The Jet Volume 4 Number 2

JANUARY 15 - 31, 2012
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Books for needy children

Sugar Festival Association assists families in Lautoka and Yasawa
By RANBEER SINGH
Its a six-year tradition and one which the Sugar Festival committee believes is important as it provides one of the basic needs for education. The charity organization which collected fifty-two thousand dollars at its annual carnival last year will use just under half of this amount to purchase exercise books and stationeries for students from under privileged families. More than sixteen thousand books will be distributed to students attending thirtyone primary schools in Lautoka and the Yasawas. The exercise books are all at the office now. We have a few volunteers who are in the midst of packing and ready for distribution to the schools in Lautoka, said Association administrator Anita Raj. Those children who are from poor backgrounds and have been identified by the respective school head-teachers benefit through this scheme. The number of requests for assistance from schools has certainly increased over the years. The festival committee is committed to providing these children the basic tools needed for education. We believe more than two thousand five hundred children will benefit through this project. The Sugar Festival will be held from July 21 to 28.
Sugar Festival Association volunteers sort out exercise books which will be distributed to needy children in the Lautoka and Yasawa region. PHOTO: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
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Its that time of the year again when parents and guardians are forced to dig deep into their pockets, make applications for soft loans, line-up at the doorsteps of the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) scratching their heads all in an attempt to ensure their children are ready for the new school year. With a long list of items to purchase, parents with their kids will this month visit each bookshop and clothing outlets in town to get the best deal. The business operators who specialize in selling educational materials including school uniforms are smiling as business is booming. But while this is a welcome sign, the unscrupulous dealings by some operators are of serious concern and one which the relevant authorities should look into. The unreasonable hike in the prices of text books is a major worry. There should at least be some sort of uniformity or price control on these text books. A recent survey by the Consumer Council of Fiji showed that certain bookshops in Suva which are two minutes apart sold the same text books at a different price. Furthermore when prices of text books were compared by the watchdog to last year, surprisingly there was a huge percentage difference. This without a doubt causes undue pressure on parents and guardians which in some cases could result in children forced to share educational materials with their siblings or even to do without a few of these items. But while some children may be disappointed after not receiving the type of bag, shoes, pencil case, coloured pencils or lunch box they had hoped for, the children should be grateful that they have at least been provided with the basic materials by their parents for them to begin school. Its no secret- many children are doing it tough this year. Parents and guardians of these children arent in a position to purchase all the items they require for the new school year. On a brighter side, there are many good Samaritans out there who are lending a helping hand to these needy children. Charity, non-governmental and religious organisations, corporate bodies and individuals have joined hands to make a difference in their own way. Governments bus fare and free education scheme has also greatly benefited many children as well as taken a major burden off the shoulders of parents. Kudos to the Sugar Festival, Foundation of Education for Needy Children, Save the Children Fund Fiji and endless other organisations and individuals who all have kindly assisted needy these children. This generosity will certainly go a long way in ensuring that our children receive education and grow up to become loyal, productive and law abiding future leaders of our country.
Back to School
FROM THE DESK
Being the hub of the Pacific, Fiji has everything that a spectacular tropical paradise has to offer - from private island resort accommodations, top class restaurants to white sandy beaches, inbound tours, jet boat rides, hot air balloon rides, mountain trekking, inland tours, eco tourism, sky diving, helicopter rides, cruise trips, scuba diving, massage and beauty parlours, vibrant night life and a lot more than any other destination in the world offers
Fiji - the way the world should be
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Fund raising drive for the elderly

By RANBEER SINGH
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
The board of visitors of The Golden Age Home is expected to undertake several projects this year in an ongoing effort to provide better facilities and services to its residents. The committee recently raised approximately twentythree thousand dollars at a corporate fundraising dinner. The response from the public was overwhelming. We also received donations from generous individuals. Rotary Club President, Willy Heywood presented a cheque of $500, while others who didnt wish to be named gave around $2500, said Rajneesh Charan, TGAH board of visitors secretary. TGAH which is located in Natabua, Lautoka provides shelter for forty-two elderly residents. Guests were treated to live entertainment provided by Joe Foon and Margie Beddoes of CERG as well as Jagdish Punja and dance by Under Group Authority, while enjoying dinner by the seaside at Anchorage Beach Resort in Vuda, Lautoka. Seniors are an integral part of our society. They deserve to be cared for physically, mentally and emotion-
ally. Indeed they deserve to be loved and respected. It is thus of paramount importance for us to commit ourselves to the protection and promotion of their well beings, as senior citizens, particularly those who are in need of care, said Kanti Punja TGAH board of visitors chairman.
The Golden Age Home resident Toma entertains guests at the corporate fundraising dinner function which was held at Anchorage Beach Resort in Vuda, Lautoka. PHOTO: RAJNEESH LATA CHARAN.
It has been our on-going effort to create an enabling environment for those fortytwo residents who regard The Golden Age Home as their own home. It is disheartening that these seniors have been neglected by their own families. Clearly, the Ministry of Health or Government of the
day cannot address the challenges posed alone. Meanwhile the residents were treated to lunch by Mr and Mrs Alexander Fong of Western Aluminum and Hard Rock Caf at Port Denarau, Nadi, while Soroptimist International Lautoka donated curtains to the womens ward.
The development of a state-of-the-art Department of Meteorological by the Fiji National University (FNU) couldnt come at a better time. The facility which will be part of the College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) will be located on FNUs campus in Legalega, Nadi. With the ever changing weather patterns, global warming, rise in sea-water levels and frequent natural disasters theres a pressing need for Pacific Island nations to have more experts in these fields. When natural disasters occur in the region theres little information disseminated to the people and in cases where theres no early warning systems in place, makes it more difficult for the public to react when struck by these disasters. The new centre which will offer a wide range of international standard courses will ensure that its students graduate as Meteorological experts, enabling them to provide timely and credible information to the public. Regional countries can also take advantage by sending their students to study at the centre. This will enable the students to save costs as opposed to studying Meteorology in other developed countries as well as move away from hiring overseas expatriates to provide regular weather updates.
Understanding our climate better
Our community newspaper is published bi-monthly (twice a month). You can email your letters to thejet@connect.com.fj. All letters and emails (no attachments) to The Jet must include the senders full name, home address as well as day and evening phone numbers for verification. Letters with norms de plume will not be accepted. Ideally, letters will be a maximum of 100 words. By submitting your letter for publication, you agree that we may edit the letter for legal, space or any other reasons and after publication in the newspaper, republish it on the internet or in other media. Letters published or submitted elsewhere will not be given priority.
Letters to the Editor
Bus conditions
Donald Chan Lautoka
A friend of mine recently shared his daily experience traveling in the bus. According to him, some of seats in the bus are similar to a rocking chair. The welding at the joints of some seats has come off, causing the seat move backwards when you sit down, this causes problems for the person sitting behind as his knees are being crushed! And with the wet weather now upon us the window covers in the bus dont have proper fasteners or are ripped open which causes water to come inside and wet passengers. Can the Land Transport Authority inspect buses and issue notices to those which have these problems, especially with the new school year to start soon.
the councils performance and financial management? Last year a 7% discount was given to those who paid the entire rates before 31 Jan. This was later increased to 10% and those who had paid the 7% discounted rates before the additional discount were informed that the discount would be credited to the next years rates but this hasnt happened. I request the Consumer Council to please investigate this matter and help clarify the issue.
No more sick sheet scams please

As we welcome the New Year, I wonder how many sick sheets would have been issued by medical experts around the country to allow people a few more days of rest to recover from their hangover! No problem, life is good and people are entitled to the sick sheet but just be sure not to overdo it like some did last year. I trust the sick sheet scandal will be a thing of the past with people getting sick sheets for sickness and not a day off. Remember the consequences are just too high for the patient as well as for the doctor! I remember a very long time ago two friends went to the doctors in Valelevu to get a sick sheet. They decided to change names. One told the doctor he had a severe head ache and
Allen Lockington Lautoka
got some APC tablets and two days sick sheet. The other told the doctor he was experiencing body aches and his joints were sore. What did you eat last night, the doctor asked. Fish was the reply. Nurse, prepare a shot. He got a penicillin injection for his pains, which left his left leg limp and his bum very sore. The two went to the clinic walking and came out with one carrying the other. And he never ever got a sick sheet again for about 17 years.
But to all who have made resolutions the best way to stick to it is to tell everyone what your resolutions are. That way they will be on your back all the time when you are seen smoking, or eating too much again!
TP Colour
New Year resolutions

