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Fiji To Take Air Pacific Control From Qantas

Fiji's military government says it is taking control of the country's national carrier Air Pacific from Australian company Qantas.The government of Commodore Frank Bainimarama has issued a decree saying that all Fijian-registered carriers must now be owned and controlled by Fijian nationals.Fiji already owns a majority stake in

the airline, holding 51 per cent of it while Qantas owns 46.3 per cent. But Fijian Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said Qantas since 1998 has exercised effective control over the carrier because Qantas-appointed board members enjoy supermajority and veto rights.Qantas did not respond to requests for comments Wednesday.

"It's an open secret that Qantas has proposed to sell their stake to the Fijian government," said Sayed-Khaiyum.He said the two groups haven't been able to agree on a price and that Fiji is hoping Qantas will agree to a binding independent valuation of its stake. He added the decree has nothing to do with the potential sale.However, the Fijian government's

latest move could negatively impact the value of the stake to Qantas and to any interested third parties.In a question-and-answer statement on the change, the Fijian government said it is "false and misleading" to think Fiji is nationalizing the airline and depriving Qantas of its shareholder rights.

Continued on Page 3

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Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times Fiji News 3Continued from Page 1

Fiji To Take Air Pacific Control From Qantas

Qantas will retain its ownership stake and its right to dividends, according to the Fijian government, but will no longer be able to exercise control over the annual operating budget, the appointment of the airline's chairman, the addition of new routes or a host of other management decisions.Fiji claims Qantas has been directly competing with Air Pacific through Qantas's wholly owned subsidiary, Jetstar.Air Pacific is responsible for carrying more than 70 per cent of visitors to Fiji, the government said, making it a vital part of the tourism industry, which accounts for one-third of the Pacific island nation's economy.Sayed-Khaiyum said Fiji has recently extended its diplomatic relations with a number of countries and would like to have the ability to fly to new places."We want to be able to expand beyond our region," he said.In its last financial year, Air Pacific Group, which also owns a stake in a Fijian resort, reported an after-tax profit of 25 million Fijian dollars ($14 million) on revenues of 587 million Fijian dollars ($328 million).Bainimarama has promised to oversee a process to introduce a new constitution to Fiji and to hold democratic elections in 2014.

Fiji Aligns National Airline Ownership Requirements With International Laws

To ensure compliance with international law and bilateral requirements governing air service rights granted to national airlines that fly to other nations, the Republic of Fiji has updated its ownership and control criteria for airline companies registered in Fiji through the passage of the Civil Aviation (Ownership and Control of National Airlines) Decree 2012."Fiji has long been out of step with the Chicago Convention and consequent international practices, and the bilateral requirements of other nations that govern visiting and domestic national air carriers," said Attorney-General and Minister for Civil Aviation Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. "By implementing this new law, Fiji will now comply with these international laws and requirements, as well as international best practices."The Civil Aviation Decree necessitates that all Fijian-registered air carrier companies must satisfy these international requirements and be under the "substantial ownership and effective control" of a citizen of Fiji, meaning: -The Government of Fiji or any institution of the State; -An individual who is a citizen of Fiji; -A partnership each of whose partners

is an individual who is a citizen of Fiji; or, -A corporation or association of which at least 51 percent of the voting interest is owned and controlled by persons who are citizens of Fiji, at least two thirds of the board of directors and any committee are citizens of Fiji, and such corporation or association is under actual and effective control of citizens of Fiji.Currently, Air Pacific and Pacific Sun are Fiji's only international and domestic airlines, and they are majority-owned by Fijians. However, since 1998, minority and non-Fijian shareholder Qantas has maintained effective control of these airlines through supermajority and veto rights over significant areas of the company, including the appointment of the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, annual operating budget, any expenditures, new air routes, variations to Air Service schedules, management appointments, employee incentive schemes including bonuses, and numerous other key areas of oversight, control and decision-making.While Qantas currently has veto power over most areas of Air Pacific's operations and business decisions, Qantas also competes directly against

Air Pacific through its wholly-owned low cost carrier subsidiary, Jetstar, which flies overseas visitors to Fiji from Sydney.Concerns about ownership and control requirements are not unusual in international aviation law. Indeed, just last week Qantas called for the Australian International Air Services Commission (IASC) to undertake a comprehensive public review of Virgin Australia's ownership and control position to determine if Virgin complies with the ownership and effective control provisions of Australia's aviation laws.In the European Union and United Kingdom, air carriers must be owned and effectively controlled by Member States and/or nationals of Member States. Similarly, in New Zealand international airlines must be owned and effectively controlled by New Zealand nationals.With this law, the Bainimarama Government has now corrected the activities of prior Fijian governments, which allowed foreign citizens to control Fiji's national airlines. Since Air Pacific is responsible for carrying more than 70 percent of visitors to Fiji, its success is critical to the health of the Fijian economy and the livelihoods of Fijians.

First Fijian Accorded Top Honours DEAKIN University Australia has conferred upon Fiji-born academic Professor Paresh Narayan the title of Alfred Deakin Professor.The title, established in 2003 to recognize members of the Deakin University professoriate, is the highest honour the university can bestow on a member of academic staff.The title is awarded to professors in recognition of their outstanding and sustained contribution to furthering Deakin's research, teaching or learning aims.In a letter to Professor Narayan on March 19, Deakin University vice-chancellor and President Jane den Hollander advised him of the achievement and said he would retain the title while he held a professional appointment at Deakin."You are free to use the title in official university communications and I would encourage you to do this by referring to yourself as an Alfred Deakin Professor," Professor Hollander said. "I extend my warmest congratulations to you on receiving this honour, it is greatly deserved," she said.Professor Narayan told The Fiji Times that it was a great honour to be conferred the title. He said this meant

greater responsibility and maintaining the highest standards. "This is no easy task. I need to continue to work hard," Professor Narayan said. "This is the highest honour a professor can obtain in the profession. Not all professors are conferred with such an honour. I would guess that only one per cent or less professors earn this honour," he

said."I am the first Fijian and also the first social scientist to earn this title at Deakin so this is an extremely prestigious award."He added the title would allow him to market and profile Deakin University and the cutting-edge research being done in a broad range of disciplines,

including financial economics and econometrics, which he heads at Deakin.Deakin University's pro vice-chancellor of the Faculty of Business and Law Professor Gael McDonald said the Alfred Deakin Professorship was certainly an accolade "for which we warmly congratulate Paresh upon receiving"."This is the highest honour the university can bestow upon a member of academic staff and is commonly for recognition of an individual's outstanding and sustained contribution. In Paresh's circumstances, this is in relation to his research," Professor McDonald said.Deakin's head of School of Accounting, Economics and Finance Professor Barry Cooper said this was the first to be awarded to Business and Law, and the honour credited not only to Paresh but to the school."It also confirms the vision both Paresh and myself had in setting up the research-oriented Financial Econometrics Group (FEG)," Professor Cooper said.Professor Narayan acknowledged the support of his family and his heads at Deakin University.

Professor Paresh Narayan


Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times Fiji News

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I Resigned, I Was Not Sacked: Mahendra Chaudhry

Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry says he left the Bainimarama Government of his own accord because he wanted to fight elections.He rejected claims by Republic of Fiji Military Forces spokesman and Land Force Commander Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga in a newspaper article that he failed as Minister of Finance and was sacked for non-performance.Col Tuitoga had said Chaudhry could not cope with the demands of the government.However, Chaudhry said he resigned in 2008 following a directive from the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.“I resigned effective August 19, 2008 along with my two Labour Party colleagues in response to a directive from Prime Minister Commodore Bainimarama to his Cabinet that all those wanting to contest the next general elections should vacate their Cabinet portfolios at least six months ahead of the elections which were then scheduled for April 2009,” Chaudhry said.“I wrote to the Prime Minister on August 18, 2008 informing him that since work on the draft People’s

Charter for Change, Peace and Progress had been completed and it was being put to the people for their views and comments, the FLP National Council had resolved that the party should withdraw its cabinet ministers from the interim government in order to enable them to concentrate on the consultation process on the Charter and prepare the party for the next general elections.”“For the evaluation and consultation exercise to be considered credible, the FLP will need to ensure that it is conducted at an arm’s length from the interim government and is independent of any form of attachment to it …”Chaudhry said on August 22, 2008, Bainimarama wrote to him acknowledging receipt of his letter of resignation and thanking him for his input as Minister for Finance and National Planning, Sugar Industry and Public Utilities.“Your input as Minister for Finance and National Planning, Sugar Industry and Public Utilities (Water and Energy) has been invaluable in the interim government’s pursuit for good governance and stabilising the economy and for this I am grateful … Please accept my heartfelt appreciation once again for the sacrifices you have made and for the services you have provided the interim government,” Chaudhry said Bainimarama wrote to him.“By the time I left office in July 2008, Fiji’s financial and economic situation had stabilised and the nation was well on the way to economic recovery and growth.“Government finances had been rescued from the highly critical state it was in at the time of the army takeover in December 2006."

Torch Relay For SangamA torch relay starting at Sangam village in Lautoka on Tuesday marked the beginning of the 2012 Sangam Convention that will be held at the Churchill Park next month.Members of the Then India Valibar Sangam (TIV) of Lautoka and Sangam executives were part of the torch relay which made stops at three different schools.Hundreds of people turned up at Raviravi Sangam School, Dreketi Sangam School and Lovu Sangam School to receive the torch.The relay party ended their run at Saweni settlement."The torch relay was for the upcoming 86th Sangam Convention from April 6th to 9th" said Praveen Lingam, the

national TIV Sangam vice president."The significance of the relay was to inform people that the convention is about to start."We also wanted to create the Sangam fever among the people. The main purpose of the torch was to remove darkness from the communities and people that we visited."It was a milestone for TIV Sangam because it's the first time we ever did a torch relay."The Sangam convention is expected to draw thousands of TIV Sangam members from around the country and from abroad.Sports tournaments and religious activities will be held during the four-day convention which begins on April 6.

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Russian Foreign Affairs Minister, Sergey Lavrov

6

Bainimarama Slams Media Over Coup Criticism

Fiji's military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama defended his treatment of the media Tuesday, saying much of the criticism his government faced were misguided and unbalanced.Bainimarama introduced strict media censorship after seizing power in a 2006 coup, also tightening ownership laws to force foreign media owners such as Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. out of the Pacific nation.The military leader, who has relaxed some controls over the media ahead of elections scheduled for 2014, said he took action because journalists were not reporting independently and did not understand his aims."The quality of journalism in Fiji did not have the ability to offer balance to what was occurring," he told a Pacific Islands News Association media summit."I have heard journalists talk about the rule of law and get comments from others, but they themselves did not understand what it meant."

He criticised reporters who "latched onto the cry of democracy, only to be really supporting governance that did not offer equality in the voting system".Bainimarama said he did not expect the media to be pro-government, but added it must be "pro-Fiji"."Your job is to inform our citizenry, inspire constructive public debate, fight corruption," he said.In 2010, Bainimarama changed foreign ownership laws to force New Corp. to sell its controlling stake in the Fiji Times, which at the time offered feisty coverage of his government's actions.At various times since the 2006 coup, troops have been stationed in newsrooms and the ministry of information has censored media content.Bainimarama said the Pacific had a "troubled" media culture and urged newspaper and broadcasting companies to invest more resources in journalism, saying there would be much to report ahead of the 2014 elections.

Fiji's First Sewing Centre Fiji's first sewing centre in a bid to create employment and income-generating opportunities for able-bodied social welfare recipients including individuals living with disabilities.Social Welfare and Women's Minister Dr Jiko Luveni made the comment at the opening ceremony at the Fiji National Council of Disabled Persons complex.She said the centre would "not only take Fiji closer to its goal of Poverty Reduction" but would also complement Fiji's progress on Millennium Development Goal (MDG) one of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger and MDG three of promoting gender equality and empowering women.Dr Luveni commended the International Poverty Reduction Centre in China (IPRCC) for contributing the

necessary equipment for the centre such as sewing machines, tables, chairs, fabrics, scissors and cotton.She said the centre would be managed by the Fiji National Council of Disabled Persons (FNCDP)."The managers of the sewing centre, FNCDP, have kindly provided this facility and management staff."The aim is to assist welfare recipients to move from welfare to workfare and to have the opportunity for self-reliance for themselves and their future generations."A similar centre will be established in Savusavu to cater for the Northern Division.Chief guest Chinese Ambassador Huang Young said he was glad to see the sewing machines bringing benefits to women in need.

LTA Suspends Licences

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) suspended 19 driving licences in the Northern Division.The licences belonged to those drivers who accumulated six to 40 bookings of careless and dangerous driving from the time they were issued their licences. A record of habitual traffic offenders was presented to LTA chief executive officer, Naisa Tuinaceva, who approved the suspension of the licences during his visit to the division. LTA regional manager northern, Isoa Tawakevou confirmed that 18 licences were suspended and one was cancelled. Out of the 19, nine belonged to Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers.“The period of suspension would depend on the severity of the offences with drivers facing a suspension of six months to three years.”Careless and dangerous driving topped the list of traffic offences, Mr Tawakevou said.“LTA will not tolerate habitual offenders and we are now going to be hard on drivers who refuse to conform to road rules, risking people’s lives.”After serving the suspension period, these drivers would have to attend a defensive driving course before they are issued their licences.

People Take Shelter At Evacuation Centre61 people are now at the Korovuto Community Hall after they were evacuated.Assistant DO Nadi Kelera Qoro confirmed that 20 houses are under five to seven feet of water at Utulei settlements near Korovuto in Nadi.Qoro said out of the 61 people, 41 are children and 20 of them are students.Also two crossings at Tunalia road are under three feet of water and is closed to all traffics.DO Office is monitoring the situation as more rain is expected.

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Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times Fiji News 9

MSG Leaders Commended For Their Commitment

Fijian Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama’s words of inspiration followed the grand welcoming ceremony of the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Mr Gordon Darcy Lilo, who was the chief guest of the MSG Leaders Summit underway at the Vale Ni Bose in Nasese, Suva.The summit is being attended by Vanuatu’s Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs as well as other top officials of MSG countries.Mr Lilo thanked the Fijian Government and people for their friendship and the elaborate welcoming ceremony, which was accorded to him.“It is done in the true spirit of the Fijian culture and the Melanesian culture and for that, I thank you for according us this ceremony,” Mr Lilo said.Commodore Bainimarama was humbled by the fact that leaders attended the meeting despite pressing issues back home.“It is a clear indication of their steadfast commitment to our organisation. It further demonstrates the solidarity of

the Melanesians in the advancement of their collective interest as a group,” the Fijian Prime Minister said.“It is this commitment that has seen the young organisation grows from strength to strength despite the attempts by some countries and organisations to discredit the MSG through misinformation and misrepresentation.”The MSG secretariat, which facilitates the activities of the MSG, is grateful to the funding provided by the People’s Republic of China, Luxembourg and Timor Leste.Work done during the past two week by foreign ministers and officials at their meetings has enabled leaders to make informed decisions on issues pertaining to MSG member countries.“For the whole of last week and this week, our officials and foreign ministers have met and worked tirelessly to ensure that we make informed decisions on 2012 and urgent issues that would provide impetus to the growth of our organisation,” Commodore Bainimarama said.

Leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group member countries were commended for their commitment to MSG despite their internal problems.

FDL To Announce New Owner In AprilThe new owner of the Fiji Dairy Limited will be announced by the end of next month, confirms FDL board chairman Adrian Sofield.Sofield said they are in the final stages of making recommendations and will be submitting their report to government sometime next month and an announcement is expected by the end of the April.

He said the Minister of Trade and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum will decide on their recommendation and announce the new owners.Local manufacturers Punja & Sons and soft drinks giant Coca Cola Amatil are among potential local and international companies who have been looking at Fiji Dairy Limited’s operations for the past few weeks.

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Hair And Beauty Salon Industry To Issue Receipts

The Consumer Council of Fiji is calling on hair and beauty salon industry to issue receipts to consumers for all their services. Consumers demand transparency and accountability when paying for goods and services. A receipting system will bring about transparency and accountability from hair and beauty salons.The Council has noted that majority of the hair and beauty salons are not issuing receipts to consumers after collecting payments for the service rendered. Sometimes the amount paid for a beauty or hair treatment is around $20-$200 and yet receipts are not issued.By not giving receipts results in two problems: First the hair and beauty salon covers track for any liability. How will the consumer prove that he or she visited the salon? Secondly, it’s a perfect way to conceal the income earned from the business to avoid paying tax.Following a hair loss incident highlighted last week where a 21-year-old student ended up losing 80 percent of her hair after visiting a popular hair salon in Suva, the Council is keeping a close eye on the operation of this industry. The student who spent $100

in this case was not issued with a receipt to prove that she had visited that particular salon.Non-issuance of receipt is a direct breach of regulation (7) of the Value Added Tax Regulations 1991 which states:“Notwithstanding any other regulation, supplier shall not unless requested by the recipient be required to provide a tax invoice if the consideration in money for a supply does not exceed ten dollars or such amount as the Minister may from time to time, by Legal Notice declare.”For goods/service above $10, it is mandatory for suppliers or service providers to issue receipts to its customers.Consumers are urged to demand for a receipt if they pay for any service as this will assist them in getting redress if they are unhappy with the services provided by the retailer or service provider. Demanding for and keeping the receipts safely is a consumer responsibility.The Council also calls on relevant authorities to regulate hair and beauty industry that will avoid consumers dumped with unknown and unsafe products.

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Westpac Awards Grants To Winners

Six young women, who were chosen as winners of a Westpac programme which offered financial assistance to young women, will receive a financial boost in the form of a grant for their education.The Westpac Women’s Education Grant required young women from three major categories; primary, secondary and tertiary school levels, to write a short essay on the question: “which girl or woman, past or present, inspires you and why.”These essays were then judged on creativity and imagination by a team from Westpac and out of the 244 applicants, six winners, two from each category, were announced on International Women’s Day.This is the second year that Westpac has run this programme. Winners from the primary school level received a $500 grant, a $1300 grant was awarded to the secondary school level winners and the tertiary level students received a grant of $3500.Mary Brooke of William Cross Primary School and Arieta Marama

from Namaka Public School won the primary school category.While Sue Hannah Taganekurukuru, who attends Gospel High School and Joyce Nandan from Labasa Sangam College won the secondary school category.For the tertiary category the winners included Drue Slatter, 19, who is a first year student at the University of the South Pacific studying Journalism and Sociology and Shayna Khan, 20, who aspires to be a pharmacist and attends Fiji National University.Westpac acting general manager Gavin Kinnear said: “While we have in some ways contributed to create true gender equity in this country, we hope that by giving these girls and women a financial boost, we’ll at least give them a better chance to learn and strive for an opportunity to gain meaningful employment.”He said almost 35 million girls the world over don’t receive basic primary school education and we congratulate our winners and thank all the women and girls who applied for a grant for their participation.

Be Pro-Fiji, PM Tells MediaFiji's Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama says he does not expect the media to be pro-government, but it must be "pro-Fiji".Bainimarama has defended his treatment of the media and "why my government put a special provision in our emergency regulations to exert control over media in special cases".He said much of the criticism his government faced were misguided and unbalanced.The Bainimarama Government had introduced strict media laws which also tightened ownership laws.The government has since relaxed some controls over the media ahead of elections scheduled for 2014, but Bainimarama said he took action because journalists were not reporting independently and did not understand his aims."The quality of journalism in Fiji did not have the ability to offer balance to what was occurring," he told a Pacific Islands News Association media summit."This was at a time of reform, at a time

of massive change in our society. We have been leveling the playing field and creating substantive justice for all."Great change makes the existing elite uncomfortable. But it requires the media to be truly independent. This was not the case for some."It was clear that the quality of journalism in Fiji did not have ability to offer balance to what was occurring."I have heard journalists talk about the rule of law and get comments from others, but they themselves did not understand what it meant."He criticised reporters who "latched onto the cry of democracy, only to be really supporting governance that did not offer equality in the voting system"."Your job is to inform our citizenry, inspire constructive public debate, fight corruption," he said.Bainimarama said the Pacific had a "troubled" media culture and urged newspaper and broadcasting companies to invest more resources in journalism, saying there would be much to report ahead of the 2014 elections


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Censorship Claim Desperate To Dramatise Story

Claims by foreign media outlets that

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama snubbed them during the PINA summit are an attempt to ‘gin up dramatic news story’ says permanent secretary, Sharon Smith-Johns.She says these allegations of censorship are a desperate attempt to dramatise their stories.Smith- Johns says censorship does not exist in Fiji.She says no one can waltz into Fiji; demand a sit down with the Prime Minister whenever they want.Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama was chief guest at the PINA Summit on Tuesday.

