The Jet

FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 31, 2013. Volume 5, Number 2 www.thejetnewspaper.
com PRICE: 50 CENTS VIP

National pride
First of our three new Airbus A330s to arrive on March 19
After inspecting the rst
of Fiji Airways' three new
Airbus A330s in France
recently, Prime Minister
Voreqe Bainimarama said
the new aircraft would be
the pride of Fiji's national
airline.
The Prime Minister said
that it was a very proud
moment for him to witness
Fijis newest aircraft for the
rst time complete with
the Fijian masi design and
the new Fiji Airways logo.
This is a very exciting
day for all Fijians. This is
the rst time in the history of
Air Pacic soon to be Fiji
Airways that we will own,
not lease, a wide bodied air-
craft, he said.
"Only a few years ago,
this day would have seemed
impossible. At that time, the
future looked very uncertain
and the thought of buying
three new, stateof-the-art
aircraft was inconceivable,"
the Prime Minister added.
"But thanks to the reforms
that were undertaken and the
incredibly hard work of the
entire team at Air Pacic, we
are here today to witness a
new chapter in our national
airline's history."
The Prime Minister was
accompanied in Toulouse,
France by senior ofcials
from Air Pacic. The Fi-
jian delegation examined the
progress being made on Fiji
Airways rst A330 and took
a guided tour of the interior.
They received a full brief-
ing on the features of the
aircraft, which was designed
and manufactured exclusive-
ly for Fiji Airways.
The Fijian masi art de-
signed for Air Pacic by
local masi artist Makereta
Matemosi not only appears
on the exterior, but has also
been incorporated into the
design of the cabins, includ-
ing the seat fabric.
The Prime Minister said
that he would like to once
again pay special tribute to
Ms Matemosi for creating
something that all Fijians
can be proud of.
"Ms Matemosi's design
will represent Fiji as our new
jets land at airports around
the Asia-Pacic," the Prime
Minister said.
This rst A330 will arrive
in Nadi on March 19. The
second and third will arrive
in May and November re-
spectively. The airline will
ofcially become Fiji Air-
ways in June this year.
MINFO
Flying soon...One of the three Airbus A330s now proudly owned by Air Pacic. INSET: PM Frank Bainimarama with his delegation in France.
More coverage inside. Photos: SUPPLIED.
www.thejetnewspaper.com Newsroom 5164 Vodafone / Inkk
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 2
FROM THE DESK
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
Fiji - the way the world should be
Being the hub of the Pacic, Fiji has everything that a spectacular tropical paradise
has to offer - from private island resort accommodations, top class restaurants to
white sandy beaches, inbound tours, jet boat rides, hot air balloon rides, mountain
trekking, inland tours, eco tourism, sky diving, helicopter rides, cruise trips, scuba
diving, massage and beauty parlours, vibrant night life and a lot more than any other
destination in the world offers
THE JET is Fijis rst community newspaper published monthly by
SHAMBU ADVERTISING from Nadi - the tourism capital of Fiji.
PUBLISHER : SHALENDRA PRASAD Cell: 9232073
EDITOR : JOSEPHINE NAVULA Cell: 7307574
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PHONE OFFICE : (679) 7767574/ 6708188
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PRINTED BY MAX MARKETING AND PUBLISHING LIMITED,
VATUWAQA, SUVA. Phone: (679) 3375041.
COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD
EMPOWER PACIFIC
(Formerly PCSS) provides
private, condential counsel-
ling on depression,
family/marital, stress, grief,
abuse, suicidal thoughts,
STIs, drugs, alcohol & be-
havior lifestyle changes.
Opens 8am 3pm, Monday
Friday.
Call us on 6708169 Located
at Nadi old hospital road.
ROTARY CLUB OF NADI
is on a membership drive to
increase members who repre-
sent all sections of the com-
munity. Nadi Rotarians meet
every Wednesday at Sitar
Restaurant in Martintar at
6.30pm.
Interested people can call
club president Krupesh Patel
on 6700478
SOROPTIMIST INTER-
NATIONAL is a vibrant,
dynamic organisation for to-
days professional and busi-
nesswomen, working through
projects to promote equality,
development and peace. We
are seeking members to join
our club. Interested ladies can
call SI Nadi president Zeaba
Rahiman on 9977058
FIJIAN WRITERS ASSO-
CIATION which has been
established to form the rst
ever formal body represent-
ing writers, poets, journal-
ists and everyone who has a
passion for writing is seek-
ing new members. Interested
people can contact Professor
Subramani via email:-
subramani@fnu.ac.fj
Joe Gray leads the race
The person who most en-
hanced the visitor experience
at Nadi International Airport
in 2012 has been announced
by the Attorney General and
Minister for Tourism, Aiyaz
Sayed-Khaiyum.
He is Joe Marquadt Gray,
Airports Fiji Limiteds Man-
ager Airport Landside & Cus-
tomer Service, who has been
declared the 2012 Fijian Host
of the Year and wins a trip for
two to Australia as part of his
award.
He also received a trophy
from the Prime Minister,
Voreqe Bainimarama, at the
AON Fiji Excellence in Tour-
ism Awards at the Sotel Fiji
Resort and Spa on February
22nd.
Mr Gray - who was the
Fijian Host of the Month for
November was the high-
est ranked airport employee
as chosen by visitors passing
through Nadi, who lled out
forms available in the air-
ports secure areas.
He received a top aver-
age score of 37.5 points out
of a possible 40, placing him
ahead of the other monthly
winners since the Fijian Hosts
program was announced last
September.
Mr Gray was also voted
as Lead Champion to head
a list of eight Fijian Hosts
Champions for 2012. They in-
clude Pita of FRCA, Inspector
Shiu Chand of the Border Po-
lice, Ana Duta of Tyco Securi-
ty, Abdul Sahim of ATS, Jone
Ledua of Immigration, Deo
Sharan of Health and Surend
Pratap of Biosecurity.
At a ceremony at the air-
port, the Minister congratulat-
ed the winners for their efforts
to enhance the airport experi-
ence for international visitors
and Fijians travelling to and
from overseas.
Its your Bula welcome
that makes all the difference
in a sometimes stressful situ-
ation and I want to pay tribute
to your dedication and service.
A big smile and some personal
attention can set the tone for
the whole Fiji experience and
leave our visitors wanting to
return, he said.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum also
thanked the Ministry of Tour-
isms partners in the Fijian
Hosts program -Starwood Ho-
tels, represented by managing
director Shane Cunning and
Samba, the design company
and its principals on the pro-
gram, Dom Samsom and Kitty
McGoon.
Each of you provided
your services gratis to help us
launch this important initia-
tive and we are very grateful
for your valuable support, he
said.
The Fijian Hosts Council
is chaired by the Permanent
Secretary for Tourism, Eliza-
beth Powell. Its other mem-
bers are the Chair of Tourism
Fiji, Dave Pieger, Starwood
Group managing director Fiji,
Shane Cunning, the Acting
CEO of AFL, Naushad Ali
and tourism industry leader
Tony Whitton of Rosie Holi-
days.
MINFO
Fijian Hosts associates seen with A-G Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. INSET: Winner
Joe Gray receives his appreciation certicate. Photos: MARGARET NAQIRI.
Who would have thought our mothers are not getting the
care and attention they need in the local hospitals similar to
that seen overseas.
After hearing a lot of complaints about how mothers, es-
pecially the younger ones are being treated in our local hos-
pital, one would really be thankful to the generous donation
with care from the Australian NGO, Pacic Smiles.
Founders and couple Josua and Sheree Rarasea are a rare
species as they are the few that go the extra mile to help
people in need without getting paid.
Being parents ourselves to four children, we want to help
the mothers here in Fiji and of course the children. We want
to give them the care they need, Sheree said.
Sheree also shared her experiences during their visit to the
Nadi Hospital Maternity Ward.
She said mothers back in Australia are treated to a suite
after giving birth, the rooms that are provided for them basi-
cally have everything they need.
When I see the mothers here come and give birth, my
heart really goes out to them and I want to help them in what-
ever way I can, she said.
Together with her husband, Josua Rarasea, they manage
the charitable organization and brought smiles to the moth-
ers at the maternity ward in Nadi Hospital after donating
more than twenty baby gift bags.
They registered the charity in April, 2011 after their visit
to Fiji, Josua and Sheree are determined to make a differ-
ence, as they have one clear goal in mind and that is to cre-
ate new opportunities for children in Fiji and throughout the
South Pacic Islands, to help them learn and develop.
With their actions, they have instilled within us the im-
portance of caring for our children as they are our leaders of
tomorrow.
Fiji born rapper, Sam Ratumaitavuki, famous for his stage
name Fortafy, was in the country for his music concert and
joined forces with Pacic Smiles.
A big vinaka vakalevu to Pacic Smiles for their effort
in offering generously to our mothers and children, showing
them the love and care they need.

JOSEPHINE NAVULA
Miles of smiles
in paradise
ADVERTISEMENT
LOCAL NEWS
Little Angel
needs help
By JOSEPHINE NAVULA
By JOSEPHINE
NAVULA
Nadi couple Alan and Ra-
chael Kumar is appealing to
the public for help after their
rst daughter was born with a
disability that has made it hard
for her to walk on her feet.
Emotional father, Alan Ku-
mar said he is very saddened
to see his two-year-old daugh-
ter, Angel Kumar in this con-
dition.
Angel was born with both
of her feet facing inwards
and up until now is unable
to walk. She has been diag-
nosed with Bilateral Resistant
CTEV which is an inversion
and severe plantar exion of
both her feet, he said.
Kumar said their daughter
is the rst in the family to be
facing this disability.
This is very rare in our
family as no one had ever
suffered from this, and my
daughter is the rst, he said.
Kumar also mentioned that
Angel is currently walking
and running around on her
knees.
All we want is for our dar-
ling daughter Angel to walk
normally like others. We will
truly appreciate any donation
that you can give, that will
help our daughter to become
one step closer to walking,
he pleaded.
Consultation Orthopedic
Surgeon Joeli Mareko of the
Lautoka Hospital in a letter
said the patient has been ex-
amined at the hospital and the
treatment was not successful.
The above patient had
been diagnosed with Congeni-
tal Talipies (CTEV Bilateral).
Severe grade was treated
through the ponsetti technique
at Lautoka Hospital Physio-
therapy department. The treat-
ment was not successful and
she still has gross deformity,
Dr Joeli Mareko states in the
letter.
The 31-years-old father
said they have received some
donations from people and
organizations, and hopes that
their daughter will get better.
The couple is trying to take
their daughter to Batra Hospi-
tal, New Delhi, India for treat-
ment in March.
Two-year-old Angel Kumar ponders about her future with parents Rachael and Alan at The
Jet newspaper ofce. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
Class eight students get professional advice on cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is prevent-
able out of all cancers but
unfortunately women are not
taking it seriously by going to
the nearest doctors and getting
themselves checked.
Those were the words of
Fiji National University As-
sociate Professor in obstetrics
and gynecology, Dr Swaran
Naidu, during her presenta-
tion at the Andrews Primary
School in Nadi recently.
Dr Naidu said women
should go and get frequent
checkups to prevent problems
from further developing into a
deadly stage.
In Fiji, women are not
having pap smears and people
are not using condoms to de-
crease the spread of virus to
each other and its quite a big
problem, she said.
Dr Swaran Naidu is a
prominent gure in the com-
munity and is well known for
her community work. She is
an Obstetrician and Gynae-
cologist who has mostly prac-
tised in Australia and spent
some time in New Zealand as
well.
Also a medical director at
Viseisei Sai Health Centre,
Dr Naidu said this is the rst
school where she had come to
talk about cervical cancer.
The response from the
students is very good, I could
tell that they were very eager
to learn, she said.
