The Jet Volume 6 Number 3

APRIL / MAY, 2014. ISSUE 54 www.thejetnewspaper.com 50 CENTS

THETHEJJETETMarket boom

Government funding enables major upgrade works to beginBy SALOTE QALUBAU

Attorney-General and Acting Minister for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment Aiyaz Sayed-Khai-yum offi cially launched the ground breaking ceremony for the Nadi Market extension and refurbish-ment project on Thursday, April 17. Government has injected a total of $804,000 solely for the purpose of refurbishing and revamping the new initiative aimed at assisting people at grass root level.

The honourable Prime Minis-ter in his budget address last year announced a number of initiatives for a number of markets through-out Fiji," Sayed-Khaiyum said.

The Bainimarama govern-ments vision is to become what we call an enabler by way of giving the fundamental infrastructure that must remain available to all Fiji-ans to ensure that they are able to achieve their best, the A-G added.

Nadi Town Council special ad-ministrator Robin Ali said the new extension will house approximate-ly 300 stalls under a shelter mostly for women vendors who come as far as Sigatoka and the highlands bearing the harsh weather condi-tions in order to earn a living.

With the establishment of the new extension, women vendors will no longer have to resort to sleeping on footpaths and concrete slabs as the incorporation of the new hostel will cater for an intake of 30 women vendors, Mr Ali in-formed.

Mr Ali added that due to Nadi being the obvious gateway for the rapid growing tourism industry, the project has started at an opportune time as stakeholders are now gear-ing towards restoring the beauty and reputation of Fijis renowned tourism capital.

Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum offi ciates the ground breaking ceremony of the new Nadi Market up-grade project. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.

An artists impression of the new look Nadi Market upon completion. Photo: SUPPLIED. An artists impression of the new look Nadi Market upon completion. Photo: SUPPLIED.

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THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER2

PICK OF THE MONTH

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

Fiji - the way the world should be Being the hub of the Pacifi c, Fiji has everything that a spectacular tropical paradise has to offer - from private island resort accommodations, top class restaurants to white sandy beaches, inbound tours, jet boat rides, hot air balloon rides, mountain trekking, inland tours, eco tourism, sky diving, helicopter rides, cruise trips, scuba diving, massage and beauty parlours, vibrant night life and a lot more than any other

destination in the world offers

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARDEMPOWER PACIFIC (Formerly PCSS) provides private, confi dential counsel-ling on depression, family/marital, stress, grief, abuse, suicidal thoughts, STIs, drugs, alcohol & be-havior lifestyle changes. Opens 8am 3pm, Monday Friday. Call us on 6708169 Located at Nadi old hospital road.

ROTARY CLUB OF NADI is on a membership drive to increase members who repre-sent all sections of the com-munity. Nadi Rotarians meet every Wednesday at Sitar Restaurant in Martintar at 6.30pm. Interested people can call club president Hemant Kumar on 9990677

SOROPTIMIST INTER-NATIONAL is a vibrant, dynamic organisation for to-days professional and busi-nesswomen, working through projects to promote equality, development and peace. We are seeking members to join our club. Interested ladies can call SI Nadi president Zeaba Rahiman on 9977058

FIJIAN WRITERS ASSO-CIATION which has been established to form the fi rst ever formal body represent-ing writers, poets, journal-ists and everyone who has a passion for writing is seek-ing new members. Interested people can contact Professor Subramani via email:- [email protected]

SALOTE QALUBAU

By FAMIZA FAREEN

By TAGIMEUCIA KOROIVUKI

THE JET is Fijis fi rst community newspaper published monthly by SHAMBU ADVERTISING from Nadi - the tourism capital of Fiji.

PUBLISHER : SHALENDRA PRASAD Cell: 9232073PHONE OFFICE : (679) 7767574/ 6708188 FAX : (679) 6708188EMAIL : [email protected]

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PRINTED BY UNIVERSAL PRINTING PRESS, 12 NAVA STREET, LAUTOKA. Phone: (679) 6662147. LAYOUT BY SHALENDRA PRASAD & MUNAUWAR KHAN

Projects Abroad signs MOU with medical centre

The Sarada Medical Cen-tre, Viseisei Sai Health and the Diagnostic Specialists Medi-cal Centre in the West signed Memorandum of Understand-ing documents with Projects Abroad Fiji to empower pro-active health programs in Fiji.

Projects Abroad encour-ages young people from all over the world to volunteer for worthwhile work in de-veloping countries and it ex-pects that doing this kind of voluntary work will, in time, become the norm.

Executive Director of prin-ciple health NGO partner, Ac-tion for Children and the Aged Trust Fiji and Projects Abroad Fiji Medical and Health con-sultant, Rosan Lal said that it is imperative to get as many hands as possible, on board to fi ght the Non-Communicable Disease crisis faced by Fiji as Government resources are chewed up by the NCD dis-ease burden.

Early deaths and disabili-ties due to non-communicable diseases are the biggest health concerns in Fiji.

Quoting statistics from the Ministry of Health, that around 11 people die daily due to NCD related complications like heart disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular injuries. Two thirds of all deaths in Fiji are NCD related and 82% of all

NCD related deaths are at an early age.

The social and economic burdens due to non-commu-nicable diseases are huge and continue to rise, with no ma-jor signs of improvement in health attitudes and behaviors amongst the general popu-lace, said Rosan.

Apart from providing a pool of professional volun-

teers, the Projects Abroad vol-unteers will also be involved in conducting health attitude and behavior survey for pub-lic and private healthcare providers at their workplace, analyze and present outcomes to help improve the concept of wellness in Fiji.