Ministry of Information permanent secretary, Sharon Smith-Johns

HA Leads With Home Loan The Bogirua family of Makoi is a classic success story for customers looking for an affordable housing option and home loan. Housing Authority was delighted to be able to find the right solutions for them.In 2010, Naitini Bogirua purchased a piece of land near Nausori for $15,000 with a variable interest rate of 7.99 per cent per annum.Using his Fiji National Provident Fund housing eligibility, Mr Bogirua was able to pay off the land and eventually applied for a home construction loan of $30,000 to build a home for his family. He selected a house plan from the many affordable options offered by the authority, which also assisted in redrawing the plan to fit the lot ensuring it met the family budget and suited the site location.The newly constructed two-bedroom, general contractor built house is made of timber with concrete for the bathroom and washing area. It cost a total of $26,500 to complete, with the inclusion of the engineer’s certificate which verifies that the property meets Fiji’s building standards and is therefore insured.Housing Authority chief executive

officer Alipate Naiorosui said, “Through our ‘One Stop Shop’ approach to potential homeowners, we were able to offer the family a choice of house plans and assist them from the land purchase process through to the construction of their new home”.“One of the challenges for house construction customers is ensuring that the cost of construction meets their home construction loan eligibility and affordability.”Without the right advice and support the cost of construction can often exceed a customer’s affordability which is why Housing Authority encourages customers to seek advice from their experienced in-house technical and customer relations executives when deciding to purchase or build a home. Housing Authority has a variety of house plans from single to three-bedroom styles ranging from $15,000 to $55,000 which are simple to build and easily amended in-house to suit budgets and various land lot shapes and sizes.The Bogirua family is eagerly looking forward to moving into their new home as soon as all utility services have been connected.

Bamboo Crafts Can Create Sustainable Income

Government continues to empower those living in informal settlements and rural communities to enable them to become self sufficient and independent through income generating activities.Housing and Environment permanent secretary Taina Tagicakibau launched the Bamboo Craft Workshop at the Ministry of Forests Timber Technology Training Centre in Nasinu.

This workshop provides participants to develop methods used by Indonesian communities to create craft and other methods of fully utilizing bamboos.Mrs Tagicakibau said that through the workshop, participants “will learn, practice and sell bamboo crafts to create sustainable income” for themselves and their families.While the training commits government to alleviating poverty at a negligible level, it is also designed to create economic activities in rural and informal communities around the country.There are 23 participants from various squatter settlements and communities from Nausori undergoing this training.The Indonesian government has been assisting the Fijian government in providing similar workshops around the country to achieve the same objective.

Bodies Of Mother And Baby Found In River

The bodies of a 32-year woman and her 17-month-old baby were found floating in Matawalu River at Lautoka Tuesday afternoon.The bodies of Meenal Vikashni Naicker and Kushal Kartik Naicker

were discovered by villagers who lalerted police.Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said the two were seen at Meenal's mother-in-law's house two hours before the incident.

Moto Bridge Washed AgainPart of the Moto Bridge in Ba which is under construction has been washed away due to heavy downpour.A resident of Ba, Viam Pillay said that they were looking forward to the completion of the bridge however the damage now further delays it.“Last night’s (Wednesday) heavy rain has led to the washing away of the quarter portion on which the China

Railway Company was working and now it will take more time to complete.”He says thousands of affected residents were hoping the bridge would be completed at its earliest but will now bear the inconvenience associated with it.The entire Moto Bridge was washed away in the January floods.


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Man AcquittedTHE High Court in Suva has overturned the assessors' guilty opinion and acquitted a man of two counts of robbery.Justice Prabaharan Kumararatnam in a judgment delivered on Monday said the evidence presented by the State was not consistent and not corroborative of each other and fell apart in material parts.Saula Vunivesi, who was charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, represented himself in court.Justice Kumararatnam said it created doubt in his mind and that the accused must be given the benefit of the doubt. He highlighted the particulars of offence, saying on March 13, 2010, Elia Manoa, Mr Vunivesi and others

were allegedly armed with a cane knife and pinch bar, robbed Rajendra Sami of jewellery, a mobile phone, New Zealand and Fijian currency, and a laptop computer. The stolen items were valued at $53,795.For the second count and on the same day, Mr Vunivesi and others also armed robbed Lalita Sami of jewellery, a camera and other items all worth a total value of $1900.The court head Mr Sami and his wife gave evidence but could not identify anybody at the time of the offence but they identified their car key.Justice Kumararatnam said Ms Sami identified the jewellery and the box found near Elia Manoa's house.

Solomon Airbus To Begin Fiji Route

After visiting the country last year to seek the possibility of prospective linking flights, the Solomon Airline’s Airbus A320 returned to Nadi this Friday to begin its inaugural commercial route between Fiji and the Solomon Islands.The Airline’s manager Fiji & Pacific Islands Raj Prasad confirmed the addition would increase routes to Honiara by up to four flights a week,

with other flights by Air Pacific and Air Niugini, which Solomon Airlines has a code share with.He said the Nadi to Honiara flight would continue to Brisbane through Honiara and that the Airbus boasted expansive leg room, in flight service and movies.There are 16 business class seats with 120 economy class seats.

Damodar City And Liam Hindle Sign Deal

A restaurant, wine shop and a bar integrated into one is Liam Hindle's next project.The owner of Matrix Holdings - Victoria Wines, O'Reilly's, Bad Dog Cafe- is however not looking far from Suva for the project.If all plans fall into place, the new restaurant (most likely to be called Bad Dog), bar and Victoria Wine outlet should be open to the public by November at the Damodar City in Laucala Bay.Mr Hindle signed the agreement with Damodar City."This is something a bit different," Mr Hindle said."We are integrating the wine shop, the restaurant and it should offer customers more choice on wines."Wine and food go together, they are a natural marriage, and we are trying to develop the wine culture in Fiji."

He added that this was being done overseas."This area is overdue for such a venture."A feature of the development, he said, was the good parking space which was not available at their Suva properties.A statement from the Damodar City said they saw a need for a unique up market restaurant and bistro that would offer people something different and varied, which Victoria Wines could offer."We are very fortunate that Liam Hindle and his team have agreed to climb on board with us to be a part of the model that will bring change to Fiji's experience of movies, food, shopping and entertainment," the statement said."We are looking forward to and are excited to see the features that Victoria Wines will be offering and have no doubt that it will encompass the idea of thinking outside the box."

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com

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Govt Quarters Bag MillionsMore than $3 million dollars between July and December 2011 has been collected from lease of Government quarters, the Public Service Commission (PSC) said.In the statement Permanent Secretary for PSC, Parmesh Chand said the reorganization and review of the policy on the management of Government quarters was definitely on track and in accordance with the objectives set out in the Roadmap for Civil Service Reforms.Out of that $3m plus collected, Mr Chand said more than $2m was handed over to the Ministry of Finance.“In July last year, the Ministry of

Finance had approved the establishment of a Trade and Manufacturing Account [TMA] which is being managed by the Public Service Commission.”All revenue generated from the rented quarters is being deposited into the TMA account and it is operated as a cost centre on self-sustaining basis.There are about 3000 Government quarters located Fiji wide, and monthly revenue generated from these residences is approximately $300,000.“The commission is optimistic that this year, the rental collected from the lease of Government quarters should assist greatly in increasing Government revenue.”

CCA Buys Foster's Fiji FirmCOCA COLA Amatil Limited (CCA) has obtained the right to acquire Foster's Group Pacific's Fiji business.A statement to the South Pacific Stock Exchange said the purchase was subject to certain conditions.The right to buy the Fiji business follows the SABMiller plc's purchase of Foster's Group Limited (FGL), the parent company of FGP.

The majority shareholder of Foster's Group Pacific Limited (Company) by an Australian subsidiary of SABMiller had received notice from CCA confirming that it wished to proceed with the acquisition of the Fiji business (CCA Acquisition).The acquisition is conditional on all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals.

Pacific Sun Soars High

Fiji’s domestic carrier Pacific Sun announced that it has completed a lengthy but critical $300,000 retrofit and avionics upgrade of its three DH-6 Otter aircraft equipping each aircraft with new weather radar and GPS equipment.Pacific Sun also announced a new schedule which will offer better connectivity with Air Pacific’s international schedule. Of note, will be DH-6 Otter connections for the first time ever between Savusavu and Taveuni three times a week.This means that visitors to Fiji can now enjoy the distinctly different experiences that these resort areas provide – all on one vacation trip. “With these new equipment upgrades, our DH-6 Otter aircraft will now be equipped with modern avionics and equipment that allows better and more reliable operations in inclement weather.As a result, our customers can now book with confidence on our domestic flights, and Fijian resorts can welcome these visitors to their islands in rain or shine,” said Shaenaz Voss, Pacific Sun’s General Manager. “In early December, we made the difficult, but deliberate decision, to limit DH-6 Twin Otter aircraft operations to only fair weather flying (Visual Flying Rules [VFR]) until all aircraft were retrofitted with new equipment because we wanted to raise the level of safety in our domestic operations to match that of our international operations.” explained Ms. Voss.“Now that these modifications are complete, our Twin Otter pilots will be able to fly year- round in good weather and bad weather, and operate more efficiently by using GPS equipment for more precise point-to-point navigation. This is great news for our customers and Fiji’s popular islands resorts in the north as well as Kadavu,” she said.“Our pilots are thrilled with our new state-of-the-art weather radar and GPS systems,” said Captain Gerry Erbsleben, Pacific Sun’s Chief Pilot. In addition, all of our 24 Twin Otter pilots

have undergone extensive training on the use of these new systems, and they look forward to welcoming our passengers on board our many flights to Fiji’s beautiful outer islands.”In addition to this retrofit that was just completed, Pacific Sun also plans to spend another $1.8 million outfitting all three aircraft with new state-of-the-art cockpits and additional equipment which will include a Terrain Warning System, Automated Dependent Surveillance-Broadcasting (ADS-B) system, new IFR instruments, as well as new VHF and HF radios.“These enhancements will even further enhance the safety, operational effectiveness, and reliability of Fiji’s domestic airline fleet,” said Ms Voss. “The most important thing for any airline is the safety of its passengers and crews, and these investments underscore our ongoing commitment to that fundamental principle.“While this retrofit work caused interruptions to normal flight schedules and led to a several months of unavoidable disruptions and cancelled flights, we believe the enhancements to our fleet were critically needed and the final results mark another important milestone in our domestic airline’s transformation,” she said. “Now that these retrofits are done, we plan to actively operate two of our three DH-6 Otters, and we will use the third aircraft for charters as well as maintenance and pilot training.”This means Pacific Sun will now operate two flights daily into Savusavu from Nadi or Suva, twice a day flights from Nadi to Taveuni, and a daily Nadi – Kadavu flight.The new schedule will also allow convenient connections on Air Pacific from Sydney to Taveuni and Savusavu six times a week, and it will maintain our four times a week connectivity to Los Angeles.Their once-a-week flights to Rotuma, Cicia, Lakeba and Vanuabalavu will also be maintained, and they will also be able to fly charter flights up to three times per week.


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Certificates and license to use Fijian Made emblems on their products were presented to local companies.The Attorney-General and Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the Fijian Made & Buy Fijian initiative was imperative because it ensured viability of local

investors and brought confidence in the local economy to enhance businesses.Fiji is well positioned as the hub of the South Pacific with a literate workforce and connectivity.“We have a long history of manufacturing and entrepreneur businessmen and women. We need to tell the rest of the world the uniqueness of our products whether it is water, shoes or organic farming,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.“The manufacturing sector has contributed a lot towards the local economy in terms of employment and there are numerous opportunities for businesses to grow.“As announced by the Prime Minister this year, there will be zero rated concessions on manufacturing equipment and machinery and we want to see a consolidated effort in this area because FRCA is also assisting us.”The AG urged local companies to participate in the upcoming Korean Expo and promote their products on the international market.A total of 29 companies have received certificates this year with 181 products given license to use Fijian Made emblems

USP Tongan Students Honour Late King

Tongan students at the University of the South Pacific Suva campus

honoured their late King George V with a memorial service.Tonga Student Association president Tonga Taukafa said King George V will always be remembered because of the love he shared with his people especially children.“He usually visits children living with cancer and we will always remember him especially Tongan students in Fiji as he is always pushing us to strive for the best,” she said.Taukafa said even though the King served only for a short time, the Tongan students in Fiji feel that he has done a lot in terms of development.The memorial service saw students and lecturers coming together and sharing their views about their late King.At 63, the monarch passed away in the southern Chinese city with his brother, the crown prince, at his bedside.

17 Years Jail TermA father will spend 17 years of his life behind bars after he was sent to prison for raping his daughter by the High Court Judge, Justice Paul Madigan.The Vanua Levu resident, father of five, was charged with 14 counts of rape was found guilty by the three assessors.The Labasa High Court heard that the incidents took place between December 2010 and October 2011 when the girl was 17 years old. While sentencing the man, Justice Madigan noted that there had been no meaningful mitigation, the accused displayed a distinct lack of remorse throughout the trial, and he threatened his daughter using a knife to instill fear in her and breached her trust.The man will serve a minimum of 14 years before he is eligible for parole.

It’s Time To Put Differences

With SDL Aside - Chaudhry

Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry is now saying that he cannot continue to carry on with political differences with parties like the SDL and he is ready to work with them.Chaudhry said the Fiji Labour Party has decided that they will work with parties like SDL going into the constitution consultation process.Chaudhry then goes on to say that things may develop between the Labour Party and SDL. He said that this will depend on how they work together on issues surrounding the constitution consultation process.

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times Fiji News 15Skilled Labour Scheme A Landmark Says Kubuabola

Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, says the adoption of the Skills Movement Scheme which aims to source skilled labour from within the Melanesian Spearhead Group region would be a landmark achievement.The item is one of the issues to be discussed by MSG Foreign Affairs Ministers at its special meeting in Suva this week.Ratu Inoke, who is the meeting chair, said as the MSG turns 25 next year, it is a good time to look ahead to the next 25 years and ask where else the MSG could be effective. He said the MSG will celebrate its silver jubilee celebrations in Kanaky land, New Caledonia next year to mark the original objective of the establishment of the MSG which was to spearhead the aspirations of “our Kanaky brothers and sisters to achieve freedom”.

The Foreign Ministers will also discuss a report of the inaugural MSG Environment and Climate Change Ministers Meeting in Nadi earlier this year. Ratu Inoke said this meeting was convened following concerns expressed that the MSG region’s environmental issues and climate change interests were not being given prominence at regional and international meetings.The meeting will also review a report on cultural cooperation amongst MSG countries after a meeting of MSG Ministers of Culture and Arts in Honiara, Solomon Islands on 6-7 October last year. The Solomon Islands will be hosting the next Festival of Pacific Arts in Honiara in June this year.Other issues to be tabled include the FLNKS aspirations for de-colonization, security, the report from the Police Commissioners' Conference, and the Trade and Economic Officials

Meeting. The MSG Environment and Climate Change Ministers' request for a joint MSG position on the zero draft document, “The Future We Want", which will be discussed at the Rio Plus 20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio, Brazil in June this year; will also be on the agenda.Ratu Inoke said the MSG has stood the test of time despite being confronted with a multitude of challenges. “We have demonstrated a strong resolve and unity as a region bound by a common cause – a cause that is clearly articulated in our Agreement Establishing the MSG” he said.Ratu Inoke said the purpose of the MSG is to promote and strengthen inter-membership trade, exchange of Melanesian cultures, traditions and values, sovereign equality, economic and technical cooperation between members, and the alignment of our policies in order to further MSG members shared goals of economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security.“In the true spirit of Melanesian tradition, custom and values, we have managed to resolve contentious issues amongst ourselves. We have also managed to reach consensus through dialogue and solidarity.”Those attending the meeting include the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Vanuatu, Hon Alfred Carlot, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea, Hon Ano Pala, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Solomon Islands, Hon Clay Forau, and the head of the FLNKS Group at the New Caledonia Congress, Madame Caroline Machoro.

Prime Minister Visits Maritime SchoolPrime Minister Bainimarama visited the Fiji National University’s School of Maritime Studies.The Prime Minister’s visit follows a talanoa (informal meeting) session held recently by the maritime industry over the current status of the school.Fiji National University, vice chancellor, Ganesh Chand while briefing the Prime Minister said that the FNU intended to upgrade the school’s current facilities and also purchase new training equipment.“We also intend to build another workshop for our engineering students at the school but this will be subject to funding,” Chand said.Mr Chand added that the School of Maritime Studies also needed trainers who could bring new and innovative ideas to the school.“The school at the moment is running at a loss close to $1 million and the only source of revenue is from Government,

aid and student fees,” Chand said.Prime Minister Bainimarama while inspecting the school’s surroundings noted the untidiness and lack of care and maintenance of the school’s classrooms and has instructed the Naval Division to work with the school in carrying out maintenance works.The Prime Minister is also expected in the following weeks to hold discussions with the Fiji National University on the

future direction of the school.The visit to the School of Maritime Studies is indicative of the government’s commitment to empowering Fijians and creating knowledge based society as stipulated in Pillar 9 of the People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress.Also present during the tour were the Minister for Transport, Timoci Natuva, his permanent secretary, Francis Kean and officials of the Maritime Safety Authority.

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times Fiji News16

Air Pacific Partners With Friend To Provide Scholarships To Students

Fiji’s national carrier, Air Pacific under its auspices of Wings of Hope program has generously contributed toward FRIEND’s SAHARA educational assistance program, donating $70,000, taking the total financial contribution towards the project this year to $100,000.Last month Air Pacific’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dave Pflieger handed a $30,000 cheque to FRIEND Founder and Director Sashi

Kiran for its educational program.FRIEND management was pleasantly surprised when the airline offered additional $70,000 towards the scholarship scheme. The CEO and his team visited FRIEND to handover the additional cheque in the presence of school head teachers from neighbouring beneficiary schools. FRIEND expressed its sincere most gratitude to Air Pacific Limited for their concern and care

shown towards the children of Fiji through its Wings of Hope program.“The additional donation of $70,000 by the airline shows confidence in the accountability and credibility of FRIEND which exists to serve the underserved, assisting them step out of poverty,” said Kiran.“Since the beginning of this year our outreach teams have seen desperation among families seeking support toward education of their children after the devastation caused by the floods.“The initial $30,000 has supported children go back to school relieving their parents and guardians from a heavy burden. This enormous gesture would assist many more children around the country including the Northern Division to benefit from our scholarship program.“On behalf of the children of Fiji a big vinaka vakalevu to the visitors to our shores for contributing their change to the children of Fiji and a huge dhanyvaad to the Air Pacific management for having faith in FRIEND and donating the amount through FRIEND to the children of Fiji.“We look forward to an ongoing

partnership between Air Pacific and the SAHARA scholarship in years to come to support the education of our future leaders,” Kiran added.At the cheque presentation ceremony at FRIEND Head Office, Air Pacific Managing Director and CEO Dave Pflieger commended the NGO for its outstanding work in the community.“That’s why we’re making an additional donation to FRIEND to continue its scholarship programs for children from flood-affected communities and those who need it the most,” he told staff and the board of FRIEND, and representatives of Raviravi Sangam and Drasa Secondary schools.“As we said last month, it’s an honour and a privilege for the employees of Air Pacific to be able to assist in such a cause. I must thank Air Pacific staff and airline customers for their contributions to the Wings of Hope charity chest. It really is the compassion and generosity of our customers that has made this contribution possible.”The Air Pacific team accompanied by FRIEND treasurer and board member Philip Gock also toured both Raviravi Sangam and Drasa Secondary Schools.

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Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.comTimes South Pacific News 17

Tonga Mourns Late King George Tupou V

The funeral of Tonga's king, George Tupou V, took place in Nuku'alofa, with thousands of mourners lining the streets from the palace to the royal tombs. The body of the king arrived back in the islands on Monday from Hong Kong, where he died earlier this month. After the state funeral, Tonga will be in mourning for three months.The king's brother, Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka, will succeed his brother.During three months of official mourning people are being encouraged to wear black, and celebrations and music are being discouraged.'Enduring legacy'

As the state funeral began, the body of the king was transported about 300 metres to the royal tomb. One thousand pallbearers took turns to carry his coffin in a procession led by a military guard of honour and members of the royal family. Church bells rang out and a 21-gun salute was fired. Many buildings and trees across the country are bedecked with Tonga's mourning colours of black and purple.Foreign dignitaries, mostly from New Zealand and Australia, attended the funeral. Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka will use the title King Tupou VI.

Tonga Welcomes Visitors To Celebrate Life Of A King

While Tonga continues to mourn the passing of His Majesty King George Tupou V, tourism authorities remind visitors that business continues as usual in the Island Kingdom.Tonga is currently observing a three-month mourning period, however the Tongan Ministry of Tourism is advising all planned and potential visitors to the country that tourism will remain unaffected.Ministry of Tourism Acting Director Ms Sandra Fifita says the sudden and unexpected passing of the King has further unified the tight knit communities within the Kingdom.“While it is an incredibly sad time for Tongans around the world, there is a real beauty in the way the country comes together to celebrate the life of such a well loved and respected monarch as King George Tupou V.“It is a time for Tongans to share in the life of King George with all those who wish to join, be it tourists or expatriate Tongans returning from abroad, and be part of the passing of the torch. The country welcomes all visitors to join the nation in this unique and touching celebration of a great life.”

