New-Year’s Resolutions 2019

Neelz Singh,  Lami

Here’s a New Year’s resolution anyone can keep: Resolve not to make any more New Year’s resolutions.

Now, wasn’t that easy?

If you’re trying to pay your credit cards, quit smoking, get a new job, find a mate or shed some excess poundage, abandoning New Year’s resolutions won’t get you off the hook.

But by setting more realistic goals for yourself and not limiting yourself to a once-a-year, do-or-die, all-out assault on that debt, those flabby thighs or the hideous wallpaper you keep meaning to replace, you may find that the finish line isn’t so far away after all.

Or as the Rolling Stones put it, “you can’t always get what you want, but if you try some time, you just might find you get what you need”.

Nadi Administrator

Ronnie Chang, Nadi

Nadi must be thankful for Special Administrator Robin Ali.

In his youthful years he served Nadi well.

The township of Nadi, poised on the brink of attainment of city status, needs a younger, vibrant, energetic, highly-qualified successor.

Nadi is developing at a rapid and admirable pace.

The municipality boundary is marked for due expansion.

The new Special Administrator must be able to work closely with our own Chamber of Commerce and be able to effectively network with the Mecca of Fiji tourism, Denarau.

Nadi needs someone in the mould of the Capital City, Suva’s Chandu Umaria, who ably led his team to lift the surrounds of the Capital to what it is today.

Again, respectfully, Robin Ali has seen better days.

Admirably, it is time to now step aside for a younger, vibrant,  energetic and well-qualified successor who will effectively take us forward, 20 brighter years and beyond.

Stuck in the cyclone

Dharmendra Kumar, Suva

They say when you sign up for compassion then, obviously, you’re going to have homework.

While the SODELPA camp continues with their internal bickering our Prime Minister is visiting evacuation centres, distributing groceries and milk for the younger ones.

A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. Where is Biman Prasad and his close friend Mr Rabuka? Let’s not make assumptions, probably they are stuck in the cyclone.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.

$6.64m bluefin tuna

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

Self-styled “Tuna King” Kiyoshi Kimura bought a 278kg Bluefin Tuna for a record US$3.1 (F$6.64m) at an auction in Tokyo’s new fish market.

The main reason for the high price is because Bluefins are severely depleted. Bluefin Tuna spawn just once a year and do not reach reproductive maturity until they are 8-12 years old, which makes them more vulnerable to overfishing compared with other tuna species that can spawn several times in a year.

The International Union of the Conservation of Nature continues to list them as endangered.

The world’s appetite for Bluefin Tuna just might end up devouring this diamond of the sea.

We sure have an appetite for destruction!

Opposition leader Sitiveni Rabuka has called for a truce and an urgent meeting to resolve a new SODELPA row.

Opposition Whip Lynda Tabuya and MP Mosese Bulitavu are embroiled in a bust-up that could develop and threaten party solidarity if not resolved quickly.

The row is over the ireguregu for the late Speaker Dr Jiko Luveni.

It broke out in a series of email exchanges.

A meeting which was planned for yesterday in the Opposition Office between the two did not happen. Mr Bulitavu turned up, but there was no sign of Ms Tabuya.

Mr Rabuka said he had given instructions that “a meeting between Ms Tabuya, Mr Bulitavu and I is held where we will resolve the issue”.

“I have asked SODELPA’s general secretary to get them both and conduct a meeting,” he said.

“I am saddened by the situation because they resorted to emails when they could have just gone into each other’s office and resolved the matter.

“The email exchange was not just between Ms Tabuya and Mr Bulitavu, but others were also copied in that email. They should not be surprised that it was a so-called leak. I don’t think it was leaked because so many people had the email sent to them,” Mr Rabuka said.

Mr Bulitavu was offended when Ms Tabuya questioned his authority after he sent an email to the 21 party MPs about the ireguregu.
In his email response, he also criticised her for allegedly breaching party rules by making her own media releases without getting the approval of caucus.

Mr Bulitavu told her that her dress standard at the ceremonial opening of Parliament had sent shock waves to the party stalwarts who guarded our “itovo and vakarau” or culture and traditions. He also criticised her maiden speech.

