Dreketi player Dyer loses cool, sees red

The Nadroga football side are now closer to being relegated after they went down 3-2 to Dreketi during their Vodafone Premier League clash at Subrail Park, Labasa yesterday.

And to add to their woes, the Stallions coach Waisea Tale was ordered off the bench by referee Ashwin Raj before the start of the second half.

The referee ordered Tale to move to the main pavilion because of his inappropriate behaviour.

The security officers moved in and escorted him out of the ground.

A disappointed Tale told SUNsports that he had argued with the fourth official because he saw that the referee had made some wrong decisions.

“When I saw the referee making decisions against my players I told the fourth official,” he said.

“I’m very disappointed and also upset as my players failed to secure points.”

In an ill-tempered match, veteran Dreketi midfielder Henry Dyer copped a red card for using abusive language. Dyer had reacted after someone from the crowd swore at him. Police officers immediately entered the field when Dyer angrily walked towards the pavilion while his teammates tried to calm down the situation.

Dreketi football manager, Roneel Ram said Dyer would miss their next two matches.

“It’s really unfortunate to loss Dyer at this stage. However, we are satisfied that the players managed to achieve the mission and that was to secure a win. We are relatively safe now as we are on seven points.”

What Happened: Nadroga drew first blood in the 3rd minute through an Archie Underwood strike. And three minutes later they extended their lead to 2-0 when Taniela Raubula scored. The hosts took time to settle down and Dreketi captain, Thomas Steiner headed in their opening goal in the 19th minute. They kept on the pressure and in the 33rd minute, Setareki Sokowaqa scored the equaliser.

Halftime: Dreketi 2-2 Nadroga

Both teams were cautious in their approach, the Stallions looked lost as they missed the guidance of their coach from the sideline.

The hosts fought on and in the 70th minute Dreketi striker Apisai Sesewa scored the winning goal.

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Players, officials fear for Swamy’s health condition

Lautoka football coach Kamal Swamy was interviewed and released from the Labasa Police Station, last night.

The no-nonsense coach lost his temper and argued with the fourth official during their Vodafone Premier League clash against Labasa at Subrail Park. Trailing 2-0, Swamy could not hide his frustrations and confronted the match official.

Speaking to SUNsports, Swamy said, he could not stand the facial expression of the fourth official, which triggered his anger.

“It was my right to speak to the fourth official but look at the way the Police officers handled the situation,” he said.

“One of the Police officers pulled my t-shirt and it got torn and he pushed me out of the ground by holding my t-shirt neckline. This is not good. I have the right to speak.”

Lautoka Football vice-president Rukshan Ali said the players kept on telling the Police officers that Swamy was a heart patient and they should not touch him because he kept on saying ‘don’t touch’.

“It has been only two months since Swamy returned from a heart surgery in India. I was told that Swamy was upset with the fourth official’s facial expression.”

The fourth official Shavneel Prasad did not wish to make a comment.

Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro says, “Police officers had to take the coach out of the park to the Police station because of his disorderly conduct. If he wishes to lodge a complaint against the official or the officers he can do so.”

Upcoming Labasa striker Gabriel Matanisiga scored two goals in a space of one minute to seal the win.

After a scoreless first half, the 21-year-old Seaqaqa native scored in the 57th minute and a minute later slammed in the second goal.

“It’s great to score two goals,” the former Vodafone Fijian Under-20 striker said.

“However, I’m thankful to the contribution made by my team mates that allowed us to continue on with our winning run especially after winning the Courts Inter District Championship, few weeks ago.”

Labasa vice-president Varun Anand said they were grateful to Pita Bolaitoga for preparing the team in the absence of coach Ronil Lal who is away in Ba on work commitments.

“I’m happy with the performance of our players despite the absence of Edwin Sahayam, Christopher Wasasala and Iliesa Naiyasi. We have another match tomorrow against Nadroga and we hope to win and get more points.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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The Labasa Under-12 boys lost 2-1 to Ba after a penalty shootout in the Vodafone Fiji Primary Schools Inter District Championship (IDC) final at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori yesterday.

The two teams were tied 1-1 at fulltime.

“Last year we didn’t even reach the knockout stages so this year is special for us,” Labasa team manager Mishaal Lingam said.

“It was a tough game and the boys did really well.

“Unfortunately, luck was not on our side but I am still proud of the boys.

“Preparing was a challenge because these players come from various schools.

