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2017 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 93 www.thejetnewspaper.com 50 CENTS

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Pilot Shaesta Waiz . Pg. 18

THE TIKARAM LEGACY

By ANA SOVA
On 10th July, 1912 Thakur Ti-
karam and his wife Singaribai from
Aligar, India came to Fiji as Girmityas
on board the ship Ganges II.
For the first in three and half years
they were stationed in Viria, Nausori
and later in Wainadoi before finally
settling down in Lami in 1917, buying
the shop of Police Sergeant Chote
Khan where TIKARAM PARK is today.
Their nearest neighbours were
the people of Suvavou on the fore-
shore side facing Suva Harbour,
the people of Lami village on the
banks of Lami River and the Rog-
ers, Chutes, Abu Bakars, Kamalis,
Rodans, Shaws and the Houng Lees
on the Nukuwatu stretch on the right
hand side of Queens Road going to-
wards Nadi.
Tikaram subsequently went into
transport business starting with
horse and cart which was the mode
of travel in those days.
When motor vehicles began to
arrive in Fiji, he bought a model T
Ford to run as a taxi. Soon a sec-
ond car was purchased, a Standard
Dodge which he operated from ad-
jacent to Burns Philip, the only con-
crete taxi garage in Suva then.
There were 17 individual taxi
owners; including Tikarams who
operated from there, which was
then called the Suva Taxi Service
later known as Golden Arrow Taxis.
This was the beginning of the Ti-
karam Legacy in Fiji.
To commemorate the renowned
familys humble beginning, the Ti-
karams will be hosting a four-day
celebration to mark their family cen-
tenary this month.
This will commence with a gath-
Kissun Tikarams family pictured at their home in Lami around the 1960s. Right: Thakur Tikaram and his wife Singaribai with their eldest son Kissun and young-
est son Bobby Tikaram in the early 1940s. Photos: BOBBY TIKARAM.
ering at Tikaram Park in Lami for the
official unveiling of historical fam-
ily plaque and lunch on September
20th and will end with a champagne
brunch at Waitika Farm in Wairuku,
Rakiraki on September 23rd.
Organising Committee Chair and
Pro-Chancellor of the University of
Fiji, Anil Tikaram said it is only fit-
ting that the first day of the celebra-
tion begins from the very spot where
Thakur and Singaribai started a fam-
ily that has now spread all over the
globe.
Without singling anyone out,
our family has played and continues
to play a significant role in the de-
velopment of Fiji, particularly in the
spheres of transport, judiciary, tele-
communication, scouting & leader-
ship, sports, entertainment and hos-
pitality to mention just a few,
Including grandma Singaris five
family members who have been offi-
cially recognised by the government
for their dedication to the country
by having honours bestowed upon
them, Mr. Tikaram said.
He said the responsibility now
falls on the grand and great grand
children and future generations to
carry on and build upon the senior
Tikarams enormous legacy.
Thakur and Singaribai had 11
children, Kissum Lal Tikaram, Mad-
ho Singh Tikaram, Radhe Harry Na-
rayan Tikaram, Justice Sir Moti Ti-
karam, Shiu Narayan Tikaram, Jerry
Tikaram, Kala Wati Maharaj Bhai,
Sushila Devi Satyanand, Countess
Sumitra Tikaram de Brouchoven de
Bergyeck, Sahodra Devi and Bobby
Tikaram.
Of the second-generation Ti-
karam siblings only three are surviv-
ing, Sumitra in the United Kingdom,
Sahodra in Sydney and Bobby in Fiji
but Tikarams grandchildren and
great-grand -children are spread
around the world.
The youngest and only surviving
male sibling of the second genera-
tion Tikaram, Bobby Tikaram said it
would be an honour and privilege
for him to be attending this historic
family event.
Mr. Tikaram has now retired and
has made Nadi his home. He had
moved to Nadi in 1964 and joined
the Civil Aviation Authority as Air-
Radio Communication Cadet.
The 74 year old said he was very
grateful to his parents for their hard
work and foresight, without which
he said the family wouldnt be what
it is today.
The former athlete added he was
particularly thankful to his mother
for thinking of the people especially
the children of Lami by donating
their piece of land where the Ti-
karam Park is today, to the Lami
Town Council.
We are also very appreciative
of the hard work by Lami Town
Council, under the able leadership
of Special Administrator, Mr Jasper
Singh and with financial help from
the Government in redeveloping he
foreshore for recreational purposes
with the project cost of almost one
million dollars, Mr. Tikaram said.
The former Nadi Soccer Associa-
tion President and Secretary of Fiji
Football Association said he was
thankful to his nephews organis-
ing the event, Anil son of Sir Moti
Tikaram, Tarun son of Kissun Lal Ti-
karam and Lawrence and Chris sons
of Jerry Tikaram.
Mr. Tikaram said his elder sister
Sumitra will be travelling from the
United Kingdom to be part of the cel-
ebration but unfortunately his other
elder sister, Sohodra who is based in
Sydney wont be able to attend due
to health reasons.
We will miss her and we are very
fortunate to have Sumitra joining us.
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Fiji - the way the world should be

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

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

CONCERN ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

In this publication of The Jet newspaper, we feature an
article about a 14 year old girl from Narokorokoyawa Village
in Sabeto, Nadi who has been the sole carer of her 65 year
old maternal grandmother who suffers from stroke.
Children like Sera globally, are called young carers.
2018 Public Holidays
Government has approved the following 2018 public holi-
A young carer is someone aged 18 or under who helps
days through a Gazette Notice No. 79 dated Friday the 11th of
look after a relative who has a condition, such as a disability,
August 2017:
illness, mental health condition, or a drug or alcohol prob-
lem.
1. New Years Day Monday, 1st January
Most young carers look after one of their parents or care
2. Good Friday Friday, 30th March
for a brother or sister.
3. Easter Saturday Saturday, 31st March
Seras story could possibly be one of many other children
4. Easter Monday Monday, 2nd April
facing the same dilemma in the country.
5. National Sports and Wellness Day Friday, 29th June
Its amazing how a child as young as Sera can take on
6. Constitution Day Friday, 7th September
an enormous responsibility in addition to trying to complete
7. Fiji Day Wednesday, 10th October
her primary school education.
8. Diwali Wednesday, 7th November
There are a lot of factors that we need to ask on how be-
9. Prophet Mohammeds Birthday Monday, 19th November
ing a young carer can have a big impact on the things that
10. Christmas Day Tuesday, 25th December
are important to growing up.
11. Boxing Day Wednesday, 26th December
The obvious, is that children like this Year 8 old girl from
Sabeto District School have been forced to grow up much

Say No to Polythene Bags

too quickly due their circumstances.
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation,
Mereseini Vuniwaqa said she would be sending a team to
see what steps that needs to be taken and other assistance
that could be provided.
I want to find out why only this child is looking after her
grandmother and what could be done, she said. By LUKE NACEI
Ms Vuniwaqa said she would probably also have to seek
the support of non-government organisations or other Gov- Founder, Green Scouts
ernment agencies to provide aid for Sera and her grand- Movement of Fiji Dr. Ajantha
mother. Perera is urging the public to
be committed and say no to
polythene bags.
q ANA SOVA Mrs Perera said already
garbage piles are filled with
THE JET is Fijis first community newspaper published weekly by polythene bags.
YOURSPACE LIMITED from Nadi - the tourism capital of Fiji. Though they come in
all colors, they are a huge
PUBLISHER/EDITOR: SAMUEL SHANKAR Cell: 9966115
menace to the environ-
SPORTS : LUKE NACEI Cell: 9516847
NEWS : ANA SOVA Cell: 7378722 ment. They clog waterways,
ADVERTISING : MARGARET NAQIRI Cell: 9360047 drains, they do not decom-
OFFICE PHONES : 6707075 / 6750443 pose hence make the soil
EMAIL : news@thejetnewspaper.com unfertile, she said.
: sam@media.com.fj They collect rainwater
WEBSITE : www.thejetnewspaper.com hence leading to the spread
of mosquitoes. When burnt
COMPLAINTS: The Jet Newspaper continues to strive for excellence in
they give out dioxins and
its publications, with this in mind we welcome all complaints and sug-
gestions from our readers. All such comments could be sent to furans, which are carcino-
feedbacks@media.com.fj We thank you our readers for your valued genic.
support towards The Jet Newspaper. She said the Government
of Fiji has taken a great ini-
PRINTED BY MAX MARKETING - LAYOUT BY MARGARET NAQIRI
tiative to put a price on the
thin shopping bags encour-
aging the customers to re-
use, reduce and find alter-
natives to plastic bags.
Visit us on our Website for latest Mrs Perera said in order
to sustain the initiative tak-
Updates!!! en strategies need to be in
place.
She addressed some pos-
www.thejetnewspaper.com sible mechanisms to ensure
that the enthusiasm towards
reduction of polythene bags
does not dwindle with time.
All supermarkets should
make alternative reusable
bags available at the coun-
ters for sale thereby giving
the customers the possibility
to make a favorable choice.
She adds that the media
should continuously en-
courage the usage of cloth
and other alternative bags
through talk shows, adver-
tisements and promotion
through popular and re-
spected personalities.
The school children
should be discouraged from
bringing polythene bags
to school and manufac-
ture and sale of alternative
bags should be encouraged
through incentives and
grants.
Those who understand
the value of our environ-
ment will continue to re-
main faithful by saying NO
to thin shopping bags.
But in every society
Founder, Green Scouts Movement of Fiji Dr. Ajantha Perera with
the reusable bags. Photo: SUPPLIED.
there are those who will
argue as to how they are
inconvenienced due to the
are faithful continue in their
commitment to minimize
After all our greatest
commitment is to ensure
lack of plastic shopping as the use of polythene, one that the environment of our
they normally get rid of the
household garbage in these
day the others too will fol-
low them.
motherland is well protect-
ed, she added.
polythene bags. If those who

2 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 3

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MILLION DOLLAR SPORTS

COMPLEX FOR NADI
By LUKE NACEI

A $150 million modern sta-
dium construction is under-
way for Nadi.
Nadi Chamber of Com-
merce President, Dr Ram Raju
has confirmed that initial talks
have already been held with
Investment Fiji.
The land that has been
eyed is of 50 acres and is giv-
en by the Nakovacake Devel-
opment Trust.
Fiji Chamber of Commerce
and Industry President, Peter
Mazey while speaking at the
Western Business Forum and
the Private Sector at Tanoa
Skylodge in Nadi said that
sports tourism was a huge po-
tential in Nadi.
Mr Mazey who is also the
Fiji Sports Council Chairman
said around 50 acres of land
had been identified close to
Denarau in which the sport
complex was planned to be
built.
He said the 35,000 seat
proposed stadium, is a huge
boost in the Pacific Region.
Mr Mazey said the state of
the art sports complex would
include a stadium and indoor
arena which could be profit-
able it is rightly managed.
It would be suitable to
host all international events
including rugby, rugby league,
football, and cricket and other
outdoor events and meetings.
In order for the project to
succeed, Mr Mazey said they
would need support from the
community.
International models for
funding such avenues shows
that it needs a commitment
from landowners, investors
and the local community,
supported by Government,
he said.
Mr Mazey said it was suit-
able for Nadi because it had
the airport and accommoda-
tion.
He said Suva werent able
to secure some international Nadi Chamber of Commerce President, Dr Ram Raju. Photo:
sporting events because it MARGARET NAQIRI.
didnt have the accommoda- need several thousand beds It was important that Nadi,
tion and other services which for the last events and we he said improved its sporting
were only available in Nadi. need the direct air links pro- complexes if they wanted to
Currently Suva misses vided by a large international host sporting international
out on more events because airport, Mr Mazey said. events.
of our accommodation, we

Marine Trade Day a Success

By ANA SOVA

The Fiji/New Zealand Ma-
rine Trade Day was held at the
Denarau Yacht Club in Nadi
last week Friday.
The event which has been
held in Fiji for the second time
now was hailed a success by
organizers.
New Zealand Marine In-
dustry Association Executive
Director, Peter Busfield said
marine exhibitors from New
Zealand loved coming to Port
Denarau Marina for the event.
Port Denarau Marina General Manager, Cynthia Rasch and New Its an opportunity for Fiji
and businesses involved in
Zealand Marine Industry Association Executive Director, Peter the marine industry and busi-
Busfield pictured during the Fiji/New Zealand Marine Trade Day nesses from New Zealand
at the Denarau Yacht Club on August 4th. Photo: ANA SOVA. to engage and to share ex-
periences and best business
practices and to make new
contacts,
Today has been very suc-
cessful. We are delighted that
it was so full with around 15
superyachts in the marina
at the moment and about 70
cruising yachts out in the bay,
Mr. Busfield said.
He said a lot of the com-
panies brought new products
and have been able to release
and show their exhibits to the
cruising yachts.
Anything from electronics
to inflatable fenders to new
sales design, Mr. Busfield
added.
He said they were also dis-
playing information about the
Bay of Islands Marina in Opua,
New Zealand.
Weve got a brand new
marina there, so were letting
people know that when you
approach New Zealand its
one of the first port of call. The
marina has also increased its
capacity, Mr. Busfield said.
He said it was great to see
the Marina industry support-
ing the event.
Its pretty much what we
call a soft sell situation and
were just letting people know
whats available in New Zea-
land and were encouraging
people to sail to New Zealand
and maybe have a holiday
there, he added.
Meanwhile, Port Denarau
Marina General Manager,
Cynthia Rasch said it was a
great opportunity for industry
partners, marine businesses,
yachts and agents to network
and discuss one on one the
latest marine products and
services with leading marine
operators under one roof.
The turnout has been fan-
tastic, people are excited. We
look forward to doing this ev-
ery year, Ms. Rasch.

$15K Refurbishment
for Nadi District
By LUKE NACEI
Twenty-five staff from the Sofitel Fiji Resort
and Spa have volunteered their working time
to help in the refurbishment of Nadi District
School.
They are currently under a two week proj-
ect renovating some of the classrooms for the
school, an initiative that has been ongoing by
the hotel.
Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa Director of Rooms
Sunny Goo said the work done for the school
was part of their community outreach.
This year continuing with the community
project and it was nice to invite some of the
staffs to volunteer their hours and their kids
are at school and as well for us as a company
its always good to get back to community and
also its really good team work initiative, she
said.
For three years Sofitel has helped Saint An-
drews School and this is the second year that
they came back to Nadi District School.
Its really quite fun to get to hang out with
our staffs because we work in different depart-
ments, right now four to five departments are
all together, she said.
We have repainted the inside, all the walls
are repaired, new fan, new lights and the roofs
are painted.
The refurbishment works started on the first
week of holidays.
Its wonderful to see everyone coming to-
gether and helping our local community, Ms
Goo added.
The money invested in the refurbishment of
the project costed to almost $15,000.
Staff of Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa at Nadi District School. Photo: LUKE NACEI.

Call for Awareness on Issues

By ANA SOVA
Minister for Women, Chil- The Ministry of Women
dren and Poverty Alleviation, has a huge responsibility in

Against Women and Children

Mereseini Vuniwaqa has
encouraged faith-based or-
ganizations to educate their
various groups and family
members to eliminate social
ills and discrimination against
women and children.
Minister Vuniwaqa issued
this plea while speaking at
the Women on the Frontline
Conference at the Balawa
Apostles Church in Lautoka
on Saturday, sharing her con-
cerns on rising issues against
women and children.
The ministry will work
closely with faith-based or-
ganisations in the new finan-
cial year to help Government
in the economic empower-
ment of women, elimination
of violence against women,
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Mereseini Vuniwaqa with the participants of the Women on the Frontline child abuse and neglect and
Conference at the Balawa Apostles Church in Lautoka. Photo: DEPTFO. poverty alleviation,
addressing social issues af-
fecting women and children
in Fiji, she said.
Meanwhile, Minister Vuni-
waqa has lauded the commit-
tee members for organising
the Conference.
The conference is aimed
at empowering the lives of
women and girls in Fiji.
It is also committed to
empower, equip and mobi-
lize Christian women through
conferences, training events,
outreach programmes; mis-
sion projects and women
from a variety of streams re-
ceive encouragement, equip-
ping and impartation.
About 200 women from
Fiji and guest speakers from
Australia and New Zealand
participated in the confer-
ence.

4 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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Bula Queens Facelift for Hindu

Temple in Nadi
Support Interhash

Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple.