“Some of us understood the age you represent, but the threat we face was your revolutionary ideas that aim
to neutralise the core principles on which SODELPA was created for protecting and advancing the interest and aspirations of the iTaukei people,” he wrote.

“You became an immediate enemy given your daring methods (dressed to kill technique), but the way to advance your issue with the right methods is available with the party manifesto standpoint to shoot from a database system will further enhance.”

Mr Rabuka said he was aware of the email exchanges between Mr Bulitavu and Ms Tabuya.

Mr Bulitavu said yesterday: “I do not have any comments because I cannot make any comments on something that I do not know of. It will be unethical for me to comment on something that I have been dragged into that I do not know about.”

Ms Tabuya could not be reached to comment yesterday, but earlier she said: “Any Member of Parliament that makes any allegations against another MP should follow the proper grievance procedures and that is to address the grievance directly with the MP concerned or write directly to the Leader of Opposition without involving all other members of caucus and party officials.

“It is the proper thing to do to adhere to the principles of natural justice by affording a person the right to be heard and to respond to the allegations.

“I am deeply concerned with the manner in which Hon Bulitavu raised them with me. As the whip, if someone did the same thing to Hon Bulitavu, I would give the same direction to follow proper grievance procedures because it is fair and just that a person be given the opportunity to be heard,” Ms Tabuya said.

In regards with the dress standard of Ms Tabuya, Mr Rabuka said: “Dressing how she wants is her business, not ours or mine. She is free to wear anything that she is comfortable with.

“If the Speaker of the Parliament did not have any objections and allowed her to come into Parliament then it is none of my business.”

In regards with Ms Tabuya’s dress standard, Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Co-ordinator Shamima Ali said people had the right to dress as they pleased.

“What we should be concentrating on is their performance, what they say and their integrity, not at how they dress.

“People have better sense in Parliament not to talk about such things, but to concentrate on developing the country rather than on women’s dress,” Ms Ali said.

Edited by Epineri Vula
Feedback: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj

The return of forwards Paula Dranisinukula and Josua Vakurinabili from injuries have lifted the Fiji Airways Fi­jian 7s team’s preparation for the 2018/19 HSBC World Sevens Series tournaments in Hamilton and Syd­ney.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Baber said he was working on bal­ance in the squad with the likes of mixing around experienced and new players in the team.

“I’m happy that Paula Dranisinu­kala and Josua Vakurinabili are back in the team training,” he said.

“The big thing with Paula is the fracture on his leg which we are making sure he recovers well and progressively to be strong for the Hamilton and Sydney 7s. And as the captain in the group it is a posi­tive impact for us.

“There lots of pressure in the side especially in trying to defend the Hamilton 7s title and we’re aware of the level of expectation from the public here as well as the Fijians living in New Zealand.

“We are currently focusing on our fitness and conditioning level of each of the player as we want to replicate what we did at Cape Town. And players are urged to be fit and at the right state before taking on the field for any tournament.”

Baber said they are working on their defence which went well dur­ing the semi-final and final of the Cape Town 7s.

“I want that to be part of what we are going to do again. And part of it is to be aggressive in people’s face making sure they don’t have enough time and space to deliver.”

TABADAMU 7S

Baber said he would be releasing some of the players for this week­end’s Tabadamu 7s tournament at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori.

“Hopefully it will be a great plat­form for them to get some training prep before the actual tournament.

“Also, I would like to watch the tournament and see other young talents out there capable of joining the team.”

–Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: grace.narayan@fijisun.com.fj

After their war of words via e-mail Opposition Members of Parliament Mosese Bulitavu and Lynda Tabuya buried the hatchet at the end of a meeting with Opposition leader Sitiveni Rabuka yesterday.

The row was over the ireguregu for the late Speaker Dr Jiko Luveni. It broke out in a series of email exchanges.

In a statement after the meeting in Suva, Mr Rabuka – who is Leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) of which Mr Bulitavu and Ms Tabuya are members – said the issue had been resolved.

“SODELPA is a multiracial political party having its own institutional and structural mechanism to resolve any differences between its members,” he said.

