HFC Bank has appointed Jean Martin as one of the directors on its Board.

Ms Martin, National Manager People Capability & Culture for Fiji Revenue & Customs Authority (FRCA), is the sixth and independent director.

HFC Bank chairman, Tom Ricketts, said: “She brings wealth of experience, shrewd and versatile professional with expertise in organisational development and human resource.”

“The bank is honoured to have such a learned person who has substantial experience in design and implementation of strategic and operational capability that can enhance people and organisational performance.

Qualification and background

Ms Martin has proven record of successful organisational, operational, and people capability development within challenging and complex operational, industrial relations, and stakeholder environments.

She has provided the strategic and operational leadership for the practical implementation of the largest schools reorganisation in the history of New Zealand education.

She is recipient of a number of national awards for leadership, organisational, and wellness initiatives.

Her qualifications include PhD from University of Canterbury, Master of Management from Massey University, Master of Business Administration (Distinction) from Massey University.

She also holds a Diploma of Business Studies (Industrial Relations) from Massey University, Diploma of Business Studies (Communication Management) from Massey University and Certificate of Project Management from Massey University.

Mr Ricketts said: “Her qualification and international experience, working in public and private sectors in New Zealand, will add value and improve the governance of the bank, especially in the Human Resource Management.

Ms Martin said: “I am privileged to serve on the Board of Fiji’s only local bank, HFC Bank and contribute for the betterment with other distinguished directors”.

“Attending the first board meeting and the induction program demonstrates that the bank has good governance platform.”

source: HFC

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When Zaiesha Raniya first started learning about the importance of savings in Year 9, she faced an internal struggle.

A self-confessed spendthrift, “spending and buying things has been my weakness since primary school,” she says.

But with encouragement from her teachers and her mother, the Xavier College student from Ba has flourished.

“I didn’t actually care about money, it was just paper or stones for me,” she says. “It would come and go and I didn’t value money at all.”

Now in her final year of high school, Zaiesha has blossomed into a more fiscally responsible young adult.

She makes regular deposits into a savings account towards her tertiary education.

The turning point for Zaiesha was learning how her mother had saved “cent by cent” to buy mother’s day presents in her youth.

This struck an emotional chord with the then 14-year-old schoolgirl, who decided to do the same for her mother.

Another turning point for Zaiesha was opening her own bank account.

She remembers going to the bank with her mother, who encouraged her to fill out her own forms to open an account.

Zaiesha says learning about managing her own money, which she has received in the classroom, along with the encouragement at home, has made her a more independent person.

It’s also equipped her with skills such as budgeting, managing financial risks, prioritising her spending and keeping financial records.

These skills will come in handy as she moves away from home next year for tertiary education.

More inspiration

Mala Ravina is Zaiesha’s mother. She has two other school age children. Mrs Ravina says Financial Education has made her three children more independent and responsible.

“Since Financial Education was introduced in school I have noticed positive changes in all of my kids,” she says.

“I no longer have to give them money every day as they look after their own expenses. Each of them has found alternative sources of income.

“And they value money more now as they understand the lengths they have to go, to earn extra income.”

Zaiesha’s classmate, Manisha Chand, wasn’t always interested in putting aside money for the future either.

“I thought it was kind of stupid to save but I was wrong,” she says, adding, “If I did save any money I had to spend it the next day.”

Not anymore. After learning about saving in Year 9 and opening a bank account with the help of her parents, Manisha now has $580 to her name.

She receives a small weekly allowance from her parents but makes more money from creating and selling things out of “junk” like plastic flowers out of old juice bottles, purses from used gift wrap and earrings from discarded CDs.

“Learning about personal finance teaches you how to save, earn and manage your money,” she says.

Before receiving Financial Education at school, Manisha had trouble distinguishing between needs and wants.

With the learning she’s received, she is now saving towards her university education.

Management programme

Since 2013, students all over Fiji have been learning about personal money management and investment as part of an Australian government funded Financial Education (FinEd) programme.

The main goal of the programme is financial competency: not just knowledge generation but behavioural change.

Rather than be taught as a standalone subject, Financial Education has been integrated into existing school subjects (ensuring long-term uptake) and taught over consecutive years at both primary and secondary school level.

It is taught in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Commercial Studies, Accounting and Economics.

FinEd addresses learning around personal money management and investment. At secondary school level, financial education is taught from Years 9 to 12.

From farming background

Coming from a farming background with exposure to growing and selling vegetables, 16-year-old Xavier student Avikash Kumaran took to Financial Education more easily.

For a Year 9 activity that focused on saving money two years ago, he was given a piece of land by his father to grow and sell his own vegetables.

When he first started selling, he earned 50c a week but that slowly increased to about $6 a week.

Avikash, now in Year 11, opened a bank account with the help of his father and began to save.

Working for his own money has taught him the value of money, he says, adding he spends less now and has learned to prioritise his spending.

The skills learned in Financial Education such as setting goals and working towards them can benefit students in other areas of their lives.

An avid soccer player, he set a goal to join the school soccer team and to save up for soccer gear. “All of this came with the help of Financial Education,” he says.

“If I hadn’t taken Commercial Studies, then I wouldn’t have learnt the importance of preparing a budget, saving money and prioritising my needs and wants.”

Avikash’s father Dharmendra Kumaran says supporting Avikash with his Financial Education has had benefits for the whole family.

