The Management & Staff of CITY STAR wish all
our Valued Customers & Readers a Blessed Easter
VOLUME 7 NO: 11 SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF FIJI WITH PASSION MARCH 25, 2017 - APRIL 25, 2017 PRICE: 50 CENTS
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Sanjay Goundar
The ancient traditional
act of Rifai Rateeb remains
one of the most astonishing
practices in Fiji since the
Girmit era.
Almost after 100 years
this unbelievable religious
practice which originated
in Kerala, India is still very
much alive in Fiji.
Every year people turn up
in numbers at the residence
of Molvi Ahmed Nazim in
Lovu, Lautoka to witness
the phenomenal acts of Rifai
Rateeb.
Piercing the skin of Mus-
lim devotees with sharp
needle like objects, devotees
striking themselves with
very sharp knives and Molvi
Nazim striking in the stom-
ach of ardent followers with
an extremely sharp sword
(kattaram) are some of the
unbelievable acts performed
during the night.
One will remain stunned
when they witness the sharp
sword penetrating almost
half into the stomach of the
devotee lying on the ground
but with the power of this re-
markable practice the devo-
tee remains unharmed with
no injuries sustained at all.
Prior to performance of
Molvi Ahmed Nazim strikes into the stomach of a devotee with this very sharp this act hours of recital from
kattaram (sword) during the annual Rifai Rateeb at his residence in Lovu, Lautoka.
Photo: Sanjay Goundar
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the Holy Quran enables the
creation of a spiritually en-
hanced environment. Fur-
thermore all devotees taking
part in the Rateeb follow a
month long strict spiritual
guideline.
According to Molvi Na-
zim performing this dan-
gerous act is only possible
through the blessings of the
Almighty.
He informed that with the
blessings of the Almighty
Allah he continues the leg-
acy of Rifai Rateeb in Fiji
which came as a blessing
from his ancestors from In-
dia.
He also revealed that eve-
ry year he includes young
people in his team to ensure
that the younger generation
also are made aware of this
incredible act and appreciate
its existence.
He once again paid his
respect to Marhoom (late)
Viran Kutty, Marhoom Ab-
dul Mollaka, Marhoom
Moidean Kutty, Marhoom
Haji Hamsa and not forget-
ting Ustad from Kerala India
from whose teachings and
blessings he is able to per-
form Rateeb in Fiji.
Meanwhile, the 2017 an-
nual public Rifai Rateeb was
held at Molvi Nazims resi-
dence on March 25.
02 NEWS MARCH 25, 2017

Half century for FEA

Zareena Bi

It was careful planning and un-
wavering commitment that carried
the Fiji Electricity Authority to
success over the last 50 years, and
that spirit of dedication must con-
tinue to lead you all into the future.
Speaking at FEAs Golden Jubi-
lee celebrations at the Grand Pacif-
ic Hotel in Suva on March 24 the
Chief Guest Prime Minister Rear
Admiral (Retired) Frank Baini-
marama heaped praises on the or-
ganisation that thousands of Fijians
rely upon to keep the lights on.
Over the last 50 years, the FEA
has provided services foundational
Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Retired) Frank Bainimarama cuts the FEA 50th to our development as a nation.
anniversary cake with Chairman Dakshesh Patel (left) AG Aiyaz Sayed Khai- At times, it has been a rocky
yum, First FEA Board Chairman YP Reddy and Local Government Minister road. But the past ten years, with
Praveen Bala. Photos: Supplied the support of my Government,
have shown that the FEA is more
than capable of paving the way for
Fijis success and achievement.
Access to electric power has
truly been the beacon that has led
Fiji into the future.
The Prime Minister added that
the importance of the FEA can be
seen in the work and lives of ordi-
nary Fijians all across the nation.
From the shops and businesses
who use FEA power to keep run-
ning instead of having to close
at the end of the day, to the stu-
dents who can keep studying into
the night instead of shutting their
books at sunset, and to the hard-
working Fijians who, after a long
day of work, can return to the com-
fort and security of a well-lit com
munity.
These are the real experiences;
these are the real stories made
possible by the good work of the
FEA.
Meanwhile, the various cabinet
Ministers, members of the Dip-
lomatic Corps, FEA Executives
and staff, Land Owners and other
stakeholders were treated to a 50th
Anniversary video presentation of
the Authoritys progress over the
years.
The unveiling of the 50th An-
niversary plaque followed and the
lively performances by the Vou
dance group kept the guests enter-
tained throughout the evening.

Prouds Nadi leads by example for

town surveillance
The team at Prouds care for the safety and security of
its customers and the general public at large says execu-
tive director Bhupendra Patel.
He said to ensure that the bridge-end of Nadi town is
monitored at all times, the company has made significant
investments by installing high resolution CCTV cameras
outside the Prouds complex.
We have taken note of the calls made by our police
commissioner and various business stakeholders like the
Nadi Town Council and Nadi Chamber of Commerce,
Mr Patel said.
Mr Patel said while Prouds is one of the first to act
upon the request, he hopes other business houses will
follow suit to contribute towards the general safety and
security of Nadi which is the tourism capital of Fiji.
We have even gone a step further by rewarding staff
members who take keen interest in the security of our
customers and the public as well, Mr Patel added.
21-year-old Kolinio Saukuru who is a meet and greet
staff of Prouds Nadi was recently rewarded with cash for
being vigilant and taking interest in his work while keep-
ing the safety and security of customers in mind.
I love to serve people and am really thankful to my Motibhai Group executive director Mr Bhupendra Patel rewards staff
company for recognizing my work, Saukuru said. member Kolinio Saukuru while Prouds Nadi manager Shalend Singh
looks on.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

 MARCH 25, 2017
Male advocacy urged for womens rights
Zareena Bi
Males have been called upon to join forces
with womens organizations to promote wom-
ens and girls rights.
Speaking at the International Womens Day
(IWD) Oratory contest organized by Soropti-
mist International Lautoka Club at the Sugar
Cane Growers Hall in Lautoka on March 18
the Chief Guest and Fiji Womens Crisis Cen-
tre (FWCC) Coordinator Shamima Ali made
this call to promote gender equality.
Male advocacy for womens right is all
about men learning about current pressing is-
sues, changing their own behavior, thinking
and attitude.
It is also about influencing policy, influ-
NEWS
encing legislations and bringing about these
changes wherever they are whether they are
traditional leaders, police officers, priests or
from any works of life.
We need to challenge boys and men to be
a part of this movement as no country is free
until all women in the country are free.
Ali also echoed the sentiments of one of the
orators who questioned why we do not have a
gender inclusive society and added that IWD
is the opportune time to assess the challeng-
es faced by women and plan for the struggle
ahead.
The traditional mindset is one of the big-
gest challenges that we face regarding the role
of men and women.
Gender disparity is what we as a society
create, our expectations of men and women
and that so called socialization process, which
we feminist call the generalization of human
beings.
Meanwhile, this was the fourth year for the
IWD Oratory for SI Lautoka and the first year
for the participation of the high schools in this
contest.
Altogether 36 schools participated in the
event which has been a successful one accord-
ing to SI Lautoka President Ranjini Mudaliar
as the number of male orators has increased
to seven compared to four last year and the
number of Primary schools have increased
from 23 to 27.
The President also thanked the event spon-
sor Oceania Water Group Fiji and co-sponsors
03
Punjas Limited and Western Aluminium Join-
ery for their continued kind support towards
developing future leaders of the country.
Oratory Results;
Rural Primary Schools- Winners (tie) Lovu
Sangam (Josephine Elizabeth) and Lomolomo
Public (Venessa Foon) 2nd Runner-up Gu-
rukul Primary (Nitisha Nandika),
Urban Primary Schools - Winner Lautoka
Muslim Primary (Inayah Adeeba Ali) 1st Run-
ner Up (tie) Lautoka Central (Akrati Dutt) Jas-
per Williams (Charlotte Pauu)
High Schools- Winner Natabua High (Man-
sha Nazim), 1st Runner Up Drasa Secondary
(Krishant Swamy), 2nd Runner Up Jasper
High (Laurie Segal Milly Dawai)