“There are bound to be differences in opinions which are normal and encouraged in a diverse political party like SODELPA to foster better communications, an essential characteristic of any truly democratic institution.

“As a leadership that listens, it is my duty to defend the freedom of speech and expression of our citizens and what if I do not encourage that in my own household? I would be no different from the dictatorship holding Fiji to political ransom for more than a decade now.

“As a caring and responsible Opposition loyal to the people of Fiji, we are conscious of our duty,” Mr Rabuka said.

The row started after Mr Bulitavu was offended when Ms Tabuya questioned his authority after he sent an email to the 21 party MPs about the ireguregu.

In his email response, he criticised Ms Tabuya for allegedly breaching party rules by making her own media releases without getting the approval of caucus.

Mr Bulitavu told her that her dress standard at the ceremonial opening of Parliament had sent shockwaves among party stalwarts who guarded our “itovo and vakarau” or culture and traditions. He also criticised her maiden speech.

Ms Tabuya is the SODELPA Whip in Parliament.

Edited by Epineri Vula

Feedback:  wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj

A sum of $31.63m is owed to town and city councils by ratepayers as of December 2018, says Premila Kumar.

The Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Local Government, Housing and Community Development said the Suva City Council topped the list with $16.7m in arrears followed by Nasinu Town Council with $7.65m yet to be recovered in rates.

The Nausori Town Council is in arrears of $2.01m and Lautoka City Council is owed $1.571m.

In light of this, Ms Kumar has urged ratepayers to clear their dues with the various town and city councils.

“Timely payment of rates to the councils is important for the delivery of services and for the capital works projects,” Ms Kumar said.

“When rates are not paid the councils finances are affected, which can adversely affect planned capital works projects based on the financial projection.”

She advised ratepayers who were facing difficulties in paying the town and city rates to liaise with the relevant municipal councils.

“Ratepayers facing difficulties to pay rates can opt for flexible payment arrangements offered by municipal councils,” she added.

See (in table) breakdown of the sum owed to the various town and city councils as of December last year in comparison with the figures from 2008 provided by the ministry.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback:  neelam.prasad@fijisun.com.fj

SODELPA’s big challenge for the 2022 General Election is to retain the extra six seats it won in the 2018 General Election.

Despite what it says about the resolution of the dispute between Opposition Whip Lynda Tabuya and MP Mosese Bulitavu, the row was not a good way to start 2019. It was not a good look.

SODELPA will put whatever spin it wants on the issue, the fact remains that the email exchanges between the two MPs reflect the internal conflicts that the party will have to deal with.

These include the clash between the fundamental cultural and religious traditions and values versus the modern and liberal thinking, lifestyles and practices.

In the past four years the internal bickering was all about personalities. And despite all the internal feuds that took place, the party bounced back to win six more seats.

Before it gets too carried away that it can repeat the same feat in the next election, it is important we look at how and why it did better than the 2014 results.

Some of the reasons include the following:

1) It rode on the strength of its propaganda of misinformation

2)  It appealed to the base instincts of the iTaukei through misleading statements on their ethnicity, governance, land, natural resources and their rights.

3) It ran a strong campaign in the rural and maritime areas, covered more villages and settlements than any other party through face to face meetings supported by audio discs carrying their messages.

4) Civil servants and teachers who did not like the reforms and preferred the SODELPA policy of no contracts, voted for the party.

5) Some of the Christian churches liked the SODELPA emphasis on religion

6) The court victory by Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka boosted the party morale

Make no mistake FijiFirst is working out how it will counter the SODELPA propaganda in the next four years.

So SODELPA will not enjoy the same easy ride that it did in 2018.

Unless it changes its tactics, it could very well lose the six seats it gained, back to FijiFirst. Already Opposition leader Sitiveni Rabuka and Opposition Whip Lynda Tabuya are leading the change by cutting back on attacks against the Government and concentrating on issues.

Feedback:  selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj

He has left the family grief-stricken with our energy sapped as we mourn his sudden death.

Those were the words of a heavy-hearted father, Sevanaia Waisea, whose son, Inoke Rasaciva Waisea, drowned at Waibuna River in Taveuni on Monday afternoon.

