Borehole Project for Yavuna PM Calls for the Protection of

Village.Pg. 4 Our Reef System. Pg 11

Vatulele Villagers Receive Vanua Clay Plans to Expand

more Water Tanks.Pg. 6 Business. Pg. 20

VOLUME 10 - ISSUE 100 JANUARY 2018 www.thejetnewspaper.com 50 CENTS

Weekly
Rainima Woos YES
Panel. Pg 13

Six Senses Fiji

Opens this April
By ANA SOVA

Six Senses Fiji is thrilled to an-

nounce that the Resort will be ac-
cepting guest reservations from April
14, 2018.
The resort forms part of the
Vunabaka Development on Malolo
Island and operated by luxury bou-
tique hotel management company,
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.
Vunabaka Development Director
and expert hotelier, Neil Palmer said
they envisage the forthcoming year
to be an incredibly rewarding year
for Six Senses Fiji as they witness
their hard work, love and labour
come to life.
“As our opening year we are ex-
cited to welcome guests to our slice
of paradise in Fiji and can’t wait to
continue our efforts to ensure the
resort is forever evolving, developing
and remaining within the top offer-
ings in Fiji,” Palmer said.
He said the resort aims to offer
the best services in Fiji and strives to
create unforgettable memories.
“What allows us to stand out from
other resorts is a collection of unique
features that bring something new to
the South Pacific. From sustainabil-
ity, to our Guest Experience Makers
program, our innovative food and
beverage offerings, to our Surf Acad- Sunset over residence pool. Photo: SIX SENSES FIJI WEBSITE.
emy, we promise to go one step fur-
ther in order to provide outstanding mixologist Peri will bridge the gap opportunities for all abilities. Our The residences vary in size, av- On top of this we also offer a Kids
guest service”. between food and drink to produce lagoon also offers all-tide swimming eraging from approximately 6,500 to Club, Outdoor cinema, Tennis and
Palmer adds sustainability is the “Living Cocktails” that involve probi- and snorkelling meaning guests 10,500 square feet (600 to 1,000 + organic garden.
foundation of their brand and at Six otics and homemade tonics as mix- have the luxury of the ocean on their square meters) of interior and exte- Capacity
Senses Fiji they have the largest mi- ers,” he said. doorstep at any time of the day. rior space, all with private pools, fully The resort villas offer a maximum
crogrid in Fiji using Tesla batteries Six Senses Fiji will offer the ex- Features equipped kitchens and spacious sun occupancy of two adults and one
which allows our resort to be 100% clusive Eat With Six Senses program Six Senses Fiji offers 24 spacious decks. child whilst the suites have capacity
solar powered. that allows guests to enjoy their holi- villas and suites all with private All residences and villas also for two adults and two children.
“This amongst a multitude of day without derailing their health pools. come with a Guest Experience Mak- The resort’s various residences
other elements including our own goals thanks to wholesome food Resort villas and suites range in er (GEM) which is the guests’ per- can accommodate from 2 to 15
Organic Garden, our own water bot- dishes that are delicious and nutri- size from 1,200 to 1,600 square feet sonal Fijian host for their stay. Guests (2-, 3-, 4- and 5-bedroom
tling plant and our waste manage- tious. (110 to 150 square meters) including The resort boast two restaurants lodgings).
ment practices, make us outstand- Collaborating with the inter- interior and exterior space. and bars, a pizzeria, a gourmet deli Future Plans
ing in terms of sustainability efforts nationally renowned Tropic Surf There are also 60 luxury residenc- and market shop, an ice creamery, a As the resort launches, Palmer
in Fiji,” he said. Company, Six Senses Fiji can offer es (two-, three-, four- and five-bed- boutique, a water bottling plant and said it opens doors for further de-
“Our Executive Chef, Ihaka Peri, guests world class waves just a short room configurations), of which 10 a Wellness Village with a Six Senses velopment with 50 residences to be
pushes the boundaries with his boat ride from the resort. will be available upon opening and Spa, state-of-the-art gym, extensive built in the coming years.
recipes and menus. Joining with our From beginners to pros our Surf the remaining 50 being developed in wet area, an alchemy bar and an el-
Academy provides activities and stages over the coming years. evated yoga pavilion. Continued on page 2
www.thejetnewspaper.com www.scribd.com/thejet

“Fiji - the way the world should be”

“ You must be asking yourself as to what makes Fiji so special? Amongst many things, the
Fijian people is mainly what makes this tropical island so special when compared to other
FROM THE DESK places in the world.They are friendly, welcoming and gracious. Fiji has all of the requistes

MARIJUANA
necessities for the typical tropical paradise, pretty much everything. The golden sun, sandy
beaches, sparkling blue water and tropical rainforest with activities ranging from diving,
snorkelling, jet-skiing and more”

CONCERN Operation Yalodei Achieve

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

The fact that close to
4,000 plants of marijuana
worth millions of dollars
was uprooted during a Po-
lice raid from a single farm
in Yale, Kadavu this month
should raise concern.
Police arrested two men
believed to be involved in
the cultivation of the illicit
drugs and questioned at the
Vunisea Police Station.
Police Chief of Opera-
tions, ACP Rusiate Tudravu
said they have also received
information that those who
are involved in this trade
have been a threat to their
communities.
“We understand their re-
luctance to provide informa-
tion because of their safety,
and as we have shown with
the quick deployment of of-
ficers we want to reassure
them that we have the ca-
pabilities and resources to
come to their assistance,”
ACP Tudravu said.
He has also urged the
public not to be discour-
aged by critics who say that
the war on drugs is a losing
battle because the removal
of one person involved in
the drug trade is a major vic-
tory in itself.
Are we really not losing
the battle?
Uprooting plants and de-
stroying them is not going to
stop many who have reaped
huge financial payouts
from the sale of the drug. It
has clothed their families,
put food on the table and
changed their lives greatly.
The only incentive they
probably might be tempted
to accept is one that pro-
vides similar returns.
It leaves us then to pon-
der on whether we are fight-
ing a battle that is effective.
Clearly the police and the
vanua will need the sup-
port of the people, and the
powers that be to make a
stronger statement against
marijuana cultivation.
q ANA SOVA
Desired Results
The festive season Op-
eration Yalodei ended with
the focus on serious crime
achieving the desired results
reflecting the joint effort of the
Fiji Police Force and members
of the public.
The focus for the one
month period from the 15th
of December to 15th January
2018 was on overall crime,
serious crime (crimes against
women and children, aggra-
vated robbery, burglary, ag-
gravated burglar and drugs)
and fatalities.
The following was
achieved based on the offenc-
es that took place during the
one month reporting period;
1. 30% increase in
overall crime
2. 45% reduction in se-
rious crime
3. 10% reduction in
crimes against women
4. 50% reduction in
crimes against children
The increase in the overall
crime was due to the mul-
tiple counts on three cases of
money laundering whereby in
one report two suspects were
charged with 299 counts of
money laundering.
The capabilities of the CID
Money Laundering and Fraud
as well as Cyber Crime Unit
resulted in the quick arrest
and charging of the accused
persons.
The increase is also attrib-
uted to the increased tempo
of operations on drugs where-
by a number of raids were
conducted during the one
month period.
The reduction of crimes
against women and children
was one of our main targets
and we have managed to re-
cord only four reports of rape
and attempted rape and 3
cases of defilement between
13 to 16 years during the op-
eration period.
Crimes against women
and children will continue to
be a priority for the organisa-
tion and our Duavata Commu-
nity Policing will be increasing
its tempo of awareness in
reaching out to the public and
advocating the need to work
together to protect our wom-
en and children.
Robbery and aggravated
robbery was another key fo-
cus with projections indicat-
ing an increase and while we
have been able to reduce the
number of reports during the
Operation it is an achieve-
ment for the Northern Divi-
sion to record nil reports for
the 30 day period. The South-
ern, Western and Eastern Di-
vision recorded 14, 9 and 1
case respectively and again
these crimes are being com-
mitted by opportunists.
The focus on drugs was
also intensified throughout
the four policing divisions
and this resulted in numer-
ous reports further solidify-
ing our war on drugs and our
commitment to eradicating its
trade from our society.
While Operation Yalodei
has come to an end, we have
however put in place strate-
gies to maintain the momen-
tum of operations and ensure
we are able to curb crime
and keep criminal elements
at bay.
With the injection of re-
sources from the Government
such as the provision of new
vehicles improving mobility
and visibility we will continu-
ously strive to effectively and
efficiently serve the people of
Fiji.
The support from the pub-
lic has also been overwhelm-
ing and it is through visitations
that we have been able to
forge a solid working rela-
tionship with individuals and
business operators who have
shown their willingness to
support the work of the Police
and fight crime.
POLICE MEDIA CELL

THE JET is Fiji’s first community newspaper published weekly by

YOURSPACE LIMITED from Nadi - the tourism capital of Fiji.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR: SAMUEL SHANKAR Cell: 9966115

Six Senses Fiji Opens this April
NEWS : ANA SOVA Cell: 7378722
NEWS : MARIA LAQETA Cell: 9216562
ADVERTISING : MARGARET NAQIRI Cell: 9360047
OFFICE PHONES : 6707075 / 6750443
EMAIL : news@thejetnewspaper.com
: sam@media.com.fj
WEBSITE : www.thejetnewspaper.com
COMPLAINTS: The Jet Newspaper continues to strive for excellence in
its publications, with this in mind we welcome all complaints and sug-
gestions from our readers. All such comments could be sent to
feedbacks@media.com.fj We thank you our readers for your valued
support towards The Jet Newspaper.

PRINTED BY MAX MARKETING - LAYOUT BY MARGARET NAQIRI

Send us your feedbacks or suggestions to:

Six Senses Fiji. Photo: SIX SENSES FIJI WEBSITE.

Continued from page 1
feedbacks@media.com.fj “ 2019 will see us further advance
our guest arrival experience as well as
complete our onsite Earth Lab which
will showcase our sustainability efforts
including a Resort Farm housing goats,
bees and chickens in their “Cluckingham Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is a ho-
Palace” coop,” he said. tel and spa management company com-
“We believe there is always room for
improvement and therefore will con-
stantly be assessing ways in which we
prised of 10 resorts and 28 spas under the
brand names Six Senses, Evason and Six
Senses Spas.
can further improve and enhance the
guest experience.”

New Academic Year Begins

The Fiji National University
officially commenced its 2018
academic year this week as
students studying on trimester
mode returned to classes.
FNU Vice Chancellor Pro-
fessor Nigel Healey said the
New Year brings forth new
challenges and objectives for
the institution.
“With the start of the first
trimester for continuing stu-
dents, FNU is back in busi-
ness for 2018 which means
fulfilling our mission to sup-
port the economic and social
development of Fiji through
relevant, high-quality educa-
tion and training that maxi-
mises graduate employability
and applied research that has
positive societal impact,” said
Prof Healey.
“We aim to improve the
quality, choice and value for
money of catering facilities
on campus, either through in-
house provision or outsourc-
ing services. Increase the
number of beds and the qual-
ity of hostel accommodation,
either though in-house provi-
sion or by entering a public:
private partnership (PPP) with
a third partner. Increase the
range of social and sporting
facilities on campus. Bring the
quality of teaching and office
accommodation up to mod-
ern standards. These actions
imply a willingness to rethink
the way we provide services
to our students, by looking at
new ways of doing business
and working with external
partners,” added Prof Healey.
Students have been
crowding around the aca-
demic and ICT office paying
fees and collecting identifica-
tion cards at most campuses
around the country. Two
friends, Maneesh Naidu and
Ravikash Singh were amongst
the group of students who
were paying their fees at Na-
sinu Campus. Both students
are keen to complete their
studies this year with a ‘very
good GPA.’
“This is my final year so
I hope to finish off on a high
note. I’m excited to go out
and work especially as I wish
to venture onto cyber technol-
ogy with the evolution of tech-
nology but for now my main (L-R) Best friends Maneesh Naidu and Ravikash Singh. Photo: SUPPLIED.
aim is to get the best grade
I’ve ever scored,” said Mr programme and I’m also aim- is currently enrolled in Trade will enrol on Semester mode
Naidu who is completing his ing at getting a very good GPA. Diploma in Occupational, which starts on Monday 5 Feb-
Bachelor of Science in Com- I don’t just want to graduate, Health & Safety. ruary.
puter Science & Information I want to be proud of what I While continuing students
Systems. achieve and I look forward to commence studies in trimes-
“I have four final units to going for attachment later in ter mode, all new students
undertake to complete my the year,” said Mr Singh who doing undergraduate studies

2 THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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Borehole Project
for Yavuna Village
By ANA SOVA
Minister for Lands and Min-
eral Resources, Faiyaz Siddiq
Koya commissioned a bore-
hole project for Yavuna Vil-
lage in the interior of Nadi on
Friday, 12 January.
The commissioning of the
project has brought decades
of drinking from unsafe sourc-
es to an end for the 37 house-
holds in the tikina of Nawaka.
In Commissioning the proj-
ect, Minister Koya reiterated
Government’s commitment
towards providing Fijians with
critical services such as elec-
tricity, healthcare, education,
and in this case water.
“Government will continue
to ensure that we do not only
provide these services but en-
sure that it is affordable and
accessible to our fellow coun-
Member of Parliament Hon. Samu Vunivalu taste the water trymen and women and chil-
at Yavuna Village as Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources dren,” Koya said.
Hon. Faiyaz Koya looks on. Photo: DEPTFO. “Your days of drinking from
rivers and streams are now
over and this water source is
not only safe but is sustain-
able especially during the dry
seasons.”
Located at the foot of the
highlands, this community
of 550 people have always
shared their water sources
with animals which had been
contaminated a few times
leading to illnesses such as
typhoid.
Villager, Adi Kalaveni Nat-
ua, who married into Yavuna
32 years ago, the commission-
ing of the water project is a
major step for her family.
“I had never expected to
see tap water running into our
homes in my lifetime and I am
proud to see that Government
has allowed me to witness Adi Kalaveni Natua drinks from a tap at Yavuna village for the
this Blessing for my family and first time since setting foot there 32 years ago.
the village,” Adi Kalaveni said. Photo: DEPTFO.

Youths Encouraged to Develop Civic

Leadership Skills
By ANA SOVA

More than hundred youths who attended
the three day National Youth Leadership
Training held at Navoci Village in Nadi have
been encouraged to develop civic leader-
ship skills.
The training was attended by youth leaders
from throughout Fiji, drawn from multicul-
tural communities and faiths.
The three-day National Youth Leadership
Training Camp organised by the Network of
Youths for Integrity in partnership with the
Ministry of Youth was officially opened by
Minister for Youth and Sports, Laisenia Tui-
tubou.
Workshop Coordinator and Civic Education
Specialist, Dr Joseph Veramu also urged the
youths to actively participate in the upcom-
ing election process.
Dr Veramu said that the National Camp was
a follow up to the recent successful; series
of anti-corruption workshops funded by the
Canada Fund for Local Initiative.
“The first goal of the leadership training
camp is to impress the leadership values
of integrity, transparency and accountabil-
ity using cultural, spiritual and technology
based competencies”
“This training also inculcate intercultural
interaction to enable participants to look
beyond ethnic barriers and to engage with
each other irrespective of race, colour or
creed”, he he said.
Dr Veramu highlighted that during the three
days training, a number of issues of special National Youth Leadership Training Camp held at Navoci Village in Nadi. Photo SAILOSI
interest to young people such as mental DAWAI. Photos: SUPLIED.
health, COP 23/climate change, relation-
ship issues, peace building, will be put on
the table for the participants to discuss.
Educational booths also lay within the ses-
sions of the workshop which was set up in
the village by various service providers for
participants, guests and passer-by. Apart
from the formal training there were sports
activities and a field trip to Denarau.
Dr Veramu highly acknowledged the sup-
port of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in
the Western Division and the sponsors who
have donated so generously to achieve the
success of this event.