Nelson Narayan Lautoka
RANBEER SINGH
THE JET is Fijis first community newspaper published twice a month (1st & 15th) from Nadi - the tourism capital of Fiji.
PUBLISHER DIRECTOR EDITOR PHONE FAX OFFICE CELL EMAIL TXT UPDATES : SHALENDRA PRASAD Cell: 9232073 : SAMUEL SHANKAR Cell: 9966115 : RANBEER SINGH Cell: 9895267 : (679) 6708188 : (679) 6708028 : (679) 7307574 Digicel / 5164 Vodafone & Inkk : thejet@connect.com.fj : Txt Sub thejet to 777 to get one daily update
City rates
Nilesh Goundar Suva
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VOLUME 4 NUMBER 2. JANUARY 2012 EDITION 2
The Suva City Council is adamant that city rates havent been increased; only unimproved capital value. But regardless city residents have to pay significantly more in rates. In my case its an increase by 25%. But what extra services will residents get for this increase? As it is street lights are off on average once a week or sometimes the entire week. Streets have potholes similar to craters on the moon, sidewalks need repairs and street signs are missing. Who is assessing
As usual the New Year is greeted with banging of drums, cans, tooting of horns, throwing buckets of water, being showered with baby powder and a lot of merry making. The day after is when the reality sinks in. The nasty hang-over, over eating, feeling bloated and sick are the common symptoms. Some will vow never to consume alcohol again. Some people will already be on to their New Years resolution and looking forward to losing weight, getting fit, stop smoking and the list goes on. In about 365 days we will be doing it all over again. Or should that be in a weeks time when we have recovered and are feeling good enough to down a few more bottles of beer.
Toilet paper made out of recycled paper can be coloured to make it interesting and attractive. Add a few jokes to the individual leaves and you can read, have fun and laugh while in the can. We can be the first in the world to introduce a polka dot TP. I can just imagine going into mens and laughter echoing all around from the various cubicles.
Super Nanny
Narayan Reddy Lautoka
I have been watching the TV series Super Nanny on FBC TV and I think it is excellent. There are so many children in Fiji who are really just uncontrollable. Sometimes its circumstance or because of medical conditions that cause them to be like that. There have been times when I see children in town throwing a tantrum in public and the parent, usually the mother wants to sink into the pavement and disappear. Super nanny is an excellent program and Im sure some families in Fiji could do with one!
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
By RANBEER SINGH
Education support for kids

from Save the Children Fund Fiji. Families who generally seek assistance come from the disadvantaged groups, squatter settlements, housing settlements and those who do not have a regular source of income and experience financial constraints. These families come from urban, peri-urban and rural areas, said Shekhar. The assistance programs such as school bus fare scheme, food voucher program for the poor, tuition free education and other assistance programs for the needy reduces financial burden on parents and immediate families to a great extent. Parents are able to save some money and continue educating their children to a higher level for better job opportunities. They are also in a better position to provide other basic necessities of life for children. This is also a way of breaking the cycle of poverty. So with all this assistance available its important that parents should make every effort to send their children to school as this will enable them to find suitable jobs and begin to earn a living, said Shekhar. Since 1998, SC Fund resolved to focus on key strategic directions: (1) promot-
LOCAL NEWS
Close to two-thousand students are provided educational assistance each new school year by Save the Children Fund Fiji. The non-governmental organization provides school packs to students attending primary and secondary schools. The educational assistance offered by us is not a handout but a practical way of ensuring that children from poor families continue to have access to education uninterrupted. Stationeries are essential for school children and an important part of the learning process and without these items students will feel handicapped and it can affect their school work and academic performance, said Chandra Shekhar, Save the Children Fund Fiji chief executive officer. The various assistance programmes implemented by government is providing much needed relief to families especially those who are under privileged. According to Shekhar the high cost of living, casual employment, broken families, more siblings and only one family member working are some of the reasons behind families seeking assistance
ing equity in education (2) advancing childrens rights in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989 and ratified by the Fiji Government in 1993. The Programmes and activities undertaken by SC Fund are in line with the UNCRC. Besides other basic rights accorded to children, SC Fund believes access to quality education, from pre-school through completion of secondary schooling and up to tertiary level is a fundamental right of every child, irrespective of socio-economic status. For children to have a better and brighter future, they need to be provided with opportunities to continue with their education.
Save the Children Fund CEO Chandra Shekhar presents children with educational packs. PHOTO: SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND.
Back to School rush, parents purchasing educational items at Mega Paper Supplies, Nadi. PHOTO: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
Council workers clean-up beach

By RANBEER SINGH
More than forty Nadi Town Council employees joined their ground staff to clean up and beautify the Wailoaloa beach. This programme is part of the councils initiative to ensure a clean and beautiful environment for its citizens and visitors to the tourist town. We started this clean up initiative more than a year ago. Wailoaloa is a wellknown picnic spot and we have to ensure that its always clean, said Special Administrator Nadi/Siga-
toka Aisea Tuidraki. NTC employees trimmed the grass and collected litter along the beach giving it a cleaner look. The council is also working with Police to ensure patrons do not litter as well as consume alcohol while picnicking. We have noted that in the past people used the beach as a party spot. There used to be a lot of bottles and other litter discarded in the area. This didnt give Nadi a good image. We want to change all this and we are working with Police to ensure that people follow the law, said Tuidraki.
NTC employees clean-up Wailoaloa Beach. PHOTO: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
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More library books
LOCAL NEWS
funds to buy books for the library. One thousand two hundred dollars was collected during the dance competition. The group is now looking at using the money for other projects at the library. We are looking at getting some tables, chairs and also shelving done at the library, said Nast. We also hope to get a few computers as well. The computers currently being used at the library are old and needs replacing. The upkeep of the library is important as its the key to a world of knowledge for our future generation, said Nast.
By RANBEER SINGH
Good news for bookworms living in Nadi. The Nadi Town Council library received more than one thousand books through the kind donation of Our Lady Help of Christians in Hendra, Queensland, Australia. The donation was coordinated by Beatrice Nast and Vikki Allan who are part of a charity group called Sister Act Fiji. NTC librarian Anita Naidu was over-whelmed with the donation saying it would increase the selection of books for its members. This is really great for our
members, as well as tourists who visit our library during their stay in Nadi. We also have had an increase in number of school children becoming members in the past few weeks because of the holidays. Its going to be great for them as well, said Naidu. We are very thankful for the kind donation from Australia and especially for Beatrice and Vikki for making this happen. The Nadi Town Council also assisted in getting the books cleared from the customs department. Sister Act Fiji had organized a Kaji Disco competition in September to raise
Members of Sister Act Fiji donate books to the Nadi Town Council Library. PHOTO: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
NCCI hosts business forum Water tank for Sigatoka village