“I work as a labourer for Fulton Hogan and while I was working, I received a call from Police explaining what happened to my 14-year-old son,” Mr Waisea said.

“He went with his friends to see the waterfall at Bouma, which is a few kilometres away from the village and on their way back they stopped at Waibuna Irish Crossing around 3pm.

“They then all jumped in the river and decided to have a swim.

“I was told the water was calm, but suddenly he was carried away by a current and got stuck inside the culvert.

“This is a well-known spot where many have lost their lives, but my son was unaware about it.

“My wife, children and I haven’t eaten since then and only drank cocoa because we are shattered and sad,” the 43-year-old father of six children said.

“Inoke was supposed to go to Year Eight at Somosomo District School and we planned to do back to school shopping tomorrow after I get my pay.

“He always wanted to become a soldier and was looking forward to going back to school.”

Inoke, is the fourth eldest in the family.

“When I heard about his passing away, the memories I had when I lost my father 20 years ago flashed back and left me emotionally shaken and in great pain,” Mr Waisea said.

“Only a father knows the pain of losing a son in a tragic manner. We miss him so much. He was so humble and jovial.”

Divisional Police Commander North Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Eparama Waqa said the post mortem examination would be conducted soon.

“This is the first drowning case in the Northern Division for 2019. Our investigation continues,” SSP Waqa said.

Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback:  shratikan@fijisun.com.fj

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Parveen Bala has warned people against scammers.

This follows reports that a group has been soliciting money from people in Taveuni in return for travel and work visa overseas.

Mr Bala revealed that the group was from the same company linked to earlier cases on Viti Levu.

He said despite being convicted and fined $3000 in a Magistrates Court last year, a company official was allegedly part of the group in Taveuni.

“They have no fear in them. The managing director of the company was  investigated in the past and fined by the Magistrates Court and still they resurface in different parts of Fiji,” Mr Bala said.

“The compliance team of the ministry investigated this case after members of the public complained about the operations in and around the Nausori and Suva area where workers were asked to pay money for employment in the United States of America (USA).

“This was done without the authorisation of the Permanent Secretary for Employment.

The case last year involved breaches of Section 37 (4) and (5) of the Employment Relations Act 2007.

A video has gone viral on social media of the group activities on Taveuni.

The women of the group claimed they were from a recruiting company based in Los Angeles, USA, and they were recruiting people to work in the US on a five-year contract.

Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho said no one had lodged a complaint yet about the Taveuni incident.

The issue was raised by Save Gasaiwai, a Fijian who lives in the US, but here on a holiday. He claimed the women visited his village of Waitabu on December 31 and he attended their meeting with fellow villagers.

He said when they questioned the women, they were speechless and left abruptly after the women learned his family lived in Los Angeles. The women never came back that day.

Mr Gasaiwai said today he was travelling to Suva where he would lodge a formal complaint with Police.

The women would ask for $100 from each person in the first meeting.

Then there would be a second meeting where $38 was to be paid also.

“This time, they entered a house where my parents and sisters were in and started their spiel to the villagers about their business.

“After a while, my father got annoyed with them and started badgering them with questions about where their so-called “business” is based and what it was called.

“One of them kept arguing with my father and said that they belonged to a business based out of Los Angeles and every time she was confronted with a question, she would say that she needed to call “HR” to confirm.

“After realising that my parents live in Los Angeles, they wrapped up their presentation and made an abrupt exit.

“They need to be dealt with accordingly with the full weight of the law. They’ve gotten away with it one too many times.

“They told the villagers they’ve been doing it for years, but when asked how many they’ve managed to send overseas they said zero. At least more than 20 people have signed up from the village of Waitabu in Taveuni alone.

“However, nearby villagers say they’ve also engaged with them and some even gave their personal documents such as medical certificates and passports.

“They also claimed that they were working with the local authorities.”

Epeli Lagiloa, 45, of Waitabu Village said he gave his personal documents to the women and was worried that he might never get it back.

“The first time they came it was April or May and they took people’s passports, birth certificates and other personal documents. They came again on December 31 last year,” Mr Lagiloa said.