Class eight student Adi Li-
tiana Delai of Vanuso Village
in Gau, Lomaiviti said it was
really an educational session.
The session was really
good because I had really
learnt a lot about the sickness
that we young women can get,
if we dont take care of our-
selves, she said.
Dr Naidu and her medi-
cal team visited the school as
part of a community outreach
program and health awareness
campaign of Soroptimist In-
ternational Nadi chapter.
The NGO is a worldwide
network of professional wom-
en who are working hard to
make a difference in the so-
ciety.
SI Nadi chapter president
Zeaba Rahiman said the club
is also engaged in various
community initiatives at grass
roots level.
TOP: Students pay attention
to the presentation. LEFT:
Dr Swaran Naidu gets a
token of appreciation from
teachers. Photos:
JOSEPHINE NAVULA.
LOCAL NEWS
By JOSEPHINE NAVULA
By JOSEPHINE NAVULA
Pacic Smiles here to bring joy
Pacic Smiles brought joy
among the mothers at the Nadi
Hospital Maternity ward after
donating more than 20 gift
packs for their babies.
Founders of the Australian
charity organisation, Josua
and Sheree Rarasea have taken
on a big but worthwhile chal-
lenge by committing them-
selves to help the children in
the Pacic Islands.
Being parents ourselves to
four children, we want to help
the mothers here in Fiji and of
course the children. We want
to give them the care they
need, Sheree Rarasea said.
The couple registered the
charity NGO in April, 2011
after their visit to Fiji.
Josua and Sheree are deter-
mined to make a difference,
as they have one clear goal in
mind and that is to create new
opportunities for children in
Fiji and throughout the South
Pacic Islands, to help them
learn and develop.
We do this by distributing
much needed learning equip-
ment and essentials to villag-
es, orphanages and homes,
Sheree said.
Also part of the team was
Fiji born rapper, Sam Ratu-
maitavuki, famous for his
stage name, Fortafy and his
girlfriend Shana Evers.
Promise Smiles has also
made various donations to
needy organizations through-
out the country and has also
made many new friends along
their noble path of helping
those who need it the most.
The Pacic Smiles team with staff of Nadi Hospital on Monday, February 25. Photo: JOSEPHINE NAVULA.
Editorial comment on page 2.
Hundreds of villagers have
been treated so far as part of
a free dental clinic conducted
by doctors from USA in part-
nership with Fiji Dental and
Medical Foundation (a phil-
anthropic arm of Namotu Is-
land Blue Water Surf Resort)
at Solevu village in Malolo
Island recently.
Turaga na Tui Lawa, Ratu
Sevanaia Vatunitu, who also
got a full set of teeth done by
the medical team said the ser-
vices has been a great help to
the village.
The arrival of this medi-
cal team has been such a huge
blessing to the people of the
Visiting specialists do
wonders in the Mamanucas
village because now we dont
have to waste our money to
go right to Nadi and Lautoka,
when they are doing it here
with much greater services for
free, he said.
Speaking to The Jet, Dr
Greg Herd said they have
brought their own equipments
to serve the people of the vil-
lage.
We have brought a team
of four doctors and two hy-
gienists, with our own sup-
plies and equipments to treat
the people of this village for
tooth infection and dental dis-
ease, he said.
Herd said they are taking
down health histories of the
people being examined and
reporting back to mainland.
With the number of people
we have examined throughout
the four days, weve done ap-
proximately 1200 procedures
on them, he said.
Herd also said that this has
been an amazing experience
for him and the team, and they
are very thankful to the Fijian
Government.
We are very grateful to be
given the opportunity to come
to Fiji, he said.
Dental Hygienist, Denise
Silva, said they have been
preparing for this day with a
lot of effort.
It took us two years to
prepare for this as we did a lot
of fundraising, and generous
people from the United States
were happy to give to the Fiji-
ans, she said.
Silva said they have been
doing a lot of activities with
the school students in the vil-
lage.
We have done home care
education for the young stu-
dents on how to take care of
their teeth, she said.
With the weeklong den-
tal clinic now over, the team
plans to return next year with
a lot more specied doctors.
Namotu Island Resort Managing Director, Scott O'Connor (centre) is anked by Fiji
Dental and Medical Foundation volunteer Doctors (from left) Greg Herd, Mark Brown
and Denise Silva at the Solevu village Hall, where the clinic was conducted.
Photo: JOSEPHINE NAVULA.
DENARAU ISLAND NEWS
V8 trikes now in Fiji
By JOSEPHINE
NAVULA
Former Fiji 15s international Api Naevo on the wheels. Photo:
SHALENDRA PRASAD.
Tourists are now being
given a chance to tour around
Nadi in a much more extrava-
gant way, thanks to the new
and stylish v8 trikes chauf-
feurs.
Owner, Warren Wiki op-
erates a similar business in
New Zealand has now added
another tourist attraction to
Nadi - our tourism capital and
international gateway.
The trikes attract a lot of
attention and people are really
impressed by the product as it
is something that has not been
seen before. We are enjoying
seeing the tourists experienc-
ing Fiji in a different way.
The ofcial name for
these motorbikes is James D.
We had the business operat-
ing in New Zealand and while
here on holiday, we thought
it would be great to set it up
here, he said.
The idea of bringing about
these motorbikes that can ac-
commodate more than one
person has always been in
Wikis mind.
I have always had motor
bikes and wanted something
that was different and could
accommodate to a larger num-
ber of people. Not everyone
is keen to ride on a bike, but
these bikes feel a lot safer
and people are not so afraid
to give it a go. Plus they are
chauffeur driven, so you can
just relax, sit back and enjoy,
he said.
Wiki is currently operating
four of these v8 trikes chauf-
feurs in Nadi out of Denarau
Island.
Two of the bikes take four
passengers and the other two
take 2 passengers. We do a
number of tours, from a quick
trip to Nadi to whatever the
customer wants. We also do a
village tour and are looking at
different routes now, he said.
The 43-year-old from New
Zealand is happy about the
business in the country.
Business is good. It is a
little quiet at the moment due
to the season but we are still
managing to pick up business.
We have fantastic local staff
who look after our passengers
so well and show them real
Fijian hospitality, Wiki said.
Government keen to develop Denarau vicinity
By MARGARET NAQIRI
Government is keen on further developing areas around De-
narau Island Fijis hottest tourism destination with eight hotels
/ resorts and heaps of integrated tourism operations.
In an advertisement in one of the dailies, Director of Lands
& Survey, M. Tagicakibau has called for expressions of interest
to develop state tiri (mangrove) land at South East of Denarau.
The state tiri land is approximately nine hectares and is adja-
cent to the Denarau Island.
Interested parties, organizations, business entrepreneurs,
and individuals, with proven development records and nancial
capability are invited to undertake the development. All types of
development are permitted except industrial. The foreshore can
be inspected with the assistance of the Ministry of Lands and
Mineral Resources representative, the advertisement states.
The development to be undertaken in a concept plan are to
include and show beach front reserves, open spaces for active
and passive recreation activities, residential areas, commercial
and shopping centers, roads and public accesses, resorts, hotels
and motels, sea sports activities, over-water commercial or resi-
dential facilities, marinas and berthing facilities, sports complex
and greens, etc.
According to the advertisement, a ve year development
plan will be issued as the rst phase of the leasing process and
later followed by a 99-year term when the conditions of the de-
velopment lease are fully met at the ve-years period.
WESTIN DENARAU ISLAND RESORT & SPA
By IRENE EDWARDS
The Westin Denarau
Island Resort & Spa
re-opens for
business
The Westin Denarau Is-
land Resort & Spa Open
The Westin Denarau Is-
land Resort & Spa, located
on picturesque Denarau Is-
land and stylishly designed
to reect Fijis rich cultural
heritage and local style,
welcomed its rst guests of
2013 on Wednesday, Febru-
ary 6.
Opening a month ahead
of schedule the resort is
sparkling with a fresh
unique sense of renewal.
This achievement is being
credited to the amazing ef-
fort by management, associ-
ates and contractors.
Hotel manager Ravin-
der Dhesi and his team have
come together under im-
minence pressure and have
delivered beyond expecta-
tion with the resort looking
immaculate and refreshed,
said Shane Cunning, Man-
aging Director, Starwood
Hotels and Resorts, Fiji.
The temporary closure
has given the resort a chance
to enhance its features and
now not only looks good but
feels revitalized.
With a brand promise to
deliver Westin For a Bet-
ter You, the Resort aims to
continue to provide the high-
est standards of hospital-
ity and sanctuary one would
come to expect from a Wes-
tin Hotel.
Concurrent with the re-
opening of the hotel, The
Westin Denarau Resort &
Spa also launched a brand
new restaurant, Steakhouse
by Peter Kuruvita.
Having opened the award
winning Flying Fish in Syd-
ney in 2003, internationally
renowned chef and SBS TV
presenter, Peter joined the
Starwood family in 2008
with the opening of Flying
Fish Fiji at Sheraton Fiji Re-
sort.
Shane Cunning said that
Westin is delighted to be
able to partner with Peter
now on this new exciting
restaurant venture.
For more information
please contact the resort di-
rectly on +679 675 0000 or
email westin.ji@westin.
com.
Chief guest Tui Nadi Ratu Sailosi Dawai, centre,is anked by Westin manager Ravinder
Dhesi, left, and Starwood Resorts managing director Fiji Shane Cunning during the re-open-
ing ceremony. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
The rst couple (top) and second couple (bottom) arrive at the Westin Denarau Island Re-
sort & Spa on Wednesday, February 6 following the re-opening.
Photos: MARGARET NAQIRI.
ADVERTISEMENT
Westin Denarau Island Resort
and Spa re-opens in style
Westin Fiji has now re-opened after its temporary clo-
sure for more than a month after sustaining damages that
were caused by TC Evan in December last year.
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association President Dixon See-
to praised all the staffs of Westin Denarau Island Resort and
Spa for their hard work and sacrice.
The re-opening of the Westin Resort was important for
the association and the tourism industry as a whole. It is
one of the well recognized, high-class, ve-star resorts in
a prominent tourism destination such as Denarau Island,
he said.
Chief Guest at the re-opening ceremony of the resort, Tui
Nadi, Ratu Sailosi Dawai also spoke highly of the hotel and
shared fond memories of the time when he used to work at
the resort.
It is an honor to be given the chance to re-open the Wes-
tin. It was the rst hotel on Denarau Island, used to be called
the Regent, and then it changed to Sheraton Royale and now
Westin.
Yet it still remains the corner stone for the people. In the
early days of working on Denarau Island, we experienced
Cyclone Oscar in 1983 where Regent Fiji was badly hit and
was closed for renovation, he said.
At that time staffs were to be laid off, sent off or had
shortened working hours but we were resilient in building
their lives, Ratu Dawai said.
Westin is owned by Starwood Hotels and Resorts world-
wide Inc, that also owns more than 180 hotels and resorts in
over 36 countries.
The resort started accommodating guest straight after it
re-opened for business.
By JOSEPHINE NAVULA
Staff members at the re-opening ceremony.
Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
Resort manager Ravinder Dhesi, third from right, with his senior team. Mr Dhesi threw a party for all in-house guests
two-days after the ofcial re-opening ceremony as a gesture of appreciation. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
Steakhouse by Peter Kuruvita!
This is the newest attraction at the Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa. INSET: Staff at the
restaurant. Photos: MARGARET NAQIRI.
About The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa
Ideally situated on picturesque Denarau Island, 20 minutes from Nadi International Airport, the
resort is stylishly designed to reect Fijis rich cultural heritage and local style.
It is further complemented with the nest resort facilities including the award winning Heavenly
Spa Fiji, and the added benets of our integrated ve star resort facilities at the adjacent Sheraton
Denarau Villas and Sheraton Fiji Resort, including six swimming pools, a choice of 17 restaurants
and bars, tennis courts, resort golf course, lawn bowls and an array of exciting water sports.