WAF Holds Meeting

with West Hoteliers
By ANA SOVA

The Water Authority of Fiji

(WAF) Board members Mr
Kamal Gounder and Mr
Bhavesh Patel together with
the Authority’s Chief Oper-
ating Officer, Mr Samanmal
Ekanayake, General Man-
ager Customer Services,
Mr Sekove Uluinayau and
Regional Manager West, Mr
Romulusi Mataitoga held
a meeting at the WAF Na-
maka Customer Services
Centre in Nadi, on Saturday-
afternoon, 13 January.
The team updated hoteliers
in the Western Division on
the plans that are in place
4 THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
for the upcoming major
water disruption for areas
in Nadi and Lautoka, which
will take place next month
(3rd to 6th February, 2018).
The Chief Engineer for Sofi-
tel Fiji Resort & Spa, Mr. Tu-
inaceva said he was grate-
ful to WAF for holding the
meeting.
“I am grateful to WAF for
holding this meeting, to see
your top guns present here
gives us assurance”.
He said that the Sofitel Fiji
Resort is prepared for the
planned water disruption.
The meeting consisted of
representatives from the
all hotels in Denarau Is-
land, Tanoa International,
Mecure Hotels, Hexagon,
Double Tree and Fiji Mariot
Resort.
www.thejetnewspaper.com www.scribd.com/thejet

Mini-Resort Rise
By MARIA LAQETA

Fiji has a significant amount

of tourism with the popular
regions located in Nadi, the
Coral Coast, Denarau Island,
and Mamanuca Islands.
In general, the country is
a mid-range priced holiday
and vacation destination with
most of the accommodations
in this range with a variety of
world class five-star resorts,
mini-resorts and hotels which
provide more tourism oppor-
tunities.
Amongst the classic mini-
resorts emerged today is the
Airport Ace Hotel two-minutes
drive from the Nadi airport.
Recently only three weeks
exposed to business it man-
aged to boost the market of
4,800 followers and 24 review-
ers all five star.
Great place to visit with 40
rooms which include Stan-
dard, Deluxe, Ace Deluxe, Pre-
mier Rooms, Family Rooms
and Master Suite alongside
with special rates from $65
dollars.
Further reference towards
the mini-resort please visit-
facebook page: Airport Ace
Hotel.

The newly built mini-resort, Airport Ace Hotel at Westfield, Nadi. Photos: AIRPORT ACE HOTEL.

THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 5

www.thejetnewspaper.com www.scribd.com/thejet

Vatulele Villgers Receive More

Water Tanks
The water-rationing scheme will now be a
thing of the past for two villages on Vatulele Is-
land after the delivery of 77 water tanks to the
island last week by the Water Authority of Fiji
(WAF) officials.
Fifty tanks were designated for Ekubu vil-
lage and 27 for Taunovo Village under the Gov-
ernment’s ‘Rain Water Harvesting Scheme’ ini-
tiative that began earlier this year.
The new tanks were a welcome relief for
the 400 residents of Ekubu Village and 300 resi-
dents of Taunovo Village.
The villagers do not have a reliable source
of water but have been able to supplement
their water needs through water wells and ce-
ment water tanks, which were constructed 47
years ago.
Only three existing concrete water tanks
were still in use. The other tanks that served
the village’s water needs were cracked, leak-
ing and no longer of use.
Ekubu Village headman, Ratu Jeke Tabaila-
gi, 38, said they were grateful for the assistance
and that their worry and cries have been heard
by the Government.
“Our island does not have mountains, which
means we do not have water sources like oth-
er islands. That is why we are very grateful for
the Government and our water tanks because
we often face a drought season. Today, we are
very happy for the delivery of our water tanks,
and to know that the Government is looking
out for our island,” said Ratu Tabailagi.
Villager, Mrs Acalia Nai, 39, was also thank-
ful for the delivery of the water tanks.
“Village life in Ekubu means we rely heavily
on rain water to have our baths and to do our
washing, so we use the existing water wells.
But when the drought season approaches us,
we always face a lot of difficulties and drinking
and cooking water is hard to find. We have to
wait for rain to refill our buckets to use for our
daily needs.”
Mrs Nai said with the newly delivered wa-
ter tanks, villagers on Vatulele are now able
to not only survive, but thrive through the dry
seasons.
So far, the Water Authority of Fiji has deliv-
ered a total of 4029 water tanks under the Rain
Water Harvesting Scheme and 654 under the
Free Water Tank Scheme.
The remaining 73 water tanks for Vatulele
Island were delivered last week.
WAF Ekubu village headman, 38 year-old Ratu Jeke Tabailagi, with the newly delivered water
tanks. Photo: WAF.

4,000 Plants FSC Mill Engineers

Believed to
be Marijuana
Uprooted in
Kadavu
Close to 4,000 plants have
been uprooted from a farm in
Levuka, Yale and two people
arrested as the drug raids
continue on the island of Ka-
davu.
Chief Operations Officer
ACP Rusiate Tudravu travelled
to Kadavu with the Divisional
Crime Officer Southern, two
C.I.D officers, the Force Ana-
lyst and the Officer in Charge
Maritime.
Two men believed to be
involved in the cultivation of
the illicit drugs are under ar-
rest and continue to be ques-
tioned at the Vunisea Police
Station.
Twenty officers from the
Police Special Response Unit
were deployed last Saturday
to assist officers on the island
after they attacked and threat-
ened during the raid.
ACP Tudravu says he will
be visiting the villages and
speaking to respective turaga
ni koros and elders to reaffirm
the Police’s commitment in
Chief Operations Officer ACP Rusiate Tudravu and Crime Of- working together and ensur-
ficer Kadavu Corpral Josua Gagalia with some of the plants ing the protection of commu-
seized from a farm in Levuka, Yale. Photo: SUPPLIED. nities.
“We have received infor-
mation that those who are
involved in this trade have
been a threat to their com-
munities and we understand
their reluctance to provide
information because of their
safety, and as we have shown
with the quick deployment of
officers we want to reassure
them that we have the capa-
bilities and resources to come
to their assistance”.
“Another raid was con-
ducted at Nukuvou, Nakasale-
ka and we have the suspected
cultivator in custody following
the seizure of more than 30
plants”.
The two suspects arrested
from the first raid are from
Rewa and Wainibuka, Tai-
levu which the Chief Opera-
tions Officer stressed will be
an issue he will talk to village
heads and turaga ni koro’s to
be vigilant of.
The Force’s analyst is also
on the island analyzing the
plants to aid the investiga-
tion process as the institution
steps up its war on drugs.
POLICE MEDIA CELL
graduate from India’s
Vasantdada Sugar
Institute
By ANA SOVA
Ten Fiji Sugar Coopera-
tion’s (FSC) senior mill engi-
neers have graduated from
India’s Vasantdada Sugar
Institute (VSI), in Pune on 21
December last year.
Their graduation saw the
culmination of three-years
of advanced mill operations
training.
This programme was fully
funded by the Government of
India and supported by the Fi-
jian government.
This advanced certificate
level training commenced
2015 and each semester
lasted ten weeks in duration.
The course included theo-
retical and practical training
and students got to regularly
visit modern sugar factories in
India and also the sugar ma-
chinery manufacturing com-
panies.
The site visits proved im-
mensely useful in enhancing
the participants’ theoretical
knowledge of sugar manufac-
turing and provided a hands-
on exposure to modern plant
operations. In their final se-
mester, the course focused on
on-site factory trouble shoot-
ing, which was under the di-
rection of the VSI Director.
FSC’s Chief Operating Of-
ficer Navin Chandra attended
the graduation and on behalf
of the company expressed his
gratitude to VSI and Indian
Government for their ongoing
support.
Chandra also took this time
to discuss arrangements for a
second group of certificate
course trainees for their fifth
and sixth semester, which will
commence in March 2018.
Increasing technical ca-
pabilities within FSC is a key
objective especially in areas
of diagnostic skills and ap-
plication to enhance efforts
when responding to mill
breakdowns and stoppages,
to ultimately reduce factory
downtime.

Caution During
this Wet Weather
The Ministry of Education
has advised parents, teachers
and children to move cau-
tiously during this wet weath-
er affecting most parts of Fiji.
Teachers and parents who
live in affected areas are ad-
vised to closely monitor the
weather situation and up-
dates.
Should parents, teachers
and students find the weather
threatening, they need to se-
cure refuge for safety and not
report to school for duty and
class.
The Ministry of Education
wishes to make it clear to all
parents, students and teach-
ers that their lives are a prior-
ity and should not report to
school if they find the weather
situation unfavourable.
School heads in the Ba
6 THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
and Ra education districts are
advised to close the school
if roads and bridges to the
school are not accessible,
causing any threat.
All school heads and
school managements are also
requested to accommodate
evacuees who may turn up to
their school for refuge.
Parents, teachers and stu-
dents are expected to make
prudent decision in this chal-
lenging time and ensure that
safety is always paramount.
DEPTFO
Heavy rain caused flooding
in Ba on Monday, 15 January.
Photo: FACEBOOK.
www.thejetnewspaper.com www.scribd.com/thejet

Reckless Attacks on Police

driver will not be taken
behavior lightly: Tudravu
a concern
Fiji Roads Authority (FRA)
is concerned with reckless
driver behavior, especially
along active work sites.
FRA Chief Executive Of-
ficer Jonathan Moore raised
his concerns after a driver on
Kings Road in front of Rups
Nakasi crashed through warn-
ing signs and barriers, entered
the FRA team’s worksite and
came very close to colliding
with our team that was work-
ing on the road this morning
at around 5am.
“The consequence of this
incident could have been fa-
tal, but not through any action
of the driver, we were lucky
that nobody was seriously in-
jured,” Mr Moore said.
“It was only in Monday’s
press conference that I ad-
vised our concern about the
reckless behavior of some of
the drivers on the roads that is
endangering the teams work-
ing out there.”
During the press confer-
ence, Mr Moore said he had
also advised that if this reck-
less and inconsiderate be-
havior continued then they
might have no alternative but
to close sites and take alterna-
tive actions.
“In the light of this morn-
ing’s incident, I have directed
my team to close particularly
vulnerable sites and to install
solid barriers around work
sites to protect the workers.”
He said unfortunately these
actions will prolong works on
site and increase the cost of
our work.
“We regret that the dis-
ruption to travel may be pro-
longed and we also regret that
the extent of work that we are
able to deliver this year may
be reduced through the di-
version of extra expenditure
required for additional protec-
tion.”
However, Mr Moore has re-
iterated that the safety of FRA
team is paramount and while
reckless and irresponsible
drivers continue to endanger
their lives these measures will
continue.
FRA
By ANA SOVA
This is the warning from
the Chief Operations Officer
ACP Rusiate Tudravu follow-
ing four attacks on Police of-
ficers recorded last week.
The first two reports re-
ceived on Saturday at the
Raiwaqa Police Stationin Suva
saw a Woman Corporal and a
Police Constable assaulted in
two separate incidents.
The Woman Corporal was
escorting a victim of assault
when she was allegedly as-
saulted by a 32 year old man
who was intoxicated and in
the vicinity of the Raiwaqa
Health Centre.
In the second incident a
police officer was allegedly
assaulted while attending to
a report of youths reported to
be loitering and smoking at
Falvey Road Raiwaqa.
With the help of another
officer the suspect was ar-
rested and taken into custody.
On 14 January, a Police
Constable who was on beat
at Kimberly Street in Suva at-
tended to a report of fight in
progress when he was alleg-
edly assaulted by a man who
was caught up in the commo-
tion.
And on Saturday, 13 Janu-
ary, a team of 20 Police offi-
cers from the Police Special
Response Unit based at 8
miles Nasinu were deployed
to Kadavu within hours of
an incident whereby officers
were stoned and threatened
during a drug raid in Levuka,
Yale.
A group of officers based
at the Vunisea Police Station
were working on information
about the illegal cultivation of
marijuana, and upon reach-
ing the farm they were pelted
with stones and threatened by
three men.
One was arrested at the
scene while two fled.
Upon receiving the infor-
mation on Saturday morning
a group of officers from the
Police Special Response Unit
were deployed on the W.P
Yavahuna and the F.P.B Totogo
at around 2pm and arrived on
the island later in the after-
noon.
ACP Tudravu said the issue
of officers being attacked or
threatened during the execu-
tion of their duties will not be
taken lightly.
He emphasized the fact
that the Commissioner of Po-
lice will deploy the necessary
resources and manpower
to ensure those who do are
brought to justice.
“If you want to attack po-
lice officers who are simply
doing their work in making
your communities safe, keep
in mind that we have the re-
sources and capabilities to
get to where ever you are
whether it is in the Southern,
Western, Eastern or Northern
Division so you should stand
ready to face the consequenc-
es of your actions”
A raid was conducted af-
terwards whereby close to
1000 plants were seized from
the first farm with the team
expected to move to the other
two farms today.
The team led by the Deputy
Divisional Police Commander
South SP Sakeo Ganivatu had
to trek up to 3 hours to reach
the mountainous area where
the farms are located.
The suspect that is current-
ly under arrest is not from the
Levuka, Yale and ACP Tudravu
says this should serve as a
reminder that we should be
more alert and aware of those
living in our communities.
Information gathered so
far indicates that one of the
suspects on the run is from
Levuka while the other is from
Suva.
ACP Tudravu said this is
one of the main reasons that
the Force works with turaga
ni koro’s because they know
those living in their villages
and should be alert to how a
person is able to make a liv-
ing.
He has also stressed that
people should not be scared
about giving information as
the Police will be there to pro-
tect their identity.
“The vanua has a big role to
play in the fight against drugs
and we should have pride and
take ownership and protect
our homes at all times”.
“If you don’t want the name
of your village or community
tarnished then do the right
thing and report crime or any
suspicious activity. If someone
is living in your community
and you don’t know who they
are and how they’re earning a
living ask questions and don’t
let someone into your lives
and communities who will do
nothing but harm”.
The hunt for the other two
men continues.

Chinese Officers Complete

Attachment Program
The Commissioner of Po-
lice Brigadier General Sitiveni
Qiliho and senior officers to-
day bid farewell to officers Su-
perintendent Shen Tao (right)
and Inspector Zhi Cun Zhang
from the People’s Republic of
China.
The two Chinese police
consultants have spent the
last six months on attachment
with the Fiji Police Force, an
outcome of a co-operation
agreement formalized in April
2011 between Fiji and the
People’s Republic of China’s
Ministry of Public Security.
The two officers from the
Sichuan Province’s Public Se-
curity Department had been
assisting their Fijian comrades
with Criminal Investigations
as well as International Co-
operation since their arrival in
July 2017.
Brigadier General Qiliho
said Fiji and the Police Force
will always be grateful to the
People’s Republic of China for
their continuous support.
“You’ve come with your
expertise and friendly nature
and have blended in well
with your comrades and you
will both go with our high
commendation and sincerely
thank you for your valuable
contribution to policing in
Fiji”.
“We are looking at taking
our level of cooperation to
another level and the People’s
Republic of China has always
and continues to be a very im-
portant friend of Fiji and the
Force and we are looking for-
ward to more training oppor-
tunities especially in the area
of narcotics and drugs”.
Speaking on behalf of the
two officers was the Acting
Head of Mission of the Embas-
sy of the People’s Republic of
China Mr GU Yu whereby he
expressed their Government’s
appreciation.
“Commissioner we would
like to express our gratitude to
you and your officers for your
hospitality in looking after our
two officers and they have re-
ally enjoyed their stay in Fiji”.
“Our two countries are
enjoying good relations in co-
operation and bilateral affairs
and the departure of the two
officers is just a comma for
our bilateral cooperation in
the field of public security as
our relationship will never end
and will continue to grow”.
The two officers had also
assisted Fijian officers during
the joint operation that saw
the arrest of the 77 Chinese
nationals last year.
Mr GU Yu said their Gov-
ernment will continue to
enhance bilateral coopera-
tion with the Fiji Police Force
through technological as-
sistance such as drones and
CCTV cameras to name a few.
The exchange program
also sees two Fijian officers
currently on a similar attach-
ment program in China while
the next two Chinese officers
are expected to be in the
country in July.
Superintendent Shen Tao
(right) and Inspector Zhi Cun
Zhang so far make up the 10
officers who have undergone
the attachment program be-
tween the Fiji Police Force
and the People’s Republic of
China’s Ministry of Public Se-
curity.
POLICE MEDIA CELL
Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho presents a farewel gift to Inspector Zhi Cun Zhang Photo: SUPPLIED.

THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 7

www.thejetnewspaper.com
PS Women Visits
Western Offices
Permanent Secretary of Ministry Women & Children, Dr Josefa Koroivueta visiting staff at
the Ministry’s Lautoka Office. Photo: SUPPLIED.
By ANA SOVA
Staffs of the Ministry of
Women, Children and Poverty
Alleviation’s in the Western
Division were reminded of
the values of the civil service
and of their role in achieving
the Government’s aim.
Ministry Permanent Secre-
tary, Dr Josefa Koroivueta has
been making the visitations
last week to visit the Social
Welfare and Women’s Offices
in Lautoka, Nadi, Ba, Golden
Age Home, Tavua, Rakiraki
and Sigatoka.
He made similar visits to
the Ministry’s divisional office
in the North.
Dr. Koroivueta explained
that the motive of the visit was
to enable him to have face-to-
face discussions with the min-
istry staff.
“I aim to visit all field of-
fices of the ministry as we just
started with the New Year, so
we can thank them for last
year’s performance and show
support and encourage them
and work as a team which
Progress for Age Care
Service Delivery
By ANA SOVA
Progress for Age Care Ser-
vice Delivery
Plans to progress age care
service delivery in Fiji took an-
other positive step on Monday,
5January with the visitation by
the Permanent secretary for
women, children and poverty
alleviation, Dr Josefa Koroivu-
eta to the Age Care Commu-
nity placement training room
at the Australia-Pacific Techni-
cal College (APTC) at Ganilau
House, Suva.
This was part of the prelim-
inary dialogue between the
Ministry and APTC in terms of
elevating service delivery to
older persons both in institu-
tional and progressing com-
munity care settings in Fiji.
As the Government min-
istry mandated to provide
services for older persons,
MWCPA is taking the lead
role to partner with reputable
agencies to improve service
delivery.
Dr. Josefa Koroivueta said
that APTC delivers trainings
accredited under the Aus-
tralian Qualifications Frame-
work which is recognized
locally, regionally and interna-
tionally. He said that this fruit-
ful discussion will empower
the work of the caregivers in
the Senior Citizen Homes and
improve the service delivery.
“The training and service
provided by APTC is relevant
and tangible to our place of
8 THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
will improve their service de-
livery in 2018,” Dr. Koroivueta
said.
He stated that it was essen-
tial for all government officials
to be aware and familiarize
themselves with the values
for Civil Services and the Fi-
jian Government’s aim.
“Government officials
should take responsibility of
organising and facilitating the
work programme as we are
all striving to achieve a com-
mon goal of building a better
Fiji and to leave no one be-
hind”
“The Ministry must be
clear on its role and its deliv-
ery of services to effectively
contribute to the achievement
of the overall goal of the Fijian
Government.”
Dr. Koroivueta also said his
visits provided an opportunity
for field officers to highlight
any hurdles they face and dis-
cuss ways to address those
challenges which will im-
prove the Ministry’s achieve-
PS for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Dr Josefa
Koroivueta visit the APTC Age Care Community Placement
Training Room in Suva . Photo: SUPPLIED.
work and this can upgrade
our officers’ skills and knowl-
edge,” said Dr Koroivueta.
The Ministry is expected to
formalize its working partner-
ship with APTC soon.
APTC Country Manager,
Jonathan Todd, stated the re-
lationship with the Ministry is
aligned with APTCs commit-
ment to supporting the devel-
opment of standards of care
for the aged.
ments for this year.
He reiterated Minister for
Women, Children and Poverty
Alleviation Mereseini Vuni-
waqa’s New Year’s message
for officers to look forward to
another year of great achieve-
ments with the concomitant
pledge to do better each and
every day and to always keep
in mind the core values of
compassion, honesty and in-
tegrity in serving Fijians.
“My visit will provide the
opportunity to have discus-
sions with my field staff and
to identify and address gaps
that may be the inhibiting fac-
tors and build on the achieve-
ments made so far,” Dr Koroi-
vueta added.
Minister Vuniwaqa had
emphasised that officers must
not rest their laurels on the
good work done but to strive
for performance beyond ex-
pectations in 2018 and to
maintain the human touch in
all aspects of service delivery.
“We have been delivering
the Certificate III in Individual
Support/Aged Care course for
the last 5 years providing spe-
cialized skills to leaners from
across the Pacific. The Minis-
try has supported APTC with
work placement for students
and there are other opportu-
nities for skills development
we can explore in the future”,
Mr Todd said.
DEPTFO
Tappoo City
Lautoka open
soon
By MARIA LAQETA
TappooCity Lautoka open
soon.The Lautoka’s first five-
star Shopping Mall will be of-
ficially launched shortly.
Five star shopping mall
will mark the Tappoo Group’s
monumental accomplish-
ment after officially opened
by the Prime Minister Voreqe
Bainimarama on January 20,
Saturday.
Group Chairman Kanti Lal
Tappoo were honored after
the Prime Minister has accept-
ed the invitation to launch the
TappooCity Lautoka.
The Prime Minister will be
joined by a wide cross-section
of the Fiji community.
Tukavesi Villagers
Benefit from $176k
Water Project
Villagers of Tukavesi, Natewa in Cakaudrove, Vanualevu now have access to piped drinking
water. Photo: SUPPLIED.
Four hundred villag-
ers of Tukavesi, Natewa in
Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu now
have access to piped drinking
water after the completion of
their Rural Water Project.
The previous system,
which was constructed in
2008, experienced major leak-
ages in the piping network
and a complete replacement
of the reticulation in the vil-
lage, as well as requested
Government stations.
The $176,046 project,
which was outsourced by the
Water Authority of Fiji (WAF)
to Taviraki Building and Civil
Works Limited, saw the lay-
ing of 800 lengths (4.5km)
of50mm, 150 lengths (1km)
of 15mm of PVC pipes, and
8 coils of 20mm polythene
pipes along trenched paths.
WAF Chief Operating Of-
ficer, Samanmal Ekanayake,
reiterated that the outsourcing
model the Authority is imple-
menting empowers the com-
munity by paying the water
committee for the village sup-
port required during the water
project.
“This empowers the Water
Committee to be responsible
for ongoing maintenance and
The official launch he
said of the complex signals
that all the entrepreneurs and
companies operating the 25
outlets in the complex which
includes two state-of-the –art
cinemas have settled in.
“We are very proud of the
selected partners and entre-
preneurs at our TappooCity
Lautoka mall,” said Mr. Tap-
poo.
“A few of these entrepre-
neurs are relatively new to the
commercial world, but have
done exceptionally well since
starting their business here a
few months ago,” he added.
This is a clear demonstra-
repairs, thus ensuring the
longevity and sustainability
of their village water supply
system. This also builds the
local capacity of contrac-
tors to undertake water sup-
ply construction work. For
this project, the village water
committee will receive $6,629
as payment for the village as-
sistance provided,” said Mr
Ekanayake.
Mr Ekanayake said the vil-
lagers now enjoy a consistent
supply of water and an im-
proved water system perfor-
mance, which is reliable, and
a water source, which can
withstand dry seasons.
Former Tukavesi Village
Headman, Aisake Leqeua
said he was thankful to the
Water Authority of Fiji for the
project.
“For the last three years, a
youth and I had to close and
open the valve in order to
have water in the village and
prevent the school (Kama Dis-
trict School) from closing and
keep our children in school.
That was an important activity
of our water committee on a
daily basis. Now, I no longer
need to do this every day –
this is a big relief for me and
www.scribd.com/thejet
tion of the new job opportu-
nities that the new mall has
generated and contributed to
the Fiji economy.
“The ceremony on Satur-
day will be a time for all part-
ners to come together and
share in this success,” said
Mr. Tappoo.
More than 300 people
work at TappooCity Lautoka
Complex and quite a large
number of contractors and
service providers engaged in
servicing the complex regu-
larly.
the other villagers.”
Mr Leqeua said he keeps
reminding the villagers and
children to ensure that the
taps are closed and that water
is not left running.
Villager, Ms Sereana Yalay-
ala, 47, said she was grateful
for the assistance.
“Before this project hap-
pened, we rarely had water in
our taps. This is now a thing of
the past. This project will help
us in the preparation of meals,
bathing, washing our clothes
and other daily chores. We
are also overjoyed because
the water is available at every
doorstep in our village,” she
said.
Mr Ekanayake said WAF
would continue to implement
works that ensure Fijians have
access to safe drinking water
and proper sanitation.
WAF
CAPTION: (L-R) 10-year-
old Salome Diviti Turagaicei of
Nawi Village, 12-year-old Mai-
ka Saladromo of Buca Village,
47-year-old Sereana Yalayala
of Naruwai Village in Tukavesi
and 7-year-old Viliame Matai
of Loa Village, sample water
from a standpipe in Tukavesi
village.
WAF
www.thejetnewspaper.com www.scribd.com/thejet

Fugu blowfish fail sparks

emergency warning in
Japan city
Fugu blowfish fail sparks
emergency warning in Japan
city
A Japanese city issued an
emergency alert to residents
Monday after two people ate
potentially dangerous por-
tions of fugu fish that should
not have been sold.
Five packs of Yorito fugu
(blunt head blowfish) were
sold at a supermarket located
in Gamagori city, in the cen-
tral Aichi prefecture, by a li-
censed employee who had
not removed the livers, ac-
cording to Hiroko Mizuno, an
official from the district’s Life
and Hygiene Department.
The fish, also referred to
as puffer fish, contains a toxin
hundreds of times more poi-
sonous than cyanide; its liver
alone can contain enough
poison to kill five men. Japan
has laws in place to ensure
it is prepared and detoxified
properly before it is sold.
Fugu, with its lethal in-
nards, is considered a winter
time delicacy in Japan, with
high-end Tokyo restaurants
charging customers 22,000
yen ($199 US) to risk death.
An intoxicating tour of
Japan's deadly puffer
fish capital
An intoxicating tour of Ja-
pan’s deadly puffer fish capi-
tal
The two people who con-
sumed the fish have not re-
ported any health problems as
this time. However, Gamagori
city activated an emergency
warning to its citizens alerting
them through all wireless sys-
tems, including community
loud speakers, against eat-
ing the fugu and recalling the
product.
Mizuno told CNN that this
particular type of blowfish
usually has very weak or no
poison, but the food hygiene
laws prohibit the sale of any
liver given its potentially poi-
sonous implications. The liver
should never be eaten be-
cause only testing can detect
the poison.
Two packs of the recalled
fish were located and re-
turned on Monday night after
the city’s quarantine office
was alerted by a consumer
who had bought the product
and found the liver still inside.
The office has since launched
an investigation into the su-
permarket, Mizuno said.
A third pack was later
returned accounting for all
five packages.Mizuno added
that the supermarket told the
quarantine office that their
licensed employee who cut
the blowfish thought this type
of fugu was not poisonous
as they had previously sold it
with its liver before.
CNN
Deadly blowfish (or Fugu) is a delicacy in Japan.Photo: SUPPLIED.

New technology: destroyer

or creator of jobs? Advances in technology
are having a big impact on a
broad range of industries, pro-
voking intense debate about
the future of work.
Workers across the world
are increasingly aware of
what many consider an exis-
tential threat to a wide array
of jobs. Safe and efficient au-
tonomous vehicles, for exam-
ple, may make truck drivers
obsolete in the not too distant
future.
At the same time, advo-
cates of technology argue,
people around the planet are
finding new and often better
opportunities thanks to con-
tinuing industrial innovation.
The world of work is chang-
ing, from Silicon Valley to the
Nile Valley, where Spotlight
visited to discover how devel-
opments in agri-technology
are revolutionising crop culti-
vation.
“We, the people of the
world, have got to own this
New Technology on the move.Photo: SUPPLIED. new technology, so that the
profits and rewards come
broadly to people, rather than
go to a few billionaires,” the
Prof. Richard Freeman, Har-
vard economics professor
said.
Once part of the desert, a
camomile field near Faiyum
southwest of Cairo, now pro-
vides a seasonal income op-
portunity for local women. Fai-
yum is one of Egypt’s poorest
provinces, with particularly
high female unemployment.
Hundreds of women are em-
ployed here, and business is
growing, thanks to new tech-
nologies.
“These women come from
nearby villages,” says Om
Said, a local entrepreneur.
“There are always people
there in need of work. For
them, it’s means for living.
With new technologies, we
can deliver more product in
shorter time. The drying pro-
cess now only takes two days.
This greatly speeds up the
production.”
At harvest time, around
200 workers process up to 300
tons of camomile. The plants
are dried in a fast and hygien-
ic way using a solar heat col-
lector.
The technology was de-
veloped by local researchers
a few years ago and since
greatly enhanced, spinning off
a business creating high- and
low-level jobs across Egypt,
according to Prof. Wael Abdel-
moez, and environment and
energy expert and founder of
R&D Tech.
“High level, which covers
the engineers and PhD hold-
ers who are already working
on the design and supervi-
sion of the manufacturing of
solar driers; the labourers,
who are working running the
facility itself; and the females,
who are working in the field
itself, whose numbers have
increased dramatically”.
EURO NEWS

Asia-Pacific Parliamentary
Forum Seeking New Vision
for Future Development in
Vietnam
The 26th annual meeting
of the Asia-Pacific Parliamen-
tary Forum (APPF-26) kicked
off here on Thursday, discuss-
ing construction of the APPF’s
new vision for the future after
25 years of development.
The vision should be based
on effective parliamentary
partnerships, which require
bigger commitments to bet-
tering cooperation mecha-
nisms within the APPF, and
between the forum and other
regional institutions for peace,
security, and inclusive and
sustainable growth, Nguyen
Thi Kim Ngan, Chairwoman of
Vietnam’s National Assembly,
said at the opening ceremony.
Also addressing the cer-
emony, Vietnamese President
Tran Dai Quang called for all
27 APPF members to effec-
tively handle regional chal-
lenges, including growing
protectionism, slower region-
al connectivity in some areas,
wars and conflicts, poverty
and climate change.
Earlier on Thursday, the
Meeting of Women Parlia-
mentarians of APPF-26 was
held in Hanoi, seeking ways to
promote gender equality and
empowerment of women and
girls for sustainable develop-
ment and shared prosperity in
the Asia-Pacific region.
On Friday, delegates to the
four-day meeting, themed
“Parliamentary partnership
for peace, innovation and
sustainable development,”
will focus their discussions
on politics, security, economy
and trade issues. A scene of the 26th annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26) in
Hanoi, Vietnam. The 26th annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26)
XINHUANET kicked off here on Thursday, discussing construction of the APPF’s new vision for the future
after 25 years of development. Photo: XINHUA.
THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 9
www.thejetnewspaper.com www.scribd.com/thejet

Ministry Facilitates Entrepreneurial

and Leadership Symposium

Attendees of the Womens Entrepreneurial & Leadership Youth Symposium in the Western Division. Photo: SUPPLIED.
By ANA SOVA
The Ministry of Youth and Sports hosted a four-day sympo-
sium for women in Lautoka addressing issues such as women’s
economic empowerment, leadership, self-sufficiency, and ca-
reer development.
Around 30 women between the ages of 18 to 35 will attend-
ed the Women’s Entrepreneurial and Leadership Youth Sym-
posium (WELYS), which was held at the Ba Holdings Building
from 16-19 January.
The inaugural symposium, organised by the Ministry’s West
Office, helped equip female youths with the skills and knowl-
edge for economic independence, leadership in the workplace,
and entrepreneurial empowerment.
The trainings and workshops held during the symposium ce-
ments the Ministry’s commitment to gender equality and to pro-
vide unique and specific opportunities for women to succeed in
business and as individual leaders.
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Laisenia Tuitubou, said
through the WELYS symposium, the Ministry aims to empower
young women so that they are treated with parity in relation to
others.
“This includes gender equality, disability services, ethnic
equality, and inclusivity for LGBTIQ youth,” Tuitubou said.
He adds the Ministry wishes to build pathways to success for
all participating young women.
“We intend to build pathways that lead to success. These
pathways may entail building general life skills for youth and
sportspeople or they may address specific needs around sus-
tainable success.”
Some of the key components the symposiumfocused on
were; empowering women, female leadership in action, net-
working, public speaking, team building, CV writing and mock
interview and financial management and fiscal responsibility.
A range of guest speakers including Associate Professor
Swaran Naidu, Dr. Maria Doton, Debra Sadranu and others de-
livered training on their key areas of expertise and share their
experiences to empower others.

Flexenclosure Commissioned for Construction

of eCentre Landing Station
As part of the Fijian Gov-
ernment’s commitment to
make high speed internet
services available on Vanua
Levu, Fiji’s second largest is-
land, Fiji has commissioned
Swedish Internet infrastruc-
ture specialist Flexenclosure
for the construction of an
eCentre cable landing station
in Savusavu.
The cable will connect to
the Tui-Samoa undersea ca-
ble, providing a high-capacity
and high-availability fibre op-
tic link between Viti Levu,
Fiji’s main island, and Vanua
Levu.
This Fijian Government
initiative will be a big boost to
the local economy and pro-
vide more jobs and opportu-
nities for job creation in the
ICT sector, along with greater
telecommunications secu-
rity between the two main
islands to ensure uninterrupt-
ed emergency communica-
tions during severe weather
events. It is estimated that
Vanua Levu will have full ac-
cess to high speed internet
services in the first half of this
year.
“The construction of this
eCentre is a major step for-
ward in our campaign to bring
all Fijians, regardless of geog-
raphy, into the fold to meet
the demands of a dynamic
21st century economy,” said
the Fijian Attorney-General,
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
“This project will bring the
level of services available on
Vanua Levu on par with what
can be found on our main is-
land, Viti Levu, bringing enor-
mous benefits for local busi-
nesses and opportunities for
jobs in ICT, making the entire
region riper for investment.
For ordinary people, the ben-
efits of high speed internet
access are limitless; it means
more accessible public ser-
vices, more high-paying jobs,
and it means that they will
enjoy connections with their
fellow Fijians and with the
rest of the world like never
before.”
This order from Fiji fol-
lows three cable landing sta-
tion wins for Flexenclosure in
2017 – one with BSCC in Palau
and two with SSCC in Samoa.
The new facilities will be in-
strumental in increasing the
availability and reducing the
cost of Internet services to
these remote island nations.
“We are honoured to be
supporting the Fijian Gov-
ernment in their ongoing
digital transformation of the
country”, said David King,
CEO, Flexenclosure. “We
are fully committed to the
Pacific region, and follow-
ing our deployments in Palau
and Samoa this Fijian project
confirms our status as a major
force in the Pacific cable land-
ing station market.”
Flexenclosure is a special-
ist designer and manufac-
turer of prefabricated eCentre
cable landing stations specifi-
cally for the submarine cable
industry. They can be built to
accommodate permanent
staff or to be unmanned 24x7
facilities. And with eCen-
tre’s modular construction,
the facilities can easily be
expanded to accommodate
additional equipment as data
traffic grows, all without inter-
rupting on-going operations.
Flexenclosure has pio-
neered the deployment of
prefabricated data centre
technology into many devel-
oping nations in Africa, Latin
America and Asia, and is ex-
panding fast in the Pacific
region with its cable landing
station projects and a major
data centre initiative recently
announced with Virtutel in
Australia.
DEPTFO

Sweet Tweets: What do you think of the recent increase of fuel and LPG prices?

