A Fijian Elections Office vehicle en route to its scheduled pre-poll venue in Udu Point had veered off the road.

In a statement regarding the FEO’s preparation on pre-polling which starts tomorrow, Supervisor of Election Mohammed Saneem “Information has just been received that one of our vehicles had an accident and it had veered off the road en route to its scheduled pre-poll venue. At the moment, we have received information that no one was very seriously injured however, this is all preliminary information coming from the field.

“We have dispatched our officers in charge to go and investigate this matter. The Ballot material is safe as it was carried in a second vehicle and the first vehicle only had staff.

“The Ballot materials have been transported to a safe location under Police guard whilst our second vehicle provides emergency relief support via transporting the injured staff to the nearest health facility and Police, the ambulance and the Fire department have been dispatched to the location and we will keep you updated on the progress of the matter.”

Mr Saneem has informed the teams not to rush.

“It’s Day Zero, you are starting pre-polling tomorrow and its Day-Light Savings – you get an extra hour so please do not rush.

“Take your time and to the Police Officers who are onboard the transportation vehicles, please keep an eye on the speed limit and make sure that the vehicles are not travelling at speeds beyond the approved limit as well as safe speed limits as you know on the gravel roads, even though the speed limit is 80km/h, you don’t have to drive at that speed if it’s not safe. Drive at a lower speed.”

A total of 15,609 voters are expected to cast their vote at 138 venues tomorrow.

Pre-poll starts tomorrow and it will be conducted at 138 venues around the country with 23 venues in the Central Division, 49 in the Eastern Division, 28 in the Northern Division and 38 venues in the Western Division.

Supervisor of Election, Mohammed Saneem said a total of 89 teams from the Fijian Elections Office will be deployed to conduct pre-poll in these venues

This morning, 3 Election Officials and 1 Police Officer, departed from the Nausori Airport for Rotuma, where pre-poll will be conducted from tomorrow until the 8th of November.

Also this morning:

• 5 ships left from the Government Shipping Yard and Narain Jetty in Suva.

• For Lau, 8 teams (40 Election Officials), and 20 Police Officers.

• For Kadavu, 18 teams (85 Election Officials) and 36 Police Officers

• For Lomaiviti, 4 teams (20 Election Officials) and 10 Police Officers.

• For the Central Division, 10 teams were deployed today and 3 teams will be departing tomorrow.

• For the Western Division, 3 boats carrying a team of five Election Officials each departed for the Yasawa Islands and 16 teams have left for the interior of the Western Division.

• A Helicopter Team will depart tomorrow for the Northern Division while another Helicopter team will leave for Keiyasi.

• For the Northern Division, 14 teams departed at 2pm today for the pre-poll venues in the rural places in the North.

Mr Saneem said all materials have been checked and are all en route to all Polling places.

“We are expecting things to operate normal tomorrow morning and we are keeping a close eye on the situation to make sure that voters who want to vote tomorrow are able to exercise their right with comfort.”

With the 2019 Rugby World Cup less than a year away, the upcoming Test matches for the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians in Europe are critical.

This is an opportunity for head coach John McKee and his coaching staff to test all potential players as they start to put together the RWC team.

What has made their job much more interesting is the rise of local-based players who were part of the success of the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua side in winning the Australian National Rugby Championship.

Eight local-based players – Frank Lomani, Alivereti Veitokani, Albert Tuisue, Mosese Voka, Eroni Mawi, Veremalua Vugakoto, Mesulame Dolokoto and Joeli Veitayaki – reported to the Reg 9 camp in Toulouse, France, on Tuesday and were joined by the overseas-based players.

McKee and his coaching crew have the big task of moulding these local players with the overseas-based players so they could become a powerful force during the RWC in Japan.

The unavailability of seasoned campaigners such as captain Akapusi Qera, Nemani Nadolo, Patrick Osborne, Nemani Nagusa, Timoci Nagusa, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Levani Botia and Api Ratuniyarawa has provided the opportunity for the coaching department to test the new players and see what they are capable of.

This starts for McKee and his coaching crew this coming Sunday (Fiji time) against Scotland in a sold-out Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.

Despite the Scots going down 21-10 to Wales on Saturday, they will be no pushover because they will be out to avenge their 27-22 loss to the Fijians in Suva last year.

We all want the Flying Fijians to win, but we should not lose focus of the big picture.

Instead, if we do win we should see it as a bonus and as of now we should expect whatever results they achieve.

This also goes for the Test matches against Uruguay at Hartpury College ground in London on November 17 and France at the Stade de France in Paris on November 24.

Let’s wish our Flying Fijians all the best in all their Test matches as they prepare towards the 2019 RWC, where winning all our pool games, and qualifying for the quarter-finals and beyond, really matters.

Feedback:  leonec@fijisun.com.fj

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has recorded one case that was withdrawn due to a lack of evidence, another was withdrawn because of Police laxity in the interviewing process and a third was was withdrawn due to evidence of Police assaults.

The revelation has been made after ODPP released the number of formal indictments (Information) filed in the High Courts of Fiji by the Director of Public Prosecutions throughout the month of October.

The three cases were withdrawn after discontinuances (Nolle Prosequi) were filed.

The data is confined to incidents of serious crimes other than sexual violence offences which are recorded and published separately.

The following is the indepth report that was provided:

Types of offences

This data also includes offences committed by police officers. There were 74 people charged with a total of 83 counts of separate incidents in October.

