Inside
School. Pg. 5
TOP STORIES
STORIES
2017 VOLUME 9/ ISSUE 89
First Rooftop
Swimming
pool Hotel in
Fiji.
Pg. 14
3 World Rallies,
60 Super Yachts
By ANA SOVA
The Port Denarau Marina is
looking forward to a record break-
ing year in 2017.
With three world rallies, 700
super yachts and yachts expected
in Fiji this year, Chief Executive Of-
ficer and Managing Director, Nigel
Skeggs said it was very encourag-
ing.
Fiji averages around 600 super
yachts and yachts visiting Fiji every
year. With the extra yachts com-
ing through the various rallies and
looking at our pre-bookings we are
hopeful that 2017 will see around
700 yachts visit our shores in total,
Mr Skeggs said.
For 2017 super yacht season, he
said theyve received above aver-
age enquiries and bookings for su-
per yachts coming to Fiji.
In 2014 we had a record 54
super yachts arrive and we are
expecting to break this record in
Bula Committee Assist
School Still Without Proper
Classroom. Pg. 10
Koroilavesau Receives
Visionary Award. Pg.13
Public Hearings on By- Major Investments for Uprising to Expand on
Laws Next Month. Pg. 8 South Seas. Pg. 12 Sport Tourism. Pg. 14
www.thejetnewspaper.com 50 CENTS
FIJISFIRST
FIJIS FIRSTCOMMUNITY
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2017 with approximately 60 super
yachts due to visit our shores,
With an average spend in ex-
cess of $370,000 per super yacht
that visits Fiji this is a great sign for
the economy and our reputation as
an incredible must visit destina-
tion, Mr Skeggs said.
He said the three world rallies
coming in this year were the Oys-
ter Rally, ARC World Rally and the
Island Cruising Association (ICA)
Pacific Rally.
Oyster Yachts are an exclusive
European brand of yachts that
brings their owners together to
cruise around the world as a group
over a two year period.
The Oyster World Rally con-
sists of 32 Yachts between 40ft and
85ft,
Having had a great time during
the inaugural rally in Fiji in 2013,
they are once again joining us this
year, Mr Skeggs said.
He said the yachts will arrive in
Lau then cruise through Fiji before
clearing out of Musket Cove and Women attending the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa High Tea Event marking the International Womens Day on March 16.
heading to New Zealand. Photo: ANA SOVA.
They are scheduled to arrive in The ARC World Rally begins sists of 37 yachts comes via Fiji ev- a special clearance into the Lau
Lau in August this year. with the ARC Rally from Europe ery year but this year will clear into Group for all three rallies to ensure
The ARC World Rally is due in to the Caribbean which began in the Lau Group as well. that they get to experience this
June of this year. November 2016 and runs annually This fleet leaves from NZ and wonderful area of Fiji while
This consists of 31 yachts which - the ARC World Rally continues arrives in Fiji in June via Tonga, Mr
are also a round the world rally from this event and is run every Skeggs said.
who have visited Fiji before. four years, Mr Skeggs said. He said to enhance their experi- contd on page 4...
The ICA Pacific Rally which con- ence, Yacht Help Fiji is organising
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Fiji - the way the world should be

Being the hub of the Pacific, Fiji has everything that a spectacular tropical paradise has to of-
fer - from private island resort accommodations, top class restaurants to white sandy beaches,
FROM THE DESK inbound tours, jet boat rides, hot air balloon rides, mountain trekking, inland tours, eco tourism,

Excellent Year
sky diving, helicopter rides, cruise trips, scuba diving, massage and beauty parlours, vibrant
night life and a lot more than any other destination in the world offers

for Marina Tourism ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

The marina tourism industry is looking at a very lucra-
tive year in 2017.Fiji averages around 600 superyachts and
yachts visiting Fiji every year.
With the extra yachts coming through the Oyster Rally,
Prayer Room at Airport
ARC World Rally and the Island Cruising Association (ICA)
Pacific Rally and looking at their pre-bookings, Port Denarau
Marina Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Nigel
Skeggs said they were hopeful that 2017 will see around 700
yachts visit our shores in total.
For Fijis 2017 superyacht season, Mr Skeggs said theyve
received above average enquiries and bookings for supery-
achts coming to Fiji.
In 2014 there was a record of 54 superyachts arriving in
the country.
For 2017, it is expected there will be a record breaking of
approximately 60 superyachts due to visit our shores.
With an average spend in excess of $370,000 per supery-
acht that visits Fiji this is a great sign for the economy and
our reputation as an incredible must visit destination.
According to the Fiji International Yachting Visitors Survey
2015, a total arrival of superyachts (greater than 80 foot LO)
in Fiji in 2010 was 32 compared to a total arrival of 54 in 2015.
A total arrival of yacht (less than 80 LOA) decreased from
668 in 2010 to 548 in 2015.
An average spend per superyachts in 2010 was $122,143
compared to $370,357 in 2015.
For yachts (less than 80 LOA) in 2010, an average spend
per vessel was $32,733 while in 2015 it was $ 24,860.
Despite tax exemptions and being a stifle part of tourism,
marina tourism obviously continues to soar.
The marina tourism has been under price control for the
last eight years while the hotels are getting all their benefits
to develop part of their niche market of tourism.
This is something the investors of the marina tourism in-
dustry are to be deservingly applauded for.
Prayer Room at Nadi International Airport. Photo: LUKE NACEI.
q ANA SOVA

THE JET is Fijis first community newspaper published weekly by
YOURSPACE LIMITED from Nadi - the tourism capital of Fiji.
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PRINTED BY MAX MARKETING - LAYOUT BY MARGARET NAQIRI
By ANA SOVA
A significant new feature has been added to the Nadi made.
International Airport. He adds while the whole airport facility is a smoke
This part of the airports $130 million upgrade project, free zone, this is the only place that smoking will be per-
being developed in stages. mitted.
Passengers that might need a silent place to pray while
arriving to or leaving the airport, there is a Prayer Room
that is now available to your convenience.
The neatly constructed empty room according to Air-
ports Fiji Limited Executive Chairman, Faiz Khan is for
people of all faiths.
It is a non-denominational prayer room and that is
why you dont see any pictures, to keep really serene so
that people can come and pray, Mr Khan said.
He said there have been requests in the past to have
a room as such.
If you look at most of the International airports around
the world they provide a prayer room particularly when
people are transiting and they want to say their prayers
so theres a facility at the airport,
We can have people of different faiths coming in
and praying at the same time. Its a quite area, its not
a Mosque or a Church or a Mandir its a service that we
provide here at Nadi International Airport, Mr Khan said. Airports Fiji Limited Executive Chairman Faiz Khan be-
Likewise a Smoke Room has also been constructed ing interviewed at the Nadi International Airport Prayer
in the airport. Room. Photo: LUKE NACEI.
Mr Khan said this has also been done upon requests

2 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 3

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New Airport Drop- Arrivals Capacity
Increase
Off Area Opened
By ANA SOVA
The departures passen-
ger drop-off area of the
Nadi International Airport
has now been opened for
public use.
With a curved roof top
boasting an area of 3,400
square meters and two
lanes, its sure is a far cry
from the previous set up
and its congested environ-
ment.
One lane is dedicated to
buses whilst the other lane
is dedicated to smaller ve-
hicles thus in doing so has
increased drop off capac-
ity.
The curved roof top
provides cover for passen-
gers during rainy weather,
the footpaths likewise are
wider.
There is also a new
drainage system and an
enhanced security features
through CCTV cameras,
etc.
This is part of the Nadi
International Airport up-
grade project being deliv-
ered in stages, worth $130
million.
The upgrading of the
departures terminal is the
main feature of this proj-
ect.
Airports Fiji Ltd Execu-
tive Chairman, Faiz Khan
said the opening of the de-
partures drop-off area was
a special moment.
When the vehicles
started passing through
it came to life. For three
years weve been working
on this project. Hawkins
PBS has been working on
this project for the last two
and a half years. It was a
special moment for us all,
Mr Khan said.
He said it was important
to understand that the air-
port was all about people.
When you walk
through the terminal now,
you can notice the smiles
on peoples faces. Thats
the ultimate aim, Mr Khan
said.
Hawkins Construction
Contract Manager, Stewart
Lovelock said it was such
a significant point in their
contract.
This is when it really
becomes visible to the
public and for a long time it
New Drop-Off Area at Nadi International Airport. Photo: ANA SOVA.
4 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
has been hidden behind a
screen. Its been very awk-
ward for the public to see
what weve been doing
but all of a sudden within a
transformation of a day or
so, its open,
It feels like were there
but weve really finished
with the significant part
this airport, Mr Lovelock
said.
He said theyve got
some work still left to fin-
ish which theyre heading
towards the end of March
and some other scope that
theyre yet to finish.
Challenges
In upgrading the airport,
Mr Khan said there have
been some significant
challenges.
There were some he
said they did not foresee
while initially panning the
project and its budget.
We are upgrading a 70
years old infrastructure,
so you are bound to have
latent conditions; you are
bound to come across
structural issues that you
cannot foresee when you
planning for that project
three years ago, he said.
He added on the proj-
ect so far they have some-
where around 970 odd
variations and still being is-
sued so theyll have about
a thousand variations that
would have incurred on
the project.
When you open a wall
or a ceiling and you find
that the beam has lost its
structural integrity, you
dont just say ok I have not
budgeted for that, there-
fore let me put it under the
carpet and move on and
you cannot do that, so the
long term approach has
been important, Mr Khan
said.
He said theyve dealt
with issues of structural
integrity, storm water for
example and others.
We had to ensure that
it was redesigned to cater
for or to cope with huge
amount of rain that we en-
countered, Mr Khan said.
One of the major prob-
lems he added was finding
asbestos, most of which in
one of the oldest part of the
LOCAL NEWS www.epapergallery.com/thejet
building, the arrivals area.
The buildings having
been built over the last 70
years had many asbestos
issues and they were ex-
posed, Mr Khan said.
He said being an inter-
national airport you need
to ensure that you have
best industry practices.
Mr Lovelock said the
only way they could man-
age that was bringing in
additional resource and
also trained local contrac-
tors.
I feel quite satisfied
that weve been able to Inside the newly upgraded Arrivals area at the Nadi International Airport. Photo: ANA SOVA.
leave something behind,
we brought in some inter- By ANA SOVA
national experts on how to
remove this materials safe- The capacity of the Nadi International initial scope; it was something added on
ly and dispose it off safely Airport Arrivals area has been increased. later, Mr Khan said.
and be able to train local Airports Fiji Limited Executive Chair- Meanwhile, also an interesting feature
contractors, man, Faiz Khan said key changes have to the arrivals area is the serenaders.
So in the future when been made. Mr Khan said theyve received a lot of
other refurbishments are Immigration has a bigger holding area feedbacks.
done for the airport these for people to queue before they get to im- People like the experience of the sere-
guys are trained and know migration counters. We have four more naders; it puts them in that happy mood,
how to deal with asbes- immigration counters so that it increases When the serenaders are here and
tos, he said. the capacity of immigration processes be- youre coming in, it puts you in that mood
He said one of the hard- ing done, Mr Khan said. already to have your holiday before going
est challenges was that He said theyve also created a feature, out to the hotel, Mr Khan said.
they worked in a public replacing a block wall with a see through He added the serenaders are here to
place where they couldnt glass overlooking the departures drop-off stay.
close it. zone. Infrastructure can be meaningless
We just had to deal Weve done this so people arriving without people, the serenaders add that
with it in such a way where into the country can get a glimpse of the people experience, the Fijian people ex-
we often monitor what we outside. The glazing was not part of the perience to tourists, Mr Khan said.
doing on a daily basis to
make sure we kept both
our workers and the public
safe. Quite frankly all that
work is now complete, Mr
Lovelock said.
Mr Khan said they make
sure adequate processes
in how they manage varia-
tions and scope are in
place.
We have a superinten-
dant on the project and we
have external quantity sur-
veyors on the project who
assess the extent of the
variations incurred togeth-
er with the contractors,
As I said there are
about a thousand varia-
tions but if you look at our
variations register, you can
take out any variation and
it will show what the varia-
tion is about, what were An aerial view of Port Denarau Marina. Photo: SUPPLIED
the correspondences with
the contractor and with the contd from page 1 doing what they need to do is incredibly satisfying and a
to develop a product that recognition that not only are
quantity surveyor, he said. bringing much needed contributes to the variety we doing it right but we are
Mr Khan added it is very tourism revenue to Lau. of offerings in Fijis tourism a leading marina globally,
transparent. Thriving Despite Tax Ex- market. Mr Skeggs said.
emptions Our challenges are sea- He added hes very proud
Meanwhile, Mr Skeggs sonal, at the same time we of his team.
said the marina aspect of are doing everything we We started nine years
the tourism industry should can to tag along, Mr Skeggs ago with five people, we
be very proud of itself for said. now have 38 staff. We make
what theyve achieved. International Marina of an incredible team with
Were very unrecog- the Year 2015/16 people that are dedicated
nised part of tourism. Weve He said hes also very to make sure that when a
been a stifle part of tourism proud of their achievement boat comes to Fiji it comes
as well while the hotels are being awarded the Marine to Denarau and that they are
getting their tax exemptions Industries Associations looked after the best way
and getting all their benefits (MIAs) prestigious title of possible, Mr Skeggs said.
to develop part of their niche International Marina of the
market of tourism, Year 2015-2016.
Weve been under price The Marina headed out
control for the last eight the other finalists in this cat-
years, managing to get up egory of Port Montenegro in Send us your feed-
and get us to where we are Europe, Albany Marina in backs or suggestions
now is tremendous. I do the Bahamas and Westhav- to:
appreciate the change in en Marina in Auckland, New
mindset and I think this year Zealand.
will be great for marina tour- I am very proud of our
ism, Mr Skeggs said. accomplishment, its in- feedbacks@media.com.fj
He added they do have credible. To receive this
their challenges but they are recognition from our peers
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Bula Committee Vuniwaqa Urges

Assist School Positive Contribution

Women attending the Ba Provincial Craft Show at Koroivolu Park in Nadi. Photo: DEPTFO.