The tourism industry, including accommodation, transport, tours, restaurants and bars will remain largely unaffected during this time.The coming months offer a completely unique cultural experience to those planning to visit Tonga, the only remaining Kingdom in the South Pacific, says Fifita.“Visitors will see a special moment in Tonga’s history that very few will ever witness. In mourning for the King, all people will dress in black and will wear Tonga’s traditional ta’ovala woven mat. Tonga’s buildings will also be dressed in black and purple material to show the nation’s respect for the King.”For a full schedule of proceedings and memorials taking place in the Kingdom of Tonga and for visitors to Tonga who wish to take part in services are asked to contact the Tonga Visitors Bureau for details and assistance.Those who wish to take part, particularly at the Royal Palace grounds and the Royal Tombs, are asked to bring suitable attire – long black skirts and no short sleeves for ladies, long pants, suit and tie for men.

Air Niugini Opens Regional Office In Tokyo

Papua New Guinea’s flag carrier on the international route and national air lines, Air Niugini now has a General Sales agent (GSA) ALCONET in Japan after the successful launch recently.PNG’s Ambassador to Japan, Gabriel Dusava, officially launched Air Niugini’s GSA, after the appointment of ALCONET as the agent in Japan at Hotel New Otani in the centre of Tokyo on 22 March 2012.Dusava assured Air Niugini Board and its management that absolute support and commitment by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) continued to assistance with Air Niugini and ALCONET to help the results that have eluded the shareholders all these years.He further challenged the PX Management that as Papua New Guineans, customers, both ordinary and high yielding individual travelers, group travelers and corporate Japanese citizens should be appreciated and treated with respect.Ambassador Dusava said “the GSA installed is not out of vacuum, the airline has operated a regional office for a good 15 years in Japan. There have been Japanese citizens and Papua New

Guineans working and contributing to Air Niugini”.Dusava also reaffirmed that the DFAT’s consolidated efforts have begun on January 29th this year when the GSA initiative was first made known, both for .Japanese officials and the industry there.He reassured that the move for a GSA is a conscious one for long term sustained and profitable operation by PX into Japan. Dusava reassured that PNG still holds Japan as an important strategic partner and destination for business, friendship and good will between our two Governments and people.In his concluding remarks, he challenged ALCONET to get to know PNG and its economy real quick, given their lack of knowledge about the country, and experience in the travel field, if they are to truly make the desired and expected difference for Air Niugini.Dusava expressed his sincere appreciation to Kenzo Shimada; Air Niugini’s outgoing Regional Manager in Tokyo with his staff for their service, commitment, dedication and contribution to PX and PNG for the last 15 years.

Pacific Island youths who have been born outside the Pacific or who have migrated to countries such as New Zealand, Australia or the United States, are much more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, a study has found.Dr Siale Foliaki, New Zealand's first Tongan consultant psychiatrist, was involved in the study. He spoke to the media about the mental health issues young Pacific Island migrant’s faces."People born in the Pacific have 50 per cent less rates of mental disorder compared to their relatives born in New Zealand and I think those rates would probably apply to Australian born Polynesians or American born Polynesians," Dr Foliaki said."If you migrate between the ages of 12 and 18 you find that the rates of disorder start to increase, but if kids arrive here from the Islands before the age of 12 then rates of mental disorder are much higher than if they had stayed on the Island."If you are born in Australia or New

Zealand, then rates of mental disorder are much higher, than not only their Pacific counterparts but much higher than you know the Australian or New Zealand European population."Dr Foliaki said figuring out why Pacific Island migrants have much lower levels of mental health in countries like New Zealand and Australia is a complex issue.But he said he suspected that the problem may begin from birth because of high rates of post-natal depression amongst Pacific women living in countries like New Zealand. "I think if you have a mum who is emotionally unavailable to her children or really struggling psychologically themselves then I think children start to struggle," he said.Dr Foliaki said research shows it is often second and third generation Pacific Island migrants who suffer the highest rates of physical and psychological problems because they don't have the same support growing up they would had they raised on the Pacific Islands.

Study Shows Mental Health Risk For Pacific Youths

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times New Zealand News


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18

Scammed ANZ Clients RepaidANZ is aiming to refund victims of the ATM scam within 24 hours - but some customers are frustrated they are losing money days after the fraud became known.The bank and police are continuing to investigate the scam - which widened to include a fifth machine in Orewa - with up to 500 card holders affected.International fraudsters have placed a device over the slot where a card is inserted that collects information, while a small camera positioned above the keypad captures the PIN number being entered.Thousands of dollars have been taken with the cash withdrawn in Milan, Bangkok and in Hong Kong, among other cities.A spokesman for ANZ National said they were still assessing the number of cards that had been used during the days the scammers are thought to have struck.One customer, who asked not to be named, said she lost $3000 at 4pm on Monday, well after news broke of the scam and despite having a

daily withdrawal limit of $800 on her account.It is likely her card details were taken in early February but the withdrawals were made later than the first batch which triggered alarm bells at the weekend.She was paying two bills online and in between paying them there were eight transactions made."I'm surprised they stopped though because there was considerably more in that account and if the daily limit wasn't in effect I wonder why did they stop?"She was told it could take up to five days for a new bank card to be issued which would leave her without access to money."So in effect you get hit twice ..."The loss was frustrating, she said."The money is sitting there and you think it's in a secure environment and put everything in place when there is a daily limit obviously they can override."Another customer said she had lost $6000 with the money being withdrawn in Milan and Hong Kong.

NZ Increases Tobacco Exports To Australia AN anti-smoking group has criticised a New Zealand factory for taking on a contract to supply cigarettes to Australia. Imperial Tobacco's Petone factory is quadrupling its exports to Australia, adding 50 manufacturing jobs and completing a two-year, $NZ45 million ($35 million) upgrade.Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) director Ben Youdan said New Zealanders could be taking responsibility for a considerable number of deaths in Australia.The cigarettes would be smoked by about 100,000 Australians, about half of whom would die prematurely from tobacco, he said.It was a "0real shame" the expansion had come at a time when the government had a goal to make New Zealand smoke free by 2025, Mr Youdan said."What we would have hoped ... is

that we should be getting the tobacco industry out from the country, not expanding it."The move put workers in a difficult situation in a tough economic time, he said.He hoped New Zealanders' moral compass would stay pointing in the right direction and Imperial would not be "overwhelmed with people who want to be part of the death industry".The cigarettes were previously made by British American Tobacco in Sydney, but that contract runs out in June.Imperial's Petone factory manager Michael McInnarney told the Dominion Post that staff had worked hard to prove they were capable of dealing with the increased work to get the contract."A variety of other sites were looked at, but it was decided logistically and for transport costs that it made very good sense to have it in New Zealand."

Granny Takes Toddler ShopliftingA woman who took her young granddaughter on a shoplifting spree has been sentenced to community service.Tracey Ann Johnston, 49, of Cobden on the West Coast, admitted stealing a pair of shoes, a watch, two T-shirts and a toddler's dress with a total value of $105 from The Warehouse on February 8.Greymouth District Court was told that video footage showed Johnston and the toddler entering the store, picking up items and heading into a dressing room.Johnston emerged at one stage, picked a wristwatch off a stand and returned to the booth.When they left the store the toddler was wearing a new white dress (she had been dressed in pink when she

arrived) and Johnston was wearing a new pair of shoes and concealing the T-shirts and the watch.Defence lawyer George Linder said Johnston was on medication at the time and had no memory of the offending.Judge Emma Smith said Johnston had got supervision for a previous theft and the options this time were either community work or jail."She's not going to get away with it, we are not going down the sentencing scale," the judge said, sentencing Johnston to 75 hours' community work and ordering her to pay $105 reparation."The fact that you used a child ... made her complicit in the act, is absolutely appalling," the judge said.

Kiwi Mums Feel Mix Of Guilt And Loneliness - Survey

More than half of Kiwi mothers feel guilty about the amount of time they spend with their children, a survey has found.About 13% have also admitted to buying their children treats and presents to compensate for a lack of quality time spent together.In the Procter and Gamble survey which questioned 1000 women, 75% said they felt isolated and were raising their children by themselves, and more than a third agreed they took regular outings to "maintain their sanity".The results of the survey were weighted against data from the latest Statistics New Zealand census.Psychologist Sara Chatwin said modern mums were bearing the strain of the 'she'll be right mentality' that has permeated NZ society, which often leaves mothers feeling alone, unsupported and exhausted."Mums these days have many hats to wear; mother, worker, wife/partner, the list goes on."There are so many pressures associated with melding all these tasks together and doing them well. Societal expectations also seem to create pressures for mothers to offer children all the options and again this can present challenges to achieve on a daily basis," she said.

Sixty three per cent of female respondents said the pressure of work was the biggest reason for having less time.Second-equal was the pressure to be an active, hands-on mum and a child having more extracurricular activities, with four out of 10 mums saying this was the case.According to the survey, one in 10 mothers said they felt isolated all of the time, but 52% agreed quality time spent with their children was important.Mothers also believed they had it tougher now than their own mothers did, with nearly half of the mums questioned saying they have less, or significantly less, time than their own mothers did at the same life-stage.In balancing a perceived pressure to work and maintain a healthy home life, 52% of women spoke of a need to also take time out to spend with their partner.An increasing amount of school homework being brought home by children was described as a main culprit in sapping up a mother's time - nearly 20% of mothers said more homework meant children needed more assistance with it.Despite this, 62% of women reported their husband or partner assisted with the childcare.

Tropical Storm Could Hit NZ Next WeekA tropical storm could hit New Zealand next week, a forecaster says.Weather watch said a tropical low forming 2000km north of New Zealand is set to track towards the North Island.Head weather analyst Philip Duncan said the storm could strengthen into a tropical cyclone before its predicted arrival in New Zealand as early as Tuesday next week."At the very least we're expecting strong to gusty winds from the easterly quarter and dangerous rips and surf along the entire eastern coastline of the North Island - and at the worst we're looking at a direct hit from a nasty and

slow moving tropical storm.""We're not trying to alarm people but considering the three recent damaging lows which have brought wind damage, slips and flooding to the North Island we feel it's important to give northerners an early heads up."Mr Duncan said one forecasting model projects the low moving over the North Island. Another had it tracking within 500kms of East Cape.He said the storm had a 40 per cent chance of hitting New Zealand - up from 20 per cent on Monday.If the storm hit New Zealand, it could arrive as early as Tuesday and linger as long as Good Friday, Mr Duncan said.

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times Australia News 19

Daughter Guilty Of Stabbing Mother To Death

A Sydney woman who stabbed her mother before screaming "die you dog" has been found guilty of manslaughter. Krystal Seymour, 25, stabbed her mother, Donna Marie Seymour, in the arm in 2010 after an argument in their Giraween home. A major artery was severed and her mother bled to death. Seymour said she was acting in self-defence and did not intend to kill her mother. She had come home after drinking with friends and told police she was making a sandwich when her mother got angry, "charged at me" and head-butted her."I had the knife in my hand and I just turned around, I just stabbed, I didn't mean to do it," she said.Her barrister Michael Smith said that while Seymour had stabbed her mother, the central issue in the trial was her state of mind when she knifed

her once in the arm.During her trial the Supreme Court jury was played a triple-0 call in which Seymour could be heard screaming in the background "Die you dog, die! I hate you." Mr Smith contended triple-0 call was "words not matched by actions" and if she hated her mother that much she would have kept attacking and not left after stabbing her once.During her emergency call, Donna Seymour said, "I am bleeding to death, she has cut an artery ... she stabbed me."Seymour contacted a friend of her mother's soon after the stabbing, saying she had stabbed her mother after her mother head-butted her and called her a "slut".A jury acquitted Seymour of murder but found her guilty of the less serious charge of manslaughter.She is yet to be sentenced.

Rajesh Kumar Jailed Over Curtin Visa Test Fraud

A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 months' jail for his part in a scheme to falsify English test results for foreign students at Curtin University in Perth.Rajesh Kumar bribed a public officer at the university to alter his own test scores.He then acted as a middle man for nine other students to bribe the officer.In many cases the test results were used to apply for visas or permanent residency in Australia.The prosecution argued Kumar retained between $35,000 and $44,000 profit, but his lawyer said he only pocketed about $4,000.His lawyer told the court Kumar

arrived in Australia on a student visa and wanted to make money to support his family in India. Judge Jeremy Curthoys said Kumar's actions compromised the integrity of Australia's migration scheme."It was greed, pure and simple," Judge Curthoys said.The sentence will be back-dated to November.Kumar is one of 12 people charged following a Corruption and Crime Commission investigation into fraud at the university's English language test centre.Curtin University has now closed the centre.

Jail For Catholic Education Fraudster

A 50-year-old man who defrauded the Catholic Education Office in Canberra of $1.2 million has been sentenced to six and a half year jail.Timothy Patrick Cousins from Calwell pleaded guilty to more than 150 charges of obtaining property by deception, unauthorized modification of data and theft.He took the money over six years, directing it into his own accounts, before an anonymous letter alerted the Catholic Education Office of the issue in 2010. The ACT Supreme Court heard Cousins created two fictitious employees to whom he paid wages, as well as using

the names of casual employees and reinstating former employees. The court also heard Cousins used some of the funds to build a house in Thailand. Chief Justice Terence Higgins told the court it was a sophisticated fraud, which Cousins had deluded himself was a victimless crime. He also told the court, although he would take Cousins previous good character into account that had been the very reason he was able to continue the offences for so long.Cousins will serve two years in custody with two years of periodic detention, before he will be eligible for parole.

Boy Who Went To Court To Keep Afro Must Have A Trim

A SYDNEY teenager will be forced to trim back his hair in exchange for returning to school without fear of expulsion. Lawyers for Mazin Zraika, father of teenager Bilal, and the Australian Islamic College in Rooty Hill in Sydney's west have agreed to resolve their dispute before a Supreme Court hearing began.Bilal had been expelled from the school because his afro hairstyle was in breach of its appearance policy.Anthony Cheshire, the counsel, told Justice Elizabeth Fullerton that Bilal can return to school and his hair will be cut "to the satisfaction of the school principal."Justice Fullerton congratulated the parties on resolving the matter and

said the teenager should now be free to "resume his school life without further incident."Mr Zraika sued the school after it expelled his son for his afro hairstyle - a look the college says isn't in accordance with its uniform policy.There has been an injunction granted on the expulsion and Bilal continues to attend the school as a year nine student, pending the outcome of the court case.Mr Zraika's statement of claim says the school breached its contract to provide "religious and secular education."The family says the boy's hairstyle was a result of his Ethiopian and Lebanese heritage.But they say that even after he changed it to a "crew cut" style, he was still forced into isolation and kept away from classmates while being told to catch up on work he'd missed- but was still then slapped with an expulsion order.Mr Zraika wants the order to be set aside but barrister Anthony Cheshire, acting for the school, says the "principal or the school can simply expel a child."The court heard the expulsion came because of a continued "non compliance" with school policy.

Aussie Band Furious Over NZ Cereal AdA band from the Australian city of Brisbane, The Grates, is investigating claims its song was used without permission in a breakfast cereal commercial.The well-known indie group says fans alerted them to a song on a Weet-Bix commercial in New Zealand which sounds similar to their 2008 single Aw Yeah.

On the band's official Twitter account, they wrote: "They asked us if they could record a version of this song for the ad. We said no. Can't believe they did it anyway, jerks.''The tweet has since been deleted.The Weet-Bix commercial has been running on air in New Zealand for more than a year.A spokeswoman for the band's record label, Dew Process, would only say they are looking into the matter.Sanitarium Australia says it is yet to contact the company's New Zealand branch.It is not the first time an Australian act has come across a song in an ad that sounds familiar to their own work.In February, a song that sounded similar to Australian band John Butler Trio's song Zebra featured in a Super Bowl ad for a yoghurt company.

Canadian Company Buys Victorian Gold MinesTwo northern Victorian gold mines are on the verge of being sold again.The sites at Fosterville, near Bendigo, and Stawell, in the Wimmera, were acquired by AuRico Gold last October when it took over its Canadian counterpart, Northgate Minerals. Now the mines are about to change hands again.

AuRico says it has reached an agreement to sell Fosterville and Stawell to another Canadian-owned firm, Crocodile Gold, in a deal worth about $100 million. Crocodile runs open pit gold mines in the Northern Territory and in a statement says the purchase will help the company to grow. The parties say they hope to finalize the deal by May.

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20Magnitude 7.2 Earthquake Strikes Chile

A MAGNITUDE 7.2 earthquake struck central Chile Monday about 250 kilometers southwest of Santiago, according to the US Geological Survey.

Its epicenter was located near the city of Talca, about 215km south-southwest of Santiago, at a depth of nearly 30 kilometers, the preliminary report said.Chilean authorities initially ordered people living in coastal areas between Concon and Lebu to evacuate after the quake, but later canceled the order.Local authorities said one person was injured when they had a traffic accident during the earthquake in the Bio Bio region. Their condition was not immediately known.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no widespread tsunami threat from the earthquake, but warned that earthquakes measuring more than 7.0 magnitude could cause local tsunamis and that local authorities should be prepared.The Maule coastal region in central Chile where the quake occurred has been periodically shaken by powerful aftershocks since an 8.8 magnitude quake February 27, 2010 that claimed more than 500 lives and billions of dollars in damage, as reported.

Pakistan To Charge Bin Laden Wives A Pakistani court will next week charge Osama Bin Laden's widows and two of his grown-up daughters with illegal entry and residency, their lawyer told the

reporter. "The court will frame charges against five family members on April 2" in connection with illegal entry and residency in Pakistan, Muhammad Aamir said.If the women are convicted, they are liable to be deported or imprisoned, Aamir added. Under Pakistani law, the maximum sentence is five years.The court gave the women copies of

the charges, the lawyer said.Bin Laden's two Saudi and one Yemeni widows, together with their children, have been living under the protection of the authorities in Pakistan since the al-Qaeda chief was found and killed by US Navy SEALs on May 2, 2011.Pakistan has always said it would look after Bin Laden's family until they could be repatriated to their homelands.

British Man Has Pool Cue Tip Removed From Brain After

Accidentally Skewering Himself A British man has had the tip of a pool cue removed from his brain after skewering himself through the eye when he slipped over during a game.

Doctors in Leeds, northern England, initially thought Andy Parsons, 31, was only hurt superficially after the accident and stitched his eyelid.But his eye failed to reopen properly after three months and an MRI scan revealed the pool cue tip was embedded in his brain.A team of surgeons spent ten hours

removing part of his skull, following the entry route of the cue and removing the tip, before rebuilding the top of his nose and brow.Parsons, from Knaresborough, told the media, "I know I'm lucky to be alive. I never thought pool was such a dangerous game."

Bangladesh Celebrates 41St Independence Day

On March 26, 1971 valiant Bengalis of the then East Pakistan, on declaration of independence by Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, picked up arms to resist Pakistani occupation forces, who had unleashed a genocide on the people the night before, as reported.Victory was finally achieved Dec 16 following a nine-month-long struggle and Bangladesh was born.Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia laid wreaths at the National Monument at Savar, some 30 km north of capital Dhaka, at sunrise.After laying wreaths, the president and prime Minister stood in solemn silence for a few moments paying their respects to the martyrs.The bugle played the last post and

contingents of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force presented state salute on the occasion, as reported.Hundreds of thousands of people thronged Liberation War memorials across the country to pay tribute to the martyred war heroes who fought for freedom of the people 41 years ago.A feeling of resurgence of the spirit of the Liberation War permeated the whole country amid the jubilant celebration of the Independence Day.A 31-gun salute at dawn heralded the day, which is also the national day of Bangladesh.On this occasion, national flags were flown on the buildings of the government and private offices. It was a public holiday in the country.The country's president, prime minister and opposition leader greeted the people in separate messages on this occasion.

Marie-Antoinette shoes sell for $55k at 'French Revolution' auction

A PAIR of silk shoes believed to have belonged to Marie-Antoinette has fetched nearly $55,000 at an auction of French Revolution era artifacts.

The white silk mules decorated with tricolour pleated ribbons date back to 1790 and are size 36.5, which corresponds to Marie-Antoinette's shoe size, the organizers of the auction said.They went under the hammer in the French city of Toulon for 43,225 euros ($54,800), vastly exceeding the expected sale price of between 3000 and 5000 euros.

Organizers said the shoes may have been worn by the Austrian-born Marie-Antoinette, the Queen consort of Louis XVI, at national day celebrations on July 14, 1790.Marie-Antoinette, the subject of deep resentment in France for her legendary extravagance, was executed at the guillotine in October 1793 for treason following the revolution.