Guests enjoy entertainment at the resort. Photos:
MARGARET NAQIRI.
NADI TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
Council and
chamber work as
a team
Board members of the
Nadi Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (NCCI) met with
the special administrator of
Nadi Town Council Aisea Tu-
idraki on Tuesday, February 5
to discuss a range of issues for
the benet of the township.
Some of the major issues
discussed included the mini
bus operators who park il-
legally in busy spots which
affect business during busy
hours, drainage issues and the
problem of touts scaring tour-
ists away from the town.
Mr Tuidraki has assured
members of NCCI that coun-
cil will be working closely
with the chamber to address
all issues.
A classic example of the
Sigatoka Town Council was
People wishing to visit or
carry out business in Nadi
have every reason to be
happy.
The Nadi Town Council
now has a website www.na-
ditowncouncil.com.fj which
is full of information about
the township and also pro-
vides links to other impor-
tant agencies such as Invest-
ment Fiji and the national
weather ofce.
NTC special administra-
tor Aisea Tuidraki said the
council needs to embrace
new technology in order to
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
given whereby the council
there is taking a proactive ap-
proach in all such matters now
affecting Nadi as well.
NCCI board member
Commander Koroilavesau
said tourists from the visit-
ing cruise ships berthing off
Nadi Bay are chartered away
to other places than to Nadi
town because of the touting
problems.
We should get these shops
which are encouraging touting
to become part of the chamber
as members so that we can im-
plement some rules on them
and tell them not to encourage
such activities, Commander
Semi said.
Chamber president Dr
Ram Raju said there should
be regular meetings between
the council and the chamber
so that both the organizations
work as a team for the better-
ment of Nadi.
Nadi Town Council special administrator Aisea Tuidraki, right, together with minister for defence, home affairs and immi-
gration Joketani Cokanasiga and divisional police commander west SSP Jope Ralulu listen to views expressed by Babu
Bhai Chawda, general manager of Jacks of Fiji during the meeting at the Jack of Fiji training room. Photo: SHALENDRA
PRASAD.
Defence minister visits stakeholders
Minister for defence,
home affairs and immigra-
tion Joketani Cokanasiga was
in Nadi on Thursday, Febru-
ary 14 to meet various stake-
holders as part of his tour of
the western division with the
commissioner of police Brig-
adier General Ioane Naival-
urua and his team.
The honorable minister
met with the board members
of the Nadi Chamber of Com-
merce and Industry (NCCI) at
the Jacks of Fiji training room
to discuss matters of impor-
tance.
Special administrator of
the Nadi Town Council Ai-
sea Tuidraki was also present
at the meeting and gave the
minister a brief report on the
current situation in Nadi.
NCCI president Dr Ram
Raju raised several issues in
regards to security in Nadi.
As we speak touting con-
tinues to be a major problem
in the township and some of
those involved in the act are
unfortunately our members so
we will need to talk to them
to x the problem, Dr Raju
said.
Dr Raju also commended
the Nadi Town Council for
taking a tough approach to-
wards businesses which sup-
port touting referring to a
recent newspaper advertise-
ment in which the council has
warned everyone involved in
touting to immediately stop
harassing visitors to the town
or face the full brunt of the
law.
Minister Cokanasiga as-
sured the stakeholders of full
commitment from govern-
ment.
We are here to listen to
your grievances and put in
place measures to address the
problems, Mr Cokanasiga
said.
Commissioner of police
Brigadier General Ioane Na-
ivalurua maintained that Nadi
is the safest tourism destina-
tion in the region and there is
no shortage of manpower in
his force.
We have adequate of-
cers on the ground in Nadi. I
agree that there may be some
resource constraints which we
are addressing via our next
budget submission to govern-
ment, Brigadier General Na-
ivalurua said.
He is also urging all busi-
ness houses in the area to
secure their properties with
CCTV surveillance cameras.
The problems in Nadi are
homegrown and only the peo-
ple of Nadi can solve them. I
urge all business houses to see
CCTV cameras as an invest-
ment and not as an expense.
We also need to have cam-
eras on the entry points of the
town and in the mid of town
as well as this will allow of-
cers to monitor movements
from the station all the time.
The police commissioner
also noted that the proposed
tourism zone from the Mc-
Donalds junction to Votualevu
round-about which allows
for 24-hours of operation by
night club owners is now be-
ing heavily misused by locals
even though the idea was for
tourists to take advantage of
such an initiative.
Raju said the chamber will
be writing to the government
to remove all duty charges on
the importation of CCTV sur-
veillance cameras and other
related products so that every-
one is encouraged to invest in
them.
Council goes online
Minister for local govern-
ment Colonel Samuela
Saumatua, left, shares a
light moment with Gyan Deo
and Taukei Navo Ratu Meli
Saukuru during the website
launch. Photo: MARGARET
NAQIRI.
connect with its ratepayers,
visitors and potential inves-
tors.
ADVERTISEMENT
EDUCATION
Aiming for
Excellence: USP
launches its new
Strategic Plan
2013 - 2018
The University of the South Pacic launched its new Strate-
gic Plan for 2013-2018. The six-year Plan was launched by the
USP Chancellor, Ulu-o-Tokelau, His Excellency Aliki Faipule
Kerisiano Kalolo, at the Universitys Laucala Campus in Suva
on 25 February, 2013.
The new Strategic Plan was approved by the USP Council
in its last meeting in November last year. It builds on the suc-
cesses of the previous Strategic Plan 2010-2012, taking forward
its six priority areas - Learning and Teaching; Student Support;
Research and Internationalization; Regional and Community
Engagement; Our People; and Governance, Management, Lead-
ership, and Continuous Improvement - and adding another, In-
formation and Communication Technologies (ICT).
Under the new Plan, the University will focus on its peo-
ple, quality, regional campuses, postgraduate studies, research,
global leadership in areas such as Pacic Arts, Climate Change
and Oceans, entrepreneurialism, and being a regional exemplar.
Describing it as an inclusive blueprint for expansion and
improvement leading to USPs 50th anniversary in 2018, the
Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chan-
dra pointed out that a key element in the success of any Strategic
Plan is the process by which it is conceived and developed.
He stated that the new Strategic Plan was developed in con-
sultation with member countries and stakeholders, including
staff, students, development partners and regional agencies.
This Plan is therefore very consultative and inclusive, and
this should make it a successful one because of its sense of own-
ership and inclusion, he added.
Given the success of the previous Strategic Plan, Professor
Chandra said there was an opportunity to think bigger, be more
ambitious and innovative that resulted in the new Plan to have
a stronger, more unifying vision that relates closely to the needs
and aspirations of the region.
The over-riding theme of the new Strategic Plan 2013-2018
is transforming USP from good to excellent. The University is
expected to spend around $241 million on implementing the
new Plan.
Being good is not good enough in a highly competitive,
open, and knowledge-intensive world. We need to lift our vision
and stretch our performance, and obtain global recognition in
selected elds and a reputation of competence and excellence in
everything we do, explained the Vice-Chancellor.
Moving forward, Professor Chandra is condent that the
University will be able to achieve its vision of excellence, great-
er regionality, greater and more impactful research, and greater
entrepreneurship that has been outlined in the new Plan.
In introducing the Chief Guest, H.E. Aliki Kalolo, the Pro-
Chancellor and Chair of the USP Council, Ikbal Jannif, thanked
him for his strong support to the University. Mr Jannif also ac-
knowledged Fiji, as one of the member countries for hosting
USPs headquarters. He said that Fiji, together with other mem-
ber countries of USP, have collectively supported the University
for over four decades.
Speaking at the launch, H.E. Aliki Kalolo said, I am ex-
cited and condent in the fact that this Plan will grow excellence
across this institution, creating by 2018, a university that pro-
duces the right type of highly skilled graduates for this region,
a university that provides an excellent foundation for leader-
ship, a university that identies and then creatively addresses
development challenges, and a university of which we all can
be genuinely proud.
The USP Chancellor stated that the new Strategic Plan is a
robust, well-thought out and realistic blueprint for expansion
and improvement, which will contribute to USPs on-going suc-
cess.
By 2018, USP is expected to grow in size of about a project-
ed 33,000 students, many of whom will be at the postgraduate
level. The University will have more member countries and will
boast of regional campuses that are as high-quality, modern, and
well-equipped as its agship campus at Laucala, Suva.
The Strategic Plan 2013-2018 calls for a strengthening of
the regional identity of the University, and for substantial im-
provements to the regional campuses. Better facilities and more
services at the regional campuses will support increased enrol-
ments, and will improve both the student experience and learn-
ing outcomes. We will also be able to hold more signicant
events and meetings at the regional campuses. They will be-
come a visible and active part of USP, H.E. Aliki Kalolo said.
Those present were told that at the operational level, the new
Strategic Plan will further unite the Universitys diverse and
numerous workforce behind a common goal of excellence as
an institution by 2018, whereas at the institutional level, it will
enhance institutional accountability, as members and develop-
ment partners understand exactly how their funds will be used in
the short-term and to which long-term purposes they contribute.
In launching the document, H.E. Aliki Kalolo reiterated that
the new Strategic Plan is not only USPs plan for growth and
development for the next six years, but it has important rami-
cations for all of USPs member countries.
Its success will be shared and felt throughout the region, in
better qualied and prepared human resources, in more readily
applicable research, and in increased useful dialogue on region-
al issues and policy-making, he further stated.
The launch was attended by the President of the Republic
of Fiji, H.E. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, members of the diplomatic
corps, heads and representatives of CROP agencies and interna-
tional organizations, senior government ofcials, school princi-
pals, members of the USP Council and the Universitys Senior
Management Team, staff members, media and other guests.
PRESS RELEASE
Two schools got a better
start to the school year, thanks
to refurbished PCs from West-
pac.
Yawe District School in
Kadavu and Bau Primary
School on the chiey island of
Bau received two and ve PCs
respectively.
Under the Banks com-
munity assistance program,
refurbished PCs from the
branch network are donated to
communities who wish to use
them.
Mr Tuimasi Tubananitu of
Yawe who received the PCs
for Yawe District School was
overjoyed with the donation.
Mr Tubananitu was in Suva to
drop off his two children who
had graduated from Yawe Dis-
trict School and were this year
attending high school in Suva.
I am very grateful for
Westpac donates computers
these PCs, our 93 students and
teachers will make very good
use of them, said Mr Tuba-
nanitu.
Westpacs Head of Retail,
sales and Service, Mr Nirosh
Weerasinghe, said, We are
delighted that the schools are
keen to use the PCs and are
happy to assist.
Staff of Bau Primary, Molly Hughes, Westpac's GM Adrian Hughes and Westpac's Manager
Credit, Jone Vuli. Photo:SUPPLIED.
PRESS RELEASE
EDUCATION
UniFiji is happy to an-
nounce and welcome the new
Registrar Pandit Kamlesh
Arya Arya Ratna who took
ofce with effect from 3 De-
cember 2012.
He succeeds Mr. Tito Isala
who had completed the con-
tract.
Pandit Arya hails from the
Friendly North and joins the
University with a variety of
important experiences.
He began his career as a
school teacher, became a full
time trade unionist, entered
New registrar at Uni Fiji
Hogan joins Uni Fiji
Bank promotes saving
Parliament and has served
Fiji as its High Commission-
er to Australia. He has also
served Fiji Education Forum
for many years and highly re-
spected within the education
sector.
He is an educationist to the
core. He is regarded as one of
the three architects of UniFiji.
It was during his Presidency
of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha
of Fiji that the concept of a
University was revisited and
the decision taken in 1956 was
realized.