Bula Festival Queen Contestants with members of Nadi Hash House Harriers on Denarau Road.
Photo: SUPPLIED.
By ANA SOVA
The 2017 Digicel Nadi Bula Festival Queen
Contestants came out in support of Fiji Inter-
hash 2018 event.
The contestants had joined members of
Nadi chapter will be hosting the biennial
event next year from 24th-27th May 2018.
The girls were keen to know and were de-
lighted to be part of Hash House Harriers and
By ANA SOVA
The legendary Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami
Temple in Nadi is reportedly planned to under-
go a US$500,000 upgrade and beautification.
Upgrading will also include constructing a
vegetarian eatery.
The Temple is run by the India Sanmarga
Ikya Sangam (TISI) Fiji.
TISI Fiji also plans to celebrate its 24th Anni-
versary with elaborate Maha Kumba Abhishek-
am rituals in June next year.
TISI, headquartered in Nadi and estab-
lished in 1926; runs various schools, colleges,
Temples, farms, nursery; besides undertaking
various sporting and cultural activities and or-
ganizing conventions.
Jai Narayan is its Chief Executive Officer.
This Temple, which opens at 6am every day,
holds hour-long Trishati Pooja every Tuesday
evening.
Anand Gurukkal is the Head Priest.

Committee Helps
Nadi Hash House Harriers for their usual Mon-
day event this week.
They were introduced to the social running
club known as Hash House Harriers.
pledging to join weekly runs once the Bula Fes-
tival was over.
They are also keen to be volunteers for the
2018 event.

Isei Crowned 2017 Community

Priscilla Queen
By ANA SOVA

Isei Cakauniloloma Cavu

aka Isabella could not believe
it when he was announced
winner of the Miss Fiji Gas
Priscilla Night 2017 during the
Nadi Bula Festival last week
Friday.
The 20 year old said it
was a miracle for him to be
crowned queen because he
had participated for the first
time in the pageant while ma-
jority of the contestants had
taken part in previous years.
I feel excited and I just
thank the Lord, Isei said.
She said she wasnt aiming
to take the crown but wanted
to use the platform to enter-
tain.
I love entertaining and
I wanted to participate be-
cause of that. I also wanted
to do it for the experience, to
build my confidence and just
have fun, Isei added.
The Ono-i-Lau lass who
shares maternal links to Ma-
tuku in the Lau Group said
she also wanted to take that
opportunity to advocate on
HIV/AIDS.
We hear so much of STIs,
HIV/AIDS especially amongst
young people, In participat-
ing I thought it would give the
voice to talk to young people
about avoiding contracting
the disease and practicing
safe sex, Isei said.
I just want to tell young
people out there and adults
as well to just be smart if you
want to be sexually active.
Always use protection and
be faithful to one partner and
make sure that youre ready.
Isei thanked all those that
had supported her.
All my friends, my family
especially from my maternal
side and my workmates at My
Miss Fiji Gas Priscilla Queen 2017 Isei Cakauniloloma Cavu at
Prince Charles park, Nadi. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
Hair Salon, she said.
Isei added it was a good
experience being around her
fellow contestants.
Recipients of the assistance given out by the Nadi Bula Festival Committee pictured at the Novotel
Hotel in Nadi. Photo: ANA SOVA.
It was a happy occasion for the office but weve picked after her own mother had
some members of the Nadi out those that we know are passed away after suffering
community on 18th August as desperately in need, Vuataki from an illness and her elder
the Nadi Bula Festival Com- said. sister had moved to Suva.
mittee provided them with Merewai Borivosa of Ko- Its unimaginable for an 14
much needed assistance. royaca Village in Sabeto was year old to be looking after
As part of their post festival assisted with an electric sew- her grandmother but whats
charity work, the Committee ing machine to help her gen- more unimaginable is that she
assisted five families whose erate income. solely takes care of her grand-
homes had been destroyed The 61 year old whose legs mother who is suffering from
by fire, an elderly lady whose had been amputated for 14 stoke.
legs had been amputated, a years now said she was very The year eight student of
year eight student who solely grateful. Sabeto District School said
looks after her grandmother I didnt think the assis- they live on the assistance
suffering from stroke, the Nadi tance would be this huge. I provided by the Social Wel-
Hospital and Border Police of- cant walk around but I crawl fare.
fice at Nadi Airport. around the house helping out Sometimes we dont have
Titilia Vuataki, a Trustee with some home chores but I any food to eat and we run
of the Committee said they cant really go out to do some out of laundry detergents to
had provided the assistance work to get income so with wash our clothes,
through the money that had this I can just sit at home and Today weve been as-
been raised by the queen con- sew and sell to get earn some sisted with my grandmothers
testants of this years festival, money, Merewai said. diapers, blanket, carpet and
totaling at $18,000. Sera Vosailagi of Narokoro- some money to buy some
Today there was about koyawa Village in Sabeto has groceries. Im very thankful
15 recipients. There are a lot been alone with her 65 year for it, Sera said.
of requests that we receive in old grandmother since 2015
Send us your feedbacks or suggestions to:
It was great fun being
around them.
feedbacks@media.com.fj
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 5
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FRIEND TO OPEN MEDICAL CENTRE
By ANA SOVA
Foundation for Rural Inte-
grated Enterprises & Develop-
ment (FRIEND) Fiji is expect-
ed to open its medical centre
in Tuvu, Lautoka next week.
FRIENDs Associate Direc-
tor, Dr. Jone Hawea said the
centre will be providing much
more than just general outpa-
tient care services.
Its not going to be like the
usual medical centre in the
sense that well still provide
doctor services and general
outpatient care for the gen-
eral public but we will also be
providing services like medi-
tation, cooking and nutrition
session, sessions with people
living with diabetes, tradition-
al Itaukei massage or Bobo
service,
We will provide laborato-
ry services and we are proud
to be partnering with VanMed
Laboratory, Dr. Hawea said.
He said its a holistic well-
ness environment with the
facility also proving an exer-
cise track in their compound
to offer for people who would
Telling Tales Through Food Refusing to be
Limited
Staff of FRIEND Fiji at thier newly opened Tukuni Restaurant in Tuvu Lautoka. Photo: ANA SOVA.
By ANA SOVA
In a bid to promote healthy
eating and give more expo-
sure to the pristineness of
our local food, Foundation for
Rural Integrated Enterprises
& Development (FRIEND) Fiji
has opened a restaurant at its
headquarters in Tuvu, Lau-
toka.
The Tukuni Restaurant is
a local organic restaurant in-
volving a farm table approach.
According to FRIENDs
Associate Director, Dr. Jone
Hawea, serving local tradi-
tional food to people is a form
of telling a tale about a signifi-
cant part of our traditions.
We are about telling a
story, thats how Tukuni, the
name came about. Tukuni in
the ITaukei language means to
tell a tale, its not only as sim-
ple as telling a tale, its about
messaging, in the olden days
when there are sensitive mes-
sages that the elders wanted
to share with the younger gen-
eration it would come first in a
form of a tale or Tukuni,
The message here is that
we are proud of the pristine
nature of our food. We know
food is at the heart of our iden-
Inside the newly opened Tukuni Restaurant. Photo: ANA SOVA.
6 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
want to take a walk.
As a strong advocate for
the fight against Non-Commu-
nicable Diseases, Dr. Hawea
felt there are not many alter-
native approaches around
from conventional medicine.
In addition to that, be-
tween the Lautoka and Ba
corridor there is no medical
facility to assist and improve
the services in this commu-
nity so thats why we want to
build the centre, he said.
Dr. Hawea said all services
will be paid for.
It will run as a private
medical facility as an income
generation initiative and what-
ever profit is generated will go
back to the programmes that
we are running.
Dr. Hawea said they will
have to see the progress of
clients coming in to use their
services and the turnover
rate of their services in order
to determine whether they
can build up to carry out full
blown operation.
tity, our way of life and our
ceremonies, our culture, our
relationships rotate around
food and we want to share
that, Dr. Hawea said.
He said theyve also heard
from foreign visitors to FRIEND
about the lack of restaurants
in which they can really taste
authentic Fijian food.
Furthermore, Dr. Hawea
said the more FRIEND ven-
tured out into facilitating
people in their livelihood the
more they realised that a lot of
it is around our food systems.
He said they worked with a
lot of people in the food indus-
try in the past and have tried
to ask them to show a little bit
more pride in our Fijian cui-
sine.
Like most other activities
that we engage in, we have to
do it ourselves,
We realise we had to try
and send the message across
ourselves and we made an
investment decision to set up
this restaurant, he said.
He adds this feeds onto
another issue that theyve al-
ways dreaded.
That is the increase in
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FRIEND Fijis Associate Director Dr Jone Hawea pictured in front of their organic vegetable garden. Photo: ANA SOVA.
By ANA SOVA
Having a disability is defi- out the country. At 27, he hasnt considered
nitely difficult, but its also one Mr. Vatucicila, a former any other work and said after
of the richest classrooms a hu- cane cutter from Rakiraki is being employed with FRIEND
man can experience, too. now a brilliant paper maker for the past six years there is
A true testimony of the with the non-government or- no better place for him to be.
lives of speech and hear- ganisation. I like it here.
ing impaired, Minesh Kumar The 45 year old is skilled in FRIENDs Associate Direc-
and Sekaia Vatucicila who creating paper out of banana tor, Dr. Jone Hawea said be-
are currently employed with stalk, kava residue (kosa) and cause NGOs relied heavily on
Foundation of Rural Integrat- even ginger plant. donors, this was part of their
ed Enterprises and Develop- With a steady income, the initiative helping them be-
ments (FRIEND) Fiji in Tuvu, Mataso villager from Ra is able come self-sufficient.
Lautoka. to support his wife, Kalesi and Dr. Hawea said the Motib-
Refusing to be limited by his four children. hai Group is distributing the
their disability, the duos po- Paper made BY Mr. Vatuci- cards to a lot of local outlets,
tential shines through their cila is then used by Mr. Kumar including Morris Hedstrom
diseases that are affecting our creativity, together they are to make creative greeting (MH) and New World super-
population, Non-Communi- responsible in the production cards. markets, and Prouds outlets.
cable Diseases (NCD). This is of artistic greeting cards by Mr. Kumar who lives in
another way of tackling that FRIEND that are sold to select- Lovu, Lautoka said he can
problem. People need to val- ed business outlets through- make about 10 cards in a day.
ue our local food more, Dr.
Hawea said.
He said theyve has some
assistance from the United
States government.
This is in facilitating the
supplier side of things, helping
farmers with supplies, organic
practices and sustainable
farming practices so that gave
us courage to fulfill our goal.
Staffing and sources of
food are from the local com-
munity. The food is cooked
by women from around the
community, for generations
Dr. Hawea said have inherited
the methods of cooking tra-
ditional food. This is in both
traditional iTaukei food and
indigenous Fijian food.
The interior design and de-
cor of the restaurant like that
of some local resorts ooze
with the elegant use of bam-
boo, masi (tapa), magimagi
mixed with wooden chairs,
houseplants and herbs.
27 year old, Minesh Kumar with some of his creative gift cards. Photo: ANA SOVA.
45 year old Sekaia Vatucicila explains the process of paper making. Photo: ANA SOVA.
www.thejetnewspaper.com
$3.6 Million
Water Treatment
Plant for Fiji Pine
By LUKE NACEI
The Prime Minister Voreqe
Bainimarama opened a brand
new 3.6 million dollar water
treatment plant at Fiji Pine.
Mr Bainimarama highlight-
ed that they now have suc-
cessfully upgraded 85 per cent
of Fiji Pines infrastructure as-
sets that were in dire need of
repair.
As part of that effort, Im
delighted to be here this
Fiji Water Supports Fred World Marks 70th
Hollows Foundation Anniversary of Duty
-Free Trade!
The Fiji Water Foundation
has donated $50,000 to the
Fred Hollows Foundations
Pacific Eye Institute.
The money will go towards
the purchase of a retinal cam-
era for the Institutes Mobile
Eye Clinic, said FIJI Water
CEO, Mr Rokoseru Nabalarua.
Mr. Nabalarua added that
this is part of the FIJI Water
Foundations policy of seek-
ing meaningful opportunities
to make a difference in health
care for the general public.
Receiving the $50,000 grant
for the Fred Hollows Founda-
tion was Dr Biu Sikivou, who
said that the retina camera
would assist in the early de-
tection of various sight-related
conditions such as eye diseas-
es related to diabetes.
She added that the retina
camera would allow trained
nurses and technicians to
identify and grade diabetic
retinopathy. Those that need
further assessment will be re-
ferred to an ophthalmologist
(eye doctor).
Andrew Bell, Executive
Director of the Fred Hollows
Foundation said that the Fred
Hollows Foundation is hon-
oured to be partnering with
the FIJI Water Foundation
and the Ministry of Health to
provide eye care to rural com-
munities.
Inquiry Finds Current
Office Bearers Lawful
By ANA SOVA
An inquiry into the Fiji Taxi
Association (FTA) has found
that current officer bearers
are the lawful office bearers.
Ministry of Employment,
Productivity and Industrial
Relations Permanent Secre-
tary who is also the Registrar
of Industrial Associations,
Salaseini Daunabuna said the
inquiry was conducted inde-
pendently by Resident Magis-
trate, Andrew See under the
Industrial Associations Act.
In May this year, Daunabu-
na had authorized an Inquiry
into Fiji Taxi Association (FTA)
to ascertain whether the Asso-
ciation, its office bearers and
officials were observing the
provisions of its Constitution
following a dispute over the
lawful office bearers of the
Association.
The officer bearers are
Azeem Khan (Acting Presi-
dent), Mohammed Aslam
Khan (Vice President), Sam-
my Ali (Acting Vice Presi-
dent), Rishi Ram (General
Secretary), Mohammed Sha-
meem (Assistant Secretary)
morning to also officially open
a brand new 3.6 Million Dol-
lar water treatment plant, he
said.
Speaking to about 3000
people the Prime Minister
said not a single cent was bor-
rowed for the completion of
the project.
As was the case for the
entire upgrade of the Drasa
factory, including the new
From right: Director of the Pacific Eye Institute, Dr Biu Sikivou, re-
cieves the $50,000. Photo: FIJI WATER.
GOOGLE IMAGE
and Balram Naidu (Treasur-
er), Daunabuna said.
She said the inquiry also
found that Harish Chandra
was not lawfully elected as
sawmill, kiln, and planner mill
and power generation plant
not one cent was borrowed to
complete this project.
It was entirely funded
through the Companys re-
serve cash flow saved over
the past few years. So its safe
to say, the days of verging on
bankruptcy are well behind
us, he added.
Thank you again to Faiz
FIJI WATER
the Interim Chairperson.
Daunabuna added that the
current officer bearers hold
interim positions until elec-
tions are carried out.
The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimara and Executive Chair Faiz Khan at the unveiling of the plaque
at the opening of the water treatment plant in Drasa. Photo: LUKE NACEI.
Khan, the Executive Chair
and the Board Members of
the Fiji Pine Group for your
energy, dedication and com-
Airports Fiji Limited executive chairman Faiz Khan gets in a jovial mood with Prouds Duty-Free Stores
manager Ashwin Chand when the new look departure store opened in November 2015. Photo: MOTIBHAI
GROUP.
As the world marks the
70th anniversary of duty-free
this year, Fiji is not far behind
with this milestone achieve-
ment thanks to the Motibhai
Group which has been the pi-
oneer operator at the Nadi In-
ternational Airport since 1971.
Riding on the back of 46
years of unbroken service in
the duty-free and travel retail
sector of Fiji, Motibhai Group
are the pioneers of duty-free
trade in the country.
We have an unbroken re-
cord of 46 years as far as the
duty free and travel retail is
concerned and this segment
of our business has literally
evolved with the tourism sec-
tor and economic prosperity
of our beloved country, Mo-
tibhai Group chairman Kirit
Patel says.
We are an integral part of
the world duty-free scene. In
the intervening years we have
brought innovation and world
class operations at Nadi Air-
port duty-free store so much
so that we have received four
coveted International Frontier
Marketing Awards as follows:
* Best New Outlet 1985
* Best Marketing Award
1986
* Downtown Border Re-
tailer of the Year 1988
* Airport Retailer of the
Year 1992
These international
awards are significant recog-
nition of our duty-free opera-
tions, Mr Patel adds.
Having won numerous
awards and recognitions at an
international stage, I believe
we have an unbroken world
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
mitment to turning this In-
dustry around. Keep up the
great work, and keep showing
us what is possible when ef-
record to be one of the oldest
airport duty-free operators.
More importantly we have
always presented our offer-
ings to meet the exacting re-
quirements of ever changing
passenger mix. This has been
the hallmark of our success,
as passenger satisfaction is of
paramount importance.
Mr Patel said the presence
and gradual development
of Nadi International Airport
since it was established in the
40s has created opportunities
for generations of travellers
and business operators.
I wish to commend the
management of Airports Fiji
Limited (AFL) for carrying on
the good work and keeping
up with the times via its mod-
ernization project to enable
world class shopping and
travelling experience for visi-
tors to our shores, Mr Patel
said.
He said the company re
branded its duty-free opera-
tions at the airport as Prouds
in 1996 to align the company
branding together with its
town/city and resort stores
which were already trading as
Prouds since the sixties.
Airports Fiji Limited ex-
ecutive chairman Faiz Khan
commended Motibhai Group
on its long service to the duty-
free and travel retail industry.
Nadi International Airport
has transformed itself to meet
the modern travellers needs.
An important part of our air-
port experience is duty free
shopping. Our passengers
have the luxury of choosing
from world renowned brands
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fective management, sound
planning and worthwhile in-
vestment come together to
work for the Fijian people.
that is made available at our
duty-free outlets such as
Prouds, Mr Khan said.
With the Nadi Airport
upgrades now complete,
our passengers enjoy a walk
through duty-free shopping
experience. The expansion
and refurbishments mean
our passengers are processed
with ease allowing them
more time to spend shopping
in our duty-free outlets.
In 1947, the visionary Irish-
man Dr Brendan ORegan had
the bold idea to open a shop
in Shannon Airport, in the
west of Ireland, to sell duty
free goods to the US service-
men and other travellers pass-
ing through the airport.
Seventy years on, the in-
dustry Dr ORegan helped to
create is now worth some
US$64 billion, and is a vital
generator of revenues that
help improve transport in-
frastructure, reinvigorate lo-
cal economies and generate
employment not to mention
bring the worlds best brands
to millions of travellers across
the world.
The global campaign to
recognize this milestone
event is being spearheaded
by Tax Free World Association
(TFWA).
Founded in 1984, TFWA is
the worlds largest duty free
and travel retail association
with a membership of more
than 500 companies supply-
ing this global market.
MOTIBHAI GROUP
7
www.thejetnewspaper.com www.scribd.com/thejet