Lisa Raikuna Ben Nadredre Salendra Kumar Kelera Usenia Viliame Kama Roshni Devi
NADI SUVA NADI NADI NADI NADI

“The cost of living already
expensive and it’s not good
idea to increase the prices
of fuel and LPG”.
“I think the increasing cost
of fuel and LPG prices will
bring about struggle in the
family because the cost of
living is already expensive”.
“Not good because the cost
of living in Fiji is very high
and people has less wages
to compatible with the
expensive cost of living now
days”.
“I’m not agreeing with the
idea because life is already
challenge us nowdays”.
“I don’t think the cost is
fair. Since the cost of living
is high, some people can’t
afford the cost and eventu-
ally family will suffer”.
“The increase of fuel and
LPG prices result in chaos
and causes problems”.

10 THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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PM Calls for the Protection

of our Reef System
By ANA SOVA

The Prime Minister, Voreqe come together as a global

Bainimarama is calling for a
united global effort in the pro-
tection of our reef system.
He was speaking at the
launching of 2018 as the In-
ternational Year of the Reef
at Nukubati Private Island Re-
sort.
This is the third Interna-
tional Year of the Reef de-
clared by the United Nations
and the decision to launch it
in Fiji was made in Bonn, Ger-
many last year.
Mr. Bainimarama said Sir
David Attenborough who
made such an impact with
his presentation at the Ocean
Conference in New York last
June ended his most recent
series, Blue Planet 2, last
month with the stark warning,
that because of our abuse of
the oceans, coral reefs could
be dead within 80 years.
“Imagine. Ecosystems built
up over millions of years gone
within the space of a genera-
tion. It cannot happen. It must
not happen,” Mr. Bainimaram
said.
He urged that we must
community as never before to
prevent it.
“Today, as COP23 Presi-
dent, I appeal to every single
person on earth to join our
struggle to reverse this pro-
cess.”
He adds we can do it
by committing ourselves to
change. “To change the way
we all live in relation to our
surroundings. To live more in
harmony with nature,”
“To join our Grand Coali-
tion to make a difference,
Governments at every level,
civil society, the private sector
and billions of ordinary men,
women and children around
the world. Working together
to replace the present cul-
ture of abuse with a culture of
care,” Mr. Bainimarama said.
Executive Director of the
United Nations Environment
Programme Erik Solheim
(right) greets the Prime Min-
ister Hon. Voreqe Bainima-
rama at Nukubati Private Is-
land Resort. Photo: DEPTFO.

2018 Productivity Awareness

Campaign
By MARIA LAQETA
Productivity is the ultimate
engine of growth in the global
economy and raising produc-
tivity is therefore a fundamen-
tal challenge for countries go-
ing forward such as Fiji.
Supporting the drive, is the
launching of the Productivity
Awareness Campaign at the
Tiri Bar in Nasese with a mis-
sion to fulfill the objectives of
the Productivity Charter.
Meanwhile, the Event is or-
ganized by The Charter, which
came about as the result of an
Agreement by Government,
employers, employees, and
civil society representatives,
stipulating the necessity of
generating an awareness
campaign to ensure that all
sections of the economy and
the community at large are
motivated towards improve-
ment of quality, innovation
and productivity.
Chief guests Fiji Electric-
ity Authority chief Executive
Hasmukh Patel initiated with
open statement; Productivity,
in its essence is about con-
tinuous improvement.
“So what sort of produc-
tivity are we talking about? I
would like to propose a form
of productivity which involves
“working smarter”, not nec-
essarily “working harder”. We
are talking about how to pro-
duce better output, not just
about how to produce more
output.”
Government, he acknowl-
edged the role of the private
sector and more specifically
those involved in exporting
activities which drives growth
in an economy.
“When we export our
goods and services, globali-
sation confronts us with even
bigger challenges and we
are competing with other
countries supplying the same
products. Because we have
to compete equally, we must
compete not only in prices
but also in quality.”
“We also competing with
many countries which have
low cost structures but very
high productivity and quality,”
he added.
The Fijian economy he said
continues to grow and has
registered its eighth consecu-
tive year of growth in 2017 be-
sides the upward growth has
seen domestic and foreign
investments continue to grow
their businesses in Fiji, bring-
ing much relief to the people
in terms of employment op-
portunities, better living stan-
dards, healthy lifestyles and
much more robust and dy-
namic communities.
“For 2018, the growth out-
look has been revised up to
3.6 percent, from the 3 per-
cent projected earlier as per
the Reserve Banks release
statements. The tourism in-
dustry’s combined direct and
indirect contributions to GDP
averaged above 30 percent
over the past seven years.”
This industry, he said also
provides direct and indirect
employment to an estimated
45,000 people which creates
a multiplier effect in the local
economy and supports busi-
ness activity and livelihoods
of many people working in
many other industries such as
agriculture and transport.
Mr Patel said a year ago
has the biggest cyclone ever
to make landfall in the south-
ern hemisphere tore into Fiji,
killing 44 of our people and
displacing tens of thousands
of others besides lost one
third of local GDP and econ-
omy was only saved because
Cyclone Winston spared our
main tourism areas.
“For our Nation to be pros-
perous we need to involve
every Fijian in everything we
are achieving as a Nation.To
all Fijians out there, including
those present here this eve-
ning I want you to thank you
all for being here and know
that you all play a vital role
in Nation building and I want
you to know how important
you are in all that we have ac-
complished together for the
nation.”
Government, he said is
keen to see our local enter-
prises grow and contribute
more each day to nation’s
economy especially the de-
velopment of the SMEs sector
and congratulate Govern-
ments effort in continuing
to support programs that will
benefit our micro and small
entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, the Productiv-
ity Awareness Campaign he
added is a well-meaning exer-
cise designed to improve the
economy of this nation.
“If Fiji is to remain compet-
itive in the face of increasing
globalisation, then we must
become more productive,
innovative, competitive and
relevant in the global econo-
my. We must put our limited
resources to prudent and ef-
fective use in order to yield
higher returns.”
Productivity’ he said is
about how well people com-
bine resources to produce
goods and services. For coun-
tries, it is about creating more
from available resources –
such as raw materials, labour,
skills, capital equipment,
land, intellectual property,
managerial capability and fi-
nancial capital.
“Generally speaking, the
higher the productivity of a
country, the higher the living
standards that it can afford
and the more options it has to
choose from to improve well-
being. Wellbeing can be in-
creased by things like quality
healthcare and education; ex-
cellent roads and other infra-
structure; safer communities;
stronger support for people
who need it; and improved
environmental standard.”
“The theme for the 2018
Productivity Awareness Cam-
paign is “ Sustainable Produc-
tivity” and I believe that it is
appropriate because it calls
on every group whether in the
Civil Service, Private Sector,
Self-Employment or NGOs,
to come together and make
productivity their collective
business and sustaining it for
Future growth is the challenge
that we all need to embrace.”
We, as a nation have made
great strides in recent years.
But it is vital that as an in-
dependent nation that the
reforms that we are making
continue, we cannot afford
to lose our momentum, es-
pecially when it comes to the
strength of our economy, on
which the prosperity of every
Fijian depends.
“Fiji needs to further de-
velop its capabilities across
all sectors of the economy,
become increasingly versa-
tile, and build on recent suc-
cesses. The Fijian economy
needs to be an environment
that encourages companies
to continuously innovate and
at the same time we all need
to identify new sources of
growth to replace those that
are becoming exhausted.”
Productivity, he said is
everyone’s business and this
includes the Government,
the private sector, the Civil
Service & public sector, the
housewife, the fisherman, the
farmer and the ordinary citi-
zen of this nation.
“Your presence here today
is an indication of the recog-
nition and value you place
on the goals of increasing
productivity and raising living
standards.
“We need to make pro-
ductivity our business so that
in whatever we do there will
always be a consideration of
the quality of what we provide
and the value it will create for
the end users of our products
and services.”
“The future of productiv-
ity will define the future of
the world. It is time to launch
a new wave of productivity,
based on a new concept of
inclusive, shared, environ-
mentally-responsible produc-
tivity: a form of productivity
which is driven by technology
and knowledge within the
reach of small and medium-
sized firms, and by abilities
and skills which provide the
labour force with the tools to
confront and benefit from the
digital age; a form of produc-
tivity which is driven by na-
tional systems of unfettered
innovation in which govern-
ments are the drivers, diffus-
ers and also beneficiaries of
research and development.”
The Productivity Aware-
ness Campaign for 2018, in
collaboration with the Fiji
National University, National
Training & Productivity Cen-
tre, has been instrumental in
trying to improve productivity
in the country.

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12 THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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Review PERSON OF THE MONTH

e press ATUNAISA RAINIMA

Rainima woos YES panel

A Fiji National University
(FNU) student’s dream and
passion to pursue entrepre-
neurship and provide job op-
portunities to youths in the
greater Tailevu area is set
to become a reality thanks
to the Fijian Government.
Atunaisa Rainima, AutoCAD
student at FNU’s National
Training and Productivity
Centre (NTPC), was among
the five entrepreneurs who
had their applications pre-
approved for the Young En-
trepreneurship Scheme (YES)
launched by the Hon Prime
Minister, Mr Voreqe Baini-
marama at Grand Pacific
Hotel, Suva last Thursday.
Rainima plans to start a
lawn and landscaping ser-
vices business that will
also convert garden re-
fuse into cooking gas.
The 23 year-old, who is in-
spired by his maternal and
paternal grandfathers, sub-
mitted a very convincing plan
highlighting environmen-
tal friendly business setup.
“I came up with this idea from
the processes used by my
grandfathers. Both of them
used to cut grass. They collect-
ed grass and produced biogas
through a series of processes,
whenever there was a short-
age of gas,” said Rainima.
“Cutting grass for people is
the only source of income for
my grandfathers and it is re-
ally exciting for me to witness
how the elders make use of
the available resources to go
by their everyday lives. Now,
it is upon us youths to make
big from these small ideas.”
“Through this business, I
Atunaisa Rainima (Second from left) with his family at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva during the YES program launch.
Photo: FNU.
hope to provide employ-
ment opportunities to the
youths of my village. I be-
lieve through this scheme, I
will be able to improve the
lives of the people back in
my village,” Rainima added.
His project is divided in three
stages. The first step is to cut
the grass, followed by col-
lection of grass and the final
step is to produce biogas.
Currently employed by
the Ministry of Education,
Rainima hopes to finish ter-
tiary education and com-
mence his business this year.
The recipients of YES have
begun the program of
mentorship through the
YES initiative which will
continue over the month.
Hon Bainimarama said af-
ter the mentorship program,
the recipients will be eli-
gible to receive grant fund-
ing of up to $20,000 to pur-
sue their business ideas.
“These young people have
been selected by the YES
judging panel after demon-
strating that they not only
have great business ideas,
but that they have a game
plan to turn those ideas
into profitable businesses,”
said the Prime Minister.
“We want our young people
to do more than sit at the
same desks in the same of-
fices that we use today. Our
youth should not only be job
seekers, but they also need to
be job creators that provide
their fellow Fijians with new
and exciting opportunities.”
“We want our young people
to think outside the box, and
make Fiji a hub of innovation
for the Pacific, and the world.
We want them to be leaders
in business, civil society and
government, putting their
ideas at the forefront of Fiji’s
development, with their en-
trepreneurial spirit carrying
our nation into the future.”
“That is what the YES initia-
tive is all about. At the heart of
this program is a profound be-
lief in the unique perspective
brought by young Fijians and
in their understanding of what
our marketplace needs, both
now and in the years ahead.
It is about giving life to the
ideas of smart and ambitious
young people and to shake
up Fijian society with their
dreams for what is possible,”
Hon Bainimarama added.
FNU

Little Champs
Pre-school
and Daycare Centre
By MARIA LAQETA

Every child deserves the

best learning capabilities
based on curriculum and
complimentary nurturing en-
vironment.
Little Champs Pre-school
and Daycare is the best Pre-
school to look for if working
parents happened to find it
difficult to have a Nanny on
call.
Located in Waqadra, Nadi,
is a multi – racial school kids
from diverse countries such
as; South Africa, New Zea-
land, Australia, United States
of America, Korea/Japan, was
established five years ago.
Director Lil Champs Shab-
reen Nisha said the school
just established five years ago
and it’s a growing and pro-
gressing swiftly.
“It is a registered school
with attractive environment
and well trained staff who
basically do education centre
for the kids and are safe and
sound,” she said.
“Our staff are trained up
to the standards required by
the Ministry of Education and
have professional skills rel-
evant for working with chil-
dren,” he added.
“Age group ranges from
18months to 3years old is Pre-schoolers of Lil Champs Pre-School and Day Care Centre performing an item during the graduation.Photo: SUPPLIED.
one category while three to
four years old is another then added. school in future is expanding more branches in the country. the Little Champs please vis- Preschool and Daycare.
5years to 6years old,” she Mrs Nisha believed the pre- and planning to construct Further reference towards its facebook page: Lil Champ

THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 13

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New FNU ‘Na WereLevu’ Complex Opened
The Fiji National Univer-
sity’s (FNU) largest multifunc-
tional lecture theatre with a
seating capacity of 670, was
officially opened by Vice
Chancellor, Professor Nigel
Healey today at Natabua cam-
pus in Lautoka.
‘Na WereLevu’ is a double
story building which compris-
es of a lecture theatre on the
ground floor and eight tutori-
als rooms on first floor. The
facility has been fitted with
modern furniture which was
recently sourced from China.
Professor Nigel Healey said
it was a proud day for the Uni-
versity and a great start to the
2018 academic year.
VC Healey said the ‘Na
WereLevu’ complex is one
of the first tangible results of
the University’s major invest-
ments in capital projects.
“We increased our expen-
diture on repairs and main-
tenance from just over $2m
from 2016 to over $5m in 2017
and in 2018 it’s close to $9m.
Our capital projects in 2018 is
over $50m. We are making a
huge investment in our infra-
structure, particularly in new
buildings,” said Prof Healey.
“This lecture theatre is a
world-class facility. It is air
conditioned, it has multime-
USP Student is Successful
Recipient of Fiji’s YES
By MARIA LAQETA
Bright future promised to
Siwan Shachin Narayan after
named as one of five winning
entrepreneurs.
Hardworking Narayan is a
student at The University of
the South Pacific (USP) whose
applications for the Young
Entrepreneurship Scheme
(YES) pre-approved and was
announced by the Honour-
able Mr Voreqe Bainimarama,
Fiji’s Prime Minister at Suva’s
Grand Pacific Hotel.
He is among student to get
graduated this March with a
degree in Bachelor of Engi-
neering (Electrical & Elec-
tronics) - seeks to launch a
business to construct “tiny
homes”, to expand access to
affordable housing options for
the Fijian people.
In his keynote address,
Hon. Bainimarama confirmed
PS for Women Dr Josefa Koroivueta hand over school bags and stationeries to some of the
welfare recipients in Suva. Photo: SUPPLIED.
14 THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
dia and it will provide a ven-
ue for teaching, community
events, theatre and drama
and creative arts. It is such a
symbolic point to have such
facility within the University
with infrastructure worthy of
the national university.
“This is what we are aim-
ing for, going forward we
want all of our buildings to be
of this calibre,” Prof Healey
added.
Pro Vice Chancellor Learn-
ing & Teaching and Dean
College of Humanities and
Education, Dr Eci Nabalarua
said the lecture theatre was
named ‘Na WereLevu’ which
is the western dialect of
‘ValeLevu’ a similar lecture
theatre located in Nasinu
Campus.
“When you translate
‘ValeLevu’ in English it refers
to the big house. In the Fijian
context ‘ValeLevu’ refers to
the house of the Chief in any
setting. It is the house where
knowledge is bestowed, wis-
dom is learnt and custodi-
ans of traditions are actually
passed down. It is the place
of leadership and it is the one
house everyone in the village
looks to for guidance, natural
justice, good judgment and
good role modelling,” said Dr
that the recipients have al-
ready begun the programme
of mentorship through the
YES initiative, and that will
continue over the next month.
“Afterwards, they will all be
eligible to receive grant fund-
ing of up to $20,000 to pur-
sue their business ideas. We
all look forward to watching
their businesses grow here in
Fiji and one day, hopefully, far
beyond our shores,” he said.
These young people, he
said have been selected by
the YES judging panel af-
ter demonstrating that they
not only have great business
ideas, but that they have a
game plan to turn those ideas
into profitable businesses.
Hon. Bainimarama said,
“We want our young people
to do more than sit at the
same desks in the same of-
(L-R) FNU Vice Chancellor, Professor Nigel Healey, Chancellor Mr Ikbal Jannif and Pro Vice Chancellor Learning & Teaching Dr.
Eci Nabalarua. Photo: FNU.
Nabalarua.
“It is the hope of the Uni-
versity that from a house that
fices that we use today. Our
youth should not only be job
seekers, but they also need to
be job creators that provide
their fellow Fijians with new
and exciting opportunities”.
“We want our young peo-
ple to think outside the box,
and make Fiji a hub of inno-
vation for the Pacific, and the
world. We want them to be
leaders in business, civil so-
ciety and government, putting
their ideas at the forefront of
Fiji’s development, with their
entrepreneurial spirit carrying
our nation into the future,” he
shared.
Siwan explained that his
business proposal was in re-
gards to construction focusing
mainly on tiny house move-
ment schemes.
“I want to do this because
ever since I was a child, I
is built specifically for learning
and teaching, that from
it we will inbuilt our students
USP student Siwan Narayan (2nd from right) is one of the first five successful recipients of
Fiji’s YES, awarded by the Honourable Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.Photo: SUPPLIED.
worked with my dad who is a
carpenter, I have experienced
a lot and it is my dream to pur-
sue a career in construction,”
he shared.
On how his project will as-
sist the Fijian economy, Siwan
Family Grateful for School
Supplies Assistance
By ANA SOVA
Viliame Laliqavoka of Na-
sinu has shown his gratitude
towards the Ministry of Wom-
en, Children & Poverty Allevia-
tion for supporting his family
with school supplies.
Mr. Laliqavoka has re-
ceived stationeries for his four
grandchildren for the 2018
school year.
The Ministry’s Permanent
Secretary, Dr. Josefa Koroi-
vueta handed over school
supplies to the Care and Pro-
tection beneficiaries in the
Nasinu area which included
Mr. Laliqavoka and and Man-
jula Devi’s family’s’.
Dr. Koroivueta said it is
important for the Ministry be-
with wisdom, intelligence,
and knowledge, with the val-
ues of what it means that we
explained that it would create
jobs and he is looking at em-
ploying school drop-outs who
have the ability to work and
attend further training.
“For any business venture,
we need money and capi-
cause we want to continue to
support the children in terms
of educating the needy chil-
dren in Fiji.
On the same token, the
Ministry acknowledges World
Health Organisation (WHO)
for donating these stationeries
and bags, of which these chil-
dren are proud recipients of.
Dr. Koroivueta stated that
this type of educational as-
sistance offered is not a give-
away but a practical way of
ensuring that children from
poor families can continue to
have access to education.
He adds said the stationer-
ies were essential for school
children and an important
www.scribd.com/thejet
are good and upright citizens
of this country.”
FNU
tal and I am thankful to the
Government for mentoring
and advice that will equip us
with the necessary skills and
knowledge as we are all new
to this,” he added.
part of the learning process
for children to be used in the
classrooms and also at home.
“The ministry has strength-
ened awareness programs on
the need for everyone to work
together to protect our chil-
dren, to ensure that no child
is left behind and to prevent
them from any forms of abuse
or neglect,” Dr. Koroivueta
said.
Dr. Koroivueta encouraged
the children to work hard to
unlock their potential and
achieve their dreams in the
future.
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BUSINESS

Fiji’s Wine Experts Support

Internationally Accredited
Wine Training For The Fifth
Consecutive Year.
Liam Hindle established
Victoria Wines & Spirits in
1989, with the opening of a
small Wine Shop on Victoria
Parade in Suva. Initially devel-
oped by this long established
Suva entrepreneur to support
his own hospitality business-
es, Victoria Wines soon start-
ed to flourish and that is how
he started his long term love
affair with the wine industry,
embodied in the Company ta-
gline: ‘We Love It, We Drink It,
We Sell It’.
Liam Hindle became a
regular contributor to the na-
tional newspapers with his
wine articles, sharing his pas-
sion for the industry with the
wider community. In 2003 he
was recognized by the French
Government with a Knight-
hood, making him a ‘Che-
valier de l’Ordre du Merite
Agricole’ for his contribution
towards the development of
appreciation for French wines
in Fiji. This has been achieved
in part through the increasing
portfolio of wines imported
directly from France to Fiji
but also through the monthly
wine articles, wine tasting
and other wine events aimed
at developing the wine cul-
ture in Fiji. As a country built
on a strong Tourism industry,
the provision of good food
and beverage experiences is
fundamental to the on-going
health of the industry as this
is a core element of visitor ex-
perience.
In line with a commitment
to developing wine apprecia-
tion and knowledge amongst
its Wine Club of over 900
members, Victoria Wines has
supported the provision of
internationally recognized ac-
creditation through the Wines
and Spirits Educational Trust
(WSET ®). This has been
delivered by Master of Wine,
Jane Skilton, who is the Direc-
tor of the New Zealand School
of Wines & Spirits. This year
will mark the fifth consecutive
year of WSET wine courses in
Fiji, achieved with the long-
standing support of wine
partner Villa Maria Wines
and hosted again this year by
Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, with
support from Staging Connec-
tions Fiji.
“The Wine & Spirit Edu-
cational Trust certificates are
the most widely accepted in-
ternational measures of wine
competence and a great step-
ping stone for the career wine
waiter or sommelier - and
even for the enthusiastic wine
lover!” commented Liam Hin-
dle, whilst emphasizing the
wide benefits of such a train-
ing initiative.
“Bringing WSET to Fiji has
been a major commitment of
our Company over the past
five years and illustrates our
commitment to supporting
the tourism and hospitality
industry in the development
and delivery of confident
and competent wine skills
by industry professionals,”
explained Company Director,
Kate Vusoniwailala.
Liam Hindle BSc, MSc,
Chevalier de l’Ordre du Merite
Agricole, receiving his Knight-
hood
In 2003 from H.E. The
French Ambassador at the
time, Mr Vidon, at a special
ceremony at the Ambassa-
dor’s Residence.
The 2018 Wines and Spirits
Educational Trust (WSET ®)
Level 1 (one day) and Level
2 (three days) training will be
held from the 5-8 February
this year at the Sofitel Fiji Re-
sort & Spa. Interested partici-
pants should contact Victoria
Wines on info@victoriawines.
com.fj
More about the course fa-
cilitator, Ms Jane Skilton MW,
Auckland and Wellington
Jane Skilton began her
wine career in London and
passed her Master of Wine ex-
amination in 1993. She takes
an active role in IMW activities
and is a member of Council.
She moved to New Zealand
in 2000 and founded the NZ
School of Wines and Spirits,
teaching the Wine and Spirit
Education Trust qualifications
and general wine courses to
trade and consumers. She is
the NZ Wine Editor for Wines-
tate Magazine and is a regular Liam Hindle BSc, MSc, Chevalier de l’Ordre du Merite Agricole, receiving his Knighthood
contributor to publications In 2003 from H.E. The French Ambassador at the time, Mr Vidon, at a special ceremony
in New Zealand, Australia
and China. She is the Wine at the Ambassador’s Residence. Photo: VISTORIA WINES.
Director for Le Cordon Bleu
New Zealand.She is an expe- The Wine and Spirit Edu- and spirits and teaches both NZSWS was established in
rienced judge both nationally cation Trust (WSET) was the trade and interested con- 2006 to provide these interna-
and internationally (London, founded in 1969 to provide sumers. WSET courses are tionally recognized Wine and
Rutherglen, Brisbane, Marga- high quality wine education to currently available in 60 coun- Spirit Education Trust ® quali-
ret River, Hobart, Limestone the UK trade. Today, the Wine tries and in the last academic fications in New Zealand and
Coast, Shanghai and Tokyo). & Spirit Education Trust is the year (2013/14) 56,125 people now in Fiji.
More about the Wines largest global provider of qual- registered to sit a WSET ex-
and Spirits Educational Trust ifications in the field of wines amination.
(WSET ®) VICTORIA WINES

Hybrid Vehicle Battery Failures

The Consumer Council of Fiji is concerned with the increas-
ing number of battery problems being encountered with the
hybrid vehicles on our roads.
Consumer Council of Fiji Officer In Charge, Bindula Devi said
the Council continues to receive consumer complaints in re-
lation to hybrid vehicles and the warranty period which is not
honoured by the traders when consumers seek redress.
“Since 2015, a total of 28 cases have been received worth
more than $290,000 relating to hybrid vehicles. Six of these
complaints were concerning the hybrid batteries,” Devi said.
She said the Council is particularly worried with the attitude
of a handful of deceptive traders who are still thriving in the
marketplace at the expense of innocent consumers.
“Recently a case was lodged at the Council where the com-
plainant had purchased a Toyota Prius 1.8L from a trader for
$19,000, with a 3 month warranty on the battery. After using
the vehicle for only 5 days, the complainant noticed that the
“check-light” of the vehicle was switched on indicating a prob-
lem. Hence, the vehicle was taken to the trader for diagnosis
and without any explanation on the cause of the problem, the
trader fixed the problem.”
Devi adds surprisingly, the issue resurfaced on three other
occasions and the trader simply applied ‘BandAid treatment’
and returned the vehicle.
“However, when the warranty period had lapsed and the
consumer had taken the car back for the same problem, he was
advised that the “checklight” indicated that the battery of the
vehicle needed to be changed and the complainant would have
to bear the cost of replacement. As per the Council’s findings, of the battery cells,” their rights and responsibilities well prior to spending their sav-
the cost of a battery ranges from $1800-$2500. The 1.8L Prius car “The trader failed to rectify the problem when the complain- ings on motor vehicles,” Devi warned.
has 28 battery cells and if a cell is damaged, the cost of replac- ant had been facing difficulties since the purchasing of the ve- “The Council strongly believes that the car industry needs an
ing a cell ranges from $50 to $330,” she said. hicle.” overhaul when it comes to traders not honouring warranties,
Devi said he Council noted that the vehicle was attended by The Council has urged traders to comply with the Fijian inaccuracies on fuel consumption, and lack of information pro-
the trader on numerous occasions during the warranty period Competition and Consumer Commission Act 2010. Section 75 vided to independent repairers in order for them to do their job.
but the issue was not fixed entirely. of the Act states: “A person shall not, in trade or commerce en- Unscrupulous traders must be taken to task for taking advan-
“The situation required replacing the battery during the war- gage in conduct that is misleading or deceptive or is likely to tage of the vulnerable positions of the consumers and breach-
ranty period. However, once the warranty period had expired, mislead or deceive.” ing the national laws”.
the problem was identified which required the complainant to “On the other hand, consumers must be vigilant when in-
pay $200 for servicing and incidental costs for the replacement dulging in motor vehicle purchases. They need to understand

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NADI
IN
TU R ES
PIC

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China’s Aviation Watch-

A record 65 million trips
are expected to be made by
air across China during the
Spring Festival travel rush, up
by 10 per cent on last year, the
said Tian Zhencai, deputy di-
rector of the administration’s
operations and monitoring
centre.
Plan adjustments will be

dog Expects Record 65

civil aviation watchdog said
on Wednesday (Jan 17).
“The demand is great,”
said Liu Feng, director of the
Department of Transport from
the Civil Aviation Adminis-
made when extreme weather
occurs and the civil aviation
department will coordinate
with military aviation to open
temporary air routes to in-
crease air space for civil avia-

Million Trips in this

tration of China, adding that
growth has remained steady.
Tickets to big cities where
many migrant workers are
gathered and tourism destina-
tion, Tian said.
This year’s Spring Festival
holiday runs from Feb 15 to
21. Most people return home
for family reunions during

Year’s Holiday Rush

tions in China’s northernmost
and southernmost regions will
be sought after due to the high
seasonal demand, Liu said.
The 40-day travel rush will
begin on Feb 1 and end on
March 12.
The peak will come toward
the end of the period when
three population streams co-
incide with possible weather
extremes, he said.
The three population
streams are migrant work-
ers returning to work from
their homes, students going
back to school and politicians
heading to Beijing ahead of
the annual national political
sessions the National People’s
Congress and the Chinese
People’s Political Consultative
Conference.
Airlines are required to ad-
just flight schedules based on
market needs and optimise
schedules and flight modes,
to cater to travellers’ require-
ments, he said, adding that
backup plans are also re-
quired to prevent long delays
in the event of mechanical
problems.
“Airlines are encouraged
China Aviation to change to wide-body air-
planes on popular routes,”
the most important festival in
China.
In recent years, people
have also taken the long
holiday as a chance to travel,
pushing up demand for tick-
ets and prices.
The punctuality rate for
flights in December was 88.3
per cent, the best since June
2003, Tian said.
He also said that cold
weather and poor visibility
could affect punctuality in mid
and late January.
The punctuality rate in
2017 was 71.7 per cent, a drop
of more than 5 percentage
points compared with 2016.
The main reasons for the de-
cline were an increase in the
number of flights, extreme
weather and airspace activity.
The administration has set
a goal for national flight punc-
tuality of no less than 75 per
cent this year.
“The civil aviation industry
will focus on improving qual-
ity and efficiency to enhance
the flight punctuality rate,”
Feng Zhenglin, head of the
Civil Aviation Administration
of China, said at a conference
in December.
THE STRAIT TIMES

Aviation Security
With evolving security
threats, managing security
at airports also has to keep
evolving. We take a look
at how airport security has
changed over the years to be-
come the sophisticated sys-
tem that it is now.
Until the 1960s, airport se-
curity was relatively simple,
requiring nothing more than
civilian police to provide pro-
tection against conventional
crimes such as theft, pick-
pocketing, vandalism, and
breaking and entering.
However, in the 1960s civil
aviation became a recognised
target for politically motivated
crimes. These crimes came to
include general acts of terror-
ism, such as mass shootings
and bombings and, especially,
aircraft hijacking.
Although the first aircraft
hijacking occurred in 1931 in
Peru, such events were rare,
with no more than a handful
each year, and generally with-
out any political motive. How-
ever, by the late 1960s, politi-
cally motivated hijackings to
Cuba had become com-
mon.
In 1969, for example, there
were 87 hijackings world-
wide, of which 71 were re-
lated to Cuba, which typically
granted political asylum to the
hijackers.
The International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO),
which quickly recognised
that passenger airliners had
become political targets, re-
sponded in the decades of the
1960s and 1970s with three
major conventions covering
‘unlawful acts against civil
aviation’.
These conventions result-
ed in many ICAO recommen-
dations for the enforcement
of greater security at airports.
However, because ICAO has
no national jurisdiction, the
organisation’s recommenda-
tions needed to be translated
into individual national laws.
Following the Tokyo Con-
vention, the ICAO measures
were widely adopted by most
national civil aviation authori-
ties, although the efficiency of
the security procedures
adopted varied greatly
throughout the world. Coun-
tries that had no history of do-
mestic civil terrorism became
overconfident in their security
measures, believing that only
international flights were real
targets for terrorist attacks.
However, as terrorist acts
continued to occur against
passenger airliners, security
measures gradually became
less lax in most jurisdictions.
Initially, the principal ob-
jective of security measures
was to ensure that passengers
could not board aircraft with
weapons or explosives. Pas-
sengers were scanned with
magnetometers and suspi-
cious individuals selected for
body searches; carry-on bag-
gage was routinely passed
through X-ray machines. Pub-
lic access to the aprons and
operational areas was denied,
except for authorised staff, as
was unnecessary access to
the non-public areas of the
terminal.
As control of passengers
and carry-on baggage tight-
ened, hijackings were in-
creasingly replaced by acts
of sabotage to aircraft, car-
ried out by explosive devices
hidden in baggage carried
in the airplane’s hold. By the
late 1990s, the ICAO had pro-
duced recommendations that
all hold baggage should be
screened for explosive and
dangerous devices. The oper-
ational areas of civil airfields
were enclosed by security
fences, with manned access
gates and visual surveillance
of most of the areas by closed-
circuit television.
The September 11 at-
tacks in 2001 produced a sea
change in much of the think-
ing surrounding airport secu-
rity. In a period of two hours,
a single terrorist organisation
wreaked an unprecedented
level of destruction in the
United States of America (US)
by using hijacked airliners as
missiles. For the first time, civil
transport aircraft, loaded with
passengers and, most signifi-
cantly, with a nearly full load
of fuel, had been converted to
destructive weapons.
Authorities responded to
these hijackings with an in-
tensification of security pro-
cedures at airports around
the world. Passenger and bag-
gage search procedures were
made significantly more thor-
ough, involving more careful
screening for known terror-
ists (including the creation of
various no-fly and watch lists
of risky individuals) and po-
tentially problematic carry-on
items.
Passenger terminals in-
creased the level and sophisti-
cation of security equipment,
the number of staff employed
in security procedures, and
the space provided for securi-
ty operations. As a result, rec-
ommended check-in times
for departing international
passengers at many airports
became as much as three
hours before scheduled de-
parture.
Hand baggage and
checked baggage both be-
came subject to strict scrutiny
following September 11, 2001.
Many airports installed ad-
ditional X-ray equipment, for
spotting metal items in bag-
gage or concealed in clothing,
and massive Explosive Detec-
tion Systems (EDS), which
can detect trace molecules
released by explosive materi-
als.
Another problem for se-
curity at airports is the pos-
sibility of a car or truck being
loaded with explosives and
detonated near people or fa-
cilities. In particular, the threat
from such ‘car bombs’ forced
greater caution with the loca-
tion and operation of passen-
ger pick-up areas and airport
parking facilities. Parking
garages that were integrated
into the design of the passen-
ger terminal pose a special
danger.
At those airports where
parking design results in a
threat to the safety of the ter-
minal building from potential
car bombs, operational pro-
cedures have been reevalu-
ated and changed.
The threat of terrorist at-
tacks has meant that for the
foreseeable future and proba-
bly permanently, civil aviation
cannot return to a situation of
relaxed security.
Eventually, access to air-
port terminals might require
that all persons pass through
some form of security check
prior to check-in, that all pas-
sengers and baggage be thor-
oughly scrutinised for weap-
ons and explosives, and that
passengers even undergo
profiling interviews to identify
potential problem travellers.
MEDIA INDIA
GROUP

