The Jet Volume 7 Number 12

FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
AUGUST 2015. ISSUE 71
www.thejetnewspaper.com
50 CENTS
Wedding Market on the

Rise at Sofitel
By
CHARLES
CHAMBERS
Fiji is fast becoming a popular

place for visitors to tie the knot.
The beautiful backdrops and
reasonable charges make it the
place to finally say yes to the
person of your dreams.
For the renowned Sofitel Hotel in Nadi the demand is growing by the year with already 105
weddings already taken place
and the year has not yet ended.
The wedding arrangements
are also offered to locals who
want to marry with lavishly prepared sceneries and world class
reception details to the end.
Sofitels Business Development Executive Inspired Weddings, Selai Lewaqere said the
hotel had received 45 bookings
already for 2016.
Mrs Lewaqere said the wedding arrangements also opened
doors to local businesses involved in decorations and beau-
tifying of brides.
All this for very reasonable
charges, Mrs Lewaqere said.
She said one such local company Grace Creations is heavily
involved with the wedding decorations at Sofitel and this included special themes requested by
those getting married.
I have been at Sofitel for the
past six years and the ever increasing demand shows from
where we started off with just 45
weddings in 2009, she said.
For Sofitel, the importance of
the the big day is kept special
for couples in that the hotel only
allows one wedding a day.
We have done this because
Sofitel feels is that those getting
married would like to have that
special day to be theirs alone,
she said.
What we have read from
feedbacks of two or more weddings being held at the same
resort or hotel in one day is not
good, she said.
Its your special and you do
not want to share it at the same
venue and around the same time
with others also getting married, she said.
Sofitels popularity in as far
as wedding venues goes is highlighted by the fact that different
nationalities have come to wed
there.
Mrs Lewaqere said they have
already catered for weddings
from Egypt and Sudan and there
is a growing interest from China.
We have already staged a
mock wedding for Chinese suppliers and this included them being educated on local products
and attire used during the weddings, she said.
We also arranged for pastors
or priests for the couples depending on their religions, she
said.
She said the hotel received
certain requests by couples included the bride arriving via sky
diving or the groom attending his
wedding on a jet ski.
Sofitel also ensures that weddings cater for families attending
and thus their rooms are suited
to cater for such needs.
For the food at the reception,
the hotel makes the wedding
cakes to ones specifications but
they also provide couples the opportunity to pick from wedding
cakes baked by local suppliers.
However we provide all the
food so no food is allowed to be
brought into the hotel for weddings as we are strict on contamination, she said.
Sofitels popularity in as far as wedding venues goes is highlighted by the fact that different nationalities have come to wed there
A mock wedding in Sofitel. INSET: The picturesque

wedding setting at Sofitel on Denarau Island
Photos: SUPPLIED.
www.epapergallery.com/thejet
Fiji - the way the world should be

FROM THE DESK
Veronika an
Inspiration For
Young Women
Robilivalu Veronika is an inspiration to young women.
She is the only woman in a
gang of seven cane cutters in
Nadi and is proud of the work
she does.
Robilivalu is not only an inspiration to her own gender but
to young men who feel cane
harvesting is hard work and for
school dropouts.
In todays age of technology and modern lifestyles forget about finding a 26-year-old
girl with a cane knife in hand
harvesting cane for our sugar
industry.
While most young women
nowadays are glued to the mobile phones or perusing Facebook, Robilivalu spends her day
under the scorching western
heat alongside her husband and
other men.
While most young women
nowadays are glued to the mo-
bile phones or perusing through

Facebook, Robilivalu spends
her day under the scorching
western heat alongside her husband and other men.
Robilivalu and husband
Kositino Vuate venture from
Namosi to the cane belts each
year looking for work to help
fundraise for electricity for the
village of Saliadrau.
She certainly would put a
lot of men who shy away from
hard work to shame while highlighting the fact that many of our
citizens are just too lazy to work,
even with the shortage of labour
in the canefields.
Robilivalu deserves recognition for not only contributing
their small part to the nation but
for showing young women that
they can do it too.
CHARLES CHAMBERS
THE JET is Fijis first community newspaper published bi-monthly

by YOURSPACE LIMITED from Nadi - the tourism capital of Fiji.
PUBLISHER
: SAMUEL SHANKAR
EDITOR/ NEWS
: CHARLES CHAMBERS
PRODUCTION
: MUNAUWAR KHAN
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: SERELISONI MOCEICA

: KATHARIN KRISHNA
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: MARGARET NAQIRI

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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
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
Nadi Entrepreneurs
Receive Grant
By KATHRIN KRISHNA
In a bid to reduce unemployment and encourage local entrepreneurs,

the Fijian government
has come up with a grant
scheme for small scale entrepreneurs.
A total of 205 recipients
who are market vendors
in Nadi who normally sell
handicraft and agricultural goods were rewarded
with this timely assistance.
Speaking at the grant
disbursement, the Prime
Minister addressed the
main motive of initiating
such a grant.
This whole scheme
is about igniting an enterprise culture in Fiji and to
encourage more Fijians
to open businesses or expand their businesses, he
said.
He also highlighted on
self employment and how
it has benefitted the nation
as a whole.
It is not an empty gesture, or a waste of taxpayers money. It is vitally important for the future of our
nation to have an army of
people who are not seeking jobs but are creating
jobs for themselves and
others.
The Permanent Secretary for Ministry for Industry, Trade and Tourism Mr.
Shaheen Ali thanked the
recipients who had the
courage to start a business
and further their business,
with a vision not only to
secure a livelihood but to
expand commercially.
The key partners at the
Nadi grant were Fiji Development Bank (FDB), Fiji
Police Force, Nadi Town
Council, Fijian Crafters and
Frezco Beverages.
Recipients of the Small Business Grant with the Prime Minister

Voreqe Bainimarama.g. Photos: KATHRIN KRISHNA .
From Right- Minister for Industry, Trade and TourismFaiyaz.S.Koya, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and
The Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Trade and Tourism
Mr.Shaheen Ali.
Nadi to Host First Fiji Pageant

By SERELISONI MOCEICA
WINNERS from pageants around the country

will converge in Nadi later
this year to compete for the
inaugural Miss Fiji title.
The announcement was
made by the Minister for
Local Government, Housing, Environment, Transport
and Infrastructure, Praveen
Bala at the crowning of the

Bula Festival Queen 2015
at Prince Charles Park.
Mr Bala said the event
will be held from October
17 to 24.
We will witness the
very first Fiji pageant to
choose who will be Miss
Fiji to the South Pacific
pageant, he said.
The minister also said
pageants provided platforms that promoted na-
tionalism.
Seasea
Misiki
who
was crowned Nadis Bula
Queen on the night will
represent Nadi as queens
from other pageants are
yet to be crowned.
Bula Festival committee chairman Mohammed
Hafiz said Nadi was excited with the opportunity
to host the upcoming national event.
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Miss World Fiji Charlene Tafunai. Photo: GOOGLE .
LOCAL NEWS
Votualevu Public Improves Facilities
By KATHRIN KRISHNA
New computer labs

in schools contributed to
making a difference in the
lives of children.
The comments were
made by Prime Minister
Voreqe Bainimarama during the opening of a new
computer lab at Votualevu
Public School on July 31.
Also, as part of the
opening the Prime Minister
opened a new block and
driveway for the school.
Also present at the
opening was the Minister
for Education Mahendra
Reddy.
The event proper began
with the traditional yaqona
ceremony by the singing of
the national anthem.
Speaking at the event,
the Prime Minister said
that he was actually proud
of the schools achievement and he thanked the
parents and the hardworking teachers for their contribution in making such
events occur.
He also mentioned that
the new block, driveway
and the computer lab
would boost the teaching
and learning process in a
school which had roll of
917 students and 120 kindergarten students.
The six new classrooms I am opening today,
the computer laboratory
and the new driveway are
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama with Minister of Education Hon. Mahendra Reddy with
School staffs at the unveiling.. INSET: Prime Minister having a small conversation with a year
7 Student of Votualevu Public School. Photos: KATHRIN KRISHNA .
all going to make a big difference to the lives of our

children, especially to be
able to do their learning in
bright new surroundings
and to have more regular
access to computers-a vital
part of the modern learn-
ing process, Mr Bainimarama said.

He went further to highlight on the issue of littering and encouraged the
students to make a stand
on the issue of littering and
be good citizens by dispos-
ing garbage correctly.

