The Jet Volume 4 Number 1

JANUARY 1 - 14, 2012
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By RANBEER SINGH
Five star treat

Elderly residents pampered by the Starwood Hotels and Resorts staff
Forty one residents at The Golden Age Home, in Natabua, Lautoka were given a five-star Christmas delight, as staff and management of Sheraton and Westin Resorts pampered them with gifts, including new clothes, a resort styled-dinner and scrumptious desserts. Managed by Starwood Hotels and Resorts, the five-star properties, located on Denarau Island in Nadi, also presented two commercial washing machines to the Home. TGAH board of visitors secretary Rajneesh Lata Charan said the donation was timely as the washing machine used previously developed problems. We are extremely grateful to the staff and management of Sheraton and Westin Resort and Spa for their generous gifts, said Charan. The residents had a ball; they sang and danced with the resort staff. I think it brought back a lot of memories. They really got into the Christmas spirit. It was a very wonderful experience for the residents. They managed to make new friends and it also reassures them that people do care about them. It was the best Christmas ever, said Charan. The new machines will assist the staff greatly. For some time now they had been doing manual washing as our original equipment developed mechanical problems. Resort manager Ravinder Singh Dhesi said the aim of the visit was to brighten up
Sheraton Fiji human resources manager Regina Kumar, right, serves 88-year-old Ram Samujh and 83-year-old Jaiwanti who are both residents of the Golden Age Home at Natabua in Lautoka. Photo: RAJNEESH LATA CHARAN.
the spirits of those who toiled hard in their younger days and laid the foundation to a prosperous nation. All the resort staff volun-
tarily donated money which was used to buy gifts and clothes for the elderly residents. We had around thirty staff
that visited the Home and they were overwhelmed at the response of the residents who actually sang and danced to show their appreciation of our
visit, said Dhesi. One of our core values is community and we will continue to assist in this arena in 2012.
The memorable occasion was also blessed by Pastor John Yankaiya and each of the residents was also personally blessed by the Pastor.
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The proposal to declare Nadi Town smoke and plastic free isnt farfetched as many critics may think but one which certainly will brighten up the faces of not only its citizens but thousands of tourists that visit the town each year. The Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has started work on a submission to the Nadi Town Council outlining the numerous positives this initiative will have not only on the health of people but the environment as well. Passive smoking is the inhalation of smoke, called secondhand smoke (SHS) or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) from tobacco products used by others. This occurs when tobacco smoke permeates any environment, causing its inhalation by people within that environment. Research has shown that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke risks the cause to disease, disability and death. Many countries overseas have banned smoking in night clubs, bars, restaurants and other public places or have set up zones for smokers and non-smokers. Special smoke rooms have also been set-up in public places such as airports, for those who have an urge of having a cigarette or cigar for that matter. Sigatoka Town Council (STC) last year declared a few public spots, such as the bus-stand and market complex as SmokeFree. The policy which was initiated by STC chief executive officer Anand Pillay was implemented after months of awareness and education programmes run with its citizens. While many were hesitant at first, the continuous education process coupled with strict fines was the catalyst behind the change in the mind set of those in Sigatoka. NTC and NCCI will also have to go through the same process as its sister council Sigatoka. The same will be for the ban on the use of plastic bags. Thousands of plastic bags are being used each day and for many different reasons- those that are filled with groceries at the supermarket or the ones thats used to carry food containers to work or school. While some may argue that most of the plastic bags are now bio-degradable, this alone doesnt solve the implications it has on the environment as well as our precious marine life. The best idea is to phase out plastic bags and in place offer environmental friendly handbags and or recycled paper bags which also can be used to carry groceries from supermarkets. For a safer, cleaner and sustainable environment more awareness on such issues is needed and hopefully leads to a change in the mindset of people.
Positive Image
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
www.epapergallery.com
By RANBEER SINGH
Ready to take on the challenge
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
Her smile would easily light up a room and her manners are majestic yet humble. Twenty-four-year-old Alisi Rabukawaqa captivated thousands of hearts in Samoa last month as she was crowned Miss South Pacific. Rabukawaqa, originally from Nanuku, Ra carried Fijis flag to the regional pageant, after being crowned Miss Hibiscus. My aim wasnt to win the Miss South Pacific title but to highlight the necessary issues that are affecting our Pacific people, said Rabukawaqa. Winning the title is an honor. I thank all the people for their support, especially to my family and friends. I also managed to make a lot of new friends and look forward to my new role. Rabukawaqa, a marine science graduate from the University of the South Pacific highlighted the many environmental issues affecting the
Miss South Pacific Alisi Rabukawaqa in Nadi. Photo: RANBEER SINGH.
Pacific region. One of the key topics she spoke on was the hunting and killing of sharks for commer-
cial gain. People need to be educated about issues that are effecting our environment.
In the Pacific we rely heavily on our environment for our livelihood and theres a need for it to be sustained for our future generations, said Rabukawaqa. Rabukawaqa said she was looking forward to her role of being the Pacifics ambassador - one which she admits will be tough and demanding. Theres huge responsibility on my shoulders as there are so many issues that affect our people. One of the biggest challenges is climate change and the rising seawater level. This is certainly one of the many issues I will focus on during my reign, said Rabukawaqa. Rabukawaqa plans to further her education at USP by enrolling in a post graduate programme before pursuing a Masters. Its very important that children work hard in school and get a good education. This will ensure that we have a productive and knowledge based society, said Rabukawaqa.
Car club members clean up beach

By RANBEER SINGH
The dismal performance of the national rugby team at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand has thoroughly been dissected in the local media. The reputation of the Flying Fijians has been disintegrated to say the least. But thats all water under the bridge now. The focus for 2012 should be on rebuilding. The Fiji Rugby Union board and management knows it has a tough task ahead. The FRU board led by chairman Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga have got the ball rolling with a post mortem of the World Cup performance, the appointment of Manasa Baravilala as the FRUs new chief executive, a review of the FRU structure and most importantly a four-member selection and interview panel to appoint the new national coach. The committee comprises of FRU board sub-committee (Games) and deputy chairman Ilaitia Tuisese, FRU president Ratu Isikeli Tasere, International Rugby Board (IRB) technical expert Brian OShea and Baravilala. Media reports suggest the top coaching job has drawn strong pool of applicants, some of whom are former national rugby players. This should provide the selection panel a wide range of rugby experts to choose from. The development plans proposed by the new rugby coach and his team will lay the platform for Fiji rugbys future. And though the sport may have hit a low chord, it certainly has the spirit to fight back and claim its spot amongst the great rugby nations around the globe.
The hunt begins
More than fifteen members of the High Rev Car Club and six employees of Ice Bar in Nadi took time out to do some community work during the festive season. The group carried out a cleaning drive at Wailoaloa Beach, a well known picnic spot in Nadi. Founder and President of the car club, Edwin Francis Nair said the clean up drive was its way of ensuring that picnickers enjoyed their time-out in a safe and clean environment. We hope to do more such activities in the New Year. Everyone really enjoyed themselves, we had good fun and at the same time ensured that the environment is kept tidy, said Nair.
Volunteers pose for a photo after cleaning up Nadis famous picnic spot. Photo: SUPPLIED.
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
Public Transport
DONALD CHAN LAUTOKA The weekends, afternoons and Sundays are when public transport is scarce. The worst times are in the evenings when one wants to go to the hospital. A simple visit to a friend on the other side of town can result in you waiting for hours for a taxi to come by. But thankfully those vans are still around and they usually come out at night to provide much needed service. With the hike in taxi fares people have chosen to ride the bus especially when the return cabs now charge $1 per person. However, different drivers have different outlooks and assess the rise in fare and decrease in jobs differently. Some have accepted the fact that there is a mild reduction in jobs and some cant seem to stop talking about the negatives as soon as you get on the taxi. They have cried for so long for an increase and they got it.
RANBEER SINGH
THE JET is Fijis first community newspaper published twice a month (1st & 15th) from Nadi - the tourism capital of Fiji. PUBLISHER : SHALENDRA PRASAD Cell: 9232073 CHAIRMAN / CEO : SHAKIL KUMAR Cell: 9997261 EDITOR : RANBEER SINGH Cell: 9895267 PHONE : (679) 6708188 FAX : (679) 6708028 OFFICE CELL : (679) 7307574 Digicel / 5164 Vodafone & Inkk EMAIL : thejet@connect.com.fj TXT UPDATES : Txt Sub thejet to 777 to get one daily update
But now I notice there seems to a little more illegal vans on the road. It must be a lucrative business; otherwise heavy fines would have taken them of the roads a long time ago. Now we read that cabbies get mixed results. Hope their business picks up in the New Year and something is done for the illegal vans and private cars. They (illegal vans) seem to have also found a niche in the market. ALLEN LOCKINGTON LAUTOKA I wish to contribute to the taxi fare issue. Remember my letter a few months ago about me wanting to catch a taxi in Waiyavi one evening? I had on cut off shorts, a vest and flip flops and each time a taxi approached they would slow down look me up and down then speed away to pick up the person in the three piece suit waiting in front. Well, things have changed, I was on the road on Saturday evening in a torn singlet, cut off
shorts and bare footed, I was on my way to the shop. Suddenly I had to sneeze and brought my hand up to my mouth and a taxi appeared as if by magic. ALLEN LOCKINGTON LAUTOKA Many of you put up Christmas trees in your home. The idea of having a Christmas Tree originated in Germany in the 16th century. People living there decorated fir trees with roses, apples, and colored paper. Some say that Martin Luther lit the first Christmas tree (using candles). As legend has it, while coming home one winters night near Christmas, he noted the beauty of the starlight shining through the branches of a small fir tree outside his home. He attempted to imitate this starlight by using candles attached to the branches of his indoor Christmas tree. There is nothing in the Bible about Christmas trees.
DONALD CHAN LAUTOKA
Rugby 15s
Christmas Tree
Taxi Service
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VOLUME 4 NUMBER 1. JANUARY 2012 EDITION 1
LAYOUT BY SHALENDRA PRASAD. PRINTED BY MAX MARKETING LTD.
Looks like Dere has come up with another strategy for the selection criteria. Now players need to play 15s before they can play 7s. This is a good plan because our boys lack upper body strength and one way for them to get this strength is to play in the more ruggered 15s games. And boy are our rugby players ruggered in the West. Watching club matches at Nadovu Grounds is like watching one of those car derbies overseas where cars just ram into each other and the last one standing wins. Not much science in those games where strength is really tested, just brawn. Perhaps we need to start at club level where sports science is instilled in the players and not wait till national level.
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
University of Fiji appoints new Vice Chancellor