“Avikash has helped us a lot in our family business through what he has learnt in school,” he says.

”Through Financial Education it has been easier for us to invest and gain more profit from our agricultural produce.

It has also helped us to understand the risks in any investment and prioritise our needs and wants.”

The initiative

For all three students, the key to embracing Financial Education in their daily lives was having parents who supported their learning at home.

FinEd is an initiative under the Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme, a regional effort helping low-income households gain access to sustainable financial services and to empower consumers through Financial Education.

In Fiji, FinEd is led by the Reserve Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Education.

They believe that through improved financial competency, young women and men will leave school with the necessary skills, knowledge and behavior.

This is to enable them to interact confidently with the financial economy and to contribute positively to their families, the community and the country.
This is a fortnightly feature contributed by the Reserve Bank of Fiji with the aim of making our readers more aware about what the RBF does and its role in the various sectors.

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The success of a business can be determined by the quality of its negotiations.

The ability to get the best deal possible can make or break a business which makes negotiating skills among the most valuable that any businessman can have.

In this article I explore some of the key tips that will help out on any negotiating situation.

Tip One: Focus on being business partners and not business rivals

The most common mistake I see people make during a negotiation is when they focus on a win-lose outcome when the most successful negotiations are win-win.

If both parties can walk away feeling that they have a good deal and the process has been fair and respectful then the chances of getting what you want increases dramatically not only in the immediate negotiation but also in any future negotiations.

Too often I see people use negotiation techniques to grind down and bully the other party.

This is in order to get what they think is a great deal when in fact they are unaware of the damage caused to their reputation with the other party and anyone else who could possibly want to negotiate with them in the future.

Don’t allow your negotiation to get clouded by a win-lose mentality and never forget that negotiation is never a one off situation. Negotiation is always episodic.

The person or company you are negotiating with is not a rival, they are your business partner, you both want something from each other so the best outcome will happen when you work alongside each other rather than against each other.

Tip Two: Talk about commonality

Negotiations can be stressful and in times of stress human beings are naturally attracted to form alliances with people who they find commonality.

So in order to make sure everyone involved in the negotiation is focused on what is right and moving forward then go out of your way to stress what you both agree on.

If you both want the same outcome but disagree on how to reach that outcome then talk about the outcome.

Also talk about what else you have in common even if it goes behind the deal, your beliefs, family, upbringing.

Another technique is to get people to say “Yes” or “I agree” as many times as possible obviously without it becoming awkward.

Research has shown that the more people say “yes” or “I agree” the more likely it is that parties walk away from a negation with a good deal because the more you say “yes” the more uncomfortable it is for the other to say “no”.

Tip Three: The law of reciprocity

If you are not familiar with the theory of the law of reciprocity then you have certainly encountered it many times even if you weren’t aware of it.

The law of reciprocity says that people have a tendency to give back to people the nature of treatment that they have received from them.

If you treat someone kindly they are more likely to return that kindness. Research has shown that this law actually influences people’s decision making.

In one experiment by Professor Dennis Reagan at Cornell University they studied how many people bought raffle tickets from a stranger.

In one scenario the stranger just asked if the person wanted to buy a raffle ticket and in the other the stranger went away and gave the person a soft drink.

The people who received the soda bought twice as many raffle tickets than the people who didn’t receive the soft drink. In a negotiation remember if you want someone to give you something or do something then find a way to give them or do something for them.

Tip Four: Know your WATNA & BATNA

Unless you are a certified meditator or you have attended one of my advanced leadership workshops then you wouldn’t have encountered the terms WATNA and BATNA.

They stand for worst alternative to a negotiated agreement and best alternative to a negotiated agreement. This is vital for any negotiation.

Before you start you need to be fully aware of what’s the worst thing that can happen if the negotiation falls apart.

What’s the best thing that can happen if the negotiations falls apart this makes you realise what is truly at stake and at what point you will need to walk away from the negotiation table.

This is not a time for bluffing it’s a time to be truthful to yourself about the strength of your negotiating position and the strength of the other sides.

I’ve seen many people get caught in prolonged negotiation because they have an unrealistic idea of what will happen if negotiation fails.

Tip Five: Take negotiation seriously but not personally

Negotiations can get stressful and with stress brings emotions which can impact people decision making and jeopardise a successful outcome for all parties.

I’ve seen many businessmen fail because they get distracted by personal issues or feelings, a lot of time due to the personality of the other party.

To be successful in negotiation you need to focus on reaching an agreement which addresses the needs of all parties in a respectful and fair way.

Never allow the personality of someone damage the negotiation, try to understand and appreciate their position and focus on the outcome. Achieve this and you will achieve success in business.

Never underestimate the importance of negotiation because the very future of your business can be determined by how well you negotiate your next deal.

These are just some basic tips that will get you good results but shouldn’t be taken as an overall strategy.

If you want to know more and learn how to achieve astonishing results feel free to contact me or even invite me to come into your business to talk to everyone.

Mark Wager is one of the world’s top leadership experts. If you want Mark to deliver leadership training at your company contact him at mark@leadership.com.fj

One of the most popular resorts on the Coral Coast, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort has gone through some major upgrades over the past 10 months.

General manager, Peter Hopgood, said the project cost them over $2.5 million.