Prior to being appointed
as the Registrar Pandit Arya
has served the University
as Chair of the Council ap-
pointed Physical Planning and
Development Committee and
Finance Committee and was
one of the Foundation Mem-
bers of the University Council
until his appointment as the
Registrar.
He is a Graduate of USP.
His down to earth person-
ality brings greater hope to the
University.
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
Pandit Kamlesh Arya.
Photo: SUPPLIED.
Westpacs Lautoka Banking Centre Rewards Its First Customers
From left are branch manager Amitesh Singh,
parent Mareta Mario , Westpac head of market-
ing Nirmala Nambiar, winner Lucieann Tupua
and Westpac retail area ,manager west Harry
Solomon. Photo: JANINE PENJUELI.
Westpacs Retail Area
Manager West, Mr Harry
Solomon drew the lucky win-
ner of the Lautoka Personal
Banking Centres new ac-
count draw on Monday, Feb-
ruary 25.
Opened on January 24, the
Personal Banking Centre lo-
cated at the Challenge Plaza,
had a special draw for custom-
ers who opened their accounts
in the rst month of the cen-
tres operations.
With ve draws of $100
deposited direct into winners
accounts during the month, to-
days draw was the nal with
the winner receiving a deposit
of $500.
The lucky winner was
class ve student Lucianne
Tupua of St Thomas Primary
School in Lautoka. An ex-
cited Lucianne visited the
Personal Banking Centre with
her mother Ms Mareta Mario
to celebrate her win with a
morning tea with staff and the
media.
Ms Mario said Lucianne
was disappointed, after they
had tried opening her ac-
count with another bank ear-
lier in the year, so to keep her
daughter happy, she took her
to Westpacs new Personal
Banking Centre to see if they
could open her account.
Im glad we did go to
Westpac, they opened Luci-
annes account the same day
and now winning this $500, is
great, said Ms Mario.
The Personal Banking
Centre in Lautoka has ten
dedicated staff who cater for
all customers personal bank-
ing needs including new ac-
counts, personal loan and
home loan queries and appli-
cation, credit cards and inter-
national transactions.
The University of Fiji an-
nounces the appointment of
Professor Robert Hogan to
its Department of Education.
He is developing an innova-
tive hybrid doctoral program
in Educational Leadership.
Hybrid learning combines
face-to-face and online teach-
ing to make higher education
more accessible and afford-
able. It also shortens the time
to graduate.
Dr. Hogan brings to this
position years of experience
in teaching and curriculum
development throughout Oce-
ania and the United States.
Prior to joining the University
of Fiji, he was a doctoral chair
at Walden University. He has
also taught at the University
of Phoenix, the University of
the South Pacic, and Nova
University. Dr. Hogan earned
his bachelors and MS de-
grees at New York University,
and his doctorate at the Uni-
versity of Central Florida.
Special features of the
new University of Fiji doc-
toral degree include a stu-
dent-centered approach and
small classes. Teaching will
be highly interactive and will
incorporate mobile learning.
This student-centered theme
will ow through all courses,
as will techniques to improve
classroom quality through in-
novative technology.
Dr. Hogan was a featured
speaker at last Octobers 19th
Annual Sloan International
Conference on Online Learn-
ing where he discussed grow-
ing competition from foreign
online universities in the
Pacic. Recent publications
include Increasing Access to
Education across Oceania,
and eLearning, a Survival
Strategy for Developing
Countries. His text Trans-
national Distance Learning
and Building New Markets
for Universities (IGI-Global,
2012) has received accolades
from the academic communi-
ty. Dr. Hogans email address
is roberth@uniji.ac.fj
Professor Robert Hogan.
Photo: SUPPLIED.
ADVERTISEMENT
EDUCATION
Prefect induction ceremony at Andrews Primary School. Photo: JOSEPHINE NAVULA.
Young leaders...Prefects of Nadi Sangam Primary School during their induction ceremony. Photo: JOSEPHINE NAVULA.
SSKMC head boy Akshay Kumar and head girl Muni Sarojani Gounder.
Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
EDUCATION
New computers
for special school
Nadi, February 7, 2013.
Children of Nadi Centre for
Special Education (NCSE)
were beaming with joy fol-
lowing a timely donation
of two personal computers
by the management of Fiji
Beach Resort & Spa man-
aged by Hilton recently.
The school which has roll
of 107 students is playing
a pivotal role in educating
children with disabilities and
the donation by the resort
will effectively help with the
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
By JOSEPHINE NAVULA
school operations.
While handing over the
computers, Hilton general
manager Frederic Lebegue
said the resort has formed a
long term relationship with
the special school and the
donation is not just a one off
initiative.
We have been coming
to the school every year and
during special occasions our
staff members are here to
spend time with the kids and
also provide lunch during
the day, Mr Lebegue said.
Mr Lebegue said the re-
sort is also involved with the
Foundation for Education
of Needy Children (FENC)
in assisting kids for their
school fees and essentials.
NCSE head teacher Saran
Deo saluted the manage-
ment of Hilton Resort for
their continued assistance
and said the school looks
forward to more donations
and help in the future.
The management and staff of Fiji Beach Resort and Spa pose with students and teachers of the Nadi Centre for Special
Education following the donation of two computers. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
The management and staff of Fiji Beach Resort and Spa pose with students and teachers
during the hand-over at their newly commissioned Kids club at Hilton Resort in Denarau
Island. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
THREE Nadi school stu-
dents hearts were lifted af-
ter the kind donation of their
school fees from Fiji Beach
Resort & Spa, Managed by
Hilton with the assistance of
Foundation for Education of
needy Children (FENC) Fiji
at the resorts Kids club.
Presenting the school fees,
Fiji Beach Resort & Spa,
Managed by Hilton, General
Manager, Frederick Lebegue
said they are glad to be giving
back to the community.
With the help of FENC
Fiji, weve identied some
families who need support
in terms of school work, and
weve come to a conclusion
to pay school fees for the stu-
dents, he said.
Lebegue also mentions
Hilton donates school fees via FENC
that the resort have been giv-
ing back to the community for
numerous years.
He said they recently do-
nated two computers to the
Nadi Special School, and
plans to continue giving to
the community in the coming
years.
We are planning to make
some more donations to the
community, he said.
Nadi Colleges form four
student, Mereseini Lisikima-
tuku could not express how
happy she was about todays
function.
I am very happy about this
donation as it will really help
my family in a lot of ways,
she said.
The 15-year-old girl from
Gau, is the second youngest
of four siblings and lives with
her parents in Korociri, Nadi.
Her father, Rupeni Vakacegu,
is the only bread winner of
the family, while her mother,
Alena Vakacegu stays at home
and looks after the family.
Sharing similar sentiments,
form ve student of Nadi
Sanagam SKM College, Alex
Shivneel, saw it as a major
help to his family, since his
father had passed away long
time ago and his elder sister
is now the only one providing
for the family.
My father had passed
away with heart attack when
I was a very young boy and
now I only live with my sis-
ter and mother, I am so glad
to be one of the students to be
helped by Hilton and FENC
Fiji, he said.
There were three students
selected for this donation and
a student from Andrews Pri-
mary School was not present
at the occasion.
TOURISM
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
Tourism awards a huge success
D
enarau was a hive
of activity on Fri-
day, February 22
as the 16th AON Fiji Excel-
lence in Tourism Awards rec-
ognized individuals and op-
erators who did exceptionally
well in their respective elds
last year.
While addressing guests
and participants, tourism
minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khai-
yum said government is fully
committed towards the tour-
ism industry and this could
be seen with the introduction
of new strategies such as the
rebranding of Tourism Fiji
with a new logo and slogan
Where happiness nds you,
a new website with numer-
ous additional features and
unprecedented infrastructure
development.
The Bainimarama gov-
ernment has committed $23.5
million for tourism market-
ing for the past four-years in
a row and this has never been
done before in the history of
Fiji, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum
said.
He said while all the de-
velopment work is important,
what sets Fiji apart from oth-
ers is the warmth of the Fijian
people.
We can have the best air-
ports, roads and properties,
but if we do not invest in our
people, all this will be of no
signicance.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum has
urged operators to invest in
human resources as govern-
ment is also doing its part by
setting aside millions of dol-
lars in training via the Fiji Na-
tional University.
Meanwhile, a total of 15
awards were given out during
the function at Sotel Fiji Re-
sort & Spa as follows:-
Fijian Host of the
year Joe Gray, Customer
Services Manager, Airports
Fiji Limited
Front liner Eroni
Bole, Rosie Holidays
Tourism Sustain-
ability Kula Eco Park
Incentive Events
Rosie Holidays
Fiji Experience
Koro Sun Resort Raintree
Spa
Restaurants & Din-
ing (Quality & Value) Antoi-
nettes, Nadi Bay Resort Hotel
Restaurants & Din-
ing (Fine Dining) Ivi, Out-
rigger on the Lagoon
Accommodat i on
Budget Manta Ray Resort
Accommodat i on
Quality Malolo Island Re-
sort
Accommodat i on
Deluxe Outrigger on the La-
goon
Accommodat i on
Unique Royal Davui
Accommodat i on
Luxury Likuliku
Marketing Rosie
Holidays
Marketing (Special
Commendation) Lance See-
to
Lifetime Achievers
Lorraine & Dave Evans
Visionary Tony
Whitton
Winners pose for a group photo with tourism minister
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Photos: JOSEPHINE NAVULA.
From left are attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum,
Lorraine Evans, Errol Fifer and Dave Evans. The Evans
won a lifetime achievers award.
Rosie Holidays boss Tony Whitton, right, collects his
visionary award from Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
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LOCAL NEWS
From left are Ramakrishna Mission Fiji president Swami Aparoksha Nanda, Rotary Club of Lautoka president Rick Eyre,
Rotary Club of Nadi president Krupesh Patel with management staff of BSP during the handover of cheques at BSP Na-
maka Corporate ofce. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
BSP makes big
contribution to
cyclone victims
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
Non-governmental organi-
zations working at grass-root
levels in the western division
received a major boost fol-
lowing a timely donation from
BSP recently.
Well-known for its philan-
thropic approach towards the
community, the senior man-
agement of BSP based at the
Namaka corporate ofce in
Nadi handed over a total of
$15,000, that is $5,000 each to
three different NGOs namely
the Rotary Club of Nadi, Ro-
tary Club of Lautoka and the
Ramakrishna Mission Fiji re-
spectively.
This donation has taken
BSPs contribution towards
cyclone Evan to a total of
$100,000 according to Curtis
Mar, BSPs head of corporate
and commercial in the west-
ern division.
Speaking at the handing
over function, Mr Mar said
BSP continues to invest heav-
ily into the community and is
happy to partner with humani-
tarian and non-governmental
organizations which provide
timely assistance to those af-
fected during natural disas-
ters.
Your organizations al-
ready have all the mecha-
nisms in place to reach out to
those affected the most dur-
ing natural disasters, and we
are happy to be working with
you all to make a difference as
BSP has always been a com-
munity based bank, Mr Mar
said.
He said the bank staff had
previously tried to provide as-
sistance themselves and a no-
table experience was during
the two oods last year but
they found it very difcult to
reach out to the affected peo-
ple effectively.
We have decided to leave
the distribution of assistance
to the experts as your people
are already on the ground,
Mr Mar added.
Sharing similar sentiments,
BSPs regional manager west
Viliame Varasikete said the
bank is also involved in com-
munity projects every year.
We have six branches in
the west and each branch has
been allocated $10,000 annu-
ally to carry out community
projects and we request you
all to identify worthy projects
which could be assisted under
this initiative, Mr Varasikete
said.
He said apart from just giv-
ing out the money for such
projects, the interesting part
was the personal involvement
of management and staff in
carrying out works for such
worthy causes.
While thanking the man-
agement of BSP, Ramakrishna
Mission Fiji president Swami
Aparoksha Nanda said the
money given will be well used
to assist those who have been
badly affected during cyclone
Evan and are nding it hard to
get back on their feet.