The Projects Abroad team will also be conducting a ho-listic village health empower-ment programs to address the gap in nutritional knowledge, start off low-maintenance su-perfood backyard gardens for individual families, encourage villagers to be physically ac-tive and foster a positive built environment in the village.

Ramakrishna Mission sec-retary, Swami Tadananda said that the Sarada Medical Cen-tre is thankful for the partner-ship which will allow them valuable human resources.

The Medical Centre, to date, has seen over 10,000 pa-tients and it provides medical service to the remote popu-lations and the poorer com-munities in the West, said Swamji.

Swami Tadananda of Sarada Medical Centre signs the agreement with Projects Abroad coordinator Sophie Birtwis-tle. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Andrews Primary students visit Loloma HomeTeachers, year seven stu-

dents and parents of Andrews Primary School paid a visit to Loloma Home in Waimalika, Sabeto on Saturday, April 5.

The visit was part of the childrens Health Education and Social Science Class Based Assessment Task which was based on the topic Social Education Community Proj-ect.

The children in their task were to collect and donate toi-letries and stationeries for the children and single mothers in the Home.

In the class, we as teach-ers, teach children to help and

care for the under privileged. We, as a group, thought it would be more realistic to help this disempowered group by collecting things for them and visiting the Home, said

Miss Vilimaina, a teacher from Andrews Primary.

The Loloma Home has sin-gle mothers and 18 children ranging from four months to 16 years.

The Director of the Loloma Home, Ms. Laite, was moved and appreciated the kind ges-ture offered by the Andrews School Group.

This is the fi rst time a school has visited our Home. We thank the students for the huge donation that they made towards our Home. May God continue to bless the school, said Ms Laite.

The group also enjoyed serving members of the Home with refreshments and social-izing with them. According to the teachers and parents, it was a very rewarding and sat-isfying experience for them to help the Home and will con-tinue to do so in the future.

Sangam College fi rst to claim Crest promo

Students of Nadi Sangam SKM College received well earned sporting equipment after successfully collecting 3000 tokens within just 4 weeks on Friday, April 25.

We launched our loyalty program back in March this year and we used one of our strong key brands which is Crest chicken and since we dont do that many promotions we decided to do a loyalty program where we engage communities and schools to come together and collect the tokens and submit them to redeem prizes, said Goodman Fielder representative and Route and Food Service Manager Doreen Francis.

The initiative was a collaborative effort in terms of Courts Fiji Limited, Post Fiji and SOS Unleashed who will be provid-ing 10 students with the opportunity to be part of a cultural ex-change program.

Nadi Sangam SKM College is actually the fi rst to redeem the prizes and we were all quite excited just to know that a school had redeemed their fi rst claim and I am sure there are other schools that are building up to get 20,000 tokens in order to receive a computer, Ms Francis said.

Students were later given each a blitz ice-cream bar as a treat for the day from the team of Goodman Fielder.


THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 3

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NADI TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

Nadi Town has been de-clared a smoke free town - thanks to the tireless efforts in trying to control smoking in the town area.

The town was declared smoke free by His Excel-lency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, and Head of the Convention secretariat of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Conven-tion on Tobacco Control Dr Haik Nikogosian.

Also attended by the Min-ister for Health Dr Neil Shar-ma, the declaration ceremony is part of efforts to promote healthy living and controlling tobacco smoking in public ar-eas.

The declaration made today in a small town in the middle of the Pacifi c Ocean is something for all of you to be proud off, said Dr Niko-gosian.

Your efforts in promot-

Nadi declared smoke free towning healthy living and creat-ing more awareness through the support of public health is commendable and it will have great repercussions in the fu-ture should Fiji want to be declared smoke free, and we may see a smoke free pacifi c so your small action will have an effect internationally.

The declaration now means Nadi is the fi rst town and the second urban centre in the country to declare por-tions of public places smoke free. Suva was the fi rst centre after being declared earlier this month.

Minister for Health Dr Sharma said other centres were now looking at joining the fi ght against smoking and working towards banning cig-arette smoking in their towns as well.

I have been speaking to senior executives of Savusa-vu, Labasa, Nausori and Na-

sinu and they have also wel-comed the initiative and want to be part of it so the respons-es have been very promising, Dr Sharma said.

The declaration is also in line with recent initiatives by the Bainimarama government in creating more awareness on the harmful effects of smok-ing.

Some initiatives include;- the banning of sell-

ing loose cigarette rolls,- banning of selling of

cigarettes to minors,- increasing fi nes and

penalties for offences related with cigarettes trade,

- banning of smoking in all public transport includ-ing buses, taxi, hire vehicles and mini vans

- modernizing laws and legislations

MINFO

The delegation from WHO seen with His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, health minister Dr Neil Sharma and special administrator Robin Ali at the Nadi Handicraft Market. Photo: SALOTE QALUBAU.

Council fi ghts dengueBy TANIELA SATURU

A massive exercise undertaken by the Nadi Town Council with various stakeholders has seen a signifi cant reduction in the number of reported dengue cases in the area.

According to special administrator Robin Ali, Dengue Fe-ver became an outbreak situation in Nadi and other parts of the Western Division with recent hospitals record proving that inci-dents of dengue fever peaked up steadily from October last year.

With the ongoing down pour, it was anticipated that cases could increase if there were insuffi cient intervention measures being implemented. Due to the seriousness of the above situa-tion, a taskforce was formed on 18/02/14, Mr Ali informed.

In the taskforce, the District Offi cer was Chairman, the Sub Divisional Medical Offi cer and Special Administrator were As-sistant Chairman, OC RFMF and SDHI were operation Man-agers while the six Health Inspectors were appointed as team leaders. In the Council team, assistant health inspector Taniela Saturu was appointed as team leader.

