia takes up the high mission of chairmanship on behalf of the Group.
Thereafter, a series of speakers took the floor at the ceremony, including the President of Bolivia, the president of the UN General Assembly, the UN Secretary-General and the Chairs of the UN regional groups, to praise Fiji for the high standards set in chairing the G77 and China in 2013.  Special words of thanks were directed at Fiji’s Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, for the leadership and commitment his Government had provided for the G77 throughout the year.
n Editorial: Page 10

The Attorney-General and Minister Responsible for Elections Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum yesterday during the announcement of the Electoral Commission. Photo: RONALD KUMAR

New commissioners ready to go to work

By ROSI DOVIVERATA and WATI TALEBULA

Newly-appointed members of the Electoral Commission are keen and ready to go to work and prepare the country to return to democratic elections this year.
The Attorney-General and Minister Responsible for Elections, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, announced their appointment in Suva yesterday.
They are: Chen Bunn Young (chairman), Father David Arms, Professor Vijay Naidu, Jenny Seeto, Alisi Daurewa, Larry Thomas and James Sowane.
Catholic priest and electoral expert Father Arms, 74, the oldest member, said somebody had to do the job and he was privileged to contribute.
“We’ll just have to pitch in and help,” Father Arms said.
University of the South Pacific head of the School of Government, Development and International Affairs and Director of Development Studies, Professor Naidu felt the same.
“I am happy to be a member of the Electoral Commission with other distinguished colleagues,” he said.
Professor Naidu is also a board member of the Citizen’s Constitutional Forum (CCF) and has served in various other committees and boards.
Chartered accountant and managing partner of PricewaterhouseCooppers, Jenny Seeto said: “I feel very privileged and honoured to be part of this election process.”
Filmmaker and media specialist Larry Thomas said he was privileged to be asked to be part of the commission.
From Nadi, James Sowane, a leader in the tourism industry and marketing expert said he was honoured and privileged to be considered to be part of this new journey.
“I’m proud to play an active role. I’m very humbled as I’ve always wanted to give something back to my country and it has come sooner rather than later.”
Civil society leader and educationalist Alisi Daurewa said: “I am humbled.”
Mrs Daurewa also sits on the Kadavu Provincial Council.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said each member of the commission “brings a unique perspective and set of skills to the task of supervising the first genuine democratic election in Fiji’s history.
“All of these outstanding individuals are credible, apolitical and together, will bring integrity to the commission’s work.
“They will also make their individual contributions, whether it’s high-level legal expertise in the case of Chen Bunn Young, marketing expertise in the case of James Sowane, financial expertise in the case of Jenny Seeto, existing electoral expertise in the case of Father Arms, communications expertise in the case of Larry Thomas and the broad educational and social expertise of Professor Naidu and Alisi Daurewa.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum thanked the appointed commissioners for accepting their roles on the commission.
He said this was a vital component of the Bainimarama Government’s plan to hold a free and fair election to the very highest international standards.
The Electoral Commission has the responsibility for the overall conduct of the 2014 General Election.
Under Section 75 of the Constitution this would include:

• The registration of voters and the regular revision of the Register of Voters;
• Voter education;
• The registration of candidates for election;
• The settlement of electoral disputes; and
• Monitoring and enforcing compliance with any written law governing elections and political parties.

The new commissioners were appointed by the President, on the advice of the Constitutional Offices Commission.
They are now tasked to assist the Constitutional Offices Commission on the appointment of the Supervisor of Elections.

By RAEVENN BREEN and FARISHA AHMED

Celebrating the New Year turned ugly when a 13-year-old child of Namuamua Village, Naitasiri, yesterday suffered burns while trying to set off a gun made from bamboo.
Police said the teenager was trying to fire off the bamboo gun when kerosene, the fuel used to fire off the bamboo gun, splashed onto the victim’s clothes setting it alight.
The victim was taken to the Nausori Health Centre before being transferred to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro is again advising all parents and caregivers to remain extremely cautious at all times.
“We are once again requesting parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s activities especially in such situations that could prove disastrous or even fatal.”
National Fire Authority chief executive officer John O’Connor also stressed the importance of parents supervising their children.

By SHEIK DEAN

The Ma’Unatul Islam Association of Fiji yesterday celebrated the 1488th birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad [Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam (SAW)] in Lautoka.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born on 12th Rabi-al-Awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.
The name Rabi-al-Awwal means the first month or beginning of spring, referring to its position in the pre-Islamic Arabian calendar. It is considered to be a very blessed month.
Chief guest Maulana Zainul Aqthab Siddiqi of the United Kingdom spoke of the many teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
He spoke highly of his character and how the Prophet lived his life as a messenger.
“Muhammad was laid to rest at the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (“Mosque of the Prophet”) in the city of Medina in Saudi Arabia,” Maulana Siddiqi said.
“Muslims from all around the world visit the Mosque of the Prophet in big numbers and it is believed of those who visit the burial site are blessed with a place in heaven.”
Devotee Mohammed Tasleem said the teachings of the Prophet were still practised by Muslims and was the guiding light for us all.
The Jashne Eid Milad-un-Nabi is staged in a grand way around the world.
He said the Prophet was a most humble person and always advocated to treat every individual with respect and love.
“Devotees of the Prophet gather in big numbers during the celebration as we all seek blessings during this holy month in our Islamic calendar.
“Followers of the Prophet celebrate the Milad-un-Nabi (birthday celebration) and the Meraj Un Nabi, the journey Prophet Muhammad (SAW) embarked on to meet our god, Allah [Subhanahu Wa Tala (SW)],” Mr Ali said.
In Islam, Prophet Muhammad was the last prophet and the final Messenger of Allah.

Hafiz Musa Patel (left) and Alim Hafiz Quari Abboobakkar Siddeeq Saquafi (right) escort chief guest Maulana Zainul Aqthab Siddiqi (centre) during the Ma’Unatul Islam Association of Fiji birthday celebration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Lautoka yesterday. Photo SHEIK DEAN

By JYOTI PRATIBHA, West Editor

FIELD
DAZE

Conspiracy theorist Michael Field is at it again down in New Zealand.
This time, the Kiwi journalist is claiming the International Rugby Board’s decision to suspend funds for the FRU was because of Government interference.
Problem is that Mr Field seems out of touch with reality where Fiji is concerned.
It’s amazing that New Zealand news media continue to take his views on Fiji so seriously. He isn’t even allowed here any more because of his reporting ways. .

MORE
MEDIA

Word is Islands Business publisher Godfrey Scoullar and his team have bounced back after being bumped from doing the Fiji Airways inflight magazine. The Suva publishing house has developed a new publication of its own, Discover Fiji.
This is to be distributed for free at places tourists are found. It’s put together by the same people who used to do the many-paged Islands magazine for Air Pacific for so many years.
Meanwhile a slickr, new look inflight magazine put together by an Australian company now rides the skies in seat pockets on Fiji Airways planes.

VISA
PLOY

Certain people who are known for their rantings against Government claim that their names have been put on a watch list and they fear returning to Fiji because of this. A simple check with the Immigration Department proves that there is no truth in such claims.
Perhaps such claims are designed to add weight to their application for protection visas and permanent residency in the countries they are in now.