I am giving you an important job to do today. I
am giving you the authority
to become a pest on this issue, he said.
He said anyone, no how
old they were could advise
people on where rubbish

could be put.
Please do the right
thing. Take it away and put
it in the bin.
Head Teacher Saylendra
Singh thanked the Prime
Minister and other mem-
bers of the parliament for

availing themselves at the
opening of the schools
most awaited project and
mentioned that the school
would continue to do well
as far as education was
concerned.
LOCAL NEWS
Senior Citizens
Receive
Assistance
By KATHRIN KRISHNA
Senior citizens should

be treated with respect
and care.These were the
words of the Minister for
Women,Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Sofia
Akbar at the Golden Age
Home in Natabua, Lautoka.
The ministry in partnership with the Samaj Sewa
of Fiji (USA) distributed bed
sheets and blankets worth
$2000 to the 43 residents of
the Golden Age Home.
The minister highlighted
on the importance of treating the elderly right in our
societies.
But I would like to highlight to the general public
and especially our current
generation on the need to
treat our senior citizens
with respect and care. We
are appreciative when the
elderly are given genuine
care and affection within
the boundaries of their
families.
Minister Akbar also
commended the initiative
by the Samaj Sewa of Fiji
(USA) for reaching out and
helping the senior citizens.
The ministry is grateful
to such organizations that
complement the work of
the ministry and we have
made great inroads with

some organizations to ensure that we provide the
best care of our senior citizens, she said.
The co-founder for
Samaj Sewa of Fiji (USA),
Mr Parmesh Sharma said
that the organization had
worked with the government in helping children
but this was actually the
first time for the organization to help the elderly.
We have worked with
many schools in the past
because of present Governments good work in
the education sector and
likewise, we have approached Madam Minis-
Hon.Rosy Akbar while distributing presents to elderly in Natabua Lautoka.

Photo: KATHRIN KRISHNA
ter (Rosy Akbar) with the

interest to contribute towards the welfare of the
senior citizens, Mr Sharma said.
Hon. Minister has called

on the Non-Government
Organization, Faith Based
Organizations and Civil Society Organizations along
with the general public to

work hand in hand to provide a more encouraging
atmosphere for the senior
citizens in Fiji.
Senior Citizens Recognized

By KATHRIN KRISHNA
The Fijian Government
is concerned about the increase in cases of elderly
citizens either being abandoned or rejected or even
treated with cruelty in their
homes.
Ministry for Women,
Children and Poverty Alleviations Permanent Secretary Dr Josefa Koroivueta
made the comments when

he opened the Senior Citizens Charitable Trust in
Nadi recently.
The ministry opened the
trust in partnership with
other local sponsors.
Dr Josefa Koroivueta officiated as chief guest in
place of Minister Rosy Akbar who had to other commitments.
Mr Koroivueta said that
this was the first charitable
trust for senior citizens in
Fiji and that the ministry
would work with communities to provide such services to the elderly.

The ministry will try to
work with the local community and improve on the
services provided for the
senior citizens in our country, he said.
Amongst the recipients
was Nirbhay Nand Dass 90,
of Tau.
He said such charitable
trusts were very important
for elderly and gave them
a sense of belonging in the
society.
This trust is for a good
cause and the seniors
should make use of it. This
is actually the first time for
such a trust to be officiated
and I am very happy and
we thank the government
for the good work.
The President for the
Trust,
Palpana
Nand
thanked the Ministry for
the initiative and said he
was looking forward to
work with other committee members.
Committee members with P.S for Ministry of Women Children

and Poverty Alleviation. Photo: KATHRIN KRISHNA
Good Learning
Environment a
Priority: Tiko
A good beginning to
life is well recognized as
the foundation for future
development as the foundation for future development, health and wellbeing not only in the early
years but also throughout
life.
In a speech delivered
early this week by USP
Lecturer and Programme
Coordinator
for
Early
Childhood Lavenia Tiko,
she emphasized on quality
development in a childs
learning experiences.
MrsTiko officiated at the
opening ceremony of the
Early Childhood Education week at International
School Nadi.
We all know that quality plays a key role in enabling the kind of early
learning experiences that
research shows are linked
with academic achievement, she said adding
that stimulating, positive
and rich environments are
essentials of Early Childhood Education.
The Coordinator said it
was important to focus on
the engagement of chil-
dren with quality practices

and the promotion of equity practices as well.
ISNs EC Programme Coordinator, Barbra Prakash
said the school believed
that self-esteem was central to a childs growth.
Children are continually and consistently encouraged to grow and develop
individually, honoring each
childs uniqueness, she
said.
The event was a hive of
activities with entertainment including dances
and jingles performed by
the preschoolers at the
school.
Pre scholars celebrating Early Childhood Awareness Week at International School, Nadi.Photo:
MARGARET NAQIRI.
West Welcomes Rain
Food Sellers Warned
Brief showers earlier this week provide a little comfort to people in the western division.
After being threatened by drought conditions, two periods of rain in the past few weeks have provided a
little relief but is not enough to overcome the shortage
of water, especially in the outer islands.
Food sellers at carnivals will be closely monitored

over the meat being used to make a certain fastfood.
The discovery was made at the Farmers Carnival in
Lautoka where a complaint was received over the o
make kebabs.
Hotel Weddings
Increase
Fiji is becoming increasingly popular as a wedding
destination amongst tourists.
One of Fijis leading hotels, Sofitel said the numbers of
wedding bookings is increasing by the year.
LOCAL NEWS
Cane Production Numbers

Increase
THE total cane crushed
this year has increased by
31 percent compared to
production estimates for
the year despite the ongoing drought conditions.
Despite this the sugar
ministry believes the harvest will proceed positively.
In a recent statement
by the ministry, Fijis four
sugar mills have crushed
a total of 625,861 tonnes of
cane and 72,321 tonnes of
sugar.
This also represents
an increase over crushing

totals for the corresponding period for 2014, which
were 604,220 tonnes of
cane and 57,345 tonnes of
sugar, the ministry stated.
An estimate of about
1500 hectares of new cane
was also planted during
the planting window from
March to May.
Approximately
1200
hectares were prepared
but will not be planted as
drought conditions have
threatened germination.
Government in its 2015
budget had earlier granted
$5 million for cane devel-
opment in addition to $1.8

million leftover from 2014.
The ministry stated
that the remaining funds
will be used to irrigate
the 1,500 hectares of new
plant to better withstand
the drought.
The Fiji Cane and Lorry
Association was acknowledged for their support in
transportation of cane at
the Rarawai mill off-loading bay.
The sugar ministry has
also encouraged the use of
mechanical cane harvesters where there is a lack of
cane cutters.
New Walkway for

Nawaicoba Students
COMMUNITY spirit is one

of the most important aspects of development in a
society.
This was the gist of the
message delivered by the
Minister for Education, National Heritage, Culture and
Arts, Dr. Mahendra Reddy as
he officiated at the opening
of a new walkway at Nawaicoba Public School.

The $29,000 walkway
was the result of cooperation between the cane farming settlement and the government.
Mr Reddy acknowledged
the hard work put in by the
members of the Nawaicoba
community.
All these old people sacrificed their time, energy,
money and a lot of personal
savings to ensure people
like us and future genera-
tions are not deprived of

proper education, he said.
Mr Reddy, who is also a
former student of the primary school, said the occasion
was special and brought
back memories of his time
at the school.
School manager, Bala
Dass also gave an account
of the history of the school
and thanked founders who
built the school in 1967 for
the children of Nawaicoba.
The hardworking can cutting gang in Votualevu at work. Photo: NAVINESH KRISHNA.
FEO Ensures Training

for Officials
A TOTAL of 700 training

sessions were conducted
for last year alone for polling staff at the Fijian Elections Office.
FEO Supervisor, Mohammed Saneem revealed this as he opened
the Building Resources in
Democracy, Governance
and Elections workshop
in Votualevu.
The training team had

to travel to many far reaching areas and conduct
workshops, he said.
He said the 2014 election was the first held after
eight years and based on a
new electoral system.
The FEO had to ensure
that the training provided
the person with comprehensive knowledge of the
polling place operations
and practices whilst all
trainings delivered had to
be consistent, Mr Saneem
said.
NadisTanoa
International Hotel is playing host
to the two-week BRIDGE
workshop for twenty participants from the South
Pacific region, the third
such workshop conducted
this year in the country.
Mr Saneem encouraged
participants to be on the
lookout for regional collaboration possibilities like
such.
Fijian Chefs Cook Up a Storm at Global