Massive awareness was conducted on house to house ba-sis whereby teams distributed IEC materials (poster papers and pamphlets). The main primary focus of this awareness was to inform the communities to destroy mosquito breeding grounds, Mr Ali said.

He said communities were also informed through the cir-culars regarding the clean-up campaign program and for them to join hands with other community members in implementing the following: cleaning of their compound, clearing of drain-age, destruction of other mosquitoes breeding places, packing of rubbish in bags provided and placing them on the roadsides.

Larval samplings were also conducted to ascertain the type of mosquito species identifi ed from each sampling site as a baseline for further intervention, Mr Ali informed.

PHASE TWORubbish targeted for loading was mostly damaged white

goods, unused and old tyres, derelict body parts mostly in ga-rages and all other receptacles that are capable of holding water for mosquito and other vectors breeding ground.

The Council backhoe was also used during these phase to dig up holes in villages located within the town boundary. These holes were dug to help villagers in disposing of their wastes and also to help the Team 1 in carrying out phase 2 more effectively.

The collection of rubbish commenced on the 24th of Febru-ary and concluded on the 3rd of March.

ENFORCEMENTIntimation notices of insanitary premises were also issued

to vacant lot owners. Apart from these notices, team leaders were accompanied by Military personals during larval survey exercises. The presence of Military personals during this visit did ensure that owners complied with the directive from the team leaders.

PHASE THREE SPRAYINGPrior to the completion of the Clean-up on 01/03/14, mos-

quito spraying also commenced at various areas. This spraying was in collaboration with the Nadis Ministry of Health Offi ce (NRLA).

However, the Council had been carrying out mosquito spraying before the formation of the taskforce and the com-mencing of the above campaign. This spraying was targeted at areas that had reported cases of dengue fever from the Nadi Hospital, Mr Ali concluded.

Council employees cleaning the main street of Nadi Town. The council is ensuring high levels of cleanliness in the township. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.

Litter bugs warnedBy SHALENDRA PRASAD

The Nadi Town Council is deeply concerned with the actions of certain individu-als who are piling rubbish in the town boundary on a daily basis.

Special administrator Robin Ali said they have no-ticed a lot of rubbish is being dumped into bins and areas designed to cater for the town boundary only.

With a lot of large bins which used to be kept at rural settlements now re-moved, we have noticed that people are bringing their rubbish into town and dumping it in our bins, Mr Ali complained.

He said people should im-mediately refrain from such activities as anyone caught will be severely dealt with.

We dont have a dump in Nadi and all our rubbish is carted to Lautoka which comes with a huge cost and such activities puts a lot of stress on our resources, Mr Ali said.

Nadi Town Council special administrator Robin Ali. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.



NADI TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

BOTTLE NECKA grant of $200,000.00 was received from government on

the bottle neck project. This was the main cause of fl ash fl ood-ing around the Nadi Market and Bus Station area. First phase of work has been completed worth $65,000.00.This included drain widening and relocation of the FEA post.

Second Phase (box culverts); an engineer has been identifi ed to review the waterway calculations for the whole main drain which will determine the size of the drain and the culverts.

This will relieve the citizens from a long term problem. Work is in process for the same.

PUBLIC TOILETSFurther council for this year has marked upgrading of Bus

Station and Namaka market public toilets. These two toilets will be refurbished to make provisions for people with disabilities and will be free for use.

COUNCIL ARCADE BUIDLINGMain council building is being refurbished after the cyclone.

General painting and frontage upgrading to uplift the aesthetic view of the building. Council has set aside $60,000.00 for this project.

CLEAN SCHOOL PROGRAMCSP was started by Japanese Volunteer (JOCV) and Nadi

Town Council (LTC) IN 2010 in response to the need which arose in the course of implementing JICA Waste Minimization and Recycling Promotion Project at NTC. The Ministry of Edu-cation recognizes and supports this program since its inception.

The main aim of this program is to introduce the 3R cen-tric system in schools including outside boundary schools have joined this program. Nadi being the pioneer for this program have now expanded its success story to other towns/cities in Fiji and also many Pacifi c Island countries. Numerous trainings have been conducted by the NTC health staffs for teachers in the greater western division, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands.

Council takes town forwardA lot has been happening in Nadi Town recently. The Jet newspaper spoke to special

administrator Robin Ali who highlighted the various positive developments in the townshipCouncil continues to sustain this program and will organize

the Clean Schools Competition again this year.COUNCIL HEEDS DENGUE WARNINGThe Nadi Town Council is spearheading the Campaign on

Dengue Fever by encouraging residents and homeowners of Nadi to clean their compound and destroy all mosquito breed-ing grounds.

The Special Administrator Mr. Robin Ali is calling on the residents of Nadi to be aware that dengue vectors breed inside homes in places that we are not aware of such as water storage containers, gutters, fl ower vases and other man made containers and also clear overgrowth of grass and clear blocked drains and water ways. Since the dengue mosquitoes are day biters, our children are vulnerable to the disease due to their exposure in the daytime to the dengue virus transmitted by the vectors.

So, while it is good to clean outside the compound, it is also advisable to also check inside the house for possible breeding grounds.

Meanwhile, the council is targeting all the areas that have positive dengue cases in Nadi and are carrying out chemical spraying in and around these areas.

INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES NADI DEMO PROJECT

A project funded by Global Environment Facility with the Land & Water Resource Management Division of Ministry of Agriculture as the lead agency. The objective of the fi ve year project was to develop an integrated Flood Management Plan for the whole basin. There have been efforts to manage fl oods but it was realized that under the principle of subsidiarity, there was an urgent need to decentralize approaches to the lowest de-cision making bodies and establishment of a catchment commit-tee would be an ideal solution.