KIWI COMPANY BOOST FIJIAN SCHOOL

By LUKE NACEI
Packaworld International, a New Zealand
based company, has assisted Fulton Primary
School with portable football goals to help
bring the joy of sport to children at a school be-
ing rebuilt after Cyclone Winston.
Fulton Primary School has more than 100
students, and is located two hours drive from
the town of Rakiraki in Fijis Ra province.
Following the destruction of the schools
classrooms by the powerful February 2016 cy-
clone, tents were deployed as temporary class-
rooms, and the school sports field was affected
by the need to store materials for construction.
The Football Packagoals were transported
to the school recently by the Gracegate Cen-
tres Move to Fiji school rebuild initiative.
The initiative involved a 14-day visit to the
school from 12 New Zealand volunteers to sup-
port reconstruction, teaching and other school
activities.
Gracegate Centre Directions coach Urzalia
Rea said the contribution of the goals by New
Zealand sports equipment provider Packa-
world had been received with great enthusi-
asm by teachers and students alike.
They love the goals. It was great to see
how the kids reacted. Usually they just put their
shoes down to make goals, so they were re-
ally excited. When we inflated the goals, all the
kids ran down and took turns carrying them. It
was really cute, he said.
The school also has a crche for children
under five. The crche is housed in a large tent
while the school is being rebuilt, and this was
temporarily turned into an impromptu football
pitch using the goals during the visit, much to
the delight of the children.
Ms Rea said sport is really important to the
children of the region, many of whom live off
the central power grid and do not have access
to electronic entertainment such as television
and gaming systems.
Theres no power at the village, although
there is a generator thats used for power tools.
So these kids dont have power to play Xbox or
anything, they just stay out and play sport until
it gets dark.
She said the children had loved the foot-
ball coaching sessions during her visit, and the
teachers had loved the fact the goals could be
easily deflated and packed away.
Being able to pack them away and keep Students of Fulton PrimarY School enjoying the newly donated portable football goal. Photo: SUP-
them in a corner of a classroom tent was per- PLIED.
fect. The teachers thought we had just brought for them to keep they got quite emotional. This visit resulted in the completion of three
the goals along to run some activities, so when This was Gracegates second visit to Fulton constructed classrooms that the team started
we said the goals were sent over by Packaworld Primary School as part of the rebuild initiative. last year.

USP Opens $9.3 Million 11th UniFiji Students

Travel to Monash
Halls of Residence University
By ANA SOVA

The University of the South

Pacific (USP) has opened its
11th Halls of Residence at
its Laucala Campus in Suva,
costing FJ$9.3million.
The residence was offi-
cially opened by the Minister
for Employment, Productivity
and Industrial Relations, Jone
Usamate.
The 11th Hall was financed
through a loan of F$7.5 million
from the Fiji National Provi- University of Fiji Lautoka campus. Photo: SUPPLIED.
dent Fund and $1.8 million
Two students of the University of Fijis Umanand Prasad
from Australian Pacific Tech-
School of Medicine and Health Sciences (UPSM & HS) will soon
nical College.
be travelling to the Monash University, Melbourne as part of a
The eight buildings have
student initiative.
three floors each, each floor Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Jone Usamate at the official open- The Friends4Fiji Initiative in collaboration with the Monash
consisting of an eight bed- ing at the USP Laucala campus. Photo: SUPPLIED. University has offered substantially to the Fijian Medical Students
room multi-share with its
accommodation. recognised programmes thus Fiji and across the region and in the form of material aid; student exchange programmes, staff
own hot water showers, bath-
Professor Chandra added, adding to the Universitys ob- beyond to come to study at development workshops and research- evidence based learn-
rooms, toilets, washing ma-
since 2014, USP has been re- jective of attaining excellence the Laucala Campus. Good ing modules.
chines, kitchen and cooking
cording, on average, a five per throughout, Professor Chan- quality, affordable accommo- Under the student exchange programme, the two students
facilities.
cent increase in student num- dra said. dation is critical to success at travelling to Monash University are Mr. Kishan Chand, a final
Kitchens are equipped
bers and the new halls now al- Meanwhile, Mr. Usamate University, he said. year MBBS student and Mr. Tui Lasike, Year 5 MBBS student.
with electric hot plates, refrig-
low 192 more students to live said the Fijian Government Mr. Usamate said he was With the knowledge I gain from my visit, I aspire to improve
erators and microwave ovens.
within the Laucala Campus applauded USP for its efforts delighted to see that USP has research, clinical medicine, advocacy and health promotion for
Dining tables, chairs,
community. in ensuring that students have made provisions for student the Fiji Islands in future, said Chand.
couches, TV and wireless fa-
The University believes safe and secure accommoda- accommodation as one of its The students trip is fully-funded by Monash University for
cilities are also provided in
that staying on the campus tion in their pursuit for higher key strategic objectives. two weeks from August 18 to September 10, 2017.
each apartment.
contributes to student success learning. Four years ago, USP built UNIFIJI
The apartments are de-
signed with generous com- and well-being and promotes We also appreciate that the 10th Hall and today we are
mon spaces to foster intellec- our aim of promoting region- regional students from other here to witness the opening of
tual and social interaction for alism, and understanding and member countries of USP will the 11th Hall,
lasting friendships, academic mutual respect for the diverse also benefit from an increased I understand that work
stimulation and fun. Pacific communities, Profes- availability of accommoda- has started for the 12th Hall, Visit us on our Website for latest
Vice-Chancellor and Presi- sor Chandra said. tion, he said. a FJD$20million, 420 bed proj-
He said the provision of Mr. Usamate added there ect. I would like to congratu-
dent of USP, Rajesh Chandra
said the demand for more accommodation is a basic were many factors that bear late the Vice-Chancellor and Updates!!!
student accommodation has student support facility that is on student success rates and President for his leadership in
always been high, given the part and parcel of an excellent a good, safe and clean place making this happen, he said.
increasing number of the re-
gional and international stu-
university.
Such support enhances
to live with adequate educa-
tional facilities is very impor-
Part of the invited guests
that attended the official www.thejetnewspaper.com
dent population, as well as the study environment for tant. opening of the new 11th Halls
Fiji students from outside the students who are pursuing We have students that of Residence at USPs Laucala
Suva area needing on-campus their studies in accredited and travelled from many places in Campus.

8 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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

Sigatoka Andhra Wins

Schools Chefs Challenge
By LUKE NACEI
Sigatoka Andhra Sangam
College has won the Schools
Chef Challenge 2017.
The event was hosted at
the Outrigger Fiji Beach Re-
sort last Friday and Saturday
which saw 16 schools partici-
pating at the annual event.
The initiative is an Outrig-
ger Kitchen Team community
project that has been running
for the past four years, giving
school students from Years
9-13 an opportunity to take
part and showcase their tal-
ents as aspiring chefs which
is very strongly backed by the
Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.
Outrigger Fiji Executive
Chef and the Schools Chef
Challenge originator, Shailesh
Naidu who also happen to
be the Past President for Fiji
Chefs Association says that
as a kitchen team at Outrig-
ger they have always wanted
to do something that reflects
their profession and we ap-
preciate Outrigger Fiji execu-
tives for giving us this oppor-
tunity.
This is our commitment
to associate with the commu-
nity and give something back
to our people. Hence I have
put together this program to
showcase an element of tour-
ism industry, he said.
I thank the students for
showing interest in cooking. I
think its a very important skill
in life every one need a feed
and I know students compet-
ing have different goals in life,
Im not asking all to become
chefs but its one of those
things that you need to know
a bit of it.
He said a lot of kids these
days go for further studies
to universities or aboard are
cooking their own meals, at
least with these basic skills
the parents will be rest as-
sured the kids would be eat-
ing well.
These days its a unique
touch to cook for friends and
families and you dont have
to be a qualified chef to do
that, its more of your interest
and passion. I am sure theres
lot of Hubbies and Dads who
take keen interest in cooking.
Mr Naidu added: Gone
are the days that its only a
mum or wife thing to do, said
Naidu.
In 2012, Mr Naidu worked
with only one school Sigatoka
Andhra and organized this
competition. The following
year, he was approached to
involve other schools so they
had eight schools from the
province.
Last year we had 15
schools, 4 from Nadi and 2
from Lautoka joining in as
well. This year we got the en-
tire schools of Nadroga /Navo-
sa province and schools from
Nadi, Lautoka, Ba and possi-
bly schools from the Southern
side joining us this year, total
of 16 schools, he said.
Mr Naidu says there has
been great interest in the ini-
tiative and it speaks for itself
- increasing from one school
to 16 fifteen schools in just 5
years with around 180 com-
petitors. non-communicable diseases
We used to run this event (NCDs).
Students of Sigatoka Andhra Sangam College participating in the
Schools Chef Challenge 2017. Photo: SUPPLIED.
at one of the schools home Winners:
economics room but with the Egg Dish: Vashist Muni Col-
popularity we brought it to lege
Outrigger and set up the resort Salada Creation: Cuvu Col-
Ball Room into a flash air con lege
kitchen for the kids on cook Chicken Dish: Sigatoka An-
up a storm, he added. drha Sangam College
Meanwhile, the Minister for Seafood Dish: Sigatoka
Health Rosy Akbar was chief Andhra Sangam College
quest at the culmination of the Vegetarian Dish: Sigatoka
event. She gave away $2000 to Methodist College
the winners. Cake decoration: Cuvu
Minister Akbar thanked College
the students for their partici- School of the Year: Siga-
pation and urged them to be toka Andhra College.
ambassadors of healthy liv-
ing while highlighting to them
the increasing numbers of

$1.3 Million Hospitality

and complements the effort of collective stake- In establishing this facility Pacific TAFE is
holders in the field of tourism, in preparing for not only supporting on-job training and de-
and addressing the significant tourism growth. velopment among the larger resorts, but also
This Centre is exactly what the market providing career pathways for young Fijians

and Tourism Training

needs a quality facility for training entry level wanting to enter into an exciting and growing
workforce, and one-stop-shop for current industry, Mr Lal emphasised.
industry employees seeking to upskill profes- He added that tourism and mid-range to
sional development and career advancement luxury hotel market is a rapidly growing mar-

Centre Opens opportunities, Ms Tang said.

By LUKE NACEI
Students along the Nadi and Namaka cor-
ridor who are interested in pursuing a career in
the specialised fields of hospitality operations,
commercial cookery and patisserie can now
attend the Nadi Hospitality and Tourism centre
thanks to the University of the South Pacific.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Inter-
national Centre of Excellence in Tourism and
Hospitality Education (THE-ICE), Ms Pauline
Tang officially opened The University of the
South Pacifics (USP) Nadi Hospitality and
Tourism Training Centre on August 18.
The centre, which is worth FJ$1.3m will
conduct training for Certificates III and IV in
Commercial Cookery, Certificate III in Patis-
serie and Certificate IV in Hospitality Opera-
tions offered through the Pacific Technical and
Further Education (Pacific TAFE).
It is a simulated training centre which has
a commercial kitchen, a restaurant and bar,
as well as classrooms and staff offices, for the
delivery of Hospitality (Events, Food & Bever-
age, and Front Office), Commercial Cookery &
Culinary and Patisserie (Pastry & Bakery) pro-
grammes for students in Fiji.
She said that the Centre both compliments
Ms Tang has encouraged industry partners,
government officials, members of non-govern-
ment organisations and future learners to take
advantage of the qualifications offered through
the Nadi Hospitality and Tourism Training Cen-
tre.
Professor Chandra said that the Centre will
ensure accessibility of hospitality trainings for
students and existing workers in the western
division, which boasts majority of tourism ac-
tivities in Fiji.
With a full commercial kitchen and training
restaurant the Nadi Centre will focus on cook-
ery and hospitality. Training will be practical,
hands on and experience based.
Mr Hasmukh Lal, Executive Director of Pa-
cific TAFE said that this training facility is one
that the tourism and hospitality industry in the
West deserve.
ket in the west of Fiji and one of the key con-
straints identified by Pacific TAFEs industry
partners is trained staff, hence the need to di-
versify skills based hospitality programmes in
the Western division.
THE-ICE is a highly-regarded international
quality assurance (QA) agency with 36 leading
TH&E institutions comprising of higher educa-
tion institutes, research universities, vocational
colleges and private hotel schools from 15
countries.
Pacific TAFE is also planning to offer Di-
ploma of Culinary Arts and Management and
Diploma of Hospitality Management from 2018.
The Nadi Tourism and Hospitality Training
Centre is located in Prime Complex, Commer-
cial St, Namaka, Nadi.