He said this has been focused on improving the facilities at the resort.

“New elevators have been installed, our main resort pool has been re-surfaced and we have replaced all of our pool chairs and tables,” Mr Hopgood said.

He added the upkeep and maintenance of the resort is ongoing.

“We are currently in the planning stage of refurbishment programs for our rooms and restaurants. We will also be upgrading our meeting facilities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Hopgood who is also the Chairman of the Coral Coast Hotel and Tourism Association chapter, praised the Government on the new Korolevu Fire Station set up valued at $1.25 million.

“The new Fire Station at Korolevu is a wonderful addition to the infrastructure of the Coral Coast,” he said.

“As new resorts are being developed and the number of local residents and tourists increase it is important that the infrastructure grows with it.

“We, as the resort operators, on the Coral Coast commend the government for these initiatives”.

Edited by: RACHNA LAL

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When the violence at home became too much, Ashwin Pratap sought an escape through the company of friends, drug use and rebellion.

It wasn’t long before that escape set him on a trail of self destruction. While it did nothing to quell the hollowness within, it fuelled his desire to blend into his new ‘family’ now comprising peers boasting records of juvenile misdeeds. And the easiest way to blend in was to go against the grain.

“I attended Dilkusha Boys School and Lelean Memorial School. As a youngster, I grew up with a lot of violence happening around me, mostly the result of my dad beating my mother. There was too much pressure at home, too much violence and it got to me,” he said.

“I was 14 when on one occasion my dad was beating my mum, I decided to intervene. I grabbed a cane knife and confronted my dad as he dragged my mum down the stairs by her hair. I told him to let go of her and he retaliated by kicking me. I took the handle of the knife and hit my dad with it. He eventually let go of my mum and turned on me with a wooden plank. I was beaten up quite badly that day.”

Pratap recalls how his life took an aggressive turn after the incident.

“From that point I got into violence and drugs. I stopped playing soccer and instead began to do kickboxing, I became more aggressive. I went to study in New Zealand and there I was bullied a lot. I always fought back,” he recalled.

While fighting off a group of bullies at one stage, Pratap says he was unaware the boys were members of an organised crime syndicate. He went on to join the gang and life took a further turn for the worst.

“My definition of life then revolved around excitement, danger and risks. Without risk, my life was boring, it just wasn’t normal for me.”

Pratap served brief prison sentences in New Zealand but it was a failed relationship that sent him packing back home. He returned home to find his elderly parents living alone and without support.

Finding myself

“My first three years back I was kept busy looking after my dad who was diabetic.

“He went into coma and required full time caregiving so I had to leave my job and look after him. That’s when I began cultivating marijuana,” he said.

Pratap was caught and forced to surrender when his dad was taken into Police custody because marijuana plants were found growing on his property.

“My father told me ‘I’m about to die, it’s only a matter of months so just tell the police I’m the one cultivating the drugs and it’s mine’. He was ready to take the blame but I couldn’t let that happen. I’d rather go to prison then blame my dad,” he said.

Three months before he was found guilty of cultivating illicit drugs and sentenced, Pratap’s dad passed away.

“Before he died my dad told me: you’re the son who got the meanest hidings from me but towards the end of my life, you’re the one who came back to take care of me.

“The truth is it’s a duty every son and daughter should perform – it’s not a great thing, you shouldn’t feel proud of it, it’s your duty to take care of your parents.”

Pratap was sentenced to 26 months imprisonment but only served about 18 months of that term because of good behaviour.

“During my time inside, I learnt a lot of things.

“Religious novels are good for inmates and should be distributed more often. I’ve learnt that when people don’t have anything to do, they’ll automatically turn to mischief. If they have something to keep their minds occupied, even in prison you can get into mischief (smoking suki etc), but once you have something to keep yourself occupied, you won’t go there.”

He was released for community service last May and assigned to work with the Dilkusha orphanage.

“Working with the orphans has changed me a lot. No child should be born into a life of suffering. I never used to carry kids around but that has changed and I am grateful that after serving my community service, the deaconess of the home offered me full time employment as a gardener and I agreed.”

Pratap, now 34, also focuses his time on a poultry farm that he started with financial assistance from the Fiji Corrections Service.

“I’ve had to rebuild my poultry farm because of the two cyclones that occurred earlier this year and I’ve managed to do that without additional financial assistance from anywhere. I hope to start earning income from the poultry farm by December. It’s better to venture into this than dealing with drugs, you won’t be paranoid about the police coming and searching your property, you’ll have a good night’s sleep. Stress makes you old,” he said.

“I’ve changed and it’s all about improvement.

“My age made me rethink my direction in life. I would urge young people to never give up. If you have something you really want to do, do it. If you fail, do it again.

“Nothing is impossible. Time is money, if you waste time, you’re wasting money so don’t waste time.”

With a better future already taking shape, Pratap says finding a wife will complete his new life.

Source: Fiji Corrections Services

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The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation has recorded 683 cases of abuse against children in Fiji so far this year.

Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Dr Josefa Koroivueta said: “This number is alarming and totally unacceptable.

“The thing to understand is no child is immune.

“Those at risk cut across all boundaries of age, gender, religion, ethnic origin, disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression. We just cannot condone this any longer, because the impact of this is severely damaging.”