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Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times World News 21

Queen Elizabeth II Visits Church As Couple Ties The Knot

A couple in Manchester, northern England, have even more reason to remember their wedding day after meeting Queen Elizabeth II just

minutes after tying the knot. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were on a visit to Manchester Town Hall when they were introduced to a surprised John and Frances Canning at the venue.The couple had known for weeks that the royals would be in the building on their big day, but said they had no idea they would meet them.They now have the rare honour of having the Queen and Duke in their wedding photographs and spent a few moments speaking to both of them."It was just a shock,” Frances Canning, 44, said.“We realized she was going to be there,

but we didn't know that we were going to get to meet her."John Canning, 48, revealed he had earlier - jokingly - written to Buckingham Palace to invite the monarch to join their big day when he found out she would be at the town hall on other business, but received a reply declining the offer."She came up and obviously it was just bizarre ... that the Queen knew our names. She said, 'Hello John, hello Frances,' and commented on how beautiful Frances looked in her dress," John Canning said

Women Jailed For Discussing Friend's Trial In Bus

Two young mothers in Britain have been jailed for intentionally discussing their friend's court case on a bus in which jury members were also travelling.The other passengers included members of the jury involved in the trial at Newcastle Crown Court earlier this month, the as reported.After the incident was reported, Stephanie Curtis, 29, and 21-year-old Laura Medlan found themselves

in the dock for contempt of court and intimidating jurors.After admitting contempt, the duo said they were unaware such a conversation could land them in trouble with the court.Medlan, a mother to a 17-month-old toddler, was jailed for five months while the other woman Curtis, a mother of a four-year-old, was awarded three months' imprisonment.

Scissors Removed From Chinese Kid's Head

Doctors in China's Shanghai city have removed a pair of scissors from a three-year-old boy's head.According to the parents, the boy was standing on a chair while playing with the scissors and suddenly fell from the chair. The scissors pierced into the right side of his face, as reported.At the nearby hospital, a CT scan revealed a scissor blade had entered the

boy's brain and he was referred to the Shanghai hospital, they said.Officials at the Shanghai Children's Hospital said the child was rushed all the way to Shanghai from Jiaxing city in neighbouring Zhejiang province."So far, he is in stable condition and no pathological consequence of his head injury has been detected," said Yang Xiaodong, a hospital official.

Pakistan bans film with Indian 'James Bond'

Pakistan's film censorship board says it has banned a movie featuring a character dubbed "India's James Bond" that is critical of Islamabad's generals and spies. Vice-chairman of the censorship board Muhammad Ashraf Gondal told the reporter that the Bollywood film Agent Vinod violated the codes set by his organisation. He refused to provide further details.

The movie shows Pakistani officials providing support for the Taliban in Afghanistan and scheming to set off a nuclear suitcase bomb in archenemy India's capital.The film, which was scheduled to open last week in Lahore and Karachi, likely hit too close to home because it echoes real criticism of Pakistan - admittedly, in the exaggerated style of India's popular Bollywood film industry.

Passengers Subdue Screaming Pilot A JETBLUE plane en route to Las Vegas was diverted to Texas after one of the

pilots began acting erratically and was tackled by passengers, according to several reports.

A federal government official told Dallas media the co-pilot locked the captain out of the flight deck after he became concerned about his colleague's behaviour.The captain then began running up and down the aisle screaming, which reportedly prompted a panicked flight attendant to get on the intercom and urge passengers to restrain him.Several passengers tackled the pilot and held him down on the floor for about 15 minutes until the plane landed.The news reporter quoted passengers on board saying the pilot was screaming about al-Qaeda and bombs on board the aircraft.Laurie Dhue, a former FOX News Channel anchor who was on board the flight, told the media passengers could hear the pilot using the words "Afghanistan" and "Israel" during the tirade.She said one passenger also reported hearing the word "bomb".Grainy YouTube footage purportedly taken by one passenger aboard the flight after its landing showed a scrum at the front of the plane as an

attendant reminded them to stay seated and scolded people for taking video, saying, "We don't need pictures of this, please".The airline described the incident as a "medical situation involving the Captain".JetBlue Flight 191, with 135 passengers and five crew members aboard, departed New York's JFK airport en route to Las Vegas before landing safely in Amarillo, Texas, it said.It said that another captain, who was on board but not on-duty at the time, entered the flight deck "prior to landing at Amarillo, and took over the duties of the ill crewmember once on the ground".JetBlue said the incident occurred roughly three and a half hours into the flight and that when the plane landed in Amarillo the crewmember was removed from the aircraft and taken to a medical facility. It said that all customers departed the aircraft and boarded a new flight to continue their journey to Las Vegas.The FBI is apparently investigating the incident.

Tiny Puppy In California Could Be Worlds Smallest

A puppy named after one of the world's biggest pop stars could set the world's record for tiniest dog.Animal rescuers say the female

Dachshund mix, named Beyonce, was so small at birth that she could fit into a spoon. At two weeks, she's about the size of a business card.The Grace Foundation, based in El Dorado County, says animal control picked up Beyonce's pregnant mother, and she gave birth to a litter of five on March 8. Beyonce was the last one delivered, and was born without a heartbeat. Veterinarians managed to revive her through chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.The foundation says she'll be ready for adoption in about two weeks.Meanwhile, it has submitted an application to Guinness World Records for world's smallest dog.

Dick Cheney Has Heart Transplant FORMER US Vice President Dick Cheney is recovering after a heart transplant. His office has released a statement on the surgery, saying Mr Cheney had been on the transplant list for more than 20 months.Aide Kara Ahern said the former vice president was recovering in the Intensive Care Unit of Inova Fairfax

Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia.She said he did not know the heart donor's identity.Mr Cheney suffered a heart attack in 2010, his fifth since the age of 37.He had bypass surgery in 1988, as well as two subsequent angioplasties to clear narrowed coronary arteries.In 2001, he had a special pacemaker implanted in his chest.

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22

Accused People Smugglers 'Arrived By Boat'

Court documents have revealed that three alleged people smugglers arrested in Australia had themselves been granted asylum after arriving in the country by boat.They were among six people detained in simultaneous raids in Sydney, Melbourne and Thailand.Officials also swooped on locations in Indonesia and Malaysia.Police say the group had been producing fake Iranian and United Arab Emirates passports to get people into Australia by plane or boat.Ali Zedan faced Sydney's Central Local Court on a charge of people smuggling.Federal police did not oppose bail for the 32-year-old Iraqi-born man, noting he had no prior convictions, and he was released.Police documents tendered to the court show Zedan and two of his alleged accomplices in Australia were granted citizenship after arriving by boat.In intercepted text message and phone calls, Zedan and co-accused Fadhill Zangana allegedly arranged for two men to come to Australia by boat in December.In the final call Zedan allegedly asked Zangana if he had heard about a boat sinking off Indonesia two days earlier.More than 200 people are believed to have died in the sinking, though it is not clear whether alleged customers of the group were onboard.

Zedan has been released on strict bail conditions, including that he must avoid contact with his co-accused and live at his unit at Wiley Park, in Sydney's south-west.Zangana is planning to apply for bail next week.Both Sydney men are due to face court again in June.The two men arrested in Melbourne faced court on people smuggling charges.Hossain Akbar, 18, and Wasim Buka, 41, were both released on bail to face court again in September.Bangkok arrestsThe people arrested in Bangkok were an Iraqi man and his Thai wife who have been charged with producing fake passports.Thai immigration police allege those arrested were attempting to smuggle people through South-East Asia to Australia.Police there allegedly found up to 20 Iranian and UAE passports that were partly altered, along with equipment to make false documents.Thai police say they became involved at the request of Australian authorities and there are further connections to be investigated.The accused Iraqi man has been living in Bangkok for 11 years. If convicted he will be deported from Thailand.

Mom Sues After Nurse Cuts Off Baby's Finger

A Florida mum is suing a local hospital, claiming a nurse cut off half her three-month-old daughter's finger with a pair of scissors, while removing an IV feed. Veronica Olguin says she went to Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center in October last year because her daughter Selena had high fever.Selena stayed there for two days and Olguin said on the third day, as she was being released, a nurse was removing the tape that attached the IV."They were taking her IV off with scissors and she obviously wasn't looking where she was cutting, so she cut off her finger," Olguin recalled.Olguin was holding her daughter and saw as the scissors cut into the child's left pinky, not realizing what she was seeing at first."Then I realized it because there was blood everywhere. It was all over her shirt, it was on my shirt. It was on my face. I held her face close to my chest. She was red, she was screaming,"

Olguin continued.Olguin is now suing Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center. Her attorney, Lou Pendas of Tampa, says the nurse and the hospital were negligent."The nurse threw the scissors used to sever the pinky in a panic. She rushed out of the room, screaming, and that's when the doctors rushed back into the room," Pendas said.The finger was found on the floor and the infant was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital. But the nerves were too small, and the veins too little to reattach it.Lawyer Richards Ford, who is representing the hospital, said the nurse is still employed by the hospital, but he couldn't say whether she was working with patients or not.The accident has been investigated by the hospital which said in a statement that it "deeply regrets the harm to the child and want to reiterate our compassion and concern for her and her family."

US Face Transplant Offers Hope For IED VictimsAn American man has been given a new face, teeth, tongue and jaw in what his surgeons say is the most extensive facial transplant ever performed.Richard Lee Norris, 37, has spent the past 15 years living as a recluse, wearing a mask to hide the severe injuries he received from a near-fatal gun accident.Since then, he has had multiple life-saving and reconstructive surgeries but none could repair him to the extent where he felt he could return to society. He wore a prosthetic nose and a mask even when entering hospital for the transplant.The surgery is the culmination of 10 years of research funded by the Department of Defence's Office of Naval Research and will serve as a model for helping war veterans injured by improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan.Surgeons now hope they can soon begin operating on military patients wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.Mr Norris's operation, performed at the University of Maryland's Medical Centre, took 36 hours to complete.His new face came from an anonymous

donor whose organs saved five other patients' lives on the same day, and six days after the surgery, he can already move his tongue and open and close his eyes. Doctors say he is recovering much faster than expected."He's actually looking in the mirror shaving and brushing his teeth, which we never even expected," said Dr Eduardo Rodriguez, the head of the hospital's transplant team."He put the mirror down and thanked me and hugged me," Dr Rodriguez said.

When Mr Norris opened his eyes on the third day after the surgery with his family around him, he wanted to see a mirror."We concealed all the lines so it would give him the most immediate best appearance with minimal touch-ups down the road," Dr Rodriguez said later in an interview.To ensure Mr Norris would retain maximum function of his facial expressions and movements, doctors gave him a new tongue - for proper speech, eating, and chewing - normally

aligned teeth, and connected his nerves to allow for smiling.The surgery marks the first time a full face transplant recipient in the United States has retained their eyesight. The dean of the university's school of medicine, Dr. E. Albert Reece, is hailing the operation "an amazing feat"."It's also an unprecedented and historic procedure that we believe will change, if you will, the face of medicine now and in the future," Dr Reece said.About 100 doctors, scientists and other university medical staff ranging - from plastic surgeons to craniofacial specialists - teamed up for the operation.Before the surgery, Mr Norris, who is unmarried and lives with his parents in a rural area, had been unable to find a job because of his appearance, a hospital spokeswoman said.The first such operation was performed in France in 2005 on a woman who was mauled by her dog. The University of Maryland's transplant research has been funded by the US Navy.The operation follows successful face transplants in Fort Worth, Texas and Boston, Massachusetts last year.

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times Canada News 23

Fraser Valley Ticket Blitz Nabs More Than 500 DriversPolice hear plenty of excuses for bad road behaviourConsider yourself lucky if you drove through the Fraser Valley last month without getting a ticket.More than 500 people were nabbed for talking behind the wheel, speeding, or not wearing a seat belt.Mounties handed out more than 115 tickets for distracted driving alone. Corporal Jeff Bodner with Fraser Valley Traffic Services says it's not

unlike being drunk behind the wheel."People are called in as impaired drivers because they're texting or they're trying to operate their vehicle while they're talking on the cell phone. It makes people wobble quite a bit when they're driving," he explains.Bodner notes say police hear a lot of excuses, even from people driving over 130 km/hr between Chilliwack to Bridal Falls. "'There's nobody in front of me' or 'I was just trying to burn the

Canadian Handed Harsh Sentence For Copyright Infringement

A man has been handed what justice officials say is one of the harshest copyright-infringement sentences ever in the country after RCMP busted him for running an elaborate digital bootlegging business from his basement.Jonathon Donais, 30, was handed an 18-month sentence of strict house arrest and a $20,000 fine after pleading guilty in provincial court to two federal charges of copyright infringement."It's fair to say that the sentence ... is one of the strictest or harshest that has been levied in Canada," Crown attorney Michael Foote told Judge Mary Kate Harvie.The maximum penalty on the books is a $1-million fine and five years in prison.From March 2006 until a May 13, 2010 RCMP raid at his home, Donais used the online alias of 'joncrytom' to advertise cut-rate sales of bootlegged movies, popular TV shows, music and

software on a classifieds website, court heard.Cops seized computers, 11,000 CDs and DVDs and a DVD burner capable of duplicating 56 discs an hour in their search.Donais had customers as far away as Australia willing to skirt the law and

Jonathon Donais was handed a $20,000 fine and 18 months of jail (conditional sentence) for copyright infringement -- the toughest penalty yet, in Canada. RCMP photos show some of the DVD-copying equipment seized from his home at 5 Juniper Place in Steinbach on May 13, 2010

save huge by buying his unauthorized digital copies of shows like CSI, Law and Order and The Office, according to Foote.By tracing PayPal receipts, RCMP learned Donais had pocketed in the range of $76,500 over the years, including shipping fees.

"Copyright infringement really is theft," Foote said. "What Mr. Donais has done is theft on a very significant scale."Donais apparently had no clue he was under suspicion for years, after RCMP caught wind of counterfeit software being sold under his online alias in 2008.The Canadian Motion Picture Distributors Association conducted a separate anti-piracy investigation in 2009. They set up an undercover buy of a bootlegged TV series that linked back to Donais.A few months later, RCMP conducted their own undercover sting in a similar fashion -- a tactic leading to the raid. Prior to that, cops had sifted through his trash and found evidence of his dealings, Harvie was told.Defence lawyer Jason Kendall said Donais, to his credit, entered his guilty pleas at a very early stage and is extremely remorseful for "the terrible error in judgement he made."

Brinks Crash Spills Millions In CoinsA crash of a Brinks tractor-trailer in northeastern Ontario Wednesday morning seriously injured the two occupants, and scattered millions of dollars in Canadian coins on the highway and in the nearby bush.

The crash happened on Highway 11, south of Ramore, north of Kirkland Lake, when the tractor-trailer collided with a rock cut in Benoit Township around 4 a.m.It also caused a series of chain-reaction

Millions of dollars worth of coins are strewn around the area of the crash.

collisions that involved a minivan and two other tractor-trailer units.Ontario Provincial Police closed the highway from Matheson to Kenogami, and said it would remain that way for several hours.One occupant of the Brinks vehicle was taken to Bingham Memorial Hospital in Matheson and the other was taken to a Kirkland Lake hospital.Both men remain in hospital with life-threatening injuries.South Porcupine OPP described the "debris field," made up of millions of dollars in Canadian coins, as "massive." The load consisted of loonies and toonies, but the exact value of the money strewn in the area of the crash wasn't immediately known.The driver of the minivan was uninjured, but the drivers of the other tractor-trailer units sustained minor injuries. They have since been released from the hospital.

Magnetic cranes to be brought inOPP officer Mark Andrews said Brinks is looking at bringing in a magnetic crane from a nearby scrap yard to pick up the millions in coins. They may use front-end loaders to scoop up dirt, which will be sifted through at another location later.Andrews also said off-duty OPP officers have been hired to help Brinks staff ward off any potential coin scavenging in the area.One of the tractor-trailer units was reportedly carrying candy, which was also strewn across the crash site.Const. Marc Depatie from South Porcupine OPP said visibility could have been a factor in the collision."This is the first occurrence that I'm aware of where a collision has occurred where the actual load of Canadian currency has been compromised," he said.Police said Highway 101 remains open to east-west traffic.

carbon out of my car...' We actually get that quite often. 'I was going with the flow of traffic.' No, you were blowing

the flow of traffic off the highway."A total of 389 tickets were issued to people for not wearing seat belts.


604-909-4088 Toll Free: 1 866 840 2885

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times BC News24

Aussie Couple Needs To Pay $726K Hospital Bill

The B.C. Health Ministry will not forgive the $726,000 hospital bill incurred by an Australian couple when the woman went into labour at Vancouver airport, requiring 90 days of neo-natal care for her baby.Health Ministry spokesman Ryan Jabs said taxpayers can’t be forced to bear the financial burden for baby Piper Kan, born to Rachel Evans and John Kan.“Given that each family situation is unique, B.C. Women’s works with each family to find a compassionate compromise to recover the cost of care, as well as to support the family with any information they might

require to claim costs from insurers. We have done so in this situation,” B.C. Women’s Hospital and Health Centre president Jan Christilaw said in a statement.The compromise consists of the couple paying $300 dollars a month – a rate that would take 200 years to complete – on top of $10,000 paid up front by credit card.The hospital agreed to absorb some of the fee.Sydney’s Daily Telegraph newspaper reported Australia’s Department of Health and Ageing was investigating whether it could pay the bill.

City Looking At Changes To ParkingThe City of Vancouver says a quarter of us are using cell phones to feed parking meters these days, and that figure is growing every year.The City recognizes this and is looking at improving its pay-by-phone system to include more advanced technology to make things convenient for drivers.Director of Transportation Jerry Dobrovolny tells us by this time next year, you could be able to pay for parking over the phone in a different language or by clicking a button. "Using something like QR codes -- quick response codes where, with a smartphone, you can snap a picture [of it] on the meter and it can enter the data for you so it knows where you are."It's not just how you pay that may be tweaked. Depending on the time of day, finding parking in Vancouver can be a tough task but the city hopes

to provide some relief for frustrated drivers looking for a free spot. "We are also looking for the opportunity for our 'smart meters,' which have technology and cell phone communication in them, to show up in Google to show them where vacant parking spaces are in the city," explains Dobrovolny.He notes the movement away from coins would also take a load off of city workers. "You have to appreciate that we are processing tons of coins every day."The contract for the city's current parking system is up in October. Staffs are looking at finding the right company to work with them on the technical improvements. If and when the changes will happen are unknown. However, if all things go as planned for the city, improvements can be seen sometime next year.

Keep Your Credit Cards Safe From Fraud

Credit cards make our lives convenient, but fraudulent charges can be racked up if you do not use your credit card safely. March is Fraud Prevention Month and the Province is teaming up with Consumer Protection BC to help you keep your credit cards safe from fraudulent activity. This is one way that consumers can be tricked: Donald gets an email from what looks like his bank. It says he has an overdue payment on his credit card. He clicks on the email and a website opens up that seems to be legitimate. It asks for his name, address and credit card number. He is worried about his overdue bill, so he enters his personal information. Donald has just been scammed and his credit card information could be used fraudulently. Here are some tips to help you keep your credit card safe from frauds and scams: • Be safe with your credit card

online.Do not click on email links from anyone pretending to be your bank, credit card company, or any other business - even if the email looks legitimate. These links are often 'phishing' scams and want to trick you into entering your login information on their fake website. Enter your credit card number only on secure websites that you are sure are 100 per cent legitimate. Be careful of what information data you share over Wi-Fi - especially your online banking.• Keep your credit cards secure.

Always confirm you have your credit card back in your possession before you leave a store or restaurant. Decrease your chances of credit card skimming at restaurants by paying at the terminal rather than giving your credit card to a server for processing. Do not sign blank credit card receipts.• Shred, Shred, Shred!Shred anything with your credit card number on it. If you make a credit card purchase at a store or restaurant that keeps a copy of the receipt, be sure to scratch out your credit card number with a pen.• Avoid giving out your credit card

information.Only give out your credit card number or other sensitive information to your bank or financial institution when you have initiated the call using the number on the back of your card. Do not return calls to a phone number left on your answering machine and do not give your credit card number to anyone who calls you requesting the number.• Report suspicious activity

immediately.The sooner you report your missing or stolen card, the less likely fraudulent charges will be made on your card. Most credit card companies have 24-hour service for this reason. Always report credit card fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by visiting their website at www.antifraudcentre.ca or calling 1 888 495-8501.• Review your billing statements

each month.This is the best way to ensure that you notice strange charges and report them right away. Contact your credit card company to inquire about any strange transactions or incorrect charges.March is Fraud Prevention Month - know your rights! If you have questions about your rights and responsibilities as a consumer in British Columbia, please contact Consumer Protection BC toll free at 1 888 564-9963, or visit: www.consumerprotectionbc.ca

RCMP Women File Class-Action Discrimination Suit

Former RCMP Const. Janet Merlo filed a proposed class-action lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court on Tuesday on behalf of more than 150 women who are claiming rampant gender discrimination and sexual harassment within the force.Merlo, a former officer in B.C. who describes the sexist comments, sexual pranks, derogatory remarks and double standards she endured during her 20 years on the force in her claim, is the representative plaintiff in the suit.The court must next decide whether certify the case as a class-action, which could take at least a year, said Vancouver-based lawyer David Klein, who is working on the case alongside lawyers in B.C. and Ontario.“It’s too late for me but I hope that this lawsuit will bring about some positive

change for women who are still with the RCMP and women who join in the future,” Merlo said in a written statement.If the suit proceeds, the settlement could end up in the millions of dollars, depending on the final number of women who join the suit, which they expect could double or even triple to 450, Klein said.The range of complaints by women in the RCMP across the country run from being in a stressful toxic work environment to sexual assault and the inability to work.“For many of these women, the consequences of the bullying, harassment and discrimination have been devastating including post-traumatic stress syndrome, attempted suicides, depression, broken

relationships, failed marriages,” said Sandy Zaitzeff, a Thunder Bay, Ont., lawyer involved in the suit, in a statement.Women began speaking out after former RCMP Cpl. Catherine Galliford, a former spokeswoman on the Missing Women Joint Task Force, went public last year with her harassment stories.Former B.C. RCMP member Krista Carle said she suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after being told she was “as dumb as a sack of nails,” had pornography stuffed in her desk and was regularly harassed,

mainly by “old-school” police.“It’s a big sense of relief,” said Carle, who took a medical discharge in 2010. “I’d like to see the wheels of justice turn. ... I’d like to see this have a positive resolution for the RCMP and for all the women that are involved.”