LAUTOKA CAMPUS LAUTOKA CAMPUS

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST CERTIFICATE IV IN WORKPLACE

OHS MODULES 1-4 TRAINING LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Do you want to be a highly effective leader? Do you want to develop the self-confidence, vision, wisdom,
Acquire knowledge and skills in identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risk and in contributing motivational impact and delivery skills that the most effective leaders have? And do you want to be the person to
to occupational health and safety management in your organisation. It is mandatory in Fiji under whom, quite naturally, other people turn for direction?
Legal Notice 169 section 7(1) that OHS special training should be provided to Health & Safety This Course Helps You Become Exceptional Leaders
representatives and committee members in every work place. Safety at work is everyones concern Outcomes
Target Group: Understand and apply a framework of Workplace Leadership to guide your personal development, as well as
the development of your teams and organization
This training is open for all interested individuals. It is also available for in-house training delivery.
Determine how to enhance learning process in order to meet day to day operation
Training will also be delivered in other districts of the Western Division on demand. Interested persons Create a persona; agenda for self-improvement and set goals to productivity throughout the organization
are requested to liaise with your networks and collect expressions of interest. You can then contact
New tools and technique and able to foster innovation.
the undersigned for scheduling of training and other logistics.
Capacity building and skills transfer

Learning outcomes: Training content Component 1- Staff Welfare Component 2 Human Component 3 Leadership &
At the successful completion of the training OHS Act 1996 application & Safety Resource Management Skills Management Skills
participants will be able to: Workplace arrangements Understanding Diversity at Work Change Management Skills Coaching: A leadership Skills
Explain the roles & functions of OHS Establishment of OHS reps & committees Workplace Ethics
Conducting Effective Performance
Professional Supervisor
representatives and the committee. Functions of the OHS committee Review
Demonstrate the use of workplace Managing OHS The 6 steps approach Team Building Initiatives in the
Safety at the Workplace Performance Management
workplace
arrangements to resolve workplace health & Current OHS regulations
Dealing with Workplace
safety issues. SMART audit HR Training for Non HR Managers Motivating your workforce
Harassment
Describe methods used to identify workplace Accident investigation & reporting
Dealing with Workplace Violence New Staff Orientation Employee dispute resolution
hazards & assess their risk factors. Hazard identification & risk assessment &
Apply OHS technology & communication controls Fijis Employment Relations Bill to be studied also.
skills Hazardous substances Cross Credit of Leadership & Management Module from Certificate II in Professional Development Programme
Identify the relevant OHS regulations & codes Target Group: Emerging, aspiring and current workplace Leaders.
of practice
Delivery Details

Dates, Days & Time Applications Due Date Venue Fee Venue Dates (Evening classes) Time

Evening Class - September 2017 USP Lautoka $560 pp Lautoka- USP Lautoka Campus (2 evenings per week) To be announced once sufficient number 5 - 8pm
Two Evenings per week Campus of applications are received
5-8pm Ba/Tavua/Rakiraki (Monday and Thursday evening Class 5 - 8pm

Class will be scheduled once sufficient number of applications is received.
To obtain enrolment form and for further information, contact: Rajendra Singh, tel: 6666800;
fax: 6667133; email: rajendra.singh@usp.ac.fj or Babita Sharma, email: babita.sharma@usp.ac.fj or
enquire at the USP Lautoka Campus, Western House, corner of Vidilo Street, Lautoka or visit our
website: www.usp.ac.fj/lautoka
Fees: $450 per component & $1350 for whole program.
Payment: Cash, Cheque, Installments and FNPF.
Class may be re-scheduled if sufficient number of applications is not received in time. To obtain enrolment form
and for further information, contact: Rajendra Singh Tel: 666 6800/ Fax: 6667133 or Email: rajendra.singh@usp.
ac.fj or Babita Sharma Email: Babita.Sharma@usp.ac.fj or enquire at the USP Lautoka Campus, Western House,
corner of Vidilo Street, Lautoka or visit our website: www.usp.ac.fj/lautoka

TOWARDS EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING AND KNOWLEDGE CREATION TOWARDS EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING AND KNOWLEDGE CREATION
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 9
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I LOVE MY
TOYOTA SUVs

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Chambers Triumph Car Art Contest

By LUKE NACEI
Opeti Chambers has won the 207 11th Toyota Dream Car Art
Contest. He is the East Asia & Oceania Regional winner.
The nine year old is on cloud nine with his life trip to Japan to
attend the global award ceremony.
I thank the Lord for this opportunity and I thank him for giv-
ing me this talent, he said.
Chambers winning entry was titled Red Mojo Automobile
and his theme behind the concept was a vehicle that had every-
thing in it to rehabilitate communities after a natural disaster.
He drew his inspiration for his concept from the devasta-
tion caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston. So he dreamed up
the Red Mojo Automobile which has a hospital, an evacuation
centre, shops to name a few; that would cater to the needs of
people who may be affected by a natural disaster.
Asco Motors CEO Craig Sims said: We are excited about
Opetis win and showcases the imagination and creative poten-
tial of the future leaders of Fiji. Opetis win should serve as an
encouragement for children from all over Fiji that they can also
participate and win, he said.
The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest is a global art competition
hosted by Toyota Motor Corporation and organized by its global
network of automotive distributors and dealers.
In Fiji, Asco Motors as the official distributor in Fiji has man-
aged the contest. The contest invites children from all over the
country to submit their creative drawing or artwork, in a chance
to win awards and attend an awards ceremony in Japan in 2017.
The contest harnesses artistic interests in young children
through imagining a car of their future. In part, it is intended to
create opportunities for children throughout the world to de-
velop their interest in cars and to inspire creativity for the future
leaders of tomorrow.
The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest was first introduced in
2004 and this year was the 11th year of its running. Some of
the goals of the contest are to: To strengthen Toyotas relation-
ship with national communities and customers; to promote cre-
ativity, imagination and innovation through art and; to increase
Toyota brand awareness in Fiji. Above: Opeti Chambers centre with his school
The contest was held in the following age categories: Cate- mates today. Photo: LUKE NACEI.
gory 1- Under 8 years old, Category 2- 8 11 years old, Category Left: Opetis winning entry. Photo: SUPPLIED.
3-12 15 years old.
In Fiji, the contest ran from 1st September 2016 to mid-Feb-
ruary 2017.
East Asia & Oceania Regional Winner
Opeti Chambers was announced the Winner for the Catego-
ry 2 8 to 11 years for the East Asia and Oceania Region. Send us your feedbacks or
This is a milestone achievement for the country, as it is the suggestions to:
first time a participant from Fiji has entered the global award
ceremony as a winner in the region.
Fiji Art Camp
Asco Motors hosted its first Art Camp in January this year at
its Regional Training Centre. The camp was attended by 50 chil- feedbacks@media.com.fj
dren, with ages from 3 to 15years and was conducted by well-
known cartoonist Tui.

BROCHURES

Tel + 679 670 5443

WEBSITE
or + 679 670 7075
support@media.com.fj

www.media.com. 6 Queens Rd, Martintar Nadi, Fiji

THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 11
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$7k Raised in Bushells

Biggest Morning Tea
By ANA SOVA
The Motibhai Group successfully raised
$7,000 from its Bushells Fijis Biggest Morning
Tea that was held yesterday their headquarters
in Nadi.
The fund was raised from donations for the
Fiji Cancer Society.
This will be put towards other morning
tea events and fundraisers in a bid to collect
$100,000 this year for the Fiji Cancer Society.
Motibhais Manager Public Relations and
Corporate Marketing, Shalendra Prasad said
while Motibhai Group has been actively in-
volved in various philanthropic works around
the country, the Bushells Fijis Morning Tea
campaign which is in its 11th year always holds
a special place in their company.
Since 2006 when the campaign was first
launched, thousands of dollars have been
raised and thousands of lives have been saved
as well,
If it was not for this campaign and the good
work being carried out by the Fiji Cancer So-
ciety, thousands of survivors would not have
been around with us today, Prasad said.
He adds apart from their initial sponsorship
of the event, in 2014 Motibhai Group made a
further commitment of $15,000 for the next five
years.
The arrangement ends in 2018 with a total
of $75,000 in donation from the Group.
To further strengthen the efforts of the Fiji Fiji Cancer Society Board Member Margaret Rounds delivering her speech at the Bushells Fijis Morning
Cancer Society, our Group this year launched Tea while the Motibhai Executives look on at the Motibhai Head Quarters in Nadi. Photo: MARGARET
an additional campaign in May. Known as the NAQIRI.
Bushells Five Cents Campaign, we will be do-
nating five cents from every packet of Bushells Fiji Cancer Society board member, Margaret the Motibhai Group host the first Morning Tea
tea sold from May until September end towards Round thanked Motibhai Group for coming up every year, and would then be followed by
the Fiji Cancer Society, Prasad said. with the initiative 11 years ago, and for being other Organizations, Round said.
He said they were expecting funds raised their major partner for this event, in its 11th We thank you for showing your staunch
from this new campaign to be in excess of successive year since. commitment to the cause.
$30,000 which should be good enough to take Thank you very much indeed for your kind
the entire funds raised from this campaign to and generous support. Ever since this initiative
reach around $100,000 this year. began 11 years ago, it is always customary, that

Reapis Battle with Cancer

By ANA SOVA
Reapi Nayacakalou felt like in her
own words, a sledgehammer had hit her
when a doctor at the Nadi Hospital in-
formed her she had endometrial cancer.
As she left the doctors room she
headed for her nieces office, she sat
there in pin drop silence in what she de-
scribed as the longest two hours of my
life.
She had been bleeding most days for
six months straight since January 2015
and knew that something was wrong.
Reapi had convinced herself she was
ready to accept whatever the doctor was
to reveal to her following her endome-
trial biopsy but to hear that she had been
diagnosed with cancer shocked her be-
yond words.
All I could think of was my children,
twin boys who are only seven year olds
and still too young. I think thats what all
parents diagnosed with cancer think of,
she said.
The 52 year old is now living a cancer-
free life since her surgery in July, 2015
that resulted in the removal of her uterus
and ovaries.
Reapi attended the Motibhai Groups
Bushells Biggest Morning Tea held at
the companys headquarters in Naisoso,
Nadi where she shared her experience to
warn other women of the deadly disease.
After my 50th birthday I didnt have
any menses, I was excited thinking
menopause, no more pads but in Janu-
ary 2015 I started bleeding,
I do know when you have meno-
pause after that first period when you
dont have your menses, you can bleed
again and it goes on gradually until it fin-
ishes, this one didnt finish, Reapi said.
She suffered severe bleeding and clot-
ting associated with pain.
I went to the Nadi Hospital they re-
ferred me to the doctor, they cleaned me
up and said life should be fine but I kept
bleeding. I was going through six packs
of pad a day,
I only stopped bleeding when they
gave me tablets to stop the bleeding that
was for 10 days, basically in the last six
months I enjoyed 60 days of not bleeding
otherwise I was, Reapi said.
Her condition started affecting her life
at work and at home.
It got to a stage I was getting less
stress from the office and more stress
from bleeding. When I stand up at home
my husband is mopping after me, in the
office when I stand up to go to the ladies
room, the girls are mopping after me,
Reapi said.
She said the doctors couldnt perform
an endometrial biopsy because she was
always bleeding on her visits.
So in May I told them listen you just
tell me the date and Ill take the tablets
on that day when Im dry Ill come for the
test, and thats what we did.
On the recommended date, the moth-
er of two got tested and was told to return
to the hospital for her results on the 15th
of July.
On the 2nd of July I was surprised
they had called me to come to the hos-
pital that afternoon because my results
were back,
When I went in the doctor asked if I
wanted the good news or the bad news
first, I said hit me with the bad. She said
there were two choices, chemotherapy
or surgery and I just told her I wanted my
uterus removed because I wont be hav-
ing children anymore, Reapi said.
She didnt want her children to suf-
fer from any psychological impact from
watching her suffer undergoing proce-
dures of chemotherapy treatment.
For six months my children have
watched me suffer, if I have chemo my
hair is going to fall out and they are go-
ing to freak out and I will not put them
through that, Reapi said.
She said fear overwhelmed her as she
made her way home.
I was thinking of how I will I tell
them? It wasnt the fear of dying; it
was dying while my boys were still too
young, Reapi said.
She said telling her husband about
the bad news was easier then facing her
twins.
After a short devotion one evening, I
told them I was going to have a surgery
and that I may not live. They asked me
why would God allow me to get sick and
I assured them that God would only let
me go through it if he knew I was strong
enough which calmed them,
Inside I felt broken knowing that in
a surgery anything can happen, Reapi
said.
The Nawaka villager said she was
worried about the future of her children.
I even got to a stage where I asked a
very close friend that if anything happens
to me, if she can look after my children.
I was always organised and I wanted
things to be arranged if something ever
happened to me. It also kept my mind of
the surgery.
She said she was lucky two weeks af-
ter her diagnosis; the doctors had slotted
her in on their surgery list.
I was lucky they slotted me in two
weeks after that, two ladies that I had
the operation with had been waiting for
a year to get the space,
The surgery lasted five hours; during
the surgery they removed everything, my
uterus, and my ovaries, Reapi said.
Following the surgery she said the
doctors did a swab test to find out if the
surgery had been successful. Thankfully
when I went back for my follow-up, the
doctors said they had contained it.
Reapi is pleading with women to at-
tend regular Pap smear test and screen-
ing.
After my shocking diagnosis I won-
dered if I couldve discovered the on-
set of disease earlier. Im pleading to all
women to visit the gynecologist often and
always go to the doctors if you sense that
something is wrong,
Dont be embarrassed or hesitant, it
can help save your life, she urged.
Top- An emotional Reapi Nayacakalou at
Motibhai Group Headquarters in Nadi.
From L-R- Cancer survivor Reapi Naya-
cakalou, Motibhai Group Public Relations
Manager Shalendra Prasad and another
cancer survivor, Vikatoria Fong-Toy. Photos:
MARGARET NAQIRI.

12 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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Bushells Fijis Motibhai Makes Substantial

Biggest Contribution
Morning Tea By SHALENDRA PRASAD
Motibhai Group makes substantial

in Pics contribution towards noble causes

The Motibhai Group has contributed
a total of $65,000 to support two local
NGOs via the Hibiscus Festival charity
chest this year.
Group marketing manager Abraham
Gomes said the funds were raised via var-
ious charity drives by queen contestants
Miss Fiji Times Charlene Lanyon and Miss
Dove Alisi Vucago respectively.
Both the contestants who work for
The Fiji Times have worked really hard
to make a difference in the community
and we are very proud of their achieve-
ments, Mr Gomes said.
He said funds raised by Miss Fiji Times
will be directed towards the Foundation
for the Education of Needy Children in
Fiji (FENC Fiji) while the charity drive
from Miss Dove will go towards Homes of
Hope via the Hibiscus charity chest.
FENC Fiji has been doing a wonder-
ful job in supporting children who are
classed as poorest of the poor with their
educational needs and is an initiative
which was launched by Prime Minister
Voreqe Bainimarama in November 2009
while Homes of Hope is a sanctuary for
women and children who have been
abused or are vulnerable to abuse in
their own homes and communities, Mr
Gomes added.
We hope the funds raised through
the efforts of all our staff members makes
a difference in the lives of hundreds of
women and children in a positive man-
ner.
Mr Gomes said the Motibhai Group
had entered the Hibiscus Festival with
queen contestants for the first time and
thanked the entire management, staff
and members of the public who have Miss Fiji Times Charlene Lanyon, left, with Miss Dove Alisi Vucago during their west tour at
supported the two young and hardwork- Sheraton Fiji Resort recently. The duo have collectively raised $65,000 for noble causes.
ing contestants during the week-long fes-
tival last month.
Sharing her own personal experience, company, we are a group of passionate because helping an individual would help
Miss Fiji Times Charlene Lanyon said she and talented individuals that are here to the world.
is truly grateful and appreciative of every- make a difference in the life and lifestyle These women are willing to give
one who have contributed towards her of every Fijian. back to the societies that displaced and
charity chest. Echoing similar sentiments, Miss judged them and that for me is the kind
My charity of choice for the festival Dove Alisi Vucago said being the young- of characteristic that would change the
was the Foundation for the Education of est news reporter at The Fiji Times and world for the better.
Needy Children in Fiji (FENC Fiji) and the representing the Motibhai Group as Miss Ms Vucago said even though the coun-
money collected will now assist an addi- Dove to the Hibiscus Festival was an ex- try had its own battles fighting major is-
tional 340 primary and secondary school perience she would cherish for a lifetime. sues such as climate change, crime and
students for the 2018 academic year in It has expanded my horizon to under- unemployment, being part of a worthy
the form of uniforms, shoes, stationery standing the effort people put into ensur- cause for her proved that the love for
and school bags, Ms Lanyon who is a ing no one has to fight any battle alone. humanity prevailed and issues could be
sub-editor at The Fiji Times said. Visiting the various sites of the Motibhai easily combatted through teamwork, love
I would also like to acknowledge the Group around Fiji, I have come to un- and compassion.
support and loyalty of The Fiji Times read- derstand that hard work, determination, The Hibiscus journey had also in
ers who bought the newspaper daily dur- passion and love for their communities is some way, shaped and developed my
ing the month of July, as five-cents from what pushed the company to be the re- character, giving me the platform to
each newspaper bought was donated to- nowned business house it is today, she speak out to the hearts of the people of
wards my Hibiscus charity chest. said. Fiji. My advocacy on real beauty has got-
As a young woman, I am now ap- The 21-year-old said the experience ten responses from various women who
preciative of the value of education that has taught her that victory is about win- struggle on their self-image and I must
was instilled in me as a child as it has ning the hearts of people and giving back say I have accomplished the goal I had
contributed to my successes in life so far, to society as she referenced from her fa- set out to achieve. The charity work, the
therefore I am honoured to know that vorite bible verse, Matthew 6:2-3. performances and the advocacy mes-
The Fiji Times and all its supporters have It is overwhelming that my charity sage would not have been possible with-
made these children one step closer to is going towards Homes of Hope. This out the support of a strong team from the
their dreams and ambitions, Ms Lanyon would ensure that young single mothers Motibhai Group and the Fiji Times Lim-
added. are given the necessary skills to be inde- ited who have gone beyond the call of
She said the Vodafone Fiji Hibiscus pendent and give back to their communi- duty to ensure the weeklong festival was
Festival 2017 was a once-in-a-lifetime ex- ties, and ensuring their children are given successful, she said.
perience that she will cherish as she was the right social support and nurture that I have also made long life friends
deeply overwhelmed with the amount of every child is entitled to, she said. of contestants who have the same pas-
support received from family and friends, The charity would ensure young sion as I do to make a positive change in
workplace at the Fiji Times Ltd and from single mothers received skills like bak- the world and the Hibiscus festival has
the parent company Motibhai Group. ing, sewing, farming and opportunities to brought us together to give back to our
All that I achieved during the festi- work for the tourism industry. It is through communities.
val would not have been possible with- the experience, that I believe lending a
out their support. I value this because helping hand has a trickling down effect
it shows that we are much more than a
Photos: MARGARET NAQIRI

THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 13

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TRAVELLING EXPENSES
WEDDING EXPENSES

EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES HOLIDAY EXPENSES

FUNERAL EXPENSES MEDICAL EXPENSES

14 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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Carpenters Finance Gives

back to Community
Carpenters Finance, a Division of Carpenters Fiji Limited
proudly sponsored the Snooker Open held in Nadi from 14th -
16th July, 2017.
We are pleased to sponsor this years Snooker Open in Nadi
and will continue to support this tournament and other sport
events in the future. said Mr Alok Mishra, Director WR Carpen-
ters (SP) Group and General Manager Carpenters Finance.
Corporate responsibility has always been Carpenters Fi-
nance main priority, and they have become more involved in
the community this year such as sponsoring of Lautokas Farm-
ers Carnival and the Snooker Open in Nadi, with plans in place
for more sponsored events in the Western Division.
Carpenters Finance will become more prominent with their
involvement in these charitable activities, sponsoring of events
and sports tournaments as a way of giving back to the commu-
nity, mentioned Mr Mishra.
With the moto financing your dreams Carpenters Finance
provides a wide range of financial products covering nearly all
aspects of financial assistance such as Hire Purchase, Personal Carpenters Finance GM Alok Mishra presents winner with prize. Carpenters Finance GM Alok Mishra with winner Pene Erenio.
Loan, Auto Finance, Home Improvement Loans, Travel Finance
and SME Loan. Carpenters Finance also has in-store credit card;
MoneyLink, that makes shopping more convenient with readily
available credit.
Emphasis to getting closer to people of the Western Divi-
sion and providing them the lucrative and quality financial ser-
vices which best suits to their needs, Carpenters Finance have
recently opened Business Centres in Nadi, Sigatoka, Ba and
Rakiraki. With extended trading hours, the company has made
it more easy and convenient for its customers to lodge credit
applications. Their quick and hassle free approval process gives
more comfort to customers.

Front row: Third from left- Director WR Carpenters (SP) Group and General Manager Carpenters Finance Alok Mishra pictured with manage-
Carpenters Finance GM Alok Mishra presents winner with prize. ment staff . Photos: CARPENTERS FINANCE.

Sofitel Celebrates
Completion of
Peopleology Programme

Staff of Sofitel Fiji pictured with their certificates following their Peopleology Programme Graduation at
Sofitel Fiji Resort on Denarau. Photo:SOFITEL FIJI.
53 Peopleologiest were declared through
the Graduation Ceremony Hosted by the Tal-
ent & Culture Department on Friday, the 25th
day of August, 2017.
To celebrate this sucess, Honorable Minis-
ter for Employment, Productivity and Industrial
Relations, Mr Jone Usamate, was invited to be
the Chief Guest on this auspicious event.
Mr Jone, strongly stressed on the essence
of practicing what has been learned to all the
graduates.
The dressing was themed as Red Bula to
represent both the uniqueness of Fiji and align-
ing Red with the Heart, hence the connection.
After receiving the Peopleology Certificates,
Alan Burrows, General Manager of the Resort
Handed the Bernache Pins to each graduates
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 15
to signify the accomplishment and recongition.
The event was well represented by the Ex-
ecutive Committee & Managers to make every-
one feel special.
The Culinary Team got the opportunity to
showcase Novelty by creating a Special cake
with the Peopleology Principles inscribed over
a Heart shape cake
This cake was cut to celebrate the success
and make toast with bubbles whilst being de-
clared Peopleology Officially.
Not only was it a moment to celebrate but
an ideal opportunity for all the colleagues to
engage with each other thus team spirit and
collaboration
SOFITEL FIJI
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BUSINESS

FIJI AIRWAYS AND

SAMOA AIRWAYS
SIGN MOU
By ANA SOVA

The Pacific Airlines have forged strong alli-
ance.
Samoas new international airline, Samoa
Airways and Fiji Airways signed a Memoran-
dum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly pursue
a range of commercial opportunities and part-
nerships on Monday this week.
Under the proposed partnership, Fiji Air-
ways will provide initial support to Samoa
Airways to help launch its international ser-
vices to and from Apia to Auckland and Sydney
through the use of its established infrastructure
in sales, commercial, operations and mainte-
nance.
We are happy to play a support role to help
reboot Samoas international airline, said Fiji
Airways Managing Director and Chief Execu-
tive Officer, Andre Viljoen.
Viljoen adds the proposed commercial
partnership between Samoa Airways and Fiji
Airways is another extension of the already
close relationship Fiji Airways continues to
enjoy with the Government of Samoa in terms
of promoting improved air access into Samoa
from other markets outside of New Zealand
and Australia.
The Chairman of the Board of Polynesian
Airlines, Mr. Feesago Siaosi Fepuleai con-
firmed that with the signing of the MOU, sepa-
rate commercial and operations agreements
were now being negotiated between the two
airlines which will form part of the overall Pa-
cific Partnership Alliance Agreement between
Samoa Airways and Fiji Airways.
The MOU we signed today gives both air-
lines a broad and strategic framework of how
the Pacific Partnership will be negotiated and
finalised, Feesago stated. Under the MOU,
there will be specific routes like Samoa to
New Zealand and Australia that will be solely
managed by Samoa Airways and other routes
where both Airlines will jointly manage through
codesharing and interlining, Feesago said.
Viljoen said they were very pleased the
Management staff of Fiji Airways and Samoa Airways pictured during the MOU signing. Photo: SUP-
PLIED
MOU has now been signed so both airlines can
progress and conclude negotiations on the Pa-
cific Partnership Alliance as soon as possible.
Fiji Airways has been the leading airline of
the South Pacific for decades, and were more
than happy to help Samoa Airways efforts to
re-launch international flights,Viljoenadded.
The Prime Minister of Samoa, Dr. Sailele
Malielegaoi congratulated both Fiji Airways
and Samoa Airways on the signing of their
MOU signifying the first step they have jointly
taken to cement their union in the form of a
Pacific Partnership Alliance.
The decision by our Government to pur-
sue a commercial partnership with Fiji Airways
was driven mainly by the critical need to look
beyond New Zealand and Australia and open
Samoa up to the world through Fiji Airways
long-haul network which includes direct flights
from Los Angeles, San
Francisco, Hong Kong, Singapore into Nadi
and potential connectivity opportunities pre-
sented through its larger network with its other
airline partners, Dr. Malielegaoi said.
He added the proposed partnership be-
tween Fijis National Airline and their own
national airline was a testament to the strong
bonds that is shared as island nations in the
Pacific Region and embraces the Pacific Way
of doing things.

Early Sales Fantastic for

By ANA SOVA
The early sales report for Prouds stores. The main thing
New Zealands Whittakers is to get consumers to try the
chocolates in Fiji has been product, he said.

Whittakers Choc
fantastic.
Distributed by the Motib-
hai Group, Whittakers Choc-
olate will be sold throughout
their chain of Prouds stores,
major supermarkets and se-
lected fuel stations around the
country.
Whittakers full range of
chocolate will be available for
discerning chocolate lovers
in Fiji to enjoy. This includes
Whittakers Fairtrade-certified
5-Roll Refined Creamy Milk
Block and
72% Dark Ghana Block,
and a wide range of other
unique flavours and sizes.
Whittakers Head of Inter-
national Markets, Matt Whit-
taker said the sales were bet-
ter than expected and future
forecasting was very strong.
Mr. Whittaker is on a two-
day market familiarization trip
in the country.
He said theyve been trad-
ing with Fiji for about four
years now and have been
looking for a good partner in
the market.
Mr. Whittaker adds they
were finally able to strike up
a partnership with the Mo-
tibhai Group through Allan
Mathews hard work, Director
of JA Marketing Services.
L-R: Director of JA Marketing Services, Allan Mathews, Whittakers Head of International Markets, Matt Whittaker and Prouds Director, Tajesh Were already on track
Patel pictured at Prouds Downtown Nadi. Photo: ANA SOVA. but quadrupling ourselves in
the first year, we are very ex-
cited, He said.
Prouds Director, Tajesh
Patel said it was exciting for
them to have another premi-
um brand in their store.
There are good times
ahead, results have been very
strong and weve got a lot of
promotions coming up, Mr.
Patel said.
Mr. Mathews said theyve
got a lot of activity taking
place in the next three months
for Diwali, Christmas and Val-
entines Day.
Weve got a lot of plans in
place. Everyone is very keen
about it, to join Whittakers
chocolate in Fiji. We are doing
a lot of sampling through the
Established in New Zea-
land over 120-years-ago,
Whittakers is a family-owned
company that has been voted
New Zealands most trusted
brand for the past six-years-in-
a-row.
It is run by brothers, An-
drew and Brian Whittaker,
and the next generation of
Whittakers, brother and sis-
ter, Matt and Holly, also work
in the business. As a family
and as a company, they are
steadfastly committed to pro-
ducing only
chocolateof the highest
quality. Whittakers ensures
quality by controlling the
whole manufacturing pro-
cess from bean to bar from
its one factory in Wellington,
New Zealand.
As well as our absolute
commitment to quality, we
are also constantly innovating
to create few products for our
loyal Whittakers Chocolate
lovers to enjoy.
In the past couple of
yearsthis has included the de-
velopment of our Artisan Col-
lection, which is something
extraspecial for people seek-
ing a little bit of luxury, said
Mr Whittaker.
Whittakers is also known
for its high level of engage-
ment with Whittakers Choco-
late lovers on social media,
which enables Whittakers to
share its passion for choco-
late and stay connected with
what consumers think.
Were proud to be an
exporter of premium New
Zealand produce, and to be
expanding our community of
Whittakers Chocolate lovers
around the world.
In New Zealand, our
Fairtrade 5-Roll Refined
Creamy Milk is Whittakers
top-selling block, but we look
forward to finding out which
of our products is the favourite
of Whittakers Chocolate lov-
ers in Fiji, said Mr Whittaker.

Send us your feedbacks or

suggestions to:
A customer goes through the Whittakers range at Prouds in Nadi. The iconic brand has
been named New Zealands most favourite for the sixth consecutive year. Photo: MOTIBHAI
GROUP.
feedbacks@media.com.fj
16 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
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THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 17

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

Former Afgan Refugee Flies Solo

to Empower Young Women
By ANA SOVA

When she left Daytona Beach Florida, Unit-
ed States on May 13th taking off in her beach
craft bonanza to fly around the world solo,
Captain Shaesta Waiz attempted to fly across
the Atlantic Ocean twice.
On her first attempt, the High Frequency
(HF) antenna of her plane which is used to
make radio calls with different radio stations
around the world while transitioning from be-
ing over land to over water, sheared off when
she was about 300 miles across the ocean.
This dangerous encounter forced the 29
year old Afghan-American pilot to turn the
plane around and take an emergency landing
at the first airport available, Saint Pierre Airport
in Canada.
The Atlantic Ocean, is one of the danger-
ous oceans out there because the weather
changes instantly, the temperatures are cold,
its mother nature you never whats going to
happen. When I was about 300 miles into the
ocean, this antenna shears off hitting the air-
plane and I cant communicate with anyone,
my only form of communication was now
gone,
I looked down and I see waves crashing
below me and Im at 7000 feet, its a big real-
ity and I looked out, I didnt see anyone, not a
single boat nor land, nothing, just me and the
ocean. It was about a two hour flight when I
turned around doing all of my procedures pre-
paring the airplane I finally get hold of air traffic
control and informed them I was landing at the
airport requesting for a mechanic when I get
there, Waiz said.
Even as she was wondering about the cus-
toms clearance and other hurdles that the un-
scheduled landing would bring about, the cus-
toms agent at the airport, on seeing her alone,
quipped: Hello, where is the pilot?
Im like hi Im the pilot and he was like no
really wheres the pilot? And I said I promise
you Im the pilot and explained to him what
I was doing. He then asked: do your parents
know that youre doing this? I said of course
they know and he again asked: is someone
making you do this? I assured him it was on
my own free will.
Captain Waiz, the youngest certified civil-
ian female pilot from Afghanistan is flying
to 30 different stops, 24 countries across five
continents to land and help inspire, empower
young girls and together, share and promote
the importance of STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
She arrived in Fiji last week Thursday al-
ready covering 18 stops and will be covering 11
more before she flies home to Daytona Beach
from Mobile City in Alabama.
Captain Waiz said as she sat there at Saint
Pierre Airport she pondered on whether she
should give up on her journey.
I sat there and I thought you know if I want
to give up, now is the time to give up then I
dont have to cross the Atlantic Ocean again
and Im still on the side of the United States. If
this is too much for me to handle, now is the
time to say something,
Then I said no, I have to be brave, there are
so many girls out there that have heard about
what Im going to do and theyre waiting for
someone to show them that women can be
courageous and do things like getting on an
airplane and flying it around the world, she
said.
Captain Waiz was born in a refugee camp
and moved to the United States in 1987 when
she was barely a year old to escape the Soviet-
Afghan war.
Her grandparents and her father Fahim and
uncles Hasib and Mustafa and her aunt, Sophia Captain Shaesta Waiz with customs officials at the Nadi International Airport in Nadi. Photo: ANA
escaped to Pakistan shortly after the war broke SOVA.
out in Afghanistan in 1979.
I grew up with my parents and five sisters of six girls trying to start a life in America after and go for it and understand that there are go-
in Richmond, California. We lived in an un- escaping her war-torn homeland. ing to be days where you will want to give up,
derprivileged school district where substitute I really thought this life had nothing to offer it means you will have to keep going, she said.
teachers, sharing textbooks with classmates, me, Im not even going to try. When I found Captain Waiz said this is the message she
and watching friends drop out of high school aviation it just pushed me every single day and has been passing on to young women she has
was the norm. I want to show people that you dont have to met along her solo flight journey around the
Captain Waiz who is the first in her family to be from any background, you dont have to world.
earn a bachelors and masters degree said her come from high society or have wealth to pur-
family was really poor growing up in a family sue your dreams, you just have to believe in it

