Professional Documents
Culture Documents
City Star November 2022
City Star November 2022
SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF FIJI WITH PASSION NOVEMBER, 2022 PRICE: 50 CENTS
Fiji First Party leader and Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama with other party candidates and supporters during a major Fiji First general secretary Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum with a young
rally in Rakiraki. Photo: Supplied party supporter during a rally in Kashmir Lautoka
Sanjay Goundar you have to think about a government that thinks long benefitted from the various programs of his government
term and also think about now. for the last 8 years.
A government is all about how you deal with the “We want to ensure that our very young children also Bainimarama highlighted that education from preschool
situation now and how you deal about the future. get free education and get toppers and TELS when he to secondary school was free under the leadership of any
Speaking at a Fiji First Party rally in Kashmir Lautoka enters tertiary education stage. previous government.
recently party general secretary and Attorney General “Political parties who are claiming that they will make “More of our Fijian children have attended school and
Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum echoed these sentiments. tertiary education free should reveal first where they will went to up higher education during our current term in
Khaiyum pointed out that good government’s whilst get $300million to $400million for this initiative. office.
fulfilling the current needs and wants of their people “None of the other political parties are talking about “Never before our elderly citizens over the age of 65
always think about the future. what alternative budget they have to counter what we were provided social welfare pension and the enormous
He stressed that the reason why Singapore is where it is have been providing to the people of this nation,” the FFP amount of assistance we provided during the Covid-19
today is because the leaders of the country thought about general secretary emphasized. period no other government would have ever done that.”
the future. Fiji First Party leader and Prime Minister Rear Admiral He stressed that as the Prime Minister he has a track
“Therefore when thinking about electing a government (Retired) Frank Bainimarama has pointed out during record which no other PM can ever match.
party rallies around the country that the entire nation has
QUALITY PRODUCTS, Education policies prompted
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FFP candidate and former Director HR of MOE Hen Chand during a rally in Kashmir
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the party has done towards significantly uplifting the educational standards of the Fijian
children.
The former Head of School from the Fiji National University Natabua Campus stressed
that he hopes to further improve on these policies once he wins his seat on December 14.
Providing details Mr Chand revealed that there are 250,000 students in Fiji right from pre-
$680 $1,050
school to Year 13 who do not have to pay a single cent as school fees under the remarkable
* Conditions Apply.. education policy of the FFP government.
He informed that as far as tertiary school students are concerned so far the government
has assisted 51,000 students through the loans program investing $650million.
Email: sales@clydepac.com “Apart from that government has also given scholarship to 4,900 students so far amounting
www.clydepac.com to $250million plus 25 students were given scholarship to study overseas.
LAUTOKA : 3 Nede Street | P.O.Box 785, Lautoka | Phone: (679) 666 3477 | Mobile: (679) 999 4668, 999 4658 “Overall the Fiji First Government has invested $950million so far for the education of
SUVA : 31 Viria Road, Vatuwaqa | P.O.Box 1068, Suva | Phone: (679) 338 6000 | Mobile: (679) 999 4565, 999 1751 our Fijian children which no other government has ever done before,” Chand emphasized.
LABASA : Shop 6 Mudliar Building, Sangam Avenue, Labasa | Ph: 940 8366
Disclaimer: The University of Fiji reserves the rights to amend the above Programmes List.
Future Ready
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA
NOVEMBER, 2022 NEWS 5
Punjas Health Centre extension to include X-Ray & blood testing laboratory
Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong with the director of Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong during the foundation
Punjas Group and invited guests at the extension ceremony of the Punjas Health Centre in lawying ceremony for the Punjas Health Centre extension project.
Lautoka. Photos: Sanjay Goundar
Sanjay Goundar Services and Punjas Charity Trust. Dr Fong upon completion of the project at Punjas Health
“Punjas Health Centre includes facilities needed in a medical Centre it will become an easier entry point for people as a
The half million dollar extension of the Punjas Health centre and is designed with the needs of people with disabilities referral pathway to the Lautoka hospital and back to the health
Centre in Lautoka will see more medical services available for at the forefront of our minds. centre.
the members of the public which includes X-Ray. Specialist “The extension of the current building is very timely as “One of the issues that we always had with primary health in
Outpatients Department (SOPD) and a blood testing laboratory. we believe it is expected to ease the load from the Lautoka Fiji is that too many times it is limited to consultation only. The
As the Punja and Sons Group celebrates its 87th anniversary hospital. Aim is to reduce the waiting time for patients so that fact that Punjas Group has added pharmacy and now laboratory
this year the company decided to expand the physical structure they are quickly seen by the medical professionals and return services to this initiative speaks volumes to the expanded role
at the Punjas Health Centre to allow for additional services home to rest. of primary health care now.