By ANA SOVA
Minister for Women, Ms Vuniwaqa said. preparation, management
(Standing from left) Bula Festival Trust Committe member Salome Williams, Bula Festival Trust
President Leone Naivalu, Nalaba District School Head Teacher Ilikini Yavala, Air Terminal Services Children and Poverty Al- She said women should and rehabilitation work
Supply Officer Beni Lovecena, Air Terminal Services E.A.R. Mech Parnesh Sharma, Bula Festival leviation, Mereseini Vuni- be bold enough to break during and after disasters
Committee members Winifred Silikula and (Ake Naivalu far right) with the students of Nalaba Dis- waqa had urged women of traditional practices that playing a crucial role in the
trict School with their new desks and computer sets in Rakiraki. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI. Ba to continue contribut- impede the development restoration efforts in our
ing positively to their fami- of our daughters and sis- homes and communities
By LUKE NACEI lies, community and the ters. as primary caregivers,
nation as a whole. We should be bold to I challenge all of you
In a bid to help assist the of Rakiraki that were affect- and deliver the desk and Speaking at the Inter- discard every effort that to join hands and take ad-
welfare of the children as ed by TC Winston and help- chairs, he said. national Womens Day prevents our daughters vantage of this period of
far as education is a con- ing them in ways they could. Schools head Ilikini Yava-
cern, the Nadi Bula Festival We sent an assessment la acknowledged the much and the Ba Provincial Craft from accessing equal op- change to shape a better
Committee donated school team to come here and awaited donation. Show in Nadi, Minister portunities with our sons, future for the women of
desks, chairs and computer asses the school and this is This 44 desk and chairs Vuniwaqa said traditional- and losing out on opportu- Fiji, Ms Vuniwaqa said.
to Nalaba District School in what they had requested for and three computer sets will ly women have played crit- nities to discover their true He also thanked their
Barotu, Ra. so we had provided them really assist the kids well, ical roles in their various potentials, Ms Vuniwaqa partners, the Fiji Arts
This was successful after with what they had want- he said. capacities in the home, said. Council who has worked
the Bula Committee togeth- ed, Nadi Bula Festival Com- I just want to thank the
er with Foundation for the mittee Leone Naivalu said. Bula festival for the kind do- society and the nation and She also paid tribute to the Ministrys divisional
Education of Needy Children We have seen the dev- nation. These donations will this must continue. the efforts of women in ru- teams; in order achieve
organised a Give Back to astation caused by Tropical really help the students and Lets create a society ral areas who were victims what is expected of the 13
the Cyclone Winston Appeal Cyclone Winston in this par- the teachers as well. that recognizes and val- of TC Winston. Provincial Craft Shows to
Concert last year which was ticular school there hasnt The school has a roll of ues the contribution that Through these hard be undertaken throughout
sponsored by Digicel Fiji and been a lot of aid briefed out 126 students. women can make to our times, we applaud the ef- the four divisions.
Air Terminal Services. to this school and that is why The total cost for the do-
The appeal aimed at we have actually organized nated items was $6 thou- homes, communities and forts and contributions
identifying schools in parts to come here today to come sand. to the nation as a whole, of womentowards basic

Advisory on the Safe and

Responsible Operation of
Unmanned Aircraft
(For recreational and private use only)

Given Fijis small airspace and populated urban environment, the flying of
unmanned aircraft must be carried out in a safe and responsible manner. If not car-
ried out properly, the operation of unmanned aircraft may pose a risk to aviation and
public safety. Despite the safety features in some unmanned aircraft, mechanical
malfunction, loss of control link or human error could occur and cause operators to
lose control of their aircraft in flight. This may result in the unmanned aircraft
colliding with a manned aircraft or another unmanned aircraft, or hitting per-
sons and property on the ground, potentially causing injury and damage.

Operators should ensure that they are able to operate unmanned aircraft safely, exer-
cising due care and concern for others. For recreational and private use, this adviso-
ry provides guidelines in the form of Dos and Don'ts on flying an unmanned air-
craft safely.

An unmanned aircraft, also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone, is an aircraft
that is operated with no pilot on board.

For More Information

Please refer to www.caaf.org.fj to find out more about the safe use and
operation of unmanned aircraft for recreational and private use. Queries
related to any other uses (e.g. commercial use) of unmanned aircraft
should be referred to the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, Air Safety Depart-
ment, Attention: Flight Operations Inspector Floatplane & General Aviation.
Contact Mobile +679 9995207 or Email either to treasure.marshall@caaf.org.fj,
info@caaf.org.fj or standards@caaf.org.fj.

THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 5

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Sofitel Keen on Celebrating

International Womens Day
Women attending the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa High Tea Event . Photo: ANA SOVA.
By LUKE NACEI
For the first time ever
Sofitel Resort and Spa on
Denarau Island celebrated
called the High Tea.
High tea is a combination
of a three tea plateau which
ago, Mrs Griffiths said.
I dont think there has
been lots of this kind of
AFL Goes Green
By ANA SOVA
Airports Fiji Limited is en-
suring that they are in line
with Governments Green
Growth Framework.
The Green Growth
Framework for Fiji is a docu-
ment that was developed in
2014.
According to the docu-
ment, it is a tool to acceler-
ate integrated and inclusive
sustainable development
which will inspire action at
all levels, to strengthen envi-
ronmental resilience.
As of last week, Airports
Fiji Ltd Executive Chairman, Airports Fiji Ltd Executive Chairman Faiz Khan. Photo: LUKE NA-
Faiz Khan revealed they re- CEI.
ceived an international cer-
tification for Level Accredi- ternational Airport upgrade ing into the departures ter-
tation for carbon emission. project, they ensured to minal.
It is our pursuit to re- achieve those goals. When you stand at the
ceive to about level three or You will notice that all departures terminal you will
level four accreditation for of the lightings that have notice the light turning on
carbon emission. We want been installed are LED light, and off on its own, so its
to minimize carbon emis- they are low energy lights. automated. Light automati-
sion; we want to ensure that It cost a lot of money to in- cally turns on only when it is
our airport is as green as stall them but it saves ongo- required,
ing energy cost for the long Those are things weve
possible, Mr Khan said.
He said in the ongoing run, Mr Khan said. done to ensure that we go
He added they now have green, Mr Khan said.
construction of the Nadi In-
a lot of natural lighting com-

Upgrade Budget on Track

the Womens International
Day in a much more exciting
and meaningful way.
Meaningful in a way
where some motivational
women spoke about their
lives, their everyday strug-
gles and means of survival.
The speakers included Ja-
net Lotawa, Akanisi Sankra-
charya and Ateca Waqai-
ratu. These speakers spoke
more of their background,
how they were brought up
and how successful theyve
become in the community
they lived in.
The ladies were treated
to a special morning tea
has a combination of sweet
savoury foods, some figure
sandwiches, lemon mareng
tars and the chocolate dip-
ings and honey combs.
And Jane Griffiths who
spoke on behalf of the hus-
band Cameron Griffiths the
Director of Food & Beverage
said she was overwhelmed
with the huge turnout de-
spite is being the first of its
kind.
It is the first time and
we are hoping to do it every
day and make it bigger and
better and maybe do it at
the Ballroom, we only came
up with this idea two weeks
events in these areas be-
fore so we are really keen
to raise awareness of this
International womens day
and really help to promote
change, and help the wom-
en in the villages of Fiji.
Those that were part of
the event had the opportu-
nity to purchase crafts from
the Rise beyond the Reef
charity that was on display.
So we are pleased to
get everyone aboard. It was
about 60 here today and we
are keen to celebrate it here
at Sofitel, Mrs Griffiths said.

BK Staff Sharpen Skills

By ANA SOVA
Being part of an interna-
tional franchise requires a
lot of hard work and staff
training is an essential part
of the entire business expe-
rience.
In efforts to ensure the
best customer service possi-
ble, Burger King Fiji recently
held an up skilling session
for 48 of its staff.
The training was con-
ducted by Ranju Kumar of
Smart Train, Narsey.
Burger King General
Manager, Akash Narsey said
a well trained workforce will
ensure the best customer
service and this will result
in repeat business and ev-
erlasting positive impression
on our customers.
While nobody is perfect
and it is universally accept-
ed that one cannot please
every customer, as an inter-
national franchise, Burger
King continuously invests in
training its staff members to
stay on top of the game, Mr
Narsey said.
He said staff members
were really impressed with
the outcome as positive
results were already being
seen in their two outlets in
Nadi.
Proprietor and Consul-
tant, Ms Kumar said BK em-
ployees were enthusiastic,
committed and have a posi-
tive mind-set to new knowl-
edge.
Training them is always
a rewarding experience,
Ms Kumar said.
She said the key learning
outcomes were to see that
the staff deliver that supe-
rior service with a smile and
make customers enjoy the
BK factor.
Listening skills, overall
communication skills, main-
taining BK standards, first
impressions, and profes-
sional etiquette were some
of the objectives of this train-
ing session, Ms Kumar said.
She commended Mr
Narsey for being so passion-
ate about customer service
standards.
Narsey initiated these
two sessions of customer
service training and en-
gaged Smart Train for this
project. He is keen to invest
more in his teams learning
and development in future
as well, Ms Kumar said.
The new Nadi International Airport Departure Terminal. Photo: ANA SOVA.
By ANA SOVA
Airports Fiji Ltd Executive Chairman,
Faiz Khan has assured they are on track
with the Nadi International Airport up-
grade project and its related budget.
The project is worth $130 million.
He said it needs to be understood the
context in which the budget is set and the
constraints on the job.
Three years ago we sat at the board
and we said because we cannot really
plan, lets pluck a number from the sky
and say lets set a budget of $180 million
or $200 million and then we will finish this
project at about $131 million. You would
say we have done it with $70 million be-
low budget, Mr Khan said,
He said they were certain that they
have done this job with the processes
they have followed at a cost which was
far lesser than what they wouldve other-
wise incurred.
The key parts of that ingredient is hav-
ing a transparent process but also the
quality of the contractor that we have.
Weve got a very reputable contractor in
Hawkins PBS. If you dont have a reputa-
ble contractor you can have a number of
issues, Mr Khan said.
He added there were many different
dynamics that come into play when you
are doing a project.
It is our job to ensure that we man-
age the conflicts and ensure that the train
keeps on the tracks and keeps moving on
and where we stand at present weve got
a train that is pretty much about to reach
its destination, Mr Khan said.