“Travelling from the North to participate in Viti Levu was expensive and time consuming but we are glad that we participated.”

Lingam thanked parents for their support.

Edited Osea Bola

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Simon Abana won the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation’s 2016 Best Sports Journalism Award during the University of the South Pacific’s Journalism Awards night.

Abana was grateful to the Fiji SUN for giving him the opportunity to cover different sporting events during his attachment with the newspaper.

The 25-year-old, who hails from Malaita in the Solomon Islands, was happy to receive the award on Friday.

“This is my final year in university and I’m so happy to be part of USP journalism studies. Again I thank Fiji SUN for the opportunity they had given me to explore the sporting landscape here in Fiji. I’ve learnt a lot as I covered different sporting events.”

Abana said the award was dedicated to his mother.

“I’m always interested in sports and this is what made me decide to take-up journalism studies.

“When I was in high school, I used to buy newspapers everyday just to read the sports news,” he said.

Abana plans to return home and join the print media.

“But, I will miss Fiji,” he added.

Edited by Osea Bola

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Former Social Democratic Liberal Party general secretary Pio Tabaiwalu yesterday appeared in court charged with allegedly drinking and driving.

The matter was called before Magistrate Charles Ratakele at the Nasinu court.

It is alleged that on October 22, Tabaiwalu refused to take a breathalyser test while allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

He received bail in the sum of $2000 and presented two sureties who are to pay a surety bond of $1000 each.

His bail conditions are that he is not to offend and not to change his residential address.

The state was represented by Police prosecutor constable Setareki Mocevakaca.

The case has been adjourned to March 13, next year to take his plea.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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A 19-year-old appeared at the Nasinu Magistrate Court yesterday charged with robbery.

The matter was called before Magistrate Charles Ratakele who has further remanded Meli Dokonivalu.

It is alleged that on October 11, Dokonivalu allegedly robbed a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone valued at $650 in Nasinu.

Dokonivalu has sought Legal Aid assistance and was informed to make a formal bail application.

The State was represented by Police prosecutor corporal Pauliasi Lutunauga.

The case has been adjourned to November 1 for plea and bail hearing.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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The prosecution was told that defence had not filed the submissions for no case to answer

Magistrate Waleen George has given more time for the defence and the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption to file submissions for  a no case to answer in the Sainiana Waqainabete Radrodro case.

Radrodro is charged by FICAC with 11 counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception.

She is alleged to have obtained financial advantage by falsely using the then Minister for Works’ name to obtain a total of $9560 on over 11 separate occasions between May 2010 and June 2011.

Magistrate George informed the prosecution that defence lawyer Akuila Naco had not filed the submissions for no case to answer as he was facing some difficulties in getting the transcripts (court minutes).

The court has given both parties until November 16 to file their submissions for no case to answer.

The court has been adjourned to December 7 for ruling on the no case to answer application.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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The tropical cyclone season begins on November 1, only eight days away. It ends on April 30, 2017.

According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, cyclones can form in months outside this period. The peak period for cyclones in the region is usually from January to March.

This year we were hit by a Category 5 Cyclone Winston which caused damage we are still recovering from. There are some people still living in tents waiting for their homes to be rebuilt. Some schools are still conducting classes in makeshift shelters.

We can only pray and hope that no cyclone visits us this cyclone season. There is absolutely no guarantee it will be a cyclone-free season.

This means we must always be prepared to weather another big storm.

The ministry says that based on the latest information from weather forecasters, the probability of tropical cyclone occurrences is elevated for Fiji and Tonga, while Cook Islands, New Caledonia. Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau,Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna is predicted normal during the 2016-17 season.

In the last cyclone season, there were eight cyclones within the Area of Responsibility (AoR) and one of which was Cyclone Winston.

In comparison, this cyclone season is expected to have between five to seven cyclones within AoR, with three to five predicted to reach Category 3 and one to two predicted to reach Category 4 or Category 5 status.

In regards to Fiji, we expect as many as two to three tropical cyclones to pass through Fijian waters this season with one anticipated to reach Category 3 or above.

The ministry says similar patterns in the past have shown that tropical cyclones have mainly affected areas in the Northern and Western parts of Fiji.

The early prediction and warnings are appreciated. They indicate that we are likely to be hit again by a cyclone. We hope it will bypass Fiji.