Edited by Epineri Vula

Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj

The Labasa Football Asso­ciation officials have set higher goals for 2019 but at the same time they are hoping to retain their players for the 2019 Vodafone Premier League.

This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by team manager Nilesh Lal.

Dubbed the Babasiga Lions, the team had their training run at Subrail Park and Lal said they are aiming to win this year’s Vodafone Premier League and secure a spot in the OFC Champions League.

“At the moment no transfer has been made meaning no one ap­plied to leave,” he said.

“The window transfer was re­cently opened so anything is pos­sible right to the last minute.”

Lal said the Association has ap­pointed Johan Leewai to be their head coach.

‘We are thankful for his com­mitment and dedication over the years.

“Last year we had the coaching services of Anand Sami for the Vodafone Fiji FACT and Battle of the Giants (B.O.G) and Leewai came in for the Courts Inter-Dis­trict Championship (IDC).”

Last year Labasa reached the final of the Vodafone Fiji FACT and semi-finals of the B.O.G and Courts IDC.

“We finished fifth in the Vodafone Premier League last year. Current­ly, the players have been attending the training sessions,” he added.

– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: shratika.naidu@fijisun.com.fj

A former West Fiji Dolphins rugby league junior player in Nadi has been signed up by National Rugby League (NRL) club Canberra Raiders.

Josh Thompson, 18, is the first cousin of former Parramatta Eels and Vodafone Fijian Bati superstar Jarryd Hayne.

The rampaging 114 kilo front-rower who is still growing at 18 years of age, joined the Raiders last week.

He was scouted by Raiders re­cruitment guru Peter Mulholland, who sees the youngster as a special talent.

“He is still young and raw but the ability is there and he is a great kid,” Mulholland told Wide World of Sports.

The giant prop is the nephew of Hayne’s father, former Souths and Bati centre Manoa Thompson.

He was actually signed to a schol­arship by the Newcastle Knights at just 16 years of age two years ago, but got homesick and the deal fell through.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Solomoni Naiduki has settled in the Eels camp.

The Eels are hoping they could develop Naiduki into the next Semi Radradra.

The club has missed Radradra’s pace and power since he defected to European rugby union and have signed the former Ratu Kadavule­vu School’s utility back on a three-year deal.

–Edited by Grace Narayan

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj

Squash Fiji starts the year by reaffirming their commit­ment in developing players for the Pacific Games which is on July 7-20 in Apia, Samoa.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Squash Fiji vice-president and coach Sydney Simpson said they would conduct a medical assess­ment for the 20- member extended squad at Olympic House in Suva on Saturday.

“The following day we will have a fitness test for the players that a vying for a Pacific Games spot,” Simpson said

“We had our first trials conducted in December last year where we managed to field 20 players.

“Also, this test will be a build- up to the Suva Squash Open champi­onship which is on January 18-19. We’re expecting to identify more players.

“And from the extended squad we are going to reduce the number to enable us to accommodate five men, four women and two reserves to represent Fiji at the Pacific Games. So, the final squad will be named no later than April.”

Simpson highlighted that they’re vying to win 7 silver and 4 bronze medals at the Pacific Games.

“Squash Fiji has won gold once at the 2007 Pacific Games but we are still determined to make a change this year. However, we’re keeping things realistic by vying to win at least 7 silver and 4 bronze medals.

“The level of dedication from the players has been quite impressive and most of them have the poten­tial of making the final team and doing Fiji proud at the Games.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: grace.narayan@fijisun.com.fj

Twenty six (26) teams have confirmed their participa­tion in the inaugural 2019 Vanuaso 7s tournament to be held on February 22-23 at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori.

The village of Vanuaso is in the island of Gau and running the tournament is a way to empower youth development and promote grassroots rugby.

Speaking during the launch at the Scouts Hall in Suva yesterday, Vanuaso Village Committee chair­man Sivorosi Tora urged all inter­ested teams to register as there are six spots available for the tourna­ment.

“There are 26 teams altogether that have confirmed their par­ticipation for the tournament,” he said.

“We will be accommodating 32 teams with 8 pools and 4 teams in each pool. They are vying to com­pete in the top three categories which are the Bowl, Plate and Cup finals.