Given the nature of the Nadi Catchment and with the limited resources it is imperative to note we cannot stop fl oods but we

can manage it. Since its inception of the project in 2009, the fol-lowing systems &processes have been developed / established:

A catchment governance institution-Nadi Basin Catchment Committee.

Automation of Nadi and part of Nawaka River which includes establishment of 12 hydromet stations that collects real time data on river levels and rainfall across the catchment for fl ood forecasting.

Establishment of a fl ood forecasting server with two fl ood early warning siren system which uses mobile SMS plat-form to alert and warn people on fl ooding.

Establishment of Landcare Group in the upper catch-ment to promote sustainable land and forest management.

Rehabilitation /reforestation of degraded areas (hot-spots) in the upper catchment.

Establishment of 32 community Disaster Manage-ment Committees and development of Disaster Response Plan for each committee.

Commissioning of studies on Nadi River water qual-ity and fi sh population.

Lead Agency (LWRM) through capital funds has con-structed 3 retention (check) dams.

Currently working with a sister project through World Bank funding to develop a Flood model for the catchment.

CITY WIDE SETTLEMENT UPGRADING BUDGETSpecial Administrator Nadi, Mr. Robin Ali is the Chairman

for the above project in Nadi. The project is specifi cally for Korociri settlement fl ood evacuation centre with the budgetary funding of $100,000.00 from the 2014 National Budget.

Necessary preparation work is being carried out which in-cluded engineering plans and tendering of the project .Like the Nadi Market Development / Refurbishment there is a time to utilize 60% of funds by end of June.

Library week preparations beginThe Nadi Town Council

library will be celebrating the national library week from July 5 12 this year.

By MARGARET NAQIRI According to council li-brarian Anita Naidu, a range of colourful events is being planned for the annual event which attracts schools from all over the Nadi district.

The theme for this years event is lives change at the

library and we are working tirelessly to make the cel-ebrations a great success, Ms Naidu said.

While we are still fi nal-izing the fi ner details, a tenta-tive program has already been issued, she said.

PROGRAM: Monday 7th July: Poster Competition from 9am to 1pm at the Civic Centre, Tuesday 8th July: Kindergarten Day, Character Parade and Multi-Cultural Dance at Prince Charles Park at 9am, Wednesday 9th July:

Oratory at Civic Centre at 10am, Thursday 10th July: Drama Day for Primary at Civic Centre from 10am, Fri-day 11th July: Multicultural Dance at the Civic Centre from 9am to 1pm, Saturday 12th July: Character Parade -

Prize Giving Day and Charac-ter Parade - Parents from 9am to 1pm. All students taking part in the character parade should assemble at the open space near Narewa Junction at 8.30am and march through the main street to civic centre.



LOCAL NEWS

By SALOTE QALUBAU

By MUNAUWAR KHAN

250 graduate from University of FijiPresident Ratu Epeli Naila-

tikau was chief guest at the University of Fijis 2014 grad-uation ceremony with a total of 250 students graduating in various fi elds with degrees, diplomas and certifi cates at the Saweni Campus on Friday,

April 11.While addressing the

graduates, Ratu Epeli who is also the chancellor of the uni-versity commended the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji for es-tablishing such a fi ne institu-tion which has contributed to the academic development of thousands of students so far.

Sharing similar sentiments, pro-chancellor Anil Tikaram said the university has come a long way from its humble be-ginning in 2005.

Im actually thrilled that the graduation ceremony went so beautifully and its great to see so many parents here sup-porting their children, Mr Ti-

karam said. This university was estab-

lished by the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji in 2005 and the number of students graduating each year is also increasing, he added.

Vice-chancellor Professor Richard Kevin Coll highlight-ed during his address that the

graduates were merely pass-ing on the baton of the uni-versitys reputation and must continue to uphold the bench mark set by past graduates.

Law student Lillian Mau-sio who graduated with a bachelor of law degree attrib-uted her achievements to the conducive environment of the

university backed up with the friendliness and warmth of the lecturers.

I feel stoked because its a very huge achievement reach-ing this milestone. There have been doubts along the way as studying law is not an easy thing to do but my parents have been supportive.

If you are a vehicle owner, then like most people you know of the diffi culties that are faced when its time to re-place tyres. Finding the right size, right price and right quality tyre can be a daunting task.

Nippon Autoparts & Tyre Centre, located at Nadi Back Road is a leader in tyres and a provider of specialist services such as computerised wheel alignment and balancing, auto diagnostics, windscreen re-pairs, tyre fi tting and repairs using their latest cutting-edge auto equipment.

We are proud to introduce the high quality AUPLUS and Lanvigator Brand tyres! AU-PLUS and Lanvigator are best known for their commitment to safety, comfort & high per-formance, offered director marketing Zaheer Khan.

One of the largest manu-facturers of tyres in China, AUPLUS uses production equipment and materials from USA, UK, Germany and Ja-pan. The AUPLUS tyres are being supplied to over 62

A state-of-the-art event centre has opened its doors in Votualevu on Sunday, May 11.

Known as the Nadi Event Centre, the new facility has

World-class tyres arrive in Nadi

countries worldwide, Mr Khan continued.

Based on HANKOOK technology, some of the in-ternational certifi cations AUPLUS has are as follows: ISO9001, GCC, DOT, E-MARK, S-MARK, INMET-RO etc. All tyres are produced under Strict Quality Control and each and every tyre goes through stringent quality test-ing before it is approved for dispatch.

These tyre designs pro-vide excellent tread for trac-tion, performance, safety, good braking and better driv-ing stability.

Along with great products and services, Nippon prides itself in customer satisfac-tion and comfort. In doing so, at their premises they have a fully air-conditioned custom-er waiting room, which has a water cooler, TV and free WIFI for you to use while the professionals look after your car, Mr Khan said.