A. I attended Baubale Indian School and later Labasa Secondary School. I was amongst the first batch of students to pass FSSE (Entrance exam) and got admission to secondary. Each day we walked some 4-5 km on dirt paths, which used to get muddy during rainy weather, to catch a bus to school. Often we could not afford bus fares so we had to hitch a ride on the back of Lorries carting sugarcane to the Labasa Mill. Also during heavy rain our house always got completely cut off from the road so we had to swim across flooded rivers and creeks to reach school. At Labasa Secondary School, we had some of the best teachers which included Sarvan Singh, Amraiya Naidu, Krishna Datt, Vijay Mishra, Mohammed Usmal Ali, DK Sharma and Mrs Sharma, Deo Narayan, Venkat Railu, Guru Dayal Singh etc. I did science and was lucky to get scholarship to complete my NZSC, UE and later PII at USP. Q. What did your parents do for a living? A. My parents owned a small farm where we grew cash crops and sold produce at Labasa market. Later we got a contract to grow sugarcane. I, with my younger brothers, helped on the farm: planting, watering, harvesting and selling vegetables at the market. We helped on the cane farm: planting, weeding, hoeing, harvesting and applying fertiliser. We had no piped water or electricity. We helped on the farm before and after school and in the weekend and studied using kerosene lamps in our modest, thatched dwelling. Our upbringing was in very basic surroundings and I salute my parents for investing in our education whilst ninety of the children in the village stayed back on the farms! Q. What inspired you to become an academic? A. My aim was to get a minimum qualification in the shortest possible time and then help my family out of poverty. Thus, completed a BSc, although wanted to do medicine but that would have taken 6 years (compared to 3 years for a bachelors). Had a few offers after
SPOTLIGHT
University of Fiji Vice Chancellor Professor Mahendra Kumar. Photo: ZAHEER HASSAN.
The University of Fiji Council has appointed Professor Mahendra Kumar as the next Vice-Chancellor with effect from 17 December 2011. Professor Kumar succeeds Professor Muralidhar who departed UOF on 16 December 2011. Professor Kumar holds a BSc Biology/Mathematics/ Physics from USP and PhD Environmental Physics from the University of Nottingham, UK. He has served at the University of the South Pacific for over 25 years. He also served as Head of the Physics Department at USP. He undertook various administrative responsibilities including Acting Head of School and served in various Committees such as research, staff policy, academic, discipline and Senate. He was also the elected member for non-professorial staff on USP Council for a number of years. From 2004 to 2006 he served in United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi, Kenya as Technical Specialist Climate Change, Task Manager Adaptation. He was Foundation Dean for Planning, Development, Campuses, Library, and IT at the Fiji Institute of Technology in 2009. At UniFiji he was responsible for setting up the Centre for Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development and is currently its Director. He joined The University of Fiji in 2011 initially as Professor of Physics and was subsequently appointed as Acting Dean of the School of Science and Technology as well as Head of the Science Department. He held the three appointments until his appointment as Vice-Chancellor. Professor Kumar spoke to The Jet Editor Ranbeer Singh on his new appointment and vision for the University of Fiji, located in Saweni, Lautoka. Q. Where in Fiji are you originally from? A. I hail from Labasa, a small farming village, Dreketi Lailai, on the outskirts of Bulileka, some 12-15km from Nasea town. Q. Which schools did you attend while in Fiji?
graduation, one to pursue a career in meteorology. But USP advertised positions of Demonstrators, junior level appointments to help lecturers in laboratory classes, tutorials, markings etc and I was successfully appointed as Demonstrator in Physics at a salary of $3900 pa. Thus began my academic career! Whilst working as a Demonstrator, I successfully applied for a Commonwealth Scholarship and obtained admission at University of Nottingham in the UK to do a Masters in environmental physics. This was later upgraded to doctorate level research. I completed a PhD and returned to USP in 1981. I was also one of the first recipients of a PhD in Physics! I served at various levels at USP and was Associate Professor and Head of Department at the time I resigned to take up a post with UNEP in Nairobi, Kenya in 2004. Whilst at USP, I organised the largest ever international conference of the Pacific Science Association. I also took leave without pay to work for the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) as International Negotiations Officer in Climate Change, for 2 years and was based in Apia, Samoa. This was my first foray into regional inter-governmental work and policy, and this has remained my strong attribute,
backed by a robust scientific technical background. Q. How does it feel to be appointed as V-C of UOF? A. It is certainly a huge privilege to have been appointed to take up this challenging position. I am excited by the new opportunity, notwithstanding its challenges, and am under no illusion about the task ahead. The University of Fiji a private, relatively young but growing institution in a rural setting holds tremendous promise in not only the western region of Fiji but to assist nationally in building skills and capacity for the productive economic sectors of the country such as Tourism, Agriculture, Forestry, Environment, Energy, Health etc in addition to the usual professions such as Teaching. I would like to promote students academic experiences. The traditional education system requires changes to keep pace with the fast growing technology and any Fijian should not lag behind in this ongoing advancement. The University provides a credible affordable alternative to many students, particularly from the rural and peri urban poor who would otherwise not be able to get a University education. The UOF provides tremendous opportunities in many areas such as Medicine, Law, Science, Technology and oth-
er strategic areas such Business, Educational Leadership etc. It also is the only University which has a Centre of I-Taukei Studies, area which should become a flagship programme. Q. What are some of the new initiatives you will look to implement in the New Year? A. One of the challenges at UniFiji is to concentrate in key strategic areas rather than do everything and duplicate what is being provided by the other tertiary institutions. We need to demonstrate excellence and added value in particular areas, and be more responsive to the needs of the environment in which the University is situated. We need to become financially sustainable and this can be achieved through generating more revenue, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. One of my immediate priorities is to make a concerted effort at attracting funds from the wider international donor community as well as the private sector. We need to harness the tremendous goodwill and support there is for this University from our many friends locally and abroad. One of the ways to do this is to enhance our image and profile. Of course this will go hand in hand in ensuring quality programmes and courses. We have to mindful of the need to benchmark ourselves against the best in terms of
standard and relevant in the context of the providing the needs and meeting the aspirations of our students and the community. The University needs a cadre of individuals who are committed to the cause of the founders and the people of Fiji, and work selflessly to realise the vision of a University that is to strength its goal toward Affordability, Quality, Innovation, and Creativity while promoting academic excellence. We need to build a greater sense of cooperation, collaboration and partnership with the many stakeholders of the University. Q. What is your message to students who will be looking at pursuing tertiary education in 2012? A. I would like to assure our current and future students, and their parents, that we will work continuously to enhance standards, to ensure they get value for money and an education that will put them in good stead to chart out a meaningful career. We want to ensure that the learning experience at UniFiji is both enjoyable and useful. Being a small and growing institution means that we will take a more direct and personal interest in the learning, teaching and welfare of all our students. We should be in this journey together as we demonstrate the utility and maturity of our training and education.
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By RANBEER SINGH
Fines used to purchase food items
LOCAL NEWS
Tears of joy flowed freely as members of the Nadi Rotary Club handed food packs to seventy-five families as part of its annual festive donation to those under privileged in society. Nadi Rotary president Sanjit Patel said its a twenty-year-old tradition which brings hope and a smile on those who struggle to put food on the table for their families. The club raised more than one thousand seven hundred dollars over the year from various fines imposed on
its members during regular meetings. Its a tradition which all members look forward to each year. The money raised is used to buy day to day food items such as milk, rice, flour, dhal, salt etc and handed to these families. We also include juice and cake in each of the pack just to give the families a Christmas boost, said Patel. The families which received the gifts were identified by the Social Welfare Department, Nadi office. According to Patel the club was looking at increasing the amount of
Rotarians Ajay Raniga, from left, Dinesh Pillay (Tata), Krupesh Patel and NG Singh accompany their president Sanjit Patel, right, with the distribution of food packs. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
food packs this year. There are a lot of people that need assistance. We hope to give one hundred food packs, said Patel. The Rotary Club members
also had a chance to interact with those who received the generous food packs. Its sad to hear the stories of struggles that families experience daily and its always
good to lend a helping hand and bring a smile on their faces, said Patel. I met a seventy-year-old lady who could hardly walk. Her husband passed away
and she has three sons who are all sickly and shes struggling to put food on the table for her family. She was overwhelmed when she received the food items.
By RANBEER SINGH
Hospital staff recognised