IWD oratory winners with Chief Guest Shamima Ali and Oceania Water Group Fiji Operations SI Lautoka members with Urban Primary Schools category winners.
Manager Abdul Shahim Photos: Sanjay Goundar

High School Category Winner Mansha Nazim of Natabua High Urban Primary School Oratory Winner Inayah Adeeba Ali of Rural Category winning orator Vanessa Foon of Lomolomo
with Chief Guest Shamima Ali and Oceania Water Group Fiji Lautoka Muslim Primary with Shamima Ali and LMP Oratory Primary with the Chief Guest and her teachers
Operations Manager Abdul Shahim Trainer Nileshni Dutt

Rural School Category judges at the SI Lautoka Oratory event Audience at the SI Lautoka 2017 IWD oratory contest. Jasper Primarys orator Charlotte Pauu at the oratory

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

04 LAUTOKA CITY COUNCIL NEWS

New $5.5million Churchill Park opens

MARCH 25, 2017

Sanjay Goundar

The pride of the Sugar City Lautokas

Churchill Park reopened its gates for the gen-
eral public after a $5.5million facelift on Feb-
ruary 14.
Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Retired)
Frank Bainimarama officially opened the re-
furbished Churchill Park with an international
standard 400 metre eight lane synthetic track.
Bainimarama pointed out that this project is
an example of what we can accomplish when
local government, national government and
the private sector are committed to making a
city complete, when we all agree that there is
a need to be met.
If we work together, we can solve prob-
lems, build for the future and provide the in-
frastructure and amenities that make a city a
healthy community.
This project cost $5.5 million. Government
contributed around $2.8 million, and the Lau-
toka City Council funded the rest. And then
Tappoos Group came in to build the corporate
booths, main entry gateway and the car parks.
So it was truly a team effort.
It is Governments responsibility to be
the guiding hand in this, to make sure that as
many Fijians as possible are served by gov-
ernment programs, and that we build and up- Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Retired) Frank Bainimarama officially opens the refurbished Lautokas Churchill Park Photo: Maika Kasami
grade infrastructure and establish new facili-
ties around the country. People in all parts of He pointed out that the western division de- they have them here. have to be held only in Suva. They can be
the country have needs, and I have committed serves the kinds of amenities and infrastruc- These are all-weather synthetic tracks that held in the West, right here in Churchill Park.
to make sure that no part of the country is ne- ture that will support the athletes who live meet the standards of the International Ama- It also makes Fiji a more attractive venue for
glected. here and who work hard every day to improve teur Athletic Federation. So when our Western regional competitions, Bainimarama empha-
The PM stressed that the Churchill Park we themselves. Division athletes compete in big games, they sized.
will enjoy today and in the future is evidence He told the athletes that now they dont will compete on the same surfaces they have
that governments ambition for Lautoka and have to go all the way to the National Stadium been training on. There will be no surprises.
the Western Division is as big as your own. in Suva to run on synthetic tracks, because Indeed, the Coca Cola Games no longer

$25.60 $33.20

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

 MARCH 25, 2017
LAUTOKA CITY COUNCIL MONITORS FOOD BUSINESS OPERATORS
All the Food Business Operations within the jurisdiction of
Lautoka City Council have been subject to routine inspections,
restaurant grading including instituting of applicable enforce-
ment mechanisms and legal proceedings. Routine work is con-
ducted as required by the relevant food safety legislations to
ensure that food is prepared, handled, stored and sold under
safe, hygienic and sanitary conditions to ensure that the health
and quality of life of members of the public is safeguarded and
promoted.
The Council has so far achieved 95 % of grading exercise
for the eateries within the city area. The grading exercise has
been carried out after series of awareness on Good Hygiene
Practices and Food Establishment (Grading) Regulation 2012
for all owners of catering premises.
Members of the public are advised that grade cards are usu-
ally displayed either on the frontage of the eateries or on the
menu boards. Grade cards are issued upon audit carried out of
the eateries using official grading checklist. The audit reveals
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA
LAUTOKA CITY COUNCIL NEWS 05
the compliance level in terms of good hygiene practices and
food safety. Grade card A indicates highest level of compli-
ance being 90% or more followed by B grade which denotes
compliance level of 80 % to 90 %. C grade denotes lower
compliance rating of 70% to 80 %. D grade indicates lowest
level of compliance being less than 70% and these eateries are
issued with abatement notices to rectify the non-compliances.
The purpose of the grading exercise is to ensure the safety
of food and quality of conditions and services in all eateries.
More so, creating awareness to consumers about the hygiene
status of eateries and assist them in making an informed deci-
sion in terms of their choice of eatery to buy food.
Citizens are informed that the council also instituted legal
proceedings against sixteen (16) Food Business Operators
for contravention of Food Safety Act 2004 and Food Safety
Regulation 2009. Restaurants and even other Food Business
Operators found operating under insanitary and unhygienic
conditions are issued Abatement Notice under Section 51 of
the Food Safety Act 2003. The Council has even issued five
(5) Order of Closures to restaurants failing to comply with the
Abatement Notices.
Council looks forward to cooperation of all stakeholders in
ensuring good health and safety of the members of the public.
Restaurant operators in the city are required to adhere to high
hygiene standards at all times. Photos: Supplied
Non-Conforming
and Illegal
Developments
The Lautoka City Council has noted with concern that there
are increasing number of non-conforming and illegal develop-
ment taking place within the city residential areas.
Ratepayers that advised to ensure that all the developments
are in compliance with councils requirement and building
permits are obtained prior to the construction. Illegal building
developments which does not conform to the yard clearance
requirement under the Town Planning Scheme General Provi-
sions contributes to the ventilation and lighting problems to-
gether with the privacy of the adjoining neighbours.
Furthermore, ratepayers are requested to refrain from carry-
ing out industrial operations namely mechanical, panel beating
with spray painting of motor vehicles, black smith and other
such operations from residential premises. Such developments
are prohibited from the residential premises as it has detrimen-
tal effect on the normal enjoyment of peace and amenities of
surrounding inhabitants.
The Council will not hesitate in issuing notices for not abid-
ing to the laws and regulations pertaining to to illegal and
non-conforming developments and take legal action for non-
compliance.
06 NEWS MARCH 25, 2017

EDITORIAL Humility is the leadership key

COMMENT
Hong Kong Fijis second home.