Indian Aviation Sector’s Growth

May Drop to 12% in 2018: Boeing
The Indian aviation sector could see a drop of 12 per cent in
its growth rate due to the rising jet fuel prices, a senior official of
aerospace major Boeing said today.
Domestic air traffic has shown a consistent growth of 20 -25
per cent throughout 2015 and 2016. However, the domestic trav-
el demand petered out and stayed under 20 per cent in 2017.
“We think the growth rate will be around 12 per cent. The
reason I have scaled down is due to the oil prices. We are see-
ing it touch high 60s (oil price in dollars per barrel). It is the
highest in four years and it has gone up by 60 per cent in the last
8 months,” said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of sales
Asia-Pacific and India at the Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
He told reporters at an event that though there could be the
impact of an increase in the jet fuel prices, it could be offset due
to a stronger rupee.
Boeing had earlier said that India is expected to take deliv-
eries of 2,100 new planes worth USD 290 billion in the next 20
years, and therefore, account for more than 5.1 per cent of the
total global demand of 41,030 aircraft.
THE ECONOMIC TIMES
Indias Aviation sector. Photo: SUPPLIED.

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Marina Opens
Secondary
Check-in Facility
By ANA SOVA
Port Denarau Marina, Fiji’s
premium marina facility and
the gateway to the Mamanu-
ca and Yasawa Islands have
opened a new extension
structure to expand its pas-
senger check-in facilities in
December last year.
With a total capital invest-
ment of $700,000, the exten-
sion aims to meet the de-
mand of growing commercial
requirements in view of the
growth of the tourism indus-
try in Fiji.
General Manager, Cynthia
Rasch said the Port Denarau
Marina’s decision to build this
extension was related to the
fact that their Passenger Ter-
minal, completed in 2009 and
designed to house 15 check-
in kiosks, was full to capacity.
Rasch said Baytex of Tau-
ranga provided a suitable
architectural design build so-
lution to meet both the Fijian
building code and functional
all weather requirements.
“Baytex’s design consists
of a tensile membrane PVC
product called TX30 type
II from their fabric supplier
SergeFerrari in France, which
offers a higher strength range
and significantly increased
design life than standard ar-
chitectural PVC products,”
she said.
Baytex Operations Manag-
er, Andrew Lingman worked
with his engineers at REDCO
NZ and Fabspan Pty Ltd to
provide the structural calcu-
lations for the pole structure,
the concrete foundations and
the tensile membrane to work
in the Fijian environment.
Final compliance sign off
was completed by local en-
gineering firm NRW Macallan
(Fiji) Ltd.
Tauranga local company,
Tagar Metals were contracted
for the structural steel work,
Ronstan in Melbourne provid-
ed the tension cables and guy
rods and local Fijian company
Kyronn (Fiji) Pte Ltd provided
all ground works and con-
crete foundation installation.
Baytex and Port Denarau
Marina maintenance crew
carried the installation and
commissioning of the tensile
membrane pole structure.
Rasch said the architectur-
al design features a nautical
theme of rigging and sailing.
“Occupying just over 365
square meters and situated
on the entrance of our Com-
mercial Jetty B, the Second- many other commercial op- pied commercial berths. in 2021, Port Denarau Marina
ary Check-in tent is a striking erators berthed at the marina. “The new structure is believes that this addition will
distinctive feature of the ma- Rasch said the new ter- unique and the first for Fiji.” allow them to serve the future
rina,” she said. minal extension represents Rasch adds with tourisms of tourism Fiji and the growth
The tent structure accom- yet another step in building continued growth as Fiji’s ma- of our commercial operators
modates16 check-in facilities a world–class tourism and jor industry and further fore- who call Port Denarau Marina
for game fishing charters, transportation system and casted growth to achieve an home.
day trips, island transfers and compliments our fully occu- industry worth $2.2bn target

Radisson’s
Pop-Up Bar

By ANA SOVA

Radisson Blu Resort Fiji has created De-
narau’ first ever pop-up bar!
This venture has been made possible
through the resort’s partnership with Tito’s
Handmade Vodka.
This saw Tito’s handmade Vodka expand
its reach in Fijian markets with a new listing at
tourist destinations.
Resort Food and Beverages director Jack
McNamara said they decided to launch the
Tito pop up bar during the festive season last
year to give our guest an extra experience.
“We found there was a gap in our F & B
(food and beverage) offering so we got com-
ments as there is nothing to do after dinner be-
tween 8pm – 8.30pm so we introduced a small
bar with a DJ.”
A mixologist from Dubai came earlier to the
resort to assist their barman in up-selling on
the spirit.
“This is our partnership and they send the
props such as lemonade stand, apron, umbrel-
la and other decorations.
“The idea is to have a Tito menu and each
night the cocktails are rotated, and also there
is a fusion jar,” he added.
During the day the lemonade stand is
wheeled around the pool side for guests who
wants to quench their thirst.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka originated from
Texas, USA and is made from corn rather than
wheat or potatoes.
The brand is experiencing substantial
growth in the US and is also available in Cana-
da, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Distributed in Fiji by Tappoo Group, Tito’s
Handmade Vodka is now available locally.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka is produced in Aus-
tin at Texas’, US oldest legal distillery.
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Vanua Clay Plans to Expand

Business
By ANA SOVA
Vanua Clay Fiji, a family run
business based in Meigunyah
Road, Nadi is planning to ex-
pand its business venture this
year.
The company which start-
ed in 2015 brings their designs
to life using the medium of
pottery.
The business started when
three family members who
were working for an Arts and
Crafts business in Nadi who
were about to be laid off due
to the business being sold.
The brothers decided to
pool their resources to buy the
equipment from the Arts and
Crafts organization, to nurture
the skills and knowledge al-
ready acquired and to contin-
ue the clay making business
to keep the family employed.
Hence the birth of Vanua
Clay Fiji.
Co-founder, Lavenia
Lewakele said they aim to
take contemporary clay to
more children this year than
2017.
Lavenia adds they would
also like to join forces with
more hotels for their clay
cooking pots and other clay
accessories.
“We also aim to venture
into new businesses with en-
trepreneurs from villages who
can supply the craft that we
need at Vanua Clay (Fiji),” she
said.
Lavenia said contempo-
rary clay was something not
tapped into in Fiji at the time
of their company’s inception
so they thought it was some-
thing worth trying.
Although, she adds like
starting any business, there
were challenges.
“We wish we were told
how hard it would be to start
any business, the necessary
forms to fill, places to go,
money to pay, the time frame
it takes before you can com-
mence business etc,” Lavenia
said.
She said their biggest chal-
lenge has been to break into
the market with the clay prod-
ucts.
“To have people recognize
clay products and be willing
to collaborate their products
with ours to create something
unique.”
In three years since incep-
tion, the company has man-
aged to buy a piece of land
and build a workshop.
Lavenia said they were still
working and struggling but
getting there day by day.
They now employ two
full time and one part-time
worker
Vanua Clay products in-
clude; pendants, mosquito
coil holders, table numbers,
trophies, pen holders, busi-
ness card holders, candle
holders, platters, platters Students of Nadi International School taking part in a clay art class facilitated by Vanua Clay Fiji. Photos: VANUA CLAY FIJI/
with feet, soap dishes, wind FACEBOOK.
chimes, vases, pot plant hold-
ers, necklaces, earrings, hair
pieces, rings, anklets, knee-
lets, small figurines, medals,
serving pots and customized
requests
Lavenia said their target
market includes mostly tour-
ists, youth, and overseas cli-
ents.
Their orders depend on
how busy the tourism sector is
during the year.
“If it’s a busy period, then
orders come in fast.”
Lavenia said the family has
no regrets in taking the risk to
start the business.
“We have made friends
with some amazing indi-
viduals who are creative and
confident in their businesses.
This has rubbed off on us,
and hopefully it will rub off on
someone else who knows us.
It has made us value others
more in what they do, their
creativity, and their talent.
It has forced us to relook at
prioritizing things in life,” she
said. Art pieces made by Vanua Clay Fiji for Fiji Marriott Resort
Momi Bay kids club.

Tourism Fiji Appoints Aviareps Younger population to drive

As Its Representation Agency construction boom says FMBA
In Japan

Tourism Fiji has appointed
Tokyo-based travel represen-
tation and public relations
consultancy, Aviareps, to act
as its representation agency
in Japan, effective January 4.
Aviareps is recognised as
a global leader in tourism,
aviation and hospitality repre-
sentation with 63 offices in 47
countries around the world.
The selection followed an
in-depth review process by
Tourism Fiji.
Aviareps will work closely
with Tourism Fiji in Japan to
continue to position Fiji as a
premier leisure destination,
in order to increase visitation,
spend, and market share for
Fiji.
As part of this effort, Avi-
areps will plan and deploy
a series of strategic market-
ing initiatives, in the areas of
trade engagement, trade mar-
keting, public relations and
consumer promotions.
20 THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
In December last year,
Fiji Airways, announced the
launch of direct flights be-
tween Tokyo’s Narita Airport
and Nadi International Air-
port.
There will be three flights
starting July 3.
“We are thrilled about the
new direct service by Fiji Air-
ways to Japan starting July
this year, and we are confi-
dent that Aviareps’ expertise
in destination marketing will
help us reach and welcome
more visitors from Japan in
the years to come,” said Mat-
thew Stoeckel, chief execu-
tive officer of Tourism Fiji.
“We look forward to work-
ing with the Aviareps team in
Tokyo, in order to rebuild our
strong presence and relation-
ships in-market with the travel
trade as well as with key me-
dia partners in Japan.
“We have an extensive cal-
endar of activities planned for
the market as we prepare for
the launch of the new service
and will be sharing opportuni-
ties for trade and industry to
participate in shortly.”
Edgar Lacker, the chief ex-
ecutive officer of AVIAREPS,
said: “We are honoured to be
chosen as the international
representation agency in Ja-
pan for Tourism Fiji.
“Our sales, PR, and digital
teams on the ground in Tokyo
have well-established travel
trade and media networks,
specialisation in outbound
travel promotion, and the pas-
sion to ensure Fiji’s success in
Japan.
“As market leaders, our in-
novative approach to destina-
tion marketing will position
Fiji as a top-of- mind destina-
tion for increasing numbers of
Japanese travellers.”
TOURISM FIJI
The latest population
census results according to
the Fiji Master Builders As-
sociation (FMBA) points to
the growing demand for new
housing over the coming
years.
This has been confirmed
by one of the 2017 census
reports key findings that the
median age of the population
stood at 27.5 years, which
means half the country’s en-
tire population was below
that age.
“With the urban popula-
tion increasing by just under
70,000 in the last decade,
coupled by 69 per cent of our
population also below the
age of 40 as the census report
states, this is where we ex-
pect the push for better and
more residential housing to
come from,” said FMBA Sec-
retary, Vijay Naidu.
Mr Naidu said another key
highlight from the 2017 cen-
sus report that FMBA mem-
bers must seriously consider
in their future plans is the fact
that 13.7 percent of the popu-
lation aged three and above
had some form of disability.
“So the question we as a
socially responsible industry
must ask ourselves is, what
are we doing to incorporate
things like access ramps, spe-
cial parking and other disabil-
ity friendly provisions within
our building designs,” said Mr
Naidu.
The FMBA Secretary adds
that since 13.7 percent rep-
resents a sizeable 113,595
people aged three and above
with some form of disability,
these vital statistics will help
the industry with its future
planning as well.
“We are grateful to Gov-
ernment for releasing these
latest population statistics as it
also reminds us of the rapidly
evolving demographic shifts,
helping the building industry
also forecast future demand
and trends,” Mr Naidu said.
PACIFIC REACH LTD
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THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 21

KIDS CORNER
www.thejetnewspaper.com
Q: Where do people
learn to make ice cream?
A: In sundae school.
Q: Why did the knight
run around shouting for a
can opener?
A: He had a bee in his
suit of armour.
Q: Why were the early
days of history called the
dark ages?
A: Because there were so
many knights.
Q: What was Camelot?
A: A place where people
parked their camels
Q: When a teacher closes
his eyes, why should it
remind him of an empty
classroom?
A: Because there are no
pupils to see.
Q: How did Vikings com-
municate?
A: By norse code.
Q: What is a forum?
A: Two-um plus two-um.
Q: Why did the teacher
write the lesson on the
windows?
A: He wanted the lesson
to be very clear.
Science Teacher: Who
can tell me what an atom is?
Student: The guy who
went out with Eve.
Teacher: Who can tell me
where Hadrians Wall is?
Student: I suspect it’s
around Hadrian’s garden…
Teacher: Why does the
statue of liberty stand in
New York harbor?
Student: Because it can’t
22 THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
sit down.
Q: Who is your best
friend at school?
A: Your princi-PAL.
Q: Why did the Cy-
clops stop teaching?
A: Because he only
had one pupil.
Q: Why was the stu-
dent’s report card wet?
A: Because it was below
C level.
Q: What is the only grade
level you can plant a flower
in?
A: Kindergarden.
Q: Why was 6 afraid of 7?
A: Because 7 8 9.
Q: What flies around the
school at night?
A: The alpha-bat.
Q: What is a teacher’s
three favorite words?
A: June, July & August.
Q: What starts with a T,
ends with a T, and is full
of T?
A: A teapot.
Q: What room can a
student never enter?
A: A Mushroom.
Q: What letter is found
in a cup?
A: T.
Q: Why were the teach-
er’s eyes crossed?
A: She couldn’t control
her pupils.
Q: Why did the teacher
marry the janitor?
A: Because he swept her
off her feet.
Q: Why don’t you see gi-
raffes in elementary school?
A: Because they’re all in
High School.
Q: What’s the difference
between a teacher and a
steam train?
A: The first says “Spit out
that chewing gum” and the
second says “chew chew.”
Jokes for Kids
Boy: Today my teacher
yelled at me for something I
didn’t do.
Mother: What was that?
Boy: My homework.
Q: What has 3 feet and
no legs?
A: A yardstick.
Q: What is white when
its dirty and black when its
clean?
A: A blackboard.
Q: Why did the teacher
jump into the pond?
A: To test the waters.
Teacher: Why is your
homework in your father’s
handwriting?
Student: I used his pen.
Q: Name two days of the
week that start with “t”?
A: Today and Tomorrow.
Q: Why did the teacher
write the lesson on the
windows?
A: He wanted the lesson
to be very clear.
Q: You’ve got your shoes
on the wrong feet?
A: But these are the only
feet I’ve got.
Q: What school supply is
always tired?
A: A knapsack.
Q: Why is the letter A like
a flower?
A: Because a “B” always
comes after it.
Q: Could you please pay
a little attention?
A: But I’m paying as little
attention as I can.
Q: How can you spell
enemy with three letters?
A: F-o-e
Teacher: I see you
missed a day of school.
Student: Yes, but I didn’t
miss it much.
Q: What’s the longest
word in the alphabet?
A: Elemeno!
www.scribd.com/thejet
Q: Who are the smartest
letters in the alphabet
A: Wise (y’s)
Math Jokes for Kids
What do mathematicians
eat on Halloween?
Pumpkin Pi. numbers) ter roll down the hill with
Why did the girl wear How can you make time the nickel?
glasses during math class? fly? A: Because it had more
Because it improves di-
Throw a clock out the cents.
vison. window. Q: What kind of meals do
Why did the math book
Why did the two 4’s skip math teachers eat?
look so sad? lunch? A: Square meals!
Because it had so many
They already 8 (ate). Q: What is a math
problems.. Teacher: What’s 2 and 2? teacher’s favorite sum?
What geometric figure is
Student: 4 A: Summer.
like a lost parrot? Teacher: That’s good. Q: Why didn’t the two 4’s
A polygon.
Student: Good? That’s want to eat dinner?
What do you get if you perfect! A: Because they already
divide the circumference
Knock Knock 8.
of a jack-o-lantern by its Who’s there? Q: Why did the student
diameter?
Algy do her multiplication on the
Pumpkin pi Algy who? floor?
Why do plants hate
Algy-bra A: Because she wasn’t
math? Q: Why did the teacher allowed to use tables.
Because it gives them
write the math problem on Q. What U.S. state has
square roots. the window? the most maths teachers?
What does the zero say
A: He wanted it to be A. Mathachussets.
to the the eight? very clear. Q. What did the triangle
Nice belt. (look at the
Q: Do you know a statis- say to the circle?
number 8) tics joke? A: You’re pointless.
Why did the boy eat his
A: Probably, but it’s Q: What do you get when
math homework? mean you divide the circumfer-
Because the teacher told
Q: Why was the math ence of a Jack-o-lantern by
him it was a piece of cake. book sad? its diameter?
Have you heard the lat-
A: Because it had too A: Pumpkin Pi.
est statistics joke? many problems Q. Why didn’t the dime
Probably.
Q: What kind of meals roll down the hill with the
What did the acorn say do math teachers eat? nickel?
when it grew up?
A: Square meals A: Because it had more
Gee, I’m a tree. (geom- Q: Why did the student cents.
etry)
do multiplication problems Q. Why did the math
What was T. rex’s favor- on the floor? book get poor grades?
ite number?
A: The teacher told him A: It never did it’s own
Eight (ate) not to use tables. work.
What do you call an
Q: What is a mathemati- Q. Why did the right
empty parrot cage? cian’s favorite dessert? triangle put the air condi-
Polygon.
A: Pi tioner on?
What snakes are good at Q: How can you make A: Because it was 90
doing sums?
seven even? degrees.
Adders (the sum is what A: Take away the “S”
you get when you add
Q: Why didn’t the quar-