Chefs Event
Fijian chefs are making their presence felt and
have sent out a message to
the top chefs from around
the world that they can
compete with the best in
the culinary industry following their strong finish
at the International Pacific
Rim Global Chefs competition held in Auckland, New
Zealand.
The Pacific Rim competition served as a qualification round for entry into
the 5th WorldChefs Global
Chef Challenge where
the worlds best chefs
meet to compete in Athens, Greece in September
2016.
The Pacific Oz-Tralasia
sponsored Fiji Chefs Team
competed in three different categories against the
rest of the Pacific that included Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Guam
from30 July 2 August.
Fiji Chefs were represented by Chef Abhinesh
Sharma from Sofitel Fiji
Resort & Spa and Chef Rohit Singh from Castaway
Island Resort. The two
competed for the World
Chefs accredited Global
Chef Challenge and Global
Junior Chef Challenge respectively both scooped
silver medals in their categories as well as a bronze

medal on the overall points
tally.
Whilst the competition against bigger nations
is always tough, our team
displayed amazing dishes.
Both the Chefs were highly
commended by all judges
and I can very proudly say
these young Fijian chefs
were not just a number out
there but gave the winning
team a good run for their
money, Fiji Chefs Association President, Mr Shailesh
Naidu, who was also invited as a judge at the competition says.
Mr Naidu also passed
sincere gratitude to the
management of Sofitel Fiji
Resort & Spa and Castaway Island Resort for their
great support, and Pacific
Oz-Tralasia for sponsoring
the Fiji Chefs Team again.
Fiji finished third overall while Australia took top
honors in all three categories.
All the winners will be
traveling to Greece next
year to represent the Pacific Rim at the International
World Association of Chefs
Society WorldChefs Congress and will compete
against twenty teams from
Fijian chefs Abhinesh Sharma and Rohit Singh with the medals they won at the Pacific Rim Global
Chefs competition. Photo: FIJI SUN.
seven different regions for

the world title.
Tourism Fiji Executive
Chairman, Mr Truman
Bradley says Fiji Chefs
achievements was positive news for the industry
and congratulated the Fiji
Chefs Team.
Their feats illustrate
that we have a lot of talent
in Fiji. Exposing our chefs
to global foodtrends and
highly competitive events
as such, allow them to
hone their skills to interna-
tional standards to ensure

the tourists expectations
are exceeded. Rubbing
shoulders with the best
in the world just brings
out the best in our people
in how they apply themselves to their work, com-
bined with the genuine Fijian hospitality, Mr Bradley

adds.
q PRESS RELEASE
LOCAL NEWS
Fire Warden
Training is
Important
The National Fire Authority (NFA) completed a
Fire Warden training with
the staff of Motibhai Group
at their office in Nadi on
Wednesday, August 12.
NFA CEO John OConnor
said: This course is designed to provide appointed fire wardens in the work
place with the necessary
knowledge and skills to
prepare for and respond to
emergency situations
This Fire Warden training provides the appointed
fire wardens at the workplace with the competency
in carrying out their duties
safely in preventing and
managing a fire situation at
the work.
We had a total of 20
Motibhai Group staff who
took part in the Fire Warden training and they have
learnt basic aspects of fire
safety, Mr OConnor said.
Apart from the business
employees getting this important knowledge on fire
safety, this training will also
assist their family when
they share this fire safety
learning with their family
members at home.
Meanwhile,
Motibhai
Group Chief Fire Warden
Sanjay Kumar said the fire

safety training provided by
the NFA is very important.
We always believe that
proactive approach needs
to be taken so that incidents can be controlled
and prevented.
Hazards are always
present in any workplace
and our goal is to always
ensure our workers are
aware of the hazards and
its consequences and to
minimize its consequences through training and error management.
Our main aim is to cultivate a safe and healthy
work environment for everyone. We cant correct a
wrong with another wrong.
Changing mindsets and
having that mind to learn
will change everything,
Mr Kumar said.
NFA urges all organizations to carry out Fire
Warden training for their
staff to learn fire safety
measures in case of a fire
emergency, Mr OConnor
added.
Nadi Hosts Male

Advocacy Workshop
By KATHRIN KRISHNA
A workshop has concluded in Nadi with an aim

to train men to stop sexists
behavior towards women.
The male advocacy
workshop, organized by
the Fiji Womens Crisis
Centre in conjunction with
Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation was held recently over
four days in Nadi.
The workshop was attended by 30 men who
belong to different com-
munities from Sigatoka to

Rakiraki.
These participants were
mainly made up of men
who were leaders in their
own communities and
planned to work closely
with FWCC and the Government to combat domestic violence issues in
the western division.
Speaking at the opening of the training program,
the Coordinator for FWCC
Shamina Ali said that the
training aimed to train the
participants to advocate
for domestic violence and
are able to change the
mindset of individuals in a
positive manner in the dif-
ferent communities they

represented.
Men are trained to stop
sexist behaviour towards
women. Men are often
seen as perpetrators and
if we
educate them to change
their attitude, we can
achieve a lot, Ms Ali said.
In Fiji, we have a quick
fix attitude everyone
starts talking when something goes wrong. There is
no concerted effort to fix
things. We need to look at
the international best practice, Ms Ali said.
She said the training
is about men learning to
change and changing other men, she said.

Chief Guest Commissioner Western Manasa
Tagicakabau told the participants to be good role
models and to influence
the perpetrators of domestic violence to refrain from
it.
We need to wake up.
To all heads of families
and communities, ensure
women and children live
in a violence free community, he said.
Held at the Hexagon
Hotel, the workshop ended
with an aim to minimize
domestic violence cases.
q NFA
Commisioner Western Manasa Tagicakabau (Middle) with

participants of the workshop at Hexagon Hotel, Nadi.
Photo: KATHRIN KRISHNA.
Church Celebrates
Anniversary
By KATHRIN KRISHNA
Staff of Motibhai Group participate in a Ffire warden training.

Photo: SUPPLIED
Neil Diamond
Tribute At Sofitel
Neil Diamond fans will get the chance to reminisce
on the songs that created waves decades ago.
A tribute will be held at the Sofitel Hotel in Denarau
later this month and fans can expect the revival of
songs from the Hot August Night album and many
more.
Laisas Restaurant A Hit

Food lovers can expect nothing but the best in Fijian
cuisine at Sweet Laisas Restaurant in Martintar Nadi.
The restaurant boasts the best and their food is
cooked in fusion with international dishes.
From humble beginnings, the Promised Land

Church has come a long
way with celebrations for
its 10th year anniversary.
The church, located 5
minutes outside the Sugar city, marked its 10th
year anniversary on Saturday 11th July.
Speaking at the event
senior Pastor Hemraj
Mangal shared his views
and memory from the
previous years and how
the church originally
started.
The Church held its
first service at Red Cross
Hall, in Vomo St, Lautoka
on 20 March 2005.
A year later, we moved
to Syria Lane in Namoli
Avenue in the heart of
Lautoka City. Our present
property was purchased
in later 2007, Pastor Mangal said.
After its rezoning in
Members of the Promised Land Church celebrate their 10th

year anniversary. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI
2009, building works commenced and the fellowship hall was officially
opened and dedicated on
10 July 2010.
Since then we have
continuously invested in
improvements and upgrades Mr. Mangal said.
Promised Land church
had experienced some
problems when the church
was first setup but now

they have marked 10 years
and oversees a bright future, he said.
It is the dynamics of
active and a church that
is alive even after going
through many challenges
and experiences.
We had our share of
problems. We have been
through thick and have
grown.
In mid-2014, our Sunday attendance dropped
to its lowest but today we
have bounced back with
increased in attendance.
We have grown. This
is Christs doing. This has
called us to celebrate
Gods goodness and favor
Pastor Managl said.
LOCAL NEWS
Successful Open Day for USP

Lautoka Campus
By KATHRIN KRISHNA
The establishment of
the University of the South
Pacifics Lautoka Campus
played a key role in the development of the western
division.
The comments were
made by Commissioner
Western
Manasa
Tagicakibau during the USP
Open Day on August 7.
The open day, which was
held at Churchill Park was
attended by hundreds of
students from around the
western division.
Different faculties had set
up information booth centres to help students get extra information about what
the university offered.
Chief Guest, Commissioner Western Manasa Tagicakibau urged the students
to make the most of the
universitys services and to

make an informed decision
about the courses they were
about to enroll in.
He also mentioned that
USP Lautoka campus had a
lot to offer and hardwork resulted in sweet rewards.
The University of the
South Pacific, through its
Lautoka Campus, plays a
key role in the development of the Western part of
Fiji and those who do not
meet the mark requirement
can now choose to do preliminary studies, Mr Tagicakibau said.
Mr Tagicakibau commended the University for
providing premier education
to the people of Lautoka
and keeping the promise of
providing a quality and sustainable environment for
the students for worthwhile
learning to take place.
Students of USP Lautoka campus display at the USP Open Day. Photo: KATHRIN KRISHNA.
Innovative Facilitators Wanted:

Saneem
ELECTIONS
officials
from around the region
were
encouraged
to
spread the gospel at the
opening of the Building
Resources in Democracy,
Governance and Elections
Workshop at the Tanoa International Hotel on Monday.
In a speech delivered by the Supervisor of
Elections,
Mohammed
Saneem, the twenty participants were told to be
innovative and build trainings into personal milestones.