Fiji Link Unveils $65 Fares

Between Labasa and Suva

Fiji Link ATR 72-600 F-WWEK (DQ-FJZ)(13)(Grd) TLS (ASC)(46)-L. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Travel between Labasa
and Suva has been made
even more affordable, with
Fiji Link releasing its lowest
ever fare of just $65 one-way
last Saturday.
A third of seats on all flights
between Labasa and Suva
will be available at $65.
Fares will increase to high-
er fare buckets once the $65
seats are sold out on that re-
spective flight.
The announcement was
made in Labasa by Fijian At-
torney General, Minister for
Economy and Minister re-
sponsible for Civil Aviation,
Honourable Aiyaz Sayed-
Khaiyum at the Vodafone Fes-
tival of the Friendly Norths Fiji
Link Night.
These fares are on sale
now and will be available un-
til Fiji Link completes a review
to add more capacity into La-
basa.
The Honourable Attorney
General said The release of
these $65 fares is excellent
news for the people of Labasa
and Vanua Levu as a whole.
These low fares will allow
18 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
more Fijians in Labasa and
the Capital to visit each other
more frequently. Labasa stu-
dents will find it easier to get
to and from their tertiary insti-
tutions in the Central Division.
A lot more people, includ-
ing tourists, will now fly from
Suva to Labasa and also travel
onward to other destinations
like Savusavu.
The Honourable Minister
thanked Fiji Link for introduc-
ing lower fares on its flights,
adding: The multiplier effect
of this announcement is quite
significant and complements
the Fijian Governments ef-
forts to further spur economic
development and growth in
the North. These low fares,
coupled with the upcoming
upgrade of Waiqele airports
terminal and installation of
night lights on the runway,
will improve commercial ac-
tivity and improve business
opportunities. Everyone in the
North stands to benefit direct-
ly through more affordable
travel options and investment
in public infrastructure.
Fiji Link General Manager
Mr. Athil Narayan explained:
The low fares came about
as a result of regular feed-
back and engagement with
community here. We have
upgraded the ATR fleet which
operates between Labasa,
Suva and Nadi with modern,
comfortable and extremely
reliable aircraft. The time is
now right to introduce lower
fares between two of our big-
gest domestic ports, making it
easier for Fijians to get around
and stay connected.
Fiji Link flies its ATR air-
craft three times daily from
Labasa to Suva. Fiji Airways
and Fiji Link are the only air-
lines in Fiji with the IATA Op-
erational Safety Audit (IOSA)
accreditation, demonstrating
their commitment to safety.
To get the lower fares, cus-
tomers are advised to book
early through the Fiji Airways
Reservations Centre, Sales Of-
fices in Nadi and Suva, on the
Fiji Airways website www.fiji-
airways.com, or through their
travel agents.
FIJI AIRWAYS
www.thejetnewspaper.com
Fiji Named Hottest Destination 2017
Fiji scooped up a top
award at the 29th Annual
Virtuoso Travel Week confer-
ence, being named the Hot-
test Destination for 2017.
This was announced by
International luxury travel net-
work Virtuoso.
The award recognises Fiji
as the destination with the
highest year over year growth
within the Virtuoso Network.
Tourism Fiji received the
award on August 13th, 2017
at The Bellagio Resort in Las
Vegas.
The accolade is a true hon-
or, given that only a very small
fraction of the networks 1,700
partners were recognized at
Virtuoso Travel Week.
We are thrilled to accept
From left: Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya, South Seas Chief Executive Officer
Brad Rutherford, land owners of Malamala Island with Fijian Holdings Group Chief Executive Officer
Nouzab Fareed at the official opening of Malamala Beach Club. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
Melania serves food during the
opening of Malamala Beach A view of Malamala Beach Club at sunset. Photo: MARGARET
Club. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI. NAQIRI.
Sweet Tweets: What do you think of climate change and our current changing weather conditions?
Litia Vulaidausiga
NADI
We can only hope for a
more, globally unified stand
on decreasing carbon di-
oxide emissions to combat
global warming.
the award for Hottest Destina-
tion of the Year from Virtuoso,
and see this as a testament to
the hard work we have dedi-
cated to the North American
market over the past several
years, said Ruth Daly, Region-
al Manager of North America
for Tourism Fiji.
Were anticipating much
more success in the market
as Fiji continues to build new
resorts and create offerings
to accommodate the record-
breaking number of guests
visiting the islands from the
North America.
Fiji Airways is delighted
that an organization as pres-
tigious as Virtuoso would rec-
ognize Fiji with this award,
stated Stroebel Bekker, Re-
Tui Tuitavua
NADI
It all depends on the
development in Fiji. Which
is the contributing factor of
changes.
ADVERTISEMENT
TOURISM TRENDS
gional General Manager for
North America, Fiji Airways.
In the past year, Fiji Air-
ways has shown its commit-
ment to growing the North
American market by adding
year-round service from San
Francisco to Fiji, in addition
to our existing daily non-stop
service from Los Angeles and
3-time weekly service from
Honolulu, making the destina-
tion ever more accessible to
more American travelers.
Fiji Airways and Tourism
Fiji will continue to work to-
gether to offer guests the best
South Pacific vacation experi-
ence.
TOURISM FIJI
Nicolette Chambers
LAUTOKA
Climate change is and
always will be a threat to
our nation especially to us
as Pacific Islanders. I think
that the current changes in
the weather patterns has
affected me personally be-
cause being from a country
that is always humid and
suddenly trying to adapt
to this cold weather is not
easy at all.
Fijis Number One
Beach Club Open
By LUKE NACEI
Malamala Beach Club in
the Mamanucas would add
more hotness to Fiji being
named as the Hottest Des-
tination for 2017 at the 29th
Annual Virtuoso Travel Week
conference says Minister for
Industry, Trade and Tourism
Faiyaz Koya.
Mr Koya echoed these
sentiments while officially
opening the $6.5 million
beach club.
He said it would be the
hottest beach club in the
world and it was great part-
nership that existed with the
land owning unit.
The beach club would be
South Seas Cruisers six brand
amongst other famous brands
such as, Awesome Adven-
tures Fiji, Blue Lagoon Cruis-
es, Yasawa Island Holidays to
name a few.
South Seas Cruises Chief
Executive Officer, Brad Ruth-
erford said the beach club
Priya Sharma
NADI
As climate change takes I think that climate change
place, our daily weather and
normal temperatures will
change, the homes of plants
and animals will be affected
all over the world. The effect
on people will depend on
how well we can adapt to
the changes and how much
we can do to reduce climate
change in the world.
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
would add something new to
their portfolio.
It consisted of a local
membership scheme with
close to one thousand mem-
bers.
Mr Rutherford added it
would be easily accessed for
the important domestic mar-
ket as a great place to spend
time.
The island beach club
menu inspired from local in-
gredients was designed by
executive chef, Lance Seeto.
Mr Seeto said he wanted
to offer something different
for tourists from around the
world who would come to
spend their leisure time at the
island beach club.
Mr Rutherford said the
cocktail list and beverage
menu couldnt be found any-
where else in Fiji with recipes
specifically designed, tested
and implemented by award
winning United States of
Merelita Tale
NADI
To cope with the increas-
is a contributing factor
to our current changes in
weather pattern.
www.scribd.com/thejet
America mixologist, Tommy
Quimby.
He said for many years
they have worked on bring-
ing to Fiji a concept similar to
the successful beach clubs of
Asia and Europe but with its
own Fijian identity.
Fijian Holdings Limited
Group Chief Executive Officer,
Nouzab Fareed said plans to
build the island beach club
were initiated in 2012.
He added it took them
five years to make the island
beach club a reality.
Surrounded by Fijis fa-
mous crystal clear waters,
Malamala Beach Club is just
25 minutes from Port De-
narau.
Mr Fareed said the island
beach club was $7.5 million
of Fiji Holdings Limited hard
earned money which would
also benefit 1,400 of its share-
holders.
Justin Rahul Naidu
NADI
ing population and increase
in demands, developed
countries have built more
factories and exploited our
natural resources. This has
had an advers effect on our
climate. The weather now
is so extreme that the hot
days are hotter and the cold
days colder. Sea levels too
have increased.
19
www.thejetnewspaper.com LOCAL NEWS/SWEET TWEETS www.scribd.com/thejet

CYNTHIAS EXCITING CHALLENGE

By ANA SOVA
The Port Denarau Marina
is Fijis premier marina facil-
ity and one of the best in the
South Pacific.
Imagine being appointed
as the general manager of this
fast developing marina com-
plex.
Despite juggling commit-
ments between being a wife,
tending to two young children
and studying her Post Gradu-
ate Certificate in Business
Management at the Univer-
sity of Fiji, this was a new role
Cynthia Rasch accepted with
ease.
She was officially ap-
pointed to the role on the 1st
of June this year, taking over
from the Managing Director,
Nigel Skeggs who has re-
signed. Skeggs remains as an
advisor and director of Port
Denarau Marina Limited.
Although she is neither the
first female nor the first local
to take up the position, the 38
year old says its an exciting
challenge.
Its a very challenging
time but with my familys sup-
port and the support from my
Board of Directors and my
team, Ive been able to come
through,
Its been hard, there have
been some sleepless nights
but I know if Im determined I
can do it, Cynthia said.
She adds the marina indus-
try is highly male dominated
so its really exciting for her
to be part of it and to be ac-
cepted within the industry.
Cynthia joined the marina
in 2011 as the Business Man-
ager after spending many
years in the telecommunica-
tions industry in sales, cor-
porate care and as a regional
manager for Digicel Fiji. She
has also worked for Vodafone
Fiji.
She has completed Inter-
mediate and Advanced Ma-
rina Management Courses in
Australia as well as Fijis Lead-
ership Development Program.
The former Indian College
(now Jai Narayan College)
and St. Joseph Secondary
School student said over the
past six years working at the
marina, she has learnt a lot
across the board.
Cynthia speaks with obvi-
ous pride about the marina
as she gave me a tour around
the complex. She delightedly
revealed there would be an
extension of the marinas pas-
senger terminal expected to
commence soon.
This she adds, will have a
tensile canopy design which
is unique and has been in-
spired by the theme of rig-
ging and sails of large sailing
yachts.
We have a very presti-
gious marina, weve got one
of the best in the South Pa-
cific and to see it grow from
strength to strength and to
take it to the next level, Im
just excited about it, she said.
The support from her staff
has been tremendous she re-
vealed.
The transition has been
easy for them because Ive
already been part of the team
all this while and have been
working in management
and operations as it was, the
Board of Directors has been
very phenomenal. My for-
mer Managing Director, Nigel
Skeggs has been very help-
ful and accommodating and
have been a mentor to me as
well, Cynthia said.
She said the transition has
also been very smooth for
their tenants and customers
also, because they know me
and they know how I oper-
ate.
Cynthia said she was de-
lighted with the opportunity
and faith put in by her Chief
Executive Officer and Board
of Directors to appoint her as
General Manager.
Being in the marina since
the past six years has taught
me a lot and I am ready for the
challenge ahead to improve
and grow in this position, to
move the business forward
and to see our team improve
in the process. As the saying
goes A rising tide raises all
the ships in the harbour, she
said. Port Denarau Marina General Manager, Cynthia Rasch. Photo:
Skeggs said he has full con- ANA SOVA.
fidence in his successor.
After nine years as the companys future that she will should never think about
Managing Director of Port bring, he said. their limitations instead
Denarau Marina the time Cynthia shared an advice should think of what they can
has come for me to pursue for all young girls and women. achieve.
some new endeavors. I have Do whatever your heart Be the best version of you.
thoroughly enjoyed my time wants you to do. You can You may not be the top level
with the company and am achieve anything, I come from person but if you are best at
extremely proud of all the a very simple background and what you do and you know
accomplishments we have I never thought Id be here but it in your heart that you can
made over the years; both Ive worked hard for it and I achieve it then the sky is your
in terms of development but know with perseverance and limit, Cynthia said.
also best practice, endurance and with that pas-
I leave with full confi- sion to be the best version of
dence in Cynthia and look for- myself, I can be anything,
ward to witnessing the many she said.
great contributions to the Cynthia adds women

Port Denarau Earns Two By ANA SOVA

It was a proud moment yet
again for Port Denarau Marina
Denarau Marina, Rasch said.
Nigel Skeggs as Board
Skeggs as President Sea
Mercy Fiji said to be recog-

Major MIA Awards earning both the International

Marina of the Year and the
Community Support Initia-
tive awards through Marina
Industries Association (MIA)
for 2017.
Port Denarau Marina was
also runners up for Innovation
by a Marina.
No stranger to the MIA
Awards, Port Denarau Marina
was in the spotlight bringing
home the most awards and
putting Fiji on the map once
again, retaining our title for
International Marina for four
years in a row.
These awards were pre-
sented at the Marine17 Con-
ference in Sydney earlier this
month and Fiji was the buzz
around this internationally at-
tended event.
Port Denarau Marina Gen-
eral Manager, Cynthia Rasch
It was gratifying to be recog-
nized amongst their industry
peers.
The awards are a testa-
ment to the dedication and
hard work put in by our team
to continue to excel in cus-
tomer service and to be able
to give back to the communi-
MIA Chairman Andrew Chapman, General Manager Port Denarau Marina Cynthia Rasch and Club ty. We feel it is a reflection of
Marine CEO Simon McLean at the Marine17 Conference inSydney. Photo: PORT DENARAU MARINA. the values we uphold at Port
Director congratulated the
team, What a proud night it
was for me, our staff, the ma-
rina and Fiji.
Being honoured in such
a way by our industry peers
really vindicates the huge
amount of work and the strug-
gles we have had, and are still
going through, to get to where
we are today, Skeggs said.
He added they have shown
the industry and the interna-
tional yachting community
that Fiji can do it just as well,
if not better.
I am proud of our teams
huge effort over the years to
develop not only world class
infrastructure, but best in
practice services and tech-
niques focused around mini-
mising our impact on the en-
vironment,
We have a great team
who go above and beyond
to ensure exceptional levels
of customer service and this
award against such fierce
competition, for the second
awards in a row, is a real
credit to their commitment
and hard work, Skeggs said.
Four years as Best Inter-
national Marina is huge for
us all.
nised for our work with Sea
Mercy is also a great honour.
When the people of Fiji
needed our help after Win-
ston, our customers, friends
and staff stepped it up and
made a huge difference to
many peoples lives. The re-
sults on the field were praise
enough but I hope this award
will assist in highlighting
Sea Mercys fantastic ongo-
ing work as the organisation
ramps up to the next stage of
our growth, expanding our as-
sistance projects throughout
the Pacific,
We are very proud of our
strategic partnership with
Sea Mercy and encourage all
to find out more and get in-
volved, he said.
As the premier marina fa-
cility in Fiji, Port Denarau con-
tinues to raise its standards
internationally, as well as add
to its list new and exciting
products.
The latest addition to Port
Denarau Marina has been the
extension of its private jetty,
extension of its hardstand fa-
cility and soon to commence
with the addition of check-in
counters for its commercial
operations.

Fiji Link Grows Fleet

By ANA SOVA
Fiji Airways, Fijis National Airline, an-
nounced plans to expand and upgrade Fiji
Links Twin Otter fleet ON 24TH August.
This allows increased frequencies to
key domestic routes like Savusavu and
Taveuni.
The airline will purchase three brand
new latest model DHC-6 Series 400 Twin
Otters from manufacturer Viking Air Ltd,
to replace two of its existing three Series
300 aircraft.
This will increase the Twin Otter fleet
to four aircraft.
Fiji Airways Group Managing Director
and CEO, Andre Viljoen said the invest-
ment was in line with the overall mod-
ernisation of the entire Group fleet.
With more aircraft, we can increase
daily flights to key local destinations. Our
capacity to Savusavu and Taveuni will
grow by 30%, which will be welcome
news to tourism operators in these re-
gions, Vilijoen said.
He said it was a reflection of their com-
mitment to the Fijian tourism industry and
Fiji Airways will work closely with its part-
ners in the North to increase visitor arriv-
als and connectivity.
20 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Arriving in October 2017 and early 2018,
the three new Twin Otter aircraft will have
air-conditioned cabins for increased cus-
tomer comfort.
Their state of the art digital avionics
systems and operating features will great-
ly enhance operational reliability and an
easier transition for Fiji Link pilots to prog-
ress onto the ATR fleet.
The impending fleet expansion has al-
ready initiated the recruitment and train-
ing of additional local pilots, resulting in
more employment opportunities for Fiji- DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otter. Photo: FIJI AIRWAYS.
ans.
Mr. Viljoen added the fleet expansion Aviation, the Honourable Aiyaz Sayed- with short airstrips, and where airport and
will also allow Fiji Link to increase fre- Khaiyum said this investment by Fiji Link runway infrastructure is limited. It has the
quency on other domestic routes. to expand its domestic fleet and increase ability to land on most runway surfaces
Flights between Nadi and Suva will capacity will be welcome news for our given its size, weight, and take-off and
increase to seven a day. Our team is also Northern residents and tourism stake- landing requirements.
considering converting one of our current holders alike. It has proven especially reliable in the
Twin Otter aircraft into a multi-use vehicle This will also mean increased choices Fijian domestic operating environment,
to cater not only for additional scheduled for ordinary Fijians, and is in line with the with Fiji Link having over ten years of ex-
flying, but to provide opportunities for modernisation programme and agenda of perience operating this aircraft type.
new charter business, medical evacua- the Fijian Government, while growing the Fiji Link also has the option to purchase
tion services and carriage of freight, he economy, Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum said. a fourth brand new Series 400 Twin Otter
said. The ever-versatile Twin Otter remains aircraft. A decision on exercising this op-
Fijian Attorney General, Minister for the aircraft of choice for Fiji Links do- tion will be made in 2018.
Economy and Minister responsible for mestic operations into smaller airports
www.thejetnewspaper.com ADVERTISEMENT www.scribd.com/thejet