We maybe the defending HSBC World Sevens series cham-

pions for the last two seasons, the reigning Hong Kong 7s
champions and the gold medalists at the Rio Olympics in
Brazil, but this record will mean nothing if we do not win at
So Kon Po Government Stadium, a place we call our second
home.
Ask any die-hard Fiji 7s fan and they will tell you, It
doesnt matter Fiji does not win any other tournaments, but
Hong Kong 7s should be a must.
The number of fans that travel to witness the spectacle at
Happy Valley is always big, bigger than the large number of
Fijian supporters that are present in other venues.
The reason being is Fijis dominance in HK since 1976
when they defeated Marlborough 28-18 in the final to regis-
ter their first ever win.
Fiji has won the most number of times in HK (16) and has
appeared in 26-finals as of 2016. The school prefects of Natabua High School with Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum and School Principal Virendra
Former coach Ratu Kitione Vesikula was the only coach to Sharma after their investiture ceremony. Photos: Sanjay Goundar
have recorded a hat-trick of wins solely on the HK title. The
other three-years-in-a-row triumph included the 1997 Mel- Zareena Bi
rose Cup win (1997, 1998, and 1999). Fiji even recorded its
second world cup win in HK in 2005. One of the key important issues as any leader is that you address fundamental issues and then make every effort to
In the last five-years, the Vodafone national sevens team have to have humility. live by the answers is what makes a great leader great.
have won the tournament on four-occasions underlining These sentiments were echoed by Attorney General Aiyaz There are times that you will need to make decisions that
their complete dominance. Sayed Khayum during Natabua High Schools Prefect Induc- may not be popular but in fact it is the right decision because it
With no tournament titles in the bag so far, the national side tion program on March 15. is the principal decision.
will be hoping the drought ends at home. He advised the 159 students leaders that he has personally He also advised that as leaders students must also take lifes
If the Gareth Baber coached side is to cut the deficit at the seen leaders falter over a period of time because they lacked experiences and learn from it and also embark on the notion
top of the standings, then it begins now. humility. of being humble.
South Africa, the current runaway leaders are having one of Humility or the lack it means that you cannot keep abreast The Attorney General added that leaders should look for co-
their best seasons so far. Our former Fiji 7s coach Benjamin of what is happening in the society operation and good will rather than the acknowledgement of
Ryan after signing off had predicted the Blitzboks to be a As leaders you also need to be aware of what is happening their authority.
team to beat this season and he was right. around you and keep a finger on the pulse of what the people Meanwhile, Natabua High school Principal Virendra Shar-
He revealed that the Neil Powell coached side were unlucky around you are thinking as well as what they are doing. ma advised that the prefect selection process at their school
not to claim the 2015/2016series. Mr Sayed-Khayum also reminded the prefects that they is merit based and their selection is after a six to seven week
The Africans, he said, were nearing peak form last season. have to live up to a high standard of behavior in order to be period in order to select the right leaders.
With the same squad they will be hard to beat this season, good role models. There is a trial period of three weeks for the new students
he added. Followers have the responsibility to expect high standards who join year 9 and the performance of the past prefects are
Our national side has seen changes. We have new players, a from their leaders and the students whom you will lead expects reviewed before they are confirmed.
new coach and a new manager. you to follow a particular level of behavior. The Head Prefects are chosen by the teachers of Natabua
With more game time and tournaments under their belt, they Strong commitment to principle action and service is the High through an intense selection process.
all should prove a handful. responsibility of every person and the willingness to
We know where we stand after six-tournaments. Our aim
should be the world cup next year in San Francisco and the
safe defence of the gold medal in Tokyo 2020.
By then if these current crop of players are retained plus the
injection of some of our prolific names who are plying their
trade overseas, we should give a huge shake.
Until then, we should be patient and let the development
process unfold.

Maika Kasami
Editor.

PUBLISHER : SANJAY GOUNDAR

PH: 9960 129
EDITOR : MAIKA KASAMI
PH: 9189 779
MARKETING MANAGER: ZAREENA Bi
PH: 9322 621
T/A : WESTERN MEDIA ENTERPRISES
EMAILS: citystarnews15@gmail.com /
sanjayg@connect.com.fj
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POSTAL ADDRESS : PO Box 4230,
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Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum with the three head prefects of Natabua High School after
their induction ceremony
Printed by: Universal Print

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

 MARCH 25, 2017
Need to develop the Culture Yes, I can do Maths!
Ravinesh Prasad
Lecturer in Education
School of Education
College of Humanities and
Education
Fiji National University
prasadravinesh234@gmail.com
It is simply inexcusable for anyone to say
I cant do Maths in Fiji. Improved numeracy
skills lead to better paid jobs, greater well-
being and a less stressful life. Numeracy skills
are not just for scientists, accountants and the
tax man; many professions require at least a
basic level of understanding when it comes to
numeracy and mathematics. Take some time
to develop your numeracy skills - its never
too late to learn.
Adults with poor numeracy skills are twice
as likely to be unemployed than those who
enjoy some competency in numeracy. Those
adults with at least basic numeracy skills can
expect to earn a quarter more than those who
lack the necessary skills to solve basic math-
ematical problems. Furthermore they are less
likely to be able to find or negotiate the best
deals on financial products and therefore more
likely to pay higher levels of interest on higher
levels of debt. It is well documented that debt
problems can lead to stress and/or depression.
Poor numeracy has a damaging effect on
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CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA
07
many peoples lives and, potentially, on the
wider Fijian economy. Any approach to im-
prove numeracy must influence peoples at-
titudes and behaviour, as well as their skills.
This means it needs to be practical, engaging
and interesting. Improving numeracy skills is
best done youngall children should get ex-
cellent classroom teaching, and those who are
struggling should get targeted support as soon
as possible. But most of the population is no
longer at school, so it is also important to look
at adult numeracy too. Adults who struggle
with numbers face some barriers that children
may not have, such as a dislike of classroom-
based teaching or very low self-esteem. So
there are two important priorities for adult ed-
ucation. Firstly, people need to be motivated
to learn in the first place. Secondly, they need
to be taught useful skills that are embedded in
a Fijian context.
Imagine not being able to add up or take
away. You might find yourself struggling to
get a job, to manage your money, and to help A teacher teaching her pupils about different steps of a Maths equation. Photos: Supplied
your children with their homework. You might sailing a boat off the coast of Denarau or skilled population. It is also much more ef-
also have low confidence and self-esteem. Un- building a house in Vuda, youre using math fective to teach children well in the first place
fortunately, this is the reality for hundreds of to get things done. than to waste resources on poor teaching, only
children and adults in Fiji today. Some of the How can math be so universal? First, hu- to have to correct problems later on.
children leave primary school without passing man beings didnt invent math concepts; we Addressing these challenges requires effort
the maths test at the level expected of them, discovered them. Also, the language of math from many different sectors government,
and some of the adults do not have the basic is numbers. If we are well versed in this lan- businesses and charities. Good co-ordina-
numeracy skills needed for everyday life. The guage of numbers, it can help us make impor- tion is needed and an overarching strategy
association between poor numeracy and other tant decisions and perform everyday tasks. to improve numeracy across all age groups,
negative outcomes is striking. People who Math can help us to shop wisely, buy the right co-ordinating the teaching of children right
struggle with numbers are twice as likely to insurance, remodel a home within a budget, through to adults. Whats needed is a National
be excluded from school and twice as likely understand population growth, or even bet on Numeracy Awareness on similar lines to the
to be unemployed as those who are competent the horse with the best chance of winning the National Literacy Awareness. It would be re-
at numeracy. race. sponsible for fostering more positive attitudes
When you buy a car, follow a recipe, or We need to explore how math can help us to maths, and promoting initiatives to improve
decorate your home, youre using math princi- in our daily lives. Particularly, look at the lan- how maths is taught and increase numeracy in
ples. People have been using these same prin- guage of numbers through common situations, adults and children.
ciples for thousands of years, across commu- such as playing games or cooking. Given that To Sum-up, if we dont find a comprehen-
nities and Nation as a whole. Whether youre numeracy has been a problem for quite some sive solution to this old problem, we will
time, the question we have to ask ourselves is: continue to fail children and the adults they
are we stuck with this problem, or are there become. We know this will not happen over-
ways to solve it? Why is the problem of poor night but we want everyone to reach a level of
numeracy proving so hard to tackle? Part of numeracy that allows them to meet their full
the answer lies in an ingrained fear of maths, potential. To achieve this we will work
a dislike of classroom-based teaching, or very
5th Anniversary
Solving Maths equations remains a brainstorming exercise for both young and adult students
low self-esteem. unrelentingly to improve levels of numer-
More is also needed to overcome the cul- acy among adults and children and create a
tural barriers that stand in the way of learning. more positive can-do attitude to maths and
It is almost unthinkable to admit to being illit- numeracy. We believe that this is possible but
erate, but being bad with numbers seems to be that it will require sustained and coordinated
perfectly acceptable. We cant allow people to effort from teachers, organisations, govern-
say Im no good at maths. Maths has appli- ment and from learners themselves.
cations everywhere and understanding maths
can help us understand all sorts of subjects.
Adults with poor numeracy skills
All the economic studies show that numeracy
are twice as likely to be unemployed
than those who enjoy some competen-
as important as literacy when it comes to get-
ting a job and future prospects. Over and over cy in numeracy. Those adults with at
again we are seeing life chances really disad- least basic numeracy skills can expect
vantaged by a lack of numeracy skills. to earn a quarter more than those who
While teaching adults is important, better
maths teaching at school is vital. Ultimately, it
lack the necessary skills to solve basic
will provide the key to ensuring an adequately mathematical problems
08 ADVERTISEMENT MARCH 25, 2017