and the $500,000 project is expected to complete in about 4 “Having a blood test lab facility at the newly extended centre “One of the lessons we have learnt after Covid is that the
months’ time. will serve larger concerned population so that they start their only place that matters at this point in time is our primary
Punjas Group Marketing Manager Gopal Jadhav informed therapeutic process quickly,” Mr Jadhav pointed out. health care space. I have also learnt that I can put up a big
that the health centre which was commissioned in January Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of the Punjas cardiac surgery or a big oncology unit but if I cannot guide or
2015 was the brainchild of their founding director Kanti Punja. Health Centre extension project on November 14 chief guest navigate people to those places in an appropriate manner those
“Mr Kanti Punja’s vision and strong belief has been in Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James big tertiary facilities will not become curative care.
promoting health and wellbeing of the people. The health Fong said that this initiative will ensure that primary health “At the end of the day what really matters for us is the ability
centre has been operating under the public –private partnership care space will connect to the tertiary or high care facilities to diagnose a problem early and intervene early,” Dr Fong
agreement between the Ministry of Health and Medical being created at the Lautoka and Ba hospital under the public- stressed.
private partnership with Aspen Medical.
EDITORIAL COMMENT
Voting a Civic City The Soroptimist Corner
Voting is your civic duty.” This is a pretty common
sentiment, especially after every four years as Elec-
tion Day approaches. But what does it really mean?
Why your vote matters? If you ever think that just
one vote in a sea of thousands cannot make much of
a difference, consider some of the closest elections
in history.
Your vote may not directly elect the Prime Minister
or the rulling party, but if your vote joins enough oth-
ers in your voting district or province your vote un-
doubtedly matters when it comes to electoral results.
Most states in other countries have a “winner take
all” system where the popular vote winner gets the
state’s electoral votes. There are also local and state
elections to consider. While presidential or other na-
tional elections usually get a significant voter turnout,
local elections are typically decided by a much small-
er group of voters.
Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms
of our life. Many people in countries around the
world do not have the same freedom. No matter what
you believe or whom you support, it is important to
exercise your rights.
For the much anticipated Fijian election on December
14, the hype surrounds the three significant parties in
National Federation Party (NFP), People’s Alliance Soroptimist International Lautoka Club members with the students, teachers and librarian of Central College Lautoka during
Party (PAP) and the current ruling party Fiji First. the inauguration of the SI Corner project at the school. Photos: Sanjay Goundar
They lead the race for voters choice while the ever- Zareena Bi in the Soroptimist Corner should be of great assistance.
green Fiji Labour Party believes they are still in the “All our projects are related to the Sustainable
hunt to grab a seat or two in parliament in 2023. In the 21st century, School libraries need to be innovative Development goals (SDGs) and this is an added advantage
The Fijian Election Office recently released the num- in their approach to providing relevant information as for the students since SDGs are also a topic for them.
bers for the 343 candidates which parties are now well be visually pleasing to create the magnetic effect to “A lot of thought has gone behind the information
promoting in the lead up to election day. attract students. provided and the club’s contact is provided on the banner
Election campaigns have begun vigorously across the With this thought in mind the popular women’s NGO, for those students who need more information.”
country as voters and candidates share their thoughts Soroptimist International Lautoka Club decided to The President also informed that Lautoka Central
on what is the right way to help steer the country for- create a Soroptimist corner at high school libraries for College and Jasper Williams High are the first two school
ward. easy access to information especially for year 12 and 13 for this project implementation and the club is hoping
Parties make their usual promises but its the voter students for their projects. to give the same assistance to the other high schools in
who will have the final say in determining the forma- During the launch of the Soroptimist Corner at Lautoka Lautoka.
tion of the next government. Central College on October 10 SI Lautoka President Meanwhile, the Head of Department Language at
Those that turned 18 years old this year will also have Vinesh Prasad informed that the corner has a banner, Lautoka Central College, Sainimere Bilovesi thanked the
a say. flyers and magazines highlighting the club’s projects as club members for their effort.
The eligible youths will be out in force to choose the well as projects carried out by overseas clubs. “This is a unique project and we are usually running
candidate of their choice. According to the President, the club had been receiving around for information when students start doing their
They make a significant number of voters and it could requests for information from a number of high school projects.
boil down to a neck to neck race for supremacy, sim- students for their English projects so the club decided to “We are so fortunate now that our students will not lack
ilar to the previous election result in 2018. make it easier for students to access the information in the information and it can be acquired with much ease
Will the Fiji First Party remain in power or will there their own school libraries. within their own library.
be new faces at the helm? “Women empowerment is a project topic for the “It is our pleasure to collaborate with the club in this
Let us all vote and have a say in who has to be in students so with the information that we have provided extremely important project.”
power for the next four-years.
Happy Voting!
Maika Kasami
Editor.
Study Loans
New Students – Higher Education Programmes
“Level 7” (2800 Study Loans)
Scheme Eligibility Criteria
An applicant must:
A. be a Fijian citizen.
B. be ordinarily resident in Fiji for at least three (3) years before
the award commencement date unless determined by the
Board or delegated authority on case-by-case basis.
C. have completed Year 13 in 2011 or thereafter locally and
scored a minimum of 250/400 in the Fiji Year 13 Examinationexcept for Commerce
Discipline where minimum cut off mark is 280/400 excluding Accounting,
Economics, Management and Public Administration where minimum
cut of mark is 300/400 or it’s equivalence as determined by the Board or
delegated authority on case-by-case basis.