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THINKING OF BECOMING A CANADIAN CITIZEN?Try This Practice Test - Discover Canada

26

1) Who are the Aboriginal peoples in Canada? A. The first inhabitants of Canada.B. Refugees from the American Revolution.C. Early Australian immigrants.D. United Empire Loyalists and Métis.2) What are the Prairie provinces? A. Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba.B. Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia.C. Saskatchewan and Alberta.D. Saskatchewan and Manitoba.3) How are Senators chosen? A. Appointed by the Queen.

B. Appointed by the Prime Minister.C. By the Premiers of all provinces.D. Appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.4) Who invented the snowmobile? A. Alexander Graham BellB. Joseph-Armand BombardierC. Mathew Evans and Henry WoodwardD. Sir Sandford Fleming5) For what is the Okanagan Valley famous? A. Grapes.B. Wine.C. Fruit orchards.D. Salmon.6) How is the government formed after an election? A. The Premiers of each province vote for the party to be in power.B. The party with the most elected

representatives becomes in power.C. The Queen selects a party to form the government.D. The Governor General proposes a plan to form the government.7) Fatima is a new immigrant to Canada. Why can she choose to take a job like any man? A. Because of the equality between French and English.B. Because she came from United Kingdom.C. Because she has a university degree.D. Because of the equality of women and men in Canada.8) Which was the last province to join Canada? A. Yukon.B. Manitoba.C. Newfoundland.D. Prince Edward Island.

9) What are the first two lines of Canada's national anthem? A. O Canadian! Our home and private land! True love in all thy sons command.B. O Canada! From far and wide, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee.C. O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command.D. O Canada! We stand on guard for thee.10) Which province is Canada's leading wheat producer? A. Saskatchewan.B. Alberta.C. Manitoba.D. New Brunswick.

ANSWERS1 A 2 A 3 D 4 B 5 C6 B 7 D 8 C 9 C 10 A

Minister Kenney Proposes To Assess Foreign Education Credentials Before Skilled Workers Arrive

Canada is proposing a major change to how foreign skilled workers’ education credentials are assessed, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced Wednesday.The proposed new requirement would mean that applicants wanting to immigrate as Federal Skilled Workers would have their foreign education credentials assessed and verified by designated organizations before they arrive in Canada.“Our Government is building an immigration system that is focused on economic growth and ensuring that all Canadians, including immigrants, are able to contribute to their maximum capacity,” said Jason Kenney. “By having their foreign education credentials assessed before their arrival to Canada, foreign skilled workers will have a better sense of how their credentials fit into the Canadian labour market and

will be able to contribute their full skill set to the economy more quickly. This proposal is part of a broader package of transformational changes that will make Canada’s immigration policies work better for the Canadian economy.” A pre-arrival assessment would let applicants know how their education credentials compare to Canadian credentials and it will give immigrants a sense of how Canadian employers are likely to value their education. This will also screen out people without proper education levels and is an important step in helping to address the problem of immigrants arriving and not being able to work in their field.The assessment of international educational credentials would not mean that Federal Skilled Workers would automatically find employment in Canada commensurate with their skills nor would it guarantee that they

would become licensed to practice in a regulated occupation. Applicants who intend to work in a regulated profession would likely need to have their qualifications assessed in greater depth for purposes of licensure by a regulatory body specific to their profession and intended province of work.“Internationally trained workers make an important contribution to Canada’s job market and the economy,” added Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “That’s why our Government is working in partnership to improve foreign credential recognition so that skilled newcomers can put their knowledge and skills to work sooner.”Minister Kenney also used the occasion to release the 2011 Government of Canada Progress Report on Foreign Credential Recognition, Strengthening Canada’s Economy. The annual report,

led by the Foreign Credentials Referral Office, highlights achievements made by Citizenship and Immigration Canada , Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Health Canada to help foreign trained individuals integrate into the Canadian workforce. Highlights of the report include:expansion of the Canadian Immigration Integration Program (CIIP), which is designed and managed by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges. CIIP currently offers pre-arrival orientation sessions in up to 25 countries, based on demand; an innovative assessment and bridging program to help internationally educated nurses meet regulatory requirements for licensure across Canada; and the launch of the International Qualifications Network Website for stakeholders to share information and best practices in credential assessment.

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times Lifestyle 27

Healthy Habits To Improve Your Life1: Eat Breakfast Every Morning

Breakfast eaters are champions of good health. Research shows people who have a morning meal tend to take in more vitamins and minerals, and less fat and cholesterol. The result is often a leaner body, lower cholesterol count, and less chance of overeating.Breakfast eaters are significantly less likely to be obese and get diabetes compared with nonbreakfast eaters.To get the full benefits of breakfast, have a meal with carbohydrates, protein, and a small amount of fat. Because no single food gives you all of the nutrients you need, eating a variety of foods is essential to good health.2: Add Fish and Omega-3 Fatty

Acids to Your Diet

Besides being a good source of protein and a food relatively low in the bad type of dietary fat called saturated fat, fish has omega-3 fatty acids -- which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.Fatty fish such as mackerel, trout, herring, sardines, tuna, and salmon, are rich in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).Foods such as tofu, soybeans, canola, walnuts, flaxseed, and their oils contain

alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which convert to omega-3 in the body.

3: Get Enough Sleep

Your body has to have enough time to rest, otherwise, you may find yourself feeling cranky and tired.Sleep is vital to good health and to mental and emotional well-being. People who don't get enough slumber are more likely than others to develop psychiatric problems and to use health care services. Plus, sleep deprivation can negatively affect memory, learning, and logical reasoning.About one out of five of drivers say they've fallen asleep while driving.Each year drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 car crashes, 1,500 deaths, and tens of thousands of injuries.Take 15 to 20 minute nap. Because it takes about 30 minutes for the caffeine to work, taking a nap while you wait for the caffeine to kick in can help restore alertness.To avoid the pitfalls of insufficient sleep, make sure to get at least seven to 10 hours of slumber each night. Kids need more sleep, depending on their age.

4: Make Social Connections

Volunteer. Go to church. Join a club. Whatever you do, do it with people. Communal activities are good for your physical and mental health.Providing information. You may think for instance your frequent nosebleeds,

coughing, and sneezing episodes are trivial, but when a close friend or relative hears of it, he or she may encourage you to go to a doctor. If the symptoms turn out to be a serious condition, the social tie could have saved your life. Instrumental help. Friends and family can provide physical support in time of need. They may help with cooking, cleaning, running errands, doing grocery shopping, and driving to the doctor's office. Emotional support. Sharing a problem with a trusted person can help alleviate an internal burden. "It's a load off your chest." Offering a sense of belonging. This feeling not only helps reinforce a person's identity, it also assists in preventing and overcoming depression and anxiety.Community ties also help improve mental functioning. Group activities can help keep the mind active and maintain desirable levels of serotonin -- the brain chemical associated with mood. Lack of social interaction will [decrease] serotonin levels.

5: Exercise for Better Health

We already know that physical activity has a bounty of benefits, which makes it so puzzling why so many people just don't do it. In case you needed an incentive, here is a review of the advantages of exercise:Helps control weight Maintains healthy bones, muscles, and joints Reduces risk of developing high blood

pressure and diabetes Promotes psychological well-being Reduces risk of death from heart disease Reduces risk of premature deathStudies have also shown a link between exercise and a reduced risk of certain cancers.Besides its long-term effects, moving your body has immediate benefits. The short-term results of exercise include helping people to think and move better, manage stress, improve mood, and get an energy boost.The excuses that people often give to not exercise are the precise reasons to exercise are -People who say they are too tired or don't have time to workout don't realize that exercise gives people more energy and allows them to be more productive with the rest of their time.6: Practice Good Dental HygieneFlossing your teeth every day could add 6.4 years to your life.. Flossing as one of the most important daily activities along with exercise and quitting smoking that could extend life span.The idea that oral health is connected to overall health isn't far-fetched.The mouth, after all, is an integral part of the body. Teeth have a blood supply, and that blood supply comes from the heart.Researchers suspect that the bacteria that produce dental plaque enter the bloodstream. They say these bacteria are somehow associated with the inflammation that occurs with plaque that blocks blood vessels and causes heart disease.Other researchers have found links between oral bacteria and stroke, diabetes, and the birth of preterm babies and those that have low birth weight.In addition to preventing disease, flossing and brushing can help keep your pearly whites intact for more than just cosmetic reasons. Teeth help you chew food, speak properly, and smile -- which can help you keep your dignity.

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com28

ARIES ( March 21 - April 19 ) An increase in regular income is predicted. It could be through some commission work, or through part-time occupation. The employed gets some extra income in the form of bonus or wage increase. Investments in shares also get you rich dividends plus a bonus. A chance of meeting with someone at a get-together, or while commuting to work, could suddenly lead to a romantic affair in this week. You meet their family members. TAURUS (April 20 May 20) A person who has been seeking your participation in a certain venture may have some selfish designs behind the entire scheme. If you happen to have doubts about fresh business proposals, drop the deal rather than block your money in such transactions .Your love life could suddenly take a turn for the worse, and perhaps you are to blame in this week. GEMINI (May 21 June 20) Monetary gains are indicated through your efforts at work. Some of you may invest in a new home , property or a vehicle. Socially, you are much in demand . At a meeting or large gathering, you are going to be very

popular. People will go out of their way to seek your company. In this week you spend some time in books. CANCER (June 21 July 22) Do not get taken in by tall promises and allurement of making a fast buck, for these will lead to a major setback. You need to devote more time at home and with your family in this week. By being away from home most of the time you could be missing out on the pleasures and delights of marriage and romance. Don't think that every opposite sex is interested in you. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) You seem to benefit more through your social contacts and also through your good public relations. But make sure to meet all your commitments on schedule lest you lose credibility and even let down your benefactor. Those looking for openings in a creative field will get a favourable offer this week. A marriage proposal for those in love is likely. Avoid hard word to spouse. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 21) You will do well at work and monetary gains are indicated in this week. Perhaps you may be cited for an honour for a recent achievement. Those who have been unwell will make a quick

recovery . A happy occasion will be celebrated in the family. Must respect your well-wishers. LIBRA (Sept. 22-Oct. 23) You will be in mood to take risks in new ventures, and are likely to emerge successful. There will be new developments around you which give you ample opportunities and scope to surge ahead in your career. An increase in your income and better financial prospects are likely. You are able to fulfill a dream. If you want to go some real creative field, this week best time. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) A busy but rewarding week. Plans for a journey are afoot. News from overseas concerning work will also be favourable . You will be entertaining this week which will be quite a success . However, a late night could take its toll on your health. Must respect your seniors and take care of others money matters. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 DEC. 21) Work in cooperation with others to achieve optimum results. In matters of love you need to repose more trust and faith in your loved ones to achieve harmony. After a little soul searching you will realize that you have been overly sensitive for no reason at all. Must care

health in this week and take rest. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) An increase in income is indicated. You will be able to reinvest the surplus amount profitably. There will be undercurrents of tensions on the home front especially for those living in a joint family. Try to keep your temper in control or things could get out of hand. Some your best old friend is helps you on some new venture in this week. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) A delay in promised payment could be distressing. Handle financial issues carefully to avoid any loss. Avoid making any further investments and financial commitments right now. Problems in your personal life will be overcome. Your mate will be more supportive and helpful. Must think best for every ones. PIECES (Feb.19-March 20) A very busy week at work . You will be meeting a lot of people . Perhaps with new work proposals. You may be tense about certain developments in the family. A family member will visit you this week . Try to be diplomatic in your own interest . Avoid discussing topics that can lead to conflicts . Always first think then speak.

Basil Chicken In Coconut Curry Sauce Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon turmeric1 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs 1 large red onion, chopped 5 cloves garlic, minced 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 14-oz can coconut milk 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 3 Tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh gingerHot cooked rice

Method:1 In a small bowl, mix together the salt, ground coriander, cumin, ground cloves, cinnamon, ground cardamom, black pepper, chili powder, and turmeric. Set aside.2 Rinse chicken, pat dry. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Put into a bowl and sprinkle the spice mix over all the pieces. Coat well and let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.3 In a large skillet heat 1 Tbsp oil on medium high heat. Add the onions and jalapeños and cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Remove the onions, peppers and garlic from the pan and put into a medium sized bowl. Set aside. Use the same pan for the next step.4 Add 1 Tbsp oil to the skillet and

heat on medium high heat. Add one half of the chicken pieces, spreading them out on the pan so they are not crowded. Brown for a few minutes on each side. When the chicken pieces are cooked through, and no pink remains, remove from pan, add to the bowl with the onions. Cook the second batch of chicken pieces the same way. Remove from pan, add to bowl with onions.5 Add the coconut milk, minus a

couple tablespoons, to the skillet. In a small bowl, mix the remaining coconut with the corn starch to dissolve the corn starch. Add the corn startch mixture back to the skillet with the coconut milk. Cook on medium heat and stir till thick and bubbly. Mix in the worcestershire sauce. Add chicken mixture, basil, and ginger. Cook 2 minutes more to cook through.Serve over rice.

Simple Baked Potatoes2 baking potatoes1 tsp (5 mL) each butter or low-fat sour cream and chopped green onions

Preparation:

With fork, prick potatoes all over; bake

in 450°F (230°C) oven until potatoes yield when gently pressed, about 1 hour.

Cut "X" into top of each baked potato; squeeze bottom to open cut. Top each potato with butter and green onions.

Philadelphia And Fruit-Topped Ritz What You Need5 RITZ Crackers 2 Tbsp. PHILADELPHIA Pineapple Cream Cheese Spread 1/2 cup mixed sliced fresh fruit (strawberries and kiwi) SPREAD crackers with cream cheese

spread. TOP with fruit. Variation Prepare using your favorite cut-up fresh fruit, such as pineapple and/or apples. Or, substitute drained canned crushed pineapple for the fresh fruit.


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Against expectation, on 3 January 2012, Commodore Bainimarama announced the state of emergency, in force since 11 April 2009 under dreaded the public emergency regulations (PER), would be lifted from 7 January 2012. As a corollary to that announcement he confirmed that a consultation process would begin with view to formulating a new constitution so that a general election, he foreshadowed earlier, could be held sometime around September 2014. To add verity to his claims, on 10 March, he confirmed the appointment of a five-member commission to draw up a new constitution, headed by an internationally-respected constitutional expert, Prof. Yash Ghai. It is to be formulated after a year-long consultation and national dialogue, preceded by an intensive three-month ‘civic education program’ to increase awareness and greater participation.

Not surprisingly, since the beginning of the year, there has been a great of chatter within the commentariat regarding Fiji’s political future. If the more astute observations of the political punditry are to be believed then the stars are propitiously aligned for Fiji to make a new beginning. It finds itself at a crossroads, yet again, following the tumultuous upheavals it experienced over the ‘transmillenial decades’. It is faced with two choices: first, it can revert to bursts of anarchy or mob rule followed by stability and order, periodically restored through intervention by local armed forces or by the imposition of international sanctions; or , second, as expected, it can recommit to a functioning liberal democracy endowed with all its concomitant pluralistic ethos.

The first coup of 14 May 1987 and its aftermath, clearly demonstrated the futility of the first option. Rabuka’s

treasonous act violently uprooted the seeds of discord planted by the British and laid it bare for the general erudition of global community. It condemned Fiji to the inevitable deleterious consequences of the social, political and economic rupture accentuated by three further coups (plus various threatened coups) but, remarkably, the country still managed to renegotiate and introduce two constitutions and, for brief intervals, restored democratically-elected, civilian-led governments with the assistance of international community. The first, (1990 constitution) attracted a great of criticism for its inherent biases and some provisions which were deemed to be quite racist, but the last, (1997 constitution) remains a highly-lauded document despite its abrogation in 2009 by Commodore Bainimarama.

Unlike the first three coups, the fourth coup, executed by Bainimarama on 5 December 2006, was motivated by a set of diverse considerations against an indigenous Fijian government and it was not covertly blessed by the indigenous Fijian establishment; especially the Methodist Church and the powerful GCC. That was and remains the problem: the Bainimarama intervention was quite unheralded for its time because the overwhelmingly-indigenous military, for the first time, was seen as acting not only against the Taukei Movement and a nationalist government led by Laisenia Qarase, but also against the wider interests of the indigenous Fijian establishment.

A great deal of water has passed under the bridge since that fateful day on 14 May 1987; and, the decisions of an eclectic mix of self-appointed military rulers or vigilantes have earned them considerable international notoriety. Even so, an overarching consideration

for all military interventions or their proxy appointments has always been the protection of the interests of the ‘real power behind the throne’ which declared its mysterious fealty through the convolutions of power struggles in Fiji’s ethno-politics. The first three coups sought to protect the indigenous paramountcy and the hegemony of the indigenous Fijian interests expressed in the divine right of chiefs to rule, their inalienable rights to and exclusive claim over all lands, and action on redemptive measures to deal with the so-called ‘Fijian Question’; that is, their grievances relating to any perceived threats to native land titles, their overall under-achievement in education and a misperception of growing economic disparity between them and the others, especially the Indo-Fijians. The Rabuka regime, including his second term as the elected Prime Minister, and the Qarase government sought to placate the indigenous Fijian anger by adopting a range of measures, essentially aimed at a redistribution of wealth to the indigenes, the protection of their economic interests as well as their traditional rights and culture. However, by December 2006, there was a general sense that the reforms were skewed, that overt discrimination or aggressive affirmative action programs contributed to greater conflicts and led to the departure of the most-talented, the best-trained and the most-wealthy. The brain drain accompanied by a flight of capital and know-how wrecked havoc on the economy and forced a rethink of national priorities even amongst the military rulers and ardent nationalists allied with the foreign/local corporate interests and the indigenous elites committed to retaining power.

In addition, the exodus of some one hundred fifty thousand citizens, mostly Indo-Fijians, caused a

significant demographic shift and not unexpectedly ‘thinned out’ the Indo-Fijian population. It created enormous opportunities for the indigenes to fill the vacancies in government and private sector, and seize other economies opportunities that presented themselves due to special government incentives and the assistance packages offered by the post-coup indigenous-dominated governments. It accelerated the ascendancy of indigenous communal capitalism through the various indigenous investment vehicles, in particular, the Fijian Holdings Limited (FHL). Whilst there have been some spectacular indigenous corporate failures, the FHL has realised its aim of becoming a dominant commercial force, not only in Fiji but also the wider Pacific, as it seeks to consolidate its position in all major sectors of the economy through strategic investment decisions which give it control of or significant holdings in a number of major public companies. It is now a spurious argument to suggest that the indigenes are economically disadvantaged.

Continued next week

Article supplied by:

Dr. Gopal Nair is an independent commentator

and writer based in Sydney. The opinions expressed

herein are his and do not in any way represent the views of the publisher(s); Sydney,

March 2012

Fiji At A Crossroads: A Time For Introspection And Mediation


Resumes Don’t Win Job Offers, Only Interviews Do

Many people put too much weight on the resume. Simply put, the resume's purpose is to get your phone to ring. It’s not going to win you a position before you get in the door. Sure, you can gain a competitive advantage with a well-written resume, since the interviewer will have preconceived notions of who you are and what you can bring to the table. However, the interviewer will not be smitten enough to hire you based on the resume alone. To win an interviewer over, you will have to do well during the interview.This is because an employer cannot possibly identify all she needs to know just by reading your resume. He will need to ask clarifying questions. Just as important, he will assess your personality to determine compatibility. On the flipside, you will want to conduct your own due diligence by actively participating during the interview. In other words, you should ask questions because you can’t learn everything you need to know about the hiring organization by only reading the classifieds.As you can see, neither you nor the interviewer can make a definitive decision solely based on a piece of paper. Keep that in mind when you are tempted to respond to a question with, “You can find the answer on my resume.” This response is not only rude, but if you feel that you are repeating information from the resume, that means you are not providing the interviewer with well-rounded responses. The resume provides a snippet of your experience. The interview is an opportunity for you to expand on your experience. It is not a time to provide a play-by-play repeat of the resume. That said, you could use your resume to your advantage by referring to it

and expanding on the information. For example, let’s say the interviewer asks, “Name an accomplishment you are most proud of.” You can respond by saying something like, “In the introduction of my resume, you will note that I included that I am a sought-after change agent who paves the way for smooth-running, lucrative retail organizations. An example of this is the time I reversed the department’s prior history of low efficiency and productivity by shifting district manager mindset from a reactionary ‘put out fires’ outlook to a proactive approach. This included championing change-management solutions that focused on setting benchmarks and measuring results to achieve high performance levels.” By elaborating on the statement during the interview, you are providing context and concrete details that will interest the interviewer. The resume and the interview work as a team. You need the resume to get in the door, and you need the interview to land a job offer. So give each the time and effort it deserves.