token of thanks for their hard work through-out the year. The Awards included Certificates, Grocery hamper and cash. The following associates were rewarded for being the best in their sections: Aliti Dovoivoi (Kitchen Hand) H i g h performers award, Ranjani Gounder (Laundry Attendant) - Care for Business, Radhika Gounder (Dental Therapist) - Care for Customer, Isoa Natui (Male Nurse maternity ward) - Care for patients Belinda Pene (Staff Nurse A & E) - High performers award, Mohammed Atik (Cleaner) Long Service Award.
Six staff of the Nadi Hospital was presented with awards for their hard work during the year. The awards are an initiative of the Nadi Hospital board of visitors secretary Israr Khan and board member Sunila Karan. It has been introduced to reward the hard working and outstanding associates as an incentive to excel in their areas of work. This will become an annual event and will get better in the years to come, said Khan. A special afternoon tea was organised by the board as a
Nadi Hospital Board members Sunila Karan, Israr Khan and Mrs Deokuvar Pala pose for a group photo with the staff of Nadi Hospital. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
The Tauranga City Council from New Zealand is working with the Nadi Town Council library, through the Fiji Library Service to install the first electronic database for book categorizing in Fiji. The pilot project will see more than eight thousand books at the NTC library soon on a database, which also can be accessed online by library members. The Koha system will allow bookworms to see want books are available at the library as well as details about the books itself. This system was developed in New Zealand and being used in libraries all over the world. Its user friendly and provides information to the user on the books avail-
By RANBEER SINGH
Electronic Database for books

able at the library, said Smita Biswas Collections and Information Manager from Tauranga City Council. The Nadi library is our pilot project and we hope that it will be installed at other libraries around the country. This software has a lot of other features, such as e learning which will be beneficial to school students. NTC librarian Anita Naidu said they were in the process of uploading data of all the books. According to Naidu the new system will streamline operations as well as provide them with proper records. It will also solve the problem of missing books. We are extremely pleased to have this new software being installed at the library. It
LOCAL NEWS
By RANBEER SINGH
Azhar aims high
Smita Biswas, nearest to camera, explains the new library software to librarian Anita Naidu while Beatrice Nast and Vikki Allan of Sister Act Fiji look on. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
certainly will be a huge relief tem we currently use, said to us given the manual sys- Naidu.
Azhar Adam has big dreams. But dont be mistaken - the twenty-one-year-old isnt a dreamer. His goals in life are realistic and achievable. And like all journeys in life a long and tough road lies ahead of the youngster, which also demands patience, perseverance, commitment and a bit of luck. Adam, a Lautoka boy who now resides in New Zealand, hopes of making it big in the billion dollar movie industry. He recently graduated with a Diploma from the prestigious South Seas Film and Television School in New Zealand. Adam visited Fiji last month, scouting locations for a movie shoot. The institution which Adam attended is owned by New Zealand born and globally acclaimed film director, producer, actor, screenwriter Sir Peter Robert Jackson. Sir Peter is best known for his The Lord of the Rings film trilogy (2001 to 2003), adapted from the novel by J.R.R Tolkien. I want to be Fijis, Peter Jackson, said an enthusiastic Azhar Adam. It is my aim to release a major movie before the age of
thirty and put Fijis name on the global map. Im planning to shoot a movie in Fiji in the New Year. The movie will be based around how life is in Fiji and it will have a bit of humor and drama. Adam attended Drasa Avenue Primary School and moved to New Zealand with his family when he was only ten-years-old. The soft spoken lad isnt new to acting. He has acted in short films in New Zealand and also featured in the Hindi movie Pump up the Mandli which was filmed in both New Zealand and Fiji. Acting and dancing runs in the family, my maternal grandfather acted in the movie Kalank, which was shot in Lautoka and was the first ever professionally produced Hindi movie to be shot in the country back in the seventies. My parents are also passionate about the movie industry and it is through their encouragement that I pursued this dream, said Adam. Adam believes Fiji has a lot of talented actors and he wanted to provide them exposure through his film. The youngster is the son of former Lautoka soccer rep Adam Ali and high school teacher Famida Ali.
Azhar Adam pictured in The Jet office. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
If you have a few hours a week to spare and you have the passion and creativity to help with activities in the hospital, then we need you. Activities will include helping in the pharmacy, lab, and other departments, wards and assisting visitors, etc. Tertiary students are welcome. Form 5, 6 & 7 students are also welcome. Anyone with a talent, like singing, sewing If you can help with gardening. Or if you can help in any other way. If you have an interest in pursuing a career in the health industry, and you need experience, this can be a good source of training for you. Please contact Sunila Karan (Board Member, Nadi Hospital) on 6727861 or 9996807; sunilakaran@connect.com.fj
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 6
NADI HOSPITAL BOARD OF VISITORS INVITES VOLUNTEERS FOR 2012
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BUSINESS LICENCE RENEWAL 1.

Business License is required for all businesses operating within the Nadi Town Council boundary. 86% increase in Business Licenses Fees was gazetted in Fiji Island Government Gazette supplement Number 34 on Friday 26th August, 2011, Legal Notice No. 76 Business License Act (Cap 204). New fees for renewal will come into effect from 1st January, 2012. From year 2012, new requirements for business licence renewal has been introduced as follows:~ 2 copies of Business Registration Certificate [for new business application only] ~ 2 copies of FTIB Certificate (if foreign investor) [for new busi ness application only] ~ 2 copies of TIN Registration letter (FRCA) [for new business application only] ~ 2 copies of Copy of Health License if operating a Restaurant, Takeaway, Refreshment Bar, Butcher, Nightclub, Hair Sa loon or any food handling business. ~ Directors names and contacts including 2 copies of their photo IDs. ~ 2 copies of Consent letter from landlord (if renting) ~ 2 copies of Liquor License (if applicable) ~ 2 copies of National Fire Authority (NFA) certificate ~ 2 copies of Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) certificate ~ 2 copies of permit to store Controlled Substance (Form 4 or 7) or Clearance notification from Department of Environ ment (Air Condition & Refrigeration only)
NADI TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN RATES 2012
In compliance with Section 72 of the Local Government Act, Cap 125 notice is hereby given that the Council in pursuance of Part IX of the said Act has struck the following rates for the year 2012 and will be levied on the unimproved value of all rateable land within the town of Nadi.
i. ii. iii. iv. General Rate Special (loan) rate Agricultural rate Garbage Fee 0.75 cents in the dollar 0.40 cents in the dollar 0.030 cents in the dollar $24.00 per bin per year.
(1 bin per lot free of charge)
* above charges are subject to VAT.
2.
a) b) c) d)
DISCOUNT ON RATES
For all 2012 rates paid in January For all 2012 rates paid in February Rates paid in March 2012 For all 2012 rates paid after 31/03/2012 - 7% discount - 5% discount - pay actual bill
- interest will be charged at the rate of 11% per annum backdated to 1st January, 2012.
e)
NO DISCOUNT ALLOWED ON ARREARS OF RATES
3.
RATEPAYERS ADDRESS NOTIFICATION
All Nadi Town Ratepayers are hereby advised that if you Request if you could notify Business License section on any changes to your postal address as soon as possible. It will also be have changed your postal address or have recently transferred appreciated if you could provide us with your phone contact and ownership of any property owned, you are to immediately notify Nadi Town Council. e-mail address. You may contact the Rates Department on 6700133 Ext Please also take note BUSINESS LICENSE will not be issued to anyone if you or your landlord has not paid your TOWN 137 or via email rates@naditowncouncil.com.fj RATES. All business operators who have not paid their business licence prior to year 2011 and 2011 are required to pay their business All business licences will fall due for renewal on 1st Janulicence immediately failing which legal action will be instituted ary, 2012 and the same must be renewed forthwith. without any further notice. Dated at Nadi this 16th day of December, 2011. For any further clarification please contact Business License section on phone 6700133 ext 122 or email cashier@naditowncouncil.com.fj.
4.
BUSINESS LICENCE
(Signed) AISEA TUIDRAKI [SPECIAL ADMINISTRATOR]