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Acquire Critical Business Skills to compete in the Global Economy Applications close on Friday 31 March 2017
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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Acquire knowledge and skills in identifying hazards, assessing and controlling Target Group
risk and in contributing to occupational health and safety management in your
This training is open for all interested individuals.
organisation. It is mandatory in Fiji under Legal Notice 169 section 7(1) that
OHS special training should be provided to Health & Safety representatives and It is also available for in-house training delivery.
committee members in every work place. Safety at work is everyones concern.
Training will also be delivered in other districts of the Western Division on
Learning outcomes demand. Interested persons are requested to liaise with your networks and collect
At the successful completion of the training participants will be able to: expressions of interest. You can then contact the undersigned for scheduling of
Explain the roles & functions of OHS representatives and the committee. training and other logistics.
Demonstrate the use of workplace arrangements to resolve workplace health &
safety issues. Dates, Days & Time Start Date Venue Fee
Describe methods used to identify workplace hazards & assess their risk factors.
Evening Class Two Tentative start date USP $320 pp
Apply OHS technology & communication skills.
Evenings per week 5pm 19 April 2017 Lautoka
Identify the relevant OHS regulations & codes of practice.
8pm Campus
Training content
OHS Act 1996 application Class will be confirmed once sufficient number of applications are received
Workplace arrangements
Modules 3&4 will be offered from mid-May
Establishment of OHS reps & committees Admission Requirements
Functions of the OHS committee Pass the Fiji
To Seventh Form
obtain enrolment form and for further information, contact:
Managing OHS The 6 steps approach
Examination with a mark
Rajendra Singh, tel: 666 6800; fax: 6667133; email: rajendra.singh@usp.ac.fj or
Current OHS regulations Babita Sharma, email: babita.sharma@usp.ac.fj or enquire at the USP Lautoka
SMART audit not less than 250 Western
Campus, out of 400.
House, corner of Vidilo Street, Lautoka or visit our website:
Accident investigation & reporting Students www.usp.ac.fj/lautoka
who have not attained
Hazard identification & risk assessment & controls 250 marks may go through a
Hazardous substances bridgeing program in order to
enroll. Please enquire with the
Student Academic Services
CERTIFICATE IV IN WORKPLACE LEADERSHIP TRAINING (SAS) for more details.

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

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA


Girmit era relived
MARCH 25, 2017
Sanjay Goundar
The pains and struggles of the indentured labourers were re-
called as the country marked 100-years of the official abolition
of Indian Indentureship.
An international conference was held at Lautokas Girmit
Centre and University of Fiji from March 22-24 where various
paper presentations were made by academics on how the suf-
ferings of the labourers who came from India is recognized and
remains alive in this modern era.
The primary objective of the conference was to facilitate dis-
course on all aspects related to Girmit, in Girmitiya countries
and in others where Girmitiya descendants had migrated. Any
and every aspect of Girmit and its descendants from 1834 on-
wards was covered.
NEWS 09
Speaking at the opening of the three day conference, Indian
High Commission to Fiji Head of Chancery Ravi Datt Yadav
emphasized that the event is very important for the country as
a whole.
Mr Yadav stressed that this day is very important for the In-
dian diaspora and the Government of India as its sons struggled
immensely to make their presence felt in the indentured days.
Despite all the struggles and sufferings the values and cul-
ture of India was spread to many parts of the world by those
indentured labourers.
Those cultural values taken in the Girmit Era are still pre-
served in many countries where our people went including Fiji.
It is very important that we all remember the patience, suf-
fering and hard work of those Girmitiyas today and for many
more years to come.
The Government of India salutes all those labourers who
came to Fiji during the Girmit era for preserving our culture as
well as immensely supporting towards the growth of the Fijian
economy for the last number of years.
He added that today the Girmit Day should be seen in a very
new way.
Yadhav revealed that we should not only be saddened by
remembering the sufferings of the Girmityas but get inspira-
tion from their sacrifice and determination to survive under
extreme situations.
If the Girmitiyas were able to preserve their culture and ad-
here to the core principles of life in those difficult situations,
then we all should do the same.
Love, peace and patience is needed much more in todays
world then in those days. The generation of today should
take inspiration from the Girmitiyas and work towards major
growth of their country, he emphasized.
Indian High Commission to Fiji Head of Chancery Ravi Datt Fiji Girmit Council cultural centre students performing a
Yadav lights the Diya to mark the 100 years of the official cultural dance during the centennial celebration at Girmit
abolition of Indian Indentureship with Tui Noco Ratu Isoa Centre in Lautoka. Photos: Sanjay Goundar
Damudamu and Mr Jagannath Sami
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA
10 EASTER SPECIAL COVERAGE MARCH 25, 2017

Easter Eggs: History, Origin, Symbolism and Traditions

Colourful Easter eggs are a norm during the Easter holidays all over the world The former President of the USA Barrack Obama praying with his family members during the
Easter celebrations last year

Brightly decorated eggs, Easter egg rolling and Easter egg hunts have become integral to the
celebration of Easter today.
However, the tradition of painting hard-boiled eggs during springtime pre-dates Christianity.
In many cultures around the world, the egg is a symbol of new life, fertility and rebirth. For
thousands of years, Iranians and others have decorated eggs on Nowruz, the Iranian New Year
that falls on the spring equinox.
Some claim that the Easter egg has pagan roots. Even the word Easter is said to have to come
to us from the Norsemens Eostur, Eastar, Ostara, and Ostar, and the pagan goddess Eostre, all
of which involve the season of the growing sun and new birth
For Christians, the Easter egg is symbolic of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Painting Easter
eggs is an especially beloved tradition in the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches where
the eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross. Easter
eggs are blessed by the priest at the end of the Paschal vigil and distributed to the congregants.
The hard shell of the egg represents the sealed Tomb of Christ, and cracking the shell repre-
sents Jesus resurrection from the dead. Moreover, historically Christians would abstain from
eating eggs and meat during Lent, and Easter was the first chance to eat eggs after a long period
of abstinence. (Orthodox Christians continue to abstain from eggs during Lent.)
Easter egg hunts and egg rolling are two popular egg-related traditions. An egg hunt involves
hiding eggs outside for children to run around and find on Easter morning. Eggs are rolled as a
symbolic re-enactment of the rolling away of the stone from Christs tomb. In the United States,
the Easter Egg Roll is an annual event that is held on the White House lawn each Monday after
Easter.

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CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

 MARCH 25, 2017 EASTER SPECIAL COVERAGE 11
Easter Facts
Easter, a Christian holiday, celebrates the resurrection of Je-
sus Christ which occurred on the third day after he was cruci-
fied on the cross. 40 days prior to Easter, Christians follow
Lent, which is supposed to be 40 days of prayer, penance and
fasting. The last week of this 40 day period is called Holy
Week. During Holy Week, Holy Thursday commemorates
when the Last Supper was held. Good Friday commemorates
Jesus crucifixion and death. Following Easter is a 50 day pe-
riod called Eastertide which ends on Pentecost Sunday.