Burger King staff members with Ranju Kumar of Smart Train. Photo: SUPPLIED.
6 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
www.thejetnewspaper.com www.epapergallery.com/thejet

USP Attracts More Students PM Focused on

The 2017 academic
year of University of the
South Pacifics Lautoka
campus has commenced
on a very high note with
major increase in student
enrollment this year.
This was evident during
the orientation program of
USP Lautoka campus on
February 06 where a large
number of students from
around the western divi-
sion were present.
USP Lautoka Campus
Director Dr Pramila Devi
pointed out that USP being
the preferred choice for
higher education is appar-
ent from the recent growth
of student number at USP
Lautoka.
While welcoming stu-
dents Devi informed the
students that they have be-
come part of the university
family at a very important
time.
She revealed that USP
will be celebrating its 50
years of milestone exis-
tence next year and all
students enrolled this year
will be part of the historic
50th anniversary celebra-
tion.
She informed that stu-
dents were fully versed
with the wide range of pro-
grammes from the three
Faculties and the newly es-
tablished Pacific TAFE sec-
tion available through USP
Lautoka.
Students were also
made aware of the various
modes of course delivery
plus the supplementary
Students at the Orientation at USP Lautoka Campus. Photo: USP.
learning modes available
through the Lautoka cam-
pus.
Dr Pramila however, re-
minded all students com-
ing out straight from sec-
ondary school to expect
changes to the way their
learning used to be in high
school.
The high school setup
is different from the uni-
versity as at the university
students are responsible
for their own learning
Students will be re-
quired to follow up on their
course, know their time
table, attend their classes
and submit their assign-
ments on time as there will
be no one checking on all
this on daily basis.
Meanwhile, USP has
14 campuses throughout
the South Pacific region
and uses its state of the
art technology to connect
these campuses.
The Lautoka campus is
one of the larger regional
campuses and provides
services to students of the
western division.
To accommodate the
increasing number of stu-
dents enrolled this year
apart from classes at its
main campus on Vidilo
Street additional learning
teaching space is will be
available at 61 Vitogo Pa-
rade from this Semester.
Devi also informed the
students that USP Lautoka
campus also has five ex-
amination centres in Siga-
toka, Nadi, Ba, Tavua and
Rakiraki.
The new programs of-
fered from USP Lautoka
campus include Post Grad-
uate Diploma in Tourism,
Diploma in Counseling,
Certificate IV in Hospitality
and Certificate III in Pastry.
USP
Send us your feed-
backs or suggestions
to:
feedbacks@media.com.fj
Global Efforts Towards
Climate Change
By ANA SOVA
The Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama has de-
cided that Fiji will defer its candidacy for a seat on the
United Nations Human Rights Council to focus on his
efforts towards climate change.
Mr Bainimarama revealed this while officially com-
missioning an entire network of upgraded rural access
roads across the sugarcane belt in Malolo, Nadi.
After experiences of unusual storms and severe
flooding in the country causing damages to infrastruc-
ture and livelihood, the Prime Minister said climate
change has placed challenges before all Fijians.
Which is why I will be dedicating a good part of
the next year to leading the global effort to slow that
change down and help people adapt to it, Mr Baini-
marama
He said Fiji is a small country and this year, Fijis
Ambassador in Geneva and foreign-policy resources
need to be focused on climate change and Fijis presi-
dency of COP 23.
We simply cannot do them both and do them well.
And right now, climate change is the wolf at our front
door. But I can assure you that we will renew our can-
didacy following our presidency of COP 23, Mr Baini-
marama said.
The Prime Minister said he doesnt have to tell any-
one what climate change has to do with our roads,
because every unpredictable storm, every season that
is unusually wet or unusually dry, can mean hardship
and financial loss.
Fiji succeeded in its bid to be selected as one of
the co-chairs of next years COP 23-the United Nations
(UN) negotiations on climate change.
The meeting will be held in Bonn, Nordrhein-West-
falen in Germany from the 6th -17th of November this
year.
Fiji will be the first Pacific nation invited to fulfill
such a role.

LAUTOKA CAMPUS

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF
The Graduate School of Business is inviting applications for Post USP LAUTOKA CAMPUS
Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management.
Ms. Devika Ram, Student Officer

BUSINESS 2017 INTAKE With our Programmes you will be able to:
Become a Visionary Leader
Tel: (679) 666 6800; Fax: (679) 666 7133;
Email: ram_d@usp.ac.fj
www.usp.ac.fj/mba
TAKE THE NEXT STEP Acquire Critical Business Skills to compete in the Global
Economy
Applications close on Friday 31 March 2017

IN YOUR CAREER Foster Innovation

Students are encouraged to apply online via
www.usp.ac.fj/apply

CERTIFICATE IV IN WORKPLACE LEADERSHIP TRAINING REGISTER NOW!

This Course Helps You Become an Exceptional Leader, equipped with requisite leadership skills, well Fijis Employment Relations Bill to be studied also.
developed self-confidence and effective delivery skills. Cross Credit of Leadership & Management Module from Certificate II in Professional Development
Learning Outcomes Programme
Understand and apply a framework of Workplace Leadership to guide your personal development, as Target Group: Emerging, aspiring and current workplace Leaders.
well as the development of your teams and organisation
Determine how to enhance learning process in order to meet day to day operation Delivery Details
Create a persona; agenda for self-improvement and set goals to productivity throughout the
organisation Venue Dates Time Application
Acquire new tools and technique and able to foster innovation. closing dates
Develop capacity building and skills transfer
LautokaUSP Lautoka Campus To be confirmed once 5pm to 8pm March 31 2017
Component 1 Staff Component 2 Human Component 3 Leadership (Two Evenings per week) sufficient number
Welfare & Safety Resource Management Skills & Management Skills of applications are
Understanding Diversity at Change Management Skills Coaching: A leadership Skills Nadi, Ba, Ra & Sigatoka received for each centre 9am to 3pm/ March 31 2017
Work (Saturdays/Evening options) 5-8pm
Workplace Ethics Conducting Effective Professional Supervisor
Performance Review Fees: $450 per component & $1350 for whole programme. Payment: Cash, Cheque, Installments and
Safety at the Workplace Performance Management Team Building Initiatives in FNPF.
the workplace
To obtain enrolment form and for further information, contact: Rajendra Singh, tel: 666 6800;
Dealing with Workplace HR Training for Non HR Motivating your workforce
fax: 6667133; email: rajendra.singh@usp.ac.fj or Babita Sharma, email: babita.sharma@usp.ac.fj or
Harassment Managers
enquire at the USP Lautoka Campus, Western House, corner of Vidilo Street, Lautoka or visit our website:
Dealing with Workplace New Staff Orientation Employee dispute resolution
Violence www.usp.ac.fj/lautoka

T O WA R D S E X C E L L E N C E I N L E A R N I N G A N D K N O W L E D G E C R E AT I O N

THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 7

www.thejetnewspaper.com
MOH Reminds on
Taking Precautions
Against Dengue
The Ministry of Health and
Medical Services is advising
Fijians to take precaution
and to protect themselves
against dengue mosquitoes
and avoid contracting the
dengue virus.
The advice comes in light of
the number of dengue cases
recorded, following the re-
cent rainy weather. Dengue
fever is caused by the den-
gue virus which is spread
through the day-biting aedes
eygpti mosquito. It is com-
mon to experience an in-
crease in mosquito popula-
tions during the wet and hot
season (November to April).
Early Symptoms of dengue
are high fever, nausea, loss
of appetite and generalized
body pain.
With the recent increase
seen in dengue cases, the
Ministry has increased its
community advocacy ac-
tivities with the intent of
heightening individual and
community awareness of
dengue conditions at this
time and to also motivate
community and individual
prevention activities against
all mosquitoes caused dis-
eases.
The Health Ministry is urg-
ing the public to take im-
Reach Out to
Communities: Reddy
Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Dr. Mahendra Reddy. Photo: SUPPLIED.
By LUKE NACEI
While the country has a
delightful success at giv-
ing opportunity to all Fijians
to attain formal education,
the ability of the centres to
reach out to the community
at large is something which
is missing.
The Minister for Education,
Heritage and Arts Dr. Mahen-
dra Reddy made this com-
ment while officiating at the
opening of the Multi-cultural
Centre Workshop at Toka-
toka Hotel in Nadi yesterday.
Dr. Reddy said to the respec-
tive senior education staffs
and administrators to collab-
8 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
mediate actions to destroy
dengue mosquito breeding
places. Removing dengue
mosquito breeding places
will ultimately lead to a de-
crease in the number of
dengue positive cases.
Health officials in dengue
high risk areas have already
been mobilized follow-
ing the coordination of the
Fight the Bite campaign to
reduce mosquito breeding
sites. Spraying of mosquito
breeding grounds in com-
munities has commenced
and a cleanup campaign
against dengue fever and
other arboviral diseases
(Zika and Chikungunya) will
be launched.
The Ministry needs the as-
sistance of the public in its
fight against disease spread-
ing mosquitoes. The pub-
lic is also reminded that
dengue mosquitoes breed
around human dwellings
and in manmade recep-
tacles that collect stagnant
water such as flower pots,
flower pot plates, roof gut-
ters, tins, cans, unused tyres,
coconut shells, air condi-
tioning trays (as water col-
lects there), blocked drains
and drums.
It is important to cover wa-
orate more so that effective
avenues can be planned to
reach out to more students
and motivate them to learn
at the various centres pro-
vided.
The operation of the mul-
ticultural centres is a very
noble profession. It reflects
on the identity of different
group of people and teach-
es their values and beliefs
through the art and talent
that is taught, he said.
He reminded these admin-
istrators at the centres the
importance of their role in
ensuring that the centre op-
LOCAL NEWS
ter stored in drums and oth-
er water containing units.
Any gardening tools such as
watering cans and wheel-
barrows should be over-
turned or left empty.
The Health Ministry reiter-
ates that by following these
simple clean-up routines,
dengue mosquito breeding
places can be destroyed.
the Ba Provincial Council
Using mosquito repellents,
safe mosquito coils and
mosquito nets will provide
much needed protection
against dengue mosquitoes,
especially during the day
and at dusk when they are
most likely to bite.
Furthermore, it is advisable
to keep hydrated by increas-
ing water intake.
The public is urged to pres-
ent themselves early to
health facilities should den-
gue symptoms persist.
As the Health Ministry con-
tinues to intensify interven-
tion works the public is also
encouraged to assist by de-
stroying mosquito breeding
places and taking necessary
precautions.
DEPTFO
erates in a manner which
is in line to the vision of the
ministry and the govern-
ment.
Set up policies which de-
fine the operations at your
centres. Ensure that your
services are the best quality
and your students learning
experiences becomes a per-
fect marketing tool for the
centre,
Administrators must not be
satisfied at static ideologies,
but rather be the agent to
bring about positive trans-
formations at the centre,
Dr. Reddy said.
www.epapergallery.com/thejet
Public Hearings
on By-Laws
Next Month
By ANA SOVA
The Ba Provincial Coun-
cil is going to hold public
hearings on the proposed
Village Bylaws for the prov-
ince early next month.
Assistant Roko-Tui Ba,
Iosefo Vereivalu said the
Council is going to have a
public hearing in Lautoka,
office and in Nadi.
We will invite the
Turaga ni Koros (Village
Spokespersons) and the
Mata ni Tikinas (District
Representatives), the
women reps likewise the
youth reps,
We will be taking their
submissions and all the
submissions should come
Assistant Roko-Tui Ba, Iosefo Vereivalu. Photo: ANA SOVA.
through the village coun-
cil. Thats where they are
invitations from villages to Itaukei community.
going to make the submis-
facilitate awareness pro- Its part of our tradition,
sion before the final draft is
grammes. its always been there but
made, Mr Vereivalu said.
From time to time we now the only thing we are
He said it is also in their are visiting villagers and doing is to put it on paper,
plans to visit the Yasawas when the invitation comes legalise it and also to be in
to hold a public hearing we just have to enlighten line with Government De-
towards the end of the them on some of the things crees and the current de-
month. regarding the bylaws and crees and the laws of the
Meanwhile, Mr Vereiv- what are some of their re- Government,
alu said the Council has sponsibilities and some of So whatever is bound-
held two workshops on
the things that they need to ed by the village bylaws is
the Village Bylaws with be aware of, Mr Vereivalu also bounded in the state
district representatives and
said. law, Mr Vereivalu said.
village spokespersons. He said the bylaws are
He said theyve also had not something new to the
www.thejetnewspaper.com
Julia Zhara Wins
Fijian Hearts
Julia Zhara performing live on stage at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. Photo: SUPPLIED.
Sensational songwriter
and singer, Julia Zhara,
rocked the stage when she
performed on stage at the
Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
Hundreds of people
flocked to the Park to wit-
ness her performance more
even watch her perform
live on stage singing her
well known Just an Illusion
song.
Julia Zhara revealed to
the crowd how happy she
was to be performing in
Nadi.
She sang a Dutch song for
the crowd which blew the
minds of many, following a
huge cheer from the crowd.
Media Partners Limited | Tel: 6705443
Joining the crowd were
many tourist from Australia,
China and New Zealand.
Jessy Mocelutu an Aus-
tralian residing in Votualevu
said she was very happy to
be witnessing the live per-
formance of a well-known
singer.
This show is just tre-
mendous and I just love it so
much.
Joycelyn Karawa, 20, of
Lautoka said: This is the
first time for me to ever be
in a show like this and I am
just so glad that it was Julia
Zahras live show. I love her
songs and that is one of the
reason I am here tonight.
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SIGNS AND BANNERS
LOCAL NEWS/ADVERTISEMENT
Julia Zahra wrapped
the night with her famous
song Just an Illusion where
people rushed to the stage
to take videos and pictures.
Some even sang along with
her.
Zhara was then request-
ed by the crowd to sing her
song twice which shows the
love and interest the Fijian years. We had applied to the Department
people have for the song
Just an Illusion. per household and we did but the money
Hundreds of people were
present at Prince Charles
Park in Nadi to witness this
once in a life time opportu-
nity.
www.epapergallery.com/thejet
12 Homes in
Sabeto Light Up
From L-R: Sabeto District Representative, Taniela Naika, Assistant Roko-Tui Ba Iosefo Vereivalu and
Lay Preacher of Sabeto Methodist Church Netani Loga pictured at one of the homes that received
electricity supply for the first time. Photo: ANA SOVA.
By ANA SOVA
12 households in Sabeto were in high duty.
spirit after they received electricity supply The electrification wiring began in
for the first time to light up their homes December with every house being wired
earlier this month. two light bulbs and a power switch. Were
This was made up of seven households just really happy its finally eventuated,
of Koroyaca Village and four households Mr Matea said.
in Narokorokoyawa Village. He said they were really thankful to
Koroyaca Village Rural Electrification Government for remembering them in its
Project Spokesperson, Lepani Matea said service delivery.
it has been a relief especially since theyve 55 year old, Saniana Nasau said their
been trying to get electricity supply to the home has been without electricity for the
houses since 2013. past 20 years.
We had been working on this for three Now we can use electrical applianc-
es, the students can study in the light .Its
of Energy and we were told to pay $130 such a huge relief for us,
Im really thankful to the Government
was refunded back to us and they elec- for its commitment to the people, Ms Na-
trification was carried out anyway under sau said.
the Rural Electrification Fund Scheme, The Rural Electrification Fund Scheme
Mr Matea said. initiative is part of governments intention
He said they were then only required to provide electricity throughout the coun-
to pay $70 for connection fee and stamp try.
www.media.com.fj
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 9
www.thejetnewspaper.com LOCAL NEWS/ ADVERTISEMENT www.epapergallery.com/thejet