As trainers you should
form the habit of constantly updating your knowledge and skills. Most of the
time you will have to dedicate your personal time to
achieve this, he said.
The First Secretary Governance of the Australian
High Commission Marcus
Khan highlighted the need
to continually upgrade
skills of facilitators through
regular workshops.
The two week workshop is a capacity building
initiative by stakeholders
and is an internationally
recognized electoral training programme.
This is a train the facilitator workshop which
means that at the end of
this workshop we will have
all of you who will be able
to conduct more BRIDGE
workshops, Mr Saneem
said.
The BRIDGE workshop
is organized by Pacific Islands, Australia and New
Zealand Electoral Administrators (PIANZEA) for its
members.
Supervisor of Elections at Fiji Elections Office, Mohammed Saneem.
Photo: GOOGLE
Teen Challenge Fiji Breaking

Free from Addiction
By KATHRIN KRISHNA
A church has taken up

the challenge to help drug
addicts and alcoholic recover.
The Teen Challenge
Fiji Adult Male Center is
currently a 6 day a week
12-14 month discipleship
program operating from
7:30am to 4:30pm at Promised Land Church in Lovu,
Lautoka.
The Teen Challenge
program is geared towards
life recovery and restoration for drug addicts, alcoholics, gang members
and other life controlling

or emotionally disabling
problems.
It is a Christian faithbased solution to life controlling drug and alcohol
problems.
By applying biblical
principles, Teen Challenge
endeavors to help people
become mentally sound,
emotionally-balanced, socially-adjusted, physicallywell and spiritually-alive.
The targeted group for
Teen Challenge Fiji 2015
are adult males.
While asked about how
the church planned to
run the program Mr. Seth
Greenwell said they were
still looking for businesses

to partner with them so
that they could help with
the smooth running of program.
We are still looking for
other ministries and businesses to partner with us
to build our dormitories.
Until these funds are raised
we will be conducting day
time classes and work experience starting August
3rd, he said.
Individuals who are interested could enroll by
contacting the Program
Director Seth Greenwell
on his mobile 905-9837 or
email him at sethgreenwell@gmail.com.
Promised Land Church. Photo: KATHRIN KRISHNA.
LOCAL NEWS
Sweet Laisas Kitchen

By CHARLES CHAMBERS
Sweet Laisas Kitchen

is the place to be to experience local indigenous
cuisine cooked from the
heart.
With less emphasis on
the use of cooking oils,
most of the food cooked
here is grilled the traditional way but served up
to standards that would be
the envy of a lot of hotels,
resorts and restaurants.
Co-owners,
husband
and wife team of Eroni and
Laisa Lawelua opened
the restaurant towards the
end of March this year and
have never regretted. The
renovations began at the
end of December last year
after careful planning of
how she wanted it to look.
Their passion stemmed
from their love for cooking
and resurrecting some of
the traditional food, some
of which are infused with
international cuisine to
create a unique and spectacular taste.
I realized last year that
there was no Fijian restaurant that offered local delicacies in corridor between
Nadi town and Nadi International Airport, she said.
In December 2014 I had
a dream of what I wanted
my restaurant to look like
and what I wanted on the
menu, she said.
I decided that I wanted
to try out local food which I
liked and knew both locals
and our overseas visitors
would enjoy.
I love sea food and
when I was a young girl

growing up in Suva and
Lami no-one could keep
me away from the sea,
the Oneata native said.
With the services of
her ten employees, she
has started to churn out
food that would hit home
to anyone who loves local
taste.
I have a lot of tourists
coming to my restaurant
and are surprised at the
taste of our food, she said.
I make chips from tavioka, taro and breadfruit.
The main courses included ika vakalolo (fish
in coconut milk), stuffed
eggplants, seafood delicacies kuita (octopus), sici
(sea shell), dairo (garlic
bread sea cucumber or
sand fish), kai (mussels)
and lumi (seaweed) all
cooked in coconut milk.
Dessert includes vudi (
a species of banana) vakasoso and coconut pudding
with passionfruit sauce to
create the infusion.
Most of my food is
grilled so I use less of cooking oil, she said.
Its the old style of Fijian cooking and even our
salads are unique in the
make-up of its contents.
We are an eco-friendly
restaurant.
If you have a dream of
something to build upon
then stay positive and work
on it beautifully and it will
turn out just the way you
dreamt it to be,: she said.
Your approach about
everything matters a lot. So
some along and enjoy our
very own local food in a fusion way, she concluded
Girls ready to serve at Laisas Kitchen. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
Delicious food at Laisas Kitchen
The Real
Taste of Fiji
A TASTE of authentic Fijian food straight from the

kitchen on to your plate.
This is what NADINA
Restaurant offers its clientele, the only restaurant on
Port Denarau that serves
traditional Fijian dishes.
We have kokoda (raw
fish in coconut cream) , ika
vakalolo (fish boiled in coconut cream), lovo (food
cooked in earth oven) and
our most popular dish is
kovu (food steamed in
dalo leaves), said manager, Asish Prakash.
The restaurant moved
to Port Denarau in 2009
from its original establishment in Martintar as it was
the ideal place to sell Fijian
dishes.
Mr Prakash, who was
also the former Head Chef,

said tourists enjoyed traditional Fijian food because
of its unique flavor and
variety but also added that
other cuisines were also
prepared at the restaurant.
We dont limit our dishes to only Fijian, we also
do Indian and others as
well but our main specialty
is Fijian dishes.
Nadina recently opened
another
restaurant
in
Wailoaloa and plans to
open more with the hope
of carrying on with the
tradition and the Nadina
brand.
Tourist arrivals for the
year have been at an all record high according to the
Bureau of Statistics. The
total number of visitors
increased by 7.5 percent
within the same period last
year.
The stafff and management of Nadina Restaurant in Denarau.
Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
The cooking team at Laisas Kitchen.
LOCAL NEWS
All in a DaysWork
This was the message

from RobilivaluVeronika
the only female in a gang
of seven cane cutters in
Votualevu.
Soft spoken and small
in built, 26 year old Robilivalu Veronika is not at
all affected by the fact that
she is the only woman in
the group.
This work is no different to what we women do
in our own villages, plus
I get paid so all in a days
work, the cane cutter

said.
MrsVeronika and her
husband
KositinoVuate
are two of the number of
villagers all the way from
Saliadrau in Namosi who
have come into the town
every harvesting season
to find work and also
helped fundraise for the
provision of electricity in
their village.
Were working here
until the season ends
which will be around October and by that time we
hope to be able to raise
around $4000 to send
back, she said.
Sardar, Ravin Singh said

Mrs Veronikas workload
was the same as the others
and also received equal
pay.
She is a hard worker
and is respected by the rest
of the gang and myself, Mr
Singh said.
Mr Singh said MrsVeronika was one of the few
women to have joined
cane cutting gangs this
season.
There is a shortage of
cane cutters according to a
recent press release by the
government.
Robilivalu Veronika as the only female cane cutter in the gang in Votualevu Nadi.
Photo: SERELISONI MOCEICA.
M . T
PTRADING
.MEGHJI
LIMITED
Liquor King & Wine Masters
LOCAL NEWS
The V8s of Port Denarau
THE custom made V8

trike is a sight to behold.
The first of its kind in
the country, the trike is one
of the most popular land
rides out of Port Denarau.
It is bought from New
Zealand and uses the same
engine like the Shotover
Jet, operations manager,
Api Naevo said.
The business began in
2012 and was established
by New Zealander, Warren Wicky and has never
looked back since then.
Mr Naevo said the V8
rides were available to
tourists and locals alike
with an hourly rate of $165
for a tour around Nadi.
We also offer tours to
Lautoka, Natadola and
even the Coral Coast, Suva
on the rare occasions because of the weather, the
manager said.
The V8 ride has boast-
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Rosy Akbar while meeting with
the senior citizens of Chanel Home of Compassion in Tamavua, Suva. Photo: SUPPLIED.
Api Naevo with one of the custom made V8 Trikes at Port Mariner.
Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI
ed celebrity names such

as the late Jerry Collins,
the Common Kings band
members and even Bollywood stars looking for
a more adventurous and

unique way of touring the
jet set town.
There are four V8s available for hire, two five-seat-
ers and two three-seaters

according to Mr Naevo.
In a recent statement by
government, tourist numbers were on the increase
by 7.5 percent compared

to the same period last
year according to the Bureau of Statistics and like
Mr Naevo said tourist
numbers increase, business increases.
Double Win for Seasea