Rotary Lautoka president
Rick Eyre saluted the bank for
their continued assistance to
the community during hard-
ships.
BSP has been a silent
partner in a lot of our commu-
nity work and we deeply thank
them for the assistance, Mr
Eyre said.
He also acknowledged the
support received from Mr
Curtis Mar in his personal ca-
pacity during the height of the
oods last year.
Rotary Club of Nadi presi-
dent Krupesh Patel thanked
the bank for the timely assis-
tance and said the money will
be used for the educational
needs of students who are still
nding it hard to go back to
school because of the dam-
age and loss of family income
caused by the cyclone in De-
cember last year.
US AID launches clean energy training program
United States Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and
Tuvalu, Frankie A. Reed, Fijis Permanent Secretary for Works,
Transport and Public Utilities, Commander Francis Kean and
University of the South Pacic (USP) Vice Chancellor and
President, Professor Rajesh Chandra, led the inaugural event
for a training program supported by the U.S. Government that
will promote clean energy in the Pacic Islands on February 12.
The United States Agency for International Development
(USAID), in partnership with the Arizona State University
(ASU), is implementing the Vocational Training and Education
for Clean Energy (VOCTEC) Program to help improve the sus-
tainability of renewable energy investments and infrastructure
in the Pacic region by increasing local awareness, knowledge
and capacity in clean energy.
We are pleased to support this important program which
will harness U.S. expertise to help Pacic Island nations sustain
solar energy investments and make them accessible and useful
to communities in the region, said Ambassador Reed in her
opening remarks.
VOCTEC, in partnership with USP, is implementing a two-
year solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity-building program cus-
tomized for the Pacic Islands to support the sustainability of
off-grid solar energy installations and help in the reduction of
carbon emissions. Solar PV panels are widespread throughout
the Pacic region and are the most appropriate technology to
replace dependence on imported petroleum products.
Fifteen participants, including three women, from Fiji, Ton-
ga, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands nished the two-week train-
ing for instructors on February 15. The training focused on the
design, installation, operation and maintenance of stand-alone
solar PV power systems. Ambassador Reed, PS Francis Kean
and Vice Chancellor Chandra visited the VOCTEC training hub
at USP and talked with participants before the start of the inau-
gural event.
Aside from setting up its training hub at USP, VOCTEC will
also establish training programs in collaboration with universi-
ties and technical and vocational education institutions through-
out the region.ASUs engineering faculty members, headed by
Dr. G. Tamizhmani, a industry leader in the solar VP eld, de-
veloped the training materials and syllabus.
ASU is pleased to support the advancement of clean energy
in the Pacic Islands, said Anshuman Razdan, professor and
associate dean at ASUs College of Technology and Innovation.
With the support of USAID and USP, we can help build local
capacity that will strengthen the sustainability of renewable en-
ergy investments in the Pacic Islands.
PRESS RELEASE
MOTORING
LOCAL NEWS
Floods return to haunt us!
Nadi sweet vendors and
taxi drivers continued their
business operations despite
the ash oods in town on
Thursday, February 21.
45-year-old Khasmir Singh
who has been operating his
sweets business for the past
ve-years, says that the ood
is an issue but he is more
concerned about provid-
ing for his family and bad
weather cannot change his
will to carry on.
This is my bread and butter
for the family, and this rainy
season is really affecting us
since we are paying for the
rent to come and sell here,
and now its ooding, he
said.
Meanwhile, 61-year-old taxi
driver, Mohammed Hussein
said its difcult to deal with
customers during this kind
of weather.
Vendors and taxi drivers continue business despite rise in water level
By JOSEPHINE NAVULA
Its really hard to oper-
ate the business during this
weather, when the custom-
ers want us to take them to a
place where its ooded, and
its hard to explain to them.
When its raining, the busi-
ness goes down and because
of the trafc jam and ooded
areas, we are stuck, he said.
Nadi experienced high lev-
els of water in the river a
night before due to heavy
downpour in the upper
catchment areas of the Nadi
water basin.
However, the ash oods
receded late Thursday while
heavy rain continued to pelt
the jet-set town.
Ironically, neighboring Lau-
toka city which has no big
rivers adjacent to the CBD
experienced major ash
oods with numerous busi-
ness houses affected due to
clogged drains as a result of
cyclone Evan in December.
Sweet sellers at the Nadi Bus Stand try to beat the ash oods by staying open for busi-
ness. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
The Jet editor Josephine
Navula talks to Taxi
operator Mohammed
Hussein.
Photo: MARGARET
NAQIRI.
ENTERTAINMENT
First
public
screening
of 3G in
the world
by Masti
MASTI Arts & Dance Group in partnership with FBC and
Mirchi FM is doing it once again. And this time its going
to be bigger and better to the delight of the people of Suva.
MASTI, the creative arts youth group, who hosted the
premiere of Table No. 21 earlier this year, is once again
bringing for public screening the premiere of 3G, the second
Bollywood lm to be releasing lmed in Fiji under the Fiji
Governments Film Tax Incentive.
3G, starring Bollywood heartthrob Neil Nitin Mukesh
and the gorgeous Sonal Chauhan, is a horror movie produced
by the same production company that made Table No. 21,
Next Gen Films.
And to the delight of Suva, patrons get to be the rst in
the world to see this movie at Village 6 Cinemas on Thurs-
day March 14th, a day earlier then its worldwide release and
enjoy a lavish cocktail of food, drinks and exclusive enter-
tainment by MASTI with a chance to win prizes and lucky
giveaways.
Livyanna Valentine, Executive Coordinator of MASTI
conrms they had the permission from Eros International
once again to hold this public premiere.
After the success of our last event, we have got tremen-
dous support this time around to hold this mega event and
we cant be thankful enough to all our sponsors, says Ms
Valentine.
Sponsors supporting MASTI to bring this exclusive event
for the people of Suva include FBC, Mirchi FM, Radio Fiji
2, Fiji Suns Garam Masala, ProdeSigns, Skaffworks, Su-
perdrug Pharmacy, McDonalds, Williams & Goslings, FMF,
Fiji Water, Pure Fiji, Tuckers Ice Cream, Golden Harvest,
Vitafresh, Tappoos, Nikhaar Events Ltd, Skitz Pro Sounds,
Aspire Network & Photobure Photography.
Tickets are limited and is sure to sell out so we urge the
public to book their seats now to avoid disappointment urg-
es Ms Valentine.
Tickets are priced at $12, $18 and VIP $25 and will be
released for public sale by next week. To reserve tickets pa-
trons can contact MASTI on 9228216 or visit www.masti-
arts.com.
If you loved to be loved in return then you never were in
love...but then its hard to come across anyone who can do
sincere and seless love....where you can be happy knowing
whom you love is happy with someone else....love should
not be a comparison of how much you can love someone
more then someone else...nor should ...love is not about jeal-
ousy and anger and hurt but patience, tolerance and under-
standing...
Sonal Chauhan and Neil Nitin Mukesh in a still from 3G
shot in Fiji. Photo: GOOGLE.
Working behind the scenes...Eros Pacic director Jack Raniga,
left, and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum are two key people
responsible for bringing Bollywood to our shores. The two are seen
having a conversation in 2011 well before production work started in
the country. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
PRESS RELEASE
ENTERTAINMENT
Director Ram Gopal Varma, left, with actor Nana Patekar. Photo: GOOGLE.
The Attacks of 26/11 is an upcoming hindi crime-thriller lm, based on the 2008
Mumbai attacks. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, the lm is slated to have a
worldwide release on 1 March 2013.The lms stars Sanjeev Jaiswal who plays the
role of terrorist Ajmal Kasab, with art direction by Uday Singh. A seven minute
promo of the lm was released over internet on 23 November 2012.The rst look
of the lm was revealed on January 17, 2013.The Central Board of Film Certi-
cation (CBFC) passed the lm, uncut, with an 'Adults Only' certicate.
This was not just
another lm for me:
Nana Patekar
MOST actors choose to stay far away from the madding crowd while get-
ting candid about their lms and personal life.
In a distinctly pleasant mood, Nana Patekar chats with Santabanta about
being inspired by super cop Rakesh Maria in Ram Gopal Varmas upcoming
lm on the Mumbai terror attacks and wanting to do something different as
an actor.
How did you react to the Mumbai terror attacks?
If we are sitting here and then there is an attack, how do you think that it can
be handled? Look at Mumbais population and the cop to citizen ratio. Also
people, irrespective of what religion they belong to, must share a strong bond
with each other and only then can such terrorist attacks be averted.
How different was witnessing the attacks on TV and acting in a lm?
This was not just another lm for me. It was a huge responsibility playing
my character (based on Rakesh Maria) as it carried a lot of weight and respon-
sibility to play the role of a man who had defended Mumbai from the attackers.
The lms based on a tragedy. Was the mood on the sets too sombre?
This is not an incident that we can remember and be happy about. Similarly
there is nothing in the lm that you will be jolly about. There are no songs and
dances that will entertain you. And that is one reason why I am part of this lm.
Rakesh Maria is your friend
And so are most of the cops. I always maintain a good rapport and relation-
ship with the cops because it is good for us (winks). But on whether I am try-
ing to talk like him, walk like him, it is not how I did it. I merely adopted the
attitude that he has.
Is it one of your most challenging roles ever?
If there is a role that is tough, one nds it all the more challenging. Working
in a lm like Welcome was not as tough as working in a lm like this. I had
absolutely no responsibility playing my character in Welcome, but here I did
have one.
www.reviewofreligion.org
www.mta.tv
www.askislam.org
www.muslimsforpeace.org
Fax: 3370471 Ph: 3382221
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Celebrates Seeratun Nabi
Email: amjji@hotmail.com
Log on to Our
International
Website
www.alislam.org
www.islamicfaq.org
Afliated
Websites:
If You Have Any Questions About:
The Holy Prophet (pbuh)
Signs and Prophecies of the Promised One
The Advent of The Promised Messiah (as)
Death of Jesus (as)
Islam and Ahmadiyyat or any other religious or general knowl-
edge questions
You Can Contact Us Via Email or Phone:
82 Ratu Mara Road, Samabula Suva
Jalsa Seerat-un-Nabi is
held every year for various
reasons;
These gatherings are not
meant to celebrate the birth of
the Holy Prophet. This is not
an ordinary religious event,
but rather, it is an educational
event. It is held every year to
spread awareness, familiarize
people and educate Muslims
and non-Muslims alike on
the life of the Holy Prophet
Muhammad. It is held to ac-
quaint people with the Holy
Prophets grandeur and status.
Our intention with this
Jalsa is to present the char-
acter of the holy prophet be-
fore our fellow brothers and
sisters regardless of their
religious belief. To tell the
whole world about his beau-
tiful and exemplary qualities
that was Gods gift to him.
This is a day, on which the
world will become aware of
the life of the Holy Prophet
and his most beautiful quali-
ties. Also everyone, young
and old will become aware
of the great favours that
God shown to the mankind
through the Holy Prophet.
It is very unfortunate that a
minority of the people whose
hearts are perverted raise ob-
jections and false allegations
to tarnish the honor of our
master Holy prophet [May
Peace be upon him]. This
Jalsa will be a challenge to all
those wrongdoers. We will tell
them that we have stood up
to suppress the evils of these
evildoers and to help the large
number of well-mannered
people, so that peace may
be established in the nation.
It is futile to raise objec-
tions on our prophet. This
only increases our love for
the Holy Prophet Muham-
mad [SAW]. We will tell the
whole world that their inten-
tion to separate the believ-
ers from Holy Prophet will
not happen; rather we will
come even closer to him.
This is why all Muslims and
non Muslims alike should
try their best to participate
in this Jalsa in great num-
bers to show their solidar-
ity to a great human being.