The offences were murder (2), attempted murder (1), manslaughter (4), aggravated robbery (21), robbery (1), attempted robbery (1), aggravated burglary (12), burglary (1), theft (11), assault causing actual bodily harm (1), assault occasioning actual bodily harm (2), serious assault (2), acts intended to cause grievous harm (4), aggravated sexual servitude (1), selling minors for immoral purposes (1), domestic trafficking in children (3), dangerous driving causing grievous harm (2), careless driving (1), driving with excess blood alcohol (1), driving whilst disqualified (1), incapable of driving whilst drunk (1), making threats at an airport (1), drunk and disorderly (1), criminal intimidation (3), attempt to commit arson (1), concealing the birth of a child (1) and receiving stolen property (2). Of the 74 accused persons, 6 were juveniles and two were police officers.

The juveniles were charged with robbery, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and theft offences.

One Police officer was charged with careless driving while another Police officer was charged with drunk and disorderly and serious assault on a fellow Police officer. There were 64 victims of the 84 counts of separate incidents.

There were 8 incidents where the accused and the victims were related to one another and 6 incidents where foreign nationals were robbed.

A 29-year-old man was charged with the murder of his 25-year-old wife.

The accused allegedly strangled his wife, put her in a well and burnt her. In another incident, a 20-year-old man was charged with the murder of a 23-year-old man. The accused allegedly struck the victim with a piece of timber outside a nightclub.

Manslaughter

There were two separate incidents where the accused persons were each charged with two counts of manslaughter.

In one incident, a 30-year-old man was charged for allegedly driving a motor vehicle in a manner which caused the death of two pedestrians who were walking along the road.

The accused was also charged with driving with excess alcohol in his blood and driving whilst disqualified.

In another incident, a 35-year-old man was charged for allegedly driving whilst drunk which caused the death of two people and caused injuries to two others who were passengers in his car.

He was also charged with dangerous driving causing grievous harm and being incapable of driving whilst drunk.

Attempted murder

There was one incident where a 36-year-old man was charged with the attempted murder of his former girlfriend.

The accused was also charged for criminally intimidating the victim’s father and four police officers.

Sexual servitude and threats

A 37-year-old man was charged with one count of aggravated sexual servitude, one count of selling minors for immoral purposes and 3 counts of domestic trafficking of a 17-year-old girl. There was one incident where a 49-year-old man was charged with making threats at an airport.

He allegedly said a perfume bottle in his possession was a bomb.

Husbands charged

There were 2 incidents where husbands were charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. There were 3 separate incidents where 2 husbands and a brother-in-law were charged with acts intended to cause grievous harm to their wives and brother-law.

There was one incident where a 43-year-old man was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm. He allegedly assaulted two of his co-workers at a construction site. Cash and assorted items which ranged from $60 to $101,243.96 were stolen during the alleged aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary offences which consisted of home invasions, shop break-ins, restaurant break-ins, medical clinic break-ins and daylight street robberies. Assorted items stolen during the break-ins were wallets, mobile phones, vehicles and food items.

Separate incidents

Two Chinese, two American and two Filipino men were allegedly robbed of cash and assorted items. A 25-year-old man and a 23-year-old man were charged with aggravated robbery, burglary and theft. They allegedly broke into two separate restaurants and stole goods worth $1,075 and $1200. Three men were charged for allegedly breaking into a Filipino doctor’s medical clinic and stealing $740 worth of property. A 23 year-old man was charged for allegedly robbing a US citizen of $6487.18. A 20-year-old man was also charged with aggravated burglary and theft at another US citizen’s place.

However, his matter was withdrawn due to lack of evidence while two others in this case were convicted of the same. A 36-year-old man was charged with the aggravated robbery of a mobile phone from a 34- year-old Filipino man. A 24-year-old woman was charged with concealing the birth of a child after the infant died during birth.

Source: Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu will face intense scrutiny from within SODELPA if he throws in his hat for the party leader contest.

The focus on the November 14 General Election has not shut out members’ thoughts about the leadership issue.

On November 12, party leader Sitiveni Rabuka will know whether he can still stand for the election.

That’s when Chief Justice Anthony Gates will deliver his ruling on a Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) appeal against Mr Rabuka’s acquittal.

Mr Rabuka was acquitted by the Suva Magistrates Court on charges relating to his declaration of assets and liabilities.

If he loses his case, he won’t be able to lead SODELPA into the election.

Someone would have to be chosen to replace Mr Rabuka. And that could be Ratu Naiqama, given the fact that he already has a special general meeting mandate to appoint a deputy leader or acting leader for seven days before a substantative appointment is made.

He could even appoint himself with the concurrence of the working committee, which is a surrogate of the management board. There is virtually little or no time left to advertise and call for applications, process them and convene a meeting to pick a new leader.

More names are now being bandied about other than Ratu Naiqama, whom he can consider to act as leader.

They include former MP Viliame Gavoka, senior vice-president Anare Jale, Ro Teimumu Kepa, Salote Radrodro (SODELPA Whip), Adi Litia Qionibaravi (general secretary) and Vijay Singh (vice-president).

In the younger ranks and waiting on the wings are lawyer Kitione Vuataki, former MP Aseri Radrodro and Rewa chief Ro Filipe Tuisawau.