Farewell for ACP Vuniwaqa

The Fiji Police Force to-
day farewelled Assistant
Commissioner of Police
(ACP) IsikeliVuniwaqa after
close to 34 years of service.
It was also a double cel-
ebration as the outgoing
Assistant Commissioner
turned 55 years old today.
ACP Vuniwaqa joined the
institution on the 2nd of May,
1983, when he was 21 years
of age, and after 33 years
and 9 months in the Force,it
was time to bid farewell to
an eventful career as a Po-
lice officer.
I believe Ive seen and
experienced all one can as a
police officer, and there has
never been a dull moment
and I have so many fond
memories that I will trea-
sure forever.
I am so blessed to be
able to reach my retirement
as there are many others
who have left before it was
their time, and I am grateful
for what the Fiji Police Force
has been able to provide for
me and my family.
ACP Vuniwaqa has
served both locally and in-
ternationally and has held
the post of Acting Commis-
sioner of Police.
He acknowledged the
support of the current and
former Commissioners of
Police for having faith in his
ability as a Police officer.
I have served with
twelve Commissioners and
I am grateful to their support
and as the Commissioner
had alluded to I will never
be totally cut off from the
Force.
My wife and son are still
in the Force and the institu-
tion will remain a part of my
life and will be in my heart
forever.
The Commissioner of
Police Brigadier General Si-
tiveniQilihosaid ACP Vuni-
waqas departure would be
felt by the institution.
We must thank you for
all you have contributed to
the country and the institu-
tion and after 33 years and
nine months you are sure to
leave a legacy behind.
The Police Force will
miss your years of experi-
ence and the knowledge
bank you have and I hope
that when we do come
around for advice that you
will be ready to accept us.
The Commissioner of
Police said the institution
would continue to work
with retired officers.
We will certainly be call-
ing on you and just as we
continue to keep our retired
officers involved in how we
can improve our work we
will tap into your knowledge
bank and also know that we
will be there for you if you
want our help.
The Commissioner also
acknowledged the support
of ACPVuniwaqas family.
ACP Vuniwaqa in his fare-
well speech called on the
officers present to enjoy life
responsibly.
Keep healthy, keep fit,
keep smiling and pray for
good times. We all want to
reach the end lap of our ser-
vice in this wonderful insti-
tution, so we need to look
after ourselves so you are
able to get to where I am
today. Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho presents a gift to the outgoing ACP Isikeli
POLICE MEDIA CELL Vuniwaqa during his farewell morning tea at Police HQ. Photo: POLICE MEDIA CELL.

UniFiji offer School Still Without

Bachelor of Arts in
iTaukei Management
By ANA SOVA
The Centre of iTaukei
Studies (CIS) of the Univer-
sity of Fiji is now offering a
unique course, Bachelor of
Arts in iTaukei (ITK) Man-
agement.
Centre Director of CIS,
Dr Litiana Kuridrani said its
chief motive is to address
leadership and manage-
ment at community levels.
We are targeting Pro-
visional Administrators;
Roko Tuis and provincial
office staffs; government
workers; tourism sector;
teachers; and all that have
an interest on ITaukei stud-
ies and management,
We are also target-
ing traditional leaders in
modern societies for the
iTaukei people and we are
hoping to go much deeper
to the Tikina (district) and
Turaga-ni-Koro (village
headman) leve, Dr Kurid-
rani said.
She said they need to
be taught all these basics
about participatory inte-
grated community devel-
opment plans.
Dr Kuridrani added the
main objective of the pro-
gram was to help make
first their students and
their communities more
knowledgeable.
In other words building
knowledge based society,
Send us your feedbacks or suggestions to:
she said.
Dr Kuridrani explains
that it would link to the na-
tional development plan of
Fiji.
Filtering to the provin-
cial and district level and
come to the village level
to establish inventories of
natural, social, physical
and financial capital and
their abilities to contribute
to national economic de-
velopment, she said.
She said that the pro-
gram was more participa-
tory than a trickle down
approach.
It matches well with
the solesolevaki approach
in a traditional Fijian set
up, Dr Kuridrani said.
She said student were
also taught the tools for in-
tegrated local community
development where peo-
ple identify the problem
work around that, develop
it in their community and
link it to the national level.
Two CIS has started with
inter-disciplinary teach-
ing between the Centre
of ITaukei and the Depart-
ment of Management.
Dr Kuridrani said in the
near future they plan to
rope in the School of Law
in the anticipation to devel-
op another degree on ITK/
Customary law.
feedbacks@media.com.fj
The customary law
should help in understand-
ing and recognizing land
laws especially with the
current village by laws;
land tenure; land owner-
ships systems; intellectual
property rights (flora and
fauna) and hopefully land
claims tribunals, she said.
One of the major areas
that CIS also address is
the teaching of language
and culture in much more
depth from language and
literature to include ex-
pressive and creative arts;
traditional and cultural
expressions; traditional
ecological knowledge;
indigenous health & heal-
ing therapies; oral history
and oral tradition; cultural
anthropology; genealogy
and migration history and
indigenous research.
Dr Kuridrani said there
has been a steady increase
in the number of candi-
dates applying for the pro-
gram as 23 people from
Ministry of iTaukei affairs
enrolled and attended a
course on Vanua, Land
and the People (Yaubula)
convened by herself in
July, 2016.
The next course would
be taught in April and stu-
dents are still encouraged
to apply.
Proper Classrooms
Students of Nalaba District School in their classroom which is leaking with water. Photo: MAR-
GARET NAQIRI.
By LUKE NACEI
Unlike every other
student, Nalaba District
School students in the high
lands of Ra are still strug-
gling with their everyday
education.
The school were more
than blessed to have been
given desks, chairs and
three computer sets from
the Nadi Bula Festival
Committee on February
10th.
They have also received
assistance from the fol-
lowing groups, UNICEF,
Soroptimist International,
Rock Church, Pacific Ener-
gy and as well the Ministry
of Education.
Head teacher Ilikini Yav-
ala said the students have
been studying with the lim-
ited resources they have.
He said TC Winston has
caused a fluctuate in the
students roll in school.
Before Winston we got
a roll of 176 students. And
I just came to the school
after Cyclone Winston.
Just because of the dif-
ficulties the students face
after Winston the roll went
down and some had to go
to other schools for that.
The roll then came down
to 132 and that was the roll
till the end of the year. Now
it is 126 students attending
this school. It was really
challenging, he said.
It was really bad, our
dining hall and two dor-
mitories were completely
damaged, six classroom
damaged and five teach-
ers quarters partly dam-
aged. Our roof library was
also blown away by the
cyclone.
64 students are board-
ers. After Winston the two
hostels were damaged
and they were using the
tent from then till now, he
said.
Students from the near-
by villagers Burelevu, Na-
labalaba, Nativi and seven
other settlements wake up
as early as 6.30 to catch
their bus to school which
is about seven kilometres
away from the individual
homes.
These the head teacher
said was part of their daily
struggle.
The bus leaves their
houses at 6am and when
they finish their classes
and head back home they
will arrive at 6.30pm, he
said.
Mr Yavala also said they
repaired damaged desk
and chairs and used them
again as assistance was
taking its time to reach
them.
We managed to get the
damaged desk for repair
and used them again. The
school and the community
repaired those desks for
the sake of the students.
Even the houses in the
village are damaged and it
is really hard for the par-
ents, he said.

10 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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NADI IN PICTURES

THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 11

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PM Acknowledge
By ANA SOVA
Tourism Resilience
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has acknowl-
edged the resilience showed by the tourism industry fol-
lowing Tropical Cyclone Winston in February last year.
In his opening address during the 2016 ANZ Fiji Excel-
lence in Tourism Awards at the Sheraton Fiji Resort ear-
lier this month, he said the tourism industry, in particular,
had much to be grateful for.
You really were stars a year ago, as the theme for this
evening puts it, because most of you not only weathered
the storm but cleaned up quickly and remained open for
business, Mr Bainimarama said.
He said thanks to our visitors who kept coming and
also to the tourism industry, Fiji as a whole bounced
back faster than anyone expected at the time.
So I am here on behalf of the entire nation to thank
you and every Fijian who works in the industry for the
superb effort you put in to help us back on our feet, Mr
Bainimarama said.
He also took the opportunity to thank Fijians in other
sectors of the economy that helped us to bounce back
faster than anyone expected.
I also want to thank those Fijians for their own in-
dividual acts of charity to those in need that will never
be forgotten by those who benefited, Mr Bainimarama
said.
He added it was little short of astonishing that in the
year that Fiji was hit by the biggest cyclone ever to make
landfall in the southern hemisphere, tourism numbers
actually grew.
Last year, we recorded a record annual arrival figure
of 792,320 visitors, with record arrivals from New Zealand
and China,
The 49,000 arrivals from China are especially gratify-
ing, Mr Bainimarama said.
He said hopefully the same could be done with India
as time goes by.
To tap into the increasingly affluent and adventur-
ous market there as well and we will soon be making a
very exciting announcement of a code share agreement
between Fiji Airways and a major Indian carrier which
is bound to boost traffic from the subcontinent and be-
yond, Mr Bainimarama said.
Meanwhile, ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards
Board of Trustees Chairman, James Sowane said as an
industry they accepted the situation and the mammoth
challenges the tourism industry faced post Winston.
Our families, businesses and industry as a whole
were affected immediately and together with the rest of
our fellow Fijians we had nothing but HOPE and the fight-
ing Spirit of Resilience and Teamwork to get us back on
our feet and eventually, together this evening,
We consolidated our resources through the Tour-
ism Action Group (TAG) and Governments support, we
made Collective decisions and Took Action through the
recovery campaigns in our major markets which in turn
responded positively in great support, Mr Sowane said.
He added the result was a five per cent increase in Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama speaking at the 2016
visitor arrivals in 2016 over the previous year. ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards at Sheraton Fiji Resort.
Photo: ANA SOVA.

Hard Work Pays Major Investments

Off For Maharaj
By ANA SOVA
10 years of hard work has paid off for
Niven Maharaj.
The Resort Manager for Plantation Is-
land Resort was awarded the Emerging
Tourism Leader Award during the 2016
ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards at
the Sheraton Fiji Resort earlier this month.
He said hes interest for tourism began
as a little boy when his mother was work-
ing at the Wananavu Beach Resort in Ra-
kiraki.
After high school I decided I wanted
to join the industry so I went to Catering
school to do my certificate in hospital op-
erations and went back to do my practical
at Wananavu, Maharaj said.
He said as his passion for the industry
blossomed so was his eagerness to fur-
ther his knowledge in the industry.
I took some bank loan and did my di-
ploma in hotel management then I came
back and I joined the NZPTC as a lecturer
for South Seas
in certificate 4 in hospitality industry. From
there I joined Tanoa Plaza and later joined
Plantation Resort as duty manager, Ma-
haraj said.
He was later promoted to food and
beverage manager to customer care man-
ager then promoted to assistant resort
manager and now to resort manager on
the 1st of January this year.
Im very proud and Im happy to be
seen someone whos worthy enough to
be given this award. Im very grateful and
honoured, Maharaj said.
He thanks the owners, directors, and
managers of Plantation Island Resort
for giving him the support in what hes
achieved which wouldnt have been pos-
sible without them and all his fellow staff.

South Seas staff pictured at the 2016 ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards. Photo:
ANA SOVA.