So if youre in the market for tyres, the best place to go to is Nippon Autoparts & Tyre Centre for quality, affordable tyres and excellent customer convenience & comfort!

PRESS RELEASE

Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum offi cially opens the Nadi Event Centre in Votualevu, Nadi while owners Bobby and Azreena Khan (right) look on together with brother Irish Khan on the left. Photo: MUNAUWAR KHAN.

Nadi Event Centre opensthe capacity to host 1200 people in a theatre sitting style and 500 in a table sit-ting layout. The concept is the brainchild of Nadis lead-ing businessman Bobby Khan who has several other proj-

ects lined up for Nadi and the greater western division.

The $2 million facility was offi cially opened by A-G Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum in the presence of around 500 VIP guests.



LOCAL NEWS

Digicel sponsors Bula FestivalBy SHALENDRA [email protected]

By AISAKE NAIVALU

Digicel Fijis director commercial Andrew Skelton shares a light moment with Bula Festival Association trustee Sushila Ra-mesh and president Mohammed Hafi z while Digicels regional manager west Jiu Daunivalu looks on. Photo: MUNAUWAR KHAN.

The prestigious annual Bula Festival which remains the only unbroken festival in the country has received a substantial spon-sorship worth $40k from mobile giants Digicel.

While handing over the sponsorship cheque to the festival committee at the Grand Melanesian Hotel on Wednesday, May 7, Digicel Fijis director commercial Andrew Skelton said the company is proud to be associated with an event which brings people from all walks of life together for charity and entertain-ment.

He said Digicel will continue to support the festival in future and thanked the hardworking committee members for continu-ing the festival for the past 54-years.

Mr Skelton said Digicel is proud to be supporting such events while being actively involved in the promotion of vari-ous sporting activities in the country as well.

Being the largest annual event in the western division, this years festival will be held from August 2 9 at Koroivolu Park and Prince Charles Park respectively.

While addressing guests, Bula Festival Association president Mohammed Hafi z said the festival will continue to raise funds for the needy and noble causes.

He said the festival has come a long way from its humble beginning 54-years-ago and has stood strong in diffi cult times.

The committee is also inviting other co-sponsors to come forward and support the event and is calling on aspiring con-testants to contact the Bula secretariat on mobile:- 9763985 or 9798532.

FENC launches learning centre

The Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji (FENC Fiji) launched its third learning center at the Koromaka-wa Community Hall in Navo, Nadi in April.

The Learning center was launched by the Taukei Navo Ratu Meli Saukuru who is also the chief guest for the event. Ratu Meli also addressed 15 students who are currently being sponsored by the foundation invited guest, community reps, government reps, volunteers and the staff of FENC Fiji.

The center is used for remedial classes to help students who are currently being sponsored by the foundation as well as those from the community.

FENC Fiji launched the other learning center for the other division in February and March this year. The learning centers are part of FENC Fiji programs of activities aiming to providing a platform for the children to learn what they might have missed in school.

The program was piloted at the FENC Fiji head offi ce last year and the result was encouraging and rewarding.

The program will be run by the Western Team in partnership with Project Abroad Fiji, teachers and volunteer teachers from Nadi who have graciously shown their interest in being part of this program.

The foundation also welcomes expression of interest from the people of Nadi who would like to volunteer as tutors for this program preferably those with teaching backgrounds and university graduates.

Since 2009, the foundation has assisted more than 1000 stu-dents from the western division who attend primary and second-ary school.

FENC Fiji also acknowledges sponsors who have supported the foundation in the launching of the learning center and those that have pledged to support the community learning center.



TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Fijis biggest convention centre opens The Denarau Island Con-

vention Centre opened its doors and welcomed its cli-ents, industry partners, tour-ism stakeholders, friends and family on Wednesday, April 23 at Sheraton Fiji Resort.

Having lost the previous Events Centre in Decembers 2012 Cyclone Evan, Shera-ton and Westin Resorts Fiji showcased its purposely built permanent structure located at Sheraton Fiji Resort and ac-cessed via undercover walk-way to the resorts existing ballroom pre-function area and lobby.

Denarau Island Conven-tion Centre is the largest event space on Denarau Island with an investment of 3.5 million dollars and six months of con-struction, Sheraton and Wes-tin Resorts Fiji is proud to be able to contribute to the ongo-ing development of Denarau Island.

The key attribute will be Denarau Island having a venue with the capacity to host large local, regional and international gatherings

By IRENE EDWARDSof Starwood Group

such as conferences, semi-nars, symposiums, meetings and events enabling a greater scope of events that will bene-fi t Denarau Island and Fiji as a whole, said Shane Cunning, Area General Manager Fiji and Samoa.

With a capacity of 1500 seated guests, we will aim to attract larger conventions and exhibitions to Fiji from around the world, he continued.

With Denaraus close proximity to Nadi Interna-tional Airport, Denarau Island Convention Centre will open doors for more conferencing and events on the larger spec-trum and with a few bookings already on the books for 2014 this convention will not only benefi t Denarau Island as a whole but it also allows Fiji to become a serious destination for such events.

Denarau Island Conven-tion Centre hosted its fi rst big events - Fijian Tourism Expo (FTE) as Tourism Fiji delivered a uniquely Fijian Tourism experience for in-ternational buyers of tourism products by showcasing all that the tourism industry in Fiji has to offer from May 5-8.

Starwood Group area general manager Fiji and Samoa, Shane Cunning talks to Fiji Times journalist Siteri Sauvakacolo dur-ing the opening. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.

Staff members of Sheraton Resort & Spa Tokoriki Island in a jovial mood with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainima-rama during the opening. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.

PM opens new resortBy SHALENDRA PRASAD

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama offi cially opened Fijis newest resort Sheraton Resort & Spa Tokoriki Island (Fiji) on Saturday, May 3.