There is concern internally that the role should not look like it had just been passed on from Mr Rabuka to his chief, the Tui Cakau (paramount chief of Cakaudrove), Ratu Naiqama.

This would smack of nepotism, one member said.

There is a suggestion that whoever takes SODELPA through the election will be in an acting position.

If SODELPA loses, the acting appointee will lose the position anyway, as the party constitution stipulates. If it wins, there should be a meeting of all the elected MPs to decide who should be Prime Minister.

Ratu Naiqama’s record will come under examination.

 In April, 2005 Ratu Naiqama and then Senator Ratu Josefa Dimuri were released from prison after serving 10 days of their eight-month sentence to serve the rest extramurally. They were convicted of unlawful assembly in relation to a takeover of the Sukanaivalu Barracks in Labasa at the height of the 2000 political crisis during George Speight’s coup. They were members of the pro-indigenous party, the Conservative Alliance Matanitu Vanua (CAMV).

 In the 2001 election CAMV joined Laisenia Qarase’s SDL party for a coalition after winning six seats. Mr Qarase went ahead and appointed Ratu Naiqama Minister for Lands despite a call by then Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama as Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces not to appoint Ratu Naiqama because of his conviction.

 It is understood this was one of the reasons that led to the takeover in 2006.

 Under his watch as Minister for Lands, Ratu Naiqama had signed the approval for the conversion of native land to Crown (state) land to freehold land in Momi and Denarau.

 Ratu Naiqama was suspended from the last Parliament for derogatory remarks against the Speaker, Dr Jiko Luveni.

 While he was suspended, he wrote to SODELPA’s parliamentary caucus, instructing them to vote against the motion to increase parliamentary sitting allowances. He said it would look bad in the wake of Cyclone Winston with people still living in tents. The caucus defied his directive.

 When he returned to Parliament, he accepted the increases in his parliamentary allowances.

 He said he would retire from politics, but changed his mind to stand in the election even though his son, Ratu Dr Antonio Lalalabalavu, is one of the candidates. It is believed to be the first time that a father and son are standing from the same party.

 It is also believed that he did it because Ro Teimumu had earlier announced she would put her retirement on hold and contest the election.

So Ratu Naiqama has a number of questions to clear before he can become party leader.

Feedback:  nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj

Beer Price

Dharmendra Kumar, Suva

The man who “ducks under the table” on a regular basis has reduced duty on beer by 20 per cent.

When women and children are abused by drunk fathers who will protect them?

Total hypocrisy!

Biman Prasad will bring chaos to this country.

Minimum Wage

Wise Muavono, Balawa, Lautoka

Will small businesses be able to survive with the $5/hr minimum wage?

Equal lease money

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Namaka, Nadi

Thank you Fiji Sun page 48 02nd November for your interview of SODELPA candidate Mosese Bulitavu and his leader Sitiveni Rabuka which is relevant to the equal lease monies distribution at TLTB for all landowners around the country.

Rabuka and Bulitavu are recorded as saying that they will abolish the equal lease distribution and revert to the old discriminative system where only the Chiefs, turaga ni mataqali and the turaga ni yavusa will benefit from the chunk of the monies they are allocated and forgetting the ordinary clan members.

They are reasoning that the chiefs, turaga ni mataqali and turaga ni yavusa all have a very big responsibility over other iTaukei landowners where they rightly deserve a bigger slice of the cake but they have failed to explain what kind of responsibility and how does that translate into monetary value.

These are the very same heads and chiefs who will frequent brothels and night clubs pre-2015 equal lease distributions to abuse their lease earnings where they will also be missing from their villages for weeks on a senseless walkabout.

There are over 500,000 indigenous iTaukei landowners in the country where there are about 300,000 whom are eligible registered Fijian voters and I would like to ask them to not vote for any SODELPA candidate in our 2018 November 14th National Election.

All right thinking iTaukei children and adult landowners have benefited greatly and indiscriminately from the equal distribution since 2015, please reject them outright but I would also like to urge and ask the Fiji Sun to please kindly print the same interview in your iTaukei vernacular column so those illiterate and unsuspecting relatives of ours may read about it so they can talanoa and spread the gospel around the Tanoa to guard themselves against such political parties with their rhetoric and nonsense.

Diwali Labasa

Sukha Singh, Labasa

FBC is coming to Labasa to celebrate Diwali.

I just want to know why all of a sudden everybody wants to celebrate everything in Labasa?

Kava Ban

Joan McGoon, Martintar, Nadi

While catching up on all the recent excitement of the royal visit, it was interesting to note Prince Harry, Meghan and the world’s reaction to kava, somewhat known as our national drink now.

Strange though because I always thought that our national drink was coconut water.

Must have been popular in the good old days. Anyhow, it was interesting to note that kava is banned in the European Union which is probably why the royal prince drinking a “banned” drink back home is causing a bit of a stir.

At least Meghan continued to gaze adoringly at her husband as he sipped the “mud” drink which it has been compared to and many more husbands (and men) are now wondering why their women are not giving them the same adoring glances around the kava bowl.

One has to wonder.

On this Deepawali

Dewan Chand, Suva

Deepawali, the Hindu festival of lights, will be celebrated on November 7 throughout the world where Hindus reside.

Here, Government has declared a national holiday on Deepawali day so that people of all cultural and religious backgrounds can celebrate this grand festival together.

The euphoria is already around as business houses are using high-powered advertisements to sell their products.