7 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
By RANBEER SINGH
Chamber proposes smoke and plastic free Nadi
LOCAL NEWS
The Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) will work on a submission in the New Year, proposing to declare the town smoke and plastic free. NCCI president Doctor Ram Raju said the move was to ensure a cleaner and safer environment for its citizens as well as the thousands of tourists that visit the town each year. NCCI is following in the footsteps of neighboring Sigatoka Town, which last year declared areas such as the bus-stand and market complex as smoke-free. This is a bold step but one which NCCI members feel is necessary. This will ensure that Nadi has a clean and healthy environment, said Dr Raju. Being a tourist town we have to portray a positive image to our visitors from overseas and we have to do away with such pollution. Even the plastic bags which lie on the road side or drains have become an eye sore. We will work on our proposal early in the New Year and hand it to the Nadi Town Council (NTC) for consideration. We remain optimistic that the council will take note of our submission, said Dr Raju. The NCCI also plans to work closely with the NTC on improvements to roads and footpaths as well as the beautification of Nadi town.
Theres a lot of work to be done around Nadi and we hope to work more closely with NTC to carry out the necessary improvements, said Tuidraki. S-A Nadi and Sigatoka Asiea Tuidraki while addressing NCCI members during its end of year function, thanked the business community for its support through-out the year. Tuidraki also took the opportunity to remind members to clear outstanding rates as this revenue enables the council to carry out its multi functions. Everybody demands service from the council and to ensure this is done, its paramount that rates are paid on time. Please take advantage of NTCs discount on early rates being offered for 2012, said Tuidraki. According to Tuidraki the council will carry out several development plans in the New Year all in line with improving services to the ratepayers and visitors to the tourist town.
Music guru and Ba Chamber of Commerce official Anandilal Amin performs a ghazal during the social night.
Nadi and Sigatoka Town special administrator Aisea Tuidraki, left, receives his best dressed male prize from chief guest Mr Kodukula Ravi Kanth, regional manager west of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LICI) while NCCI president Dr Ram Raju looks on. LICI sponsored the annual social function which was held at Jet Set Accommodation Hotel. Photos: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
TOP: Actor Rishi Deepak, second from right, is flanked by Chandu Lodhia, Jayanti Morarji and Pranesh Amarsee. RIGHT: Rozia and Karishma enjoy the social night.
The staff at the head office of the Fiji Development Bank took time out to visit four special children at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. Led by Acting General Manager Business Risk Services, Setaita Tamanikaiyaroi, the staff brought gifts, a cake, Happy Meals and a festive cheer to an otherwise quiet corridor of the Pediatric Oncology Unit. The children aged between 10 months and 14 years were all smiles when they were handed their gifts items ticked off a wish list the children put together themselves. The gifts included digital cameras, a trolley bag, toy piano and LEGO. Sister Pasepa Pareti of the Fiji Cancer Society said that some of the children have been there for a few months. This is a wonderful thing for them and I am so happy
By SYLVIA LOW
FDB staff visit Pediatric Oncology Unit

that staff from FDB have taken the time and brought gifts for these children that they personally wished for. This is truly special for them, she said. For a lot of staff, the visit was emotional with one senior manager remarking how hard it must be for the mothers who have spent the time they have, in the hospital with their children. I realized that it wasnt about taking grand gifts but more about saying to those mums, here take a few hours off and go watch a movie or something I can imagine that it would be of great help in assisting them cope with what I can only imagine to be a very stressful time for their families as well, she said. To help the mothers, staff also took daily necessities like washing powder and other essentials. Five-year-old Senileba
LOCAL NEWS
from Koro Island is one of the longest residents at the hospital, where over the past 18 months she has been receiving treatment for a blood disorder. Initially apprehensive when faced with a large number of well meaning people; a couple of carols, a slice of cake and several gifts later, she was soon blowing kisses and waving off her well wishers with a smile. For 14-year-old Raneel all the way from Savusavu, spending his second Christmas in the hospital is but a means to an end. Having started chemotherapy, each day he says, he feels a little better and he hopes to go home as soon as he completes this round of chemo. Christmas is indeed a time for reflection and giving thanks for the many blessings and challenges that have come our way.
FDB staff with patients and staff of CWM Hospital. Photo: SUPPLIED.
By BANK of SOUTH PACIFIC
BSP launches 100th ATM

achievement for BSP. When we bought the Colonial National Bank in 2006, they had 40 ATMs. In the past five years, we have not only rebranded the bank nationwide with our bright lime- green, but have built alliances with strategic partners to expand our ATM network to 100, stated Kevin McCarthy, BSP Country Manager. Representing the Nadi Town Council, Market Master Anand Raju mentioned that Nadi is grateful for the
BSP, your Pacific bank, has just launched its 100th ATM in Fiji, making it the most accessible bank in Fiji! So if you need cash in a hurry, chances are that you will find a BSP ATM near you. The 100th BSP ATM was launched at the Asco service station at Colonial Plaza, Namaka, Nadi. This is a milestone
convenience the BSP ATM outlets have provided for the township; and appreciates the community projects BSP has taken on in Nadi. This BSP ATM is serving our customers well, as our service station is centrally located with extended hours and significant traffic, commented Maika Moce, Asco Motors Sales Manager. BSP now not only has the largest ATM network, but is also the most accessible commercial bank in Fiji.
BSP country manager Fiji Kevin McCarthy, third from left, is flanked by BSP management, customers and Asco Motors representatives during the launch of the 100th ATM which is based at the Asco Motors Service Station at Namaka in Nadi.
By Dr RAM RAJU DSM Centre rraju@connect.com.fj
I would like to once again propose that Fiji should seriously consider declaring Fiji Smoke Free Country. My proposals are based upon the following grounds: ~ Smoking is the worst man made killer. On average 8 people die in this country everyday due to heart diseases and smoking is the highest risk factor. The high incidence of deaths due to CVDs is staggering amongst the young and working class people who are the bread winners. Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability and death. ~ Drain of Resources. A disease due to smoking is causing drain of resources in hospitals and health centres, costing the nation millions of
HEALTHY FRUIT CORNER
Avocados rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals

rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals and packed with numerous health benefiting plant nutrients. Their creamy pulp is very rich source of mono-unsaturated fatty acids like oleic and palmitoleic acids as well as omega-6 poly-unsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid. Research studies suggest that Mediterranean diet that is rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids help lower LDL or bad cholesterol and increase HDL or good cholesterol, thereby, prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by favoring healthy blood lipid profile. They are very good source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. 100 g fruit provides 6.7 g or about 18% of recommended daily intake. Dietary fibers help lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent constipation. In addition, the fruit, like persimmons, contain high concentration of tannin. Tannin, a poly-phenolic compound, which was once labeled as anti-nutritional agent is in-fact, has beneficial anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and anti-oxidant properties. Its flesh contains many health promoting flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants such as cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta and alpha carotenes in small amounts. Together, these compounds act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes. They are also good in many health-benefiting vitamins. Vitamin A, E, and K are especially concentrated in its creamy pulp. Avocados also excellent sources of minerals like iron, copper, magnesium, and manganese. Magnesium is essential for bone strengthening and has cardiac-protective role as well.
dollars in health care. Apart from CVDs, smoking causes cancers of the lungs and other organs. ~ Substance Abuse. Smoke Free Fiji will help eliminate other forms of substance abuse which is becoming far too common amongst teenagers like marijuana, glue sniffing etc. ~ Tobacco Control Measures and Passive Smokers. The Tobacco control measures appears to be a failure and difficult to monitor or control. The harmful effects of smoking extend far beyond the smoker and theres no safety level for second hand smoke. Non smokers are just as risk of getting serious smoking related diseases as the smokers. ~ Life Expectancy and NCDs. Instead of improving, the life expectancy of our nation is reversing largely due to increasing number of deaths due to non-communicable disease (NCDs). NCDs now accounts for more than 80% of all deaths which is a staggering figure for a
Case for smoke free Fiji

small developing nation. ~ This group of diseases, with lifelong disabilities and devastating complication is of great burden to the Ministry of Health, Community and the Nation. The life expectancy rate in Fiji declined from 72.9 years to 67.5years from the year 2000 to 2005. This is a very worrying trend. ~ Tobacco Farms. Tobacco is farmed in rich fertile land in several areas, particularly in Sigatoka and Nadi. These farms should be better utilized for vegetables and fruits which could eventually lead Fiji to be self efficient, rather than importing expensive varieties. The Tobacco factories likewise be converted to fruit and vegetable processing plants, so no one loses out. Eventually Im sure well be able to export processed vegetables and fruits in good numbers. CONCLUSION Our society is very sick and premature demise of our people and death due to NCDs is rising at an alarming rate. Fiji has to consider undertaking this bold and ambitious and drastic action in banning smoking or declaring Fiji Smoke Free. Fiji can lead by example. Bhutan was the first and only country so far that has taken this initiative, allowing the tourists to smoke. Tourists to Fiji could be also allowed but only at designated areas of hotels and resorts. TOBACCO TO BE DECLARED A DRUG A drug is a substance that alters the bodys biological, physiological and chemical processes. Cigarettes and other forms of tobacco contain the addictive drug nicotine. Nicotine acts as a stimulant and a sedative. Nicotine stimulates the adrenal gland resulting in discharge of epinephrine (adrenalin), the fight or flight hormone. The rush of adrenalin causes a sudden release of glucose as well as an increase in blood pressure, respiration and heart rate. Nicotine also suppresses insulin output from the pancreas, which means smokers are always hyperglycemic. In addition, nicotine also causes a release of dopamine in the brain regions that con-
HEALTH CORNER
A SMOKE FREE FIJI!!!