Aleem KamalPresident

Arza Employment Serv Ltdwww.arza.ca

email: [email protected]: 604.592.3556

Handyman Tips From Someone Who Has Been There

I learned a number of handyman tips from watching my father and grandfather through childhood. I've discovered a few things as my handyman shop grows and matures: 1) It doesn't need to be pretty, if it's functional, it's good. 2) Sometimes a piece of string is better than a laser level.What I'm saying here is: keep it simple.You don't need all the bells and whistles that are out there. Sure it would be nice to have a heated and/or cooled 30' x 40' shop with all the tools known to man, and a maid to keep it clean and organized.But if you're anything like me - that's just not reality.That said, here are my handyman tips for the everyday family handyman:

About the Job• Survey the work area and plan for

the worst. If there's a leak, there's likely rot. Plan to replace the rotted material. Clean around the work area as much as possible to expose whatever you can about the repair.

• Plan for it to take longer than you think

• One of the best handyman tips bar none: if you get frustrated, walk away (if you can)

• Prepare the work area, do what you can leading up to the big job.

• Make sure the tools you need are at your fingertips - the night before if possible!

• Talk to your kids about the upcoming job, you never know, they might have a great idea about how to tackle it!

• Think of ways you could involve your family (testing circuits, running to get tools, holding materials or lights, etc.).

About your tools• Buy the best you can afford. Shop

around. Consider buying from the internet or second hand.

• When it comes to larger tools, try to get the ones on wheels, so you can easily move them around in your shop

• Improvise if you must, but try to get the right tool for the job

• Organize your tools in the same location so they are easy to find

• If you can't find your tools borrow your kids' tools. You'll probably find the tool you were looking for in the first place...

About your shop• No matter what you've been told,

size does matter • Lots of shelf space on the walls

and under counter space • Lots of space for large tools. For

instance, you should have 8 - 10 feet on either end of a table saw blade

• Make sure you have a lot of plug-ins all around your workspace

• Install lots of lighting - overhead and counter-top

• Hang your supply wood from a cradle in the ceiling

• Make sure your shop is securely locked and consider an alarm system, especially if it is an outer shop (not attached to your home). Tools are a hot commodity for thieves.

• Guys, don't let your kids (or wife!) into your shop without supervision...and don't believe them when they say, "I'll put it right back!" (Just kidding ladies...)

These are just few general handyman tips to help you prepare for your family handyman endeavors.


Newborn Babies Sleeping Positions

One of the fundamentals to ascertain streamlined growth and health of newborn babies is appropriate sleeping positions. With an understanding of healthy sleeping positions for babies, parents can throw away the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Also referred as ‘Crib Death’, the syndrome leads to death of infants between one month and one year.Not just Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), premature babies are vulnerable to several respiratory ailments due to inappropriate sleeping positions. Respiratory Synaptic Virus (RSV), Pneumonia and Obstructive Airway Disease are the illnesses associated with sleeping positions. Therefore, correct sleeping position of newborn is of utmost significance that provides sufficient amount of air to the lungs.Put Newborns to Sleep on Their

BackResearchers and physicians recommend putting newborns on their back for sleeping. It has been found that the babies who are put to sleep on their stomachs get susceptible to SIDS. The sleep position also relieves and reduces the risk of other health complications such as cold. Consult the pediatrician about alternate sleeping positions if newborn has experienced any kind of respiratory distress or gastro esophageal reflux.Sleeping on back could ruin the shape of the head. In order to avert possibility of developing a misshapen head from

this sleeping position, baby’s neck should be moved while he or she is awake.

Instructions• Bedding for the baby should

be comfortable and secure. To disallow baby from rolling over, use some bordering on either sides for restricting movement. This will ensure safety, security and comfort for your baby.

• Sleep positioner is another aid to ascertain healthy being of the newborn. While purchasing one, make sure positioner do not have elevated sides that could suffocate him or her. The positioner should be used in a way that swaddled baby is contained inside it, with only head elevated to restrict unnecessary movement. Innumerable sleep positioners are available nowadays, but choosing one for your baby is crucial that keeps baby snug, contained and elevated.

• In order to keep newborns warm and free from illness of any kind, swaddle them within a thin blanket. The swaddle blankets, especially manufactured for babies, keep newborns warm and healthy. Moreover, you can customise swaddle for your baby, by folding it down from the top corner and placing the newborn on top of it. Thereafter, wrap feet up close to his body and moving sides of the blanket tightly around each other.

Beauty And The BeastOnce upon a time as a merchant set off for market, he asked each of his three daughters what she would like as a present on his return. The first daughter wanted a brocade dress, the second a pearl necklace, but the third, whose name was Beauty, the youngest, prettiest and sweetest of them all, said to her father:"All I'd like is a rose you've picked specially for me!"When the merchant had finished his business, he set off for home. However, a sudden storm blew up, and his horse could hardly make headway in the howling gale. Cold and weary, the merchant had lost all hope of reaching an inn when he suddenly noticed a bright light shining in the middle of a wood. As he drew near, he saw that it was a castle, bathed in light. "I hope I'll find shelter there for the night," he said to himself. When he reached the door, he saw it was open, but though he shouted, nobody came to greet him. Plucking up courage, he went inside, still calling out to attract attention. On a table in the main hall, a splendid dinner lay already served. The merchant lingered, still shouting for the owner of the castle. But no one came, and so the starving merchant sat down to a hearty meal. Overcome by curiosity, he ventured upstairs, where the corridor led into magnificent rooms and halls. A fire crackled in the first room and a soft bed looked very inviting. It was now late, and the merchant could not resist. He lay down on the bed and fell fast asleep. When he woke next morning, an unknown hand had placed a mug of steaming coffee and some fruit by his bedside. The merchant had breakfast and after tidying himself up, went downstairs

to thank his generous host. But, as on the evening before, there was nobody in sight. Shaking his head in wonder at the strangeness of it all, he went towards the garden where he had left his horse, tethered to a tree. Suddenly, a large rose bush caught his eye. Remembering his promise to Beauty, he bent down to pick a rose. Instantly, out of the rose garden, sprang a horrible beast, wearing splendid clothes. Two bloodshot eyes, gleaming angrily, glared at him and a deep, terrifying voice growled: "Ungrateful man! I gave you shelter, you ate at my table and slept in my own bed, but now all the thanks I get is the theft of my favorite flowers! I shall put you to death for this slight!" Trembling with fear, the merchant fell on his knees before the Beast. "Forgive me! Forgive me! Don't kill me! I'll do anything you say! The rose wasn't for me; it was for my daughter Beauty. I promised to bring her back a rose from my journey!" The Beast dropped the paw it had clamped on the unhappy merchant. "I shall spare your life, but on one condition, that you bring me your daughter!" The terror-stricken merchant, faced with certain death if he did not obey, promised that he would do so. When he reached home in tears, his three daughters ran to greet him. After he had told them of his dreadful adventure, Beauty put his mind at rest immediately. "Dear father, I'd do anything for you! Don't worry, you'll be able to keep your promise and save your life! Take me to the castle. I'll stay there in your place!" The merchant hugged his daughter.

Continued next week

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times Health

This information is provided for knowledge and educational purposes only. Individuals should visit their physicians for more information on their health.

32

Two Cuppas A Day May Up Chances Of Having A Baby

Drinking two cups of tea daily may help increase a woman's chances of becoming pregnant, a new study has revealed.

It found women were 27 per cent more likely to become pregnant if they regularly drank tea compared with those who did not, as reported.On the other hand, the same research also revealed that consuming two cola-style fizzy drinks daily apparently reduces a woman's prospects of conceiving – and it makes no difference if the cola is a diet or sugary version.Women who drank these soft drinks at least twice a day cut their chances of becoming pregnant by 20 per cent.There was no effect on the chances of pregnancy for women who chose to drink coffee.The study took into consideration a group of 3,600 women who were actively trying to have a baby.The study's author, Professor Elizabeth Hatch, of Boston University in the United States, wanted to find out if caffeine intake had any impact on women trying for a baby.Although there have been other studies on the subject, their results have not been conclusive.Prof Hatch observed each of the volunteers for a year. Danish women were chosen for the research as every Danish citizen is given a civil registration number at birth, allowing health officials to recruit and then

screen individuals through the Internet.The women, with an average age of 28, formed the largest group ever studied to evaluate a link between caffeine consumption and pregnancy."We found that women who drank tea two or three times a day did have a 27 per cent increased chance of becoming pregnant. We don't know how they took the tea or if they added milk or lemon, but they had this increased chance of getting pregnant over women who did not drink tea at all," Prof Hatch said.Green tea, such as that being picked in this field in Japan, was not found to increase a woman's chances of getting pregnant"It may be linked to caffeine but clearly there may be other factors linked with the women's lifestyle or there may be beneficial properties in tea itself.""I think drinking two or three cups of tea a day for anyone wishing to get pregnant will be fine. I would love to say tea is a miracle cure to get pregnant but that is not realistic. There may be other factors. The tea drinkers tended to be older women and there may be something else in their diet or lifestyle that helped."Tea contains a lot of antioxidants which are very good for male and female fertility," she added.

Green Tea Could Aid Athletes Hide Testosterone Doping

Green tea could inadvertently help athletes who dope on testosterone as it has been found to mask the hormone's presence in urine testing.

Although testosterone is naturally present in the human body, unnatural amounts of it can be spotted by detecting its unusual ratio to another hormone called epitestosterone in urine.Declan Naughton and colleagues at Kingston University London conducted lab tests and discovered that compounds called catechins - found in green and white tea but not in black - inhibit an enzyme called UGT2B17. This enzyme attaches glucuronic acid to testosterone, making it more likely to be excreted through urine."Levels from a strong cup of green tea match those we used in our

experiments," the New Scientist quoted Naughton as saying.Athletes who dope themselves on testosterone may be able to use green or white tea to reduce the amount of hormone reaching their urine. Tea alone may block its excretion and increase the amount which remains circulating inside the body.Though the World Anti-Doping Agency in Montreal, Canada, has been informed of these findings, its science director, Olivier Rabin remains doubtful of the effect just tea could have in boosting performance."It would be fairly modest," he says.

Losing A Loved One Can Really Cause Someone To Die From A Broken HeartThe intense grief caused by losing a loved one can weaken the body's immune

system leaving it more vulnerable to infections, says a new study.

Academics from the University of Birmingham have found that increased stress levels and depression brought on by bereavement interferes with a type of white blood cell called neutrophils.These are key to fighting certain bacterial infections such as pneumonia. The researchers say the effects worsen with age as adults lose the ability to produce another hormone that can counteract the damage.They believe this could in part explain why couples who have been married for years die months, weeks or even days apart."There are a lot of anecdotes about couples who were married for 40 years when one of them passes away and then the other dies a few days later. It seems there is a biological basis for this," the media quoted Janet Lord, lead researcher, as saying."Rather than dying of a broken heart, however, they are dying of a broken immune system. They usually get infections."We think that what is going on is that

even in previously healthy people are becoming very depressed and this has a powerful effect on the immune system," she added.Professor Lord and her colleagues looked at the immune systems and hormone levels of 48 healthy adults aged 65 and over.Half of the group had suffered a major bereavement in the past 12 months.They found that the ability of neutrophils to fight bacteria was lower in people who had suffered bereavement.They also had raised levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is known to suppress the activity of neutrophils making them less active.There are many famous examples of couples dying within days of each other. In 1995 former Prime Minister James Callaghan died of pneumonia aged 92, just ten days after his wife of 67 years Audrey.In 2003 musician Johnny Cash died of complications related to diabetes aged 71. His 73-year-old wife June had died just four months earlier.

Popcorn Has More Antioxidant Levels Than Fruits And Veggies, Study Claims

POPCORN, when it's not slathered in butter and coated in salt, is already known to be a healthy snack food and now a group of scientists say it may even

top fruits and vegetables in antioxidant levels.

The researchers said they found great amounts of antioxidants known as polyphenols in popcorn and explained that the substances are more concentrated in the snack, which is made up of about four percent water, while the antioxidants are more diluted in fruits and vegetables, many of which are made of up to 90 percent water.That's the same principle that gives dried fruits an antioxidant edge over their fresh counterparts.One serving of popcorn has up to 300mg of polyphenols, which is much higher than previously believed and nearly double the 160mg for all fruits per serving, according to the researchers, who presented their findings at a meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Diego.

They also found that the crunchy hulls of the popcorn have the highest concentration of polyphenols and fiber."Those hulls deserve more respect," said researcher Joe Vinson of the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania. "They are nutritional gold nuggets."The scientists warned, though, preparation is key to culling popcorn's health benefits."Air-popped popcorn has the lowest number of calories, of course," Vinson guided."Microwave popcorn has twice as many calories as air-popped, and if you pop your own with oil, this has twice as many calories as air-popped popcorn. About 43 percent of microwave popcorn is fat, compared to 28 percent if you pop the corn in oil yourself."

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times USA News 33

US Court Weighs Historic Obama Healthcare LawUS Supreme Court justices signaled on Monday that they saw no procedural barrier to reaching the heart of the dispute over President Barack Obama's healthcare law that requires most Americans to buy insurance or pay a penalty. During nearly 90 minutes of oral arguments, the justices voiced doubt that a US tax law requiring people to pay first and litigate later should delay the legal challenge to the president's signature domestic legislative achievement. At the core of the law, signed by Obama in 2010, is a requirement that people obtain health insurance by

2014 or pay a penalty. The question on Monday was whether people can challenge this so-called individual mandate before paying the penalty and seeking a refund. Several justices asked skeptical questions about whether the penalty was indeed a tax. If not deemed a tax, then the justices could move forward to decide the merits of whether the law was constitutional. "Here, they did not use that word tax," liberal Justice Stephen Breyer said, referring both to lawmakers who crafted the legislation in Congress and to their intent. Another liberal Democratic appointee

to the high court, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, also expressed skepticism. "This is not a revenue-raising measure," she said. Conservative Justice Antonin Scalia was also among those justices who suggested by his questions that allowing the case to go forward would not broadly undercut federal tax policy.

'No Parade Of Horribles'

"There will be no parade of horribles," he said, noting that lower court judges would be able to determine when to make exceptions to the usual rules governing general tax penalties and law. The nine justices, five appointed by Republican presidents and four by Democratic presidents, convened for the first 90 minutes of six hours of planned arguments over three days and they are expected to rule on the case by late June. The law, intended to transform healthcare for millions of people in the United States, has generated fierce political debate. Republican presidential hopefuls and their brethren in Congress have vowed to roll back the law, which they say will financially burden states, businesses and individuals. Underscoring how the issue has divided

Americans, hundreds of supporters and opponents marched outside the white-marble Supreme Court building across from the US Capitol. People lined up 72 hours in advance to try to get one of the few seats open to the public. Supporters chanted "We love Obamacare," embracing a term opponents have used to try to deride the law. One protester against the law, Sally Oljar of Seattle, said: "The day hasn't come when the government can force me to buy a damn thing." The law has been viewed as the crowning achievement of Obama's domestic legislative agenda, but challengers, including 26 of the 50 US states, say Congress exceeded its constitutional power to regulate commerce with the so-called individual mandate. They argue that government should not meddle so deeply in people's lives and force them to pay for a product they have opted against. The Obama administration counters that virtually every person will need medical care and that those who shun insurance put a disproportionate burden on the system. The courtroom, which holds about 400 people, was packed with lawmakers from across the street in Congress, prominent attorneys, top Obama administration officials and those who paid others or waited themselves over the weekend to get a seat in the public gallery.

Four TSA Workers In Hospital From Rodent Repellent At Boston Airport

FOUR Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers were taken to hospital when they fell ill after opening a bag at Logan International Airport in Boston. Airport officials said a suspicious odor started coming from the bag after it was opened and 15 workers complained of feeling ill.Spokesman Phil Orlandella told the newspaper that a passenger identified the odour as rodent repellent.

The four TSA employees were sent to Massachusetts General Hospital for evaluation suffering from headaches and eye irritation.Orlandella told the newspaper, "The room just passed an air quality test, and State Police are going through the bag trying to figure out what happened."Part of a baggage hall in the airport's Terminal A was remained closed and there were delays due to the disruption. The airport itself remained open.

83-Year-Old Woman Sues Apple For $1M

An 83-year-old American woman has sued Apple for 1 million dollars after she failed to see the glass door at the tech giant's office and smashed her face.Evelyn Paswall, a former Manhattan fur-company vice president, went to Apple's Manhasset store to return an iPhone on December 13.While approaching the store, Paswall didn't realize she was heading straight for a wall of glass.She smashed her face against it, breaking her nose, Paswall claims in her suit filed in the US Eastern District

federal court.Now the Forest Hills, Queens, resident, Paswall claimed in her lawsuit that the company was negligent not elderly-proofing the store's see-through fa ade, The New York Post reports.She argues that Apple should have put marks on the glass that older people could spot before they come face-to-face with disaster."The defendant was negligent . . . in allowing a clear, see-through glass wall and/or door to exist without proper warning," Paswall suit said.Baby Boy Left Abandoned In New

York City Building A young baby boy was in stable condition in a New York City hospital after being left abandoned in the foyer of a three-storey building, police said. The boy aged two or three-months-old, was found in a car seat in the building at 413 62nd St in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn.A black nappy bag with nappies and formula was left beside him.Reggie Chan, 17, who lives in the

building, said, "It's very cruel. It was crying with a vivid voice and sneezing a little bit - probably because it was a little cold and chilly today."Police were called to the location and found the baby in the foyer. Paramedics were called to the scene and took him to the Lutheran Medical Centre, where he was listed in stable condition.Authorities are trying to identify the baby and find out who abandoned him.

Boy Dies After Falling Into Washing Machine

A toddler has died after falling into an open washing machine in his home. Oliver Hebb, aged 18 months, died following the accident in Hillsboro, Oregon.Hebb's mother was reading a book in the living room when the child used a tub near the washing machine to climb on top of it.

The boy fell inside the machine, which was operating with its lid open, and his mother found him about a minute later.After neighbours and paramedics performed CPR on the boy he was transferred to a hospital, where he died.Police are investigating but have found no evidence of crime at this stage.


Amitabh Bachchan

34

Now Tusshar's Turn To Flaunt Six-Pack

Tusshar Kapoor is set to join the six-pack gang in Bollywood. The actor is working out hard for "Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum", in which he will go shirtless and reveal a sculpted body in a beach sequence."My trainer is pushing me a lot. He is working hard on me for 'Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum'. There is a beach scene and if I have to go shirtless, I will have to be fit," Tusshar said."It's fun to shock people and do something that you have not done before. I also have a seduction scene in the film," he added.

A sequel to 2005 film "Kya Kool Hain Hum", "Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum" will be a sex comedy. And Tusshar feels the Indian audience is ready for such content."'Kyaa Super Kool...' is quite a mad film. It's an adult film. Today, everybody is ready for it. They are accepting all kinds of cinema. Nobody is ashamed or embarrassed to watch a sex comedy. India has opened up and we are being very honest with the publicity of our film," the 35-year-old said.Directed by Sachin Yardi, the film, releasing Aug 12, also features Riteish Deshmukh.One of the film's poster has the back of a topless woman in a yellow underwear, and her back reads - "Guess Who's Back"."We have a bold trailer (for the film) and we are going to deliver what we are promising. It's going to be funny and audiences are going to laugh their heart out. When they go home, they will feel light and happy," he added.Tusshar seems confident with the content and says one doesn't need U/A certification for a film to work."If you have a target audience, the film will work. We don't need U/A certificate for a film to work. 'The Dirty Picture' was 'A' certificate. It worked well. 'Kya Kool Hain Hum' was 'A'. That also worked well... so it all depends on the content," said Tusshar.