You switch on any radio station, any TV station or newspaper, you are bound to hear ads such as Dhoom Dhadaka Diwali, Lelo Diwali, happy Diwali and there are many more jingles and songs.

It is the season of happiness and people want to be at their very best.

There are several stories as to why Deepawali is celebrated.

India being such a vast country with different regions have a different story to tell.

However, the most popular belief amongst Hindus is that when Lord Rama along with his consort, Sita, and brother, Laxmana, returned to Ajodhya, the capital city, after fourteen years of exile, there was celebration.

The people of Ajodhya lit the streets of the city with small earthern lamps to express their jubilation.

This being the darkest night or amaawasya. They prepared all sorts of sweets and food, played music and danced the night away.

Remember, human happiness is associated with lights, music, good food and enjoyable company.

Others believe that Goddess of wealth, Maha Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of nectar this very night and Lord Krishna had killed the demon Narkasura the same night.

Hence, people celebrated the victory of good over evil, victory of dharma over adharma. As a build-up to Deepawali many Hindus fast, pray and remain vegetarian as this is a very auspicious occasion.

People buy new clothes, new pots and pans, new jewellery, clean up their compounds and decorate their houses with lights. Many people paint their houses as well. Women decorate the entrance to the house with rangoli to welcome Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of wealth.

Farmers bathe their animals, cows are decorated and offered pooja. Most families buy heaps of fire crackers and the Deepawali night really becomes a Dhoom Dhadaka night. Millions of diyas (earthern lamps), neon lights will light the horizon and fire crackers will explode the night.

The din and chaos will last till midnight and the humanities’ joys would have reached seventh heaven!

May I take this opportunity to wish all Fijians a very happy and prosperous Deepawali.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Cure Kids Fiji received a total of $1,079,240.18 from the Accor Hotel Group on Denarau last Friday.

The money was raised during the four-day Accor Hotels Race to Survive Fiji Cure Kids event, which drew 100 competitors and crew in Nadi last week.

Cure Kids Fiji board member Tony Whitton said the cost of Rheumatic Heart Disease to the Fijian economy in 2017, providing hospitalisation, remedial surgery and transportation, was $19 million per year.

“Our responsibility as a board is to work with Cure Kids Fiji management to provide governance, oversight and ensure that every dollar you have raised is invested in the children of Fiji and is deployed efficiently and effectively,” he said.

“The money will be spent via a creation of a nationwide Rheumatic Heart Disease Database with more than 4000 names.

“And this is for a disease that is 100 per cent preventable, so if we can get to the kids early then it has massive impact on our country’s GDP as well as saving lives.”

Tourism boost Fijians economy

Mr Whitton thanked Accor, the sponsors and all the competitors in RTS 2018 for everything they did for the people of Fiji.

“Because of tourism thousands and thousands of people come from all over the world because of the amazing industry here, bringing the great blessings,” he said.

“An industry that is kind. An industry that is caring. An industry that wants to ensure the benefits of the tourism dollar spread to everyone in Fiji. And so, we see that fulfillment tonight.”

The competitors trekked through the middle of Viti Levu, stayed in villages along the way and interacted with our resource owners.

They learned how to build a Bilibili (bamboo raft) and other crafts, upgraded the Nadarivatu health clinic and did a RHD screening in Nadarivatu High School and primary school.

Senior Vice President for Accor Hotels New Zealand, Fiji & French Polynesia, Gillian Millar says; “We are incredibly proud of all the teams and our partners who are taking part in this event.

“It’s set to be a challenging and rewarding four days. Not only will the teams competed physically they will also have the opportunity to experience first-hand the work of Cure Kids Fiji, and the incredible work their fundraising efforts will go towards.

“Our goal is to raise $F1million so Cure Kids Fiji can continue to make a difference to the lives of children in Fiji,” she said.

Edited by Epineri Vula

Feedback:  waisean@fijisun.com.fj

Plans for a memorable Diwali week by a Nadi family turned tragic when the head of the family was killed in a freak accident.

Dead is Surend Prasad, 49, a heavy vehicle driver for the Prataps Civil and Ashphalt Quarries Limited.

According to Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro the incident happened at the company yard in Waqadra, Nadi, on Saturday afternoon.

She said, “The incident whereby a man died after he was seriously injured when the lock of a spare tyre casing snapped and hit his face,” she said.

“He was rushed to the Nadi Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.”

His only son, Shainal Padarath, 19, a freshman at the University of the South Pacific undertaking Bachelor in Commerce (HRM IBM programme) was looking forward to celebrate Diwali on Wednesday.

And also commemorate his parents 23rd wedding anniversary and his elder sister’s 22nd birthday in a big way.

“I couldn’t even get a chance to see my dad. Last I spoke to him was three days before,” he said.

“He wished me all the best for my exams and told me to come after the paper to celebrate Diwali and for family gathering as it had been one month since I came to Nadi.

“My last paper is on Tuesday and Diwali  on Wednesday. I thought of coming directly home after my last paper, but this has happened.

“He gave me everything I needed.

“He was the best dad ever. A loving, caring and hard working person too.”

Eldest daughter, Shinal Prasad a second- year law student at the USP said: “This coming Thursday is my birthday and we would have a double celebration with their 23rd wedding anniversary which we were all looking forward to.”