trols pleasure and motivation thus is thought to underlie the pleasurable sensations experienced by many smokers. In contrast, nicotine can also exert a sedative effect, depending on the level of the smokers nervous system arousal and the dose of nicotine taken. Declaring Tobacco a drug empowers smokers to get a prescription following a medical examination by doctors. Whilst writing a prescription for certain number of cigarettes to be dispensed by pharmacist, doctors should at the same time take necessary steps to help them quit smoking. Tobacco at present is a very cheap form of drug allowed to be sold in any shopping outlet. Tobacco should therefore be declared a DRUG and sold only in pharmacies.
Health benefits of avocado: Avocados, like olives, are high in mono-unsaturated fats and calories. However, they are very
Avocados are distinct fruits with high fat content and calories. Subtly flavorful yet buttery, they are amongst the most popular fruits having nutrition profile similar to that of some edible nuts and seeds.
Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron and copper are required in the production of red blood cells. Fresh avocado pear is a very rich source of potassium. 100 g of fruit provides 485 mg or about 10% of daily-required levels. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids where it helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure, countering bad effects of sodium.
10
Resolutions & staying healthy

DJ Vijay rocks the dance floor with a Bollywood number during the Nadi Chamber of Commerce & Industry annual party. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
TALO MADA
Talanoa with ALLEN LOCKINGTON
I vividly remember some time ago writing about making resolutions for the New Year and amazingly it feels just like yesterday! Well we have now departed 2011 and entered into 2012. We will all be older by one more year. Some of us will age gracefully and some will be gracious in getting older. And some of us will just get old. Some of us will get older but never grow old; we will retain our youthful looks and happy go lucky ways. Some will grow old in our thirties and even the twenties. Yes we are all different and we do things differently and get affected differently. Here is an example, some of us drink a lot of yaqona and never get affected and some will drink just a bit and it shows up on the skin, eyes and our complexion changes. And when consuming alcohol some will not get violent or abusive but remain calm all throughout the party. And even smoking, I know of so many people who never get affected by tobacco products they smoke like a chimney and yet they are still fit and can run and play and work in the garden and never get puffed out. By the way all I am talking about is what I saw, remember no scientific tests here! Then there is the thought of food consumption. We
have in the family a few of us who can eat like nobodys business and they never put on weight! They have been the envy of many of us who just take a huge breath and we put on weight. Well the New Year is here and many resolutions have been made, resolutions meaning promises. Chief amongst the resolutions are the promises of losing weight, eating right, exercising. No more booze, cut down on tobacco products. Some will promise to make it to church more regularly and help the needy. Some will even promise not to miss work while others will promise not to miss school and study hard so that they get better grades at the end of the year. Many years ago I left of all the road works and just stayed home keeping in shape, then that too slowly faded and slowly my pot belly started to grow. Its very hard to get rid of a pot belly let alone lose weight. But I know there are some of us who lose weight when they want to. But if you will be trying to lose weight and finding it hard first of all is to try and wake up at around 4 am, do this for at least one month then after that put on your running shoes then hit the roads at a walk. One thing that I had long thought of is school uniforms. What if Fiji decides to get rid of school uniforms and children just went to school in ordinary clothes. Do you think it will be a good idea? I thought that school children would be just issued with school badges to append to their clothes at
chest level. It will be one way of saving on school expenses. But back to exercising and making promises for the New
Year, if you dont make it then here is something to think about NCDs or Non Communicable Diseases are on the
rise and its life-style related. I just hope it gives you something to think about to prompt you to take up that ex-
ercise, cut down on junk food and stay healthy. And may you all have a slimmer New Year!
11
By BRENDON COFFEY Executive Chef Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa Amazing how fast one year can pass and before you know it another five are gone. Although time doesnt change it seems to get faster as we get older or is this just more of an illusion due to our life style. I am writing this from Auckland as I am here for a few days to celebrate my Mums eightieth birthday. While here I have the opportunity or chore depending on how you look at it of having to visit the shopping malls to do last minute Christmas shopping. Its when you take this intrepid journey to the mall that you appreciate the colloquial Fiji Time. Fiji the way the world should be has a lot of merit. Any way it doesnt matter where you are, time is the one commodity that does not change. It is forever consistent. You cannot change time, you cannot bank time, and you cannot store time. You can only use it or waste it. Well we all have another year, another 52 weeks, 365 days, 8760 hours. Thats right only eight and half thousand hours and we are doing it all again. I remember when I was a slightly younger Chef coming up through the ranks thinking how the old chaps in the kitchen had trouble keeping up especially in the fast, high pressured environment in which we were working. The thought
only occurred because at that particular time I was actually six feet tall and bullet proof, an arrogance that can befit many young Chefs, any way not being able to keep up in service was of course so many light years away......or was it? I certainly like to approach each New Year with enthusiasm and expectation. I dont necessarily make resolutions as Im not so good at seeing them through. I am though, the glass is half full kind of guy which usually sets the stage or mind for some exciting and positive outcomes for the year ahead. So what is 2012 going to bring to us in Fiji from a foodie perspective? I believe the three most prominent happenings in Fiji food will be along the lines of the following, 1.Media and food: We can expect to see a lot more from the media in relation to food and cooking. Overseas we now see not one but several television channels solely dedicated to food related stories and cooking shows. While we may not see television with channels solely dedicated to cooking I would expect to see more cooking life style shows on our mainstream channels. I believe we will start to see more local talent hopefully being showcased in local magazines and publications. Possibly more cook books highlighting the emerging pacific flavours such as Robert Olivers wonderful book which has won top international literary awards. I am looking forward to seeing more about a developing coffee culture in Fiji. Whoever would have thought that there was a true science in the mak-
Lets cook it !
TASTE BUDS
ing of a good cup of coffee? Well there is And those who have done the training and know about their machines and how to use them go by the title of Barista. We even had one of own Fiji girls go and compete last year in New Zealand against a number of Baristas selected from across New Zealand...how did she do?....She won of course. This tells us that things are changing. Largely due to media as we learn and see new ideas and trends. 2.Sustainability: Another subject close to my heart. Despite it being something that I am quite passionate about, it is a subject that is being aggressively adopted by Hotels, top Restaurants and coveted Chefs worldwide. Again through media a message is being relayed that we need to be far more responsible in our menu choices whether it be in a restaurant or at home. I grew up in a beautiful house right on the beach. My brother and I often would walk 10 meters down the beach and would be up to our knees in the sea where we would be able to carefully prize a couple of paua (abalone) off the rocks. Just enough for a fritter or two each. Unfortunately this jewel of the sea has now been well over fished and is in danger of disappearing all together. It is important that we look to develop and protect our food sources. Restaurants and Hotels are starting to grow their own produce, at the same time making a point to work more strategically with local farmers and growers, This is largely beneficial not only because of the economics, but also it can deliver a better,
tastier and more authentic product to our tables. Imagine Chefs giving cooking lessons to farmers and farmers teaching Chefs how to farm....now theres food for thought, 3.Pacific Wine and Food Festival: Coupled with the above trends is another emerging notion of a more defined Pacific Cuisine. While we need to be careful not confuse local produce with Pacific Cuisine or pacific flavours. The Pacific Food and Wine Festival will be a highlight of our culinary or foodie calendar. Scheduled to take place at Denarau during March of 2012. The festival will have a number of different events but the most exciting being that we will have six internationally renowned Chefs here for four days doing master class cooking demonstrations as well as showcase dining in a number of our establishments. Chefs such as Fijis own celebrity Chef Robert Oliver, from Oz, we will have Manu Fidel, Ben ODonahue, and Peter Kuravita. From NZ, (land of the big gold cup) we will have Peter Gordon and Samoan born Michael Meredith all of whom will be showcasing flavours of the Pacific. With such an event as this I firmly believe we will see the Foodie culture grow and the fine tuning of what is already an exciting Pacific Cuisine. As a little sneak preview I have included a recipe for dish of mine which defines Pacific Cuisine. Masala fried fish, tomato and coconut chutney with a salad of Fiji long beans Its Fiji Time or Time for Fiji, a culinary destination!
Welcoming
in style....
12
By NAZIAH ALI
When it comes to the start of a New Year, we all think of making resolutions and trying our best to keep it! We also think of a new sport or hobby to take up. But if you are like me, and I believe most women would be thinking along the
same lines- then the new year means a new wardrobe, and surely why not? You have spent most of 2011 saving right? And even though you may only have a few dollars left after all the splurging done during the Christmas holidays and the big New Years bash its a start to a new you! The good news is you dont have to worry about spending a lot for your new wardrobe. I have decided that I will go through my wardrobe (the one I have not touched for
New look at a low cost