Shaan Brings Kishore Kumar's Melodies Alive

Kishore Kumar's music has lived through the years -- and a concert by singer Shaan, who sang evergreen hits of the legendary actor-singer, was proof enough.Be it children in early teens or the elderly ones in the crowd -- people across all ages swayed to Kishore da's tunes as Shaan performed at a musical evening dedicated to the legendary singer.One could see the crowd of over 1,000 Kishore Kumar fans in the audience completely engrossed as Shaan set the mood for the show.The singer was pleasantly surprised to see kids in their early teens requesting songs like "Pal pal dil ke paas" and "Zindagi ek safar hai suhana"."It is heartening to see kids knowing the songs of Kishore da. Wonder if he would ever know how popular he is among kids too," said Shaan.Shaan made it a special event for the audience, as he chose to be interactive and happily entertained the audience

by singing songs of their choice.He treated the audience to melodies like "Yeh jawaani hai deewani", "Dil kya kare", "Yeh shaam mastani", "Meri soni", "Jhumroo", "Dilbar mere", "Humein tumse pyaar" and "Mere mehboob"."The best part about any concert like this is to have a wonderful audience like you all. The excitement on people's faces is the most gratifying part for any performer on stage," said Shaan during the performance at the Kingdom of Dreams.The show also saw new singer June Bannerjee sharing stage with Shaan. Both the singers performed duets like "Aapki aankon mein" and "Jaane jan dhoondta phir raha"."No one other than Shaan could have done justice to Kishore Kumar songs. I went back to the yesteryear era and thoroughly enjoyed the entire concert. Would remember it forever," said K.G. Sharma, a businessman.Apart from Kishore Kumar songs, Shaan also sang some of his own songs like "Behti hawa", "Bhool ja" and "Tanha dil".The concert was held as a pre-launch celebration of "Jhumroo", a new Bollywood musical to be staged at the Kingdom of Dreams starting April 7. The musical traces the life of a simpleton, a Kishore Kumar fan, who dreams of making it big in a singing reality show.

Salman Khan-Jackie Chan In An Action Packed Film?

Reports have it that Salman Khan is all set to do a film with Jackie Chan. Talks are in progress. South filmmaker Aascar Ravichandran, is planning a full on action packed film with the duo. He revealed that he plans to come out with a sequel to the Jackie Chan superhit, ‘Armour of God’.The most interesting part of the filmmaker’s plan is, including Salman Khan in the film, alongside Jackie Chan. Ravichandran is also likely to add a young south superstar to the star cast and most probably, it will be Surya.We hear that the film will be made on a huge budget of Rs. 400 crore. If true, it would be the most expensive film to be produced in India ever.

Ravichandran confirmed the news that he is currently in talks with Salman Khan for the project.

King Of Romance Shah Rukh Khan As Jawaharlal Nehru

If everything goes well then very soon we might get to see the king of romance Shah Rukh Khan in the role of powerful politician Jawaharlal Nehru. After doing lots of permutation combination Hollywood director Bruce Beresford found Shah Rukh Khan’s face quite resemblance to Jawaharlal Nehru.Bruce Beresford who made Oscar winning movie ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ and critically acclaimed films like ‘Silent Fall’ and ‘Black Robe’ is making a film on India Gandhi and he is keen to rope in Shah Rukh Khan to play Indira Gandhi’s father Jawaharlal Nehru.Presently, he is in Mumbai and met with different actors of Bollywood. Most of them showed their interest to be a part of the movie. At the dinner party, he presented before the guests morphed faces of actors from both Bollywood and Hollywood taking part

in the film.It took the audience by surprise when a clipping shows Shah Rukh Khan’s face morphed into the face of Jawaharlal Nehru.Let’s see how King Khan fits into the bill and impress both his Hollywood and Bollywood audiences.


Break-Up And Comeback Of Bollywood BeautiesWomen have always made compromises to seek the much necessary balance between home and career. Home and hearth with all its needs for careful nurturing; call for the active involvement of women. The truth of life is equally pertinent to the stars and starlets of Bollywood. Bliss of marriage and that of motherhood necessitated many a twinkling stars to take a sabbatical break from the upwardly mobile filmy career. But, having fulfilled their familial responsibilities, a significant chunk of star studded performers is about to make a comeback. Here is a list of glitzy glitterati, waiting in the wings for beginning their second innings.

Sridevi

The gorgeous beauty and life partner of producer director Boney Kapoor is about to be cast in a filmy package by the name of ‘English Vinglish’. The flick happens to be the directorial venture of Gauri Shinde.

Madhuri Dixit

According to the latest in grapevine, the damsel with a sizzling smile has been considering the prospect of reentry, giving a thought or two to the blueprints of ‘Dedh Ishquiya’. Until recently, Madhuri along with her hubby and babies was residing in United States.

Karishma Kapoor

The ever so glittering Karishma Kapoor has been working hard to don the perfect shape. The comeback bonanza of Karishma Kapoor happens to be ‘Dangerous Ishq’.

Raveena Tandon

Big B featuring ‘Buddha Hoga Tera Baap’ included Raveena Tandon in a small part. ‘Gin Liya Asman’ of Rishi Deshpande is expected to feature the scintillating beauty in a stellar role. The reel life replica will have the chirpy actress essaying the role of a naval officer’s wife.

Kajol

Having staged her comeback by way of ‘Faana’, the actress finds herself back to square one, taking care of her recently delivered newborn- Yug. The bubbly mother of a daughter and son is expected wait for one more year or so before staging the second comeback.

Aishwarya Rai

For reasons known and unknown, the glamour queen claiming to have attracted the maximum mileage from the media fare, doesn’t mind playing the role of a full time mom. Despite her concentration on the real life horizon, startling snippets are doing the round. According to one such snippet, the proverbially popular Bachchan bahu is also slated for a reentry. Two of her likely avenues have been named as ‘Happy Birthday’ and ‘Baaji Rao Mastani’.

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Madhuri Dixit and Anil Kapoor, who have shared sizzling chemistry in films like Beta, Khel, Ram Lakhan and Tezaab amongst others, will be walking the red carpet for the screening of their 1989 National Award winning super hit film Parinda at PVR Cinema Juhu on

Anil Kapoor And Madhuri To Walk The Red Carpet For Parinda

March 30th.There were reports of a fallout between Anil and Madhuri over Madhuri’s refusal to play Sonam Kapoor’s mother in Anil’s desi remake of Freaky Friday, but all is well now as they will be attending the screening of their film Parinda together.PVR Cinemas, in association with Vidhu Vinod Chopra, is organizing a first of its kind retrospective of his films as a tribute to mark his completion of 30 years in the film industry. All the films made under Vinod Chopra Films including films like Khamosh, 1942- A Love Story, Munnabhai series and 3 Idiots will be screened for the audience at this festival which started on March 29.

Rumour has it that Kareena Kapoor has been approached for an item song in Dabangg 2. Word is that she has put forth a list of demands to producer-director Arbaaz Khan. Reveals a source, "Bebo wants something that hasn't been done

before. She has told Arbaaz that the song shouldn't even be promoted like an item song but like a part of the film. Other demands aside, she also wants the song to be part of a dream sequence.Wonder what leading man Salman Khan has to say to Kareena's wish list?

Kareena Becomes Too Pricey For Dabangg 2

Aishwarya Sakhuja Won’t Mind Kissing On Screen

Actress Aishwarya Sakhuja, seen as ideal “bahu” Toasty in the daily soap “Saas Bina Sasuraal”, says she won’t mind locking lips on screen.“I am comfortable kissing. There’s no harm in it,” said Aishwarya.Her confession comes after a recent episode of “Bade Achhe Lagte Hain”, which featured some intimate scenes between actors Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar.But Aishwarya says she has a condition and added: “On TV, I will do it only if the show is being aired in an adult or late night slot. On prime time, I will not kiss as people of different age groups will get exposed to it. And for movies, I am all cool to kiss.”“Saas Bina Sasuraal”, aired on Sony, narrates the story of a young woman who gets married into a family where there is no female member.

Abhishek Keeps Salman Waiting

Though Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai’s story is a past one, still there has been gut feeling amongst all associated with one another. After Salman, Ash’s bitter ending, Salman Khan has moved on in life. Aishwarya too happily settled down with Abhishek Bachchan and blessed with a baby girl but still they hesitate to cross paths at events.During Mona Kapoor’s funeral,

Bollywood biggies turned up to pay condolence to the Kapoor family and like all Salman Khan and Abhishek Bachchan also arrived to express their condolence but what raises eyebrows and gave the paparazzi to cook stories about the two is that when Salman arrived with his mother at the Kapoor residence, he got information that Abhi was inside. Salman decided to stay back on his car and wait till Abhishek left the venue.What was more disturbing is that Sallu had to wait for half an hour inside his car. He stepped out when Abhishek Bachchan left.It seems as long as they are in the same profession, past would follow them wherever they will go.


By ROBERT WALDMANAt The MoviesPariah (PG) * * *

Rude Awakening !

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A young teenager’s budding sexuality provides lots of pressure in Pariah, a sizzling drama from Alliance Films now causing raised eyebrows at Cineplex Odeon Theatres around B.C. Being a teen is trying at the best of times. Poor Alike is saddled with a host of problems. Newcomer Adepero Aduye turns in some pretty impressive moments as the struggling New York teen who comes from a rather disjointed home. Cast as Alike’s mom Audrey, a by the book bible thumper, is Kim Wayans in a rather scary performance. Let’s just say you don’t want to get on Audrey’s bad side. Couple this self-righteous mom with an indifferent father and there are lots of potential traps in this messed up household. Normally fathers lead most houses and in this case dad Arthur seems to be on the outs when knowing how his children are doing. Standing real tall in the role of an indifferent, authoritarian type dad is Charles Parnell who is smoking hot as the quick tempered leader. Oh, and by the way, Arthur just happens to be a cop to boot.With parents that on the surface seem not to care too much about their daughter’s welfare suddenly they become real interested in Alike’s choice of friends. New gal pal Mika is

supposed to be a better fit for this miss than current ally Laura. Elements of sexuality prove to be front and centre in this household as word leaks out that Alike has lesbian tendencies. Strong acting, adult situations, a confused teen wrestling with her own sexuality and nice location work in grimy

Brooklyn New York all help make Pariah disturbing fun that will have folks pulling in many directions. Director Dee Rees also wrote this 86 minute hard-hitting tale that’s flush full of emotion and struggle. Sexual awakening here is handled subtly with great taste and that inner dynamic of two parents trying to figure out their

own daughter is spot on. You can sense the pain and anger of the parents in their daughter’s choice of lifestyle and are equally proud of the way she can stand up for her convictions. Solid acting helps makes Pariah sizzling drama that hones in on one lost girl’s quest for sexual freedom and the many roadblocks thrown her way.

Angelina Jolie Pilots Prop Plane From California AirportAngelina Jolie gave new meaning to the term 'jet setter' as she flew a small prop plane from Van Nuys airport in California.The mother-of-six was pictured wearing her trademark aviator sunglasses as she concentrated intently to the task at hand, the media reported.She was joined by a co-pilot and an unknown person in the back of the small aircraft.Jolie, 36, has been a frequent flyer for many years and even takes her children along with her for flights.Last September her eldest son Maddox accompanied her during a flying lesson in Surrey, England, and daughter Shiloh went along for the ride in a small aircraft in LA a few months prior.The 'Salt' star received her pilot's licence seven years ago and said at the time that she was inspired by Maddox to get into flying."Every time Mad sees a plane, he's

amazed. If I could actually fly a plane... I'll be like Superman to him," she said.Jolie and her partner Brad Pitt have

also reportedly expressed an interest in being space travellers on Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic.

Justin Bieber Reveals What Makes Him A

Good BoyfriendHollywoodNews.com: Plenty of young girls out there would love to date Justin Bieber, and it seems that he agrees that he is a great guy to date.Bieber, who recently released his new single “Boyfriend,” commented to Radio Disney’s ‘Celebrity Take with Jake’ that he has some pretty great qualities that apparently appeal to girlfriend Selena Gomez, states People. “I’m loving and patient and kind and gentle,” Bieber said about his personality.But he also seems to know the key to a successful relationship: “You just have to be honest, that’s the first thing, because if you’re not honest, then the relationship is just not a good relationship.”Do you think he’d be a good boyfriend?

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times India News38

Relax Visa Norms, India Tells USIndia on Monday pitched for easier visa norms amid a series of curbs put by lawmakers in the US, which commerce & industry Minister Anand Sharma said has resulted in higher fees and rejection rates.Sharma raised the issue with US commerce secretary John Bryson during a bilateral meeting, where Washington pitched for a government procurement agreement, easier rules for foreign direct investment and dilution of the local sourcing clause under the government's solar energy programme.Separately, at a FICCI conference, Bryson made the now-familiar demand for lower import duties, saying they could hurt Indo-US ties in the long run. He cited the power sector to argue that high tariffs were putting the brakes on trade.India exported $36 billion worth of goods to the US last year, while exports from the US to India ballooned to $21 billion during the same period

from less than $4 billion in 2001, he said. "If India is not able to readily access US products or attract strategic investments from U.S. businesses, our progress together could slow down. In the long term, this could cause significant harm," Bryson said.Trade ties between the two countries are not in the best of health with the US recently dragging India to the World Trade Organization in case related to poultry exports. But both sides have accused the other of erecting unfair barriers to trade and investment growth.During their meeting, Sharma is learnt to have told Bryson that India was liberalizing its FDI regime and will lift the pause on the entry of global retail giants once there was consensus domestically. In case of the demand for a government procurement agreement, commerce secretary Rahul Khullar is learnt to have retorted by saying that India scored high in the transparency rates on this issue.

Union Minister of Commerce, Industry and Textiles Anand Sharma with U.S. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson at a bilateral meeting in New Delhi

Indian BTech Degrees May Be Recognized Abroad SoonEngineers with undergraduate degrees will find it easier to seek jobs and opportunities for higher studies abroad from 2013, if India's bid to join the elite Washington Accord for international accreditation is accepted.If it comes through, undergraduate engineering degrees from India will be brought on a par with those of the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and six other nations, easing mobility for Indian undergraduate engineers.The National Board of Accreditation, under the aegis of All India Council for Technical Education, plans to bid to become a permanent member of the Washington Accord in June 2013.Said G Prabhakar, an NBA member and president, Andhra Pradesh chapter of Institution of Engineers (India), "In

2013, NBA will be a full member of the Washington Accord. The accord recommends that the graduates of programs accredited by any of the signatory bodies be recognized by other members as having met academic requirements for entry to engineering." India was granted the status of a provisional member in 2007.India is yet to invite the Washington Accord to audit its accreditation system, a crucial process for becoming a full member, despite the country being granted a provisional status in 2007.Hu Hanrahan, the chair of the Washington Accord, who is in India for the first World Summit on Accreditation 2012, refused to commit to a timeline for India becoming a permanent member, saying the process was under way.

Even if India is granted membership of the accord, only about 20% of the 4,000-odd engineering institutes in the country are likely to make the cut.India's mentor for the accreditation, past president of Singapore's Institution of Engineers Lock Kai Sang, said, "India's bid to receive permanent membership in 2013 will be very challenging. There is still a lot of implementation work that needs to be carried out based on outcome assessment and accreditation."Around 140 institutes have applied for accreditation under the new framework.National Board of Accreditation (NBA) officials said that India could be looking at a two-tier system of accreditation - creating international benchmarks for some institutes and settling for lower standards in other colleges.

The HRD ministry has already proposed a legislation to make every higher educational institution mandatorily accredited in the country. "I hope in this session of Parliament we will carry through (the bill)," HRD minister Kapil Sibal said.The National Accreditation Regulatory Authority for Higher Educational Institutions Bill has provisions under which assessment of such accreditation has to be made before the institution starts the process of admission to the programs, while the existing educational institutions will have to get their accreditation within three years.The bill also seeks establishment of National Accreditation Regulatory Authority for Higher Education, which shall register and monitor accreditation agencies.

Nepal 'Werewolf' Family Treated In Hospital A FAMILY suffering from a rare genetic condition in which hair grows all over the face arrived in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu for treatment of their "werewolf-like" appearance. Devi Budhathoki, 37, her daughters, aged 13 and 5, and 12-year-old son say they have endured constant humiliation because of hypertrichosis, which causes hair to sprout between their eyes and across their brows."My children have talked about a new life ever since we received word that the hospital was going to treat us," Ms Budhathoki, a farmer from the remote northwestern village of Khare, near the border with the Tibetan border said.Sufferers from hypertrichosis, also

known as "werewolf syndrome", have in previous centuries been used as freak show performers at circuses."My son is fed up with the mockery he is subjected to and he has told his friends that he will be back with a new face so they can no longer tease him. More than myself, I'm worried about my children," Ms Budhathoki said.Ms Budhathoki and her husband Nara also have a seven-year-old son and 17-year-old daughter who have not been affected by the condition."The best procedure for them will be laser treatment to remove the hair," Shankar Man Rai, a surgeon at the Kathmandu Model Hospital who will supervise their treatment said.

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times Travel News


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Shopping In Delhi, India

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When it comes to shopping, Delhi offers a gamut of shopping options. A tourist on a shopping tour of Delhi has the option of shopping in busy streets, in organised and well-planned markets or in shopping malls. No matter, which of the option you choose for shopping, each one offers a distinct shopping experience. There are various shopping places in Delhi, where you can head to on your shopping tour. Some of the exciting shopping spots in Delhi are mentioned below.

Connaught Place

The heart of Delhi, Connaught Place

is a wonderful shopping destination. Connaught Place has a number of showrooms, where you can shop for designer clothes, antique items and jewellery. Janpath is a popular shopping spot in Connaught Place. You can shop for cloths and antique handicrafts items of brass and wood at Janpath. Don't forget to bargain, as most shopkeepers quote high prices.

Karol Bagh

Not too far from Connaught Place is another popular shopping destination in Delhi. Karol Bagh has some fine showrooms. Karol Bagh is the best place to shop for jewellery and wedding

cloths.Chandni Chowk

Old Delhi is famous for its bustling bazaars. Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest bazaars, which was founded when Shah Jahan established the city of Shahjahanabad in the 17th century. Chandni Chowk is basically a wholesale market that deals in electronic goods, watches, and textiles.

Darya GanjThis is another exciting shopping spot in Old Delhi. Darya Ganj is popular for its Sunday Book Market. The pavements of Darya Ganj become

shopping stalls for book sellers. The market stretch for almost two kilometers and winds through a few streets in Darya Ganj. You could virtually get a book on any topic in the market that too on throwaway prices, when compared with original prices.There are various other markets and bazaars in Delhi where you can visit. Some of the other popular markets/shopping spots in Delhi include Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar and Ansal Plaza. Shopping malls are the exciting spot for shopping. To enjoy shopping in the malls, satellite towns of Delhi-Gurgaon and Noida have quite a few numbers of chic shopping malls.

The Worst Tourists In The World? Who are the best and worst tourists in the world? That is the question Expedia, the leading internet travel agent, asked in its recent survey examining the hoteliers’ opinion. What are the results?In Europe the hotel owners labelled as the worst tourists the British. However, hoteliers in other parts of the world gave the British the silver medal.Among the criteria of the survey were various categories such as willingness of the tourists to try out local cuisine, learn the local language, manners, general behaviour and cleanliness. Unsurprisingly, leaving rooms in a state of total mess was the factor which tended to annoy hoteliers the most. The gold medal in the world awards went to the Japanese. These were the tourists who almost all hoteliers would like to see back in their hotels.Second came the British (on a worldwide scale), whereas the

Canadians and the Swiss tied for third place. In fact, the Canadians were the only so-called ‘best’ tourists to be voted by their own people. Probably the hotel owners outside of Canada realize that the world does not only consist of Canadians.American tourists were found to be the most generous, closely followed by the Russians and the Canadians, yet the Russians and the Americans scored relatively low in other categories. Indeed, the Americans actually finished up in 11th place. Perhaps the American and Russian idea of a clean and tidy hotel room differs from that of everybody else’s idea.

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The Basics Of Travel Insurance Why do I need travel medical insurance?British Columbia’s provincial health plan (MSP) may cover up to 10% of the medical expenses you and your family incur while travelling outside B.C. Which means even though medical care costs outside of Canada can be significantly higher, you could be protected.Points to note when buying travel insurance:

Emergency medical insurance Option to enhance coverage for pre-existing health conditions Frequency and length options: single and multi trip plan options and various trip lengths to choose from Optional Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption/Trip Disruption Insurance, which can include the cost of cancelled flights and non-refundable, pre-paid expenses if you need to cancel or return home early, due to a covered risk

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Times Driving40

2012 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta hit showrooms for the new model year with a big victory notched into its serpentine belt. Critics said the move away from independent suspensions, high-dollar interiors and premium pricing would cost it customers--but VW's beat that bet, and the Jetta's selling better than it has in a decade.It's no stroke of luck, though. Careful planning and marketing have given shoppers a Volkswagen choice in the cheap-compact class for the first time in a long time, and in a grim economy, that means more people considering the brand. Budget shoppers care less that the Jetta’s rear suspension is an older, cheaper design that’s not fully independent, or that the cabin wears harder plastic than it has in the past.