By ANA SOVA
Tour & Transport Operators Award win-
ning company of the 2016 ANZ Fiji Excel-
lence in Tourism Awards, South Sea Cruis-
es will continue to invest and innovate to
facilitate the growing demand in their
line of business and provide the com-
fort that their customers deserve.
Chief Executive Officer, Brad Ruther-
ford revealed the ferry service provider
will be bringing on line two new high
speed catamaran ferries this year.
Its extremely fuel efficient and com-
fort like no other,
Weve put in a lot of time into our mar-
keting and into our assistance and it all
comes together to create a very success-
ful service which obviously link the ho-
tels in the Mamanucas and the Yasawas
where we play a vital role in tourism from
that point of view, Mr Rutherford said
Niven Maharaj pictured with his wife after receiving the 2016 ANZ FETA Emerging This week he revealed, theyve also
Tourism Leader Award. Photo: ANA SOVA. announced the opening of the Malamala
12 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Beach Club.
It is Fijis first Island beach club for
day trip guests and nothing like it you can
compare in Fiji, Mr Rutherford said.
Meanwhile, in winning the ANZ Fiji Ex-
cellence in Tourism Awards, Tour & Trans-
port Operators Award, Mr Rutherford said
it was a tremendous achievement partic-
ularly for the staff.
We have close to 250 staff who work
tirelessly seven days a week from 6am till
the evening up until the night, so at the
end its a tremendous award because
weve got so many people, that shows
you how one big company can come to-
gether to achieve such good recognition,
he said.
Mr Rutherford said in an industry thats
constantly changing and upgrading they
continue to thrive because they have
great staff and fantastic support from their
shareholders.
www.thejetnewspaper.com ADVERTISEMENT www.epapergallery.com/thejet

Koroilavesau Receives
By ANA SOVA
Visionary Award
It was indeed a great achievement for the Koroilavesau
family after their father, the co-founder of Captain Cook
Cruises Fiji and Minister for Fisheries, Commander Semi
Koroilavesau was awarded the Visionary Award during
the Fiji Excellence in Business Awards earlier this month.
President of the Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Asso-
ciation, Dixon Seeto said the Fiji Tourism in Excellence
Awards Board of Trustees felt Commander Koroilavesau
should be recognized for his vision that has resulted in
the development of his business which has enhanced
the success of the tourism industry.
The winner of this award is truly a visionary and
changed track in his career but used his experience to
further his pursuit of commercial success in the private
sector, Mr Seeto said.
The award was received by his wife, Joanna Koroil-
avesau.
After receiving the award, Mrs. Koroilavesau said she
was humbled at the opportunity.
Hes contributed so much to the tourism industry. I
would like to thank the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards
committee in nominating him for this award, Mrs. Ko-
roilavesau said.
She said the award was a big boost for the business.
Its a great opportunity for somebody from the Itaukei
to be receiving this award. Its a start for the many others
that won an award like this apart from him,
In winning an award like this it encourages them to
do more and contribute more to the nation, Mrs. Koroil-
avesau said.
She reminisced about their humble beginnings saying
her husbands success and becoming a Member of Par-
liament has never changed the simple person he was. Captain Cook Cruises Fiji and Minister for Fisheries, Commander Semi Koroilavesau.Photo: FACEBOOK.
Hes the happiest person, someone you can have a (Insert)Joanna Koroilavesau pictured after receiving the 2016 ANZ FETA Visionary Award on her husbands behalf. Photo: ANA
chat with. I loved his simple life and him becoming a SOVA.
minister never changed our lifestyle at home, were still
In the course of these studies he graduated with a He continued his personal development and gradu-
the same family we were years ago,
Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Defense Stud- ated with Master Class4 at the School of Maritime.
Hes someone whos very simple and adorable.
ies in Karachi University. He was appointed Managing Director in 2010 and in
Someone who plays his role as a dad to our six children,
Prior to his career change he was the Commander Na- 2013 was appointed Chairman and in 2014 Executive
Mrs. Koroilavesau said.
val Logistics and Technical Support. Chairman of his company.
Background
He retired from active service in 1993; this was the He felt the call of the nation and was elected to Parlia-
Commander Koroilavesau enlisted as a Naval Officer
year that he became Director Operations of his company. ment in September 2014 and in October 2015 he was ap-
in 1976 and rose through the ranks while undertaking
He was also involved with the groups business in vari- pointed a Minister and holds this position to date.
various staff courses all over the world to enhance his
ous parts of the Pacific.
knowledge of maritime matters.

Birch Honours Late Wife in

Lifetime Award
By ANA SOVA
Former Fiji Hotel Association Presi-
dent and one of Fijis Tourism Pioneers,
John Birch paid tribute to his late wife
and pioneer sprint champion, Ana Rama-
cake Birch after receiving their Lifetime
Achievement Award during the ANZ Fiji
Excellence in Tourism Awards at the Sher-
aton Fiji Resort earlier this month.
Speaking fondly of his late wife and his
experience in the industry after receiving
the prestigious award, Mr Birch said the
tourism industry was a people vision and
while some focused on people others fo-
cused on business and most were some-
where along that line.
Ana was definitely a people person;
those who knew her would know that
she was a very outgoing, warm and had a
welcoming personality,
I had two immediate reactions; one
was to ask myself why am I coming to
receive this accolade and I immediately
recognize it was a fine tribute to Ana, Mr
Birch said. Throughout, Mrs. Birch support for her
Flanked by his two daughters, Angela
and Andrea, he said an important aspect
of the tourism industry was family in-
volvement.
I understand that there have, on few
occasions, been couples who have been
given this award. It touches on another
aspect of tourism industry, which I would
like to briefly mention and that is the role
of the family,
Many have one spouse involved in
the industry as certain times in the busi-
ness, it impacts the family and when both
spouse are involved, the impact becomes
Mr John Birch pictured with his daughters, Angela and Andrea after receiving the ANZ FETA
Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo: ANA SOVA.
more noticeable, Mr Birch said.
Meanwhile, President of the Fiji Islands
Hotel and Tourism Association, Dixon
Seeto said the award was presented to
the couple whove dedicated all their life
to the tourism.
Mr Seeto said amongst other things, the
couple were also avid sports people and
supported many charities, religious orga-
nizations and sporting events.
Background
John and the late Ana Birch have
worked in various parts of Fiji and eventu-
ally owning their own hotel in Nadi. This
couple met at the Suva Travelodge in 1969
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
where he was for a short while.
Mr Birch then went and opened a hotel
in Savusavu. Mrs. Birch joined him in 1970
and got married.
In 1973 they moved back to Nadi to
manage a hotel owned by a major local
group. He was then moved to manage
their flagship hotel in 1974.
In 1979 they ventured out on their own
and operated a hotel owned by another
local group.
In 1981, they leased a hotel in Martintar
and renamed it Sandalwood Inn embrac-
ing Mr Birchs interest in the history of
sandalwood in Fiji.
In 1985 they also operated the sole ca-
tering concession at Nadi Airport.
In 1992 they purchased land and built
the Sandalwood Lodge. They expanded
the property in 1995 and 2001.
He was also a long time President of
the Fiji Hotel Association, an organization
he served for more than 20 years.
He resigned in 1999 due to health rea-
sons.
husband allowed him to be involved with
other tourism duties including the Fiji Visi-
tor Bureau Board and the Tourism Con-
vention Planning Committee.
In 2004, he started to get their daughter
involved with the business.
In 2014, in consideration of family mat-
ters the business was sold in August, un-
fortunately Mrs. Birch passed away two
weeks before the transfer.
13
www.thejetnewspaper.com
First Roof Top Swimming
Pool Hotel in Fiji
An artist expression of the Nalagi Hotel. Photo: ANA SOVA.
By ANA SOVA
Before the year ends, Nadi will witness
the completion of its first ever 4 star hotel
with rooftop swimming pool.
The Nalagi Hotel which boasts a total
structural area of 14,000 square meters
is situated beside Mc Donalds along the
Queens Highway.
After completion, it would not only be
the tallest building in Nadi but also in the
Western Division.
The nine story building is being devel-
oped by a Chinese company, Dong Cheng
Investment Company from Shaoxing City.
The hotel which is designed with steel
structure is expected to complete con-
struction and open before the end of the
year.
Introducing the project during the Fiji-
China Business Forum at Tanoa Skylodge
Hotel earlier this month, Companys Gen-
eral Manager Assistant, Lu Wang said the
hotel was designed to be multifunctional.
There are 200 rooms consisting of
king size rooms, double rooms and suits.
As for public facilities, we have two res-
taurants, one Chinese, one Western, one
rooftop endless swimming pool, gym, spa
and boutique shop, Mr Wang said.
He said the hotel would also have one
business center and six meeting rooms to
meet the requirements for business and
meeting demands.
Among those, the biggest meeting
room would be able to cater for 150 peo-
ple.
Mr Wang said they believed with the
hotels unique style, it would put new en-
ergy to Fijis tourism industry.
Our hotel can provide for almost
150K persons-time room beds every year
which can greatly relieve the short supply
tension in Nadi. Our hotel is a business-
boutique hotel, it provides choices for
tourists and business customers, he said.
Mr Wang said the hotel could also be a
driving force for development in the sur-
rounding area.
Besides Mc Donalds the area is al-
most undeveloped. After our hotel starts
operating, more human flow will be
The Danford family pictured after receiving the Visitor Attraction & Activity Award during the 2016
ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award. Phto: ANA SOVA.
14 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
brought to the area and the value of the
area will be increased,
Weve also heard that some shopping
malls are under planning near our hotel.
After these plans come into practice, this
area will become a new regional center
for the whole Nadi area, he said.
The opening of the hotel would also
provide employment opportunities for lo-
cals.
Mr Wang said for their hotel operation
purpose, they would need more than 50
employees directly.
Considering its radiation effect to busi-
nesses serving the hotel and the leading
effect to the surrounding development,
more employment will be created, he
said.
Mr Wang said they would highly appre-
ciate if the Nadi Chamber of Commerce
and Industry could offer them good busi-
ness advice to move forward with their
project in the right way.
During the construction we have al-
ready been working with local companies
like Standard Concrete, Mobile Cranes,
etc and we have a very good relationship
with these companies,
We hope we can work more closely
with local businesses so that we can
reach mutual benefits, he said.
Meanwhile, President of the Nadi
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr.
Ram Raju said they were looking forward
to working closely with the Investment
Company.
This is why weve invited the compa-
ny to the Forum to hear from the horses
mouth because there have been a lot of
questions circulating about the construc-
tion of the hotel, Dr. Raju said.
He said this has been one of the most
ambitious hotel constructions, having a
rooftop swimming pool which is a signifi-
cant development in Nadi.
We are very proud that the company
has chosen Nadi and no other district to
construct their hotel in and we welcome
the development, Dr. Raju said.
TOURISM/ADVERTISEMENT www.epapergallery.com/thejet
Uprising to Expand
on Sport Tourism
Uprising Resort Owner, Rene Munch pictured with Resort Manager, Jim Maiwai after receiving the
2016 ANZ FETA Accommodation Budget Award at the Sheraton Fiji Resort. Photo: ANA SOVA.
By ANA SOVA
With their existing pro- their road to Rio. We will were always 80 per cent
found involvement with look at how much more full and thats actually not
and support for the Fiji we can expand our sport a good thing we turn away
Rugby team, the Uprising facility to accommodate so much business,
Resort Fiji in Pacific Har- that, Mr Munch said. We are small, so its
bour plans to expand their Mr Munch said 2016 was just finding that balance,
facility to further assist the a very challenging year for how much more rooms
team and Fiji Rugby. them. to build, how much more
This was revealed Its been the most dif- sporting facility to build,
by Resort Owner, Rene ficult year so far especially Mr Munch said.
Munch after receiving the for our size of resort, very Meanwhile, in receiv-
Accommodation Budget small especially with all ing the award he said they
Award during the 2016 ANZ the events of the cyclone. were very honoured to be
Fiji Excellence in Tourism Its been challenging weve nominated and then to be-
Awards at the Sheraton Fiji been trying to get back on come the final winner of
Resort earlier this month. our feet, that category.
We are planning to Were a resort that av- Its an honour because
expand our sport tourism. erages 80 per cent a year weve worked hard as a re-
We are the only resort in and for us to be struggling, sort, as a team, as a man-
Fiji thats solely focused it says something, Mr agement and the staff,
on or has a major part of Munch said. You know tonight the
its development in sport Although he said they biggest topic seem to be
with our gym, rugby field, have high hopes for the Winston, the environ-
something we started eight year. ment and the Rio gold
years ago, Theres going to be big medal. Weve been heav-
We even pulled the Fiji developments, we need ily involved in all three, Mr
team into our concept in more accommodation, Munch said.
Discover Fiji
By ANA SOVA
Expands Business
Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award win- ed the Visitor Attraction & Activity Award
ning company, Discover Fiji Tours Coop- during the 2016 ANZ Fiji Excellence in
erative Limited has expanded its business Tourism Awards that was held at the Sher-
to the Rewa River. aton Fiji Resort on Denarau Island earlier
Discover Fiji Tours Cooperative Limited this month.
Managing Director, Lionel Danford said Mr Danford said Discover Fiji Tours is a
they launched the companys new prod- family owned business that started eight
uct earlier this month. years ago earning their first tourism award
We have expanded our business to in 2001.
the Rewa River. This was a great achievement for the
We are taking people on a Rewa River family. We are indeed very proud, he
adventure to cater for guests that come said.
on the cruise liner into the capital city of Mr Danford said from their humble be-
Suva and weve just started our opera- ginnings of two customers a day now they
tions from Rewa, Nausori, right up to Nai- have to cancel bookings every single day.
tasiri province, Mr Danford said. Discover Fiji tours go up as far as 15
He said this was part of their compa- kilometers up the Navua River, operating
nys commitment in tourism and giving the popular Jewel of Fiji Day Tour and the
back to the local community. Fiji White Water Adventures that takes
The family owned company has also people on four wheel drive and white wa-
recently invested $500,000 into purchas- ter rafting or kayaking, long boat rides and
ing two speed boats from the United waterfall swim.
States to cater for the Rewa River and also They also provide great adventures,
Navua River tours. trekking through Namosi and Serua High-
Meanwhile, the Company was award- lands.
www.thejetnewspaper.com TOURISM/ ADVERTISEMENT www.epapergallery.com/thejet