Wife, Saras Wati, 43, a beauty therapist said, “he did not return from work. I was not able to speak to him. Surend was a good man and focused on his family and work matters.

“He was involved in this incident and is no longer with us.  But why did he die? He was hurt badly.”

The final rites will be held on Thursday with the cremation at the Wailoaloa, Nadi.

Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback:  waisean@fijisun.com.fj

A 30-year-old Kadavu farmer is the latest fatality recorded at sea after the fibreglass boat that he was travelling in collided with another boat.

The incident happened early Saturday after 1am at Muaisolo Bay in Naceva.

The boat was operated by a 36-year-old man.

In a statement Police said that the victim was thrown overboard because of the impact of the collision and he was found at the bottom of the sea.

Police said the suspect was allegedly travelling at high speed when the incident occurred.

The suspect and three others travelling in the second boat are admitted at the Vunisea Hospital as investigations continue.

At a press conference, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) acting chief executive officer, Captain Philip Hill said majority of accidents recorded at sea were caused by small boats including fibreglass boats and punts.

He said such incidents at sea have reduced drastically with the introduction of boat master licence (BML) and Restricted Master Engineer Class 6 (RM6) training undertaken by MSAF.

“Part of the training is to teach them what evasive action they will take in case they are crossing or facing each other head on to prevent them from turning in the same direction that will result in them colliding,” Captain Hill said. “We also train them with the rules of the road which tells you what to do in a crossing situation when there is a head on.”

Captain Hill said further training would ensure all Fijians adhered to and complied with the highest standards of safety at sea.

Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback:  fonua.talei@fijisun.com.fj

What is the most romantic way to propose to your girlfriend? How about down on one knee and ask her to marry you thousands of feet above the ocean?

That is exactly what Peng Wu did when he boarded a Fiji Airways flight alongside girlfriend, Yvonne Lai, from Hong Kong to Fiji.

The two were planning a holiday in the country and, for Mr Peng, it was time to seal their love with a marriage proposal.

Thanks to the assistance of the Fiji Airways crew members, Mr Peng openly announced his love for Ms Lai in midair before 238 passengers.

Ms Lai of Sichuan, China, and working for a Government institution said she was caught by surprise and couldn’t wait to kiss Mr Peng and say yes to marriage.

“We have been dating for a year and we decided to spend one week in Fiji together,” Ms Lai said.

“This is the first time for me to travel to Fiji and I am so happy to receive such a beautiful surprise.

“Being in such a situation where one is thousands of feet above in air and thousands of miles away from home is the best memory.”

Mr Peng, who has travelled to Fiji four times for business reasons, said he believed there was no deadline for two lovers to unite in marriage.

“I have been so busy working for a state-owned company and trying to make a living that I forgot that there is something called love and marriage,” Mr Peng who is also from Sichuan, said.

“When I met Yvonne I experienced the true meaning of love and the importance of the union of marriage.

“I would like to thank the crew members for helping me execute my one month of proposal planning.

“It took a lot of courage to do this as I wanted to do something different from formal marriage proposals.

“I believe that if you love someone, you will do anything for them and will not fear the crowd,” he said.

“More importantly getting the right partner who understands you and doesn’t look at the age gap is the key to successful marriage and I am proud to say I found the right one.

“To those who are waiting to find the right partner, I would like to suggest to be patient and continue doing good works.”

They plan to marry. In China.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has advised people not to listen to SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka.

Mr Bainimarama said Mr Rabuka was a snake and could not be trusted.

He said  he had to repair all the damage that Mr Rabuka caused in 1987 when the country was plunged into political and economic turmoil. Mr Rabuka carried out two coups.

Mr Bainimarama said Rabuka in his years of leadership had wrecked this country.

Mr Bainimarama accused him of inciting racial hatred, particularly towards Indo-Fijians and created deep ethnic divisions.

He accused him of using the pulpit to preach his divisive politics in the name of Christianity and forgot about the people he was supposed to serve.

Mr Bainimarama said when he came in he introduced initiatives that removed racial discrimination.

He said he also took care of the poor, the needy, the elderly and the physically disabled, women and children.

Mr Bainimarama was responding to Mr Rabuka’s reference to his Government hitting the reef.

Mr Rabuka said at a SODELPA rally in Lautoka on Saturday that  was the reason why he had returned to politics to save the country.

He had heard Mr Rabuka on radio and Between the Lines had also reported it.

He said this was the same Mr Rabuka who, during his watch, saw the collapse of National Bank.

In 2000, he said, Mr Rabuka turned up at the military camp at Nabua at the height of the mutiny with his uniform on the side to take over.

Mr Bainimarama said some Dreketi people said they asked him who told him to do the coup. He said  Mr Rabuka said it was the Great Council of Chiefs.

Mr Rabuka had also said that in 1987  he wanted the Alliance Government to come back because then Prime Minister Dr Timoci Bavadra was only a figurehead amd someone else was running the Government.

He said  Mr Rabuka had made parallel statements about his leadership.

He said Mr Rabuka had told military officers  then the coup was to deal with disturbances.

“This is the old Rabuka, not the new Rabuka,” he warned.

Mr Bainimarama also warned iTaukei not to be misled by Mr Rabuka.

He said if Mr Rabuka wanted to repeat what he did in 1987, it would  not happen.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Parmod Chand, a National Federation Party candidate, is a beneficiary of one of the FijiFirst Government’s initiatives, it has been revealed.