Dr Koroivueta said this while speaking at the National Children’s Forum at the Albert Park Pavillion in Suva, on Friday.

“Every year, roughly six in 10 children between the ages of two and 14, or nearly a billion children worldwide, are regularly subjected to physical punishment by their caregivers.

“We were all children once. This is something we all have in common. Many of us have a child or are involved in the lives of children in some way.

“We want children to grow up to be happy, healthy, strong and productive. We want them to thrive. Children are both the present and the future,” he said.

Dr Koroivueta said the children represent the next wave of parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, doctors, police officers, judges, community leaders, faith-based leaders, politicians and decision makers.

“How we address the violence affecting children today will have a direct bearing on future families and societies.

“We need to guard the integrity of childhood now and into the future,” he said.

Dr Koroivueta said looking at the impact that violence has on children, it is safe to say that it can be lifelong, and even passed from generation to generation.

“When young people experience violence, the likelihood of their becoming future victims and of acting violently themselves as adults increases.

“Victim can become perpetrator. Yet, violence is not inevitable. We can and must break the cycle,” he said.

Dr Koroivueta said research shows that violence can negatively impact children’s educational performance and achievement, which can have long-term economic consequences, including poverty.

There were about 50 children from 47 schools around Fiji, taking part in the forum, which  ended yesterday.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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‘Our trading centre is Savusavu and we usually travel once or twice a month there to sell copra.’

The people on Cikobia Island in the Northern Division have survived generations of trade in copra cutting.

Turaga-ni-koro of Vatulele Village Maika Turisi said while other sources of income had phased out, this trade remained.

“Our reliance on this industry stems from our forefathers and we still depend on it today,” Mr Turisi said.

“We have been able to send our children to school and meet our daily needs through copra sales.”

He said while fishing supplemented their earnings, the copra industry remained as their main source of income.

“Yes, we go out fishing and at times make good money out of it but because a good catch depends on fine weather etc, copra is maintained as our main source of income,” Mr Turisi said.

“Like any other commodity, the price fluctuates and right now the buying price is really good.

“Our trading centre is Savusavu and we usually travel once or twice a month there to sell copra. What we earn depends on the quality and quantity of copra we take.”

He said the villagers were also engaged in the planting of coconut trees to ensure that this industry remained.

“This is to also spur interest among the young ones so they would not to run around looking for a source income in the future,” Mr Turisi said.

“Like our forefathers did for us, we are continuing with the same initiative to secure their future.”

There are four villages on Cikobia Island namely Vatulele, Nalele, Vuninuku and Nautovatu.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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Close to 100 fans turned up yesterday for the Jazz and Blues Festival which was a tribute to legendary guitarist, Tom Mawi at the Holiday Inn in Suva.

The fans enjoyed the opening with several pieces from the legend Mr Mawi before other local artists took to the stage.

“I know Tom Mawi personally we are here just to celebrate his life as a musician,” said fan Nemani Mati.

“He’s 75 now and I’ve followed his music for a very long time.”

Mr Mati said he was a big jazz music follower and considered Tom as a very gifted musician.

Another fan Madhu Lata said it was a good show and had been a big fan of the Tailevu man.

“We just came to see what the atmosphere was like and I’ve seen Tom Mawi play before at Bad Dog but me being here I just wanted to see something bigger today.”

Other featured artists who performed at the concert included Robert Verma, Vude Queen Laisa Vulakoro, Georgina Ledua, Sami and Annie Mawi, SASSY, Steve Macomber, Ken Janson, Richard Beyer, One 2 Eight, Salome Baravilala, Maxie Columbus; and Samu and Kathy Waqa.

The concert titled ‘At Tom’s Place’ was a homecoming for the guitarist who was once voted among the top 10 jazz guitarists in the world by Down Beat magazine.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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The AccorHotels Fiji Race to Survive to Cure Kids event raised over $836,000 to continue the life-saving work in Fiji.

This was the 10th Anniversary of the Race to Survive which began in 2006 and has now raised over $2.5 million for Cure Kids Fiji.

The five day event ended at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa yesterday with the motto – It’s for the kids! Event director Murray Davison said: “We have been truly amazed at the generosity by so many Fiji companies who have donated both their products and services over the five days.

“With this support, we can ensure the money raised by our competitors prior to and during the event goes to Cure Kids so they can continue their amazing work here in Fiji.”

AccorHotels Senior Vice President Chris Sedgwick and Cure Kids chief executive officer Frances Benge, in a joint statement said: “We are incredibly proud of the partnership between AccorHotels and Cure Kids.

“These events co-ordinated by AccorHotels raise the much needed funds Cure Kids Fiji require to continue their work in Rheumatic Heart Disease screening here in Fiji.”

Mr Sedgwick said: “During the past five days, I am humbled by the way the Fijian community supports our events, and amazed at the commitment of our hotel staff to not only work tirelessly for months prior to the event to fundraise, but also the effort they put in during the event. They overcame many personal challenges with one goal – to make a difference to the children of Fiji”.

The competitors started at Novotel Nadi on Monday, return to the mainland from South Sea Island.

The final leg of the race from Sigatoka included a stop at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes as they run through this important historical ecological site of Fiji.

Prior to arriving at Denarau Island, the final stop was at the Momi Bay Zip Line where all 100 competitors and crew had the opportunity to experience another world class Fijian tourism activity which showcases the beauty of the Fijian Islands. This event is held every two years.

 Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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The Minister for Defence and National Security, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, commenced his Divisional tour of Police Stations and community posts on Friday.

The inaugural tour is designed to give the minister a better understanding of the challenges facing policing defence issues that fall under his portfolio the line Minister.

Starting at the Navua Police Station the Ratu Inoke was also accompanied by the Divisional Police Commander Southern Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tevita Waqabaca.

The site of a possible community post along Korovisilou was also on the list of visitations for the Minister where he was briefed on why there was a need for Police presence in the area.

While meeting officers at the various locations, he thanked them for the tireless work done and reiterated the need to better understand their roles as law enforcement officers.

The Minister also visited officers at the Sigatoka Police station as well as the Border Unit at the Nadi International Airport.

Over a week ago Ratu Inoke was given an overview brief of the Fiji Police Force and the challenges faced by officers in the daily execution of their duties.

While showing a keen interest in strengthening advocacy work with regards to Community Policing, Ratu Inoke also pledged his support and gave his assurances that he was ready to assist the Fiji Police as its line Minister.

He resumed his tour of the Western Division yesterday.

Source: Police Media Cell

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When Sitiveni Dravo joined the Navuso Agriculture Technical Institute last year, he didn’t have the slightest idea that the world of opportunities that awaited him.

Mr Dravo was one of the five inmates selected last year for an early release for an education scheme – a rehabilitation programme facilitated by the Fiji Corrections Service.

Reflecting on his past, the 31-year-old said the first time he was incarcerated, he “did not learn anything”.

“I was a naughty boy when I was inside,” Mr Dravo said.

“I was known to the officers and my friends for smuggling contraband into prison.

“They had this negative image of me and no one believed I could change.”

He said his turning point came on his second imprisonment after he began searching for God and answers to his issues.

“This is the second time I’ve been in for robbery. The first time in 2004 I spent two years inside but I didn’t learn anything,” he said.

“My turning point was when I began searching for God.

“I wanted to know which God I was worshiping. I was a bad boy but when I felt the change set in, no one knew what was happening to me. No one noticed the change, no one believed in me or trusted me anymore, except the OC (Officer in charge).”

As the change gradually took place, Mr Dravo gained the trust of then OC Minimum Pita Rokoratu however the opening for him was not accepted well with some of his fellow inmates who “expected me to fail again”.

“The OC knew I could become a better person and when recommendations came for outside work, he gave me a chance,” Mr Dravo said.

“Everyone who knew me just waited for me to make a wrong move but I’ve learnt we can only experience true change if we go spiritual – we cannot rely on our own strength.”

After years of soul searching, Mr Dravo said he finally found peace and answers.

“I’ve had many experiences in this life and the most difficult ones were in prison. When I was recommended for 6-6 work, 7 days a week, I realised that I could continue to worship God in my soul, no eye needed to see or know I was worshipping Him.

“I connected to God and though others had issues with me and complaints were still made against me, I laughed and shared with them and the God I serve saved me.”

Joining the Navuso institute was even more of an eye-opener for the man who hails from Nadali Village in Tailevu.

“When I came here, I didn’t know much about farming. But in one short year, I’ve learnt so much and I am indebted to the school for the support and the encouragement it has given me. This is the best place for any inmate to come to before being discharged,” he said.

Mr Dravo will be discharged next month and will graduate from the Navuso institute in November.

With newfound peace, renewed faith and an abundance of skills, he looks forward to the next chapter of his life and believes the best is yet to come.

Source: Fiji Corrections Services

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This week is an important one for us as a nation. On Wednesday, November 2, is a day where we should reflect on the events of the 2000 attempted mutiny by rebel soldiers at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua.

These rebel soldiers were influenced by corrupted politicians and failed businessmen who were the very people behind the May 19, 2000 attempted civilian coup that was led by George Speight.

Although 16 years, has almost passed, but we should not forget these brave soldiers who had lost their lives in the line of duty. Sadly, over the years, very little has been said about them and how they had lost their lives- unarmed, defenceless and shot in cold blood. Murdered because they stood up against evil.

Although they are no longer with us today, but the stand they had taken along with their comrades at the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), has made our nation what it is today.

These brave men and women of the RFMF led by our Prime Minister who then was the RFMF Commander, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Voreqe Bainimarama, had stood for the restoration of the rule of law in our beloved nation, when it went through one of its darkest hours in history.

Their act of bravery saved the leadership position of our country from going into the wrong hands.

From the time of their deaths in November, 2000, the RFMF always holds a Remembrance Parade every year.

This is where soldiers are reminded not to forget their fallen comrades, their role to protect the  country, fight against racism and the need to maintain peace.

The sacrifice they have made is not only for themselves or the RFMF but for us as well.

As a nation, it’s time for us to join the RFMF on every November 2, to honour them and commit ourselves to the very principles the institution had set in ensuring peace and the progress of our beloved Fiji.

Feedback:  leonec@fijisun.com.fj

“For over 30 years our members especially on Diwali day unite making sure to pray together as one family before returning to individual homes.”

Members of Batinikama Satsangh Mandali gathered outside Labasa Town to offer their devotion on Diwali Day.

Yesterday morning many Hindu devotees placed lotus flowers in front of the deity Lakshmi (goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity) for good omen and this group was not the only group.