By RANBEER SINGH
A strong line up of delegates including the newly appointed Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Michael Meade (pictured) will make presentations at the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry business forum. The forum will be held at the Fiji National University Namaka campus on 28 January. The theme of the meeting is Budget 2012 and the Private Sector. According to NCCI president Doctor Ram Raju, the aim of the forum is to look at the budget 2012, strengths and weaknesses and the role of the Private Sector. A wide range of subjects including the various developments in and around Nadi including the Tourism, Agriculture and Mining sectors will be discussed. We are looking at the current trends of our economy, an
update to be presented by the Governor Reserve Bank of Fiji, Investment opportunities by Investment Fiji, growing Asian tourism market, role of Air Pacific and other airlines; Duty Free Shopping current trends and VAT refunds; airports and tourism matters, said Dr Raju.
We have invited Tourism Fijis chief executive officer Michael Meade who will talk about the tourism industry and we also hope to include reps from the Backpacker segment to enlighten us on
the growing budget traveler, their expectations. Other speakers include Abdul Khan on the aspects of Sugar revival and current trends of FSC; Developments in Agro-Industry which is largely untapped by Dr K L Sharma of University of Fiji. And we will also look at the role of IWRM (Integrated Water Resource Management) in developments, the progress of the river dredging, construction of dams etc in helping productivity and flood mitigations Dr Mahendra Reddy will make a presentation on how the Commerce Commission supports growth in the private sector and academics from USP led by Professor Biman Prasad and Dr Sunil Kumar will address various issues related to the Budget 2012 and what to expect or not to in Budget 2013. The President of Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Peter Mazey will also speak at the meeting.
By RANBEER SINGH
Water woes for Dreke villagers, along the Valley road in Sigatoka will now be an issue of the past, thanks to the generous donation of a 3000 litre water tank by members of the Nadi Rotary Club. The club also donated more than one hundred library books to the near-by Rikuriku District School as well as clothes to the villagers. Nadi Rotary Club president Sanjit Patel said the donations to the village were prompted after the floods in 2009. We visited the village during the floods and it was totally devastated. We assured them of our assistance and though its been some time since the floods
Nadi Rotary Club members handover water tank at Dreke village in Sigatoka. PHOTO: NADI ROTARY CLUB.
the villagers are pleased that we kept our promise, said Patel. The money was collected from a golf tournament organized by the club last year. Nadi Rotary aims to carry out more projects in the New Year.
2011 was a busy year for the club. We managed to help many poor people through our sister organizations overseas as well as corporate organizations and private donors. We look forward to continue assisting families this year, said Patel.
By RANBEER SINGH
FENC seeks assistance
The Foundation of Education for Needy Children (FENC) in the western division is seeking assistance from both corporate organizations and generous individuals in a bid to send children back to school. FENC western division chairman Aisea Tuidraki (pictured) said the office has received over-whelming response from parents and guardians who are having difficulty in sending their children to school. Since the beginning of this year our office has received a lot of inquiries from people requiring assistance. And we appeal to people if they can come forward and assist these families, said
By RANBEER SINGH
Ministry of Local Government to appoint NTC CEO

The response for the position has been good. The Ministry of Local Government will handle the appointment of the chief executive officer. I have been informed that the appointment will be finalized next month, said Tuidraki. According to the SA the councils operation was running smoothly with rates for the New Year trickling in steadily. Everything is working out well and we urge the rate payers to take advantage of the discounts available and clear their dues, said Tuidraki.
Tuidraki. We encourage the donors to sponsor a child each, which will be a great relief to many parents. Tuidraki said they were also looking for people who would be interested to sign up
as volunteers. We are sending our volunteers out to the rural areas to find out what assistance is required by people who residing there. So theres a need for more man power to assist in this task, said Tuidraki.
The Ministry of Local Government is expected to appoint a new chief executive officer for the Nadi Town Council next month. Special Administrator Nadi/Sigatoka Aisea Tuidraki said ten applications have been received for the top position. The chief executive officers position was previously held by Terrence ONeill who resigned last December.
Minister for Local Government Samuela Saumatua will appoint the new CEO. PHOTO: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
The Fiji National University will develop a state-ofthe-art Department of Meteorology which will offer comprehensive training programmes. The facility which will be part of the College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) will be located on FNUs campus in Legalega, two minutes from Nadi Airport. The centre will be set-up by professional Meteorologist Dr Sushil Sharma, who was recently appointed as Associate Professor of Meteorology by FNU. The Jet Editor Ranbeer Singh writes about Dr Sharmas vision and the numerous benefits the facility will provide Fiji and all Pacific Island countries. Associate Professor Dr Sushil Sharma is well known in the local media circles. As Manager of Climate Special Services and Research Division at the Fiji Meteorological Service Dr Sharma was the face behind the extensive coverage during the 22-month drought in 2009-2010 which covered three dry seasons back-to-back. Passionate about his work, the Lautoka man started his career at the Nadi Weather Office in 1974 when it was run by the New Zealand Meteorological Service. Dr Sharma is one of only four people selected initially with former Director of Meteorology, Rajendra Prasad to localize the service and form the new Fiji Meteorological Service in 1979-80. Dr Sharma pursued further academic studies to the PhD level in Meteorology from Melbourne University in Australia. He worked in New Zealand, Australia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and other regions as an atmospheric scientist, tropical cyclone and severe weather expert and, climate variability and environment research scientist. Dr Sharma is also a fully qualified computer systems engineer having worked in Bahrain Meteorological Service setting up its forecasting and satellite reception, data ingest, processing and display systems for use by operational meteorologists for the entire Middle East regions. Associate Professor of Meteorology Dr Sharma will assist FNU in setting up a state-of-the-art Meteorology Department, which will offer
Fiji National University to establish Department of Meteorology Centre

academic degrees at all levels including PhD. The centre will also provide for all aspects of professional meteorology training up to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Class 1 certification. Under the guidance of Dr Sharma the FNU becomes the only institution in the entire southwest Pacific region to offer a comprehensive program in all aspects of meteorology. All its graduates will be able to work in any professional capacity with great confidence including the National Meteorological Service (NMS), government departments, independent Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) consultants, educators, planners, teachers and research scientists in all aspect of weather and climate, warning systems, disaster preparedness and mitigation studies, tropical cyclone and tsunami forecasting and warning systems. Theres a need to retrain and up skill both national and regional scientific staff. We also need to educate our younger generation who will be our future scientists. Regional countries can send their students to FNU for their meteorology degrees. A specialized aviation meteorology course dealing with all aspects of aviation meteorology theory, flight planning, terminal and aerodrome forecasts, area forecasts, upper air gridded wind and temperature forecasts, including significant weather forecasts viz., all International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) mandated product knowledge, coding and decoding and familiarity of students to flight plans will be also offered. Given Dr Sharmas experience working for British Aerospace at the Royal Saudi Air Force at the King Faisal Air Academy for over 8-years, as a specialized aviation meteorology instructor and expert and one who has written a number of required text books for pilots, these talents will no doubt be beneficial for students. The FNU will also offer a number of professional courses for technical assistants in weather and climate observer certification at the introductory, intermediate and Senior Observer level. This would provide training and qualifi-
SPOTLIGHT
Doctor Sushil Sharma who has been appointed Associate Professor will head Fiji National Universitys Department of Meteorology. PHOTO: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
cation for direct entry to the weather service. All weather observation analysis, forecasting studies, technical and professional meteorology training will be in line with recommended practices of the World Meteorological Organization and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex III rules and regulations for data exchange and provision of forecasts. I join FNU after having carried out extensive proj-
ect work experience like the installation of new weather systems, hardware and software engineering, system specifications and sourcing from reputable international organizations, delivery, system testing, acceptance and trouble shooting. I also have extensive knowledge of meteorological instrumentation including automatic weather observation instruments and software, not to mention tropical cyclone and severe weather forecast-
ing, marine and aviation forecasting and research, said Dr Sharma. Dr Sharma has worked under every Director at the Fiji Meteorological Service at one time or another during the period 1974 2010. I started training at FMS, during the holidays and attending fulltime study at USP to graduate with an undergraduate degree in 1978 to qualify to undertake the WMO Class 1 Professional Course in New Zealand, said
Dr Sharma. Dr Sharma worked as Manager and Principal Scientific Officer of Climate Special Services and Research Division and also acted briefly as Director of the National Meteorological Service in 2010. He also advised the Samoan government and submitted major proposals for the establishment of the National Samoa Meteorological Service in 2008-2009.
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By Dr NAHINA NAAZ Ace Medical Clinic Nadi
Fiji needs more advocacy and awareness in health promotion