www.thejetnewspaper.com
New Fuel and LPG Prices
By ANA SOVA
The Minister for Industry,
Trade, Tourism, Lands and
Mineral Resources Faiyaz
Koya has announced new
prices of unleaded petrol,
premix, kerosene, diesel and
LPG products on Saturday, 13
January.
This was determined after
the latest review of prices by
the Fijian Competition and
Consumer Commission.
The new fuel and LPG
price has come into effect on
Monday, 15 January.
The new fuel prices are as
follows:
• Motor Spirit from
$1.89 to $2.03 per litre, an in-
crease of 14 cents per litre;
• Premix from $1.75 to
$1.89 per litre, an increase of
14 cents per litre;
• Kerosene from $1.30
to $1.49 per litre, an increase
of 19 cents per litre; and
• Diesel from $1.55 to
$1.71 per litre, an increase of
Fijian Competition and
Consumer Commission
The Fijian Competition
and Consumer Commission
(FCCC) is a statutory organ-
isation responsible for fair
trade, competition and con-
sumer protection regulation
in the Fiji.
It is an independent statu-
tory body that seeks to protect
consumers and businesses
from restrictive and unfair
trade practices.
The objective of competi-
tion law is to prohibit anti-
competitive conducts or be-
haviour that prevent, restrict
or distort markets with prin-
ciple aim of Competition Law
is to eliminate or remove ob-
stacles to competition in mar
www.media.com.
16 cents per litre
The new petroleum pric-
es effective from 15 January
2018, is mainly determined
by unfavourable movement
in the international prices for
all petroleum products expe-
rienced in the last quarter.
Crude oil prices trad-
ed at the highest levels in
more than two years, for the
months of November and ear-
ly December 2017. This was
triggered by the OPEC (Orga-
nization of the Petroleum Ex-
porting Countries) and non-
OPEC producing countries
continued to conform with oil
production cuts, which is ex-
tended to the end of this year
and the Northern Hemisphere
countries approaching winter.
The increase in crude oil
prices were also supported by
rising global demand as China
and India continue to see pos-
itive growth rates.
Hence, the high demand
kets to ensure a com-
petitive, efficient, fair and in-
formed marketplace for con-
sumers.
Competition law is imple-
mented through public and
private enforcement. Various
jurisdictions have different
references about competition
law.
The inclusion of consumer
and a limited competition is-
sues in Fiji gained recognition
with the enactment, imple-
mentation and enforcement
of the Fair Trading Decree
1992. This was amended in
1998, when Commerce Act
1998 was introduced to regu-
late access to goods and ser
Tel + 679 670 5443
or + 679 670 7075
support@media.com.fj
for crude oil and production
cuts has led to the increase in
prices.
The new LPG prices are as
follows:
• 4.5 kg cylinder from
$12.58 to $14.43, an increase
of $1.85;
• 12 kg cylinder from
$33.55 to $38.48, an increase
of $4.93;
• Bulk from $2.38 per
kg to $2.72 per kg, an increase
of 34 cents; and
• Auto Gas per litre
from $1.58 to $1.82, an in-
crease of 24 cents
The new LPG price hike is
significantly impacted by the
increase in the international
butane prices based on the
Saudi Aramco Contract pric-
es. The prices were affected
by the strengthening of the US
dollar that has led the interna-
tional freight rates to increase,
resulting in price increase for
all LPG products.
vices.
The Commerce Act 1998,
was introduced as a result of
economic policy changes in
Fiji in the late 1980s to early
1990s, to promote effective
competition and informed
markets, encourage fair trad-
ing, protect consumers and
businesses from restrictive
trade practices and controls
prices of regulated industries,
and other markets where
competition was lessened or
limited.
Government has intro-
duced several competition-re-
lated legislations, most nota-
bly are: the public enterprise
act,[1996],the Commerce
Fiji is directly impacted by
the world market prices for
both refined oils and LPG.
As such, any changes to the
Act,(1998),the Fair Trading De-
cree (1992) and the Fair Trad-
ing (Amendment) Act, (1998);
and Fijian Competition and
Consumer Commission Act
2010 (FCCC Act 2010).
In 2005, minor amend-
ments to the Commerce
Act 1998 was done which
enabled more effective en-
forcement fo the Competition
Law. A Cabinet decision in
2010 resulted in the merger
and repeal of three seperate
legislations (Fair Trading De-
cree 1992, Counter Inflation
Act 1973 and Commerce Act
1998) into a single legislation,
forming Commerce Commis-
sion Decree 2010.
The same was later entact-
ed as Act.
The Commerce Commis-
sion Act 2010 was in existence
until July 2017, when it was
amended and enacted as Fi-
jian Competition & Consumer
Commisison Act 2010.Cur-
rently FCCC is the sole com-
petition regulator in the Fijian
economy in accordance with
BROCHURES
WEBSITE
6 Queens Rd, Martintar Nadi, Fiji
THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
world market prices will be
reflected in fuel and LPG pric-
es in Fiji.
The Fijian Competition
the provisions of the FCCC Act
2010.
The objective of the Com-
mission under the Com-
petition Law is to ensure
that:Businesses understand
and comply with their obliga-
tions under the Fijian Compe-
tition & Consumer Commisi-
son Act 2010.Competition
between businesses is effec-
tive and fair.
Changes to market struc-
ture do not substantially in-
crease market power for an
entity or business, unless any
likely detriment is outweighed
by the overall benefit to the
public.Barriers to entry and
exit a market is minimised.
Terms of purchase are fair
and businesses or entities do
not use their market power to
tilt the terms of trade in their
favour by detriment their cus-
tomers.
Competition is a very im-
portant mechanism for mar-
ket economy, which encour-
ages businesses or entites to
provide consumer goods and
www.scribd.com/thejet
and Consumer Commission
will conduct the next fuel and
LPG price review on 15 April
2018.
services that consumers want
at competitive prices. There
are considerable indications
which shows the benefits of
having effective and efficient
competition in Fiji.
The common ben-
efits resulting from the en-
forcement of Competition
Law are:Greater produc-
tion, allocative and dy-
namic efficiency, welfare
and growth;Rewards good
per for mance;Encourages
e n t r e p r e n e u r i a l
activity;Catalyses entry of
new firms in the market
place;Promotes greater ef-
ficiency on the part of
enterprises;Reduces cost
of production;Improves
competitiveness of
enterprises;Sanctions
poor performance by
producers;Enhances com-
petitiveness in international
trade; andEnsures product
quality, cheaper prices and
passing on of cost savings to
consumers.
FCCC
23
www.thejetnewspaper.com www.scribd.com/thejet

Fiji Airways Women’s 7s Team

to Sydney 7s
The Fiji Airways Fijiana
Head Coach Iliesa Tanivula
has today named a strong
squad for the 2018 HSBC
Women’s 7s World Series in
Sydney.
In a world first for the
HSBC World Sevens Series,
the women’s tournament will
be completely integrated with
the men’s and will be held
across three days from 26 to
28 January at the Allianz Sta-
dium, Sydney.
In the women’s 12-team
tournament, Fiji face Canada,
Russia and Ireland in Pool C,
while Dubai champions and
hosts Australia will begin the
second leg of the HSBC World
Rugby Women’s Sevens Se-
ries with matches against
France, Spain and Papua New
Guinea in Pool A on day one.
Tanivula says that the girls
have sacrificed a lot during
the festive season to be se-
lected into the team and they
deserved to represent Fiji at
the Women’s 7s Series in Syd-
ney. He also believes he has
named a very strong squad
who he expects to better their
performance from their out-
ings in Dubai.
FRU CEO, John O’Connor
congratulated the team on
their selection and wished
them well for the tournament.
“Congratulations on your
selection into the team for
the Sydney 7s. You have sac-
rificed a lot over the festive
season with your dedication
towards the training ses-
sions. It was not easy but it
was something that had to
be done especially since we
did not do well in Dubai. The
CEO challenged them to up
their game and improve their
performance as we build up
towards the Commonwealth
Games.”
“We wish you all the best
and remember that when you
get on that field, you not only
represent yourself and your
families, but you also repre-
sent your village, your vanua,
your team mates back home,
all young girls and women
and more importantly you
represent Fiji and all Fijians.”
The Fiji Airways Fijiana
team play their first match
against Canada at 11.22am, Fiji Airways Fijiana Head Coach, Iliesa Tanivula. Photo: GOOGLE.
then Russia in their second
pool match at 1.44pm and
play their final pool match Fiji Airways Fijiana Team Naina Baleca, Ana Roqica, Ti- Tinai, Asinate Savu, Viniana
against Ireland at 4.50pm on Litia Naiqato, Rusila Na- maima Ravisa, Miriama Naio- Riwai, Alowesi Nakoci
Friday. gasau, Vilisi Vakaloloma, basali, Ana Naimasi, Lavenia
FIJI RUGBY UNION

Fiji Airways Men’s Team to

well in Sydney and Hamil-
ton. “We have named a very
strong Team which we hope
will be very competitive and
will do well in the two tour-
naments. We had stepped up
proceed to New Zealand for
the Hamilton 7s.
Fiji Airways Men’s Team
Mesulame Kunavula,
Kalione Nasoko, Vasikali
Mudu, Jasa Veremalua, Paula

Sydney and Hamilton 7s

Fiji Airways Men’s 7s
Coach, Gareth Baber has
named the team to the sec-
ond leg of the 2017/2018 HSBC
World 7s Series in Sydney and
Hamilton.
The side sees four changes
to the team that played in
Dubai and South Africa last
year with Apisai Domolailai,
Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Vate-
mo Ravouvou and John Stew-
art missing out on selection.
John Stewart and Vatemo had
been stood down for disci-
plinary issues in Dubai.
The tournament will kick
off on 26 January at the iconic
grounds of the Allianz Sta-
dium where 16 men’s teams
will battle it out to be crowned
the champions.
In the men’s 16-team tour-
nament, Fiji arrives at the third
round of the World Series
in third place of the standings
with 28 points and face New
Zealand, Samoa and Russia in
Pool A.
Baber believes he has se-
lected a very strong team and
is confident the team will do
the intensity of our training af- Dranisinukula, Ratu Josua
ter the last next two legs and Vakurinabili, Apete Daveta,
will treat all our matches as Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu,
the final”. Alosio Naduva, Amenoni Nasi-
The men’s knock outs be- lasila, Sevuloni Mocenacagi,
gin at 10.28am next Sunday Eroni Sau.
and will wrap up at 9.48pm on FIJI RUGBY UNION
later that evening.
Fiji play their first game
against Samoa at 8.28pm next
Friday, then Russia in their
second game at 5.09pm next
Saturday before taking on
New Zealand at 8.42pm next
Saturday.
Following the Sydney 7s
tournament, the team will

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THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 25