IT was a night to remember for the beautiful Seasea

Misiki after she scooped
both the Bula Festival
Queen 2015 and Charity
Queen 2015 titles at Prince
Charles Park in Nadi.
The dumbfounded 22
year old University of the
South Pacific student said
the wins were unexpected.
The Miss TKG Handicrafts and Media Waves
contestant was crowned at
the closing of the festival on
Saturday night and said she
was excited with the opportunity given to her and
would continue her advocacy work to promote and
maintain the i-Taukei culture.
My message to young Fijians is to do all they can to
maintain their culture and
traditions as we are seeing
a loss of customs specific
and special to us, the Bula

Queen said.
MsMisiki acknowledged
the support shown by her
family and said she drew
inspiration from her mother who was her biggest
role model.
The Bula Queens parents were ecstatic about
her daughters win after
the crowning.
She deserves this,
she has been working so
hard, tearful mother Tokasa Misiki, said.
The Minister for Local
Government, Housing, Environment, Transport and
Infrastructure Praveen Bala
was the chief guest for the
night and acknowledged
the 10 contestants that vied
for the crown.
First runner up was Miss
FBCs Eleni Matatolu and
Miss Clyde Acro Vulatolu
Bilitaki was the second
runner up.
Miss Laser Electric Unaisi Sea was crowned Miss
Personality on the night.
2015 Digicel Bula Festival Queens during the Crowning night at Prince Charles Park. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
The Right to Fair

Treatment
THE chance to be fairly

recognized and treated is
an issue that Temcy Marley
is a strong advocate for.
The 19 year old transgender or as is popularly
known in Nadi , the fairy

is the jetset towns 2015
Miss Priscilla.
I am excited to begin
my reign and want to thank
everyone who supported
me through the pageant,
she said.
The Sabeto resident is
a hairdresser by profes-
sion and was one of seven

competitors vying for the
crown.
Priscilla Night saw a
packed pavilion at Prince
Charles Park and did not
disappoint as the crowd
was treated to a night of
fun and entertainment provided by the contestants.
10 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Festival Chairman Mohammed Hafiz said the

festival was another success and looked forward
to the next.
Fiji Gas Priscilla Queen 2015 Temcy Marley Rounds.

Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI
ADVERTISEMENT
11
WAITUI BEACH CLUB SUPPLEMENT
Sofitel Fiji Opens $3.2m

Adult Escape
TOUTED as the perfect

Fijian romantic holiday escape, Sofitel Fiji Resort and
Spa officially opened its first
ever adults-only accommodation within its resort last
week.
Nestled against the
beautiful backdrop of the
Denarau Marina, the multimillion dollar Waitui Beach
Club provides a unique differentiation for couples and
honeymooners.
The Waitui Beach Club
is a celebration of elegance,
ambience, entertainment,
fun, fitness and wellbeing
where seasoned travellers
will be treated to elevated
standards of hospitality with
a focus on wellness and
health, BSP Director, Malakai Naiyaga said.
The health and wellness
theme is the basis for the
clubs menu which would

offer dedicated balanced
bar and dining experience
by well-known nutritionist
Lucinda Zammit.
According to Mr Naiyaga
the theme also extended
to the 25 metre lap pool
and state-of-the-art gym.
The Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism,
FaiyazKoya said the Waitui
Beach Club offered more
than just family travel.
Whilst we may provide
the best and friendliest services, we also need to ensure that we are able to cater to our markets needs,
Mr Koya said.
The $3.2million club includes a swimming pool,
champagne bar, restaurant, poolside cabanas and
74 adult-themed beach
club rooms.
The newly opened Sofitel Fiji Resorts Waitui Adults Club. Photos: MARGARET NAQIRI
WAITUI BEACH CLUB SUPPLEMENT
Neil Diamond Tribute

Set To Rock Sofitel
By CHARLES CHAMBERS
NEIL Diamond fans are

in for a bash with the star
singers renditions to be
performed at the Sofitel
Hotel on Denarau Island
later this month.
The one night concert,
A Tribute to Neil Diamond
which will feature tribute
artist Gary Ryan will include the world renowned
singers songs including
those from the Hot August
Night concert.
Sofitel Hotels Digital
Marketing and Communications Executive Ulalia
Macomber said the concert, on August 29 would
also showcase the magnificent ballroom at the hotel.
It will be more of a
Golden Oldies night at the
hotel and the concert was
also targeting a lot of business people, she said.
The tribute is due to feature Diamonds hits Cherry
Cherry, Solitary Man, Red
Red Wine, Forever in Blue
Jeans, Crackling Rose and
America which was attributed to the release of
American hostages from
Iran.
Ryan was born in
Bolton, Lancashire, England.
He attended Sharples
High School till he was
16, leaving to do a variety of jobs in the building
trade. But music was always Garys first love; his
first performance was as a
singer at the age of 14, on a
holiday camp.
He soon taught himself to play the guitar and
joined a band at the age of
17. Between the ages of 1823 he performed solo and
in various bands on the
road, first in the U.K. then
abroad, where he continued singing in bars and
hotels.
On his return to the UK,
Gary applied for and appeared on Stars In Their
Eyes and after winning
his heat, went on to win a
proud second place in the
Grand final.
Gary then went on to
join the touring show The
Great Legends Of Rock, in
which he has done a theatre and concert hall tour
of the U.K., two tours of
New Zealand and a tour of
Ireland.
Gary has also appeared
before various celebrity
audiences at the Grosvenor House Hotel, the Hilton Hotels, London and
Glasgow and the Chesa
Vegria Club in St.Moritz,
and many more (he counts
Ivana Trump among his
admirers).
More recently Gary has

enjoyed three extremely
successful summer seasons in Blackpool with
The Legends Show. Performing at The North Pier
and Central Pier.
In between his appearances at Blackpool, He
also travels up and down
the Country performing at
both corporate and private
functions and along side
various other performers
on a number of The Royal
Caribbean Liners, for 4- 6
days at a time.
Gary performs at all
three Butlins camps on
a regular basis. To date,
as well as usual musical
commitments, Gary also
performs his own theatre
show Hot August Nights
at various venues around
the Country.
Gary also has publishing
deals for a number of his
own compositions, some
of which will are available
on his CD Diamonds N
Mine which is a compilation of some of Neil Diamonds finest songs and
Garys own compositions.
Gary loves entertaining and recently took up
acting to broaden his horizons. His musical influences today include; Neil
Diamond, Bryan Adams,
The Eagles and Colin Raye
among others.
13
TOURISM
Handicrafts is Creating a Stir Within

the Jet Set Town
By CHARLES CHAMBERS
A niche market for locally made handicrafts is

creating a stir within the jet
set town of Nadi.
Situated along the busy
Queens Highway and
amidst the hustle and bustle of businesses in Martintar, TKG Handicrafts has
filled the gap for the handicraft market.
Not just ordinary handicraft is sold here but locally
made items that would
make anyone gape in awe
at its beauty.
The business is owned
by couple Adriu and Tokasa Masiki. Originally from
Lakeba in Lau, Mr Masiki
plans to expand his business to capture the lucrative tourism market.
With the bulk of their
handicraft coming straight
out of villages in Lau including Moce and Yadrana,
one can be rest assured
that it is made to the best
in traditional quality.
A glance around their
outlet in Martintar would
confirm the authenticity
of their products coupled
with the glamorous designs of their mats.