However, as it does not completely guarantee protection, every sexually active woman will require regular screening to be sure that they havent contracted the virus and that they dont have any abnormal cells in their cervix. Screening for cervical cancer is done by means of a pap smear which should be undertaken every two to three years. It can be performed by any trained medical professional. The best time to get it done is ten to twelve days after the first day of the menstrual period (when the bleeding stops completely). It is a very simple procedure which takes less than
HEALTH
This is my first column in The Jet newspaper and I am extremely pleased to be able to offer readers of this great publication my thoughts on womens and general health issues. As a doctor with experience in womens and reproductive health, having worked for Fijis only reproductive health clinic, the Oxfam Clinic, in Suva, I strongly believe in the need for advocacy, awareness and all around health promotion. One very real threat in Fiji is cervical cancer. While this may not be a cheerful start to my column-writing career, the grim reality of this killer far outweighs the need to gloss over this space with something small. In the ageing population the global trend now is, if
youre not dying from a cardiovascular disease, you will die of cancer. More importantly in Fiji the most common form of cancer resulting in death is cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by Human Papilomavirus (pictured right). Its sexually transmitted to females by men who are carriers of this virus. There are certain strains of the virus which can cause warts to men but other than that it doesnt seriously affect them in any way. However the risks to women are far more potent. When women get infected with this virus, the bodys natural defence mechanisms tries to fight it off, but repeated infections over time, say three years, starts to cause changes in the cells of the cervix. The change in cells is called pre-malignant changes which means it is not cancer yet; just some abnormal cells which in ten to fifteen years can develop into cancer. If detected at the pre-malignant stage, cervical cancer can be treated in Fiji. For this reason, its important that every sexually active female undergoes screening for cervical cancer as a preventative measure. Other ways of preventing cervical cancer is to get HPV vaccine. Using condoms properly during sexual intercourse can provide protection against cervical cancer to a certain degree. For those females who have received HPV vaccines, they can be hopeful that they are protected against the Human Papilomavirus and are less likely at risk of getting cervical cancer.
five minutes. A pap smear can be a little uncomfortable but is hardly painful and the importance of having it done outweighs the few minutes of discomfort it may cause. My advice to every woman due for a pap smear its time to take your health into your own hands and visit your nearest Health Centre, Hospital or your own private doctor. It may sound clich, but a pap smear can literally save your life.
Dr. Nahina Naaz is a General Practitioner at Ace Medical Clinic at Jetpoint Complex in Martintar, Nadi. Contact dr.nahina.naaz@gmail.com or 6727530.
Understanding the Glycaemic Index

High- (70 or more ) - These foods are digested and absorbed quickly causing a rapid rise in blood sugar levels-bran flakes, white bread, ripe bananas, and watermelon. Classifying carbohydrate foods according to their GI is complex. For example the GI of bananas increases as they ripen. Generally low GI foods are chewy and crunchy with high fibre and low salt content. Soft, refined and processed foods have higher GI. Some low GI foods may be high in fat and energy for example, ice cream and chocolate. Always be sure to check the list of ingredients and energy (calorie or kilo joule) content of packaged foods. Always remember that a mixture of carbohydrate foods is important for a balanced diet. High GI foods are not unhealthy, but there are many health benefits from eating mainly low GI foods. It is recommended to include atleast one low GI food at each meal. Diabetics in particular should avoid the peaks in blood glucose caused by high GI foods. People digest food differently so diabetics are advised to test their own blood sugar levels to determine the effects of various foods. One example: Rice pudding is normally made with short grain Calrose rice (high
HEALTH
By Dr RAM RAJU DSM Centre rraju@connect.com.fj
Although the term Glycaemic Index (GI) has been used in food advertising and labeling for some time now, many are still confused about its meaning. The GI is actually a measure of how quickly carbohydrates in foods are absorbed and how they affect blood glucose (sugar) levels.
High GI foods cause a rapid rise in blood glucose while low GI foods cause a lower but more sustained blood glucose level. Carbohydrate foods are rated on a GI scale between 0 and 100, based on average responses in a group of people. Low (55 or less) - These foods are absorbed slowly. They are generally more filling and help to control hunger and maintain glucose levels. Low GI foods include mixed grain breads, legumes, (peas, beans and soy foods), porridge low fat milk and yogurt and most fruit. Intermediate (56-69) - Includes whole meal bread, rolled oats, natural muesli, sugar and orange juice.
Basmati Rice has low GI and is good for health.
GI). By substituting Basmasti rice (low GI), the pudding will have a lower GI. It will have a slightly less creamy texture.
Further information about GI can be found at the website: http://www.glycemicindex.com/
Apricots are an excellent source of vitamins

Cool, delicious and golden-orange colored apricot fruits are must during summer months to beat the heat. Botanically, they belonged to the family of Rosaceae of Genus, Prunus and scientifically named as Prunus armeniaca. The fruits have almost uniform size, 4-5 cm in diameter, and weigh about 35 g. In structure; it is a drupe; a single seed is surrounded by flesh. The seed is enclosed in a hard stony shell, often called a stone. Fresh, ripe apricots have sweet flavor similar to plums. Sun dried organic fruits have concentrated nutrient levels than fresh ones although they are lesser in vitamin-C content. Seeds are also edible and taste like that of almonds. Oil extracted from the seeds has been used for cooking purpose. Health benefits of apricots Fresh fruits are low in calories; but are rich source of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are packed with numerous health promoting phytochemicals; that helps prevent heart disease, reduce LDL, (bad cholesterol) levels and offers protection against cancers. Apricots are excellent sources of vitamin-A and carotenes. Both of these compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision. Vitamin-A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in carotenes helps protect body from lung and oral cavity cancers. Fresh fruits contain vitamin-C, another natural anti-oxidant. Vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen free radicals. They are also good source of minerals such as potassium, iron, zinc, calcium and manganese. Potassium is a heart-healthy mineral; an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. The total antioxidant or ORAC value of raw apricots is 1115 umol TE/100 g. Much of this in these fruits comes from some important health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic anti-oxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin and beta cryptoxanthins. Altogether these compounds act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging, cancers and various disease process. Zeaxanthin, a carotenoid selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes where it is thought to provide anti-oxidant and protective light-filtering functions. Thus, consumption of fruits like apricots rich in zeaxanthin helps eyes protect from age-related macular disease (AMRD), especially in the elderly people. Selection and storage Buy fresh fruits that feature uniform golden-orange color and rich flavor; and firm or yield slightly to thumb pressure. Avoid those with pale yellow color as they were picked too soon. Ripened apricots are delicate and should be handled with care. Store them in the refrigerator in egg tray. Use them as early as possible. Preparation and Serving method Wash fresh fruits gently in cold water and pat dry in soft cloth. Ripe ones can be eaten as a whole including skin to get the maximum benefits. Sliced sections of the fruit can be a great addition to salads.
The sweet taste of Soursop