Batinikama Satsangh Mandali president Manik Raj said their members gathered for an early morning prayer meeting to offer their devotion.

“For over 30 years our members especially on Diwali day unite making sure to pray together as one family before returning to their individual homes,” Mr Raj said.

“Diwali is the most important celebration in our calendar and we all look forward to receive blessings from goddess Lakshmi.

“We believe that on Diwali day she visit every devotees’ house to bless them.

“That is one of the reasons why a lot of time is spent cleaning the house and surroundings.

“This is our belief and it is followed by all Hindu devotees all over the world.”

Fiji Sun met up with a group of young girls dressed in special attire for Diwali celebration.

Nitika Nandani, 16 of Batinikama, Labasa said she was excited to celebrate Diwali.

“On Diwali day I get a chance to invite my friends home to have some sweets and play with fire crackers together,” the Year Ten student of Batinikama College said.

Three-year-old, Aastha Raj of Batinikama, Labasa while holding a diya (an oil lamp made up of flour with a cotton wick dipped in oil) said she enjoyed praying together with her parents.

“I like looking at colourful lights and Diwali is the only time my parents decorate home in a big way,” Aastha said.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

Feedback:  shratikan@fijisun.com.fj

The Holy Trinity Cathedral Suva members did their monthly ‘The Walk for Life’ last Saturday to promote healthy living and to combat non communicable diseases.

Over 60 people took part in the fourth ‘Walk For Life’ event which is a seven kilometre walk from the cathedral along the Suva waterfront and back beginning at 6am.

One of the organisers Julie Sutherland said that there was breakfast provided for those who took part in the walk and that it was open to all the members of the public.

Ms Sutherland said: “It was a beautiful morning and it really made us all value our health and appreciate every morning of every day we are blessed with.”

The Dean of the Cathedral, Reverend Claude Fong Toy said: “Two cancer survivors from the Fiji Cancer Society spoke about their battle with breast cancer or ‘talk the walk’.

“Both ladies changed the way we look at our health and they have made us much more aware of the importance of getting tested for breast, cervical and  prostate cancer.

“Cancer doesn’t discriminate even men can get breast cancer.”

The ‘Walk For Life’ takes place on the last Saturday of every month and it’s a round trip from and to the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

Feedback:  jessica.gounder@fijisun.com.fj

Qawa Primary School head teacher Mahendra Pratap enjoys travelling back in time to his boyhood days in Tagnikula in the province of Macuata.

The special Festival of Lights brings back fond memories that allows the 54-year-old annually to take a pilgrim back to his ancestral village away from his Salusalu Street residence in Labasa.

Mr Pratap is one of those few people who have continued to use handmade traditional earthen lamps (diya) for Diwali.

The father of two said he did not want to stray from his roots after starting to make diya from the age of nine.

“There is a special clay in my village which is still available in abundance and free of charge,” Mr Pratap said.

“I can still recall during my childhood days, few weeks before Diwali everyone would stir up to make hundreds of diya with cotton wool dipped in homemade oil to light up their homes.

“That time there was nothing like candles and electrical lights used for decorations because we lived very far away from the town.”

He said the tradition had been handed down from his parents and he would like it to be passed on to his descendants.

“I have continued with the tradition of making diya,” he said.

“I went to my village to get the clay, mixed it with water and moulded about ten diya and a few water vessels.

“I did not give up my tradition because I want my two children to learn and continue.

“Also I feel happy to make diya because it is only once in a year I get to do what I like as it reminds me of fond memories of Diwali celebration.

“I hope the younger generation now can show interest in making and using traditional earthen lamps for Diwali.”

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

Feedback:  shratikan@fijisun.com.fj

Diwali Tears

Dr. Sushil K. Sharma, Lautoka

Diwali is not only a time to enjoy the triumph of good over evil, it is also a great time to reflect.

As you look in awe and marvel at the beautiful lights, the many splendid varieties of food, sweets and savouries displayed in your dinner table, the sparklers and crackers booming away in the yard in the midst of your family’s laughter, love and joy – and look at yourself and your family dressed in your year’s best attire that money can buy, and dream, and fantasise, and wish that the Diwali  evening would never end, please spare a small moment or tear to reflect and ponder on the unfortunate.

Diwali is not a time for joy for them, but of severe painful memories of loved ones who may have died, become separated, or literally not there but miles away in another land, or due to some unfortunate accident parted from you.

These are the evenings – once in a year when you sit and reflect on the past years when you were together as partners and loved ones.

Diwali only exacerbates – worsens – aggravates – intensifies – the loneliness and the pain and the suffering that you feel and endure with a heavy heart.

Also think of all those who do not even have a roof over their head and are not fortunate to see, do and experience all that you are doing this evening – all only a distant dream to the many living in tents, sheltering in other people’s homes, or at the mercy and generosity of others.

Think of the many living in poverty and all other unfortunate who will look up into the sky, and see the many sparkles from the fireworks – and just dream and wonder in awe at their plight and in retrospect question the super beings as to why and how they were so unfortunate – thinking that one blast of that fireworks in the sky could provide a decent meal to him or her and even their entire family.

Please marvel as much as you like on Diwali evening, but spare a tear and a thought!