Interesting Easter Facts:

Easter is not fixed to a specific day. It usually falls between

March 22nd and April 25th. It is supposed to fall on the first
Sunday after the full moon following March 21st.
The man who betrayed Jesus Christ, which led to his cruci-
fixion was Judas Iscariot.
When Jesus was resurrected it proved he was the Son of God.
Jesus death was symbolic in that he was dying for our sins.
The wine during communion symbolizes Jesus blood. The
bread during communion symbolizes His body.
Decorating Easter eggs was traditionally a symbol of the
empty tomb. This tradition is called Pysanka. Christians be-
lieve that Easter eggs symbolize new life and resurrection.
The first Easter baskets looked like birds nests.
The Victory Church members in Lautoka whilst celebrating the festival of Easter last year.
Eggs were a symbol of life to Ancient Egyptians, Persians,
Romans and Greeks. The custom of giving eggs at Easter orig- Easter egg explains the Christian meaning of Easter. In 2012,
inated with them. are sold at Easter. Approximately 75% of people will eat the 90,000 Real Easter Eggs were sold to churches.
During Lent, people did not wear fine angels; instead they chocolate bunnys ears first. Lilies are a flower often associated with Easter (Easter Lil-
wore Easter bonnets. Approximately 90 million chocolate bunnies are sold at ies). The petals face downward, which is in honor of Jesus.
The White House holds an annual Easter egg hunt on the Easter. Wearing new clothing on Easter is said to bring good luck
front lawn. This tradition began in 1878 with President Ru- Over 16 million jelly beans are eaten on Easter in the United for the coming year.
therford B. Hayes. States. This is enough jelly beans to circle the earth three times. Some European countries follow a tradition of burning East-
In 1981 the White House began to use wooden Easter eggs The biggest chocolate bunny was created by an artist in er fires, which represent fertility.
so they could be kept as keepsakes. South Africa in 2010. It weighed 3 tons and stood at 12 feet. Members of the Greek Orthodox faith often paint their Easter
Easter is the oldest Christian holiday. One of the biggest Easter eggs weighed 7,200kg and was eggs red, which symbolizes Jesus blood and his victory over
Approximately $14.7 billion is spent every Easter, with an 10.39 meters tall. It was on display in an Italian mall in 2011. death. The color red is symbolic of the renewal of life, and as
average of $130 for each home. 120 million pounds of candy An Easter egg was created called The Real Easter Egg. This such, Jesus resurrection.

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CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA
12 NEWS MARCH 25, 2017

Gender based violence highest in Pacific

Zareena Bi

According to the Head of Delegation of European Union

(EU) Corrado Pampaloni one of the main challenges being
faced by the Pacific towards womens empowerment is their
struggle with the shockingly high rate of gender based vio-
lence.
This is the most pervasive and direct manifestation of wom-
ens disempowerment as over 60% of women in Fiji, Kiribati
and Solomon Islands have experienced physical and/ or sexual
violence and this rate of violence against women are amongst
the highest in the world.
We strongly believe that by the increasing the awareness of
womens rights and empowering women and providing coun-
seling services they would be respected more in their homes
and in the society.
This is how we can make a change in Fiji and in the Pa-
cific.
Speaking at the International Womens Day event organized
by European Union in collaboration with Viseisei Sai Health
centre and Empower Pacific on March 8 at Shirley Park in Lau-
toka ,the Head of Delegation affirmed EUs continued com-
mitment towards providing equal opportunities for women. Both female and male advocates took part in the IWD organized by EU in Lautoka on March 8. Photos: Sanjay Goundar
We are proud of our achievements so far as more and more
women within the EU have equal opportunities in the world of advance and unleash limitless potential offered to economies Several regional policies and actions have been taken to
work they are leaders in other fields as well. world over. address the gaps facing the advancement of womens right in
Women are playing an increasingly relevant role in our pol- The Head of Delegation added that for the Pacific EU en- the region. including the Pacific Gender Equality Leaders dec-
itics, in our foreign policies in our society and our EU foreign tirely encourages long term efforts towards achieving gender laration in 2012.
policy is putting women on the centre of every stage every equality in the region and advised that this goal cannot be car- This declaration renewed the commitment of Pacific Lead-
single day. ried out without the involvement of the whole society. ers to lift the status of women in the Pacific and empower them
Through purposeful collaboration we can help women However, he congratulated Fiji and the Pacific on significant to be active participants in economic, political and social life.
improvements that have been made throughout the years.

Zareena Bi
Joyous colours of Holi
Holi is one the most fun filled religious festivals in the Hindu
calendar compared to other celebrations like Maha Shivratri,
Ram Navmi and Krishna Janmashtami.
In Fiji Holi like other religious observances has taken on a
multiracial theme as people of all races celebrate this together
to bring about the notion of peace and harmony.
This year the final day of the celebrations was on March 13
but schools , businesses religious groups held the celebrations
from a week before where the traditional faag songs were sung
with much merry making. Playing with colors or gulaal is the
ultimate joy during this festival.
The idea is to put colors on everyone so everybody looks
the same. This depicts the idea that as human beings we are all
equal regardless our color and creed.
There is a symbolic myth behind commemorating Holi in
relation to Lord Krishna which according to the scriptures is
the reason for use of colors during the celebrations.
In his youth, Krishna despaired whether the fair-skinned
Radha and other girls would like him because of his dark skin
colour. His mother, tired of the desperation, asks him to ap-
proach Radha and colour her face in any colour he wanted.
This he does, and Radha and Krishna became a couple. Ever
since, the playful coloring of Radhas face has been commem-
orated as Holi.
Meanwhile, on the day of Holi groups and mandalis carry
drums and other musical instruments, go from house to house
and even from street to street to sing, dance and enjoy the frol- People from various walks of life took part in this magnificent Holi celebration organized by the Fiji Girmit Council at
ic with colors and sweets. Lautokas Girmit Centre

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CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA


Jasper win catalyst to new tracks
MARCH 25, 2017
Cheer leaders of Jasper High with PM Frank Bainimarama
Congratulations to Lautoka City Council on the official
opening of the refurbished Churchill Park
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA
SUPPPLEMENT
Maika Kasami
JASPER Williams High Schools first win at the Coke
Games back in 2013 is the reason behind the development of
the synthetic tracks at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
Lautoka City Council chief executive officer Jone Nakau-
vadra revealed this during the opening of the new refurbished
Churchill Park on May 13.
Jaspers win at the ANZ Stadium followed on for the next
three-years which further consolidated the prospect of the de-
velopment works.
In 2013, the whole of Lautoka and indeed the whole of the
Western Division came together in jubilation and celebra-
tion when the purple and yellow team from Delai Namoli, the
Jasperian Eagles became the first team from the West to be
declared the overall winner in the girls division in the Coke
13
Games.
It was during that celebration that the former Special Ad-
ministrator of Lautoka City Council , who is none other than
our current Minister for Local Government , Housing and
Environment , Infrastructure and Transport , the Honourable
Praveen Bala made the commitment to develop the synthetic
tracks to ensure that the girls division trophy remains in Lau-
toka, Nakauvadra said.
Aerial view of the newly upgraded Churchill Park with the 8
lane synthetic tracks
Today is the day for celebration and joyfulness for all citi-
zens and people of Lautoka and of course the Western Division
as a whole because we now have our own synthetic track. We
can all be proud of ourselves for this great achievement.
So for the people of Lautoka and the greater Western Divi-
sion, today we can all celebrate and be of yourselves that you
have a modern facility which you can say is yours. I can also
proudly say that this track has been certified by the Interna-
tional Athletics Association Federation and ready to host the
Cokes Games, Nakauvadra added.
The new track is unique because it has two separate 100
metres competition tracks.
Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Retired) Frank Bainimarama
release the helium balloons with Local Government Minister
Praveen Bala marking the reopening of Lautokas Churchill
Park. Photos: Maika Kasami
14 SUPPLEMENT MARCH 25, 2017