RECIPE
Lime and Soursop sorbet Daiquiri
TASTE BUDS
By BRENDON COFFEY Executive Chef Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
With a number of high profile Chefs set to visit our tropical shores for a brief period in March, I have been requested by a couple of them to put together a market list of whats available during that the time of year. This small task has provoked my thinking about all our wonderful produce here in Fiji so thought I would share my views on one particular fruit. Its one of my favorites and is of course that big green prickly thing called a Soursop. If you havent heard of Soursop thats because it goes by several different names! When I first arrived in Fiji I searched for different tropical fruits which I had been introduced to several years earlier while working in North Queensland. The Hotel that I worked for had the most wonderful fragrant and exotic juices, all freshly squeezed and mixed to present a truly tropical breakfast buffet. There was a bright purple colored juice from the purple Sapote, a thick dark black Sapote juice that resembled the richness of dark shinny chocolate, a subtle shade of Guava pink, of course the bright orange of Pawpaw, golden Pineapple, Sapodilla and the never to be forgotten silky white and fragrant juice of Soursop. I was sure that a lot of these fruits would be available here and so started asking around, in particular for Soursop. The responses were mostly along the lines of a quite definite no we dont have that
METHOD
Place all the ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a martini glass Garnish with a nice slice of kaffir lime.
some would at least question me further in the hope that they could identify it. Even my wife and tutor of all things culinary in Fiji had never heard of a Soursop.until one day when we were visiting some friends living towards Nausori highlands when Sharon points to some fruit on a tree and asks me Have you ever tried this fruit. You should use it in the Hotel.its really nice. Wellas I had been quite disappointed in my endeavors to source the elusive sweet and sour treasure I quite sarcastically described that this was sour sop and this is what I had been looking for. Well. Theres your problem it was pointed out quite matter of factly! Its not Soursop, its Salifa or Seremia (a bit like the Pick Me Up and Worcester sauce saga but thats another story)! Kamlesh, my farmer and produce aid (otherwise known as Farm Boy) was then able to help me to secure a regular supply and we have been using it in different ways ever since. I am still quite amazed that it is not used more in the restaurants, bars or hotels. Maybe theyre asking for the wrong thing! Maybe we need to be able to source frozen pulp. Possibly a job for Farm Boy!
Salifa or Seremia has a number of names, Graviola, Guanabana, Brazilian pawpaw Brazilian Cherimoya and of course Soursop to name just a few. It appears its indigenous to the warmer and more tropical areas of South and North America especially the Amazon. It has a rich and diverse history in the use of herbal medicine and has been noted for its use to combat a number of common ailments and its not just the fruit that is noted. The use of the seeds, leaf and the bark are also well documented. A couple of leaves simply torn up and boiled for a couple of minutes is said to make a great tea for a good night sleep. I have a tree right outside my front door and I look forward to testing this theory, but not before I finish my article of course! The true benefits of this medicinal fruit is not only its health benefits but that it tastes truly wonderful and makes for any number of great desserts, fruit juice and cocktails. Soursop has a somewhat chewy but silky texture, with a lovely sweet and sour taste. Unlike those sour sweets which my daughter likes so much, only natural and healthy. Its economical and widely available so why are we not making more use of it. Well its a bit fiddly! I
hear the voices cry. Well like all good things sometimes you have to do a bit of work and thats precisely what makes it tastier in the end. We have used it in a number of different ways as well as just cutting and putting it out on our breakfast buffet where it is certainly well received by our guests who enjoy experiencing something different and local. You may ask Other than peeling one open and eating it what else can you do? Well here are some ideas or at least a little inspiration. Make juice out of it. Just peel, deseed and puree. Its like an instant smoothie. You may need to add some other fruit juice to thin out the consistency and apple juice works really well for this. Add a Kaffir lime leaf for a bit more fragrance. Use the puree to make into ice cream or a mousse. Puree and spread in a dehydrator to make chewy roll ups for the kids One of my favorites is Soursop sorbet which can be served with any number of desserts especially chocolate. Another is to add the sorbet to a favorite cocktail or quite simply freeze it and then puree into a refreshing slushy. Whatever it is you choose to do just remember that sometimes the sweetest and healthiest things in life maybe found in our own back yard!
RECIPE
Soursop sorbet
METHOD
Place the sugar, water and glucose in a pot and bring to the boil for 1 minute. Mix the soursop puree into the sugar syrup and chill. When cold place in an ice cream machine and churn.
NOTE: If you do not have an ice cream machine for churning then place in a stainless steel bowl and place in freezer to freeze. Approx every 15 minutes remove from the freezer and mix well with a mixing spoon to break down any ice particles. Continue to do this until mixture is at a smooth frozen state. For reservations and information on Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, please visit www.sofitel.com
10
By NAZIAH ALI
In the past few months, I must admit - I have been going all white! I mean apart from the new white hair strands I wake up to every morning (which since last month has almost multiplied); I have a new fascination - of everything white. I mean my wardrobe is not
the only thing painted white but it now has a stack of white shoes, white handbags, white hats, white accessories -pretty much everything white. If it wasnt for my familys colorful taste in green rugs and orange paintings, my house could qualify to be named The White House. And since we are in our summer I must say its surely a good way to beat the heat! I like to see myself as a trendsetter but subconsciously I know its the recent fashion shows such as Fiji Fashion Week and StyleFiji (our fashion forecast for 2012) that has imprinted the color white in my head and forecasts white as the color for 2012. White is not only the color of purity; in many cultures it
White Wash
FASHION ZONE
represents openness and truth. White has purification vibrations. It has the potential to move toward every other color and this makes it a good choice for new beginnings and development in any direction. For the New Year, White could bring a fresh beginning to your life! So, for those who think that White should only reserved for certain events like weddings or funeral, it is time to change White is the new Black!! Heres my pick from various designers in the country including from Fiji Fashion Week and Style Fiji as well as international pageants. They certainly look awesome dont you think! Classy Classics by Aliyah Jan
Carolina by Caroline Ah Koy
Second Chance Boys
11
Important lesson for all employees

you go and get x-ray at Nadi hospital ok. I was in too much pain to argue, I got my x-ray paper and left. As I walked away I heard him sing out, Next. But Im glad there will be an investigation by the medical practitioners regarding the fifty-eight sad cases. The doctor I refer to has gone back to his country. Some people say that the sick sheet is a privilege. Is it? Anyway, some employers offer their employees payment
TALO MADA
Talanoa with ALLEN LOCKINGTON
Fifty-eight workers and their families would have had a dreadful Christmas because of a sick sheet scam. What a pity that it had to happen right around December. And reports suggest that close to 200 workers were being investigated with more likely to face the axe. And investigations revealed cases date back to as far as 2009. Reading the report one can gather that there was a lot of collusion between those involved. Interestingly the Ministry of Works spokesperson Sainiana Radrodro (pictured) said they had noted that workers residing from as far as Navua were producing sick sheets from the same medical practice in Nausori. What a way to go! But looking at the number fifty-eight we multiply this by three, as the average family and we get a total of 174. But this figure could be more or less; most likely it will be more. What a pity because the people involved are all adults and most probably be parents whose children look up to them for values. What would they tell their children on the reasons they have been sent home? For a measly day off from work their entire livelihood has been affected. I remember going to a doctor a few years back with a swollen wrist. When it was
my turn I entered the doctors room and here is what happened with the doctor asking me in a mono tone. Name: Allen Lockington Age (At that time): 42 Residence Quarters 242 CAFF Compound Where you work: Customs Department. How many days? When I didnt answer he looked up and asked again. I asked him if he would examine my wrist and when saw my swollen arm he said, Oh, oh, oh, ok I give you a paper
for sick days not taken. I think it thats a decent idea, because it encourages the employee to be more productive. Anyway, some employees can go to work early, remain there all day and look busy all day but do only about 10% work. They are the ones you see walking importantly around the office with a file in their hand and the thoughtful look on their face. Thats whats
called official moku siga! But wouldnt it be nice to pay people who do not use their sick days. Even if the employer pays 50% would be a generous offer. Many people use their sick sheet because it is there and if they dont use it, it does not get carried forward to the next year. Some people do need to be motivated. Anyway, its up to the
employer to pay or not. And its up to the employee to be loyal to his employer and to himself and not decide to get sick tomorrow. Like a few of my former work mates used to say. Better use the sick leave than lose it But now you have to think twice! Wishing you all a productive week!
12
By PRANESH AMARSEE
Recently when I was filling up at a service station after washing my car I was approached by the attendant who asked me how businesses would perform this year. To my surprise the attendant had recognized me as the business writer for this community newspaper! I told him that I wasnt a fortune teller nor a Saint but just an ordinary guy sharing my thoughts on business through this column. However since he patiently waited for a reply, I felt I had to answer his question. So I pointed to the Car Wash located on the same premises as the service station. Do you see that car wash? Its business is washing cars. The business is depended on the weather. It needs to rain so that cars can get dirty and muddy. It needs sunshine after it has rained so that people can bring their cars for wash. Its also depended on the road conditions, good roads mean less cars need cleaning but bad roads will keep the car wash busy. Also if it rains continuously then the business stops temporarily so the only thing the Car Wash proprietor can do is hang in there, keep doing what he is doing, be up to date with his equipments and chemicals, keep his area clean, and keep marketing his business as he has no control over the weather! And business is just like the weather- its unpredictable. Well I suppose a lot of people are worried about this year- thats usual in this challenging cruel world. People are engaged in mortgage payments, school fees etc. I previously wrote about stress levels which never leaves us. For those who use computers daily each time you turn it on it will say updates are ready to be downloaded or your computer needs to be
updated or updates is ready to install. These messages definitely get to my nerves each time they pop up but you cannot get away without updating your computer or else it will not be compatible with all the current new software programmes. Similarly we all have to update our businesses or our work place. Let me tell you another fact of life (I do not like to call it a story as stories are not supposed to be true). The other day I caught a taxi from Nadi Town in front of R. B. Patel and asked the driver to take me to Denarau. The first thing I did before I sat in the taxi was ask the driver how much will he charge be? And to my surprise the driver said he will charge by the meter which convinced me to jump in the cab immediately. While getting a smooth ride to Denarau I found this particular taxi very clean, comfortable and good smelling. The driver was very polite and didnt drive dangerously. Once we reached Denarau, the driver quickly pulled out his business card which had a photo of his taxi, mobile number and a logo which stated Service is our motto. This is a classic example of being up to date in this current business environment and I will definitely call this cab because of its honesty, presentation, service and marketing qualities. What this cab driver has done is basically what all major books on how to operate success businesses contain. And while we all may have read at least one book or article on business we have failed to implement these techniques. Why? Because some businesses are different in nature or we are too scared to take risks. Many people are reluctant towards change as it has worked for some but failed for many. People de-motivate themselves if they aim too big. You have to start with small, achievable goals. Than you need to reward yourselfs such
2012 business outlook