The major concern is that the West and North, two key areas that drive the economy, are likely targets. In the West we have sugar, hotels and tourism, manufacturing industries, mining etc. In the North we have sugar, hotels and tourism and mining.

We need to heed the advice of the ministry which has said that it is critical that communities across Fiji act responsibly and pay close attention to all weather forecast, warnings and advisories issued by the Fiji Meterological Service and Government.

We all should have learned from Cyclone Winston. Some of us may have been guilty of underestimating the power of Cyclone Winston.

We should now switch to cyclone preparedness mode so that we can become better prepared.

This is the reality of the time we now live in. It’s part and parcel of climate change, brought about by global warming, caused by carbon emissions pollution.

We have to face this challenge through disaster preparedness and prudent financial management.

In February, we were blessed that Cyclone Winston spared the tourism industry. We need to be ready to cope with a direct hit on hotels and resorts.

The Government has made it known that climate change will be factored in for all development programmes. This puts us in a better position to deal with a major disaster.

So let’s be prepared.

Nemani Delaibatiki
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A doctor is expected to give his evidence later today

The first prosecution witness in the case of the alleged murder of Losana McGowan described how he heard constant thudding sounds and argument on the night she died.

Usaia Kilaverata, the former journalist and women’s rights activist’s partner, is charged with her alleged murder.

The matter was called before Judge Justice Priyantha Fernando at the High Court in Suva yesterday.

Winston Hill, Kilaverata’s neighbour, told the court that on April 4, 2015, he heard Kilaverata arguing with a female which he assumed to be his girlfriend.

The second prosecution witness Acting Sergeant Apaisai Dredreyara told the court that Kilaverata had told him that he had punched the deceased and she had fallen face down on a gas tank.

Justice Fernando questioned Mr Dredreyara on why he had not mentioned that in the caution interview.

Mr Dredreyara informed the court that he had written it on a piece of paper during the reconstruction scene but had not added it to the exhibits.

Defence lawyer Samanunu Vaniqi asked Mr Dredreyara if Kilaverata did mention during his caution interview that he did try to give CPR to the deceased. And when he realised that it was too late he himself surrendered to the authorities.

Mr Dredreyara informed the court that the deceased and Kilaverata were drinking the night before the incident and into the morning.

Their argument allegedly started on the way home.

He further told the court that Kilaverata, in his caution interview, admitted that he was drinking and he knew what he had done and was remorseful.

Mr Dredreyara did inform the court that Kilaverata had surrendered himself to the authorities when he realised that McGowan had died.

It is alleged that Kilaverata punched the deceased and when she fell to the floor he kicked her face which resulted in her death.

A doctor is expected to give evidence later today.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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The 68m-long research vessel “RV Geo Resolution”  (formerly HMNZS Resolution) from the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) will be arriving and berthing at the Suva Port on the 27th October at 0700 hours.

This has been confirmed by Nicholas Chandra from Pacific Agencies Fiji Limited.

The RV Geo Resolution last port he said was Vavau, Tonga and its next port will be Northport, New Zealand.

He said the research vessel would depart for Northport at 0700 on the 28th.

The RV Geo Resolution is the latest addition to the EGS fleet. Before her acquisition by EGS in 2014, the 68m long and 13m wide vessel was an US and later New Zealand Navy hydrographic survey vessel and as such is a comfortable an acoustically very quiet survey platform. During her conversion to a commercial survey vessel in Singapore, EGS have fitted the vessel with a dual frequency (24kHz/12kHz) Reson Seabat 7150-F full ocean depth multibeam system and a geophysical equipment suite capable to acquire high resolution analogue geophysical and in-situ geotechnical data to 2000m water depth.

The vessel was handed over to EGS on 10 October 2014 and left Devonport Naval Base the same day for her voyage to Singapore, where she arrived at the Sembawang shipyard on 7 November.

According to EGS’s CEO Chris Welsh, the RV Geo Resolution  is a vessel which was purpose-built as an acoustically very quiet survey platform, ideally suited in every way for the survey work the company performs. She had been extremely well maintained by the previous Navy owners.

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Cancer survivor, 36-year-old Nilesh Narayan shared his story at the Pinktober Bushells Biggest Morning Tea organized by the Fiji Ship and Heavy Industry Limited (FSHIL) at Walu Bay on the 20th of October.

He had colon cancer last year March.

Mr Narayan said he had a stomach pain and was taken to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) and was given some tablets.