The resort is Lautoka based Ritam Investments - a subsid-iary of P. Meghji and Company and will be managed and oper-ated by the prestigious Star-

wood Group under a manage-ment contract.

Today marks the latest oc-casion in a string of develop-ments happening in the tourism industry around the country. Its truly an exciting time for Fiji, Prime Minister Bainimarama said.

This is Starwoods fourth property in Fiji and I would like to thank the company for its contribution to the national

economy over the years. The investment of FJ$35

million in this 101 room resort formerly the Amanuca Island Resort signals not only an enormous vote of confi dence in our tourism industry but also the Fijian economy.

Its always an enormous pleasure for me as your Prime Minister to see a Fijian business venturing into new areas of op-eration hence taking advantage

of the policies that have been put in place by my Govern-ment.



LOCAL NEWS

Animals Fiji Nadi Clinic facing closure a crisis situation for humans and animals alike The Animals Fiji Nadi

Clinic (operated by the West Charity Trust SocietyFiji charity registration #889), which provides emergency care for sick animals and plays a vital role in the management and control of Fijis feral cat and dog populations has two

months to fi nd new land and premises to operate from or it will be forced to close.

Since its doors opened two-years-ago, the Nadi clinic has treated approximately 6,500 injured animals, re-homed 960 abandoned pets and has de-sexed around 2,300 cats

and dogs. Over this time it has es-

tablished several outreach programs, where teams of volunteers are funded to travel to remote communities to control animal populations and to assist injured animals. These programs alone have

reached over 20 communities and have led to 600 animals being de-sexed, meaning that over 7 million fewer puppies and kittens will be born.

The clinic plays a vital role in ensuring the health of Fiji-ans and their animals.

It has until 12 June 2014

to fi nd new land and premises and is fundraising to fi nd the FJ$300,000 it needs to do this. If the Clinic closes then the valuable out-reach programs will cease and there will be no pet doctor in the region, put-ting the lives of animals and the health of people at risk.

Animals Fiji needs your support. Please support this valuable resource by donating to the Nadi clinic or by going to www.animalsfi ji.org

Sanctuary faces closure

PRESS RELEASE

Resort staff clean hospitalBy SALOTE QALUBAU

By SALOTE QALUBAU

Celebrating Accors core vision of environmental sustain-ability, a total of approximately 90 staff from Sofi tel Fiji Resort & Spa, Mercure Nadi and Novotel Nadi were collaboratively part of the planet 21 tree planting and clean up initiative at the Nadi Hospital on Friday, April 25.

Staff of the three hotels collectively participated in tree planting, tidying up of the Nadi Hospital garden as well as the repainting and cleaning up of the outpatients area.

Today is all about bringing the three Accor Nadi hotels to-gether as planet 21 is a global initiative really to encourage our staff about environmental sustainability, once a year we usually have an anniversary which on the 21st of April but because it was a public holiday we had to have it today, said Sofi tel direc-tor of human resources Susan Waqanivere.

Mrs. Waqanivere added that this was not the fi rst time the Accor Group had organized this initiative as hotel staff have converged over the last four-years to further expand the tree planting initiative by targeting schools.

The hospital has been very supportive of us wanting to come and do some work as they have had to change the opera-tions a bit since we are repainting and cleaning up the outpa-tients area, Mrs Waqanivere said.

Participants of the initiative included various members from the three hotels human resources department and hotel gen-eral managers who in addition have organized events such as a sports day and also teamed with charity organization Cure Kids which was instrumental in revamping the Nadi Hospital mater-nity ward in 2010.

Staff members from the Accor Group which includes Sofi tel, Novotel and Mercure brands pose for a group photo outside the Nadi Hospital. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Village leaders combat crimeVarious village headmen

and members of the Nadi cen-tral community policing com-mittee gathered at the civic centre to discuss and choose members of the inaugural Nadi district crime prevention committee recently.

This is the fi rst time that

such a committee has been formulated and we are for-tunate to have a prominent chief here today, the Taukei Navo Ratu Meli Saukuru and he has been elected the new Nadi district committee president,said OC Nadi ASP Petero Tuinirarama.

Police sternly advised the Turaga-ni-koros (village

headmen) present to closely monitor the ins and outs of those who visit their villages as most crimes committed were by outsiders and against women, which had brought about a greater need to pro-vide awareness on crimes such as this.

The Turaga-ni-koros are our point of contacts because

they are crime prevention agents in their own villages as they give the police informa-tion on what is happening out there in their villages, ASP Tuinirarama said.

ASP Tuinirarama said the Turaga-ni-koros roles are crucial in terms of helping the police zero in on crime within the Nadi district.



TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Pacifi c Destinationz a leading award winning Inbound Tour & Transport Operator has part-nered with national carrier, Fiji Airways, Tourism Fiji together with their respective hotel and resort suppliers in hosting 9 retail travel agents of a major Italian tour operator, Alidays Travel Ex-periences for an eight (8) day educational itinerary of Fiji from Monday 5th to Monday 12th May.

The travel agents are all visiting Fiji for the fi rst time and they are top sellers for Alidays Travel Experiences who are focussed on increasing their business to Fiji.

This is part of our marketing partnership activities with our key wholesaler partners in Europe with the primary objective of incentivising their top performing retail agents to be educated and personally experience what Fiji has to offer to their clients, said James Sowane, Managing Di-rector Fiji of Pacifi c Destinationz.

The agents visited and experienced hotels and resorts on Denarau, Mamanuca, Pacifi c Harbour and Beqa.

Sowane also added that in the past weeks Pacifi c Destinationz Marketing Representative in Europe, Ms. Roberta Rho had undertaken an intensive eight day itinerary to be updated on our key Fiji products that we sell and promote in Italy.