A Search For God

By ANA SOVA
At the height of his career as head engineer of the Civil
Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), happily married and
raising seven children with wife Janney one would only
imagine Norman Yees life as personally fulfilling.
Unfortunately, it wasnt the case as he revealed in
his book Catching the Wind saying I was at the top of
my career as a head technician, happily married but life
seemed to be empty.
Mr Yee started writing this book 38 years ago and de-
cided to finish the book in 2007 which finally got pub-
lished in 2014.
He said while the book is about his parents life in
China, the clan, his childhood escapades, his marriage
and raising his children, its really about his personal en-
counter with God.
I was praying out to God to show himself then God
Chinas Ambassador to Fiji, Zhang Ping receives a
copy of Catching The Wind from Norman Yee. Photo:
ANA SOVA.
intervened,
Theres an unusual story of my spiritual experiences
where in mid career I encountered the living God who
changed my whole life and outlook on life, Mr Yee said.
He said after this spiritual intervention he was no lon-
ger the intense young man trying to catch the wind of
success by his own efforts rather God showed him that
success depended totally on him alone and showed him
there was more.
Catching the Wind also tells about what its like to live
as an immigrant in Fiji and what life was like for Mr Yee
growing up in Fiji.
Youll find in the book, sometimes on numerous ac-
counts of why many Chinese left their homeland for a
better life somewhere,
Growing up in the shadow of some poverty, then a
scholarship overseas to train to work at Nadi Airport and
gradually replace the expatriates there and my incredible
spiritual experiences, he said.
Mr Yee said for half my life I tried catching the wind
on success.
I worked hard and I worked smart, he said.
But two books played a very important part in Mr Yees
early life in high school.
One was Cheaper By The Dozen by Frank Bunker Gil-
breth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey , this story taught
me about processes and efficiency and another book,
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carn-
egie, who taught me to see things from another persons In the book are also rare accounts of his time in civil
view point or do to others as want you them to do to aviation that also talks about Fiji being the first in the
you, he said. world to use GPS in our aircraft domestically, there fol-
Mr Yee said this was before I became a Christian and lowed a time for us to take part in international aviation
before I started reading the bible. safety planning in the Asia Pacific and then globally.
He also revealed in his book his mother had wanted As my friend Robert Kruger who was the Deputy Re-
him to marry his own race and most of all in his own gional Director in Thailand said a time of unimaginable
dialect. civil aviation development, Mr Yee said.
If not we would be like duck and geese, not able to The book can be purchased from Mr Yee at a price of
understand each other. I ended up marrying a Chinese $50.00
girl with a different dialect, Mr Yee said.

China Fijis Largest Send us your feedbacks or suggestions to:

Foreign Direct
feedbacks@media.com.fj

Investment Source
By ANA SOVA
China has become Fijis
largest source of foreign
direct investment and fast-
est growing market for Fiji
tourist industry.
Up to November last
year, the registered Chi-
nese investment projects
have taken up 40 per cent
of all registered foreign
investment projects in Fiji
and the actual amount
that has been invested
accounted 18 per cent of
overall foreign direct in-
vestment (FDI).
This was revealed by
the Chineseambassador
to Fiji, Zhang Ping while
speaking at the Fiji-China
Business Forum held at the
Tanoa Skylodge Hotel ear-
lier this month.
Chinese tourist arrivals
has increased by 22.2 per
cent with the total number
reaching 49, 000,
An additional 1000 Chi-
nese tourists came to visit
the Fiji Airways by charter
flights during this Chinese
New Year holiday season,
Ambassador Ping said.
He said the increasingly
close economic and trade
ties and people to people
exchanges have brought
tangible benefits to the
people of both countries.
Chinas Ambassador to Fiji, Zhang Ping. Photo: ANA
SOVA.
While we take great Belt and 21st Century
pride of the immense
progress that has been
achieved in our bilateral
cooperation, we are also
aware that compared with
increasing needs for bet-
ter economic and social
development of our two
sides and vast potential
that exists in the bilateral
cooperation,
There are still plenty
things that need to be done
and can be done, he said. the 21st Century Maritime
Ambassador Ping said
with strong complemen-
tary and solid foundation,
China-Fiji cooperation
holds out broad prospects.
We need to have new
impetus that can push our
International
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Meanwhile, Ambassa-
dor Ping added there were
still a lot of potential areas
to tap into to further the re-
lationship that has already
been cemented between
Fiji and China.
bilateral cooperation to a
new level. The impetus is
the Belt and Road Initia-
tive, he said.
The Belt and Road Ini-
tiative, comprising the
New Silk Road Economic
International
but both serve as road-
maps for how China wants
to further integrate itself
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THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 15
www.thejetnewspaper.com LOCAL NEWS/SWEET TWEETS www.epapergallery.com/thejet

MOU to Strengthen
Business Relations
By ANA SOVA

The Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI)
and the China Chamber of Commerce in Fiji (CCCF) will
now work closely more than ever.
In their bid to strengthen business relations, the par-
ties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at
the Skylodge Hotel earlier this month.
President of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, Dr. Ram Raju said in their desire to strengthen
business relations and develop reciprocal cooperation,
wished to sign a MoU.
The mission and purpose of this MOU is to establish
growth for cooperation, build the ties of collaboration,
and implement the tactical framework of mutual under-
standing, enhancing business relationship and ultimately
reciprocal economic activities, Dr. Raju said.
He said it was with hope they have formed and built
a long lasting relationship with the China Chamber of
Commerce in Fiji and the Chinese business community
and all other stakeholders.
In fact this MoU is the beginning of such document
that we are going to engage ourselves in. This has given
us an idea that NCCI should be engaged in with other
organisations like the Fiji USA Business Council and any
other council that exist that have similar business con-
cept with the chamber and business houses, Dr. Raju
said. Vice President of China Chamber of Commerce in Fiji Jin Ming
Meanwhile, Vice President of the China Chamber of shakes hands with Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Commerce in Fiji, Jin Ming said the MoU was a very en- President Dr. Ram Raju after signing the MOU. Photo: ANA SOVA.
couraging start for the Chamber.
We believe that well have a very good cooperation awere not very familiar with the situation here in Fiji and
and very good communication channel with Nadi of sometimes made mistakes which delays some projects
Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Both parties work causing some distress.
under very good principles, so we are so encouraged The MOU will set up a very good platform for very
and very confident with this cooperation, Mr Ming said. good communication channel. It will help Chinese inves-
He added the signing of the MoU will provide a plat- tors get the right information which they can obtain from
form that would assist some Chinese investors in Fiji that us and the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Mr Ming said.

Fiji TV Signing $150k Boost for School

Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho and Fiji TVs Acting CEO
Karen Lobendhan following the signing of the three year agreement.Photo:SUPPLIED.
Another three year
agreement has been
signed between the Fiji
Police Force and Fiji Televi-
sion Ltd to boost commu-
nication capabilities for the
institution.
The signing of Radio
Communication Network
Service Agreement was
between the Commis-
sioner of Police, Brigadier
General Sitiveni Qiliho and
Fiji TVs Acting Chief Exec-
utive Officer, Karen Loben-
dhan at the Fiji TV head of-
fice on Thursday.
Brigadier General Qiliho
said signing another three
years with Fiji TV would
augur well for improving
communication between
officers.
Communication is an
important component of
policing and we are happy
to be able to partner up
with Fiji TV so we can up-
lift our level of service de-
livery to the people of Fiji
and visitors to our shores.
Acting CEO Mrs Lo-
bendhan said Fiji TV was
pleased to be able to se-
cure another 3 year work-
ing partnership.
Knowing how impor-
tant communication is in
their line of work and dur-
ing the most difficult situ-
ations and this was seen
during and after Tropical
Cyclone Winston and we
are happy that we were
able to help them keep the
communication lines open
with their officers.
The three year agree-
ment will see Fiji TV will
provide national radio
communication network
to the Fiji Police Force.
POLICE MEDIA CELL
By LUKE NACEI
The Government of Ja-
pan was pleased to hand
over two new classroom
equipped with furniture
and new toilet facilities to
Ba Provincial Free Bird In-
stitute secondary school in
Lautoka.
The donation worth
$150 thousand provided
funded project was made
successful through Japans
Grant Assistance for Grass-
roots Human Security Proj-
ects Programme (GGP).
Ambassador of Japan,
Mr Takuji Hanatani was
present for the official
handing over of the project Students of Ba Provincial Free Bird Institute in their
upgrading at the school. new classroom. Photo: LUKE NACEI
The face displayed on
the students faces depict- ties. velopment.
ed how happy they were The construction of Japan since 1990 has
for their newly refurbished new classrooms furnished provided continued assis-
classroom. with new furniture will tance to grassroots com-
I am very pleased to provide a conducive en- munities in Fiji by imple-
hand over the two new vironment for delivery of menting 345 GGP Projects,
classrooms equipped with quality education. The worth more than twenty
furniture and new toilet new toilet block will also million US Dollars.
facilities to Ba Provincial raise hygiene and sanita- I urge you students of
Free Bird Institute, Mr tion standards here, he Ba Provincial Free Bird In-
Hanatani said. said. stitute to always give your
In 2013, termite infes- Mr Hanatani said on the best. You have already
tation destroyed the two other hand, this project a very popular example
classroom block s and toi- will restore normalcy to amongst you that shows
let facilities. The shortage the schools affected facili- hard work pays off, he
of classrooms forced other ties. said.
facilities such as dining I am pleased to say School principal Meli
hall, computer room and that this project is in line Tora acknowledged the
library to be used tempo- with both Fijis national timely assistance.
rarily used for teaching. development initiative for
The damaged to the toilets education and the UN 2030
also added to the difficul- Agenda for Sustainable De-

Sweet Tweets: Who do you think will win the Coca Cola Games this Year?

Talica Voreqe Akariva Bera Lewa Lusio Bili Junior Jackie Jenny Isikeli Vaileba
LAUTOKA LAUTOKA LAUTOKA LAUTOKA LAUTOKA NADI

Jasper for the girls. The best team that prepares It has to be Jasper in the Betting on the Natabua side. Well may the best team win The same winners from last
well should win. girls division. just hoping for a change this year.
year.

16 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 17

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Life Cinema Opens Teachers to Upskill

Themselves: Reddy

The Ministry of Education staff with respective Universities Vice Chancellors at Tanoa Interna-
tional Hotel in Nadi. Photo: LUKE NACEI.

Life Cinema staff takes a selfie with some members of the public during its soft opening. Photo:
SUPPLIED.
By LUKE NACEI
Life Cinema at TappooC-
ity in Lautoka has officially
began business on a auspi-
cious note.
And to add on to that the
its first screening went off
with 95 percent bookings.
The well-designed and
eye catching Cinema was
a long due dream for the
people of Lautoka as most
stated.
A family landowner of
where Tappoo City has been
built, Liku Derenalagi, said
these type of facilities were
what Lautoka city needed
and it was about time.
I spent more than 50
years in Lautoka and with all
the developments that Lau-
tastic and we need more
these creativity in this area.
She added it was some-
thing that would catch the
eyes of tourists and they
would love this place.
Lautoka city will get
some new life with this,
she said.
Moreover, a family from
Solomon Islands were star-
tled to see the facilities at
Life Cinema.
This is amazing and very
modern class facility is avail-
able here, we already feel
abroad, said Alex Agita.
Mr Agita had gone to en-
joy the movie Kong: Skull
Island and said this would
definitely attract tourists to
ible crowd throughout the
weekend and business he
said would be high for sure.
We are pleased that
the response from the pub-
lic was really good, phones
were ringing from 10:30 am
for bookings, Mr Vikash
said.
The very first 300 custom-
ers received free Pepsi and
small pop corns at its open-
ing.
Opening its doors for the
public at around 4 pm the
first movie Bardinath Ki
Dhulania was screened at
5:20pm.
The new attractive facility
also made young Urithik Ku-
By LUKE NACEI
The Minister for Educa-
tion Dr Mahendra Reddy has
stated that there is a need
for teachers to comprehend
the situation of teaching and
learning in this current time.
This means that teachers
need to upgrade and up-skill
themselves and become
highly productive.
Mr Reddy said an out-
come of a knowledge based
society requires us having a
dynamic education system,
evolving over time and deal-
ing with contemporary is-
sues.
Children no longer re-
spond fully to age old talk
and chalk teacher practices
or teacher does all rou-
tines, he said.
According to Dr Reddy
the teaching components,
subject matter knowledge
and Pedagogy play a crucial
role in a knowledge based
society.
He said Subject matter
knowledge is not really an
issue given that all teachers
are qualified holding Diplo-
ma and Degree in their re-
spective subject areas.
However, pedagogy he
says is a critical variable in
teaching. It deals with hav-
ing the required knowledge
and practice to teach and
enhance learning by stu-
dents and provides special
knowledge and skills on
subjects matter delivery.
Teaching pedagogies
particularly in secondary
schools, must be continu-
ously enhanced so that we
can improve the learning
environment and have the
students captivated.
According to Dr. Red-
dys observation, given the
plethora of distractions, this
he says is one of the most
important challenges facing
Fijian children today.
The above calls for more
students centred learning,
interactive and participating
teaching and learning pro-
cess,
That is teacher educa-
tion needs a major shift
away from a predominant
focus on specifying the
necessary knowledge for
teaching towards specifying
teaching practices that en-
tail knowledge and doing,
he said.