It is ironical that this has happened when the NFP has been critical of the initiatives. Mr Chand is one of the many cane farmers who will benefit from the farm mechanization grant assistance handed out in Labasa on Friday.

Government is paying $90,000 for the $360,000 harvester. The farmers are paying the balance.

Mr Chand was there to receive it in his capacity as President of Vunimako Cane Farmers’ Co-operative.

Mr Chand, who owns a sugarcane farm in Seaqaqa, said that the grant would help the co-operative do better. He said they were grateful for the grant.

All farmers in the co-operative including Mr Chand will be able to use the mechanical harvesting machine.

Mr Chand is also a recipient of the fertiliser subsidy by the Government.

All sugarcane farmers, including Mr Chand, benefit from the scheme, regardless of their total production.

The Director of Sugar Operations – Sanjay Kumar – confirmed that all sugarcane farmers were being assisted by the Government.

For every 50 kg of fertiliser, the Government pays $25.59 from the total cost of $45.59.

Mr Chand has also been a recipient of the weedicide grant receiving a subsidy payment of 55 per cent by the Government on the total weedicide used in the farm.

In addition, Mr Parmod and the members of the co-operative would also be entitled to dividend payments as soon as the loan repayment on the mechanical harvester finishes.

Mr Kumar confirmed that the dividend would be distributed among members of the co-operative.

NFP leader Mr Prasad initially asked the Fiji Sun to send questions via email then he would respond.

An email was sent and there were attempts to call him.

But his phone was answered by one of the party candidates, Kamal Iyer, who said that the party leader never said what he had been accused of. He would not comment further.

“We don’t respond to this garbage,” said Mr Iyer.

A family of four from Nadogo Village is looking forward to voting today in the pre-polling.

Viliame Moko, 78, who is also the oldest person in the village, said he had been waiting for pre-polling to start.

Mr Moko said he had already decided on the party he would vote for.

“I’m really happy that I will be voting today and I hope that my vote makes a difference,” he said.

His wife, Sereima Vakasigaleka, 68, said although they were staying in the interior of the Northern Division, she was glad that she would take part in forming the next government.

“We are hopeful that whichever party forms the next government will always put people first.”

She said that she would not want instability in the country.

Their son, Rokoroba Rokovavanua, 32, said he would be voting for the second time in his life and was eager to cast his vote.

He said youths in the village were also eager to vote.

“We all want to choose a government under which Fiji prospers,” Mr Rokovavanua said.

He urged all young voters to make sure to cast their votes.

His wife, Usenia Susu, 22, who will be voting for the first time, said she too had been thinking about it and was ready to vote.

Turaga Ni Koro (village headman) Joshua Buliwalana, 47, said that approximately 70 people were voting from the village. “Everyone is looking forward to it,” he said.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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Serai Tinai,72, says she is excited she will be part of history today.

Ms Tinai, believed to be the oldest person in Nalidi Village, one of the country’s remote polling venues, can’t wait to cast her vote.

This is the first time that Nalidi, nestled on the foot of the hills on the Wainibuka side of the border with Ra, is a polling venue.

She and other villagers interviewed yesterday thanked the Fijian Elections Office for making the decision to have a pre-polling venue at their village.

Before the 2014 election, villagers had to hire a carrier which cost them  $80 to reach the next polling station, she said.

She hopes that whoever wins the election will ensure that iTaukei land is safe.

“Land is our treasure,” Ms Tinai said.

“This Government has done a lot of good things for the people and I believe that they can do better.

“Our children are important. The next Government must ensure that before making decisions they should ensure that our children will benefit from their decision.”

Adrea Canakaicina, 66, said he was looking forward to the pre-poll today.

“Before it was hard because we had to go to Soa village to vote. We had to look for $80 so that a carrier can take the old people from the village so that they can vote,” Mr Canakaicina said.

“The young people had to wake up very early and walk so that they can reach the polling station to vote.

“I am looking forward to cast my vote tomorrow. This year the competition is stronger than the previous years. We are more informed because we get to listen to what the party leaders have to say through the radio.

“The parties have campaigned and I think they have done enough and wait for the results which will determine who will run the Government in the next four years.”

First-time voter, Eroni Turaga, 21, said he was looking forward to vote.

He said only two parties, the National Federation Party and SODELPA had been to their village to campaign

He said he liked some things he heard like the $5 minimum wage proposed by some Opposition candidates. The FijiFirst Government says a proper study needs to be done to make sure an unrealistic minimum wage does not cause job loses.

“I plead with whoever wins the election to ensure that they do what they promised the people. I don’t want a Government that will forget the people once they get elected.”

Edited by Epineri Vula

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Villagers of Vatulili Village, Navuakece, Naitasiri, are looking forward to vote for a government that puts the needs of the people first.

They are scheduled to cast their ballots in pre-polling this Thursday. Pre-polling starts today.

Luseta Likumasiwai, 22, was not able to vote in 2014 and is looking forward to make her vote count this time around.

“I was in Form 7 in 2014 and was a boarding student. I was released from school, but I was late to cast my vote,” Ms Likumasiwai said.

“I am looking forward to this year’s election. I am going to vote for a government that will help me and everyone in Fiji.

“I have made up my mind on who to vote for. I am voting for FijiFirst party because I was able to attend tertiary through TELS.

“A lot of people in our village are farmers and to get money they sell their produce.