The Italian honeymoon market is a key market for a lot of Fijis boutique and luxury hotels and resorts with their peak travel season being from June through to September.

Pacifi c Destinationz has been investing heavily into the Italian market for the past 15-years and in addition to our marketing representative who is based in Italy, we also have a local staff who speaks fl uent Italian, Sowane added.

Pacifi c Destinationz is most thankful to Fiji Airways, Tourism Fiji and all hotel and resort sup-plier partners who have made this agents visit a huge success.

Italian travel agents visit Fiji

PRESS RELEASE



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KHUDDAMUL AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMAAT



EDUCATION

Vivekananda Training Centre is fi rst

Vivekananda Technical Centre (VTC) which was for-merly known as Nawaicoba Vocational Centre is the fi rst Tertiary institution to have ac-quired the Fiji National Cer-tifi cate status endorsed by the Fiji Higher Education Com-mission.

In visiting the institution on the 10th of April to sign a Memorandum of Agreement between the Ministry of Edu-cation and the heads of Vive-kananda Technical Centre, the Ministrys Permanent Secre-tary was impressed with the way the Centre was progress-

ing quickly. I must thank the admin-

istrators, teachers and other stakeholders for your commit-ment and hard work.

I am also impressed with the modern facilities, equip-ment, and latest machines that this Centre provides for the teaching and learning of our people. This will certainly im-prove skills, knowledge and experience and enhance com-petency for the graduates, re-marked Dr Lal.

Courses that are graded as Fiji National Certifi cate 4 by the Fiji Higher Education

Commission offered by VTC include Automotive Mechan-ics, Automotive Electrical Electronics, Cookery and Cabinet Making and Joinery.

Other provider courses in-clude Certifi cate 3 in Advance Offi ce Technology.

The Center endeavors to provide recognition of prior learning, up-skilling and cer-tifi cation for trades and also embarks to continually devel-op the curriculum and upgrade manpower and infrastructure resources to meet the current and future needs of the nation.

MINFO

Principals and head teachers from the Nadi, Lautoka and Yasawa region pose for a group photo with the permanent secretary for education Dr Brij Lal during their annual conference at the Westin Resort on April 10, 2014. Photo: SALOTE QALUBAU.

Government promotes educationBy SHALENDRA PRASAD

The Fijian Government has done its best to promote education to all the children of Fiji says permanent secretary for education Dr Brij Lal.

While addressing school heads from the Nadi, Lautoka and Yasawa region during

their annual conference on Denarau Island, Dr Lal has also challenged teachers to be positive role models inside and outside the classrooms.

The government has in-troduced free education for the primary and secondary schools in Fiji. All students completing year 12 can com-plete studies in TVET area and at FNU under government scholarship, Dr Lal said.

He said the education min-istry has introduced close to 75 initiatives in the last fi ve-years.

Let us all work towards making Fiji a knowledge based society, Dr Lal said.

He also took a swipe at teachers who have been in-volved in malpractices and has warned those caught with unethical behavior will be taken to task.



BUSINESS NEWS

Fijis fi rst solar-powered poultry farm

Rooster Poultry, a BSP Life subsidiary, is proud to announce the countrys fi rst solar-powered poultry opera-tions.

Rooster Poultry has part-nered with Sunergise Inter-national, the fi rst pan-Pacifi c solar energy provider, to turn one of their major properties located in Ba into a green en-ergy leader.

The 250 KW roof-mounted installation at the poultry op-erations is Fijis largest, and was completed by a local team of engineers from Sunergises partner company Clay Energy.

For Rooster Poultry the de-cision to go solar had several advantages. Stanley Raniga, Incoming General Manager for Rooster Poultry, explains: Electricity is a major part of our operations and having solar power is the perfect al-ternative energy source for us to supplement our energy re-quirements. We have a huge roof space that we can put to work to reduce operating costs.

As the sun shines most of the year in Ba, we are in the perfect location to harness this energy using the system in-stalled by Sunergise to power

our facilities. Not only are we saving money but also doing our part for our environment. The aim is take it to 500kW later this year.

Ajay Raniga, Director of Sunergise Fiji, adds: We are delighted to work with a client like Rooster Poultry, and to be able to offer them an option to enjoy long-term, real savings. The poultry industry in Fiji is growing fast over 18 million birds were processed in 2013, double the number from 2010. Fiji is well on the way to be-coming self-suffi cient in poul-try. This project has been one of the most exciting weve undertaken to date. We are looking forward in the coming year to doubling the current installation size to 500 KW half a megawatt of clean, en-vironmentally friendly solar power.

Going green is also an im-portant priority for BSP Life, the owners of Rooster Poultry. With a long-term investment horizon and a key role in the Fiji economy, BSP Life is committed to social and en-vironmental leadership as a good corporate citizen. The company invests in good busi-nesses that carry greater ben-

efi ts to society. Solar fi ts squarely within

the criteria of Fijis environ-mental policies. Fiji gets just over half its grid power from hydro, with the balance from predominantly diesel powered generators. That means every KW of solar energy which substitutes for diesel genera-tors saves on burning expen-sive, polluting fossil fuels. Solar also increases the total available power supply dur-ing the daytime for consumers a win-win situation for FEA and individual customers like Rooster Poultry.

Mr Ajay Raniga adds: We focus on working closely with FEA as our key strategic part-ner. Their support and guid-ance has been invaluable.

The installation at Rooster Poultry is one of a number of recent projects completed by Sunergise International in Fiji. The company has proj-ects at Denarau Marina, De-narau Golf and Racquet Club, The Terraces Apartments on Denarau Island, Tokiriki Is-land Resort, and the fi rst solar supermarket at RB Patel Jet-Point in Nadi.