Boost for Teachers

toka has seen nothing beats Lautoka. mar rush with his mum and
this building and the setup The Life Cinema Pro- dad to watch movie after
of Life Cinema in this area, motions and Film Booking school and work.
Ms Derenalagi said. Manager, Daniel Vikash,

Training
She said: It was just fan- said they expected incred-

LTA Customers get

Online Notifications
Customers of the Land
Transport Authority, who
have registered for online
services with the Authority,
are now receiving email no-
tifications of payments due
as well as expiry dates of
their driver licenses and ve-
hicle registration renewals,
according to LTAs Manager
Information Technology,
Rajeshwar Prasad.
The notification process
is automated. Once you are
registered for the online ser-
vices, you get an activation
email sent to you straight
away, Mr Prasad said.
He said red light and
speed traffic offenders re-
corded by speed cameras
are also sent notifications as
soon as their identification is
verified.
Mr Prasad, however,
informed customers that
the notifications are only
electronically advised. The
customer must still physi-
cally visit an LTA office to act
upon the notification.
Registered clients, he
added, can also change
their contact details on their
profiles, which are automat-
ically updated.
They can also check out
the progress of their appli-
cations online and find out
the fees for license renewal,
18 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
LTA staff holds an application form. Photo: SUPPLIED.
vehicle registration renew-
al and transfer of vehicle
ownership including stamp
duty, he said.
The Authority has, since
last year, made their servic-
es more accessible on their
website.
To register for notifica-
tions and access LTAs on-
line services, customers
may download e-Services
registration form from www.
lta.com.fj and submit to on-
line@lta.com.fj or person-
ally visit an LTA Customer
Service Centre.
LTA
Fiji National University. Photo: SUPPLIED.
By LUKE NACEI
The Fiji National University Lautoka
teachers campus will now become a des-
ignated teachers campus.
This means that all types of basic core
facilities would have wanted for teachers
education will now be possible to be imple-
mented because we will have the space.
This was confirmed by the FNU, pro
vice chancellor, Learning and Teaching, Eci
Nabalarua during her presentation at the
2017 Education Forum held at Tanoa Inter-
national Hotel on March 7th.
By doing so the science students attend-
ing classes at the campus will be shifted
back to Nabua where they will have their
classes.
Under the new leadership there is going
to be a whole range of changes in the cam-
pus structures.
Ms Nabalarua stated that once the stu-
dents move to Nabua they will be able to
have more space for the Arts education.
So science will move across to Nabua,
so what it means is that we can have the sci-
ence specific labs for Primary Teaching and
more space for the Arts education and Music
for primary but also in moving a Trimester
mode to a semester mode has given us the
opportunity to relook at the undergraduate
structures and juts to say ok are we deliver-
ing what we are supposed to be delivered.
She said a reason as to why this is being
done is to provide the students especially
the newly enrolled ones to have a better
learning and more advance facilities.
We would to provide facilities that are
one notch above what the students have
been getting from their respective top
schools theyve been attending, she said.
So our staffs are now specialised in the
different fields and they are encouraging re-
search in those particular areas just so they
can perform in teaching and have better de-
livery of the outcomes.
Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts
Dr. Mahendra Reddy told Ms Nabalarua to
ensure consultation in regards to the cur-
riculums in the teacher training.
He said the Ministry will be sitting with
the heads of the teacher training institute to
discuss the curriculums and what changes
were needed in it.
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THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 19

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Local Wedding
By LUKE NACEI
Co-ordinator Inspires
Working as wedding coordinator for seven years at a re-
nowned hotel in Fiji, the thought of running her own family
business was something she never imagined to ever hap-
pen.
Meet Akanisi Sankracharya wife of Junior Sankracharya
the founders of Grace Creations Fiji.
Ms Sankracharya will never forget the day she resigned
from her job and followed the path to nurturing their family
business. This she says is a decision she will never regret in
life.
The generous soft spoken Kabara, Lau native said the
idea of running her own business came about when she
gave birth to her seventh child.
I worked for seven years as a wedding co-ordinator for
a five star resort in Nadi with my husband who was in the
Banquets departments,
You would think it offered all the stability one would
need in the Industry, especially such as Tourism, and yet in
my heart I had so much more to share. I had a vision, she
said.
The couples combined their experience and passion for
creating weddings in order to have their private business.
The business which started with four staff has a sixteen
staff now and is an outstanding wedding stylists and floral
provider that love assistingbrides with their Destination Fiji Grace Creations Fiji Founder Akanisi Sankracharya (right) with daughter Rose at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island.
Weddings from Ceremony upgrades to Reception Them- Photo: LUKE NACEI.
ing, she said.
Mrs Sankracharya stated that over the years wedding tured bouquets using whats available all around us, she My purpose is to inspire and encourage the women
trends were very simple. said. within the sphere of my influence that they can contribute
Before it was simple enough, a bride had simple re- The level of skills and talents that my team has is amaz- to improve the quality of their lives.
quests. You put a blue sash here, a blue vase there and you ing. Each staff contributes in their own way. If I can leave my stories behind when I am long gone to
were done. Nowadays its all about the details; our brides Mrs Sankracharya said: I love inspiring young women inspire those who have worked behind me, than my work
have more control over their wedding day. She has the abil- and I want them to feel that I care: So in the same way they on this earth is done, she said.
ity to let her personality style shine in her ceremony and re- also try to inspire to their children, we reach out to our chil- About the company
ception decor. dren, and the young women in church and in our commu- The Fiji wedding planner in Fiji is 100 percent locally
So our company has tried to grow with the latest trends. nity. owned where a husband and wife team help couples
Some of our styling contracts have been style like whimsi- Just as I care for my brides, for my family, friends and I dreaming of wedding in beautiful Fiji.
cal theme, bono, shabby chic, rustic and the nautical grace want them to feel nurtured and encouraged when they are They still aim to be Fijis best wedding planner. The com-
theme exclusive to the Sofitel. with me and to know that despite the circumstances they pany plans weddings to the finest detail and ensure that we
We are at a stage where we use more of whats avail can still excel in life and all they need is a mentor and direc- recommend and set up only with the best suppliers in Fiji.
locally. After Winston one of the challenges we faced was tion. Wedding celebrant, photography, ceremony set up and
lack of flowers. In the pipeline theming, centrepieces etc, our experience enables us to
We started looking around for unusual plants, mainly Mrs Sankracharya dream is to make grace creations Fiji a connect and work with the couple to ensure that it is stress
greens and foliage to complement our bouquets. Now a brand in itself. A brand that exudes quality using local talent, free and one of the most memorable days of their lives.
year later our team is a fore-runner in creating wild unstruc- and fresh flowers.

Once Upon
short time later, when the others have set-
tled into their beds, the scientist knocks
on the door.
Theres a cow in the barn. Im Hindu
and it is against my religion to sleep next
to a sacred animal. So the salesman
I want to thank you for coming to my
aid, said the dinner speaker....Where is
your office? Ive been looking for a good
dentist.
Dentist? replies the guy...Im no
Dentist...Im the local undertaker!

a Time
A teacher goes to a barbers for a hair
cut and after his hair has been neatly
trimmed the man asks how much he
owes the barber. The barber replies, Its
free this week because I am doing com-
munity service.
The teacher goes away very happy and
the next day when the barber opens up
his shop he finds some books on his step
neatly tied up with ribbon. How to build
a better business, Investing for your fu-
ture, and Accounting made simple for
small businesses. The barber smiles and
opens up his shop. The first customer is a
local florist. the barber cuts his hair and
tells the man that there is no charge be
20 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
cause he is doing community service
for the week. The florist goes away very
happy and the next morning the barber
goes to open his shop and as soon as he
gets inside a big bouquet of flowers ar-
rives with a thank you note. The barber
smiles to himself and starts his day.
The first customer owns the local
sweet shop and after the barber has cut
his hair he tells him that the hair cut is free
because he is putting a little back into the
community. Later that day a big box of
chocolate arrives with a thank you note
attached. The last customer of the day is
a politician. The barber cuts his hair and
tells him that it is free and the politician
goes away very happy. The next morning
the barber arrives to open his shop and
there are 6 more politicians waiting to
have their hair cut.
Barnyard Sleep
A scientist, a salesman, and a politician
are driving along the countryside, and
decide to spend the night in a small inn.
I only have two free beds, so one of you
will have to sleep in the barn, says the
innkeeper. The scientist volunteers to do
so and makes his way out to the yard. A
says, Okay, Ill sleep out there then. He
gathers up his blankets and heads to the
shed. A few seconds later he is back, say-
ing, Theres a pig in the barn. Im Jewish
and it would offend me to sleep next to an
unclean animal. So the politician is sent
to the barn. A minute later there is knock-
ing again, only this time much louder. The
scientist and salesman open the door and
see that its the cow and the pig.
False Teeth
A guy that was paid very well to speak
at a local business dinner rushed out the
door so fast he forgot to grab his false
teeth. Just before it was time for him to be
announced, he turned to one of his table
guests sadly and said to him - I cant do
this, I forgot my false teeth.
The guy looks at him and says -sure
you can-try these, and he reaches into
his jacket and pulls out a pair of false
teeth.
The speaker tried them. Too loose,
he said.
The man reaches again then says, I
have another pair...try these.
The speaker tried them and respond-
ed, Too tight.
Ok, the guy says, I have one more
pair...try these.
The speaker said, They fit perfectly!
With that, he gave a thundering speech.
After the speech, he went back to his ta-
ble to eat his dinner and thank the new
found friend that just saved him.
Pearly Gates
Two men waiting at the Pearly Gates
strike up a conversation.
Howd you die? the first man asks the
second. I froze to death, says the sec-
ond.
Thats awful, says the first man. How
does it feel to freeze to death? Its very
uncomfortable at first, says the second
man.
You get the shakes, and you get pains
in all your fingers an toes. But eventually,
its a very calm way to go. You get numb
and you kind of drift off, as if youre sleep-
ing. How about you, how did you die?
I had a heart attack, says the first man.
You see, I knew my wife was cheating
on me, so one day I showed up at home
unexpectedly. I ran up to the bedroom,
and found her alone, knitting. I ran down
to the basement, but no one was hiding
there either. I ran up to the second floor,
but no one was hiding there either. I ran
as fast as I could to the attic, and just as
I got there, I had a massive heart attack
and died.
The second man shakes his head.
Thats so ironic, he says. What do you
mean? asks the first man.
If you had only stopped to look in the
freezer, wed both still be alive!
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THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 21

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The Woman behind

Jasas Success
By LUKE NACEI
Someone once said that behind
every sturdy man is a stronger wom-
an who stands by him, supports him
and loves him with all her heart.
And this holds up for someone
who allowed her man to travel to the
other side of the globe to play a small
rugby nation.
Top of the world indeed he has
proven himself in and being part of
a dynamic team, but there is one
woman that has always been behind
Fijis most impact player Jasa Verem-
alua.
You may have seen her in the
shopping malls or may be with her
friends or in the market but wouldnt
recognise her and what relationship
she shares with husband.
Meet Vani Margo Vulagivou Volav-
ola, a woman who has sacrificed so
much to see her husband achieve
his goal.
And to make it a lot better the Nad-
roga, Yadua lass on February 17th
tied the knot with her high school
love at Korotogo village in Sigatoka.
Attended by hundreds of guest,
relatives, and friends and as well the
Vodafone Fijian 7s team were there
to witness this joyous occasion.
The down to earth couples were
in tears of joy and sorrow during
their wedding at Korotogo Village
Methodist Church in Sigatoka.
For Vani the tears of joys was that
she had finally married her lifetime
partner despite the challenges she
had gone through and her tears of
sorrow was leaving her family and
taking on her new responsibility as a
mother and a wife.
For Jasa his tears of joy was that
he married the woman of his dream
Vani Margo Volavola at the same
time was depressed for not having
his father, the late Osea Vakatalesau
to witness his big day.
Brushing through their moments
together, Volavola said being partner
of 7s player was not easy as players
tend to be more focussed on their
training and trips away from home.
But Volavola said she has been for-
tunate enough to adapt to Jasa busy
schedule.
Like I always say it has always
been an honour to have Jasa as a
lifetime partner and I can say I am
one of those lucky girls,
I am overwhelmed and blessed.
I am also excited with our first baby.
Jasa is committed to family now and
I appreciate that, she said.
The duo who both attended Siga-
toka Methodist College began their
relationship in college.
A vital member of the historic Fiji
7s team that won the countrys first
Olympic gold medal at the Rio Olym-
pics last year, Veremalua, however,
said he was one of the luckiest man
on earth on his wedding day.
Today is one of the best moments
of my life to finally marry the woman
of my dream, he said..
First of all I would like thank God
for this opportunity, the long journey
we have come through. I thank all
those that have behind this success-
ful journey.
I thank both the families for their
support. This is the fifth year we have
been dating.
The newly wedded couples after
their wedding reception had their
honey moon on Tokoriki Island Re-
sort. This was arranged by the Voda-
fone Fijian 7s boys.
Jasa is a Proud Dad
While every other Fijian pestle on
the loss of our Fijian 7s team in Van-
couver, sevens Olympic gold medal-
ist Jasa Veremalua has every reason
to smile.
Veremalua was happy to wel-
come his newborn baby girl at the
Lautoka hospital.
He said his wife Vani gave birth
to a healthy baby girl, Ranadi Faith
Cagimaira.
I thank the lord for his provision
to my wife for the past nine months The newly wedded couple Jasa and Vani Veremalua at Korotogo
until today, he said. Village in Sigatoka. Photo: LUKE NACEI.