He said after few months he had the same pain again and this time it was uncontrollable.

“I was taken to the Suva Private Hospital,” he said.

Mr Narayan had an operation last December and only then he knew he had colon cancer.

With the help of members of his family together with his savings he paid $17,000 for the whole operation.

Now the Private Hospital had referred him to the CWMH for his scan.

He had been cleared after the first scan and the next one would be in five month’s time.

Mr Narayan thanked the good Lord for being a survivor of cancer.

He is now working for Printing and Design Shop Limited at Center Point.

Mr Narayan was invited to the Pinktober breakfast by FSHIL and also to share his experience.

FSHIL collected `over $2000 ($2201.05) at the breakfast and this amount was given to Ms Vani Smith a cancer survivor too.

FSHIL operation manager Lopeti Radravu said they started with this initiative last year and raised more than $600.

He said the Pinktober breakfast would be an annual event for FSHIL.

Fiji Ports Cooperation Limited chief operating officer Eranda Kotelawala said this initiative was fully supported by the management and staff of FPCL the parent company of FSHIL.

Mr Kotelawala said October was Breast Cancer Awareness month. “It is a worldwide annual campaign involving thousands of organizations, to highlight the importance of breast awareness, education and research and playing our role for the society as an ethical organization,” he said.

The amount collected last week was given to the Fiji Cancer Society on the same day.

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Investigation of six students who were questioned in relation to an alleged attack on a school prefect in Lautoka would be processed further considering  the fact that they were juveniles.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that all six had been questioned and released.

James Waqairawai, 16, a Year 11 student after stopping a fight, was first attacked by one student and later by a group of male students while returning from the bathroom to clean up after the first assault.

ARISHMA DEVI-NARAYAN

arishma.narayan@fijisun.com.fj

A woman charged with obtaining financial advantage by deception and money laundering over $50,000 appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

It is alleged that between March 18 to May 11, 2015, Vika Sadrau dishonestly obtained $56,272.02 from Post Fiji Limited in Suva.

It is also alleged that between May 20 to June 15, 2015, at Suva, she concealed and used $21,000 that are the proceeds of crime.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Caroline Fisher told the court there was another charge that would be filed on November 16.

Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne granted bail to Vika Sadrau in the sum of $1000 with two sureties who were to sign a surety bond of $1000 each.

The bail conditions are that she is not to offend, she is not to change her residential address and she is to report to the Valelevu Police Station at regulated times.

The case has been adjourned to November 16 for disclosures.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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21 year old Josevata Drauyawa was awarded the best deck cadet of the year during World Maritime Day Celebration and Maritime Careers Exposition 2016 at the Fiji Maritime Academy at Laucala, Suva last Friday.

Drauyawa is a deck-cadet for Government Shipping Services (GSS).

He completed his Year 12 at Nasinu Secondary School in 2012 before moving to Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) in 2013.

He said he had wanted be an accountant but his uncle wanted him to join FMA.

Drauyawa started his stage one in trade diploma in nautical science in 2013 for seven months, before he moved to the GSS for his nine months industrial attachment.

“Looking for vessel to do my industrial attachments was not easy,” he said.

For his stage two, Drauyawa boarded the GSS vessel Rogovoka in 2014 and he completed his 9 months industrial attachments on the vessel Iloilovatu.

He went back to do his stage three at FMA in 2015.

In July 2015 he was one of the deck cadets at GSS who was chosen to go to Malaysia to deliver the new government vessel Cagivou under Captain Pauliasi Vakaloloma.

At the moment Drauyawa is now with GSS doing his stage four industrial attachments on the vessel Iloilovatu. He will complete his attachment next year February.

He was a private student in 2013 and in 2014 he was one of the successful applicants sponsored by GSS apprentice scheme.

Drauyawa is looking forward to graduate for diploma in nautical science once he completes his stage five.

GSS Fleet Superintendent Ratu Iliesa Raketekete said the World Maritime Committee in Fiji was the one who decided on the awards.

Raketekete said out of the ten deck cadets at GSS, they had chosen Drauyawa as the best.

He said Drauyawa was a very hard working man. “He always listens and does what he is told to do while at work.”

Raketekete said Victoria Marine Limited was the main sponsor for all the awards.

Drauyawa hails from Lovu village in Gau. He is the second youngest of the four brothers.