TALK BUSINESS
as taking a day of, spending time with family and friends. I know its easy to say but no harm in trying. We have passed mid January. Things look a bit complicated but hopefully will ease of soon, so chill back and relax! Life is a challenge, meet it! Life is a dream, realize it! Life is a game, play it! Life is Love, enjoy it! You have it in your power to make your days on Earth a path of flowers, instead of a path of thorns. Shri Satya Sai Baba
13
By BETANI SALUSALU of Mamanuca Environmental Society
Ridge to reef approach ensures proper management of resources

their homes, crops, livestock and many businesses have also shut down. A few people also lost their lives. As a counter measure and provide necessary protection Government has implemented a pilot project in the Nadi Basin to address this serious issue. Early warning systems have been implemented at strategic locations as well as small dams have been constructed upstream from the Nadi River to ease the problem of soil erosion and also have control amount of water flowing down stream. Education and awareness programmes on best practices of land-based activities, animal husbandry (grassing); waste management as well as land management in terms of farming has been conducted with communities located within the basin. Such campaigns is vital as it will ensure those that live in the area manage resources in a stainable manner. The Mamanuca and Malolo group of islands is always vulnerable whenever it floods in Nadi. Wastes, sediments, flood waters, nutrients, chemicals etc all flow down from the Nadi Basin area into the sea, polluting and damaging marine recourses in the islands.
ENVIRONMENT
The management of our resources must begin at the top of our mountains and hills. As any activity that occurs in the ridges has a flow on impact at the reefs. And its no secret that our oceans have severely been affected over thousands of years due to our actions in the way we live on land. The management of our resources is paramount and should be taken seriously by all if we are to ensure a sustainable environment for our future generation. The goal of environmental resource management is to maintain and improve its state caused by human activ-
ity- it is the management of the interaction and impact of human societies on the environment. In the western division, along the Nadi Lautoka corridor, coastal and up the Nadi Basin (along Nausori Highlands) there has been a lot of development and land based activities that have taken place recently compared to a few decades ago. And this is one of the causes of flash floods along the Nadi Basin and low land areas including the Nadi Town. The cost of damage as a result of these floods runs into millions of dollars. Many lost
This is one of many beautiful Islands in the Mamanuca Group, which attracts thousands of tourists each year.
The road to Nausori Highlands, overlooking Nadi.
Managing marine resources in the islands is challenging as thousands of tourists visit the islands each year to enjoy the pristine environment. The maintenance of these resources in the group is shared between on the Mamanuca Environment Society (MES) its members and the surrounding villagers. MES since 2002 has con-
ducted training and workshops in the islands in a bid to educate the villagers on how to manage resources to ensure a sustainable future. The environmental watchdog is also undertaking projects such as clam restoration, coral planting, reef checks and surveys, turtle conservation, dedicated non-fishing areas, recycling and waste
management, coastal reforestation, mangrove planting, water and sea-water analysis to ensure marine resources remain protected. And given the proactive stance taken by all the stakeholders, the Mamanuca group is well-known for its pristine environment which attracts thousands of tourists each year.
14
New Information Resource Centre for Unifiji

but become producers of knowledge. Alvin Toffler says quote the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn. University of Fiji librarian Jose Poulose said the complex would provide students great benefits in this modern era of learning. Our society is undergoing a process of rapid change, moving towards what is called the information society or the knowledge society, said Poulose It is believed that information and knowledge are distinguishing features of this modern society; and the main driver of this change is the growing use of the information and communication technologies. In order to support the university teaching and academic research, we needed a resource centre to facilitate the work of library and IT lab. I believe this Information Resource Centre through its operations will play a very important role in great intellectual achievements. Academic libraries have traditionally been seen as the heart of the university serving its academic community. The basic characteristic of a good academic library is its total identification with other schools or departments because its excellence is determined by the extent to which its resource services support the academic pursuits
CAREERS AND EDUCATION
By RANBEER SINGH
Students attending the University of Fiji will now have access to a new library and I-T facility with the opening of the new state-of-the-art Information Resource Centre. Minister for Education Filipe Bole said tertiary institutions like the University of Fiji is created and given the responsibility to manage and transmit humanitys accumulated wisdom and knowledge to the next generation for sustainability purpose. Bole said its imperative that the central and expanding role for each high education institution is to formulate appropriate strategies for developing a rich set of integrated information services that are tailored to its unique educational environment and educational delivery. Im told that the complex has accumulated 12,000 collections of reference materials with another 4,000 on the way and about 80 computers. This is a giant achievement which deserves praise, said Bole. For a long time our education curriculum has been created on foreign based contents. This is because the western and eastern worlds continue to research and innovate knowledge and publish them. In this 21st century, students are no longer expected to remain consumers of knowledge and regurgitate them during examinations,
Minister for Education Filipe Bole tries out one of the computers at the new Resource Centre while University of Fiji Librarian Jose Poulose explains. PHOTO: ZAHEER HASSAN.
of the university. A well-stocked, wellstaffed and well-organised library is an integral part of a modern educational system because education without a good library or research without resource facilities is like staging the famous Shakespearian play Hamlet without the prince of Denmark, or discussing Indian Independence without mentioning Mahatma Gandhi. Our basic function is to support higher education so that it can be used as a dynamic instrument for explaining and expanding the horizons of knowledge. This Information Resource Centre will nourish the intellect of students and staff. While the lecturer is the prime motivator of student learning, the library is strategically positioned to contribute to that motivation through providing a conducive environment for independent learning and development of an enquiring mind.
By RANBEER SINGH
Chetty completes Fulbright Scholarship Programme