“And our Cup winner will get $10,000 as prize-money.”

Tora said the closing date of the tournament will be on February 13 and this will provide them am­ple time to prepare for the two-day tournament.

“I urge all the teams to pay their registration fees on time to avoid disappointment as we have six spots left.

“Also, we are trying to promote the province of Lomaiviti predomi­nantly the Island of Gau in terms of their level of rugby talents.

“However, our only challenge is fi­nance which we are currently try­ing to manage right now to cater for the expenses incurred while trying to organise this tournament.

“We have on board sponsors like Fiji Water, Fiji TV and few others but we are still urging other part­ners to come on board and support this tournament in any way possi­ble.

“Our main objective of hosting this tournament is to develop the youths in trying to engage them in sports rather than to be involved in criminal activities. In doing so, we’re also empowering grassroots rugby and creating opportunity for players to build a career through rugby.

“In addition to that our second main objective is to revive sevens rugby in Gau which was famous for producing some of the coun­try’s top rugby players.”

The players are world sevens maestro Waisale Serevi, former Canterbury Crusaders winger Marika Vunibaka, Peni Rauluni, Vesito Rauluni, Jacob Rauluni, Mosese Rauluni, Samu Saumaisue, Saimoni Rokini, Naca Seru and the list goes on.

Tora said admission for the tour­nament will be $10 for adults while children below 12 will pay $5 and registration fees for teams inter­ested to play will be $1000.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: grace.narayan@fijisun.com.fj

The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team have been told to be consistent with their performance if they are to win the 2018/19 HSBC World Sevens Series.

The call was made by former national rug­by 7s and Flying Fijians star halfback Sami­soni Rabaka on Monday night after helping train the Dratabu 7s team in Nadi.

“The current team have the right mindset and physical attributes to do well this sea­son,” Rabaka told SUNsports.

The wily Waikete native from Tailevu is now coaching the West Bulldogs club in Brisbane, Australia. He flew into the coun­try with his family for a short break.

“I think nothing much should change but only the attitude of the players. It’s like when you train, you train like you’re play­ing,” he said.

Rabaka said the emergence of young play­ers like Vilimoni Botitu and Meli Derenalagi who have gone through the ranks has really lifted the team.

“Coach (Gareth) Baber has all the tricks that there is for the series but we need to up the ante and we also need to be on the play­ers’ backs because most time we tend to lose concentration easily.”

He highlighted the team to the last leg in Dubai and Cape Town in South Africa have laid the platform for the rest of the season.

“There is real excitement for the team to go one better and lift the series title.” Rabaka said.

“During my time we only look forward to the big one which is the main tournament in Hong Kong but now there are many stops on the series.

“It has become very tough and there’s a need to bring in new techniques to ensure that we remain on top.

“In today’s sevens rugby there are lots of contact and you have to secure the ball all the time and I think that once the boys are focused they will be unbeatable.”

A young Rabaka stepped in for veteran halfback Pauliasi Tabulutu after he had switched to rugby league in 1992.

Under the late coach Ratu Kitione Tuibua, he combined well with maestro Waisale Ser­evi as they thrashed New Zealand 22-6 in the Hong Kong 7s Cup final.

The next Series tournament will be the Hamilton 7s in Waikato, New Zealand on January 26-27.

– Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj

A 29-year-old man was remanded in custody yesterday by the Suva Magistrates Court after he appeared on a charge of going equipped to commit theft.

Meli Osborne appeared before Magistrate Liyanage Wickramasekara.

Equipped

Documents filed in court allege that on January 7, 2019, in Nabua, “when not at home, has with him an article, flat screw driver and a black balaclava with intent to use in connection with theft”.

Police prosecutor Raymond Filipe served the accused with full phase disclosures.

He told the court that the accused had a pending committal warrant issued against him for a case of robbery by the Nasinu Magistrates Court.

Magistrate Wickramasekara transferred the matter to Nasinu Magistrates Court and informed the prosecution to advise the Nasinu Magistrate about the committal warrant.

The matter was adjourned to January 22.