There are many humble
people in all religions. Their
voices are suppressed by other
people. It is our responsibility
to take their suppressed voices
and raise them to be heard by
others. Through these gath-
erings, we give those people
who are noble and are ready
for harmony, the courage they
need so that when they come
forward, they can make a re-
markable change in religions
and among nations. We will
help them raise their voic-
es, so that mischief makers
can be suppressed and well
mannered people will rise.
The purpose of this Jalsa is
to create tolerance, respect
and courtesy in our nation.
Without which God cannot
be found, nor peace can be
established. The teaching that
we have been given is, that
we should be courteous and
respectful towards holy men
of all religions. All such men
whom people regard as being
sent by God must be given
their due respect. All such
men who regard them as mes-
sengers, appointed by god, an
avatar, or god sent, it is our
responsibility to respect them
and refrain from insulting
them. In following this teach-
ing, we always respect and
honor the religious leaders
of different nations. We view
all the revered ones of all na-
tions such as the Jews, Chris-
tians, Hindus, Buddhists and
others with utmost respect.
We do this under Gods com-
mand. We do not do this due
to any ulterior motive or for
personal gain, rather, we
genuinely regards them as
If many were to follow
those facets of Holy Proph-
ets life the misunderstand-
ings and carelessness that
breed dissent and distrust
would not give rise to conict.
Those were the words
of Chief Justice of Fiji An-
thony Gates who was Chief
Guest at the Holy Prophet
Muhammed Day, organized
by the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Jamaat the Fazal E Umar
Mosque in Samabula Suva.
Our lives must always
be directed by that trio
of tolerance, understand-
ing and respect, he said.
Perpetrators are com-
mitting a sin against their
own religions, church lead-
ers must speak with one
voice against such acts.
Gates said the penalties are
also awarded for such crimes.
In crimes Decree in
Fiji the penalties for such
crimes have been increased.
One feels sympathy for the
victims of such crimes be
they the Buddhists of Af-
ghanistan or the Muslims of
Timbuktu in Mali, he said.
Gates mentioned that
in 1990s, Fiji had a se-
ries of incidents in which
temples and mosques were
desecrated and fortunately
it is no longer happening.
Some were cases of theft
more than anything. Others
appeared to be religio-polit-
ical and were instigated by
nationalist extremist. Sacri-
lege is a particularly painful
offence to instigate but na-
tionalist extremists, he said.
Gates also said the in-
clusiveness in the com-
munity whatever ones re-
ligion is very important in
a free and civilized state.
According to the Ahmadi-
yya Muslim report, there
are many humble people in
all religions. Their voices
are suppressed by other
people. It is their respon-
sibility to take their sup-
pressed voices and raise
them to be heard by others.
Through these gather-
ings, the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Jama at Fiji will give those
people who are noble and are
ready for harmony, the cour-
age they need so that when
they come forward, they can
make a remarkable change in
religions and among nations.
Ahmadiyya Muslim
Jama at Fiji celebrated Holy
Prophet Muhammed Day
in a way of showing the
whole world about his beau-
tiful and exemplary quali-
ties that Gods gift to him.
Chief Guest at the cer-
emony, Chief Justice of
Fiji Anthony Gates men-
tioned he was grateful to
be part of the occasion.
We have already heard
from others who like me are
not of the Muslim faith. We
have benetted from their
sympathetic observations
and comments. But what a
wonderful thing it is to open
ones arms and ones mind
to welcome in others who
are not in our faith, he said.
Holy Prophet (pbuh)s Message to bring about changes
KHUDDAMUL AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMAAT
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FREE talktime
Promotion partner
Foneology director James Trusler, left, explains the e-ticketing opera-
tions to Bus operators in the western division during the launch at Tanoa
Waterfront on Saturday, February 16. Photos: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
E-ticketing goes
live in the west
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
The much anticipated E-Ticketing service has gone live in the
western division following the ofcial launch by Vodafone
Fiji and stakeholders at a function on Saturday, February 16
at the Tanoa Waterfront Hotel in Lautoka.
While launching the service, Vodafone head of corporate affairs
Shailendra Prasad highlighted the numerous benets of the
new service in which Vodafone has invested heavily.
Vodafone has invested around $10 million in this project which
will bring about transparency and data will be available for
operators and government as well during times when deci-
sions need to be made on bus fare increases and other impor-
tant issues as the system will enable the government to real-
ize the true value of the local bus industry, Mr Prasad said.
Operators will be able to download data in excel les as well
for their own analytical assessments and sales graphs.
Sharing similar sentiments, Nisar Ali Shah, executive chairman
of KBL Buses said his company is fully supportive of the
new system which will bring about more efciency and sav-
ings as well.
Apart from the E-Ticketing service, the new GPS system will
allow us to know where our buses are and what speed they
are travelling in, Mr Shah said.
He said fuel is a major part of the entire bus industry operational
expenses and through the new system a lot of savings can
be seen.
Mr Shah has a eet of 32 modern buses and all of them are now
equipped with the E-Ticket console boxes.
The new system has also saved us so much time as counting
the daily taking went up to 10 oclock in the night and every-
thing is balanced within minutes now with the new system in
place, Mr Shah added.
Land Transport Authority media ofcer Alfred Wiliame said the
project is a signicant milestone and a great leap forward for
the local bus industry.
This is a culmination of a lot of hard work, sacrice and will-
ingness of the operators and stakeholders. We are now ready
to roll out the service in the northern division in a week.
Mr Wiliame said under the LTA Act, it is now compulsory for
all operators to comply with the new E-Ticketing system be-
fore March 1 and those who fail to do so will be dealt with
accordingly.
He also thanked Vodafone, Fiji Bus Operators Association and
Foneology for making the project a reality.
Foneology director James Trusler said his team of technicians
are now moving around the western division and training bus
company staff and drivers on how to use the new system.
People carrying smart phones will even be able to track the bus
location soon via the GPS system and this will make life very
easy for passengers as well, Mr Trusler said.
Vodafone and LTA have
announced that an unprec-
edentedly high number of
people turning up to purchase
the e-ticketing cards have seen
the initial stock of 100,000
cards run out earlier than ex-
pected. This means there are
no more cards on hand to be
issued until new stocks arrive.
We would like to apologize
to the members of the public
of the out of stock situation,
said LTA and Vodafone in a
joint statement. However, the
LTA assured that members of
the public that they will not
be disadvantaged in any way
because Vodafone has agreed
to extend the $2.00 per card
offer for an equivalent period
the card is out of stock.
Head of E-Ticketing Proj-
ect at Vodafone, Mr Shailen-
dra Prasad said Whilst it is
unfortunate that the cards have
run out, it is also a very good
sign of peoples support of e-
ticketing given that 100,000
cards have been snapped up in
just few weeks. Vodafone had
ordered ample stock to last up
to two months at the initial
price of $10.00. However, the
reduction in price from $10.00
to $2.00 per card meant there
was a rush from the mem-
bers of the public to get their
cards and the unprecedentedly
higher than expected demand
meant the card ran out before
the next batch could arrive.
Vodafone placed orders for the
second batch of cards straight
after the $2.00 card price was
announced. However, the fac-
tory closure in China for their
annual spring festival and
Chinese New year did not help
Huge demand for
e-ticketing cards:
Vodafone / LTA
the cause. This had slightly
delayed the arrival of the
cards which is now expected
to be in by the second week of
March
Once the cards are in stock
again, Vodafone will advise
the members of the public
accordingly. In the meantime
Vodafone wishes to assure the
members of the public that
it will extend the $2.00 per
card offer so that the members
of the public are not in any
way disadvantaged from ben-
etting from the $2.00 offer.
Vodafone is also expected to
assemble and train few more
teams to beef up the manpow-
er so that more issuing outlets
and road show teams are mo-
bilized to speed up the card
registration process
Vodafone apologizes for
any inconvenience caused to
the members of the public and
appreciates their understand-
ing and patience. Vodafone
will extend the $2.00 card
offer for period the cards are
out of stock so that the pub-
lic is not disadvantaged in any
way Mr Prasad said.
PRESS RELEASE
Vodafones Shailendra
Prasad, left, with LTA me-
dia ofcer Alfred Wiliame.
LAUNCH OF E-TICKETING IN THE WEST
SUNERGISE LAUNCH
First customer...Port Denarau Marina Limited managing director Nigel Skeggs, left, speaks
about the benets of the new solar project during the launch of Sunergise at Lulus Bar in Port
Denarau while chief guest, Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, second from right, and
Sunergise director Ajay Raniga, right, look on with other invited guests.
Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
Denarau
goes
green
Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum
launches Sunergise
Sunergise, the new Pacic-wide renewable energy company,
marked the completion of its inaugural installation at Port
Denarau Marina when the Attorney-General declared it of-
cially open on Friday, February 22.
The system is the largest solar installation for a marina anywhere
in the world, and is also Fijis largest on-grid commercial so-
lar power generator. The 122 KW system weathered Cyclone
Evan intact and is currently meeting its daily power require-
ments - thanks to Nadis abundance of sunshine hours.
Work has recently been completed on a second installation at
the Starwood Golf Club, Denarau and has several more in
the pipeline, as a growing number of Fijis business com-
munity sees value in Sunergises offering.
Our mission is to use a commercial model to bring clean en-
ergy to the people of Fiji and other Pacic nations. In the
process we help to create energy independence and protec-
tion from rising oil prices, says director Ajay Raniga.
Sunergise works with businesses and communities to provide
the best clean power solution for their needs, a solution that
brings attractive savings in the near and future term while
reducing the carbon footprint on the environment.
Nigel Skeggs, managing director of Port Denarau Marina says:
Our company recognizes the importance of protecting the
marine and natural environment in a way that makes good
business sense. The Sunergise proposal offered us the op-
portunity to do exactly that.
Sunergise worked with a team of international and local experts
to roll out the Port Denarau Marina and Starwood installa-
tions, deploying world-class panels, inverters and remote
monitoring technology.
In keeping with the companys commitment to building local
knowledge through skills transfer, Sunergise is dedicated to
ensuring that as much of the technical work as possible is
done by and in partnership with local workers, creating jobs
and retaining capacity in Fiji to install and maintain solar
systems.
Mr Raniga adds:We are delighted that the Fijian government
is taking a strong stance against climate change, and we
welcome its support in helping to bring new technologies
to provide clean, economical power to businesses and local
communities.
Sunergise CEO Paul Makumbe addresses invited
guests during the launch. Photo: SHALENDRA
PRASAD.
PRESS RELEASE
SUNERGISE LAUNCH
Government supports green energy
An aerial view of the installation at Port Denarau Marina.
Photo: SUNERGISE.
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
Attorney-General Aiyaz
Sayed-Khaiyum has ex-
pressed the Fijian Govern-
ments support for clean and
renewable energy sources
while launching Sunergise
at Denarau Island on Friday,
February 22.
Sunergise Fiji and Port De-
narau Marina have developed
the worlds largest solar in-
stallation for a marina.
The 122kW photovoltaic
(PV) system has a generating
capacity of 190,000 kWh per
year and the installation was
nalized on December 20 by
Sunergise at Port Denarau
Marina on Denarau Island.
While ofcially declaring
the company open, Mr Sayed-
Khaiyum described the proj-
ect as a wonderful initiative.
When Ajay visited us
sometime back, we immedi-
ately gave the project our full
support because apart from
providing cleaner and greener
energy and reducing our de-
pendency on fossil fuels on
which we spend around a bil-
lion dollars annually and is a
huge drain-out on our foreign
reserves, it gives us an op-
portunity to look towards the
future, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum
said.
He said the tourism indus-
try for a very long time has
somehow neglected the use of
solar energy and other renew-
able sources and now is the
time to embrace the technol-
ogy.