Mats include coco (Fijian pronounced thor thor)
or a large plain mat usually laid out on the floor,
davodavo (designed mats
used as bedding), kuta and
vakabati which could be
bought with decoration on
its side ranging from 10, 15
or 20 lines.
Mrs Masiki said one
could also order in packages different mat combinations with prices ranging
from $400 to $800.
It depends on the size
of the mats, she said.
Masi is also sold here
and the special part of this
is one could choose some
designs which they for
ones own liking.
Masi can be bought in
different sizes with size
specifications down to table mat size.
For that special occasion one can buy traditional salusalu (garland) in different designs with prices
$35 with a favourite being
the sisi ni Lakeba.
Mr Masiki said they also
catered for people wanting wreaths for funerals
and also sell hand fans and
The owner of this Handicraft shop Adriu. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
other handicrafts to compliment the local creations

in handicraft.
Mr Masiki said he began
his business some years
ago in Suva then extended
to Sigatoka and has oper-
ated in Nadi for over three

years now.
We also have dress
items for traditional Fijian
weddings and would be
happy to cater from those
wanting different specifi-
cations to their attire, he

said.
Sometimes people do
not have the time to go
around at the last minute
looking for such items,
especially during funerals
and weddings and we are

here to help them, Mr Masiki said.
Street Poll: How do you think the Fiji team will perform at the upcoming Rugby World Cup tournament?
Vishwa, Nadi
They will perform their best
and thats good enough for me.
We have the likes of Nadolo,
Volavola, Talei, this should boost
confidence and help them
improve ranking.
Adrian Sofield, Nadi

Hopefully they should finish
in the Top 10 as they have been
getting together as a team and
it looks promising.
Dewan Singh, Nadi

They will move up the ranking. They fielding a really good
team and cant wait to watch
them play.
Te Waqanivalu, Nadi
My bet is on them, they have
fitness and the quality of play
has really improved. They have
a really good chance of beating
England in their first game.
Nilsy, Nadi
The Fiji team is my team.
They are quite fit and will
perform their best. Good luck
to the players.
Jope Tauga
This team will create upsets.
The inclusion of Talei, Matadigo,
Nadolo and Bai will be a mental boost to the other members.
They will come out on top of the
pool of death.
TOURISM
La Parisennes Pies And

Rolls a Hit
By CHARLES CHAMBERS
Sofitel has re-introduced
one of their favourite foods
back on the menu.
The beef and mushroom
pie and chicken rolls is a hit
at the hotels La Parisienne
Restaurant situated near the
lobby.
The hotels Sales and Marketing executive Ulalia MaComber said the hotel previously had it on the menu
and was removed by some
former chefs.
However we have reintroduced it and it sells like
hot cake at La Parisienne,
she said.
Even locals come here
to buy it, she said.
The beef pie is filling in
itself because it is worth
every cent in as far as taste
and size.
The pie is full of beef and
mushroom cooked up to a
taste will be the envy of any
food outlet be it in hotels or
restaurants.
Of course trying to ask for
the recipe is out of the question because the pies and
rolls are unique to the hotel.
Youd be lucky everyday
if you manage to get your
hands on one because everyone loves it, she said.
The re-introduced La Parisennes Pies and Rolls. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI
15
ADVERTISEMENT
WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF
Wreckage Found
A plane that crashed in Indonesias Papua Region with

54 people on board has been found.
The turboprop plane which was operated by Trigana Air
Services was found in the district of Oktabe
in the eastern Papua region.
The mountainous terrain has made it difficult for search
and rescue teams to access the crash site.
Gay Marriage Bill For Australia
A controversial bill to legalise same sex marriage has

been introduced to the Australian Parliament.
The bill comes amidst heated arguments amongst government MPs about whether to change the law or put
the matter to a plebiscite.
The Governments official position is the marriage
should only be between man and women.
The Bill allows couples, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or interest status to marry. *BBC
Is Leader Raped Us Hostage
An American hostage who was killed while being held

by Islamic State (IS) militants was sexually abused by
the groups leader, US officials told ABC news.
Kayla Mueller, 26, was repeatedly raped by Abu Bakr al-
Baghdadi. Her family was informed of the abuse in June.

Ms Mueller was abducted while working in Aleppo in
Syria in August 2013.
Is said she was killed in a Jordanian airstrike but the US
blames the group for her death. *BBC
Brazillians Want President Out
Hundreds of thousands of Brazilian demonstrators returned to the streets of dozens of Brazilian cities to call
for the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff.
She is being blamed for a vast corruption scandal and the
economys worst slump in a quarter century.
The left presidents approval rating has dwindled to single
digits and polls show two in three Brazilians were calling
for her impeachment. *REUTERS
Freemans Granddaughter
Murdered
Actor Morgan Freeman has announced the death of his

33 year-old granddaughter Edena Hines.
Hines 33, who resided in New York City, was found fatally
stabbed near her residence.
Police responded to a 911 call just before 3am last Sunday and found a woman, later identified as Hines lying in
the street in the Harlem section of New York. *REUTERS
Boat Deaths At 49
The number of migrants who died in the hold of an

overcrowded fishing vessel rescued from waters off the
coast of Libya last Saturday has risen to 49, the coast
guard said.
The bodies of the victims, along with the 312 survivors
were due to arrive at the Sicilian port of Catania on Monday morning. *REUTERS
Veterans Celebrate Japan War

Anniversary
A parade by the phalanx of veterans in wheelchairs

through Central London was the climax of an emotional
day commemorating the 70th anniversary of the war
against Japan.
The conflict claimed the lives of 27,000 British and Commonwealth troops.
Queen Elizabeth led the ceremony to remember the sacrifice of those who had fought and died.
She was joined by the Duke of Edinburgh himself a
veteran of the Far East war, the Prime Minister David
Cameron and former POWs for the service at St Martin-
Recognizing Future Leaders

By KATHRIN KRISHNA
As one can remember,

childhood holds the most
memorable events in a
persons life.
To encourage and recognize the future leaders, early childhood week
was recognized all across
Fiji from 10th to 14th of
this month themed Early
Childhood Education a
Sustainable Future.
Saint Thomas Primary
School was amongst the
many schools to commemorate early childhood
week.
Speaking at the school
function, Ms.Dionisia Ulu-
ilakeba a fellow teacher

of the school shed some
light on the importance for
parents to invest in their
childs education.
Look after your children well and they should
always come first. Provide
for their needs and invest
in their education, she
said.
She also asked the kids
to work hard and to make
the most of the opportunities provided.
Be good to your parents and family members
and never give up on your
dreams, she said.
The event ended with
sweet performances from
the pre-schoolers dressed
in colorful Bula attire.
Bred Bank
Officially
Opens in
Lautoka
By KATHRIN KRISHNA
Banks need to extend

their services to rural areas to give Fijians the opportunity to access proper
financial services.
The comments were
made by Minister for Industry Trade and Tourism
Faiyaz Koya during the
opening of Bred Banks
newest outlet in Lautoka.
BRED Bank (Fiji) Limited, with European roots,

began operations in Fiji in
November 2012 and after
operating for nearly 3 years
have successfully spread
their reach to over 25,000
customers in Fiji.
Mr Koya highlighted the
benefits the Fiji Government and the citizens have
received as a result of foreign entities investing in
Fiji.
Bred Bank Fiji has con-
Pre-school teachers and students of St. Thomas Primary School during ECW. Photo: KATHRIN KRISHNA
tributed confidently and

positively to the banking
sector by designingand offering services and products which meet the needs
of the customers at very
affordable rates said Mr
Koya.
He also spoke about
how important banking
services were to the gen-
eral public and that the

Government of the day
has encouraged investors
to provide for people in the
rural areas as well.
We hope to see the
bank move into the rural
areas and places where
banking services are not
currently available. This
will give all Fijians the op-
portunity to have access to

proper financial services
he said.
Bred Banks CEO Frederic Reynaud ensured that
the Bank would provide
services which would benefit all Fijians.
Our business rule is
customer first in determining our products, servic-
es, culture and presence

around Fiji he said.
Bred Bank Lautoka currently has more than 300
customers in just a few
weeks of operation.
Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism-Faiya.S.Koya with staff of Bred Bank Lautoka Branch.
17
BUSINESS
Laisa an Inpiration to the Locals
By CHARLES CHAMBERS
Laisa Navunicagi Lawelua is an inspiration to locals who are hesitant to

take the next big step in
business.
From
selling
food
around Nadi International
Airport to working as a
chef on super yachts sailing the Pacific including
New Zealand and Australia she now owns her food
outlet that is becoming a
hit in the midst of the bustling tourism town of Nadi.
Mrs Lawelua is coowner with husband Eroni
of Sweet Laisas Kitchen
based along the Queens
Highway at Martintar in
Nadi.
Even a hip injury that
had left her bed ridden for
some time with walking
difficulties has not stopped
her pursuing a dream
which she has made a reality.
The Oneata born businesswoman has come a
long way from humble
beginnings to running her
own restaurant which offers Fijian food and dessert
made from the heart.
The 50-year-old reminisced on her humble beginnings selling roti parcels