FASHION ZONE
years because I was afraid of being seen in an out dated piece) and my sisters and my mums closets to bring back to life the once very trendy pieces. A little secret when I cant fit into any of my families treasures from the past, I go shop online from my best friend Aliyah Jan who runs Classy Classics on Facebook at very reasonable prices with guaranteed door to door delivery. Heres the address:- www. facebook.com/pages/ClassyClassics beach-scene stripes boast a Summers subtle off-hues fifties nostalgia. Its time to dress up and and bold prints fierce animal prints, demure floral and think big: big hair, big sanClassy Classic
Loud and Proud
Seema Kumar
dals and big costume jewels. Clash code - an ad hoc mix of floral prints finds style harmony in muted hues.
Lets take the 50s and 60s look

The fifties silhouette packs a powerful punch; you might consider an elegant free flowing dress or straight long pant with a floral shirt. Looking at the trends at Fiji Fashion week and the consistent theme of the past decades glamour, I can comfortably say the look for 2012 should be the rebirth of the fifties and sixties. For a sophisticated step up for work dressing try a stylish pencil skirtor a fit and flare summer day dress especially for those who are still in the holiday mood. Style tip: In Homage to the refined elegance of an era gone by, sweep hair up off the face into a voluminous style to real jeweled drop earrings.
Classy Classic
Carolina by Caroline Ah Koy
Shorts anyone?
Who thought shorts could be an item of fascination? Regardless of the cut and style shorts are back in leather, silk and brocade. And frankly they are irresistible and perfect for our Fiji summer adventures. Style tip: The news is to dress them up to cocktail standards with jewels and elaborate heels.
Kookai
13
JACKS KATCHI KIDS CORNER
14
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15
By PRANESH AMARSEE
Happy New Year! I wont be surprised if you are tired of hearing this greeting by now. But what baffles me is that what do people really mean when they say Have a Happy New Year? Heres my story! My New Year celebrations started on the 31st and not surprisingly continued on the 1st for a few more drinks and this leads to nursing a typical handover for the next two days. But the throbbing in the head stop there as in the first week of January I start getting envelopes from Nadi Town Council requesting early Town Rate payment which also offers discount, than another envelope comes from iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) demanding payment of advance rent, than the Post Office guys need rental or else give up your post box, Insurance premiums are nearly due, Financial year ends 31st December so need to submit accounts to Accountant, Denarau Corporation will need strata fees for first quarter, Nadi Town Council will need money to issue Business License (which has been increased) and before this the National Fire Authority, OHS will need money to issue certificate and so on! So I wonder, what does Happy really mean in the
greeting Happy New Year? January as one of the famous Cricket commentators Richie Benaud would say its all happening. And as a matter of fact I dont see many people happy during the first month of the New Year. The famous back to school rush is a head ache. But 2011 has gone by and so will the first month. Again Richie Benaud would say The slowmotion replay doesnt show how fast the ball was really travelling. Anyways, lets all be happy that we survived 2011 in terms of health and wealth and lets be positive about 2012 and keep singing the very famous song of I Will Survive, a song first performed by American singer Gloria Gaynor in 1978. 2011 was a tough year for many and lets hope the New Year brings much promise. For our Chinese friends it will be the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon personality is a creature of myth and legend. A symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power, the Oriental Dragon is regarded as a divine beast. In Eastern philosophy, the Dragon is said to be a deliverer of good fortune and a master of authority. Therefore, those people born in Dragon years are to be honored and respected. The new Budget measures start taking place. This year will see 90% company tax has to be paid before year end, reduced corporate taxes but new tourism tax implemented affecting all businesses directly dealing with tourism such as Tour operators, restaurants,
Tighten your spending

TALK BUSINESS
rental Car Company, and all those moving tourist around. Therefore we can see price changes. Gold Card will be offered to those who are up to date with their tax payments. A good thing, I believe. Anyways ask your Accountant and get updated. This reminds me of a friend who used to say and I quote, If to succeed in business, you need the best Accountant, best Lawyer and the best Bank. New Year means time to look back into our mistakes and implement new strategies to move on. Its time to cleanup in your business. If you havent made a profit then you need to do some serious thinking. A year has been wasted and it wont come back. As a very famous Soccer Manager, Jose Maurinho (a Portuguese and current Manager for Real Madrid) said, You can have the top stars to bring the attention, you can have the best stadium, you can have the best facilities, you can have the most beautiful project in terms of marketing and all this kind of thing. But if you dont win... All the work these people are doing is forgotten. While writing his article I just read that three big Firms announcement. Saab (Swedish Car Manufacturer), Billabong surf wear and Fletcher Jones (Fashion retail) all announced downturn in business and in fact Saab filed for liquidation. So this shows the Global downturn effect. After a hard year for some, its time to look at basically the following four areas of business:
2012 is the Chinese year of the Dragon which is believed to bring good luck, prosperity and promotion in life.
Suppliers - Analyze your relationship with your key suppliers. Is their service up to scratch? Do they value your custom? If you work with certain suppliers who are an integral part of your business, do they share similar values to you? Systems - Maybe its time to look at your systems with fresh eyes. Just because its always been done that way doesnt mean its right! Staff staffs are crucial part of a business and a right mix of personalities will be very beneficial to your business. Customers identifying your customers is important. Customer taste changes all the time so it would be very beneficial if we evaluate who is our customer, what do they need? I sometimes like the four P test which we all learned at University, well I did. Four
Ps are Product, Place, Price and Promotion. What product are you selling, where is your shop, what price are you selling at and how are you going to promote or advertise your product. Sounds simple but practically lots of effort and thinking are involved. After all being said and done in 2011, lets focus on 2012. It definitely will be a challenging year. Businesses, Jobs, Education and Health will all be having higher demands and we all have to meet these challenges. Towards the end of my High school days at Kogarah High School in Sydney, Australia, our English teacher on one fine Friday morning when we were all happy as weekend was approaching, all of a sudden gave us a test and marks for this would be added towards end of year assessment. The test was to write a creative essay on the future.
I scored the second highest marks to my surprise as I was from a non English speaking background. My teacher read out in front of my class the last paragraph of my essay which got me full marks and attention of the whole class. It read as follows: We are what we are and will be what we are and our wishes and dreams will remain our wishes and dreams but the only thing that will change is our ever increasing efforts in life. Fijis businesses have unlimited potential Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. It Depends on Us... Another year lies before us like an unwritten page, an unspent coin, an unwalked road. The pages will read, what treasures will be gained in exchange for time, or what we find along the way, will largely depend on us. - Esther Baldwin York.
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By SUNILA KARAN
sunilakaran@connect.com.fj
Drug and alcohol abuse currently represent one of the main concerns of public health experts. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2006) shows that abusive drinkers of alcohol make up 50.9% of the American population over 12 years of age, the prevalence of marijuana use the month before makes up 14.8%, cocaine use of 2.4%, and other substances such as crack or heroin are used by 0.7% and 0.3% respectively. In Europe, the data published by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction show an estimated prevalence of cannabis use during the month
NFA warns on safety

By RANBEER SINGH
before of around 4%, and 1% the year before for cocaine, and it is estimated that from 1 to 8 cases per 1000 inhabitants have problems derived from opiate use (2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health). Substance dependence has been defined medically as a group of behavioural and physiological symptoms that indicate the continual, compulsive use if a substance in self-administered doses despite the problems related to the use of this substance. Substance abuse is a pattern of drug, alcohol, or other substance use that creates many adverse results from its continual use. Many people assume that drug addiction is a moral problem. It isnt. Many people believe that drug abuse is a product of personal weakness, and that drug addicts have the power to stop using drugs whenever they want. Its not, and they dont. There is definitely a physical connotation to substance
Drug and alcohol abuse