D. not have a combined parental income or business networth of more
than $100,000 unless allowed by means testing.
E. secure a place at an eligible institution by means of a final offer letter.
F.apply for TELS funding advertised by TSLS on its online application portal via www.tsls.com.fj
G. be fully vaccinated or exempted by Ministry of Health and Medical Services if above the age of 18.
Farmers in Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki dont need to go to Nadi to buy East West Seeds as it is Binay Kumar of Ba feels proud to help farmers by selling East West Seeds products from his
greatly available at Kumar The Farmers Choice shop Main Steet, Ba Town. shop in Main Street, Ba Town.
Kumar said.
Maika Kasami “I have all the varieties here and the prices are the same as they offer at KK’s Harware
in Nadi.”
Kumar the Farmers Choice which is located in Main Street, Ba Town has joined Kumar further clarified that East West Seeds is the best as it matches the illustation
hands with Seeds Company of Fiji in selling their products. given on the packets.
Shop owner Binay Kumar said they have a good collection of East West Seeds in “I can testify that whatever illustration you see on the packet is actually what you get
stock now and has urged on the farmers in Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki to pay a visit or place when you harvest. The germination is good and theprice is reasonable and we can help
orders with them. you in getting the varieties you need for your farm,” he added.
“We are making it easier for farmers in these areas as they don’t have to go to Nadi Kumar can be contacted on 846 3828 and 924 7158.
to buy seeds. They can buy seeds from Ba which will be more convenient for them, “
Tanoa Hotel Group Directors Rohit Reddy (2nd from left) and Kamini Reddy (1st right) with Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill and Na Marama Na Taukei Naua, Adi Temalesi Varo Sovau during the
ground breaking of the Tanoa Sports Centre. Photo: Sanjay Goundar
Maika Kasami “The Tanoa Sports Centre is the brainchild of our Tanoa health and safety is of paramount importance and doing it sus-
management team. They quickly realized since the border tainably.”
In a bid to promote Fiji as a Sports Tourism destination the re-opening the number of sports teams travelling to our shores He said with Fiji hosting quite a few home games in 2023,
Tanoa Hotel Family has ventured into providing a world class with very little world class and professional training facilities the Sports Centre will only further strengthen hosting events of
and professional training facility for touring teams, the Tanoa available. such caliber.
Sports Centre. “We believe that our investment into a world class sports Reddy confirmed they are committing around half a million
The ground breaking ceremony for the new project was done centre will not only benefit Tanoa Hotel Group but Fiji as a dollars on phase 1 of this project.
on November 23 at Votualevu, Nadi, where the Tanoa Interna- whole in promoting Fiji as a Sports Tourism Destination focus- Chief guest Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill was ecstatic about
tional Hotel is situated. ing on international standard training facilities for our home this new venture and acknowledged the vision of the Tanoa
Managing Director of Reddy Group Rohit Reddy said they Sports Teams as well as travelling international teams.” Group saying once completed it is going to be truly special and
were delighted to announce another milestone event for Tanoa Reddy further added that their focus with the Tanoa Sports one that will open doors for more touring sports team taking
Hotels. Centre is a three-fold: advantage of sand, sunshine and sports.
Reddy said the event added another celebration on their “Have the best training facilities in Fiji – focusing on the
75years of existence in Fiji. quality of the turf and associated facilities, the athlete’s
Sashi Lata being presented with the funds collected after the IEW/Portion- Pak spon The winning team Kishan Singh, Ray Singh and national rep Semesa Naiseruvati.
sored Bowling Trips tournament in Nadi on November 13.
Maika Kasami “The blessing from the Lord Almighty shone upon bowlers that despite the overcast
conditions on the day all matches were fully completed without any disruptions. The
Sports came to the forefront on November 13 at the Nadi Sports and Social Club Lord knew bowlers wanted to help so He granted the perfect conditions to lift up the
when bowlers joined hands for a friendly rivalry to raise funds for a sick mother. spirit of a sick mother,” Singh said.
Nadi woman Sashi Lata who has been diagnosed with cancer is looking for help and “It was emotional seeing the willingness among bowlers who left behind their com-
financial assistance to access treatment overseas. mitment of the day and used sports to help cure a sick person. That is the spirit our
Bowlers and business house tournament participants joined hands to help in the cause. country needs, a helping spirit that unite us all in a time of need.”
The Islands Electric/Portion-Pak Trips tournament attracted 18 teams of three players Semesa Naiseruvati, Kishan Singh and Raymond Singh teamed up to edge Rajnesh
to help raise funds for sick Lata. Raju, Kushal Pillay and Maika Kasami in the final 12-8 to take out the top prize.
Tournament organiser Raymond Singh was elated with the response received from Sponsor Raymond Singh donated $1350 to the sum collected apart from sponsoring
particpants who contributed to the worthy cause. six of the teams.
Wacker Neuson
VP1135A
Vibratory Plate
Maika Kasami