PRESS RELEASE



BUSINESS NOTICE BOARD



SPORTS

The Nadi Rugby Union has received a major boost for the new season thanks to Jacks of Fiji for teaming up with the champion side once again this year.

In a short ceremony on Friday, April 11 the management of Jacks handed over the new set of jerseys to the side at their Adidas Nadi outlet.

Jacks of Fiji is sponsoring the Nadi Rugby team this year again, confi rmed Jacks General Manager business develop-ment Babu Bhai Chawda.

Nadi being the hometown for Jacks of Fiji, this sponsor-ship is our contribution to the Nadi community at large, Mr Chawda said.

He said Jacks has pledged a substantial amount for sponsor-ship in cash and kind to Nadi rugby.

This will be topped up by special bonus payments if Nadi wins the Skipper Cup and the Farebrother Trophy.

Jacks of Fiji also has a license agreement with NRU for the manufacture and sale of the O Nadi Ko Nadi rugby merchan-dise and this is available from our retail outlets. We are confi -dent that Nadi rugby will perform well this year, Mr Chawda concluded.

Nadi Rugby media liaison offi cer Rusiate Ratakele thanked the management of Jacks of Fiji for their continued support to-wards the team.

Jacks teams with Nadi Rugby

Players and offi cials of the Nadi Rugby Union with management and staff of Jacks of Fiji outside their Adidas outlet in Nadi. Photo: HARSHIL KHATRI.

Korovuto College girls get in a jovial mood after the games. More photos can be viewed and downloaded via our Face-book page www.facebook.com/thejetnewspaper. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.

By SHALENDRA [email protected]

Secondary schools within the Nadi boundary gathered at Prince Charles Park for the two day Nadi Coca Cola games competition (20-21 March, 2014).

Korovuto College successfully scooped the overall girls ti-tle with 12 gold, six silver and six bronze medals whereas Ratu Navula College claimed the overall boys title with 12 gold, eight silver and 12 bronze medals.

Sabeto Colleges Paula Raseru was awarded best male ath-lete after winning a gold medal in the 400m, 800m as well as the 4x 400 meters relay and Korovuto Colleges Iliseva Sura was similarly awarded with best female athlete title for claim-ing a gold medal for her triple victory in the 400m, 800m and 4x400m relay.

Korovuto and RNC dominate Nadi zoneBy SALOTE QALUBAU

Nadi versus Ovalau Skipper Cup challenge in photos

The Jacks Nadi squad that took Ovalau on Saturday, May 10 at Prince Charles Park. Nadi won 44-12. BELOW: Action from the match. Photos: MARGARET NAQIRI.



SPORTS

Nadi Muslim Primary under-14 girls soccer team with coach Ayzal Ayub (right). Photo: SUP-PLIED.

By MOHAMMED ALI

By SHALENDRA PRASAD

By ANUSHIL [email protected]

Nadi Muslim girls shine in soccer

Vodafone Fiji FACT approaches

Nadi Muslim Primary School won the inaugural Un-der-14 Girls Soccer Competi-tion held at Andrews Primary School on 24th April, 2014.

The 9-a-side Soccer Tour-nament was played between four Primary Schools around Nadi and the school was de-clared winner after the end of the round robin matches.

Nadi Muslim won two of its matches, beating, Mt St

Marys 1-0 and Andrews Pri-mary 2-1. They drew against Nadi Primary 1-1. Nadi Pri-mary settled for the second place.

Team Coach Ayzal Ayub was ecstatic after the win, say-ing, the girls performed well to win the competition.

This was the fi rst time for the school to participate in Girls Soccer and winning it was a bonus. We trained for two weeks where the girls were taught the basics of soc-

cer. They tried hard and fo-cused on the controlling, pass-ing and shooting, he added.

Head Teacher, Mr Moham-med Ali, praised the girls for a fi ne performance and also thanked the Fiji Football De-velopment Offi cers for giving such exposure to girls in soc-cer.

The four teams that took part in the competition were Andrews Primary, Nadi Mus-lim Primary, Nadi Primary and Mt. St. Marys school.

Flashback 2013...the victorious Nadi side which won the Vodafone Fiji FACT at Prince Charles Park. Photo: MUNAUWAR KHAN.

Soccer enthusiast and Nadi FA stalwart Bela Thomas offi -cially launched the 2014 local league competitions on Sunday, May 12.

She also took the honour of awarding trophies to winners of the last season.

DCA Sports (pictured) won the super-premier title while

The 2014 Vodafone Fiji Fact approaches near as the top eight teams step up their intensity for the fi rst major tournament in Fiji Football Association calendar.

Nausoris Ratu Cakobau Park will host the two-week-end event as the group stage matches will be played from

20th to 22nd June while the semifi nals and fi nal will take place on June 28-29, 2014 re-spectively.

Defending champion Nadi, who defeated Ba 3-1 in the 2013 fi nal at Prince Charles Park, together with Ba, Lau-toka, Nadroga, Navua, Suva, Rewa and Labasa will battle in the main competition.

Adding more spice to the tournament, the Fiji Football

Association has decided to have a four-team womens competition as they will also have a taste of Fijis fi rst ma-jor tournament.

Meanwhile, the pool draws were conducted on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at the Fiji Foot-ball Association headquarters in Vatuwaqa and more details and updates will be available on our website thejetnewspa-per.com.

Nadi FA local league resumes

Downtown Blues took the pre-mier title in the last season and has been promoted.

For regular updates, log onto our website thejetnewspaper.com.

More photos on facebook.com/thejetnewspaper. More photos on facebook.com/thejetnewspaper. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.

Documents

The Jet Volume 6 Number 3