LIFESTYLE / SAFETY
dependence, but substance addiction is a psychological phenomenon. There is a physical dimension to the disease, but substance abuse stems largely from emotional roots. Drug addicts are drug addicts, in a very significant sense, because of the way they think about themselves and the world. A lot is said about the addiction as the physiological changes it brings about in the body, and a social, cultural and experiential process. What is said less is about the psychological aspect of addiction. It is about the giving in to temptation of experiencing temporary pleasure from pain despite the knowledge that it can lead to dependence and long term adverse effects associated with it. An addicts mind comes to rely on a drug as part of its routine emotional processing. Chronic drug abusers, you might say, lack the capacity to confront the world or themselves on sober terms, and thus need drugs to function in any kind of meaningful
way. Drug addiction is not a moral problem; drug abuse is not a product of personal weakness. And drug addiction is not a choice. Physically, drug addiction becomes drug addiction when an addicts body comes to rely
on a drug to sustain its normal metabolism. Prolonged drug abuse is associated with changes in the chemical composition of a drug addicts brain, ultimately creating conditions under which an addict literally needs a drug to survive.
Psychological dependence is based on the emotional rewards which drugs can provide, while physical dependence is based on physiological changes which take place in the body, like tolerance and withdrawal in the absence of the drug.
The National Fire Authority has issued a stern warning as cases of drowning and fire incidents continue to be received over the festive season. Acting chief executive officer Aseri Radrodaro said its the responsibility of par-
ents and guardians to ensure children are supervised at all times. Recently there were two cases of drowning involving children. We have to be proactive and ensure that children are always supervised, said Radrodro. Especially during the festive season and school holi-
days when families plan picnics and trips to the village, our message to parents and the elders is to please watch over the kids. Radrodro said playing in drains during heavy rain is also of serious concern. We want parents to educate their children that playing in creeks and drains can lead to tragedy and more so
when there is heavy rain. We have had several cases where children have been swept away while playing in drains and creeks, said Radrodro. Playing with matches, unattended cooking as well as lit candles and mosquito coils are some of the common reasons for house fires and we urge people to take heed of these warnings.
NFA acting CEO Aseri Radrodro, left, while presenting certificates to fellow officers from the western division recently. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
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By PROFESSOR SUBRAMANI
The Nadi Campus of the Fiji National University (FNU) has attracted a number of new writers from the older generation, both from Fiji and overseas. Well known local music guru Satvick Dass came to the university looking for a space and a guide to write an account of his achievements in music. Dass, who was born in Qeleloa, Nadi was one of the first artists from Fiji to receive his training in India. I have been working with the singer and music composer since August 2011 on his autobiography. What he thought would be a simple account has turned into a complex journey of discovery into the art of writing an autobiography. It involves excavating the memories, research into geography, historical details, institutions and individual biographies. Dass who recently turned seventy has become an ardent student again. He comes diligently to the Nadi Campus, brings the few pages he has written, and spends an hour with me discussing and exchanging ideas. According to Dass this has become one of the most exciting adventures of his life. His autobiography, entitled
A Musical Journey is likely to be published at the end of 2012. Dass celebrated his 70th birthday with close family and friends, hosting a musical night where he also launched his music CDs. The event was held at the FNU Namaka campus. Poetry Publication Harish Sharma has been re-discovering his fathers poetry written in the 1940s and 50s. Pundit Pratap Chandra Sharma was a well-known poet and intellectual of his time. He wrote his poems while working in his farm in Sawani, Nausori. Most of the poems are in standard Hindi with occasional verses in Fiji Hindi. He responded sensitively to the social and political life around him in his poetry. It must be remembered that he was composing his poems at a time when there werent many people writing literary works or reading literature. Harish Sharma, his son, has written a splendidly moving introduction to Songs From Sawani. The publication of the collection early 2012 will be an important landmark in the history of Hindi literature in Fiji. Harish Sharma has been so enthused by this editing work and writing the introduction that he proposes to spend some months with me at the Namaka campus in 2012 writing his own autobiography. Singh writes autobiography Bhim Singh, a former Principal at Cuvu Secondary
New urge to write

CAREERS AND EDUCATION
Music Guru Satvick Dass, right, plays the harmonium while son Saral plays the tabla as his daughter Priya and wife Shraddha perform a welcome song at FNU Namaka campus during a night of music where the Dass family also launched a collection of three cds. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
School, now living in Ontario, Canada, came to me with the manuscript of his autobiography to read and edit. We spent a couple of weeks re-working on the manuscript and now Singh is re-writing it with a couple of additional chapters. I believe the author has genuine flair for writing and hes also committed having dedicated several years on this manuscript. This work A Fractured Journey: Memoirs of a Fiji Indian will be a significant
contribution to Fijis growing autobiographical literature. Sami writes about his childhood There are a number of writers in the Indo-Fijian diaspora who have expressed interest in FNUs MPhil program that allows candidates to work on individual manuscripts of high quality without having to follow conventional line of academic studies. Govind Sami, also a former parliamentarian, is in the process of enrolling in the
MPhil program and has begun writing about his childhood in Vunivau, Labasa. I regard Govind Sami as a great storyteller who has a brilliant sense of humor. His book, when completed, will be one of the most entertaining works to be published in the country. There are itaukei authors and researchers working in FNUs MPhil program who are doing serious work on itaukei artistic and intellectual traditions.
They are all likely to produce publishable manuscripts. In August 2012, an important workshop will be organized in the West on itaukei writing and translation by the itaukei Trust Fund, led by Dr. Apolonia Tamata, Senior Culture and Heritage Specialist, in which the FNUs Nadi Campus will also participate. The purpose is to generate more writing in the vernacular language. This will contribute to the growth of Fijian language and literature.
18
By BETANI SALUSALU of Mamanuca Environmental Society
Waste Management is a global phenomenon and theres an urgent need to provide training, awareness and education to people in the community to curb this problem. Waste should be properly contained because it can have a detrimental effect to environment as well as humanity. Waste Management is a major issue in developing and under- developed countries. As bulk of the solid and liquid wastes materials are produced in these nations. In the Pacific, waste management is a serious concern. Policies and legislations are being formulated and implemented to monitor and control the amount of waste produced at various levels. Non-governmental organizations and environmental groups undergo training programs to develop a strict waste controlling and management system in their respective island countries. Fiji introduced its Environment Management Act in 2005. In 2008 a Waste Management Regulation was enacted with the primary aim to monitor and control waste management issues around the country. This legislation is necessary given the increasing levels of littering in Fiji due to
rapid urbanization, population boom, rise in industrialization and land development. Along the Nadi Lautoka corridor, theres evidence of improper waste management that needs to be looked into. These areas consist of and are characterized by intensive commercial areas in terms of hotel operations, business communities; intensive leased farming areas such as sugarcane farming, heavily populated area with villages and settlements are common along the coastal area, which includes Oil station at Vuda and Sugar Mill at Lautoka. Nadi Town a popular destination with tourists has issues with littering despite trash containers being available for proper disposal. Changing the mindset, behavior and perception of our people is necessary if we are to nip this growing concern in the bud. Department of Environment and local NGOs have conducted numerous awareness programmes around the country to address this problem. The enforcement of spot fines as a deterrent is commendable. The Mamanuca Environment Society (MES) has placed waste management as a priority issue. MES conducts awareness programmes in schools, training of resort employees and local communities. Since the establishment of MES in 2002, waste management has been a key issue as the island resorts within the Mamanuca Group attract thousands of tourists each year.
Proper management of waste is the pathway towards a sustainable and healthy future
ENVIRONMENT
The underwater clean-up team at Castaway Island Resort. Photos: MAMANUCA ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY.
The MES monitors liquid waste through sea water testing. All wet waste needs proper disposal technique and solid waste is either recycled or shipped to the mainland. MES also organizes underwater and beach clean-up, Earth Day, Environment Days allowing tourists and members from the local community to effectively participate in cleanup activities. School children are engaged in waste management practices including making compost and rubbish collection. Through workshops, villagers are educated to also practice composting and separate wastes using proper
disposal methods. The villagers have been told to avoid dumping rubbish along the coast as this end up on the inter-tidal flats and can harm the growth of corals and that all human activities conducted on land should be at a sustainable level as everything done here is reflected in the marine environment. People need to understand that littering will not only ruin the environment but affect human beings and our livelihoods. So its important that we practice proper waste management daily to ensure a sustainable environment for the current and future generations.
Waste separation at Castaway Island Resort.
19
BUSINESS NOTICE BOARD
20
BUSINESS NOTICE BOARD
PUBLIC NOTICE
This is to inform the general public that Bikash Anand Prasad of Carreras Road, Votualevu, is no longer employed by THE JET newspaper effective from December 28th, 2011. The company will not be responsible for any transactions or dealings which he may have carried out on or after the above date.
21 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
SPORTS
So long Johnny
But for the Qeleloa think Tank, it was almost improbable to make anything out of his soccer career at the time. The seventeen year old then was Nadis best kept talent unexposed; and the district call was anything but. After all, it was the era when the big and bold graced the greens for the jetsetters. For a long time, good for Nadi meant great for Fiji. The district had Inosi Tora, Rusiate Waqan, Marika Ravula, Emosi Koroi Bacardi, Kini Momo, Henry Dyer, Savenaca Waqa, Manu Pokar, Sosi Kaitani and Peter Deanthe names roll of the tongue and these are but a few. And so Johnny who? With talent abundance considered by many old folks yay as the best district talent was wasted from premier ball. Not willing to give it in Johnny hit big both with his Club in the local NFA league games and at various Bazaar games establishing a strong fan base. So how good was Johnny? Surprisingly what soccer great Ivor Evans was to Labasa in the days in the same breath! Better by hairs width, he would juggle with either foot or head till time ran out on him. Its this unblemished record that caught the attention of the schools sports teacher,
Master Aslam Ali. Ali talked Johnny into pitching his slick skills for a spot in the Western zone nationals in the 82 IDC skills competitions at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. He finished second to Suvas Keshev Maharaj on a tad hair, what a remarkable feat. Its no exaggeration, opportunity failed him miserably. I was lucky enough though to watch him make a full Nadi debut in the latter part of his dwindling career. The shelved dream came full circle in the inaugural Fiji Football Association sanctioned 1988 Easter Open soccer tournament in Ba. While he gave it all Nadi dropped the grand finale to Nadroga 8-7 on a shoot out. It was a feeling like no other to watch in action the adored star simply grapple the uniform that was made for him some five years earlier and the national team attire that never came about. I have a vivid memory of the write up request when I was attached with the weekly sports paper The SportsWeek, a fitting memoir he so deserves 23-years on. The evidence that quality is always watched in awed silence certainly was before a euphoric fans and just the thought of that is pretty refreshing.
By ASUAD ALI in Vancouver, Canada
Ravindra Nadan Johnny at San Bruno Hotel during the Nadi Masters fundraising dinner night last year.
He was thin as a stick and with a usual boyish look, but one who was head and shoulders above the rest at his age. Ravindra Nadan Johnny was soccers skills and vision grandeur. In his prime, he would swerve, run circles around opponents, and create magic through out the field and the joy shows. His play, would take you back to a time when teams played beautiful football not necessarily the kind that will win you matches; but beautiful enough to make you forget about defeat. Johnny and I went to Nadi College in the 80s, and its during one recess pick up game in (82) he exposed by far the mesmerizing talent.
No place like home : Reddy