Diwali Sweets

Sachida  Rao, Nausori

Wishing  Happy Diwali to everybody. Enjoy the day but be mindful of the fact that sweets are the agent for most of the Non-Communicable Diseases.

The only way to counter the effect of the extra calories is to burn them. My mother used to prepare tamarind juice mixed with a bit of salt chilly and onion with dhania or mint leaves.

May the spirit of the auspicious occasion reach everyone’s heart. Let’s forget the past and move forward.

Happy Diwali.

Gareth Baber: Fijian 7s Coach

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, BC, Canada

Congratulations to Gareth Baber, who has been chosen by the Fiji Rugby Union to be our new Fijian 7s coach.

Looks like all our guesses were off the mark and we all believe that the FRU has chosen Gareth Baber because he is the most qualified to help the Fijian 7s team maintain and keep its top place and consistency during the next four years.

We are told that Gareth Baber is a World Rugby Level 4 accredited coach, who needs to give three months notice to his current employer, the Hong Kong Rugby Union and coach the Fijian side to the Wellington Sevens in January 2017.

Baber has a wealth of experience as a 7s player, playing and captaining the Wales National 7s team in the World Rugby Series, two Rugby 7s World Cup tournaments and two Commonwealth Games.

Baber also has an extensive coaching career both for the 7s and 15s codes having being the assistant coach for the Wales 7s team from 2005 to 2006 and the head from 2006 to 2008 prior to taking up different coaching capacities including head coach for the Cardiff Blues.

Now that we know who has been selected to be the Fijian 7s coach, I believe that is only fitting to congratulate and welcome our new coach and thank all the Fijian 7s players who will represent our beloved nation in the next four years, including all the hardworking personnel and sponsor involved with our national 7s team.

God bless and go Fiji go.

New 7s Coach

Ronnie Chang , Nadi

By a very strange twist of fate, Fiji, a rugby-crazy nation, is  respectfully expected to accept the appointment of our newly-appointed national 7s coach in Tier Two Hong Kong 7s Gareth Baber (not Barber as officially announced by FRU over the 6pm TV News  Oct 28).

Public perception is a powerful measure.

Admittedly, and with every tact and diplomacy, without any malice team Hong Kong has never ever been a 7s rugby force to reckon with.

Team Hong Kong, to date, has never ever been a reasonable threat to rugby 7s tier one nations.

The Fiji public at large is now informed, without doubt, that our new 7s coach, on paper, has admirable credentials to take Fiji 7s forward and hope to emulate Tu Rai’s (Ben Ryan) proud, colourful and distinguished achievements which are today common knowledge to the entire rugby 7s world.

We can only hope, pray and support Gareth Baber in his new appointment.

I wish Gareth Baber and our national 7s team every success as you prepare to meet the challenges that awaits us all.

GO FIJI GO!!!!

TOSO VITI TOSO!!!!

Doing Business In Fiji

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

The ease of doing business in Fiji have now slipped from rank 73 in 2013 to 97 in 2017.

This is according to the latest revelation from the World Bank.

Can we ask if this is a true reflection of our current status?

But, what are the criterions involved?

Can they give our Government their final assessment report, so we can make amends accordingly?

Realistically this is a wake-up call to all authorities concerned.

It will impact economy negatively if nothing is done about it.

It calls for some realistic and holistic soul searching from all stakeholders.

One of the best ways to do this is to pool together the brains from our commercial business sectors separately from the Northern, Eastern, Western and the Southern divisions.

They are the ones who know their turf best, they will also be in the best position to recommend the best way forward to complement our Government’s investment policies.

It requires a consultative process whereby we all must be inclusively equally held accountable to the progress and improvements on how well we can better improve the way investment businesses are conducted on our nation.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Legendary Australian Wallabies halfback George Gregan is the 2017 Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens Ambassador. Gregan will be in Sigatoka in January, next year, duration the 7th annual Mana Whey Coral Coast Sevens and will unveil his commemorative plaque on the world’s only Rugby Walk Of Fame.

This is where he joins other rugby legends like: David Campese, Waisale Serevi, Jonah Lomu, Ben Gollings,Viliame Satala, Karl Tenana and Lote Tuqiri.

Coral Coast 7s

Feedback: oseab@fijisun.com.fj

Fijian rugby players continue to impress at the Top 14 rugby competition in France. It has been another torrid weekend as they battled it out in another round of competition.

Nakaitaci scores in

Clermont win

Fijian-born winger Noa Nakaitaci scored a try as Clermont consolidated their position at the top of the Top 14 standings after securing a deserved 40-16 win over Brive at Stade Amédée Domenech.

Brive fielded Vodafone Flying Fijian winger Benito Masilevu, Sevanaia Galala, Seremaia Burotu and late sub Dominiko Waqaniburotu. Les Jaunards dominated from the outset and outscored their hosts by four tries to one with fly-half Patricio Fernandez the visitors’ hero after contributing 30 points to his side’s cause courtesy to a brace of tries, four penalties and four conversions. Three of the visitors’ tries were scored during the first half which set up a commanding 27-9 lead at the break.

Talebula sees yellow as UBB go down  

Former Vodafone Fijian 7s playmaker Metuisela Talebula copped a yellow card for a deliberate knock on close to his try line as his Bordeaux-Begles went down 33-27 to Castres at Stade Pierre Antoine yesterday.