Speech by Prime Minister of Fiji and Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Sugar Industry and Foreign Affairs
Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, CF(Mil), OSt.J, MSD, jssc, psc
At the opening of the Churchill Park new synthetic tracks and upgrading
Bula Vinaka, good afternoon and welcome
to the official opening of the new Church-
ill Park. Churchill Park has always been the
pride of Lautoka, but it is now truly a park for
a people and a city on the move.
But first, I would like to thank the vanua of
Vitogo for the traditional ceremonies.
The Sugar City is getting bigger and bolder
every dayand much sweeter, toowith this
modern park and, of course, the Tappoo City
that will be opening soon.
This project is an example of what we can
accomplish when local government, national
government and the private sector are com-
mitted to making a city complete, when we all
agree that there is a need to be met.
If we work together, we can solve problems,
build for the future and provide the infrastruc-
ture and amenities that make a city a healthy
community. This project cost $5.5 million.
Government contributed around $2.8 million,
and the Lautoka City Council funded the rest.
And then Tappoos Group came in to build the
corporate booths, main entry gateway and the
car parks. So it was truly a team effort.
It is Governments responsibility to be the
guiding hand in this, to make sure that as
many Fijians as possible are served by gov-
ernment programs, and that we build and up-
grade infrastructure and establish new facili- Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Retired) Frank Bainimarama with Local Government Minister Praveen Bala, LCC CEO Jone Nakauvadra and
ties around the country. People in all parts of prominent chiefs of Lautoka during the opening of the refurbished Churchill Park. Photo: Maika Kasami
the country have needs, and I have committed
to make sure that no part of the country is ne- progress. A week ago, I was in the Northern And today I am proud to be here in Lautoka. prises.
glected. Division to open new projects, like the hydro This is Fijis second city and a major manu- Indeed, the Coca Cola Games no longer
Every community faces different challenges station at Somosomo, the extension of school facturing and business hub. Lautoka is an im- have to be held only in Suva. They can be
and has different priorities, and we cant do facilities at Uluivalili Secondary School, and portant driver of Fijis economic growth. It is held in the West, right here in Churchill Park.
everything at once. But we work closely with the opening of water projects in several com- growing along with the rest of the Western Di- It also makes Fiji a more attractive venue for
local communities and we make steady munities. visionnot just in size, but in sophistication regional competitions. And that will extend to
and complexity. swimming competitions as well, because at

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visionthe courts, law enforcement, health
facilities, roads, schools and recreational
facilities. Recently, we have been installing
streetlights for populated, rural and commer-
cial areas along the Queens Road from Siga-
toka to Ba to make these areas safer and more
secure at night. And we intend to extend this
service to other rural areas in Viti Levu and
Vanua Levu.
The Churchill Park we will enjoy today and
in the future is evidence that governments
ambition for Lautoka and the Western Divi-
sion is as big as your own. The Western Di-
vision 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.
These are all-weather synthetic tracks that
meet the standards of the International Ama
Mobile: 833 4049 P.O Box 4555, Lautoka teur Athletic Federation. So when our West-
Email: kambabu23@gmail.com ern Division athletes compete in big games,
they will compete on the same surfaces they
have been training on. There will be no sur
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA
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.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Im sure the young people here today are
happy to know that the days of training and
running on soggy tracks and fields are now
over, and I cannot think of any reason why we
wont see new records set in your Secondary
Schools Inter Zone meet this weekend.
We are an athletic people. We love sport
and games, and we embrace the hard work we
must do to be great athletes. 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 proper place to train and compete.
They will do the rest.
I thank all of you for turning up in numbers
for the opening of these beautiful synthetic
tracks. I understand that all Lautoka Second-
ary Schools are eagerly waiting for the Inter-
Zone athletics competition, which will take
place right here. I cant think of a better way
to inaugurate these tracks, because they are
for you. Please enjoy yourselves and do your
very best.
 MARCH 25, 2017
Speech by Lautoka City Council CEO Jone Nakauvadra
At the Opening of the Upgraded Churchill Park
Bula vinaka and welcome to you all and thank
you for turning out in numbers on this his-
toric occasion for the official opening of the
Churchill Parks new synthetic tracks and up-
grading works
Today is the day for celebration and joyful-
ness for all citizens and people of Lautoka
and of course the Western Division as a whole
because we now have our on synthetic track.
We can all be proud of ourselves for this great
achievement
Ladies and gentlemen our nation came to-
gether in August last year to celebrate the his-
toric win by our sevens gladiators. All Fijians
joined in the merrymaking and fun fare which
will hardly be forgotten by most of us. It was
one of the proudest moment in the sporting
history of our small island nation
Similarly in 2013, the whole of Lautoka and
indeed the whole of the Western Division
came together in jubilation and celebration
when the purple and yellow team from Delai
Namoli the Jasperian Eagles became the first
team from the West to be declared the overall
winner in the girls division in the Coke Games
It was during that celebration that he former
Special Administrator of Lautoka City Coun-
cil , who is none other than our current Min-
ister for Local Government , Housing and
Environment , Infrastructure and Transport ,
the Hon Praveen Bala made the commitment
to develop the synthetic tracks to ensure that
the girls division trophy remains in Lautoka
This was further consolidated in 2015 when
Jasper again won the overall girls division
in the Coke Games and Natabua winning the
boys division
So for the people of Lautoka and the greater
Western Division, today we can all celebrate
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Thousands of spectators were present at the reopening of Lautokas upgrade Churchill Park
and be of yourselves that you have a modern
facility which you can say is yours. I can also
proudly say that this track has been certified
by the International Athletics Association
Federation and ready to host the Cokes Games
This track is unique because it has two sepa-
rate 100 metres competition tracks
Ladies and Gentlemen the magnificent tracks
and the upgrading works that we see today is
a project of your government in partnership
with the Lautoka City Council , where the
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA
15
like to pay tribute to the following people who
have made this project possible
1. Team Jasper of 2013 for being the catalyst
of the vision for the tracks
2. Our Consultant Engineer , HLK Jacob
for continuous advice and assistance during
the project
3. All the contractors and suppliers for all
their effort namely :
4. All the hard working staff and employees
of the council particularly our Director Engi-
neer Mr Shalen Dass and our hor-
ticulturist, Mr Shiri Charan who have worked
tirelessly from the intial stage of this project
until the finishing
To conclude I would to thank the Government
for its continued support to the Sugar City
and to you all for turning up in numbers today
to be part of this historic occasion
government funded a little more than $2.8
million and the council contributed the bal-
ance for this $5.5 million project
This project underpins the commitment of
both the central government to provide better
service and improved facilities for all Fijians
Our next project with government is the con-
struction of an Olympic size-5o metres x 10
lanes swimming along with warm up pool as
well as Childrens Pool with usual amenities at
the Botanical Garden
Ladies and Gentlemen, at this juncture I would
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16 SPORTS

RWC 2019 bands confirmed

MARCH 25, 2017

Source: worldrugby.org

Ireland will enter the Rugby World Cup 2019 pool draw in
the top band of seeds for the first time since they were based
on the World Rugby Rankings following Saturdays 13-9 win
over England in the final match of the RBS Six Nations 2017.
By ending Englands bid for back-to-back Grand Slams
and a world record 19th consecutive test victories, Ireland ce-
mented their fourth place in the rankings, ensuring they are in
the same band as New Zealand, England and Australia for the
draw.
The RWC 2019 draw bands for the 12 directly qualified
teams are as follows:
Band 1: New Zealand, England, Australia, Ireland
Band 2: Scotland, France, South Africa, Wales
Band 3: Argentina, Japan, Georgia, Italy
The seeding process has used the rankings since Rugby
World Cup 2011 in New Zealand. At the time of the draws for
RWC 2011 and RWC 2015 tournaments, Ireland had a ranking
of eighth and sixth respectively, putting them in the second
band.
Had Ireland lost to England and Wales beaten France, as
they so nearly did in Paris that would have been the case again
when the pool draw for RWC 2019 takes place in Kyoto, Ja-
pan, on 10 May.
However, Frances last-gasp victory in the preceding match
made the result in Dublin immaterial from a rankings perspec-
tive, not that you could tell from a fired-up Ireland side hell-
bent on spoiling Englands party and having another celebra-
tion a day after St. Patricks Day.
Ireland out-played England and deservedly took the spoils
after scoring the only try through second-row Iain Henderson. The Flying Fijians perform the traditional war dance the cibi during the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Supplied.
The RWC 2019 will be played from September 20- Novem-
ber 2 in Japan.

NZ All Whites 2-0 Fiji Lautoka Club

in hot Form
Maika Kasami

Lautoka Club, nicknamed the Shooters, have found the

The Vodafone Fiji soccer team in a group photo before facing the New Zealand All Whites.
Maika Kasami
The Vodafone Fiji soccer team showed glimpses of construc-
tive football in the first half and then gave the game away in
the second as the New Zealand All Whites took advantage of
some laxity in defence to register its first win in the first of its
two-match series.
The national side, who began the game on the same pace and
rhythm as the visitors, conceded a penalty in the 46th minute
for a hand ball in the box.
No-nonsense Tahitian referee Nobert Hauata was quick to
point to the penalty spot.
Lanky captain Christopher Woods made no mistake from
12-yards. NZ 1-0 Fiji
And then goalkeeper Benamino Mateinaqara who had been
Photo: Sanjay Goundar.
having problems from his clearing kicks from inside the box
gifted the All Whites with a crucial second goal.
He tried to dribble up-field but Marco Rojas needed no second
invitation pouncing on the ball before coolly slotting into an
open goal mouth for the second goal.
Fiji head coach Christophe Gamel sent in fresh legs in the
later stages of the second half with Jone Vesikula, James Hoyt
and Rinal Prasad in for Osea Vakatalesau, Dave Radrigai and
Tekiata.
Hauata had flashed yellow cards to Radrigai and Taniela Waqa.
This was NZs second win after they had recorded its first win
over New Caledonia in the FIFA Oceania World Cup quali-
fiers.
With seven points (two wins and a draw), the All Whites are
favourites to qualify to the next stage.
rhythm to challenge for top honours in the Northwest Bil-
liards Snoker Association League.
This is after their impressive wins over league leaders
Simla Dragons and Nadi Sports Club in the recent round of
games.
The win sees them narrow the deficit to three points and lie
on second spot in the table behind Simla.
The Shooters are led by the evergreen Suresh Chauhan and
ably supported by Vinesh Prasad, Navniel Maharaj, Imraan,
Albert Maharaj, Suresh Mani and Rajnesh.
South Seas also recorded wins over Olosara and Ba Central
to close the gap at the top.
The Nitesh Chand captained side who are also known as
the South Sea Foxes are equal on points with Nadi Sports
Club on 21.
According to Chand, the Shooters are favourites to win
the league.
They have been playing really well under the guidance of
Suresh Chauhan and are surely the top bets.
We are equal on points with Nadi Sports and our points
differential is also same so the battle at the top is intense,
said Chand.
Nadi Club have had a poor season losing all its eight match-
es and occupy the bottom end of the table with no points.
Meanwhile, Chand in a solo effort claimed the Nortwest
tournament that was recently held.
He beat Tony Cen 2-0 in the final.
In the semifinal Chand beat Shalend Goundar 2-0 while
Cen edged Roneel Sami 2-1.
Sami was the new find of the tournament after he made his
first semifinal appearance.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

 MARCH 25, 2017
Five-joint leaders in VPL
Maika Kasami
Five players are join leaders in the 2017
Vodafone Premier League goal-scoring chart
following completion of Week 5 of matches.
Bas Saula Waqa had set the ball rolling
grabbing a brace in Week 1 against Suva.
The Men in Black had then left for their
Oceania Champions League campaign thus
the player and the team have played only once
in the league.
With his absence from the scene, other
players have been on target for their respec-
tive teams with some teams having played a
maximum of three matches after Week 5 of
competition.
Those that have joined Saula at the top with
two-goals to their name include Suva trio Sa-
hil Dave, Sairusi Nabo, Ravinesh Karan Singh
and Dreketis Vilikesa Sowani.
After two back to back loses to Suva and
Rewa, the Green Machine toured the North in
search of their first points.
And the trip proved fruitful returning home
with four points from a win and a draw.
Good news for the side was the appearance
of striker Napolioni Qasevakatini in the Nadi
outfit.
The Bavu village was linked to join the
Capital City side in the last transfer window
but opted to stay put.
He made his presence felt scoring the open-
er against Labasa in their 2-all draw match be-
fore helping his side register their first victory
against Dreketi in soggy conditions, a result
they were fortunate to secure.
New boys Rakiraki are finding it tough
in the elite league having lost all their four
matches.
Its a reality check for the side who has
replaced Nadroga. With the guidance of old
SPORTS 17
hands Sailesh Sami Bula and Ronald Law-
rence they are hoping to break the duck, their
first points in the Premier League in the not
too distant future.
Suva, under the leadership of Coach Nathan
Sivam scored the highest goal in the league so
far with a 5-0 thumping of the Ra side.
They are now join league leaders with six-
points after four outings.
Lautoka and Rewa after two matches are
also on six points. Defending League cham-
pions Ba lie on sixth spot with three points.
Standings as at March 25: Suva-6points,
Rewa-6, Lautoka-6, Labasa-4, Nadi-4, Ba-3,
Dreketi-3, Rakiraki-0.
Results:
Week 1 Labasa 0-2 Lautoka, Dreketi v
Lautoka (postponed), Suva 1-2 Ba, Rewa 2-0
Nadi.
Week 2: Suva 2-0 Nadi, Rewa 2-0 Raki-
raki.
Week 3: Labasa 2-2 Nadi, Dreketi 3-2 Ra-
kiraki; Dreketi 0-1 Nadi, Labasa 2-0 Rakiraki.
Week 4: Dreketi vs. Labasa (postponed),
Suva 0-1 Lautoka.
Week 5: Suva 5-0 Rakiraki
Goal scorers as at March 25:
2-goals: Saula Waqa (Ba), Sahil Dave
(Suva), Sairusi Naibo (Suva), Ravinesh Karan
Singh (Suva), Vilikesa Sowani (Dreketi).
1-goal: Iosefo Verevou (Rewa), Savenaca
Nakalevu (Rewa), Dave Radrigai (Lautoka),
Samuela Drudru (Lautoka), Luke Rawadamu,
Zibraaz Saheb (Lautoka), Napolioni Qase-
vakatini, Ame Votoniu (Nadi), Nickel Chand
(Labasa), Ratu Anare (Labasa), Amani Makoe
(Rewa), Madhwan Gounder (Rewa), Setareki
Hughes (Suva), Epeli Lairoti (Suva), Anish
Khem (Labasa), Edwin Sahayam (Labasa),
Lautokas Mohd Shazil shields the ball from Suva and national rep Setareki Hughes in a
Charles Williams (Dreketi), Ronald Lawrence
friendly match at Churchill Park. Photo: Sanjay Goundar.
(Rakiraki).

Fiji- Japan clash in opener in HK

Open 24 Hours Daily
Maika Kasami

BEST FISH & CHIPS The Vodafone Fiji 7s will need to dig deep if
its to record a hat-trick of wins at the Mecca
FAST FOOD & TAKEAWAYS of 7s in Hong Kong.
The national side has in the past five years
Open 6-days a week. Monday Saturday
won the HK 7s on four occasions.
Opening hours 7am-6pm
In 2012, 2015 and 2016, Fiji beat New Zea-
land in the final while in 2013 they defeated
Wales with a gallant second half performance
after being down 0-19 at the break.
Fiji has won the HK meet the most number
of times, 16, and appeared in the final on 26
occasions.
Old nemesis NZ are second having won
11-times.
In this years tournament, the Gareth Barber
coached side is grouped with NZ, Wales and
Japan in Pool C.
Australia and Samoa will set the ball roll-
ing with the first match of the day at 10pm on
April 7.
Fiji opens its campaign against Japan on
April 7 at 11-54pm (Fiji Time) of the three-
day competition.
The national side then faces Wales on April
8 at 5-12pm before the pool decider against
NZ at 9-12pm.
South Africa, the current HSBC World 7s
series leaders are 24 points ahead of defend-
ing champs Fiji.
Pool A: England, Samoa, Australia, South/
Korea; Pool B: South Africa, Canada, Kenya,
France; Pool C: Fiji, NZ, Wales, Japan; Pool
D: USA, Argentina, Scotland, Russia.

For telephone orders contact us on: Mobs: 8387970 / 9160189 : Former Fiji 7s winger Savenaca Rawaca looks to offload a pass against New Zealand during
the 2015 Hong Kong 7s. Photo: Supplied.
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA
18 SPORTS MARCH 25, 2017

Prakash in rich
vein of form
Maika Kasami

National Amateur champ Roneel Prakash added another title into

his victory bag scooping the Girmit Golf Tournament that was spon-
sored by former Fiji resident, Canada based Mahendra Gopal.
The win for the school teacher follows his victory in the Gecko
Trucking/P.Meghji sponsored Summer Cup event in January.
He recorded a score of 4-under par 65 to carve his name on the title.
The Girmit tournament was hosted at the Lautoka Golf Club on
March 18 as part of the centennial celebrations on the abolition of
the indenture system and most importantly in memory of Mahendras
Lautoka Golf Club has prioritized its junior golfing program. Seen here the future stars bred at LGC with the attrac
father, the late Ram Chandra Gopal.
tive prizes on offer. Photos: Maika Kasami
Prakash beat a field of more than 30 golfers who braved the scorch-
ing western heat to put in their best performance.

Overall Nett winner Pastor Pritam Singh (left), Girmit tournament

2017 champion Roneel Prakash and Dr. Ganesh Chand.
LGC chairman of Trustees, Raymond Singh paid tribute to Gopal
and his family for their continued support towards the Golf Link
course.
Singh acknowledged the attractive prizes that were on offer which
the participating members took advantage of.
You only see these types of prizes being presented at LGC and
nowhere else in the country. This is the commitment of the club in
partnership with sponsors like Mahendra Gopal and family that we
try to give the best returns to the golfers which includes our upcom-
ing juniors.
And also LGC might be the only golf club in Fiji if not in the
world to celebrate and host this Girmit tournament and we are de-
lighted to be part of history, Singh added.
Results:
C-grade winner: Anil Prasad, R/Up- Vikash Chand, 3rd - James
ledger; B-grade winner- Gaffar Ali, R/Up-Geoffrey John, 3rd Law-
rence John; A-grade winner- Munesh Prasad, R-Up- Bobby Reddy,
3rd Pranil Prasad; Overall Nett title- Pastor Pritam Singh; The Late
Ram Chandra Gopal trophy winner- Roneel Prakash.

Girmit tournament champion Roneel Prakash receiving the Late

Ram Chandar Gopal trophy from Dr. Ganesh Chand while a young
enthusiastic golfing fan looks on.
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA
 MARCH 25, 2017 SPORTS 19
Award is result of hard work: LFA President
Maika Kasami

Abdul Kadar is thankful to the parent body for recognizing

the hard work they have done in improving the affairs of Lau-
toka Football Association (LFA).
Kadar received the top administration award on behalf of
LFA during the Global Flight Centre/Fiji FA Awards night
2016 in Suva on March 18.
He said it was through the commitment and team work
amongst the executives that has brought recognition and pride
to the district.
The Oceania Water Group Fiji manager said his journey be-
gan when he and other executives were appointed by Fiji FA
president Rajesh Patel during a special AGM (Annual General
Meeting).
The administration side was not in order so it was in mid
- 2014 when we all came in to try and improve the affairs at
LFA, Kadar said.
It was tough at first, but then we slowly began to settle in
and in 2015 we reached the Fiji FACT semifinal where we lost
to Labasa in Nadi.
At that time we were still new in the administration side
but we all vowed to work together as a team because we could
smell success was hovering over us.
This resulted in our BOG win after 31-years in Nausori Lautoka Football Association president Abdul Kadar (middle) receives the best administration award prize from Fiji FA vice-
beating the same Labasa team and this was achieved through president Tarunesh Reddy (right) during the Awards ceremony in Suva recently. Photo: Fiji Media/Avikash Chand.
the able leadership of our coaches Aginesh Prasad and Kamal
Swamy and the never say die approach of the players. of what he has taught us in leadership quality that is required him, all the executives are encouraging him, he is just
Since then we have managed to put the house in order. We and the right way we need to work with the players in terms of 22-years old and you can see his achievement in his short ca-
have had a good relationship with the Fiji FA, our quarterly looking after their welfare. reer.
report is sent on time; we have managed to finish our local I specially would like to thank him as he has continued sup- Kadar said the former Kamil Muslim College rep was spot-
league before the deadline. And when we need to do a rul- porting the association even after he stepped down due to work ted by LFA executive Rajinesh Naicker while he was playing
ing on a certain issue its always a collective decision which commitments. for City United.
favours no one. He said they are looking forward to a bright season this year He first donned the Blues jumper against Rewa two-years
I think thats the reason we have won the administration with hopes of doing well in the Vodafone National League and ago and he scored in his debut match. He has not looked back
award this year. Its not a one man show but its a collective hence qualifying for the 2018 Oceania Champions League. ever since. This is no surprise because he is a very dedicated
effort from my executives and this award is a reward for all the Meanwhile, young Blues striker Mohd Shazil was voted in and honest player.
hard work we have been doing, he added. as the popular player of 2016 through the Vodafone texting
Kadar also acknowledged the contribution and guidance platform. Kadar heaped praises for the youngster.
given by former president Babu Rattan Deo. Shazil has a very long way to go. We are always behind
I salute our former president (Babu Rattan Deo) because

Blues chase O-League spot

Minister for Health Rosy Akbar presents the popular player award prize to Lautoka
striker Mohd Shazil.

Maika Kasami

The Lautoka soccer team wants to kill two-birds with one stone.
And that is to do its outmost best to win the Vodafone Premier League this year.
A victory will certainly guarantee them an Oceania Champions League berth.
We dont want to shy away from that goal, which is to win the national league. Its every teams
dream to win the league and we are certainly one of them, admitted Lautoka FA president Abdul
Kadar.
We have set up goals this year. Our main priority is the National League. We want to win it for
the people of Lautoka. And then there is the prospect of playing in the Oceania Champions League.
There are local tournaments that are coming up as well and we will also focus on that when the time
is right. It will be a bonus to win that also.
Kadar revealed that should they make the O-League, they will not be recruiting any players from
abroad.
We have promised our players that should we qualify for the O-League we wont bring in players
from abroad but use our own players.
Its a tough journey to win the League first and then we can think of the O-League. But plans have
been put in place of what we want to achieve this year. We, the officials are in office for four years
and our aim is to make sure we steer the team in the right direction and for the Lautoka team to play
at a higher level of competition, which is the O-League, he added.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

20 MARCH 25, 2017

Brightness and
Disappointment:
Gamel
Maika Kasami

Vodafone Fiji soccer team head coach Christo- them in the first half and also enjoyed posses-
pher Gamel had only two- words to describe the sion which is good. We did good defending and
unfortunate loss to the New Zealand All Whites were always alert at all times, said Gamel.

Sports
at Churchill Park.
The national side lost 0-2 in a game of two-
halves.
It was the home team that kept their tails up sus-
taining pressure thrown in by the professional
NZ outfit while also managing occassional visits
to the Kiwis danger zone only to be denied by
the more organised defense at the other end.
Fiji held NZ 0-0 at the break.
And then the moment that all Fijians including
the two-players involved would want to easily
forget.
First a hand ball to defender Peniame Drova just
a minute into the second half which the visitors
took full advantage of and then the bizarre act by
goalkeeper Beniamino Mateinaqara who should
have cleared the ball but decided to do otherwise
hence caught flatfooted by a speedy NZ custom-
er who rolled the ball into an empty net.
The game was bright because we contained
We are disappointed because all our good work
from the first half was wasted in the second half.
We just gave the game away and that you cannot
do in such top level games especially when its a
world cup qualifier.
He said they have alot to work to do before the
other World cup qualifiers.
For the next game against NZ we have alot
of areas to work on. And also the other games
where we need to keep on improving our mis-
takes.
Gamel said overall from his first outing as
coach, he was pleased with the performance of
the team.
Im from France but after my first game in-
charge I feel proud to call myself a Fijian as
well. I enjoyed the game and the atmosphere
that was created by the people of Fiji. I hope to
see such support in future as well when we play
here,he added

Epeli Saukuru of the Vodafone Fiji soccer team in action against the New Zealand All Whites
during the FIFA Oceania World Cup Qualifiers Leg 1 fixture at Churchill Park. NZ won the match
2-0. Photo- Sanjay Goundar.

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