By using the technology
in the tourism sector, there
will be another way to mar-
ket Fiji to our visitors that
we are using clean energy and
going green tourism, thats the
other angle to it.
The Bainimarama Gov-
ernment for the past years has
injected millions of dollars on
a number of initiatives par-
ticularly rural electrication,
the use of bio-fuels, and other
energy sources which substi-
tutes fossil fuels as announced
in the 2013 budget.
Calling onto nancial in-
stitutions, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum
said the banks should quickly
embrace and fully support
such initiatives.
He also acknowledged the
presence of Fiji Development
bank chairman Bob Lyon and
ANZ CEO Vishnu Mohan
and encouraged them to sup-
port such projects which have
massive benets to the econo-
my and environment.
Guests at the function. Photos: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
KIDS CORNER
ADVERTISEMENT
BUSINESS NEWS
Roads boss
meets with local
stakeholders in
Nadi
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
Neil Cook, chief executive ofcer of the newly formed Fiji
Roads Authority (FRA) has been moving around meeting the
management of municipalities around the country.
Early this month Mr Cook was in the western division to
discuss the smooth transition of roads and roads drainage from
the municipal councils to FRA.
As of January 1, this year, all roads are now under our
care and in a few months time, people can expect to see road
upgrade works which has not been seen for some time, Mr
Cook said while addressing certain grievances and misconcep-
tions raised by members of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce
and Industry NCCI) in regards to the proposed four-lane road
extension in Nadi.
Mr Cook said the current bad weather pattern has affected
implementation of major road work so far but expects upgrad-
ing works to begin country-wide in a few months time.
The real challenge at the moment is the transferring of all
the equipment and machinery from the old department to us but
all this is expected to be sorted out soon.
Mr Cook together with senior members of his management
team and contractors assigned to carry out the major road up-
grading works in Nadi met members of NCCI to iron out all
misconceptions certain members had about the proposed four-
lane upgrade from Nasoso junction to Nadi town.
There will be hardly any property affected with this pro-
posed development and everything is at a planning stage at the
moment so people and property owners should not panic, said
Bob Barraclough, the principal project leader transport of
MWH a New Zealand civil engineering company assigned
for the road upgrade works.
Mr Barraclough said the benets of the new proposed devel-
opment in Nadi will mean faster trafc ow and more develop-
ment for Nadi and Fiji at large.
We are not here to take away peoples land, Mr Barra-
clough claried.
Work on the proposed developments is expected to start
within the rst half of this year with construction and planning
works anticipated to run simultaneously to each other.
A public consultation was also organized by FRA on
Wednesday, February 27 at the Nadi Civic Centre to provide
more information on the project and also hear peoples views
on the planned development.
FRA CEO Neil Cook, sitting third from left, seen
with members of his team and the Nadi Chamber of
Commerce & Industry during a special meeting at
the Jacks of Fiji training room. Photos: SHALENDRA
PRASAD.
FRA CEO Neil Cook
browses through a
copy of THE JET.
ADVERTISEMENT
TALK BUSINESS
By
PRANESH
AMARSEE
Show me the money!
B
ula everybody.
Just last month,
while being a die
hard Nadi Soccer fan, some
prominent people of this town
forced me to climb up the co-
conut tree (narial per pe charai
dis) and yes they wanted me
to contest for the Vice Presi-
dents post in the Nadi Soc-
cer Association. With a lot of
hesitation I somehow crept
into the Nadi Civic Centre
where the AGM was taking
place. This was my rst visit
to a Nadi Soccer meeting and
guess what, I could not hold
back myself from laughing
and perhaps feeling pity on
most of the people present
there. The reason being, most
people could not read the -
nancial statement or could not
understand or perhaps they
do not come across this more
often and thus are not familiar
with reading nancial state-
ments. So I decided there and
than that my next article will
be based and how to read a Fi-
nancial statement. You dont
have to be an Accountant to
learn this and its neither rock-
et science.
We all remember Cuba
Gooding Jr.s immortal line
from the movie Jerry Maguire,
Show me the money! and in
the Bollywood movie Apna
Sapna Money Money where
a song lyrics says Show me
the money. Well, thats what
nancial statements do. They
show you the money. They
show you where a companys
money came from, where it
went, and where it is now.
There are four main nancial
statements. They are: (1) bal-
ance sheets; (2) income state-
ments; (3) cash ow state-
ments; and (4) statements of
shareholders equity.
Balance Sheets
A balance sheet provides
detailed information about a
companys assets, liabilities
and shareholders equity. As-
sets are things that a com-
pany owns that have value.
This typically means they can
either be sold or used by the
company to make products
or provide services that can
be sold. Assets include physi-
cal property, such as plants,
trucks, equipment and inven-
tory. It also includes things
that cant be touched but
nevertheless exist and have
value, such as trademarks and
patents. And cash itself is an
asset. So are investments a
company makes. Liabilities
are amounts of money that a
company owes to others. This
can include all kinds of obli-
gations, like money borrowed
from a bank to launch a new
product, rent for use of a build-
ing, money owed to suppliers
for materials, payroll a com-
pany owes to its employees,
environmental cleanup costs,
or taxes owed to the govern-
ment. Liabilities also include
obligations to provide goods
or services to customers in the
future. Shareholders equity
is sometimes called capital or
net worth. Its the money that
would be left if a company
sold all of its assets and paid
off all of its liabilities. This
leftover money belongs to the
shareholders, or the owners,
of the company.
Income Statements
An income statement is a
report that shows how much
revenue a company earned
over a specic time period
(usually for a year or some
portion of a year). An income
statement also shows the costs
and expenses associated with
earning that revenue. The lit-
eral bottom line of the state-
ment usually shows the com-
panys net earnings or losses.
This tells you how much the
company earned or lost over
the period. Income statements
also report earnings per share
(or EPS). This calculation
tells you how much money
shareholders would receive if
the company decided to dis-
tribute all of the net earnings
for the period. (Companies
almost never distribute all of
their earnings. Usually they
reinvest them in the business.)
Earnings Per Share or
EPS
Most income statements
include a calculation of earn-
ings per share or EPS. This
calculation tells you how
much money shareholders
would receive for each share
of stock they own if the com-
pany distributed all of its net
income for the period. To
calculate EPS, you take the
total net income and divide it
by the number of outstanding
shares of the company.
Cash Flow Statements
Cash ow statements re-
port a companys inows and
outows of cash. This is im-
portant because a company
needs to have enough cash on
hand to pay its expenses and
purchase assets. While an in-
come statement can tell you
whether a company made a
prot, a cash ow statement
can tell you whether the com-
pany generated cash. A cash
ow statement shows changes
over time rather than absolute
dollar amounts at a point in
time. It uses and reorders the
information from a compa-
nys balance sheet and income
statement.
Read the Footnotes
Its so important to read the
footnotes. The footnotes to -
nancial statements are packed
with information. Most im-
portant are:
Signicant account-
ing policies and practices
Companies are required to
disclose the accounting poli-
cies that are most important
to the portrayal of the com-
panys nancial condition and
results.
Income taxes The
footnotes provide detailed
information about the com-
panys current and deferred
income taxes.
Read the MD&A
You can nd a narrative
explanation of a companys
nancial performance in a
section of the quarterly or an-
nual report entitled, Manage-
ments Discussion and Analy-
sis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations.
MD&A is managements op-
portunity to provide investors
with its view of the nancial
performance and condition
of the company. Its manage-
ments opportunity to tell
investors what the nancial
statements show and do not
show, as well as important
trends and risks that have
shaped the past or are reason-
ably likely to shape the com-
panys future. For example
if a company showed loss in
its Financial statement, then
the Management will explain
why the company incurred
loss such as Cyclone affecting
months of sales.
Bringing It All Together
Although this article dis-
cusses each nancial state-
ment separately, keep in mind
that they are all related. The
changes in assets and liabili-
ties that you see on the bal-
ance sheet are also reected
in the revenues and expenses
that you see on the income
statement, which result in the
companys gains or losses.
Cash ows provide more in-
formation about cash assets
listed on a balance sheet and
are related, but not equiva-
lent, to net income shown on
the income statement. And
so on. No one nancial state-
ment tells the complete story.
But combined, they provide
very powerful information for
investors. And information is
the investors best tool when
it comes to investing wisely.
Your small business seems
to be doing ne. You have
plenty of customers and
your employees are working
hard. Yet, your bank account
is empty and you're having
problems paying the bills. On
the outside, it looks like ev-
erything should be terric, but
somehow, it isn't. So, what's
wrong? How do you gure
out where all your money is
going when it seems you have
plenty coming in? The answer
may be in your nancial state-
ments. It may be time to ana-
lyze the nancial side of your
business, and that's exactly
where nancial statements
can help you.
God Bless Nadi, Fiji.
Team work...Nadi FA vice-president and The Jet business editor Pranesh Amarsee,
centre, is anked by Nadi FA president elect Navneeda Gounder, right, and his predeces-
sor Tarun Patel during a national league match at Prince Charles Park recently. Photo:
SHALENDRA PRASAD.
HUMAN RESOURCES
By SUNILA KARAN
Recognise that prot is in your people - Part 2
T
hey are the lead-
ership, the man-
agement, and the
employees within
the organization. Its not just
one person in Nintendo who is
responsible for this success; it
is everybody within the com-
pany.
When you look into a busi-
ness which is successful and
growing, youll nd staff who
are attentive and passion-
ate, full of ideas and bursting
to get those ideas out to im-
prove the performance of the
company, and to make better
products and services for their
customers.
You nd employees who
respect the customer, who
believe in themselves and in
their products and services,
and put their customers needs
rst. Its your people who de-
termine whether your compa-
ny is protable, successful, a
market leader, or not.
The most obvious measure
of success in a company is
bottom-line prot. But there
is another way of viewing the
performance of your business.
When you start to see that
every employee in your com-
pany is worth $$$ in terms of
revenue, it soon becomes un-
deniable that not only is the
revenue in your people, but
the prot is in your people as
well.
Do you think that by devel-
oping your people, you could
add an extra $200.00 of rev-
enue per head? Im sure you
could do that as a minimum.
Realistically, you should
aim to add at least an extra
$200.00 of prot per head
using the right ideas and ap-
proaches.
If you employ 100 people,
that would be a minimum of
$20,000 extra prot to your
company each year. I say min-
imum, because Im sure you
could achieve more.
Conversely, when you look
at an under-performing com-
pany, more often than not you
nd employees with low mo-
rale who dont care about their
work and who are indifferent
and complacent. Consequent-
ly, the customer is taken for
granted, innovation is low,
change is feared, and theres a
lack of pride.
It is your business as a
business leader to get the best
from your people at all times,
and to create an environment
where they can thrive, where
energy is tangible, and morale
is high.
This doesnt happen by ac-
cident.
This comes from great
leadership, from recognizing
the essential asset that your
people are, and the direct link
between your people and your
bottom-line prots.
Sadly, however, all too
many companies fail to see
this obvious connection and
under invest in their staff.
They fail to train and de-
velop their staff, and fail to get
the best from them.
Labour minister meets
chamber members
Minister for Labour, Indus-
trial Relations and Employ-
ment Jone Usumate met with
members of the Nadi Cham-
ber of Commerce and Indus-
try (NCCI) on February 7 as
part of his tour of the western
division.
While meeting members of
NCCI, Mr Usumate said the
main reason for his visit was
to seek assistance from every-
Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Jone Usumate, second from
left, with his delegation and members of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce & Industry at
the Jacks of Fiji training room. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
one in order to fulll the gov-
ernments promise of bringing
about changes in the employ-
ment sector.
I am here to seek assis-
tance from you and to discuss
issues which affect both the
employers and employees. We
need social justice for the peo-
ple of Fiji, Mr Usumate said.