ment and exposure such as enrichment seminars and trips to the UN offices in New York, said Chetty. It allows you to interact and meet Fulbright Scholarship recipients from other parts of the world, which provides a different perspective to your world view. Being a Fulbright Scholar also carries a lot of weight locally and internationally, as the Fulbright programme is recognized worldwide, she added. Regional Public Diplomacy Officer Doug Morris noted the Fulbright programme offers study opportunities at many of the finest institutions of higher learning in the United States, and congratulated Chetty on her achievement and experience. Morris also presented Chetty with a certificate in recognition of her completion of the Fulbright Schol-
Media personality Tara Chetty has completed a two-year Masters in Gender Studies at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, US under the Fulbright Scholarship Programme. Chetty was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship in 2009 and her interest in gender studies and feminist analysis made Rutgers, the first choice of schools, as it houses the Centre for Womens Global Leadership an organization with some of the most renowned activist feminist scholars. According to Chetty the Masters programme was very useful and it gave her a particular way of approaching work and analyzing information. The Fulbright Programme offers many other opportunities for develop-
arship Programme. Chetty said living in the United States was an interesting experience. She also enjoyed spending her time in New York City, which is less than an hours train ride from the Rutgers New Brunswick university campus. Chetty hopes to work on developing programmes and policies that focus on gender in future. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program brings citizens of other countries to the United States for study at U.S. universities or other appropriate institutions and offers program participants insight into U.S. society and values. Fulbright Scholarship recipients for the 2012-2013 academic year will be announced in May 2012 and call for applications for the 2013-2014 academic year will also be made this year.
15
BUSINESS NOTICE BOARD
16
BUSINESS NOTICE BOARD
Happy Birthday to Pranav Yuv Prakash
Happy 2nd Birthday to our Little Prince Pranav Yuv Prakash only son of Vineel & Priti Prakash of Nadi. Lots of Love from Tata, Patti, Tasha, Mama, Mammi and Ritwick and also from Ajja, Ajji, famliy and friends in Fiji and abroad.
17
Homage to Waiyavi
FEATURE
litely with the usual farm boy accent (Theek Hai) good. We struck a chord immediately, Simon Satya Prakash was another Waiyavi adopted Legalega; Nadi on a prowl though his family lived in Lautoka decades on. He unclenched his fists and extended the true Blue Waiyavi welcome and taadda..; I scored a friend on my first stroll out. From here on, our friendship would crystallize into inseparable souls, meeting just about daily, going places and networking with others, he and she friends alike, yeah after all it was Waiyavi and thats how we interacted daily. Days and months had gone by out with the Chacha and Chachis (uncles and aunties) and I loved every bit of it after all I was their adopted child. By now I had my foot firmly placed, friends in abundance and a base to live on. Soon Waiyavi embraced me. I was no loner a singled out kid. I got involved in soccer, as it was the sport, evenings and weekends were joy occasions. Sundays, we looked forward to, our regular Waiyavi version of the IDC, played out before huge fans and family, it only happened here, others watched in awe. I picked up the Lautoka game in a heart beat, after all former Lautoka district star Deva Nand, Benjamin Franklin, no relation to great American president Benjamin Franklin, former Lautoka rep, Ashwin Kumar and others frequented the small field from where they etched out a reputable career. Today its a cassava patch, where uncle Lai, an architect by trade with his sons Tom, and Peni harvest weekend crops, (bele) a miss in the land of the free. Fish and lolo was every homes lunch special. Who couldnt resist such delectable recipes that make my mouth water, tease my pallets, seduce my olfactory organs, and move me to try making these recipes myself! Thank you for the delicious experience. Now my other half Simon persuaded me into trying out borrowed cleats (soccer boots) as I was good at taking on players on bare feet. And was Waiyavi ever the source of Under19 players for the district side. I never realised I had found a niche of playing the game that only Lautoka played, one, two touch plays. The tour of Lautoka City with my third half Appal Naidu told another story. Naidu was the town ranger; hes more of the same in Sydney, Australia these days- a ladies man. Representing Lautoka U19 in 1988 was some achievement. With Michael Elbourne, Bakalevu Mocemerike, Lorima Batiregrega, Appal Naidu, Naresh Sami, Gerry McGoon, Vishwa Nair, Levi Tamainivena, Simon Anand and the host of others. We were the dream team that won the Western play offs and the nationals in the 1988 BOG, in Nadi, soon Rewa U-19 found out how vicious we were after the 4-0 whipping. That year Lautoka U-19 was the Fiji champions. That was the last time Lautoka U19 won a major FFA, sanctioned tournament. No one was more ecstatic than Coach Roblin Autar, our (father) as he would like be called. It was an era Charlie Chambers wrote and I read, today Allen Lockington writes and now my journalism son envies, I guess its the emulating of the grid. Then its the averted tragedy on route to Nadi that was Simons doing, I owe him a life. A road trip to Voutalevu, Nadi, an excruciating stomach pains left us with a car, but no driver and help in that knack of the wood scarcely low. Simon a novice car driver jumped onto the controls and headed me to the Nadi hospital asking for help along the way, while Im drowning in my own puke. He made it to the hospital said I was unattended for a long time, he was left with no choice but to step on metal for the Lautoka leg of the journey, rests history. I woke up in the mans ward at Lautoka hospital after coming out sedation, Simon was there. I suffered from laparoscopic hernia, successful surgery saved me. Simons act of bravery in todays world would certainly be considered as heroic, though hes still a hero to me and my family both in Fiji and Canada.
By ASUAD ALI
or over two dozen years I am overwhelmed of a debt I owe to Waiyavi, in Lautoka. Its about the debt of gratitude, love and absolute respect. And nestled at the foot of Rogovoka, Kaunitoni, and Calcutta Streets is Bebe Street a modest urban living; it had been my home before I immigrated to Canada. Its where people of different ethnicity and languages live with a knitted heart, peace and harmony. I elected my own move in 1980 and with a little nod of approval from mum it was enough to send us both on a teary farewell and the generations of family in Nasau, Nadi in trails. So the odyssey began. The drawn destiny and a step in to unbeknown was with a knotted stomach, assimilation and acceptance topped the first week order. And as the hot sun broke the clouds at the Waiyavi waterfall end of the horizon the next morning, my journey continued. My sisters heed of areas to avoid fresh; I was not intimidated, young and nave ready to beat all obstacles I held on my own. I was about to face head on the city life. The bustle and the vibrant of Lautoka were in many ways a parting of usual company of the old and finding a perfect new. At odds, I trekked out on exploring the streets patiently as time stood still, otherwise around the same time Id be on the farm rounding up a herds of cattles or being occupied at other farming chores. The walk down a deserted stretch of Rogovoka Street on a Sunday to the end of it, the Kaunitoni Street, my few minutes of introductory feel caught the eye of a well dress, athletic look a like boy about my age. The Khaki pants with green shirt I hadnt let go of, talk about color coordination to citys standards, I made it known in a pulsating beat I was a new kid on the block. What started off with (Kaise) hello, he said, sooner than later I found out his name, I hurled vernacular po-
Asuad Ali now resides in Canada.
Simons kindness have my wife a husband, kids their father and a brother and uncle to countless It was treacherous two hour ride Simon said, he said it was Lord Jesus Christ who gave him the strength and courage, Simons a good Christian. He admitted driving in a single shift all the way to the hospital. Hes not just any other or the rest friend; hes a must friend I have to this day. Waiyavi has taught me to open my mind to new ways of looking at things. It offered me a way to see things from another point of view and I learned from them. I have since varied my look on city living, yet appreciate the village or the farm
life. Waiyavis beauty amazed me. I never realized I had much to learn about things. It gave me the opportunity to increase my knowledge in other subjects and taught me to remain humble in my ways. I am thankful for such opportunities. The many friends, neighbours from both the aisles I had met their sure fill my life with the sound, sight and thrill of life. They provided me with relaxation, entertainment, amusement and even healing which I so cherish after twenty-four years in Canada. Thank you for the chance to enjoy my transition with shared might more through your space, time and love, it
spiced up my life. It pumped up my adrenaline and kept my energy flowing. I am grateful. With every fibre of my being I say theres no place like living in Waiyavi, Lautoka. Thank you for every thing after all its the Waiyavi thing. **This article is dedicated to the following people who have impacted my life, my sisters, Simbul and Amina Khatoon brother in law Abdul Kamal friends Simon Satya Prakask, Appal Naidu, Rakesh Kumar, Vijay Kumar (Waka), Sireli Tua, Peter Alder, Inoke Knox, Vignesh Rao (Rave) Abdul Habib and Lautoka Football Association president Salend Prasad our money bag, and my nephew Riaz Sahib and Faiyaz Kamal.
18
New direction for Fiji soccer
SPORTS
By MOHAMMED YUSUF
Greetings football fans! This should an exciting year for Fiji soccer as we have new team of administrators who have been given the task to propel the sport to greater heights. But it has to be accepted that success wont come overnight. We need to plan for our future and I believe whatever the new team under the guidance of my good friend Rajesh Patel, president of FA proposes in a bid to lift the standard of football needs to be fully supported by all the district and club teams, officials and fans. We need to be united if we are to once again live the glory days where we reigned as the Pacific champions. The recent outing at the Pacific Games provides a fair indication of how other nations have developed over the years while our standard has fallen. Fiji is currently placed 161 in FIFAs ranking. Surprisingly Samoa is ranked 149! There are a few things I think which needs to be seriously looked into if we are to get soccer back on track. We must seriously implement 90 minute soccer in all major tournaments. Fans need to change their mind-set. Teams need to play ninetyminute football to ensure they are given proper exposure and have the match fitness when it comes to playing bigger international matches. Previously ninety minutes soccer was tried out but knocked back to the sixty-minute bazaar football after just one tournament. Introduce top eight ratings in the national league
Buzzetti
series. This will encourage district teams to get its focus and attitude right from the opening of the football season. The new chairman of the national league board Yogeshwar Singh has a proven track record in football administration and is the right man for the job. The re-appointment of Carlos Buzzetti as national coaching director is a positive step. Carlos must receive all the support from the national body and district officials to map out the road map. The long term plan must incorporate a system applicable to all levels of our national teams, this philosophy is adopted globally. And the football development programme under the guidance of wily Mohammed Farouk aka Farouk Janeman must seriously develop age group football starting for under-5 where weekly programmes are organized at all major national soccer league venues. This will concept will come about with a lot planning and commitment from officials, coaches, district administrators. These programmes will attract parents to the venue as well as increase the number of spectators at national leagues matches. This is something very similar to the concept of NSW soccer development at Park Lea. Fiji FA youth board chairman Sheik Ibrahim, Carlos and Janeman are all familiar with this concept. The decision to play under 21 matches as curtain raisers to main national league match must be applauded as we need to develop and increase the number of younger players. This will also encourage more youngsters to turn up for training, knowing they will have a chance to play for their district team in the near future. From my point of view this concept will only achieve its objective if districts are given support from the national youth board, national league board and Fiji FA. This under 21 program must be a partnership between all stake holders in order for it to survive the challenge, and not left entirely on districts to manage. I believe the above initiative has already been announced by Fiji FA as its priority and I totally commend them for this. Furthermore in modern football major emphasis is given on the opening and closing ceremonies and must be in respect of the football fans.
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel has a lot on his shoulders as he maps a new direction for Fiji soccer.
I strongly believe the Fiji FA needs to review its thirtyyear history of how it conducts opening ceremonies at major tournaments. The players lining up in their district uniforms listening to speeches with a handful of spectators this is a thing of the past. The opening ceremonies must be a sellout in its own right and not the opening match attracting full house. Attracting a sellout crowd to the opening match must be matched by a spectacular opening ceremony which very much to the taste of the paying public or those watching the coverage on television through paying subscription. Heres an example, the opening address by chief guest, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key at the 2011 World Cup was only 77 seconds long! The opening was a sellout and it wasnt because the All Blacks played Tonga but due to the brilliant programme put together at the opening ceremony. This is similar to the FIFA World Cup, Olympics or commonwealth Games. We should review our program to be on par with the modern day expectations. Finally I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new set of Fiji FA of-
ficials, all of them have proven records and are capable of bringing change and take soccer to new heights. They also have my full support. I look forward to making regular contributions on football through this column as
Ba triumph
Manoj Sharma Ba
Sports Letters
Australia and New Zealand. During days of apartheid in South Africa, sporting teams going to South Africa excluded non white players, particularly from New Zealand. In 1970, the coloured were given honorary status to tour South Africa. In 1977, the Commonwealth signed the Gleneagles Agreement which discouraged any sporting contact with South Africa. In 1981, South Africas Springboks toured New Zealand in defiance of the Gleneagles Agreement, discouraging, boycotting sporting contacts with South Africa. Our Fijian rugby players are not asking for honorary or special treatment but the fact, sports brings people together throughout the world and fails to alien-
well as reveal some very interesting moments of my thirty-five year football career. Mohammed Yusuf is originally from Sigatoka. Hes a well known soccer administrator, who held various positions at district, national and
international levels. He also played football in his younger days. He was also awarded FIFA Order of Merit in 2008 for his contribution to football development in the Pacific. Yusuf currently resides in New Zealand.
ate people from each other. We should all be on a level playing field and enjoying Rugby.
Congratulations to the Ba soccer team for winning the Pillay Garments Champions League competition for the 16th term. Its a good start to our season and we hope that with continued support from the fans the team will add more football titles to its trophy cabinet.
Rugby coach
Fair Play
Patrick Wong Mamanuca Island
Travel Sanctions are being imposed on selected Fijian rugby players, disallowing them to participate in IRB sanctioned tournaments which are hosted by
Congratulations to Inoke Male for being appointed as the Flying Fijians head coach. Also a big thank you to the new Fiji Rugby Union Board and Executives for having faith in a local to spearhead our campaign to the 2015 World Cup. If Males performance on the rugby paddock is something to go by, then I expect players selected for national duties to be fierce, disciplined warriors who will always give our opponents a run for their money! Lets all throw our support behind Inoke.
19
Ba clinches Champions League