If the greatest love affair man has is with its surroundings than Tirlok Reddy sure has the admiration of his Fiji roots. The retired Surrey, Canada affable has nothing, but good things to say about his upbringing in Malolo, Nadi and the many fond memories that have wordily impressed him. I have lived in Surrey, Canada for more than three, but I have to admit, theres no place like Fiji in the world, said Reddy. Im ready to trade places in a heartbeat. Reddy, 65, immigrated to Canada in 1974, says he has no regrets living the great land of the free, but Nadis still a miss after all these years. It was range growing of sorts, open and unleashed versus the hustle and bustle that often comes with the territory. I only hold myself to this change. The Surrey grandfather turned globe trotter and has since clocked valuable air miles in last 5 years. Hes travels took him to Australia, New Zealand, United States, Mexico, India, Greece and England. Reddy said what is the Opera House in Australia, the Parnell My wife and Ive been contemplating a move for a while. Now that the children have all grown up and have a life ahead of them, well pounce on first opportunity and head for home to paradise. We have no complains about Canada, the country has been great home for me and my family for 37 years. We worked our ends off, have been law abiding citizens, simply the final leg of journey ends where it all began, mused Reddy. Reddy applauds Fiji governments new legislation allowing former residents to hold dual citizenships without having to relinquish their current status. He said the change was long time coming. It opens up a complete new avenue for former residents to go back to (Fiji) and live forever instead of just one calendar year. With the governments initiative Im a flight closer to seeing my dream come true. After exploring his limits Reddys convinced theres no place on earth like the motherland, and the travelling expedition, the sights and sounds, he insists nothing beats Fijis serene and tranquil life.
Rose Gardens in New Zealand, the City of light in Las Vegas, United States, the Temple of Chichen, Itza, in Mexico and Taj Mahal in India, the Acropolis in Athens, Greece and the Stonehenge in England, all put together nothing comes close to Fiji as it has marked reputation for its friendly people the warmth and heart. Fiji has unique and diverse culture that reflects the complexity from other countries and tops our food, the undisturbed natural beauty, the air quality and of all the friendly people second to none. Reddy said in perspective, its the way the world should be, adds theres no substitute. Its not something randomly Reddy has made up, but says its how Fijis been portrayed world over even the countries I have visited.
22
By JONNY WILKINSON
My England retirement
SPORTS
would like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from International rugby. To do so fills me with great sadness but I know that I have been blessed in so many ways to have experienced what I have with the England rugby team. I never ever believed that I would be able to give up on this dream which has driven me to live, breathe, love and embrace the game of rugby from the earliest days that I can remember. I certainly have no intention of letting this decision change the way that I approach my training and preparation for games. In fact early indication shows me that Im actually getting more intense about it. Playing the game, representing the team, giving my all and never letting go has meant everything to me. I do, have done and always will believe that I am very capable of performing and thriving at any level of the sport. The time has come, however, for me to realize that I have gone as far as I can go with this England team and that the time is right for others to enjoy the same honor and pride that I have felt over the past 15 seasons and beyond. I have far too many people to thank for what I have been able to achieve but as always, it starts with my Mum and Dad, my
brother Mark, my girlfriend Shelley, Steve Black, Tim Buttimore and Dave Alred as well as the rest of my family and friends. I can never give enough credit to all my team mates from over the years and my physios, surgeons, doctors and coaches too who have unconditionally helped me through all kinds of thick and thin. Finally I would like to show my enormous appreciation and gratitude to all the true followers of the game who have given me way, way more time and support than it has ever been reasonable for one person to ask for. You will never truly understand the effect you have all had on me and my career. To say I have played through four World Cups, two Lions tours, 91 international games and a ridiculous number of injuries and other set-
backs gives me an incredibly special feeling of fulfilment. But by now I know myself well enough to know that I will never truly be satisfied! It goes without saying that I would like to wish Stuart Lancaster, his coaches and the England Squad every bit of success available to them. I would also very much like to extend those wishes to Martin Johnson, Brian Smith, Mike Ford, John Wells, Graham Rowntree and the rest of the England 2011 World cup management team who have been fantastic and deserve people to know that. For me now, I will continue to focus ever harder on my goal of being the very best I can be with Toulon Rugby Club and continue to embrace and enjoy wherever that path takes me. Thank you once again.
Kumar at FIFA Club World Cup

By FIJI FA MEDIA Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) referee Ravinesh Kumar created history when he became the first Fijian to officiate at a FIFA Club World Cup. The 8th edition of the FIFA Club World Cup played in Japan last month included top champion clubs from around the globe. Kumar is part of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) trio which is headed by New Zealand referee Peter O Leary while Jan Hendrik Hintz and Kumar are his assistants. The trio officiated in the quarterfinal between Japanese champions Kashiwa Reysol and Mexicos Club de Futbol Monterrey at Toyota Stadium. FIFA under-20 World Cup in Colombia in 2011. It is indeed a very proud moment for Fiji FA and the country. Everyone should be pleased with this achievement. He has been in the limelight recently coming back from the FIFA U20 World Cup, FIFA 2014 World Cup OFC stage one qualifiers in Samoa and now in Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup, said Ibrahim. This achievement should be a clear sign of the quality of referees we have and a motivating factor to other referees especially the young ones to follow in the same footsteps. The FIFA Club World Cup was won by Spanish giants Barcelona.
Kashiwa edged Monterrey 4-3 in penalty shootout after both sides were held 1-1 at full time. The Japanese club had earlier in the FIFA Club World Cup disposed Oceanias representative Auckland City 2-0 to progress to the quarterfinal stage. Fiji FA acting president Sheik Ibrahim said this was an historic moment for our national football body. Kumar also officiated at the
23
Nadi tops transfer list

By MAIKA KASAMI
Action between Nadi and Suva in the Fiji Sun / Weet-Bix National League Series at Nadis Prince Charles Park last year. Photos: SHALENDRA PRASAD.
Seven prominent district reps have shown their interest in joining Nadi Football Association for the 2012 season. The players who have declared their interest in joining the Greens are Krishneel Kishan (Labasa), Benaminio Matainaqara (Navua), Praneel Kumar (Navua), Malakai Rakula (Tavua), Jone Salauneune (Tavua), Ame Vatuasi (Tavua) and Jale Vota (Tavua). Monit Chand of Navua withdrew his request to join Nadi. The transfer window allowing players to switch districts is between 1 December 2011 and 17 February 2012. Nadi FA president Jitendra Kumar remained tight-lipped on the player movement.
All will be known in two weeks before the season starts, said Kumar. Tavua soccer coach, Kamal Swamy is also tipped to join Nadi. Two Nadi players Thomas Vuto and Paula Ratumaikoro are seeking transfers to join Ra and Ba respectively. Meanwhile other players likely to move are Labasas Ilaitia Tuilau, Mikaele Rabaraba and Samuela Kautoga who could join Vanuatus Amicale FC. Lautokas Shameel Rao and Laisenia Tuba are eyeing a move back to Ba while Parmesh Prasad plans to rejoin Nadroga. Nadrogas Luke Rawadamu and Rewas Kelepi Qaqa want to play for Suva, while Rewa has received a transfer request from Niumaia Tagi who wants to return to Ba.
By RANBEER SINGH
Motibhai wins business house soccer
Nadi FA president Jitendra Kumar, left, seen with Suva FA president Mahendra Prasad.
Crispies Motibhai was crowned the Starwood business house soccer champions after beating Williams and Gosling 1-0 in a grueling final. Muni Nadan Bobby was the toast of the Crispies Motibhai team as his powerful free kick in the dying minutes of the first extra time struck the back of the net. W&G who also had the services of Ba district rep
Meli Codro conducted numerous raids at the Crispies Motibhai goal, however remained unsuccessful. Crispies Motibhai was awarded a trophy and one thousand five hundred dollars. Wyndham took out third place after a win by default over Radisson. Forty-five year old Crispies Motibhai defender Naresh Munsami scooped the player of the tournament prize.
Players, officials and supporters of the Crispies Motibhai squad pose for a group photo after the win. Photo: SUPPLIED.
24

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