They look past the sluggish base four-cylinder and see the Jetta's much roomier back seat, essentially a body custom-tailored for American buyers, and features like a Fender sound system and Bluetooth to meet their more basic needs.This year, VW's taken some steps to cater more toward the other VW buyers, the ones more obsessed with handling and heritage. The new GLI model's an instant favorite, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, its soft-touch dash and its different, independent rear suspension. We're still enthusiastic about the TDI's 42-mpg fuel economy, especially in the SportWagen, which rides on the last-gen Jetta platform and still carries a torch for old-school VW interiors (and tight back seats)-

-and this year it gets a sunroof and navigation package, making it a great long-distance tourer.In the grander scheme, the Jetta still shines in its class, in its traditional ways. Handling still is sharper than anything in this class, with near-perfect ride quality that still eludes the Asian competition. The Jetta--even in base form--steers and brakes with a more intimate feel. Only now, six-footers can fit behind tall drivers in the Jetta's back seat, even come out ahead on leg room. It's not progress on all fronts, but with its new take on value, the Jetta pitches itself squarely into a class of cars where its soft-pedaled style and its emphasis on core engineering actually make it stand out moreThe 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has been

crash-tested by both the government and the insurance industry, and it's proven to be a strong performer.Six airbags are standard on every Jetta, including dual front, side and curtain airbags. So are stability control and anti-lock brakes; active headrests; and tire pressure monitors. The Jetta also features a crash-response system that turns off the fuel and turns on the flashers after an airbag deploys.Visibility inside either version of the Jetta is fine. Big glass areas, low rear headrests and relatively tall C-pillars stay mostly out of the way. But unlike some competitively priced mid-size and compact sedans, the Jetta doesn't offer a rearview camera, blind-spot detectors, or parking sensors, even as options.

ICBC Speakers Deliver Powerful Message To Lower Mainland Students Ahead Of Grad Season

With the graduation and prom party season around the corner, ICBC’s road safety speakers are touring the Lower Mainland this spring to share their personal, heart-wrenching stories with local high school students to remind them of the importance of making smart driving decisions.On average, 1,200 youth are injured and four are killed during April, May and June in the Lower Mainland every year.* Car crashes remain the number one preventable cause of death for youth in B.C. because young drivers tend to be inexperienced, over-confident and take more risks behind the wheel.“Our speaker program is one way that we’re reaching out to students because we care about their safety and we want to help them make smart choices when it comes to driving or getting in a car with their friends,” said Fiona Temple, ICBC’s director of road safety. “Our road safety speakers tell students about their first-hand experience of horrible crashes that have had profound effects on their lives.”

Cara Filler is the top female North American speaker on traffic safety, risky behaviours and peer pressure. She’s spoken at more than 2,200 assemblies and impacted the lives of more than 1.5 million students around the world. Cara will be speaking at numerous schools in the Lower Mainland in May and June.“Approximately 16 years ago, my sister made a choice that killed her,” said Cara. “And I became a part of a club that I never wanted to be a part of – the I-lost-somebody-I-cared-about club.”From his wheelchair, Kevin Brooks tells the story of how he lost his best friend one Saturday night while driving drunk in Surrey. Kevin has appeared at more than 1,000 high schools across North America and has thousands of youth followers on his blog, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter sites. Kevin will be visiting schools in the Lower Mainland from March to June.“There is nothing better I could be doing with my time or my life than talking to students about road safety, I

believe that 110 per cent,” said Kevin. “I’m out there to help young people stay alive and make good choices in their lives.”For more than 15 years, ICBC road safety speakers have been sharing their stories with B.C. high school students. Teachers can select a speaker for their students by watching the speakers' video clips on icbc.com and using the resource guide.“Kevin’s message is delivered in such a personal, heartfelt, yet factual way that grads are spellbound,” said Kathryn Pipke, Fraser Heights Secondary vice-principal in Surrey. “He speaks their language and opens their minds to the fact that, if this could happen to him, it could happen to any one of them. It is a strong message and an important one for them to get on the eve of their graduation from high school.”In addition to the road safety speaker program, ICBC invests in various road safety programs including the Your Ad Here contest, K-10 school curriculum and B.C.’s graduated licensing program.

Editor’s note: Media is invited to attend the following upcoming speaking events in the Lower Mainland. Please contact ICBC to confirm the date and time 24 hours prior.April 2 – Walnut Grove, Langley – Kevin Brooks at 10:38 a.m. and 12:16 p.m. April 11 – Rick Hansen Secondary, Abbotsford – Greg Drew at 10:00 a.m. April 24 – Fraser Heights Secondary, Surrey – Kevin Brooks at 9:30 a.m. April 25 – Sardis Secondary, Chilliwack – Greg Drew at 8:20 a.m. April 26 – New Westminster Secondary – Mike Buckingham at 8:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. May 1 – Burnsview Secondary, Delta – Greg Drew at 1:30 p.m. May 7 – Aldergrove Community Secondary – Dr. Campana at 10:00 a.m. May 7 – Sutherland Secondary, North Vancouver – Dr. Campana at 2:00 p.m. May 8 – Dr. Charles Best Secondary, Coquitlam – Dr. Campana at 11 a.m. May 8 – Heritage Woods, Port Moody


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LONG TERM LEASE AVAILABLEContact Sarbjit @ 604.763.4077

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com Places of Worship

HOURS OF OPERATIONMonday 5:30pm–9:00pm Tuesday 7:00pm–9:00pm Sunday 10:00am–12 noon

SANATAN DHARM CULTURAL SOCIETYSHIV MANDIR

5600 DORSET STREET, BURNABY BC PH: 604-254-2624

For Pooja Booking Contact:Aiyaar Shivachariyar Sada Shiva

604.274.7906

SUBRAMANIYA SWAMY TEMPLE OF BC8840 No. 5 Road, Richmond, BC 604.274.7906

Sunday 10am to 3pm Monday 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 8pm Tuesday 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 9pm Wednesday 1pm to 7pm Thursday 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 8pm Friday 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 9pm Saturday 10am to 1pmT

EM

PL

E H

OU

RS

SERVICE TIME

1pm Sundays(Hindi & English)

COLEBROOK UNITED CHURCH5441 - 125A St, Surrey B.C.Affiliated with Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada

GOOD NEWS ASSEMBLY FOR JESUS

James Kumar 604-581-3191 (res) 604-599-9518 (work) Cecil Labon 604-572-4854

SRI VENKATESHWARA MAHA VISHNU TEMPLETemple hoursMonday to Sunday Morning 8:00am–10:00am Evening 6:00pm–8:00pmDaily Aarthi 7:00pmRamayan Katha Friday 6:00pm–10:00pm

pooja/special prayer sessions/Temple/hallPT. Shiu Madri 604.582.4899PUJARI Soma Sundaran 604.363.7180

president: H.C. Gopal 604.290.1114

Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam Educational and Cultural Society, BC, Canada (EST. 1982 – Incorporated S176969)

secretary: Ganesh Murti 604.315.3166 Treasurer: Muniappa Naidu 604.576.4529

maathar sangam Activities & VolunteersShakuntala Naidu 604.576.4529

9326 - 116th Street, Delta, BC

ASIAN CHRIST CHURCH OF CANADA

We pray for sickness, demon possessed & family problems.We have testimonies, come and see God’s great work.

Rev. Emmanuel Cheema 778-241-9066 [email protected] 88th Ave. Surrey, B.C. V4N IH5

You are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5: 11)

Sunday Service @ 5.30 p.m. (Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi & English)

GLOBAL FIJIAN ASSEMBLIESPastor Isimeli Lesi Korobasaga

Affiliated with Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada

Phone: 604.592.9001 • Cell: 778.938.2734 • Email: [email protected] - 104th Ave., Surrey, BC

Every Sunday 2–5PM @ People’s Full Gospel

abhishek pentecostal assemblyIf you’re looking for a place to belong or have been searching for answers to life’s questions or healing,

come to our services or contact us. Allow us to introduce you to Jesus Christ and help you come into a full relationship with him.

Sunday School/Worship Service: 1pm11601-82nd Ave, Delta BC (604) 590-8836

[email protected] www.abhiskhekassembly.comServices are in Hindi and English

Senior Pastor Rev. Samuel Krishna

Vancouver Sunday Worship Service: 1:45pm 6075 Inverness St 45th Ave

(Pilgrim Baptist Ch Bldg) Contact Pastor Silas Naidu (604) 517-4490

(Registered under the Society Act Of BC. Registered Charity # 891336349) ARYA SAMAJ SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

Join for Hawan, Pravachan and Satsangh followed by Preetibhoj Every Sunday 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon

Yoga, Pranayam & Meditation classes every Wednesday 7:00 p.m - 8:30 p.m.Contact Shobha Rae 604.874.9856

Hindi Classes Sunday 12:30 p.m. -1:30 p.m. Contact Madhu Varsney 604.222.1444Hall rental also availabale. Contact Kushwakant Singh 604.328.5454

Pushp Kant Singh, President 604.437.7903 Jack Sundar, Secretary 604.541.9359 Kushwaha Kant Singh, Treasurer 604.328.5454

FIJIAN METHODIST UNITED CHURCH 12371 96 Avenue Surrey BCSunday Service @ 6:00PM

Ph: 604.593.5663Pastor Sakaraia & Rev. Ema Karoi

Arya Samaj Centre, 6884 Jubilee Ave., Burnaby, B.C.

NAYA JEEWAN CHURCH38868 - 128th Street, Surrey BC

Service Sundays 2:00pm Bible Study (Hindi & English) Wednesdays 7:30pm

Prayer, Counselling & Visitations Available

Pastor Eileen Reddy 604.842.2189

HINDI CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP#4-6468 King George Blvd, Surrey BC

Sunday Service @ 2:00PMUplifting Worship | Prayer for healing | Music (CD) Available

Shailendra (Shal) Singh604-596-7353 or 604-323-6506 | [email protected]

Hindi Punjabi Fraserview GosPel CHaPel14630-107a avenue surrey bC v3r 1v1

Serving the community since 1972sunday service 10:30 am–12:00 noon

Service in Hindustani & Punjabi • Sunday School for Children Pastor Santosh Raj 604-582-2650 [email protected]

Shree Mahalakshmi Temple Programs in March 2012 Date Time Program

23 Friday 7:00pm Gudi Padwa ,Chaitri Navaratri 26 Monday 7:00pm Lakshmi Vinayaka Japa , Navaratri 30 Friday 6:30pm Durgashtami , Kanya puja 31 Saturday 7:00pm Hanuman japa, Ramanavami

Sanatan Dharm Cultural SoCietyShiv Mandir

Shree ram naumi

Saturday March 31st - 9:00am to MiddayRam Katha, Havan, Aarti and Bisharjan

Everyone is cordially invitedPritibhoj every night after pooja

Shri ram naumi

Sunday april 1st 10am to 12 noonCome celebrate ram’s Birthday

Followed by pritibhoj

8840 NO. 5 ROAD, RICHMOND, BC604-274-7906

SUBRAMANIYA SWAMY TEMPLE OF BC

Puja starts at 6:30pm

Havan, Ramayan Katha,

Aarti

March 24th to

April 1st, 2012

Friday March 23rd to

Saturday March 31st

By Pandit Shiv N. Mishra

7:00pm to 9:00pmDaily

Kirtan, Bhajan, Ram Katha, Aarti and

Shantipath

5600 Dorset Street, Burnaby, BC

Pt Shiv Mishra 604-253-5109

Shiv Mandir 604-254-2624

44

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com TImes sporTs


604-909-4088 Toll Free: 1 866 840 2885

45

Is An MMA Fighter Really The Baddest Man On The Planet?

The basic premise of MMA (mixed martial arts) is simple. You stick two combatants in an enclosed area, and see who emerges victorious. Well, hand-to-hand combat is one of the purest forms of fighting. It's the truest test of a warrior. The only weapon you have at your disposal is your body. Anyone can win a fight with a gun.Unlike boxing, which is confined to stand-up punching, and wrestling, in which striking is prohibited, MMA includes virtually all disciplines of martial arts. It essentially takes the best parts of the various martial arts and puts them to use in a (somewhat) realistic situation.MMA is not the "anything goes" sport it once was. There are rules, regulations and weight classes, which ensure that the fights taking place are as fair as possible. You won't see unfair strikes such as eye-pokes, and you will usually see fighters of the same size/weight squaring off.As Royce Gracie showed us, sometimes even size doesn't matter. With Brazilian jiu-jitsu, we learned that technique can triumph over size.There are three basic elements that a mixed martial artist must master: Stand-up striking, grappling in the clinch and ground grappling. After all, these are really the only places that a fight between two unarmed opponents

can go.Now, all of this brings us to the martial artists themselves. In this day and age, we've come to see that mixed martial artists are some of the most well-trained and physically impressive athletes in the world. You must not only train your body, but also your mind. You must not only keep your body in top physical condition, but you must have knowledge of a vast array of techniques, as well as the skill and grace to execute them. At the highest level, we have fighters like Anderson Silva—guys with transcendent skills. If you watch his fights, you'll see him bob and weave as he anticipates his opponent's strikes, then you'll see him retaliate with devastating pinpoint accuracy. You'll see him knock people out with a jab while backpedaling (Forrest Griffin), and you'll even see him incorporate new techniques (to MMA)—the front-kick knockout against Vitor Belfort.The thing about mixed martial arts is that there is no preconceived notion of what it should be. Any discipline can be absorbed and adapted to MMA. Really, the only criteria is that it should be efficient and effective (and nowadays, entertaining). Because MMA is so malleable, it is always evolving. Therefore, its practitioners are some of the baddest men on the planet.

Daniel Sedin Injury Could Be Turning Point For Canucks

If the Vancouver Canucks had their way, Daniel Sedin would be in the lineup and using the final handful of games in the regular season to gear up for what they hope will be a long playoff run.As it stands right now, the Canucks are just hoping the reigning Art Ross Trophy winner will be healthy enough to suit up when the games really matter come April 11.Sedin, who suffered a concussion after being felled by a nasty elbow to the head from Blackhawks defenceman Duncan Keith in a game on March 21 that earned the latter a five-game suspension, is listed as out indefinitely and there is no timeline for his return.But if there's a silver lining coming out of the Sedin injury, it's that the Canucks have used his absence as a rallying cry to pull themselves out of the funk they've been in for the better part of the last month since the trade deadline.Since losing Sedin to a concussion, Vancouver has gone 3-0 entering play on Wednesday, knocking off teams that are essentially in playoff mode in the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings. Their current three-game win streak marks the first time they've strung together consecutive victories since Feb. 23 and 24 when they beat the Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils in successive road outings.Vancouver hasn't been blowing out their opponents during the win streak -- they've outscored the opposition by a just a modest 6-3 count in the last three games -- and there's no doubt they will inevitably miss the offence Sedin brings to the table if he is out for an

extended period of time.What they have discovered in the meantime, however, is how to win games at the defensive end of the ice -- something that was a key part of their identity last season when they finished with the fewest goals against in the NHL.Their physical play also has ramped up since the injury to Sedin. Including the game against the Blackhawks in which Sedin suffered the injury, Vancouver has averaged just shy of 32 hits per game. Their season average is just over 23 hits per game.Team toughness, or lack thereof, had been one of the biggest knocks on the Canucks dating back to last year's Stanley Cup Finals and was a catalyst for Vancouver's decision to ship out offensively gifted forward Cody Hodgson at the trade deadline in exchange for some added grit in the form of Zack Kassian.It's difficult to envision the Canucks being able to make an extended playoff run without the services of their top sniper, but Vancouver's recent run certainly has provided a confidence boost for the club.If Sedin recovers fully for the start of the postseason, and at this point there's been no suggestion that his playoff status is in any serious jeopardy, although the Canucks organization hasn't exactly been forthcoming with details, Vancouver might just look back at this being the turning point of their season just at a time they needed it the most.Short-term pain could end up becoming long-term gain. The Canucks have every reason to be optimistic that will be the case.

Friday March 30, 2012www.fijitimescanada.com TImes sporTs

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Dana White Talks About Dos Santos Vs. Overeem And Roy Nelson - UFC 146

The UFC is putting the best of the heavyweight division on its upcoming UFC 146 card in Las Vegas, and to headline the event, reigning heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos will take on former Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem in what should be a very memorable fight.Overeem will enter the bout with a 36-11 record, including 15 knockouts and 19 submission wins. His opponent is also a finisher with 10 knockouts in 15 fights."This is a fun one," White said of the main

event at the UFC 146 press conference. "Again, the card is stacked with great heavyweight fights. I love this main event with Alistair and Junior dos Santos. Junior dos Santos has been knocking everyone out, except for Roy, and Alistair looked so good in that fight versus Brock Lesnar so, interesting fight."Dos Santos is coming off his impressive knockout victory over Cain Velasquez while Overeem was last seen defeating and retiring Lesnar.After a rough stretch of fights in 2006

and 2007, Overeem made the move to the heavyweight division where he has since gone on to become both a K1 and MMA champion. His wins include those over Lesnar, Brett Rogers, Mark Hunt, Fabricio Werdum and Todd Duffee."For me, the question is how is Dos Santos going to deal with the kicks and the knees and the elbows," White continued. "Since he has been in the UFC, I've never had to see him deal with that, the stuff that he is going to have to deal with from Alistair Overeem, fought a pretty one-dimensional fight. He's Chuck Liddell-like. He's defending the takedown and drops bombs, but he's never dealt with anybody who tries to throw kicks and knees, works the clinch like Alistair Overeem does. I'm really curious to see how Junior dos Santos plans on dealing with that."Other main-card bouts, all of which feature heavyweights, include Cain Velasquez vs. Frank Mir, Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Shane del Rosario, Mark Hunt vs. Stefan Struve and Roy Nelson vs. Antonio Silva.If anyone was wondering if Nelson would be dropping to 205, he's not. Having gone 1-3 in his last four bouts,

this is a must-win for him, and it's also a very serious test against one of the division's biggest fighters."I'm done with it," White said of trying to convince Nelson to drop to light heavyweight. "I've been encouraging him to shave his face and cut his hair too, but he doesn't want to listen to that either."Despite losing and taking tremendous amounts of punishment against Werdum, Mir and Dos Santos, Nelson was never stopped. His 16-7 record shows him losing six fights by decision and only one by knockout, which came when he was dropped by Andrei Arlovski in 2008.White admits Nelson is a good fighter, but it's for the wrong reasons."I'm cool. I like him," White continued. "He's a tough guy with a ton of heart, goes in there and gives it his everything. My thing is, I'd love to see him take this thing serious. When you got a chin line that, and a heart like that, you can't deny the guy has a great chin, a great heart. He can knock people out too. If he really could get to 205, he'd be a force."UFC 146 will be available on pay-per-view on May 26.

Canucks To Fans: Don't Riot The Vancouver Canucks are taking steps to ensure the events of last season's Stanley Cup final don't repeat themselves - both on and off the ice.As the players gear up for another NHL playoff run, the club launched a multi-platform ad campaign Wednesday designed to curb the violence that occurred when the Canucks lost Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final to the Boston

Bruins last June.The campaign, dubbed 'This is Our Home', includes radio, television and online ads. They feature current club members Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Ryan Kesler, Kevin Bieksa and Manny Malhotra, along with former Canucks Trevor Linden and Stan Smyl, asking fans to celebrate the team's post-season responsibly.The ads also include a contingent of

fans who carry the same message."As an organization, Canucks Sports & Entertainment is dedicated to building awareness for the importance of respecting your fellow fan and insisting others do the same to ensure responsible and passionate fan behavior," the Canucks wrote on the team's website."The ‘This is Our Home’ campaign, which Canucks Sports & Entertainment

has consulted on with the City of Vancouver, encourages all fans to celebrate responsibly and to respect one another at all times."After the Canucks' loss in last season's final, a riot sprung in Vancouver's downtown core that lead to widespread vandalism and looting. Theft and property damage amounted to a reported $4.2 million. At least 140 people were also injured in the violence.


PM Congratulates Sevens BoysPrime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama congratulated the Digicel Fiji Sevens Team for winning the Hong Kong Sevens tournament.Fiji posted a 35 – 28 win against New Zealand in the finals, moving Fiji’s ranking up to second place in the IRB sevens world series.Prime Minister Bainimarama said the team’s performance over the weekend can only credited to the discipline and teamwork.“Fijians all over the world are celebrating this win, and it’s a big step by our 7’s team”, Prime Minister Bainimarama said.“Our boys showed a lot of discipline and teamwork and that makes an enormous difference and brings about results”.

The Prime Minister said the performance over the weekend was also a time of unity for the nation as it brought about a sense of patriotism among all Fijians regardless of ethnicity.“In Fiji rugby seven’s is not only a sport but a time for all Fijians to get together, with neighbors, friends and family to cheer the nation on as one. It is not always about winning but giving it all your best. Bringing the Hong Kong Seven’s cup home is a great bonus along with the exceptional performance by our boys.”The head of government said that Fiji as a nation is fully behind the seven’s team and will continue to support their performance in the rest of the tournaments in the Sevens Series.

Vancouver Whitecaps Still UndefeatedDespite having a zero in the loss column so far in 2012, Vancouver Whitecaps FC is not taking anything for granted. The draw on Saturday with D.C. United was hard fought and

the 'Caps realize that they need to put it all together before they play a tough road match at Philadelphia Union this coming Saturday at PPL Park (1 p.m. PT on Sportsnet Pacific,

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FijiTimes_Mar 30 2012