Edited by Epineri Vula

Feedback:  ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj

The judgment in the case of former Ministry of Works’ spokesperson Sainiana Waqainibete will be delivered by the Suva Magistrates Court on February 14.

The matter was listed for judgment yesterday, but the matter was adjourned because the appointed Magistrate did not sit in.

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

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

Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback:  ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) is encouraging Fijians who have had any dealings with regards to the Lagilagi Housing Project to come forward and report the matter to the FCCC.

Those who have current dealings or have had previous dealings regarding the project shall visit the FCCC office and furnish the information along with supporting documents.

This includes but is not limited to people who have made payments and were promised a housing unit.

The FCCC CEO Mr. Joel Abraham says anyone with any information with regards to the project are encouraged to come forward and assist FCCC with the inquiry.

The FCCC has begun its inquiry into the Lagilagi Housing Project and will require the assistance from people who had made payments in advance and are facing issues in terms of securing a unit or seeking refund.

A number of formal complaints have already been recorded and the FCCC encourages Fijians to cooperate and bring along the following documents when lodging their concerns regarding the project:

– Photo Id;

– Original copies of receipts and offer letter for the housing unit; and

– Any other relevant document

Vishnu Mohan, Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), has accepted the resignation of Naipote Katonitabua Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs.

 Mr Katonitabua cited personal reasons for his decision to resign. He has proceeded on leave and his resignation will take effect at the conclusion of the leave on 31 January 2019.

 The (PSC), with the agreement of the Prime Minister, has appointed Meleti Bainimarama the Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development to act as the Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs.

Teams from the islands impressed during the first day of the 2019 Sil­verwaters Tabadamu 7s tournament at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori yesterday.

Tournament coordinator Malakai Yamai­vava said the competition went according to plan and looks forward to an exciting final today.

“The matches kicked-off on time and as planned we wrapped the pool matches by 3pm,” Yamaivava said

“I was really impressed with level of com­petition and performance showcased by some very young teams from the islands.

“In the Cup quarterfinals we have top guns like Tabadamu Blue, Uluinakau, Po­lice, Wardens, National Fire Authority, Na­kelo, Niurua and Flying Fish vying for the semis.”

DAY ONE RESULTS

Tabadamu Blues 33-0 Kelland Brothers; Land Force Battallion 14-0 Naqarani Sea­side; JBrothers Sorokoba 19-12 Seniboro; Niurua Delta Uprising 7-5 National Fire Authority; Wardens 17-0 Nasikawa Blues; Pacific Warriors Nairai 12-0 Qauia Young Boys; Lion of Judah 0-28 Police; Nakelo 36-0 Buha Bowral Blacks; Uluinakau Babas 12 – 5 Lami Cavalliers; Tabadamu Red 7 – 10 Fly­ing Fish; Tabadamu Blues 7-0 Land Force Battalion; Kelland Brothers 19- 27 Naqa­rani Seaside; JBrothers Sorokoba 12-5 Niu­rua Brothers; Seniboro 0-12 National Fire Authority; Wardens 19-5 Pacific Warriors Narai; Nasikawa Blues 12-5 Qauia Young Boys; Lion of Judah 5-31 Nakelo;Police 36-0 Buha Bowral Blacks; Uluinakau Babas 7-7 Tabadamu Red; Lami Cavalliers 14- 19 Fly­ing fish; Tabadamu Blues 12-12 Naqarani Seaside; Kelland Brothers 0- 12 Land Force Battallion; JBrothers Sorokoba 0-5 National Fire Authority; Niurua Delta Uprising 24-7 Seniboro; Wardens 19 – 0 Qauia Young Boys; Nasikawa Blues 10-10 Pacific Warriors Na­irai.

WHATS ON TODAY

Bowl Quarterfinal: Land Force Battallionv JBrothers Sorokoba, Pacific Warriors Na­irai v Nasikawa Blues, Naqarani Seaside v Buha Bowral Blacks, Tabadamu Red v Lami Cavaliers

Cup Quarterfinal: Tabadamu Blue v Fly­ing Fish, National Fire Authority v Niurua Delta Uprising, Wardens v Nakelo, Police v Uluinakau Baabaas

– Edited by Osea Bola

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