“If it wasn’t for TELS I don’t know if I would be in school now. This Government has lightened the burdens of my parents and for that I am forever grateful.

“The thing I like about FijiFirst party is that they ensure that the children of Fiji are educated because we are the future leaders of this country.

“I am currently doing my Bachelor in Agriculture and I am a second-year student.

“I hope that whoever wins this election will always remember that it is the people who elected them and must never break the trust of the people.

“I expect the next Government to help youths that live in rural areas because urban youths tend to get more opportunities compared to rural youths.”

Village headman Josaia Bulaimeke, 32 expects the next Government to remember the villagers.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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Villager elders of Naseyani, Rakiraki, Ra, are looking forward to cast their ballots for the 2018 General Election when pre-polling starts today.

77-year-old Keperieli Rasasa said he was expecting to vote for the FijiFirst Government, which had been a source of inspiration to him and his family.

“I have six children and all are married and are living on their own. My youngest son and his family are living with me,” he said.

“I have gone through various elections which started from the Ratu Mara Government, the Bavadra Government to the Bainimarama Government and now we are expecting the election tomorrow. I can declare today that Bainimarama is the best out of all,” he said.

“All my assistance for my food, transportation, welfare and the education of my grandchildren are provided by the Bainimarama Government.

“This house is built by the help of this government. At this age, it’s very hard to be looked after by families with nothing to be provided for. But with all the assistance provided by the Bainimarama Government, I am able to support my family.”

68-year-old Salanieta Matanisiga said her disability did not hinder her expectation to cast her ballot.

“I have a daughter who helps take care of me in this state. It is very hard to help support my family in this state, but I am thankful to the Bainimarama Government for helping me with food assistance, bus fare and social welfare. I am expecting to vote for him tomorrow,” she said.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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The Fiji Business Excellence Awards are different from other local awards, as they are based on an international­ly benchmarked framework – the US Malcom Baldrige Business Excellence framework.

This was highlighted by the Fiji National University Vice Chancellor, Professor Nigel Healey during the Fiji Business Excellence Awards on Saturday night at the Sheraton Fiji Resort, Denarau.

“This framework is, in turn, aligned to the Business Excellence frameworks adopted in Europe, Japan, Australia and Singapore.

“It helps organisations adopt a systems ap­proach to enhancing their capabilities for superior performance and results.

“These prestigious awards are presented to organisations that have met the highest standards of organisational excellence.

“The President’s Business Excellence Award, as most of you know, is the highest award which is only awarded to organisa­tions that have attained excellent organisa­tional performance levels in the seven cat­egories and are demonstrably world class organisations.

“To date, there have only been five recipi­ents of the President’s Award and all are from the private sector, namely Vodafone Fiji Ltd which was recognised in 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2013; Sheraton Fiji Resort in 2005; DHL Express (Fiji) Ltd in 2011; Fiji Electricity Authority now known as Energy Fiji Ltd in 2012; and the Air Terminal Services in 2014.

“I congratulate these organisations for their Business Excellence journey.

“I am told that the head of these organisa­tions are here with us this evening to cel­ebrate tonight’s milestone achievement for NTPC.

“As the Vice Chancellor of Fiji National University, I feel a sense of accomplishment as our vision for Business Excellence in Fiji is being shared by an increasing number of organisations across the country.

“This year, the Secretariat for the awards facilitated refresher training for a record number of 132 enthusiastic and energetic evaluators.

“I must convey my sincere gratitude to our evaluators for their hard work in upholding the stringent requirements of the award as­sessment, which they do on a voluntary basis with the generous support of their employ­ers.

“I would also like to express my sincere ap­preciation to the panel of review members for their support, dedication and guidance during the awards process,” Mr Healey said.

Meanwhile, there were four Fiji Business Excellence Prize winners.

Below are excerpts of their business excel­lence journey very briefly:

Flick Anticimex (Amalgamated Pest Control)

Flick Anticimex representative said: “We are honoured and happy to be receiving the prized award for team Flick Anticimex.

“The feeling of winning this award is ex­hilarating it makes our hard work all year round a little more worthwhile and it also fills our team and our thoughts with great responsibility.

“This is the responsibility we have to our clients, community, workers and our indus­try to always strive with business excellence.

“In our industry the difference is clear.

“We have been recognised every year since 2013 and this will be the sixth consecutive years of being recognised.

“Therefore, without any hesitation I will be borrowing the FBC slogan in saying in pest control and fumigation and healthcare in­dustry the difference is clear.

“We are looking forward to continuing this journey, we will continue to value our cus­tomers, strive hard to meet our customers’ expectations and striving to be the best in pest control and fumigation and health care industry.

“We wouldn’t have achieved this award with­out the contribution from the Flick Anticimex (Amalgamated Pest Control) family.

“I thank God for the guidance our team for their hardwork

“I thank God for making team Flick Anticimex (Amalgamated Pest Control) are successful or­ganisation and a wonderful place to work in.

“A big vinaka vakalevu to our clients and part­ners for having faith in us, and we promise this is not the end because we will continue to do our best. “

Fiji Ports Terminal

Fiji Ports Terminal chief executive officer Hasthika Bandara Dela said: “The real owners of this award are our people.

“I wish thank our board chairman Mr Has­mukh Patel. and our board directors and line ministry.

“I wish thank all our employees and it is great privilege to work with you all.”