and pies around Nadi airport.
I used to make the food
early in the morning and
carried it around the airport selling it to the people
who worked there, she
said.
I also used to send
my pies and cakes on
the plane to Musket Cove
where it was sold, she
said.
She then landed a job at
Post Fiji at the airport working in the mail room but
continued selling food as a
side income to her pay.
Mrs
Lawelua
then
moved to Musket Cove in
1994 working with Rainbow Mooring Charters and
this provided the opening
for a chance in a lifetime to
sail on the super yachts.
These expensive vessels
which normally are owned
by the rich and famous
included VvS1, Surprise,
Stella and Wayward Wind
were some of the yachts
she and Eroni sailed on.
VvS1 is owned by Michael Hill, New Zealands
most famous jeweler and
is also the name of the pur-
Laisa Lawelua. Photos: MARGARET NAQIRI.
est diamond.
Her duties included being a chef, chief stewardess, deckhand and purser
during her sailing career
which spanned 20 years.
After the recurrence of
her hip injury, which she
sustained while working
as a Public Relations Officer at Club Naitasi in the
Grandmother Feeds
the Hungry
By CHARLES CHAMBERS
She has been one of the

more familiar faces at Port
Denarau Marina.
Paulina Kaloudau has
seen many happy faces
because of the food she
serves up at the popular
tourist port in Nadi.
The 61 year old grandmother has been doing this
for the past 10 years and it
has all been for the education and upkeep of her
grandchildren.
Ms Kaloudau, who hails
from Natovi in Tailevu North
says her love for what she
is doing has become a passion.
I really miss coming out
to sell daily when I am away
from Port Denarau attending functions like funerals
or visiting my grandson who
is at school in Tailevu, she
said.
Ms Kaloudau has a small
bure which she uses to sell
food, pies, sandwiches and
juice to the workers and
tourists at the port.
Paulina Kaloudau serves a customer in Port Denarau Marina.

Photo: SUPPLIED.
She bakes her pies at

night and is up at 4am every morning making roti
before beginning cooking
her food at 7am.
At around 7am I start
making curry, or stir fry
and sui (soup meaty
bones) which is a big hit,
she said.
You wont believe it but
I even get tourists coming
for a serve of sui, she said.
I mainly cater for the
workers who cannot really afford the food at the
restaurants at the port but
youd be surprised that
even tourists come and
buy here some even try
to bargain, she said.

Ms Kaloudau looks after
the schooling and needs of
her grandsons who are in
high school.
She remembered first
started selling 10 years
ago in front of the former
Kados Restaurant where
there was no roof over her
head.
I had approached Barry
Ingam the former Harbour
Master for Port Denarau at
that time and he gave me
the go-ahead to sell food,
she said.
I love this place and
have made a lot of friends,
she said.
Mamanuca Group, Mrs

Lawelua decided to make
her dream come true.
I was in a boat owned
by the resort and it collided
with another boat and this
jolted me in the air and I
landed back in the boat injuring my hip, she said.
While still in crutches,
the couple rented out a
place where they currently

operate from and started
to build their business.
She raised three children, although her and
Eroni did not have any of
her own and helped other
family members kids get
off their feet.
A lot of locals, especially the indigenous people
have the capabilities to

venture into business but
are frightened to take that
big step, she said.
My advice is to be confident and committed to
what you want to do and
then only you will survive,
she said.
ADVERTISEMENT
19
BUSINESS NOTICE BOARD
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21
INTERNATIONAL SPORTS
Curry to Captain new look All

Black Sevens
The All Blacks Sevens will go into the new

season with the services of All Blacks Sonny
Bill Williams and Liam
Messam with head
coach Gordon Tietjens
announcing his initial
training squad that will
form the basis of the
selected teams for the
new HSBC World Rugby
Sevens Series.
The pair - along
with Ben Lam, Ardie
Savea and Akira Ioane,
who impressed at this
years World Rugby U20
Championship in Italy
- are new faces in the
squad from last season.
Ioane, Lam, Messam
and Savea have previously pulled on the
sevens jersey, with Williams due to make his
debut in the sport.
A core of sevens specialists from the 2014-15
season, where the All
Blacks Sevens finished
third overall and quali-
fied for Rio 2016, were

also named in the squad
with New Zealand using
the new season as preparation for the sports
debut at the Olympic
Games.
Scott Curry, a regular member in recent
seasons, will captain
the side following the
decision of long serving leader DJ Forbes to
step down from the role
to focus on his sevens
game.
Its a big year ahead
for sevens so to be captain at this time is a huge
thrill, said Curry. Ive
learnt a lot about leadership from DJ and I know
Ill be drawing on his
knowledge in the season ahead. We have really important goals over
the next year and Ill be
working hard to help the
team be in the best possible shape to succeed.
Tietjens said he was
very excited to have Wil-
liams and Messam commit to sevens, with both

players available for all
world series events and
unlikely to play Super
Rugby.
We know what Liam
can do and he will certainly give us some new
options up front, added
Tietjens. Hes a hugely
experienced
sevens
player having won two
Commonwealth Games
gold medals and been
part of Sevens World Series winning New Zealand teams.
Sonny Bill Williams
is a great athlete and
has shown he can adapt
very easily to the demands of rugby. I see
him adjusting very well
to the fast pace of sevens. Hell be a great attacking weapon with his
speed, strength and uncanny ability to offload.
Were really pleased
hes committed to the
full season. He knows
Sir Gordon Tietjens with the new players in the squad. Photo: SUPPLIED.
competition for places

will be intense so hes
giving himself the best
chance of making the
team for Rio.
Other Super Rugby
players selected will be
available for the Wellington and Sydney sevens tournaments. They
will then return to their
Super Rugby teams
through to week 10
and be available for the
US Soccer Stars to
Visit Fiji
AMERICAN
soccer
stars Cobi Jones and Tracy Noonan will be in the
country late this month.
This was confirmed by
the American Embassy
and has organized the
stars to hold workshops
for interested stakeholders
in the sport.
They will be in the
country with coaches,
age-development teams,
female players, district-level officials, school teachers
and students, a statement
from the ministry said.
The programme organized by the embassy is
part of an ongoing effort to
promote healthier living.
It would also promote

the viability of the sport for
women.
The two soccer stars
will be in the country from
August 25 to August 31
with the programme being
run in collaboration with
the Fiji Football Union and
UNICEF.
The tour will strengthen current initiatives by
local authorities and international organizations that
promote wellness within
the family unit and in communities, the Embassy
said.
The importance of hand
washing
and
hygiene
among primary and sec-
ondary school students is

also a priority theme for
the programme.
The Fiji Football Association and UNICEF have
agreed to be our partners
in this project, which will
include components on
hand-washing and choosing a healthier lifestyle,
targeted at adolescents
and young adults, the Embassy said.
Primary and secondary
school students, teachers,
academics, sports admin- Cobi Jones. Photo: SUPPLIED.
istrators and coaches and
health officials are expected to be part of this one
week programme.
q US EMBASSY
Tracy Noonan. Photo: SUPPLIED.
remaining two tournaments of the World Series in Paris and London.

Tietjens said the initial training squad will
form the basis of the
teams to be selected for
the new season. More
players would be added
later this year.
New Zealand squad:
Dylan Collier, Scott
Curry (captain), Sam
Dickson, DJ Forbes, Gil-
lies Kaka, Akira Ioane,

Rieko Ioane, Ben Lam,
Liam Messam, Tim Mikkelson, Ardie Savea,
Sherwin Stowers, Sam
Vaka, Beaudein Waaka,
Joe Webber, Sonny Bill
Williams.
q WORLD RUGBY
West Primary
Schools Rugby
Focus on
Development
The western primary
schools rugby has placed
development ahead of winning.
This is the philosophy
behind the organization of
the Crest Western Primary
Schools Rugby Festival at
Nadis Prince Charles Park.
Games organizer, Noa
Neivogo said the two day
event kicked off on Tuesday and saw a total of five
districts competing for
the wins in four different
grades.
We have Nadroga, the
Baby Jets of Nadi, Lautoka,
Ba and even Bua and the
number of teams has increased this year, he said.
The rugby competition
is in its second year and
organisers acknowledged
Crest Chickens ongoing
support.
The competition also
fielded girls teams from
Lautoka and Bua and Mr
Neivogo said the competition could see a rise in the
girls teams in the future.
It is good to see girls
playing as we know womens rugby is on the up.
There is a lot of support
from these girls schools.
Lautoka won the Under
14 grade yesterday beating
hosts Nadi 5 -0.
Nadi took the Under 11
and Under 13 titles while
Lautoka was also crowned
winners of the Under 9, 10
and 12 grades.
Teachers, parents and
students flocked to the
Park as the school holidays
began this week in the
country.
Action from the Crest western primary schools rugby festival.