By RANBEER SINGH
The Ba soccer team has made a grand start to the 2012 football season after winning the Pillay Garments Champions League for a record sixteenth term. The Men in Black finished at the top of the table, undefeated with nine points to claim the three thousand dollars top prize money. Ba beat Suva, Labasa and Rewa. Lethal striker Malakai Tiwa who played outstandingly for Ba was named the player of the competition, while Ba captain Osea Vakatalesau celebrated his 26th birthday with the memorable
Keep the faith: Lagiloa

as we set our focus to the 2015 World Cup. Now there are two things people talk about in life, the success and failure of someone and before those two things happen we always live in a world full of assumptions. The 2011 World Cup was no exception. A lot was said before the tournament based on assumptions and imagination. But after the Flying Fijians dismal performance we wasted no time in criticizing everyone including the coach, team officials and players. I believe negative thoughts are human nature and can be avoided. The Fiji public must be educated to accept the outcome and also assist in giving constructive and strategic ideas. On the other hand the FRU must also open their hearts and minds- ready to listen to suggestions and ideas. It is vital to cultivate a sense of self-worth and selfrespect. If we do not have faith in ourselves how can we have faith in others? Self- belief should not be equated with arrogance and pride. Most of the time we ignore genuine faults but worry excessively over minor issues that are not important. Team officials need to learn from their mistakes and be honest about their weaknesses. It will be very interesting to really get down to the bottom of our failures and identify genuine faults during our preparatory phases which I believe is the contributing factor to the dismal results. Having said all this, the point I am driving at is the selection criteria for both officials and players. In this era where rugby is very advanced, I wish to propose to players and officials to fully understand the Art and Science of coaching and the game as a whole. All players and officials who wish to represent Fiji must have a thorough understanding of training and development, nutrition, psychology, biomechanics, physiology and medicine. Skills and fitness alone is not enough for us. All coaches must have a wealth of information based on the areas of development and research. The coaches must have a thorough understanding of the several methods used in measuring and analyzing players performance, for example the computer aided analysis of Vo2 Max, lactate level and even the right technique of running. This is the Science of the game. The Art of the game is for them to analyze scientific data and convert it to coaching and training programmes to enhance the players performance. By understanding Science which is the foundation
win. Ba beat Rewa 2-0 in its final match. The goals were scored by Isimeli Naresia and Tiwa. Suva under the guidance of new coach Gurjeet Singh finished second with two wins over Rewa and Labasa. Singh said he was pleased with the Capital City boys performance. I just joined the team a few days prior to this tournament and finishing as runnersup is a good achievement, said Singh. We hope to build on from here and do well this season. The focus now for the district football teams will be the Fiji Sun/GP Batteries national league competition.
The victorious Ba soccer team celebrates after its Champions League win. PHOTO: AVIKASH CHAND OF FIJILIVE.COM.
By EPELI LAGILOA
The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has made a positive start to the New Year. The appointment of Inoke Male as the Flying Fijians head coach speaks volumes of the new direction and heights the FRU aims to take the sport to. The former naval officer has been given a four year appointment- a period which Im sure our rugby loving public hopes will map out the national teams road to success. Male has a proven record as a player and his engagement as coach of local club, provincial and national teams provides him the experience needed to fulfill this tough assignment. I hope Male is provided with a good set of officials to work with to ensure the Flying Fijians get back on track
Outgoing Flying Fijians head coach Samu Domoni Junior shares a light moment with his successor Inoke Male.
of training, a well-designed training programme can be developed to help players to reach maximal potential. A coach must understand the process of coaching which comprises three major elements- Planning, Conducting and Evaluating. In order to support this processes the person must develop his knowledge and coaching skills which I believe should be the basis of their selection but
not limited to their coaching philosophy, coaching styles, training principles etc. It must be noted that being a coach is not about having sports specific and technical knowledge. They must require excellence and do not expect perfection, they must motivate and inspire our players. One aspect of my success in coaching is to understand how the players tick. By
that I must understand how my players would like to be coached and trained. The Department of Sports Education of the Fiji National University is more than willing to provide and resource scientific information to assist the FRU. Epeli Lagiloa is a lecturer in the Dept.of Sports Education, College of Humanities and Education at FNU, Lau toka campus.
20

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Council workers clean-up beach

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Basmati Rice has low GI and is good for health.

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