Bank of Baroda

Bank of Baroda chief executive officer Sudhan­su Sekhar Khamari said: “We are overwhelmed to receive this prize at Bank of Baroda.

“We are always trying to provide world class experience in Fiji to our customers through our branches and ATMs in Fiji.”

Itaukei Land Trust Board

iTaukei Land Trust Board The iTaukei Land Trust Board general manager, Tevita Kuru­vakadua said: “I receive this award on behalf of the landowners, our tenants and all our stake­holders.

“To all our landowners and tenants who are lis­tening out there tonight though we may have dis­appointed you in a lot of ways but this award that we are receiving tonight is dedicated to you all

“It is also a show of our commitment as part of our journey to continue to aspire to improve on our services and all that we are mandated to car­ryout for you.

“I also take this opportunity to thank FNU for supporting us and also for allowing to partici­pate in this business excellence competition and to use the Baldrige model which has been a very useful guide and source of inspiration for our leadership team and also to all our staff in guiding us in terms of the seven categories of the model.

“Also it has enabled most our young leaders to use the leadership model for strategic planning model and the people category model and the model itself has been a source of inspiration it­self and enabled us to progress and achieve this milestone tonight

“I take this opportunity to congratulate all the award winners.”

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj

Future Farms (Pte) Limited trading as Rooster Poultry is the sixth organisation in the histo­ry of the Fiji Business Excellence Awards to receive the President’s Business Excellence award.

The recipient of this award receives the high­est recognition possible, making Rooster Poul­try one of the few world class organisations in Fiji.

Receiving the award on Saturday night at Sheraton Fiji Resort Denarau Convention Centre Rooster Poultr y general manager Stanley Raniga said winning the award was overwhelming and a true reflection of their cul­ture and values.

“We humbly accept this award on behalf of our people, the company and board of Future Farms (Pte) Limited trading as Rooster Poul­try,” said Mr Raniga said.

“I would like to acknowledge the support of our 100 per cent shareholder, BSP Life and our board for their continuous support over the years, without which we wouldn’t be here on this platform.

“I would also like to acknowledge the presence this evening of our board director, Tom Fox and his wife.

“Our excellence journey started some 10 years ago with our ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation ) certifications on food safe­ty and quality.

“We then embraced the quality control initia­tive and the business Excellence framework to continuously improve over the years.”

He also noted that the award would further reinforce employee engagement and business sustainability.

“Thank you to our people back home in the ru­ral areas of Ba and Lautoka for your hard work.

“Thank You for not only initiating the journey but sustaining it.

“Thank You for not only dreaming but realis­ing the dream.

“There is no failing when failing is not an op­tion!

“Our people have come up with a culture that is so beautiful that it is hard for me to put it into words. You have to see it for yourself to believe it. Those of you who have seen it will agree with me.”

He also thanked the Secretariat for champion­ing excellence.

“This award is also for all of you here this evening for you have embraced Excellence. Don’t forget to continue choosing Quality by choosing Rooster.”

About the awards

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Fiji Business Excellence Awards under the Na­tional Training and Productivity Centre of the Fiji National University.

Earlier this year, the new FBEA logo was launched to mark the 20th anniversary year of the awards.

The new logo symbolises unity and commit ment.

The colour – gold – highlights the fact that the Fiji Business Excellence Awards represent the Gold Standard for the many organisations that participate each year.

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj

Vodafone Fijian Under-20 star Meli Derenalagi is part of the Fiji Development 7s team to play at the Oita 7s tournament in Japan this weekend.

The men and women‘s development teams flew out of the country early yesterday morning. The Oita 7s starts on Friday

Fiji Development Men’s 7s- Glen Cakautini, Terio Veilawa, Vereniki Tikoisolomoni, Elia Canakaivata, Ilaisa Kalokalodrau, Meli Derenalagi, Aminiasi Tuimaba, Menausi Kaukitoga, Luke Lutunavanua, Isoa Tabu, Suliano Volivolituevei, Uliano Cokanauto, Vilimoni Gadolo

Fijiana Development 7s- Vilisi Vakaloloma, Salaima Natuna, Melaia Matanatabu, Paulini Korowaqa, Alisi Komaitai, Elenoa Naimata, Joma Serailisoni, Akosita Ravato, Raijieli Tale, Sisilia Namatasere, Wainikiti Deku, Alisi Diulu. – NIKOLAU RAVAI

Forward Kalione Nasoko is going to captain the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team in this weekend’s Oceania 7s tournament at the ANZ Stadium, Suva.

This is part of head coach Gareth Baber’s call for players who had been playing for the last two seasons to lift their game in terms of seniority.

Forward Paula Dranisinukula and playmaker Amenoni Nasilasila have been ruled out due to injuries.

Fiji Men: Kalione Nasoko, Josua Vakurunabili, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Beniamino Vota, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Waisea Nacuqu, Jerry Tuwai, Napoliani Ratu, Ilikena Vuduolo, Filimoni Botitu, Alasio Naduva, Batinisavu Uluiyata, Vatemo Ravouvou

Fijiana 7s: Litia Naiqato, Vasiti Solikoviti, Asinate Savu, Ema Adi Vataloga, Naina Baleca, Sereana Nagatalevu, Mereula Toroti, Merewalesi Rokovono, Litiana Lawedrau, Luisa Tisolo, Ana Maria Naimasi, Roela Radiniyavuni.