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Fiji Police Force forensic pathologists Dr James Kalougivaki has given evidence regarding Losana McGowan’s autopsy.

Usaia Kilaverata is charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Ms McGowan.

The matter continues before Justice Priyantha Fernando at the High Court in Suva.

Dr Kalougivaki told the court that the bruises on the chest of the deceased indicated a high degree of force.

He said: “By reference to punches it was like a knock-out punch and by reference to a kick it was like a rugby ball kicked half way down the field.”

State lawyer further questioned Dr Kalougivaki regarding the blood on the deceased and the brain injuries sustained by the deceased.

Dr Kalougivaki said: “The blood indicates a severe brain injury and shows severe twisting or turning of the head or neck.

“It would have to be more than two blows to the head that are extremely forceful to cause such a severe head trauma and it’s due to multiple head injuries internally and externally.”

Defence lawyer Samanunu Vaniqi told the court that the reason Kilaverata would not be testifying was because they were relying on the admissions in the caution interview.

Both parties will be presenting their closing submissions later today.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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The Women in Maritime Association (Fiji) (WIMA) president Patricia Ho had promised that they would promote education, training, and career opportunities for women.

Speaking at the International Maritime Day Celebrations and Maritme Careers Exp 2016 at the Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) she said it was pleasing to note that the Maritime Administration – the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, was supportive of the objectives of Fiji WIMA.

She said they had been advised that it was amenable to receiving proposals from Fiji WIMA on appropriately qualified female candidates from them, as applicants to World Maritime University and the International Maritime Organization – International Maritime Law Institute, in circumstances there was no nomination within the administration and also including women from the maritime sector for any national trainings to empower and integrate women in maritime.

She said the launch of Fiji WIMA was indeed a historic occasion in:

1.Creating a national network for women to discuss realistic, constructive issues with resolutions to benefit all.

2.Improving the level of competency by focusing on education.

3.Being recognized by the Pacific Women in Maritime Association (PacWIMA) with a view of creating mutual support.

4.Establishing partnership nationally and with international and regional organizations.

She reassured that Fiji WIMA Executive Committee and its Members were aware of the responsibilities ahead and the importance it was to work with them to address challenges and achieve great results.

“The last 3 months working with this amazing team of high spirited and dedicated women has been positive and encouraging,” she said.

She reminded young men and women at the celebrations that it was important for them to enter the industry to persevere.

“There will be traditions to overcome and support networks such as Fiji WIMA is therefore crucial.”

Fiji WIMA has humbly requested their support and partnership with them to ensure they achieve their objectives.

Membership she said was open to all who were interested.

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Former Divisional Crime Officer Manasa Talala yesterday remained firm that he did not know how one of the two robbery suspects, the late Vilikesa Soko, was injured.

Talala, along with seven other police officers; Seruvi Caqusau, Kelevi Sewatu, Penaia Drauna, Filise Vere, Viliame Vereivalu, Jona Davonu, Senitiki Natakasavu and a former military officer, Pita Matairavula are jointly charged with two counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault of Soko, who was in their custody on 15 August 2014. The incident was linked to the death of Soko.

Talala and Vereivalu are also charged with defeating the cause of justice for allegedly instructing other officers to make false statements.

State witness, Superintendent of Police Khusi Ram, who was the interviewing officer for Talala, yesterday read the police interview of Talala in court.

SP Ram read that Talala went to visit Soko at the Lautoka Hospital at the Trauma Ward and later at the Intensive Care Unit. Talala’s statement read that Soko was not responding and later he found out that he died because of the internal injuries.

In the interview, it was also stated that Talala upon seeing both, Soko and Boila covered in blood and bruises, asked the arresting officers what had happened.

He said the suspects resisted arrest and had to be chased and arrested.

Defence lawyer Iqbal Khan argued that SP Ram while interviewing Talala had never questioned him in regards to the allegations against him.

The trial continues today.

ARISHMA DEVI-NARAYAN

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The important work of hygiene promotion should not end after the Handwashing Day yesterday, Alex O’Connor said

The Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services was speaking at Gobal Handwashing Day at Natadradave, Dawasamu, Tailevu, one of two healing water sites.

Students, teachers and villagers of Natadradave, Delakado, Vorovoro, Qelekuro and Veicorocoro crowded Natadradave Village.

“Make handwashing a habit. Every year 1.7 million children do not live to celebrate their fifth birthday because of diarrhoea and pneumonia,” said Mr O’Connor.