Photo: KATHRIN KRISHNA
LOCAL SPORTS
The Fiji International Set to Host World

No.16 Golfer at Natadola
By CHARLES CHAMBERS
World Number 16 Matt

Kuchar has signed on to
compete in the 2015 Fiji International at Natadola Bay
Championship Golf Course
from 15-18 October.
It will be the first visit
to Fiji for Kuchar, who is a
seven-time winner on the
worlds biggest tour, the
PGA TOUR.
An experienced veteran,
he also has represented
the United States on three
Ryder Cup, two Presidents
Cup and two World Cup
teams.
Extremely engaging, relatable and likeable with a
smile always on his face,
Kuchar has distinguished
himself as a fan favourite
in each of the tournaments
hes played.
Im excited to be competing in the Fiji International, as Ive heard great
things about Natadola Bay
and the area itself, said
Kuchar.
As Im enjoying the
challenge on the course, I
know my family will be enjoying a variety of different
activities the location has
to offer.
Competing in the final
Major of the year, Kuchar
has today fired an opening round of 4-under 68 to
be tied third at the PGA
Championship in America.
The inaugural Fiji International attracted a
strong field of players from
around the world, but the
inclusion of Kuchar this
year takes it to the next
level.
Matt is a truly elite player who is a fixture in all the
biggest tournaments in the
world, including the Majors, said Stephen Ayles,
Chief Commercial Officer
of the PGA of Australia.
Having him compete
in the Fiji International is a
huge boost to the tournament; a strong playing field
will help us achieve just
about every key performance metric associated
with the tournament.
Last years field was
impressive, but attracting
a player of Matts calibre
is further evidence of the
traction that the Fiji International is gaining on the
world golf stage.
The Fiji International
is earning a reputation
amongst the worlds best
golfers as a unique tournament played on a championship grade golf course
in a tropical location that
they and their families can
enjoy.
Players compete at
events all over the U.S.
and Europe, but the Fiji
International is special;
they can bring their family,
and while they compete in
the tournament their fam-
World Number 16 Matt Kuchar . Photos: SUPPLIED.
ily will have an amazing

time, added Ayles.
The whole resort at
the InterContinental and
everything that Fiji offers
is right there on top of an
amazing golf course and
an amazing location.
This is different to what
the Professionals get to experience week in, week
out, and Matt Kuchar and
his family will be taking full
advantage of that in October.
To be played at the Nat-
adola Bay Championship

Golf Course from 15-18 October, the Fiji International
will be broadcast around
the world.
The Fiji International is
co-sanctioned by the PGA
Tour of Australasia and
OneAsia.
The inaugural Fiji International signalled Fijis official arrival onto the world
golfing stage with the Fijian
Government, Fiji Tourism
and Fijis number one golf
ambassador, Vijay Singh,
all making a push to put

their country on the lucrative world golfing map.
In 2015, the Fiji International is expected to
grow with the tournament
establishing a reputation
amongst the worlds best
golfers as a must-attend
event for themselves and
their families.
The tournament also
boosts some of the most
unique hospitality options
in world golf with the par-3
4th hole providing the per-
fect vantage point to watch

the golf whilst socialising
on the beach.
More than just a golf
tournament, the Fiji International aims to leave
a lasting legacy for golf in
the Pacific with the PGA of
Australia supporting initiatives to introduce and grow
the game in Fiji.
Musket Cove Regatta Expected to

Attract Over 80 Yachts this Year
By CHARLES CHAMBERS
The annual world famous Musket Cove Regatta

is expected to attract over
80 yachts for this years
race.
Hosted by the Musket
Cove Yacht Club the race,
which is in its 32nd year,
has already confirmed 50
participants but more are
expected in.
Musket Cove Resort
sales and marketing manager Alex Raicebe said the
annual event always attracted a lot of entries.
Usually we have a sudden influx of late entries,
he said.
The event is to be held
from September 11 -16 and
includes
entertainment,
cocktails and other fun activities.

A modest $50 entry fee
per person is charged and
includes all race entries
while children will be levied half price.
Musket Cove Yacht Club
secretary Sophie Daveta
said the race was a culmination of visitors ending
their sailing around Fiji.
Yachts which were
sailing in Fiji from mid May
to October end their trip
here with the regatta, Ms
Daveta said.
Previously the race
was from Musket Cove
to Port Villa but now its
around Malolo, she said.
Boats of all sizes and
types can register and this
can be from super yachts
like the Super Yacht Dragon Fly to dinghies dressed
up in themes by children.
Ms Daveta said this
years hobiecat challenge
is being sponsored by Port
Opua from the Bay of Islands in New Zealand.
Fun races includes
yachts racing to Beachcomber Island Resort
where they would be met
by the staff there dressed
as pirates with the first
captain ashore getting a
bottle of rum.
Musket Cove Yacht
Clubs Bluewater Life has
a membership of 1719
which started in 1980.
Last years winner on
the catamaran division
was New Zealand yacht
Margarita while another
Kiwi yacht Laissezsaire 2
won the mono hull section.
The yachts participating in the previous Musket Cove Regatta. Photo: SUPPLIED
23
Page 23
Page 22
Musket Cove
Regatta
Curry to Captain
All Blacks 7s
AUGUST 2015. ISSUE 71
50 CENTS
Nadi Bids Farewell

to Donu
Nadi Rugby farewells Donu Rokotakala outside Narewa Methodist church.

Photo: SERELISONI MOCEICA.
We shall all go home one day.

This was the message relayed as
thousands gathered to farewell the
man touted to be the Nadi Rugby
man, Donu Lotawa Rokotakala.
Families, friends, co-workers and
many of Nadis prestigious and rugby
fanatics gathered at Narewa village on
Friday morning to be a part of the funeral

proceedings.
Nadi Rugby Union president Meli Tora
acknowledged the hard work and commitment shown by Mr Rokotakala and
encouraged those gathered to learn from
his example.
He gave his time and life to take care
of whatever it was that needed to be taken care of, whether we called him daytime or at night, Donu would take care of
it, Mr Tora said.
Mr Tora said without the deceased, the

union would not have accomplished so
many of its great feats.
Mr Rokotakala was behind talks of
sponsorship deals with Jacks Fiji who
has, during the church service, also reassured the union of its support.
He was originally from Naviti, Yasawa
with maternal links to Wainibuka, Tailevu.
The Nadi Rugby team also stood up to
sing their goodbye to Mr Rokotakala in
front of a packed congregation.
Mr Rokotakala is survived by his wife,

Sereana Raboiliku and his two children,
Vika and Vesivesi Rokotakala.
The Yasawa man passed away early
this month after the vehicle he was travelling in got involved in an accident in
Rakiraki. His co-worker, Arunesh..
who was with him at the time, also died
in hospital.
The Nadi team dedicated the rest of
their games to Mr Rokotakala and his
family.

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FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

AUGUST 2015. ISSUE 71

Wedding Market on the

Fiji is fast becoming a popular

A mock wedding in Sofitel. INSET: The picturesque

Fiji - the way the world should be

bile phones or perusing through

THE JET is Fijis first community newspaper published bi-monthly

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

In a bid to reduce unemployment and encourage local entrepreneurs,

Recipients of the Small Business Grant with the Prime Minister

Nadi to Host First Fiji Pageant

WINNERS from pageants around the country

Bala at the crowning of the

THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Miss World Fiji Charlene Tafunai. Photo: GOOGLE .

Votualevu Public Improves Facilities

New computer labs

all going to make a big difference to the lives of our

ing process, Mr Bainimarama said.

ing garbage correctly.

people on where rubbish

bers of the parliament for

THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Senior citizens should

made great inroads with

Hon.Rosy Akbar while distributing presents to elderly in Natabua Lautoka.

ter (Rosy Akbar) with the

Hon. Minister has called

with the general public to

Senior Citizens Recognized

made the comments when

would work with communities to provide such services to the elderly.

Committee members with P.S for Ministry of Women Children

dren with quality practices

West Welcomes Rain

Food Sellers Warned

Food sellers at carnivals will be closely monitored

THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Cane Production Numbers

an increase over crushing

opment in addition to $1.8

New Walkway for

COMMUNITY spirit is one

of a new walkway at Nawaicoba Public School.

tions are not deprived of

FEO Ensures Training

A TOTAL of 700 training

The training team had

Fijian Chefs Cook Up a Storm at Global

silver medals in their categories as well as a bronze

seven different regions for

tional standards to ensure

bined with the genuine Fijian hospitality, Mr Bradley

THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Sanjay Kumar said the fire

Nadi Hosts Male

A workshop has concluded in Nadi with an aim

munities from Sigatoka to

ferent communities they

change and changing other men, she said.

Commisioner Western Manasa Tagicakabau (Middle) with

Staff of Motibhai Group participate in a Ffire warden training.

Laisas Restaurant A Hit