The home side came into this match on the back of an impressive victory over Northampton Saints in the European Champions Cup last weekend and they raced into a 13-0 lead in this clash, and even led 20-7 midway through the opening half, before the visitors fought back to trail 23-17 at half-time. Both sides scored three tries apiece but it was the boot of Castres fly-half Benjamin Urdapilleta which secured the win for the hosts as he finished with an 18-point haul courtesy of four penalties and three conversions.

Votu’s try fails to lift Pau

Flamboyant Fijian forward cum winger Semi Kunatani came in as a substitute for Toulouse as they edged out Pau 24-20 at Stade du Hameau. Pau fielded Fijian winger Watisoni Votu who scored a try as he combined well with second five eight Jale Vatubua, centre Conrad Smith and Colin Slade.

The visitors were leading for the first 28 minutes thanks to Jean-Marc Doussain’s boot but when Daniel Ramsay crossed, Pau went ahead. Pau fullback Tom Taylor converted his lock’s try to make it 9-10, but Toulouse hit back before the break via a Doussain drop-goal and then hooker Julien Marchand crossed a minute before half-time to push the visitors into a healthy 17-10 advantage going into the dressing rooms.

Pau crucially struck first after the interval when Votu went over, with Taylor’s extras levelling matters at Stade du Hameau.

Nayacalevu’s stars in club win

Former Vodafone Flying Fijian centre Waisea Nayacalevu opened the scoring for Stade Francaise as they beat Lyon 25-19 at the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris. They took an early 7-0 lead as Wallabies star halfback Will Genia also took the field for the club. Penalties from Delon Armitage and Mike Harris brought Lyon within four.

Two penalties from Morne Steyn gave Stade a bit of a cushion but Baptiste Couilloud scored a try for a slight 16-13 deficit at half time. Steyn and Jules Plisson added four penalties between them in the second half, countered by two from Harris but it wasn’t enough to overhaul Stade Francais.

Nadolo, Qera help

Montpellier win

Fijian duo Nemani Nadolo and Akapusi Qera played for Montpellier as they pipped La Rochelle 12-11 at the Altrad Stadium.

La Rochelle drew first blood when New Zealand born player Uini Atonio crashed over for his side. The try remained unconverted but was enough to get the visitors off to a good start.

The hosts struck back quickly though after a penalty in the tenth minute from former Springbok Frans Steyn. Steyn then put his side into the lead with another penalty in the 19th minute.

Montpellier’s lead was short lived though as La Rochelle who had Fijians Levani Botia, Kini Murimurivalu and Jone Qovu then scored a penalty of their own through fly-half Brock James. The half ended 11-9 to the visitors, yet fairly dull first half.

The second half was another hotly contested half with neither side scoring any points in the second half, with La Rochelle displaying a tight defensive effort to keep their away lead.

Nakarawa’s Racing 92 too good for Bayonne

Juan Imhoff scored the only try of the game late in the second half to seal a 16-3 victory for Racing 92 over Bayonne on Saturday.

The hosts fielded veteran Fijian centre Gabiriele Lovobalavu while Racing 92 had Leone Nakarawa, Joe Rokocoko and replacement centre Albert Vulivuli.

The first points of the match came in the 26th minute when Willie duPlessis slotted a penalty for the home side to get the game going. Unfortunately for Bayonne it was the only points they managed throughout the entire game.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj

While the focus of the Fiji Police rugby team may be on defending the 2016 ANZ Ratu Sukuna title, they are also taking time to conduct community awareness engagements with villages and communities.

Since marching into camp in Sigatoka last week to prepare for the upcoming challenge against the Republic of Fiji Military Forces at the ANZ Stadium, Suva on November 24, the team has have been out on awareness sessions.

Through the concept of ‘Policing the Nation Through Sports’ the team has been conducting community engagements with nearby villages. Interests have also been forthcoming from various Turaga ni Koro’s to have the team speak on issues ranging from sexual offences, negligence, issues concerning juveniles and general talanoa sessions.

Last weekend, the team marched during the opening of the Adi Nadroga/Navosa Carnival and were allocated time to conduct awareness at the ground.

The concept of ‘Policing the Nation Through Sports’ has been used by various sporting teams representing the Fiji Police Force to conduct awareness particularly amongst youths who have a keen interest in sports such as rugby, soccer and netball.

As earlier stated by the Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho, the Police would be going into this year’s tournament as underdogs.

–Police Media Cell

Feedback:  leonec@fijisun.com.fj

The Joseph Nand coached-Nadi football side travel to Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka to face winless Nadroga in the Vodafone Premier League (VPL) clash tomorrow.

The defending VPL champions desperately need a win to put their campaign on track.

Nadi coach Joseph Nand said yesterday they have been facing problems on players fitness and availability.

“We are conceding early goals which have been a major problem for the side,” Nand said.

“Fitness is a problem as during training players are failing to turn up.”

Nand said he is confident of a win over the Stallions.

“We have to move forward and we need to bounce back.”

Interestingly, Nadi have been switching their players’ position around, which is not working at the moment.

“We have a rotational system in the side and if it does not work out we can always move them back. “We need Rusiate (Matererega) badly but he will only be available for the Pacific Cup.”

On Sunday, Nadi travel to Govind Park to face points’ table leader Ba at 3pm.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  waisean@fijisun.com.fj