Swimming Pool Skills Uplift

Planned for Lautoka

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama ( fourth from left) with government officials and students of
Jasper Williams High School. Photo: LUKE NACEI.
By LUKE NACEI
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama
has revealed works on Olympic size pool
to begin in April.
Mr Bainimarama disclosed this infor-
mation while opening the newly upgrad-
ed Churchill Park in Lautoka.
He said with the swimming pool
planned for the west and the Churchill
Park being upgraded the national games
can be hosted in the west as well.
Indeed, the Coca Cola Games no lon-
ger have to be held only in Suva. They can
be held in the West, right here in Churchill
Park. It also makes Fiji a more attractive
venue for regional competitions.
The construction of the Olympic Pool is
22 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
schedule to begin in April.
And that will extend to swimming
competitions as well, because at the end
of April we will begin the construction of
a modern Olympic-size swimming com-
plex in Lautoka for competitions, a warm-
up pool and a childrens pool, Mr Baini-
marama said.
We are an athletic people. We love
sport and games, and we embrace the
hard work we must do to be great ath-
letes. Government cant make that work
easier, but we can remove the obstacles
our athletes face,
The athlete gives heart and sweat and
sinew. All we have to do is provide a prop-
er place to train and compete. They will
do the rest, he said.
Participants at the World Rugby Level 2 ICR Tanoa Skylodge in Nadi. Photo: SUPPLIED.
By LUKE NACEI
A two day course organ- Oceania Rugby Regional He added that these
ised by the World Rugby will Training Manager-World medical train pitch side care
help upgrade and qualify Rugby Talemo Waqa said, medics will now be quali-
medical professionals at any We at Oceania are greatful fied and trained to look after
competition held in Fiji. to member unions for send- all competition.
The course titled World ing their medical profes- This includes domestic
Rugby Level 2 ICIR (Im- sionals to be trained as such and International match day
mediate Care in Rugby) and as this aligns to our players doctors/medics match day
FAIR (First Aid In Rugby) welfare focus. doctors/medics and also as
took place at the Tanoa Sky- We will support them al- team doctors and medics.
lodge in Nadi. ways as players are the cen- Altogether 13 participants
The course has been fa- tre of all our services. Later where there were six nurs-
cilitated by the World Rugby in the week, we will have es, 3 physio and 4 doctors
Medical Trainers Dr Warren Educators who will deliver who were under training.
McDonald and Chief ARU FAIR comes to teachers, Two from Tonga, one from
Medical Manager Dr Daelyn coaches and other stake- Samoa and ten from Fiji.
Cullen. holders.
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Coastline Roos Players

Secure Contracts
By LUKE NACEI
Two Coastline Roos players Jovilisi Naqitawa and Mo-
sese Naliva have secured a seasons contract to play for
Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers, a rugby league team in the
Cook Islands.
This is the first time that the duos have secured an
overseas contract as such.
Roos dummy half, Naliva while speaking to this news-
paper said securing a contract as such is dream come
true for him.
I cannot say how happy I am to have secured this
contract and I am so blessed to have been nominated by
the Cook Island officials to play for them, he said.
The Sorokoba native started his rugby league career
when he was still in schooling.
He said he never regretted taking up this sport back
in the days.
It was in form seven that I had begun taking up this
sport even though it wasnt a sport that is played by many
but I am thankful I did because it has finally secured me
a contract overseas.
The 22-year-old said preparations have been well for
him for the past few weeks and he was ready to play for
his new club this weekend.
We have been informed that we will be playing this
weekend as soon as we arrive so we have been prepar-
ing well for that.
We are ready to show them our skills in rugby league
and at the same try and learn as much as we can as we Some of the Coastline Roos team at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Photo: SUPPLIED.
continue to play for the side.
Head coach Suliasi Cakautabu said this opportunity tinue to send our boys if they happen to secure overseas and I encourage the young boys to have a taste of rugby
will be an eye opener for the two boys. contracts as such. league if they know rugby union is not working out well
I am really grateful that the boys in this team have Cakautabu confirmed that this made four players from with them.
started securing overseas contracts. This will really aid his team leave for overseas contracts. Meanwhile, the side is also gearing up for their tour to
in their everyday lives as they will start earning for them- Bearing in mind the good that came with such con- Australia however is still waiting for the approval of their
selves, he said. tracts Cakautabu stated: There is a huge opportunity for visas.
We thank God for the opportunity and we will con- the youths of Fiji in terms of rugby league development Both, Naliva and the Roos centre, Naqitawa depart for

More Room for welcome

Musket Cove set to
World ARC
Improvement Circumnavigators
By LUKE NACEI
The Vodafone Fiji under
17 coach Shalen Lal be-
lieves Fiji age group teams
need more experience for
better results on the interna-
tional stage.
The side arrived from the
OFC Under 17 Champion-
ship at Stade Pater in Pirae,
Tahiti.
Well cant say much I
would say that the boys have
given in their best but then
again win or lose its just part
of the game but then again
we are just moving on from
the focus of the game to see
in that one whole year what-
ever they have, Lal said.
The side drew 1-1 with
Solomon Islands, defeated
Samoa 3-0 and lost 5-0 by
eventual winners New Zea-
land.
The three 90 minutes of
game that we have played
The Vodafone Fiji Under 17 coach while arriving at the Nadi International Airport. Photo: ANUSHIL
KUMAR/VODAFONE FIJI MEDIA.
there I think they have given
their best but then again
the results that were given
in there didnt go the way
we wanted it to. We start-
ed off well with Solomons
and then when Solomon
came back in the first game
with the one goal that they
scored I think the boys were
a little bit down. After that
we played Samoa we were
able to score goals.
Lal said the boys have
realized their mistakes from
the tournament played.
We have realized a lot of
things in the games and on
the things we are going to
work on,
These are just young
stars and this is just start
of their career and with
the development they will
go through I am sure they
will do wanders. Today we
havent got the results but
tomorrow if they happen to
given in their best and ac-
cording to what they have
develop their selves in I am
sure the results will be there
in the future, he said.
I would say that this
boys to be given more time
and they will be coming in
with the progress.
I have done the assess-
ments and there is a lot of
things that is needed to be
done and I am sure that the
technical team is there to
help us and guide us on the
things that we have lacked
in and we sit together and
see that team moves for-
ward.
New Zealand and New
Caledonia will represent the
region for the FIFA World
Cup in India 2017 in Octo-
ber.
This July, Musket Cove
Island Resort & Marina on
Malolo Lailai island will
welcome 28 sailing boats of
the World ARC rally to Fijis
shores and host the fleet for
a 4 day stopover as part of
their circumnavigation.
Crews representing 15
nationalities will enjoy a
BBQ, a Fijian Feast and an
activities afternoon as well
as many of the numerous
activities which the resort
offers.
The fleet will have sailed
in excess of 7500nm to reach
Musket Cove since starting
their voyage from Rodney
Bay, Saint Lucia in January.
A warm welcome is sure
to await them from Garry
Snodgrass and Joe Mar
along with the team at Mus-
ket Cove who will host the
round-the-world fleet during
their stay.
The World ARC rally
is an epic voyage around
the world involving sailing
yachts from 38 64 feet. It
started from the Caribbean
island of Saint Lucia in Janu-
ary this year and will return
there next April.
Following the start, the
fleet have visited Santa Mar-
ta on the Colombian coast
and transited the Panama
Canal.
They have since crossed
the Pacific Ocean calling
at the Galapagos Islands,
French Polynesia (including
Tahiti & Bora Bora), Niue
and Tonga.
The yachts and crews ar-
rive in Fiji during June and
will explore the countrys
different islands until the
rendezvous in Musket Cove
at the beginning of July.
In total 33 boats and over
300 people will take part in
World ARC 2017-18; some
sailing the full 26,000 miles,
others join the fleet for sev-
eral stages.
With starts every year,
some boats will take a year
out in the Pacific and com-
plete their circumnavigation
with a subsequent edition of
the rally.
The largest boat is 19.51m
Sundeer 64 Atla (VGB), and
the smallest is 10.72m Albin
Stratus Aint Fancy (GER).
The fleet includes 8 cata-
marans, 7 of which started
in Saint Lucia. World ARC is
an international event, with
boats sailing under the flags
of 10 nations, and crews
coming from more than 15
countries.
Event Manager for the
Rally, Stefano Palumbo,
from the rally organisers
World Cruising Club com-
mented: Our stopover in
Musket Cove is a real high-
light of the Pacific region.
The marina is located on
the stunning island of Malolo
Lailai and in the beautiful re-
sort settings of Musket Cove
its the perfect place for the
fleet to regroup after spend-
ing the preceding weeks
cruising the remote islands
of Fiji.
Musket Cove is espe-
cially welcoming of visiting
yachtsman and Id like to
thank them again for host-
ing our fleet - we all look
forward to greeting Bula
to Musket Cove in July.
Join the Fun!
It is still possible for boats
to join the World ARC fleet in
Australia in late August 2017
for the Indian Ocean cross-
ing to South Africa, and on-
wards to the Caribbean.
This route keeps well
away from areas of hostility,
and allows the participants
to enjoy experiences as di-
verse as the remote atoll of
Cocos Keeling and the great
animals of South Africa.
World ARC sets sail from
Saint Lucia every year and
38 yachts are set to join the
next edition of the rally de-
parting from Rodney Bay,
Saint Lucia in January 2018.
Entries are also for the
2019 edition, see www.
worldcruising.com/worl-
darc for more information.
MUSKET COVE
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Page 23 Page 2
Swimming Coastline Roos Play-
Pool Planned for ers Secure Contracts
Lautoka

WESTERN BOOST
2017 VOLUME 9/ ISSUE 89 www.thejetnewspaper.com 50 CENTS

The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama (centre) with students around Lautoka at the opening of the newly upgraded Churchill Park in Lautoka. Photo: LUKE NACEI.

By LUKE NACEI
The green light has been given for Lau-
toka to host the 2018 Coca Cola Games at
its newly upgraded synthetic tracks.
This was confirmed by the Lautoka
City Council chief executive officer Jone
Nakauvadra.
Mr Nakauvadra said that the tracks
have been certified by the International
Athletics Association federation to host
the Coke games.
I can also proudly say that this Tracks
has been certified by the international
athletics association federation and is
ready to host the 2018 Coke Games, he
said.
Mr Nakauvadra said the idea of Lau-
toka having its own synthetic tracks came
about after the Lautoka based all-girls
school won the womens division in the
Coca Cola Games in 2013.
The Jasparian Eagles became the first
team in the western division to be de-
clared the overall winner in the girls divi-
sion in the Cokes games. It was during
that celebration that the Special Admin-
istrator of Lautoka City Council Praveen
Bala made the commitment to develop
the synthetic tracks to make sure that the
girls division trophy remains in Lautoka,
We can be proud of ourselves for this
great achievement. In 2013 the people of
Lautoka came together in jubilation when
the people and yellow team of Delain-
amoli. This was further consolidated in
2015 when Jasper again won the overall
girls division in the Cokes Games and
Natabua won the boys division, he said.
This is the day of celebration and joy-
fulness for the people of Lautoka and the
western division as a whole because we
have now our own synthetic tracks and
we can build our own.
This project has the commitments of
both the central government and local
government to provide better service and
facilities for all Fijians.
I would like to pay tribute to the fol-
lowing people who have made this proj-
ect possible, the team Jasper of 2013 for
being the Catalyst of the vision for the
tracks. I would also like to thank the Gov-
ernment for their continue support on the
sugar city, he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Voreqe
Bainimarama said: This is Fijis second
city and a major manufacturing and busi-
ness hub. Lautoka is an important driver
of Fijis economic growth. It is growing
along with the rest of the Western Division
not just in size, but in sophistication and
complexity.
The Western Division deserves the
kinds of amenities and infrastructure that
will support the athletes who live here
and who work hard every day to improve
themselves. Now you dont have to go all
the way to the National Stadium in Suva to
run on synthetic tracks, because you have
them here, he said.

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