The minister cited many
examples of business opera-
tors not paying workers under
the minimum wage guideline.
I can understand that there
may be business which are
struggling and are not able to
pay under the wage guideline.
Such operators should come
and talk to us so we can work
out ways for them, Mr Usu-
mate said.
He said the government is
here to promote the interest of
both the employers and em-
ployees and therefore every-
one needs to work together.
The more inequality you
have, the more problems you
have, Mr Usumate said.
Raju saluted the minister and
his delegation for taking out
time to meet the members.
We need to have a cordial
relationship with everyone for
a good and productive soci-
ety, Dr Raju said.
West Bus boss Vijendar
Kumar makes a point.
BUSINESS NOTICE BOARD
BUSINESS NOTICE BOARD
SPORTS
PRESS RELEASE
By ANGELINE LAL
Five runners of The Jet
Runners Club have been
drafted by athletics Fiji to pre-
pare for the 2013 Pacic Mini
Games.
They are Avikash Lal,
Ravneel Singh, Rajan ,Sanjay
Kumar and Ashneel Nand of
Tavua College who won the
gold medal at the Coca-Cola
Games 3000 metres last year.
Jet club president and race
director Abhinesh Kumar is
thankful to Athletics Fiji.
These boys really train
hard and deserve to be in the
national squad, Kumar said.
He said his club wanted to
help students like, Lal, Singh
and Nand because they are un-
der 18-years-old.
These athletes are trained
by the club coaches and for-
mer national reps Prashotam
Lal, Bimlesh Kumar and Ab-
hinesh Kumar.
The trio represented Fiji
at the World Cross Country
Championships, World Road
Relay Championships , Pa-
cic Games, Mini Games,
Oceania Games, Queensland
Championship and the New
South Wales Championship.
The majority of the ath-
letes in the club reside in Vo-
tualevu, Nadi.
Kumar said the athletes
come from farming back-
ground and sold vegetables on
the road side to pay for their
bus fares to attend races.
The McDonalds and Qual-
ity Tile Setters sponsored 5
kilometer Fun Run has been
organised on March 2 as a
build up for the athletes.
Meanwhile the Pacic
Mini Games will be hosted in
Wallis and Futuna from Sep-
tember 2-12.
Jet runners y high, get into national squad
One big family...Members of The Jet Runners
Club. Photo: SUPPLIED.
Sigatoka River Safari sponsors young ruggers
The Navosa Rugby Union
is pleased to announce that
two of the provinces upcom-
ing rugby stars have each
earned a one year rugby sports
scholarship sponsored by Si-
gatoka River Safari.
Eroni Tuwai of Korolevu
and Aporosa Kunatuva of
Edrau are the rst recipients
of this new programme and
will be commencing their
training programme at the Pa-
cic Sports Academy in Nadi,
Fiji. The Academy offers a
unique opportunity for 15 and
16 year olds to progress to the
highest level of Rugby Union
and Rugby League.
We at Navosa Rugby
Union would like to thank
Sigatoka River Safari for
sponsoring the scholarship for
two future rugby stars, said
Kele Leawere, a former Fiji
Rugby rep and current coach
of the Navosa Warriors Rugby
Team. Sigatoka River Safari
has been a great supporter of
rugby in the interior for the
past few years with sponsor-
ships of club tournaments, jer-
seys and prizes and this ven-
ture with our young ruggers
has really boosted the spirits
of these two young boys.
Sigatoka River Safari,
Managing Director, Jay
Whyte, was happy to support
Navosa Rugby Union in their
quest in improving rugby at
grassroots level.
We are always happy
to support the vanua of Na-
vosa particularly in sports
where chances of getting into
an academy like the Pacic
Sports Academy is nothing
but a dream to some of these
young players, Jay said.
We would like to wish Eroni
and Aporosa all the best for
the next 12 months and in
making their people proud
of their achievements, he
added.
Both boys are students of
Navosa Central College and
through the scholarship will
undertake a number of pro-
grammes both on and off the
eld.
Eroni Tuwai and Aporosa Kunatuva with Steve McLel-
lan General Manager of Pacic Sports Academy.
SPORTS
The Sam Supercool- captained Southern team won the an-
nual Shop N Save South versus West snooker challenge at the
Nadi Sports Club on Sunday, February 17.
The southerners with the services of former Fiji number one
Suman Lal, Esala Talebula and Abdul Moushad, have won the
event for the fourth consecutive year after beating their western
counterparts 8-4.
Event co-ordinator Rimal Narayan said they played over 15
frames.
The southern team proved too strong as they took a 6-0
lead, said Narayan.
The western team made the comeback but was too late. It
was a tough competition and it was good to see young players
coming up as well.
Southerners dominate
snooker meet
PRESS RELEASE
MINFO
Northwest Billiard and Snooker secretary and BSAF
president Philip Gock hands over the trophy to South-East
captain Sam Supercool. Photo: VINEEL NAND.
Motorbike fanatics visit HOG Rally
By BEATRICE NAST
By JOSEPHINE NAVULA
The Auckland Chapter
marked the Harley 110th anni-
versary celebration with a big
rally in New Zealand recently.
Thousand of dedicated mo-
torbike riders from around the
world met up from February
14 17 to ride and share their
passion for motorbikes.
Anand Achari, owner of
Westside Motorbike Rentals
and a proud Harley owner
happened to meet up with Mr.
Davidson in person who is the
great grandson of legendary
William A. Harley.
Mr Davidson informed
Achari that the rst Harley
motorcycle was built in 1903.
The event also marked the
30th anniversary of the Harley
Owners School. There are six
HOG (Harley Owner Group)
Chapters in New Zealand with
over 3500 members.
Achari and other members
of the Viti Motorcycle Club
(Fiji) told everyone they inter-
acted with to visit Fiji.
Fiji is renowned for our
friendly people, great places
and a perfect holiday para-
dise, Ma Achari told his new
found friends.
So lets welcome all the
motorbike enthusiasts to
explore our islands of Fiji -
where happiness nds you and
send a big BULA SMILE over
to the 2013 HOGs Rally.
The Fiji squad consisted
of motorbike fanatics Kevin
Parr, Max Storck, Darin Mc-
Donald, John Lal and Anand
The Bikeman Achari.
The HOG rally in New Zealand. INSET: Anand Achari, owner of Westside Motorbike
Rentals meet up with Mr. Davidson, great grandson of William A. Harley on the 110th
Harley Davidson Motorcycles celebration. Photo: SUPPLIED.
BSP sponsors
Pacic Games
The Pacic Games Committee
has proudly announced BSP
as the ofcial sponsor of the
2015 Port Moresby Pacic
Games.
Group Chief Executive Ofcer
Ian Clyne said, BSP is one
of the foremost PNG and
Pacic Brands, recognized
for our youth, vitality and
Melanesian uniqueness.
The Pacic Games are an
exciting and uniquely Mela-
nesian/ Polynesian Sporting
and Cultural event, and it is
with immense pleasure that
BSP takes this on board, he
said.
BSP is also a corporate leader
in terms of their sporting,
social and cultural commit-
ment.
Our focus is on the children
and the youth of our coun-
try and the pacic. They are
our future and we must give
them hope, health and op-
portunity.
We are proud of our PNG
heritage, and we are proud
of our sporting, community
and environmental achieve-
ments, Clyne said.
Clyne also mentioned that
BSPs commitment to the
Port Moresby 2015 Pacic
Games will not only be their
direct nancial support un-
der this sponsorship.
We will commit much more
with our 3,000 staff around
PNG and our 1,000 staff
in Fiji and the Solomon Is-
lands, he said.
Taekwondo equipment donation to boost athletes
Government is coordi-
nating closely with sporting
bodies in the country so that
sports can be developed to a
level so where athletes can
achieve their dreams of win-
ning gold medals, tourna-
ments and world cups.
The Minister for Youth and
Sports, Mr Viliame Naupoto
made these comments while
receiving $15,000 worth of
Taekwondo equipment from
Koreas Ambassador to Fiji,
H.E Mr Hae-Wook Cheong.
The items will be given to the
Fiji Taekwondo Association.
The equipment donated by
the World Taekwondo Fed-
eration in Seoul includes 300
mats, 136 guards, 100 protec-
tors and 28 mitts.
Mr Naupoto urged the As-
sociation here in Fiji to ensure
that the equipment are utilised
well for the benet of the cur-
rent pool of Taekwondo ath-
letes and for the development
of the sport in Fiji.
Government would en-
sure that there is access to a
wide choice of sports as a form
of recreation to all young and
old and help build a healthy
nation through sports, Minis-
ter Naupoto said.
The Fiji Sports Commis-
sion that is currently being
set up will, in collaboration
with stakeholders, spearhead
Governments efforts in this
regard.
The Minister also ex-
pressed Fijis appreciation
and gratitude to the Republic
of Korea for understanding
Fijis sporting needs and its
commitment to assist the Fiji
Taekwondo Association.
Koreas Ambassador H.E
Mr Hae-Wook Cheong said
the equipment donation is a
timely gift given the recent
developments in the sporting
sector in Fiji.
These equipment are pro-
vided at just the right time
when Fiji Taekwondo Asso-
ciation sets out to train ath-
letes for competition at the
2013 Pacic Mini Games in
September this year, H.E Mr
Hae-Wook Cheong said.
He added that Fiji has al-
ready produced a few Tae-
kwondo medalists with the
likes of Mr Samir Ali and Ms
Elizabeth Bernard.
Given the physical t-
ness and sports loving-spirit,
Taekwondo has a good poten-
tial to become a major medal
box to elevate Fijis stature in
the international and regional
sports arena, H.E Mr Hae-
Wook Cheong added.
JACKS NADI
L-R Back Row: Amani Makoe, Ratu Veresa Toma, Ilimotama Jese, Benaminio Matainiqara, Isoa Ratuva and Uraia Loki. L-R Front Row: Rusiate Matererega, Poasa Bainivalu, Viliame
Toma, Lemeki Gonerau, Napolioni Qasevakatini. The undefeated Nadi side has received a major boost with a $30,000 sponsorship from Jacks of Fiji. INSET: Ilimotama Jese of Nadi out-
classes Alvin Avinesh of Lautoka during their league encounter on February 16. Nadi won 1-0. Photos: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
Thumbs up for Nadi FA academy
By SHALENDRA
PRASAD
Soccer development in
Nadi has taken a giant leap
thanks to the newly elected
ofcials of the Nadi FA who
are keen to develop players
from grass-roots level in the
district.
The newly formed devel-
opment arm of Nadi Football
Association known as the
Nadi FA Youth Academy is
now organizing a soccer clinic
for both boys and girls from
the age of six to 14 years ev-
ery Saturday with the initial
clinic launched on February
16 at Nadi Muslim Primary
School grounds from 9am to
11am.
Nadi FAs newly elected
vice-president Javed Ahmed
(pictured) who is the brains
behind the whole initiative
says the idea is to develop
youngster at a very early age
so that the district has abun-
dance of talents at all times.
We aim to take the kids
from the very basic level of
soccer and move upwards and
this is an idea we have taken
from the English and Spanish
Premier League concept, Mr
Ahmed informed.
He said coaching director
Kamal Swamy will oversee
the development plans and re-
sponse from the general pub-
lic has been overwhelming.
We had around sixty kids
in the rst clinic and are inun-
dated with numerous inqui-
ries.
Nadi FA also acknowl-
edges the timely contribution
of $5000 from soccer enthu-
siast Bela Thomas who has
been also sponsoring the local
league for many years.
Meanwhile registration
per child is only two dollars
and parents can contact Javed
Ahmed on mobile 9992103
for more information.
The smiles say it all...Kids
pose for a picture with ofcials
during the rst day of soccer
clinics at the Nadi Muslim Prima-
ry grounds. Photo: JOSEPHINE
NAVULA.

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