www.thejetnewspaper.com
Lions Wins Playing
Third CVC Title Beach
CAPTION
By ANA SOVA
Labasa starts 2018 cam-
paign on a high as they lifted
the Pillay Garments Cham-
pion versus Champion series
title beating defending cham-
pions Lautoka1-0 with nine
men on Friday, 12 January. the Lautoka box, it was third
Labasa walked away with
$5000 prize money while Lau-
toka received $2500
After holding the O-League
bound Blues at Subrail Park to
a nil-all draw in the first leg,
the Babasiga Lions arrived in
the Sugar City with a mission
to down the favourites on
their home ground.
And they even achieved
the feat with nine players af-
ter 90 minutes plus stoppage
time as Ilisoni Logaivou and
nippy Ashnil Raju were sent
off in the 56th and 76th minute
respectively.
Both teams were locked
0-0 at the breather and the
Favourites Ease Into Uprising
Quarter Finals
Locals Tuva Youth and First
Light Taveuni and both inter-
national teams - Hong Kong
and Wesley Fijian - shone on
the opening day of the Upris-
ing Youth 7s in Sigatoka.
The defending champions
beat Togabula 34-0, Ratu Filise
26-0 and Lomavata Kanga-
roos 28-5 in a dominant dis-
play in Pool A.Tuva Youth will
play Malolo in tomorrow’s
quarter final.
First Light Taveuni edged
Cuvu Blues 12-7 and Ratu
Kadavulevu School 17-14 al-
though had an easier 27-7 win
over Nasaunivalu and play
Hong Kong in the quarters.
Hong Kong, one of three
teams the Union has brought
to Fiji, beat Ra Barbarians 31-
7, Nailaga 31-7 and Northern
Spirit 26-14. Kowloon’s Sam
Tsoi scored four tries on the
opening day.
However the top try scorer
on day one of the four-day
rugby sevens festival was KIS-
SP Wesley Fijian’s Selesitino
Ravutaumada who bagged six
in three matches.
The invitational selection
from Paerata (near Auckland)
were untroubled against Ma-
lolo 19-0, SRS Henibua 27-5
and Cuvu Marine 33-0 and will
play Rugby Academy (Fiji) in
26 THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
opening goal came in be-
tween the sending off in the
63rd minute through coura-
geous captain Antonio Tui-
vuna.
After an aerial pin pong in
time lucky as the lanky Tui-
vuna found himself unmarked
to nod home a Taniela Waqa
cross from the right.
Labasa had won the inau-
gural CvC back in 1993 beat-
ing Ba via a 1-0 aggregate win
and then won their second
title in 2008 over the same op-
ponents (3-1 aggregate).
Labasa FA president, Rai-
yaz Khan applauded the effort
of his players who never gave
up till the final whistle.
He said they came better
prepared for the second leg
knowing that Lautoka would
be tougher at home.
“I must congratulate the
the last eight.
Wesley coach David Qara-
nivula said: “We have made a
good start to the tournament
but there is still a lot to work
on. The boys are excited to
be back in Fiji playing in the
home of their birth and they
have worked very hard pre-
paring for this tournament.
“The atmosphere at La-
waqa Park makes us all proud
to be here and for our families
back home.”
The winners of the Upris-
ing Youth 7s wins $10,000.
Thursday also sees the return
of the Crest Na Iri Trophy with
nine women’s teams includ-
ing three from overseas.
Japan return after an out-
standing first appearance last
year, where they made the
final, while Hong Kong join
their youth and men’s teams
for the first time.
Stars USA, an invita-
tion team with players from
around the world, also take
on the locals from 10:40 am.
Telecom Fijiana Makosol is
the reigning champion.
As is tradition at the Mana
Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens,
a special guest from the world
of elite rugby is invited each
year to be honoured with a
plaque laid in the Sigatoka
players for their hard work. I
have special praise for my de-
fence who worked overtime
with nine players.
“We should have wrapped
up the match at Subrail Park
having missed a lot of goal
scoring chances, but over-
all we showed here that we
wanted to win and we took
our chance which is what
matters at the end,” Khan
said.
Lautoka coach Kamal
Swamy was gracious in defeat
and congratulated the Lions
for their win.
“We maintained posses-
sion but football is not only
about possession, it is more
than that and scoring the
goal is what matters and that
is what separated us today,”
Swamy said.
“We have a lot to work on
since we are playing in the
Hong Kong Youth at the Uprising Youth 7s. Photo: SUPPLIED.
Rugby Walk of Fame.
This year’s recipient is
former New Zealand Sevens
captain DJ Forbes who joins
previous inductees including
Waisale Serevi, Jonah Lomu
and George Gregan.
QUARTER FINALS FOR
THE UPRISING YOUTH
7s, Lawaqa ParkCup
Tuva Youth v Malolo
First Light Taveuni v Hong Pool L: Japan SDS, Nadi
Kong
Rugby Academy (Fiji) v
KISSP Investment Wesley Fi-
jians
Rugby Academy (Fiji) 2 v
O-League and we will step
up starting from the match
against Tavua on Sunday,” he
added.
Labasa collected $5000
for the win while the Blues
settled for $2500.
Labasa: Akuila Mateisuva,
Sitiveni Rakai, Lekima Gon-
erau, Ashnil Raju, Ilisoni Lo-
laivalu, Ratu Anare Apenisa,
Jale Dreloa, Ilisoni Logaivau,
Antonio Tuivuna (Captain),
Amani Makoe, Taniela Waqa.
Lautoka: Beniamino Ma-
teinaqara, Lino Iliesa, Samu-
ela Drudru, Jone Vesikula
(Captain), Dave Radrigai,
Kavaia Rawaqa, Christopher
Wasasala, Edward Justin, Peni
Finau, Kolinio Sivoki, Siotame
Kubu.
Kings Selects
Bowl
RKS v Ratu Filise
Northern Spirit v Ravuka
Sharks
Davatelevu v Nailaga
Togobula v Cuvu Blues
POOLS FOR THE CREST
NA IRI TROPHY
Pool K: Fijiana Makosoi,
Stars USA, Blue Light Sisters
Blazers, Hotspring Savusavu
Pool M: Hong Kong, SNAX
Nadi Aviators, Striders
FIJI CORAL COAST 7S
Soccer
Soccer played by boys.Photo: SUPPLIED.
People use to go to beach for
fishing, boating, swimming
but now they drive to the
beach to play soccer. Beach
soccer had been played all
over the world for many years.
Beach soccer also known as
bare foot football is played
on a beach or some form of
sand. Each team consists of
five players – four outfield
players, a goalkeeper and an
unlimited number of substitu-
tions.
The rectangular field is con-
siderably smaller than a regu-
lar football field (Length: 35/37
meters, Width: 26/28 meters).
The small playing area makes
beach soccer more dynamic
than classic soccer. There
is also less reliance on pure
strength, and technique is of
paramount importance.
Shoes are not allowed; al-
though ankle guards are per-
mitted. Goal kicks are taken
by the goalkeeper using their
hands to throw the ball. There
is no off side in beach soccer.
The penalty area is within 9 m
of the goals, and is marked by
a yellow flag situated in touch.
Two red flags opposite each
other are at the center of the
field to represent the half-way
line. The goals are slightly
smaller than football. In inter-
national competition, the field
is composed entirely of sand
and is cleared of pebbles and
seashells, along with any oth-
er objects which could injure
a player.
Beach soccer is very different
from its big brother in terms of
the game duration, three peri-
ods of 12 minutes each (soc-
cer is 90 minutes with one
break). During the breaks the
cheer girls entertain the spec-
tators with music and dance.
Like football matches the ref-
eree is not the sole arbiter,
there are 4 referees, two in-
side the ground; one outside
to control the teams and one
separate timekeeping offi-
cial controls the game clock,
which is stopped for stoppag-
Soccer tournaments.Photo: SUPPLIED.
www.scribd.com/thejet
es in play.
Any fouls committed lead to
a free kick on goal, which has
to be taken by the player who
was fouled, unless he is badly
injured. As in football, yellow
and red cards can be issued.
When a player receives a yel-
low card he must leave the
field for two minutes. When a
player receives a red card, he
is out from the game entirely.
Beach soccer match must be
won by one team, with the
game going into three min-
utes of extra time, followed by
a penalty shootout if the score
is still on level terms after
normal time. Unlike football,
penalty kicks are decided by
sudden death rules.
It is a sport for all audiences,
played by men, women and
children alike. Every day we
watch football, basketball,
soccer matches at TV, but
never saw a beach soccer
match on TV.
Generally sports are rated
good for health. But while
playing soccer at sand, some
sand may go in parts of body
consequently harming eyes,
nose, ears, mouth and head.
Playing soccer at beach is like
running with weights on your
ankles, it’s harder to get your
foot planted into the ground
and it’s harder to get your foot
up off the ground.
Running on sand requires 1.6
times the energy that running
on a hard surface requires
and your body has to work
harder to respond to external
modifications. Our muscles
perform more mechanical
work when running on sand
than on a hard surface. Your
foot works harder to displace
sand, and the muscles can’t
work as efficiently. Sand run-
ning can cause extra aches
and pains for those who
aren’t used to it. Since strong
winds and lack of shade can
also present challenges at the
beach.
ML GUPTA
www.thejetnewspaper.com www.scribd.com/thejet

Gray Re-elected President

of Nadi Aviators
By MARIA LAQETA
The Nadi Rugby League clubs elected
Joe Gray as President of the Snax Nadi
Aviators following their landmark annual
general meeting at the Tanoa Skylodge
hotel on Friday night.
Mr Gray received massive support
along with fellow office bearers Don Na-
tabe and Ann Pesamino who were elect-
ed as Secretary and Treasurer respective-
ly for their third consecutive term.
“This is probably the first time a Pro-
vincial Rugby League side has had an
AGM like this in such a transparent man-
ner in front of their clubs,” he said.
“We in Nadi pride ourselves as set-
ting new standards in the sport and this
is the vision that we have set for 2018,”
Gray said.
“Snax Nadi Aviators have won the Na-
tional title two years in a row, our goal
is to try and do better at the Melanesian
Cup when we play against Papua New
Guinea champions Lae Snax Tigers at
their home ground next month.
“The confidence shown by the clubs
in the executive team is overwhelming
and the executives have the responsi-
bility of looking after the welfare of our
clubs and the Nadi Aviators besides we
have set out plans for this year and we
hope to deliver them,” he added.
Nadi Aviators will be travelling to PNG
next month to take on champions Lae
Snax Tigers in the Melanesian Cup chal-
lenge.
Looking forward to the PNG cham-
pionship, Mr Gray will be taking an 18
member squad to Papua New Guinea
with two non-travelling reserves.
“The boys have been training excep-
tionally hard during the off season and
we hope to do Fiji proud when we play
the PNG champions on February 24th in
Port Moresby,” Gray added.
Nadi Eels, Sabeto Roosters, Ravoravo
Rabbitohs and West Coast Storm also Newly elected president of the Snax Nadi Aviators, Joe Gray.
present at the AGM.
Photo: SUPPLIED.

Overseas Stars Arrive to Discover the Passion

The Hong Kong Rugby
Union dominated the arriv-
als hall at Nadi International
Airport last week January 17
(Monday).
Three national teams -
men’s, women’s and youth
- have descended on Fiji for
the eighth annual Mana Whey
Fiji Coral Coast Sevens which
starts on Wednesday.
The men’s team are drawn
in a pool with three power-
ful local teams Ratu Filise,
Tovolea and McDonald’s Sau-
naka, who they lost to in the
semi final of the Bowl last
year.
“The interest from over-
seas teams adds further op-
portunity for local players to
be exposed to high level 7s
rugby,” said founding chair-
man Jay Whyte. “It will be
a great experience for lo-
cal players to be able to play
against national teams from
overseas.”
Hong Kong women play
Snax Nadi Aviators and Strid-
ers while the youth team
faces Northern Spirit, Naila-
ga and Ra Barbarians. Both
teams are making their first
visit to Sigatoka
A Japanese national
women’s development team
arrives tomorrow for their
second tilt at the Crest Na Iri
Trophy while USA Stars, an in-
vitational club, is fielding two
teams - men’s and women’s -
in the Coral Coast Sevens.
“USA Stars 7s team is
thrilled to be making our de-
but at the Mana Whey Fiji Cor-
al Coast 7s,” said team man-
ager Elizabeth Entwhistle. Our
team has players and coaches
hailing from Fiji and it has
been a dream destination for
us given the hospitality, the
friendliness, and the quality of
rugby in the islands.”
Media from all three na-
tions will be at Lawaqa Park
with Tourism Fiji supporting
rugby journalists Sam Agars,
Rich Freeman and Brian
Hightower, as well as New
Zealander Peter White, to the
tournament.
Ambassador DJ Forbes,
the former New Zealand Sev-
ens captain, referee Rasta
Rasivhenge, ‘the Maestro’
Waisale Serevi and Olympic-
winning coach Ben Ryan are
all guests of the tournament.
“When DJ announced
his retirement, we thought it
would be a great opportunity
to invite him to Fiji to be the
ambassador for the Mana
Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sev-
ens,” said Whyte. “We will un-
veil his plaque on the Rugby-
town walk of fame alongside
the likes of David Campese,
Waisale Serevi, Jonah Lomu
and George Gregan.
“We also welcome the re-
turn home of Ratu Peni Rayani
to spend time at the tourna-
ment. Rasta Rasivhenge is
coming back for the second
time and we also have Serevi
coming back.”
In total 24 youth, 16 men’s
and nine women’s teams
square off at Lawaqa Park
over four days with the Upris-
ing Youth 7s kicking off the
action on Wednesday. For the
second consecutive year the
tournament offers free entry
to spectators.
The Mana Whey Fiji Coral
Coast Sevens is sponsored by
MANA Whey Protein, Crest,
Tourism Fiji, Sigatoka River
Safari, Uprising Fiji Beach
Resort, Outrigger Fiji Beach
Resort, Shangri-la’s Fijian Re-
sort & Spa, CFL, Fiji Times,
Fiji TV, Vodafone, McDon-
ald’s, Gecko’s Resort, Be-
darra Beach Inn, BLK, Mana
Graphix, GO Advertising, Air-
ports Fiji Ltd, Hot Glass Fiji,
Sports Now, Tappoo, Qual-
ity Print, Bula Car Rentals, Du
Aull Services, Pacific Desti-
nations, Sun Insurance, Ben
Slater and Aqua Pacific.
FIJI’S CORAL COAST
SEVENS

2018 Vodafone Premier League Review Week 1

Nadi 3 – 1 Ba
The match of the round lived up to expec-
tations despite the heavy downpour which led
to heavy underfoot conditions. Napolioni Qa-
sevakatini was in form and got his first of two
goals in the 18th minute to put Nadi up 1-nil.
The striker grabbed in second five minutes
from half-time as the Jetsetters enjoyed a com-
fortable 2-nil lead at half-time.
Ba pushed forward in the second spell and
Samuela Nabenia pulled one back in the 79th
minute after a mistake from the Nadi defense.
Ame Votoniu sealed the win for the hosts on
the 90th minute mark to give Nadi a winning
start to this year’s competition.
Rewa 2-3 Suva
Rewa hosted Suva at Nausori’s Ratu Cako-
bau in a clash of the neighbors. Wasasala was once again in top form for Lau- Rusiate Matererega- Nadi 2
Bruce Hughes was on fire against his former toka as he struck in the 12th minute to give his Avinesh Swamy- Ba 1
club and got the first goal in the 17th minute to side an early lead against newcomers Tavua. Lautoka-Tavua
give Suva the lead. Tavua shocked the hosts with an equalizer Christopher Wasasala- Lautoka 3
Kaliova Tivulu doubled the capital city side’s in the 27th minute through Manasa Drua. Kolinio Sivoki- Lautoka 2
lead in the 39th minute. The teams rested locked 1-all at half-time. Semi Vakatalai- Tavua 1
Rewa’s Jonetani Buksh gave some hope to Experience proved to be a crucial factor Points Table
the fans as he pulled one back with a classy as the Blues scored four unanswered goals Ivan Kumar – Suva 3
finish in first half stoppage time. through Wasasala, Praneel NaiduSiotame Napolioni Qasevakatini- Nadi 3
Bruce’s elder brother, and team captain Kubu and Samuela Drudru. Christopher Wasasala- Lautoka 3
Setareki Hughes sealed the win for the whites VPL Player Points Table Week One Kolinio Sivoki- Lautoka 2
with a solo effort from outside the box. Suva-Rewa Rusiate Matererega- Nadi 2
Tevita Waranivalu gained some respect Ivan Kumar – Suva 3 Vuniuci Tikomaimereke – Rewa 2
back for the Delta Tigers with their second goal Vuniuci Tikomaimereke – Rewa 2 Sahil Dave- Suva 1
in the 87th minute. Sahil Dave- Suva 1 Avinesh Swamy- Ba 1
Lautoka 5-1 Tavua Ba-Nadi Semi Vakatalai- Tavua 1
Former Labasa marksman Chrsitopher Napolioni Qasevakatini- Nadi 3
VODAFONE PREMIER LEAGUE

Vodafone Premier
The Vodafone Premier
League matches scheduled
for this month has been post-
poned.
This was done after re-
The Fiji Football Associa-
tion understands the impor-
tance of each league game for
the teams concerned and will
not take any chances.
This will not be fair on fans
who have so much expecta-
tions. The other three teams
concerned also supported
Rewa’s decision and we have

League Postponed
quests by majority districts as
according to them they are
facing difficulties in putting a
team together as the transfer
window has opened.
According to some district
Fiji FA Chief Executive,
Mohammed Yusuf says, they
have made the decision keep-
ing in mind the struggles the
teams are facing.
“The Rewa side requested
come to a decision to resume
the league on the 3rd of next
month.”
The first round of matches
saw three matches played last
weekend.

till February
Presidents, the transfer win-
dow has seen a lot of players
joining new clubs which has
led them with no choice but
to train with a handful of play-
ers.
for the postponement of the
matches this weekend as they
have a massive movement of
players and they will not be
able to put together a decent
team.
The Vodafone Premier
League will now resume of
the 3rd of February.
FIJI FOOTBALL
ASSOCIATION

Kumar Gets A-License

Certification
By ANA SOVA
Fiji Football Association’s Technical Director Ravinesh Ku-
mar is the first Fijian to be accredited with an A-License coach-
ing certificate.
This means that Kumar is now the highest ranked local
coach in the country in terms of qualification.
Kumar says this did not come easy as he had to go through
a lot of hard work.
“My coaching career started as a high school coach when
I used to coach. Then my interest grew when I was the assis-
tant coach for Ba and learned a lot from the then coach Farouk
Janeman. I have a passion for football which has brought me
this far but for me it is now a challenge.”
The former Nasinu rep says being a technical director and
continuing to practice coaching was a huge challenge for him.
“I would like to thank Fiji football who allowed me to prac-
tice my coaching. It was tough but I knew I could do it. I would
also like to thank the districts of Ba, Lautoka, Tavua, Labasa and
Dreketi who allowed me to practice coaching with their teams.”
Apart from this, Kumar had to sacrifice a lot more to achieve
his goal.
“Family time, time with friends, all had to be sacrificed. It
wasn’t just an 8-5 working day for me but I had to go the extra
mile. This thing has not come overnight and it took a lot of dedi-
cation and hard work.”
He adds that he has plans to impart his knowledge to the
other coaches in the country and not move out of the country.
“Well I want to give back to the country from which I have
gained so much. My aim is to groom seven to eight coaches to
be up to par with the current standards.”
There are a few other coaches in Fiji who are currently in the
process of getting their A-License coaching certificate.
Fiji Football Association President Rajesh Patel congratulated
Kumar and encouraged other coaches to follow the same path.
“For football to be developed on the field, we need good
players but we also need good coaches. Ravinesh is a great ex-
ample of what Fiji FA has been trying to do all this while. Things
like these will only help us grow as a football nation.”
Patel adds that other coaches should take advantage of Ku-
mar’s learnings and learn as much as possible from him.
“We have some very good coaches in Fiji but they need to
get these qualifications to be recognized. It is very important to
further your knowledge in anything you do and football is no
different.”
Kumar’s license expires in 2020 and he will need to keep
practice coaching for renewal of his certification.

THE JET - FIJI’S FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 27