This has been an annual event since 2010.

Mr O’Connor said: “Handwashing with soap is practiced regularly at key times, after using the toilet, before you prepare and eat food after being outside in the garden or handling rubbish and animals.

“It can dramatically reduce the risk of diarrhoea and pneumonia, which are serious illnesses that can lead to death. Hand washing with soap also prevent the spread of common infections such as influenza and trachoma.”

He added that handwashing with soap not only impacted health and nutrition, but education, economics and equity.

Mr O’Connor also encouraged the villagers, students and teachers to share the importance of handwashing from what they learned yesterday.

“The message for everyone is simple, especially mothers and fathers, family members and teachers who have a lot of influence on the health of our children, to help supervise and establish the handwashing habit,” he said.

Mr O’Connor concluded saying “Health is everybody’s business so I challenge other stakeholders to come on board to work with us.”

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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Fijian crew under the command of local ship captain Inoke Ratotodro, from Koro, Lomaiviti will bring the new Goundar Shipping Limited new vessel – “Car Ferry” to Fiji.

Captain Ratotodro, two engineers and George Goundar are currently in South Korea and six local crews will join them later.

Speaking from South Korea yesterday, company managing director George Goundar said a total of 10 crews and a staff from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) would be sailing the new boat from South Korea to Fiji.

“Captain Inoke and the two engineers are now undergoing training here in South Korea and six will arrive next Monday with a MSAF staff,” he said.

All the crews he said would go through sea trial and would also be receiving dry dock training.

In all he said they should undergo a two weeks training.

The MSAF staff he said would carry out the final check and would make sure that changes done in the new vessel were in compliance with the ship requirements in Fiji.

According to Mr Goundar the new vessel should leave South Korea for Fiji on November 10.

Upon arrival, the new vessel will be servicing the route from Natuvu to Lovonivonu in Taveuni.

“It will be making two trips one in the morning and one in the afternoon.”

According to Mr Goundar they had made a request to the Government for a new landing at Lovonivonu to make it easier for the lorries to leave the vessel.

The new route he said would make business easier for businessmen in Labasa, Savusavu and Taveuni.

Mr Goundar said the company had new plans for business in the north but this would be announced at a later date.

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The Maritime Industry plays an integral part in Fiji’s building initiatives.

Speaking at the opening of the World Maritime Day Celebration and Maritime Careers Exposition 2016 at the Fiji Maritime Academy at Laucala, Suva on the 21st of October, the Minister for Government, Housing, Environment, Infrastructure & Transport Praveen Kumar Bala said – “It is a cornerstone of socio-economic development and Fiji being a maritime nation and the hub of the South Pacific regional commerce, it is imperative that the maritime industry and stakeholders congregate to celebrate the outcomes of the industry.”

The theme of this year’s celebration according to Mr Bala is “Shipping Indispensable to the world” re-emphasises the importance of maritime industry.

He said it was generally seen in contemporary times, people all over the world relied on ships to transport commodities, fuel, food items, goods and products which helped sustain their living.

Maritime transportation according to Mr Bala is the backbone of trade worldwide and this also opens avenues for markets around the globe.

Sea freight he said provided an avenue for competition costs as were much lower than airfreight costs.

Every year IMO celebrates World Maritime Day and the exact date is left to individual Government but it usually celebrated during the last week in September.

Emanating from the IMO, there are regulations that are followed by member countries worldwide and these contribute towards improving maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment.

This has subsequently led to the many international treaties conventions being signed. The conventions include key treaties such as:

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) for the prevention of accidents, including standards for ship design, construction, equipment, operation and manning.

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) for the prevention of pollution by ships; and

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

When it comes to the Maritime Industry, he personally believes that the congregation of stakeholders from the industry which also includes Educational Institution such as Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA), Fiji National University (FNA), University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Ministry of Education will make a significant difference in terms of public awareness, provide insight for those seeking employment in the industry and those that are yet to make their minds in determining a professional career.

The celebration he said would include career oriented displays, focused discussions and insight into respective organisations by the various stakeholders which would be an avenue for students, teachers and industry stakeholders to mingle and forged alliances.

At the celebration they will showcase the following:

1)Insight into the industry;

2)New legislation requirements and awareness;

3)Career focus in the industry;

4)Licensing requirements for Small Boat Operations; and

5)Celebrating the achievements of the maritime sector.

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