Sera, a Young
Carer at only 14
Imagine at only 14 years
old, you have the enormous
responsibility of caring for
your ailing grandmother who
suffers from stroke, alone.
Yes, you could only think
how unbelievable for a child
that young.
For Sera Vosailagi this was
the reality destiny forced her
to shoulder, looking after her
maternal grandmother, Sala-
seini Tivi, after her mother,
Ivamere Vosailagi passed
away in 2015 from heart dis-
ease.
Her only sister, 19 year old,
Sala, has since moved to Suva
for tertiary studies and her fa-
ther residing in their village in
Dravo, Tailevu.
Seras maternal grandfa-
ther, Isaia Nadule had passed
away some years ago.
She is only in Year Eight
at Sabeto District School in
Nadi and is the young carer of
Sera preparina a meal. Photo: ANA SOVA.
her 65 year old grandmother,
whose severe post stroke con-
dition has altered her ability to
speak and her muscle move-
ments, she cant stand up nor
move around unaided.
This means her grand-
daughter has to clean the
house, do their laundry, cook,
bathe, clothe her and take
care of her hygiene, etc. apart
from trying her best to contin-
ue attending school.
This has been Seras life
for the last three years, her
grandmother being her prior-
ity above everything else.
They live in a lean to corru-
gated iron shed in Narokoro-
koyawa Village and Sera does
her best to keep the modest
place neat, with plastic car-
pet mats covering most of the
floor and a single straw mat
spread out in the middle of
the room.
In one corner, a curtain
is hung to make a makeshift
bedroom for the two of them.
In another, stand an old cup-
board and their kerosene
stove with little else.
Life has forced Sera to
grow up too quickly, evident
in the way she talks, speaking
wisely for someone her age.
Her childhood has been in-
evitably compromised by the
caring activity she undertakes.
She said she envies the
freedom and social life other
children her age enjoy but
she wouldnt trade looking
after her grandmother for the
world.
I wish my life was normal
like other children, they have
it easy but I love my grand-
mother and would never walk
away to abandon her, Sera
said.
Her normal routine she
said would start with waking
up at 6 oclock in the morning
to clean the house, prepare
both their breakfast and lunch
before bathing and dress-
ing her grandmother. Then
she would get ready herself
then have breakfast with her
grandmother before leaving
for school.
In the afternoon as she ar-
rives back from school, she
washes their dirty dishes and
laundry, cooks dinner, bathe
her grandmother again before
she enjoys a little playtime
with the children in the village
then hurries back home to
prepare their dinner. After din-
ner she makes sure to study
before she goes to bed.
If Im late to school, the
teachers theyre not hard on
me because they understand
my situation, Sera said.
Although, she said some
14 year old Sera Vosailagi with her 65 year old grandmother at their home in Narokorokoyawa vil-
lage in Sabeto, Nadi. Photo: ANA SOVA.
of her fellow students would
sometimes tease her.
I would take it despite
how painful.
Sera shared there are a lot
of challenges they would of-
ten face.
Our only source of money
is the monthly assistance from
the Ministry of Social Welfare,
a $50 food voucher and $50 in
cash, she said.
Sera said the assistance is
not enough to sustain them
for a month.
We run out of food and
laundry detergents to wash
our clothes. Other villagers
would sometimes bring us
food or I would have to go
around and ask for certain
things but often I just get too
embarrassed to ask, she said.
Sera added the worst for
her is when her grandmother
runs out of diaper.
She cries and that hurts
me.
Her school supplies she
said are provided annually by
a couple from the Bahai Faith,
a religion that her parents had
been a part of.
I asked her if her father
contacted them, Seras only
reply was, vakavudua which
meant hardly. In contrast, she
said her sister would often
visit.
Struggling to speak and
through her tears, her grand-
mother said Sera was the best
granddaughter.
She is the only one willing
to look after me, she added.
Mrs. Tivi revealed after get-
ting married to her husband
they were not able to con-
ceive. Pointing to a photo of
Seras mother on the wall, she
said we then adopted her
and another baby boy.
She said like Seras mother,
her adopted son had unfortu-
nately also passed away.
Sera said shes ambitious
about becoming a doctor, I
want to care for and help sick
people.
She adds her mother had
gone through a hard time in
her life and marriage, a path
she was determined not to
take.
The whole time we spent
talking, Seras beautiful smile
rarely left her face, one would
never have guessed the hard-
ship she goes through.
Meanwhile, Minister for
Women, Children and Poverty
Alleviation, Mereseini Vuni-
waqa said she would be send-
ing a team to see what steps
that needs to be taken and
other assistance that could be
provided.
I want to find out why
only this child is looking after
her grandmother and what
could be done, she said.
Ms Vuniwaqa said she
would probably also have
to seek the support of non-
government organisations or
other Government agencies
to provide aid for Sera and her
grandmother. For donations
contact Sera on 9630005.

PUNJAS BISCUITS Bebe Spa Sanctuary

OBTAINS BRC A+
RATED CERTIFICATION
By LIKE NACEI
With only two years and
six months of operation,
Punjas Biscuits has attained
yet another mile stone
achievement.
Adding on to their huge
success since its establish-
ment in December 2014,
the company is amongst
the few biscuits manufac-
turers in the Asia Pacific to
be awarded the prestigious
British Retail Consortium
(BRC) A+ accreditation.
BRC is the leading trade
association for UK retailing
which develops its Global
Standard for Food Safety in
order to help the food in-
dustry meet legislative re-
quirements of the EU Gen-
eral Product Safety Directive
and the UK Food Safety Act.
The BRCs ability to re-
act to changing food safety
concerns, meet consumers
requirements and yet pro-
vide a simple, easy to flow
process for manufacturers,
has resulted in the standard
becoming one of the most
popular GFSI Standards.
If a supplier gains the
BRC Global Standard for
Food Safety certification,
it assures the customers
that they are dealing with a
company that reaches high
levels of competence in all
critical areas.
They will know that their
supplier is monitoring and
continually improving their
product quality, safety and
legality and that they have
taken every possible pre-
caution to prevent prob-
(L-R) Jeremaia (Quality Control Officer) Ariff Mohammed (Operations Manager) Alini (Quality Con-
trol Supervisor). Photo: SUPPLIED.
lems should there ever be a
challenge against a product.
Managing Director, Pun-
jas Biscuit Mr Nitin Punja
said the achievement is
an auspicious milestone
achievement for the com-
pany reaching that level
of growth in the Southern
Hemisphere.
We are very proud of
this achievement, Mr Punja
said.
Like any other building
process however, you must
do the hard yards to place
the building blocks properly
along the way.
Punjas Biscuits Ltd has
also passed a full Fonterra
New Zealand Food Safety
and Quality Audit and has
been appointed as one of
their approved packing sites
for export markets.
On the same note Pun-
jas Diary too has certified
by Fonterra, as a result the
company has been con-
tracted to pack Anchor Milk
Powder in sachets for their
export customers.
Mr Punja thanked all his
hardworking staffs for their
commitment towards the
company.
Id like to use this plat-
form to publicly acknowl-
edge the contribution our
staffs have made to both
these achievements. With-
out their attention to detail
and pride in what they do
we would not be aware we
are today, he said.
About Fonterra:
Fonterra has grown to be
a major player in the glob-
al dairy nutrition market
and active in 140 countries
worldwide. A cooperative
owned by 10,500 farming
families in New Zealand
and processing more than
22 billion litres of milk, 95
percent of which is export-
ed.
Secures Another Award
for Outrigger Fijis
Trophy Cabinet
Staff of Bebe Spa at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. Photo: OUTRIGGER FIJI.
Bebe Spa Sanctuary at Outrig-
ger Fiji Beach Resort has won the
Pevonia International Spa Design
of the Year award for the fourth
year in succession.
Spa Manager Praveena Dewan
said the spas ongoing success
was a testament to the energy
and dedication of the Bebe team.
We have a team of 24 thera-
pists which delivers more than
900 treatments every month and
we are acknowledged as one of
the leading spas in the South Pa-
cific.
This success has also been
mirrored in the number of
awards with which we have been
honored, she said.
These include being named
the Winner for Excellence in the
TripAdvisor annual survey of spas
in the Australasia Pacific region in
2015 and 2016.
Bebe Spa was also a finalist
for Fiji Experience at the Tour-
ism Fiji AON Awards in 2013,
2014 and 2015 and winner of the
Australasian Spa Association Best
Destination Spa (Resort) in 2011
and 2013.
Praveena named the three
most popular treatments as the
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 21
traditional Fijian Bobo Massage,
Signature Bebe Vakaviti Massage
and the couples Romantic Dis-
covery package.
Many of our guests are return
visitors as a treatment at Bebe
Spa has become one of the high-
lights of their holiday at Outrigger
Fiji Beach Resort and we regu-
larly receive unsolicited testimo-
nials.
It is heartwarming to me to
see that the recurring theme in
these testimonials is the profes-
sionalism, warmth and friendli-
ness of our staff, she said.
The spas design concept is
based on a traditional Fijian vil-
lage and features thatched bure-
style rooftops typical of a village
setting.
Situated on a hilltop, it com-
mands panoramic coastal and
ocean views.
The Bebe Spa Sanctuary lay-
out includes a pre and post treat-
ment relaxation room positioned
to take maximum advantage of
the views, couples rooms, pri-
vate open-air balconies and sunk-
en balcony baths.
OUTRIGGER FIJI
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NIULEVU HELPS NADI

By LUKE NACEI
JK Builders Nadis Sairusi
Niulevu saved the day for his
side when he kicked the lone
goal in the last remaining min-
utes of play to seal their glory
against Lautoka Masters in the
culmination of the RC Manub-
hai/Apco Veteran Internation-
al tournament at the Prince
Charles Park in Nadi last week.
The former Nasinu and
Nadi player managed the
goal through the assistance
of Salesami Bula who crossed
the ball from the right flank
with Davendra Raju laying the
ball for Sairusi to score the
winner in that second half.
Both teams were equal-
ly matched with the equal
The Nadi veterans side after securing their victory against Lautoka. Photo: LUKE NACEI. chances to either end.
Nadi took advantage
of their fast mid-field-
ers from the flankers.
Former Lautoka goal
keeper Ilaitia Vueti of Nadi
saved a penalty in the first
half to keep Nadi in the
game before Niulevu scored
the winner minutes be-
fore the last whistle blow.
Bolstering the Nadi side
were Watisoni Vuli (captain),
Mohammed Shamim, Ti-
moci Matanitu, Tawake Da-
kunibubului and Ilaitia Vueti.
Meanwhile, the Jetsetters
will be the lone team from Fiji
that will participate in the An-
nual Pacific Cup that is sched-
ule to take place in Auckland,
New Zealand in November.
Fiji Football Association
president, Rajesh Patel con-
gratulated both teams for
their brilliant performances.
Nadi coach, Lambert
Sarju said: The boys played
according to the structure
which followed throughout
the Pools until the finals. The
team gave their best to win
the tournament, he said.
We thank our sponsors
Jitendra Kumar (JK) for sup-
porting us. Its the mission of
every coach and team to win.
Lautoka captain Lisala
Bonatoba said: We will work
to improve our weakness
from this years tournament.
The tournament so far was
good for the team in the form
of keeping us fit, he said.
Nadi walked away $4000
richer while Lautoka was
awarded $1000 for runner up.
Awards: Golden
glove: Ilaitia Vueti (Nadi)
Golden boot: Ivina-
le Nabalarua (Lautoka)
Golden ball award:
Shalesh Sami Bula
Results: Semi- finals: JK
Builders Nadi veterans 3-0
Nadroga Stallions; Lautoka
Masters 2-0 Suva Sydney.
Final: JK Builders Nadi vet-
erans 1-0 Lautoka Masters.

$25k for Primary School IDC

By ANA SOVA
The 2017 Vodafone Fiji Pri-
mary Schools Football Cham-
pionship received a timely
boost of $25,000 sponsorship
during the official launch at
the Fiji Football Association
headquarters in Suva.
Vodafone Fiji sponsor-
ship manager AdriuVakarau
handed the cheque and an-
nounced the participating
teams.
To boost the morale of
our youngsters, Vodafone will
be providing jerseys for all the
teams partaking in the Voda-
fone Primary Schools Foot-
ball Championship this year,
he said.
Fiji Primary Schools Foot-
ball Association president
Ami Chand thanked Vodafone
and Fiji Football Association
for their support and assured
that Fiji Primary School foot-
ball competition will make
the maximum use of the grant
received.
With this sponsorship, Fiji
Primary will put in every effort
to see that we organize the
42nd Vodafone Fiji Primary
Schools IDC in a much profes-
sional manner where young
and developing players will
be given chance to showcase
their talents in a standard
pitch, Chand said.
And of course when the
students will enter the field in
their new attire, they will also
give in their best.
We are once again includ-
ing female U14 footballers and
they will also be given chance
to showcase their skills during
the primary IDC.
Vakarau said the true re-
flection of their passion and
commitment for the sport can
be seen in their bid to firm-up
the foundation of football by
supporting the grass-root level
of football in the country.
The Primary Schools Foot-
ball Championship has grown
in stature since its inception
in 1975 with the many district
schools entering the competi-
tion, Prasad said.
This is the 2nd year that
we have come on board as
sponsors for Primary Schools
Football and we are confident
that through our financial
boost and training we will
help mold the young blood to
into stars of tomorrow.
A total of 28 teams take
part in the boys Under 14 and
12 divisions and yet again this
year there will be four girls
team in the championship.
The tournament is sched-
uled from August 22-24 at the
Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
Pools:
U14: Pool A Northwest
Nadroga, Nadi, Nadogom-
Dreketi
Pool B Rewa, La-
basa, Navosa, Nadroga, Tai-
levu
Pool C Ba, Navua,
Levuka, Nalawa
Pool D Lautoka,
Rakiraki, Tavua, Suva, Seaqa-
qa
U12: Pool A - Lautoka,
Labasa,Nalawa,Tailevu
Pool B Ba, Rewa,
Navosa, Seaqaqa

Roosters Help Home

By LUKE NACEI
As part of their community
work the Sabeto Roosters rug-
by league team this morning
donated food items and gro-
ceries to the Loloma Home
and Care Centre in Sabeto.
This was made possible
through the assistance from
Vodafone Fiji Limited the
major sponsors of the Fiji Na-
tional Rugby League (FNRL)
Vodafone Cup competition.
Sabeto Roosters assistant
coach Waisake Tavotavo said
they were grateful to have
started their community out-
reach with a neighbouring
home as such.
Toadys visit was a plan
for the team from the starting
of this season. We thought of
helping the community and
especially the children in the The Sabeto Roosters Rugby League Team during the donation at the
community and as well the Loloma Home and Care Centre in Sabeto. Photo: LUKE NACEI.
elders, he said.
Tavotavo also said it was
vital to help those in need es-
pecially the less fortunate. Fiji and the team for their kind for single mothers and their
He thanks Vodafone for donation. children who have been
their continuous support to- About the home abandoned by their families
wards the team and for mak- Loloma home & Care Cen- and society. These mothers
ing the event a success. tre is located in Waimalika are integral part of our soci-
We thank the sponsors Sabeto. Loloma Home & Care ety and they deserve love and
from Fiji National Rugby Centre was set up in 2009 by recognition. Most of these
League competition the Voda- Founder Adi Laite Nawawa- women end up here because
fone for the program that we balava Kubunadakai. The year they have been refused by
have set up and them helping began with some challenges, their own families and com-
us moving around and visiting though despite the battles munities.
places as such has been really and trials, we still managed to
great. meet the needs of our clients
Meanwhile, staffs at Lolo- (mothers & children).
ma Home thanked Vodafone The home is a sanctuary

22 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 23

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FRU REVEALS FIJI NRC OFFICIAL
NAME AND KIT
By LUKE NACEI
The Fiji Rugby Union
has revealed the 2017 Fiji
National Rugby Champi-
onship (NRC) team name
and kit during the official
launch at the Grand Pacific
Hotel.
The team will now offi-
cially be known as the Fi-
jian Drua team and is syn-
onymous with the Drua, a
historic Fijian double ca-
noe which was the largest
and finest sea-going vessel
ever designed and built.
It was also the battleship
choice for any central Oce-
ania naval commander.
Their main role was as war
ships, taking part in naval
battles and transporting
warriors during raids. The
speed of Druas became a
legend for western sailors,
who sometimes confused
Fijian canoes with flying ity and flair which the Fi-
proas (a type of multihull
sailboat).
Being officially called
the Fijian Drua team re-
flects the history of the
Drua that links tradition
and heritage with a mod-
ern style as the team em-
barks on a new journey to
battle it out at the Austra-
lian NRC Competition for
the first time, beginning
September 2 in Brisbane.
FRU Chairman Com-
mander Kean said that fol-
lowing extensive research
and deliberations they had
decided to name the team
Scott Hend Has High Hopes Suva
By LUKE NACEI
Scott Hend is hoping
has high hopes at the Fiji
International.
Hend is an Australian
professional golfer, re-
nowned as a long hitter.
He turned professional
in 1997 and joined the PGA
Tour of Australasia.
The Australia has since
played on most of the ma-
jor golf tours around the
world.
His wins include three
in Australia, and were the
inaugural winner of the
Von Nida Tour of Order of
Merit in 2003. He has also
won on the Canadian Tour
at the 2002 Victoria Open.
Hend played on the
United States-based PGA
Tour in 2004 and 2005
and has also notched the
Indonesian President In-
vitational in 2008.and the
Queens Cup in Thailand
in 2016 by one stroke and
was his ninth victory on
the Asian Tour.
For Hend, he had only
seen the Fiji International
on television.
Yeah it is great as al-
ways and know it was go-
ing to be windy as I have
seen the tournament on
TV after the last couple of
years and it had been quite
windy.
Ill have a look around years in playing a lot of
24 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
the Fijian Drua as it encap-
sulates the history and suc-
cess of one of Fijis sacred,
traditional and historic war
ships that inspired both
fear and awe and was a
true masterpiece.
We owe it to our fore-
fathers, our culture and
our tradition to honour
them for the masterpiece
canoe that was renowned
throughout the Pacific as
sacred. It was a triumphant
vessel and we pay hom-
age to what was widely
regarded as the greatest
battleship of the Pacific by
calling our team the Fijian
Drua.
Also unveiled today was
the new team kit, featuring
the team logo which is the
Drua stylized in a football
symbolizing speed, agil-
Spirit on 23 September at
jian rugby players are well
known for on the field of
play. The kit features ISCs
innovative technology that
will appeal to both com-
petitive players and rugby
supporters alike.
Commander Kean
thanked ISC for their hard
work in designing a kit that
reflects the history of the
Drua.
As a new team in a
relatively new competi-
tion, we wanted to have
the team playing in a fresh
and modern outfit, and we
have worked closely with
Australian professional golfer Scott Hend pictured has high hopes at the Fiji International.
Photo: GOOGLE.
for a while to see the place
and play my game plan ac-
cordingly.
Its been a bit of a fun as
I havent played as well as I
like to in the majors but is a
bit of a learning curve and I
have been trying to change
my schedule a little bit and
play a little bit less and see
how it works.
So I am going to back
to doing what I have been
doing for the last 20 odd
ISC to come up with a de-
sign that is both modern
and contemporary devel-
oped for competition and
commitment.
The 2017 NRC competi-
tion will run for 11 weeks
with the Fijian Drua kick-
ing off with their season
opener on Saturday, 2
September against Bris-
bane City at Ballymore in
Brisbane at 3pm (AST).
On 9 September, they play
against Melbourne Rising
at the Harlequin Oval in
Melbourne.
Fans of the Fijian Drua
will see their heroes in
action in Round 3 and 4
in their first home fixture
against NSW Country
Eagles at Lawaqa Park in
Sigatoka on September
16 and then against Perth
the ANZ Stadium in Suva.
Rounds 5 and 6 sees
the team travelling back
to Australia for their match
against the Canberra Vi-
kings on 29 September at
Viking Park in Canberra
and Greater Sydney Rams
on 7 October at TG Millner
Oval, Sydney.
Round 7 the team will
be on bye, but Rounds 8
and 9 sees them hosting
QLD Country at Churchill
Park in Lautoka on 21 Oc-
tober and Sydney Rays at
the ANZ Stadium in Suva
on 28 October.
golf. I should play a lot bet-
ter than what I played.
I am here playing this
week and hopefully that
pays off towards the end of
the year.
On the Presidents Cup,
Hend said it was unfortu-
nate last week I missed
the cup.
Maybe if I had played
and made the cut and
played well during the
week I would have got
some world ranking
.
The Chairman of FRU
has urged all the fans to
come down and support
the Fijian Drua team at any
of their match venues ei-
ther in Australia or Fiji.
Im sure every Fijian get on board with the Fi-
rugby fan will be keen to
watch our team in action
against some of the Su-
per Rugby Player not only
in Australia but here on
points.
So this week if I can put
a good performance here
and down to the rest of the
years in the next couple of
weeks I play well ill get a
chance to get back in the
team.
I short 63 on Saturday
and I thought that was a
pretty good run. I have
practised earlier in the
week.
home ground with tickets
as affordable as $10 for
adults and $5 for Children
U12.
I encourage all fans
throughout the country to
to play in this competition
jian Drua team and show
your support by attending
all their home games.
I would also like to
thank World Rugby and
Beats
Rakiraki
By LUKE NACEI
The Shahil Dave captained
Suva side came from behind
to thrashing the Rakiraki
football team 5-1 in the last
remaining Vodafone Premier
League division competition
on August 20th in Rakiraki.
Rakiraki was very deter-
mined in the first half as they
led 1-0 to Suva.
However, disciplined prob-
lems cost the side as they lost
focus in the second half of
play giving the game away to
the team from the capital city.
The Suva team equalized
the score in the second half
and managed another four
goals to win the match.
Pita Rabo, Sairusi Narube,
and Kelvin Naidu managed
a goal each while Ravinesh
Karan scored two goals to
take the team to victory.
Meanwhile, Jale Vota was
the lone goal scorer from Ra-
kiraki.
Rakiraki president Shaneel
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the Fiji Sports Commis-
sion for their continuous
support towards the Fijian
Drua team. Without their
support and generosity we
would not have been able
and for that the FRU will
be forever grateful and in-
debted to them.
Goundar said he was disap-
pointed with his boys perfor-
mance.
Discipline was the major
problem for us and a lot of
these players were not from
this district some were from
Suva and Ba so there was no
sense of team work, he said.
We will now try and get
our district players to play for
the team and try and improve
on our weak areas.
Suva football president
Ritesh Pratap said patience
was the key to their win
against Rakiraki.
For the last 15 minutes the
boys were patient and they
kept the ball onto their side,
he said.
I am happy with the win
but we still need to work on
the players performances.
Pratap said they have one
month now to prepare for
the Inter District Competition
(IDC).
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Vijay Singh Glad to be Back Home

By LUKE NACEI
Former golf number one,
Vijay Singh is glad to be back
in Fiji and is focused and
ready to go out and play.
Singh was part of the inter-
national line-up at the Fiji In-
ternational that is being held
under blistery conditions at
the Natadola Bay Champion-
ship Golf Course.
For Singh, this week, out of
the four years since the tour-
naments inception was spe-
cial in that he had had a hand
in re-designing certain part of
this picturesque course.
I walked around yester-
day and most of it is done,
Singh said.
But the sad thing is it took
so long to finish so the greens
are not what it is supposed to
be but Steve did an unbeliev-
able job getting it done.
Most of the job is done
and everyones happy and
have good reviews and what
we need is some good weath-
er.
We wanted it to be more
playable for hotel guests and
at the same time it was chal-
lenging enough for pros to go
out there and play.
I think we did that. Now
you can see the ninth hole
and the fourth hole.
We did it did a lot of
changes to most greens, a lot
more cutting surfaces and you
know its windy so you can
still have four, five or six pin
placements instead of what
we had like five greens for just
one pin placing.
I think we achieved that
and widened some of the
landing areas.
I hope I just can focus on
the game.
There is couple more
holes to go but we did 80
percent of the work so I am
always looking at things to im-
prove on.
.On his present form, Singh
said he had been playing
some good golf recently in the
United States and that he was
focused and hoped to do well
this year..
They (Fijians) are all wait-
ing for me to play some good
golf here and I have come
close.
Its nice to come here and
see all the old friends and
meeting most of the guys I
havent seen for a very long
time.
I am looking forward to
this year and they said the
weather is going to be good
and sunny.
Hopefully it is not so
windy so I can play well..
On the field for this years
championship, Singh said he
was surprised to see Angel
Cabrera here and whom he
regarded as a very good play-
er along with former Master
champion Mike Weir.
It is good to see them
here. People can really go out
and see how they play and we
got some good players from
Asia as well.
I think this is one of the
strongest fields weve had and
this is going to get bigger and
better.
There is a lot of players
that want to come and have
been asking about it.
The timing, especially
like this week iwhich is the
FEDEX qualifying in the states
so some guys could not come
from there.
I have been talking good
things about this golf course.
It is a great place to come and
stay and play golf. I am really happy with the
Singh said he form coming work is done. I just have to
into the Fiji International was take my mind off the distrac-
good, having come off two tions here you know I am
tournaments in the states. home. I think I can do that if
Asfor the windy condi- I just focus a little bit harder.
tions, Singh reckoned you As for the waiving of the
entry fee, Singh said he was Former Golf Number One Vijay Sigh pictured top is glad to be
just have to go out there, bare
always against charging fees back in Fiji. Photos: SUPPLIED.
down and play hard.
I am not a great wind to come watch golf here be-
event and it would be nice to watching good golf.
player. cause this was a promotional
see people coming out and

Police Officers CHANDS PASSION FOR RUGBY

Secure France By LUKE NACEI
Every afternoon he would watch the boys play rugby in

Rugby
Naqere heights in Savusavu.
It was from that time he decided to try out the sport which
he had much interest in.
Meet Ryan Chand a first timer in rugby and is someone who

Contracts
By LUKE NACEI
Two former police officers Fiji Police Force have left our
shores to play professional rugby in France.
Special Constables Eremasi Radrodro and Joeli Lutumailagi
who have both served the force for two and six years respec-
tively in the field of community policing Fiji through the rugby
concept were farewelled by relatives at the Nadi International
Airport this morning.
The two players were farewelled by the Commissioner of
Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qilho who earlier stated the
support of the entire institution was behind them.
The two were grateful for this opportunity. They will both
feature for the Rugby Club Vannes a French rugby union club
currently competing in the French league system.
has brighter plans in this field.
Chand is the first ever Fijian of Indian descent from his
Khemendra Central school that will be taking part in the Kaji
Rugby this year.
Speaking to this newspaper, he said he was obliged to have
been named in the Cakaudrove Under13 side that will be tour-
ing Viti Levu during the two weeks holiday for the Kaji games.
Chand defied all odds taking up the one passion he had al-
ways dreamt about.
I had always dreamed of becoming a professional rugby
player and taking up this sport at this age is the first step to be- Ryan Chand. Photo: SUPPLIED.
coming an experience rugby player, he said.
I want to be the first Fijian of Indian descent to represent rifices have paid off and I promised him that he will represent
my school. My parents are super proud of my achievement and Cakaudrove to the Kaji Rugby, he said.
that is all I need. His fitness is up to par and now he is looking forward to a
Chand says he would love to continue his education after great competition come the Kaji Ruby fiesta.
primary school in one of the prominent schools in Viti Levu. Qeleni encourages students of Chands age to take up the
I want to attend Ratu Kadavulevu School because I believe sport they feel they have a passion in.
I can continue with my rugby career there. Nothing beats hard work, he has really paved his way
His coach and trainer Stanley Qeleni said Chand has all it through this and I believe he is going to go on a long way if
takes to becoming a professional rugby player in the near future. he can do it so the others that are in the same generation as
I am proud of him and what he has achieved so far. His sac- Chand, he said.

Big Shoes to Fill

By ANA SOVA
Sebastian Tikaram answered his countrys
call and flew into the country last month to join
the Fiji Team that participated in the 2017 Com-
monwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas.
The Fiji born16 year old who now resides
in Brisbane, Australia represented Fiji in tennis.
The Grade 11 student of The Gap State High
School said it was an honour for him to repre-
sent Fiji as he was born here.
I had played in the qualifying matches here
which I had won and I was contacted by Fiji
Tennis to represent Fiji and Im proud to be
given the opportunity to do so, Sebastian said.
Despite having trained well, the youngster
admitted s to feeling nervous about his partici-
pation.
Only because it is my first time to partici-
pate in the Commonwealth Youth Games, its a
bit overwhelming, Sebastian said.
The former Nadi resident and Nadi Airport
School student said he also had big shoes to
fill.
Sebastian is the son of former Fiji Tennis
champion, Sanjeev Tikaram.
Its a hard step but Im very proud to be tak-
ing the same path as my dad, he said.
Sebastian said the support has been very
good from his family and Fiji Tennis.
Sebastian Tikaram with his uncle Bobby Tikaram in Nadi. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.

THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 27

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2017 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 93 www.thejetnewspaper.com 50 CENTS

EMOTIONAL VICTORY

Ratu Isireli Masiwini (Front- second from left) with his Nadi Under 14 team after securing their victory against Lautoka 6-0 in the Crest Westkids Rugby Festival at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on August 17th. Insert:
Nadi Under-14 team celebrating their victory. Photos: LUKE NACEI.

By LUKE NACEI
Wining the overall under-14 boys Crest
Westkids Rugby Festival was an emotional mo-
ment for 14-year-old Ratu Isireli Masiwini.
The Nawaka District student dedicated his
achievement to one of his favourite fans who
couldnt make it to the games.
He said his mother Unaisi Masiwini did not
miss any of his past games. Unfortunately she
missed out this years meet after she died in
August.
Masiwini said his mother was a pillar of in-
spiration in the past days through her support
and words of encouragement.
He said though the pain and memory of los-
ing his best fan would be hard to erase. Ma-
siwini was satisfied that the win would be a
perfect gift to his deceased mother.
She is always present in every tournament
or games I go to but now when I look to the
stadium she is no more, he said.
I am always boosted when she is out there
cheering for me because I know that she loves
me a lot.
His late mother played both the role of a
mom and dad for Masiwini and his elder broth-
er.
The Vatutu, Nadi lad sees himself as a pro-
fessional rugby player in future.
Meanwhile, Masiwini was very instrumental
in their game against Lautoka to having won
the under-14 title.
He kicked two penalties for his side to win
the much anticipated match.
Coach Napolini Vatunitu was happy with his
superb performance and thanked his boys for
the job well done.
Vatunitu said their hard work had paid off.
When we started preparing for the games
it wasnt an easy one it was very tough for us
but we thank our parents and the teachers for
always supporting this young talents, he said.
When we began our training in the first day
I reminded the boys on their discipline and to
always be good hearted in every competition
they play in.
We had always pondered on our basic
skills and made sure that discipline was in-
stilled with in them. It really showed in the
performance here that they have maintained
their discipline and as well played their utter
most best.
We had our first pool game against Lau-
toka where we won 31- 0, our second game
was against Navosa we also won that game 10-
0, and then we last met Bua where we were
pressured.
A big vinaka-valevu to all those that sup-
ported the team, he added.
Results:
Boys plate:
U9: Ra 1-3 Nadi; U10 Lautoka 2-4 Nadi Two,
U11 Navosa 3-9 Lautoka One, U12 Nadi 0-5 Ba,
U13 Ba 5-0 Navosa, U14 Ra 10 15 Nadroga.
Cup:
U9 Nadroga 3-0 Nadi; U10 Lautoka 3-2 Nad-
roga; U11 Ra 2- 3 Nadroga; U12 Nadroga 0-7 Ra,
Indo U12 Nadi 1-0 Nadroga; U13 Lautoka 0-7
Nadroga; U 14 Lautoka 0-6 Nadi One; Indo U14
Nadi One 0 Lautoka.
Girls Cup
U10 Naitasiri 0-1 Lautoka; U12 Northland 2-0
Naitasiri; Indo U12 Nadi 1-0 Nadroga, U14 Ra
10-15 Nadroga, Indo U14 Westcoast 3-2 Nadi
Two.

28 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER