Inside
TOP STORIES
COUNCIL GRITTY ON
TRANSIT WORKS
By ANA SOVA
The Nadi Town Council is trying
to engage members of the Nadi
Community as much as possible
as it continues works to transition
Nadi town into Nadi City.
The Council is working closely
with the Ministry of Local Govern-
ment, Housing and Environment
on the process on behalf of Nadi.
Councils Chief Executive Offi-
cer, Peter Dinning said the Council
has had the opportunity to review
the public submissions received
as part of the public consultation
process.
Those submissions have been
summarised and both council
and the consultant working with
the council have expressed their
opinions on those submissions in
a report through the Local Gov-
ernment Committee, Mr. Dinning
said.
He said the Councils response
to the report will be put to Govern-
Hundreds Flock Marriott Navkovacake Trust Work Illegal Rental Increase to
Recruitment. Pg. 4
Villagers Thankful.
On Uplifting Vanua.Pg. 6
Digicel Smile Sim
Be Investigated. Pg. 7
Musket Cove Regatta.
Pg. 8 Launched in Nadi. Pg. 10 Pg. 14
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE 88 www.thejetnewspaper.com 50 CENTS
FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
ment and the Council will await
the outcome of that report.
Meanwhile, the current infra-
structure in Nadi Town and sur-
rounding areas according to Mr.
Dinning still had a long way to go
to transitioning to Nadi City.
Theres a lot of work to be
done in terms of calling it Nadi City,
it may not look a lot different than
what Nadi Town looks like in 12
months but as we progress it and it
has a badge name called Nadi City
that starts to elevate the commu-
nity and overall expectations to a
higher level. But weve got to start
somewhere, he said.
Roads
Mr. Dinning said the Council
was also in the process of work-
ing with Fiji Roads Authority to
identify what the priorities were
for 2017/18, 2018/19 up to 2020 in
terms of road works infrastructure
requirements in the Nadi area.
This includes roads, footpaths
and lighting. Probably 35 to 40 ar-
eas need urgent attention, and that
excludes areas that might come
into the city boundary once the
area expands, Mr. Dinning said.
Flooding
The Council is also working on
minimizing the impact of any fu-
ture flooding.
cont on pg 2
Residents of Waimalika in Nadi stranded during the recent flooding in the Western division.Photo: SUPPLIED.
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Fiji - the way the world should be

Being the hub of the Pacific, Fiji has everything that a spectacular tropical paradise has to of-
fer - from private island resort accommodations, top class restaurants to white sandy beaches,
FROM THE DESK inbound tours, jet boat rides, hot air balloon rides, mountain trekking, inland tours, eco tourism,

Need for Attitude Change 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
Over the years it has been noted when a flooding occurs,
relevant authorities will need to issue warnings time and ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

Town Councils Chinese

again to alert members of the public in their effort to pre-
vent any casualty.
Although Fiji is not new to flooding, there are people who
are still either ignorant or hesitant to take precaution when
warnings are issued.

New Year Message

Fiji is not new to flooding, people should know from ex-
perience and instinct when to take necessary precaution.
We shouldnt be waiting for the water level to reach our
doorstep to start moving to higher grounds.
The result of underestimating the rate and strength of a
natural disaster can be either fatal or costly or both.
And there are those that keep building homes and prop-
erties in low-lying areas despite knowing that it is hazardous.
We can help reduce national costs by being smarter with
our decisions and also reduce the burden on ourselves
Meanwhile, it was a positive turnaround during the recent
flooding that affected mostly parts of the Western Division.
The Fiji Police Force had noted a change in behavior
from members of the public, acknowledging their coopera-
tion during the adverse weather condition particularly in the
Western Division.
Police stated it made their work easier and that they were
truly grateful.
Following flood warnings is very important; it can help
save lives and also save costs.
q ANA SOVA
THE JET is Fijis first community newspaper published weekly by
YOURSPACE LIMITED from Nadi - the tourism capital of Fiji.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR: SAMUEL SHANKAR Cell: 9966115

NEWS/ SPORTS : LUKE NACEI Cell: 9516847
NEWS : ANA SOVA Cell: 7378722
ADVERTISING : MARGARET NAQIRI Cell: 9360047
OFFICE PHONES : 6707075 / 6750443 Nadi Town Councils Chief Executive Officer, Peter Dinning pictured at his office. Photo: ANA SOVA.
EMAIL : news@thejetnewspaper.com
: sam@media.com.fj On behalf of Nadi Town Council I want to send my best mous contribution to our society and that in this year of
WEBSITE : www.thejetnewspaper.com wishes to everyone in Fiji, China and around the world cel- The Rooster it also represents so many of the characteristics
COMPLAINTS: The Jet Newspaper continues to strive for excellence in ebrating Chinese New Year. we need to employ in our everyday endeavours, openness,
its publications, with this in mind we welcome all complaints and sug- In this the Year of the Rooster it is a time when families confidence, hard work and leadership.
gestions from our readers. All such comments could be sent to
and communities will come together and look to the year Let me wish you and your family, wherever you are, a
feedbacks@media.com.fj We thank you our readers for your valued
support towards The Jet Newspaper. ahead. very happy and healthy New Year.
We recognise this is a community that makes an enor- Xin Nian Kuai Le.
PRINTED BY MAX MARKETING - LAYOUT BY MARGARET NAQIRI

cont from pg 1 commercial area,

There will always be flooding which will af-
fect the area and may impact on the works to-
wards developing Nadi City, we wont be able
stop flooding but we can try and manage it and
minimize the impact, Mr Dinning said.
The last report that I saw was dated June 2016
and that went back to the Ministry of Agriculture,
I havent caught up with whats happening since
then but we will wait for the Ministry to tell us the
steps to take from here on, Mr. Dinning said.
Other Developments
The Council has also called for Expression of
Interest for the redevelopment of the Bus Stand,
the Namaka Market and Nadi Town Market.
Theres more than $4 million worth of works
to be done on the Namaka Market, Mr. Dinning
said.
He said the Council has also called for an ex-
pression of interest to see about the re-develop-
ment of the site where the building in which the
town council office is located at Nadi Main Street.
Where we are currently located is a prime
commercial site, more so than a service centre
site so it would be logical to move this to another
site and then redevelop this as major retail and
Thats something for the future to be dis-
cussed, Mr. Dinning said.
He said the re-development plans could also
extend to Prince Charles Park.
Therre is also something else to consider
when Nadi becomes a City and that was whether
there was a need for a city hall, Mr. Dinning said..
Strategic Direction
As part of the development process, the Coun-
cil is also looking at reviewing its strategic direc-
tion.
In doing this we are arranging community
meetings with residents in the 3 Council Wards
asking people to make submissions about what
they think of the future of Nadi town as it progress-
es and how do they think it can be improved, Mr.
Dinning said.
He said the Council was hoping to change from
its current vision, mission and goals to something
that the community had more ownership and
feedback into.
The overall mission is To be Fijis most livable
City.
Ongoing road works at the Martintar Area.Photo: ANA SOVA.

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Hundreds Flock Marriot Recruitment
By ANA SOVA
Hundreds of applicants turned out at
The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa
in Nadi last month to attend the recruit-
ment for the newly completed Fiji Marriot
Resort located in Momi Bay, Sigatoka.
The Fiji National Provident Fund
(FNPF) was pleased to announce earlier
last month the successful completion of
construction works at the new 250-room
five-star resort.
The Resort will be officially opened at
the end of next month and is expected
to generate some 400 new employments
and attract major opportunities for Fiji.
Trying her luck, Seini Qalilawa travelled
right from Valelevu in Suva to attend the
interview.
The 18 year old was vying for a front of-
fice position.
Looking at the amount of people that
have turned out today and considering
that I dont have any hotel experience Im
quiet worried about how my interview
result will turn out but Im hoping to get
selected, Seini said.
The young Tailevu lass from Vanuadina,
Tokatoka said she was excited at the pos-
sibility of working in a five star resort.
It would be a great experience, an ex-
citing opportunity if I get selected, Seini
said.
Meanwhile, 21 year old Ronish Rao
travelled all the way from Veisaru, Ba to
attend the interview.
The 21 year old said he was applying
Police Warns Against
Trend
By ANA SOVA
The Fiji Police Force has requested members
of the public to be aware of a trend whereby
vulnerable vehicle owners are robbed after
being stopped by an unknown person.
Police Spokesperson, Ana Naisoro said four
cases have been reported last month in the
Lautoka area whereby an unknown person
would stop a passing vehicle alerting the
driver that something was wrong.
Once the driver gets off the vehicle, two to
three men would run to the vehicle and take
whatever is inside and these would range
from personal to electronic items, Ms Nai-
soro said.
She warned as investigations are continuing
they request members of the public to take
Police Commend
Seabus Crew
By ANA SOVA
The Fiji Police Force has
commended operator
of Tavewa Seabus and
Coralview Resort Owner,
Don Bruce and his crew.
Police Spokesperson, Ana
Naisoro said the quick
action by Mr. Bruce and
his Seabus crew resulted
in the successful rescue of
three people whose boat had capsized dur-
ing the bad weather spell yesterday.
Commending the support through the Dua-
vata Community Policing initiative, Commis-
sioner of Police Brigadier General, Sitiveni
Qiliho said the outcome could have been
worse if it wasnt for Mr Bruces willingness
to assist.
Ms Naisoro said the three from Vuaki
Village,Yasawa were rescued yesterday af-
ternoon as their boat started taking in water
as they encountered rough seas at the en-
4 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
LOCAL NEWS
for a chef position.
Im just trying my luck and I hope to
get selected, Rao said.
The construction works of the resort
was undertaken by Fletcher Building Fiji,
who had commenced work on the site on
19th December, 2014.
Under an adjusted program impacted
by Tropical Cyclone Winston, works was
completed on 20th January, 2017.
Subject to the final review of the cost
consultant, the FNPF estimated savings of
around $10M on the project.
FNPF Chairman, Ajith Kodagoda said
this was a major milestone for the Momi
redevelopment project.
According to Mr. Kodagoda, the project
was a critical part of the Funds invest-
ment rehabilitation and reform program
in order to recover members funds.
The hotel will be managed by Marriott
International.
The successful completion of the Re-
sort has been attributed to a strong part-
nership established between FNPF and
Fletcher Building Fiji, a fully owned sub-
sidiary of Fletcher Pacific, with a shared
vision to complete the Momi property be-
fitting Marriott Hotels original and iconic
brand within the Marriott International
portfolio of hotels.
Mr Kodagoda said they were pleased to
have been associated with Fletcher Build-
ing Fiji on this project amidst challenges
on construction materials and quality and
note of this crime trend and be vigilant.
Anyone who has information that could as-
sist Police is also requested to call Crime
Stoppers on 919.
trance of the Lautoka Harbour.
She adds with assistance sought from Police
in the Western Division, they reached out to
the crew of Tavewa Seabus who were able
to conduct the successful rescue mission.
When we are able to work together we can
achieve so much more and we are grateful
to Mr Bruce and his team who were able to
help us as most of our officers was deployed
on operations during the periods of flooding
yesterday, Brigadier General Qiliho said.
The three have since returned to their vil-
lage.
www.epapergallery.com/thejet
Hundreds turned out for the Marriot Recruitment at The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa.
Photo: LUKE NACEI.
shortage of tradesmen with boom in con- to produce a new experience for a grow-
struction and thriving economic activity ing tourism portfolio and to contribute to
over the past two years. the economy in the creation of job oppor-
The unwavering commitment of both tunities and hotel inventory.
parties and their representatives on the Marriott International is excited with
project is highly commendable and the this new property given its picturesque
property has received quite a positive tropical beaches and friendly people.
feedback from the Marriott leadership FNPF wished to advise members of the
team, he said. public to take advantage of the special
The FNPF Board and Management with opening packages that Marriott will offer.
the expertise of Marriott are determined
Jacks Garment
Employees at work
By ANA SOVA
Employees of Jacks Garment
in along Baker Lane in Nadi
that was destroyed in a fire last
week have been moved into
other divisions of Jacks of Fiji
in Nadi and Lautoka.
Jacks of Fiji General Manager,
Avinesh Prasad confirms work
is normal and no employee is
out of work.
Workers of Jacks Garment
that are travelling from Lautoka
have been circulated to other
Jacks divisions in Lautoka and
those in Nadi have been dis-
tributed in our retail store in
Nadi,
This is the interim step weve
taken before we find an inter-
im solution, Mr. Prasad said.
Caption: Jacks Garments pictured engulfed in flames.
Investigation on the cause of
Photo: FACEBOOK.
fire is still ongoing.
Rise in Suicide
By ANA SOVA
The Fiji Police Force has raised concerns on of dialogue, Ms Naisoro said.
the rise of suicide cases last month. She said they would like to inform the public
Police Spokeswoman, Ana Naisoro said re- that there were institutions that could offer
ports of suicide and attempted suicide cases assistance or were willing to give counseling
were once again becoming a concern. in times of difficult situations.
We are requesting those facing any form People are different and will handle situa-
of emotional problems to know that there is tions differently and while some situations
always a solution to their troubles, Ms Nai- might be difficult to handle, please know
soro said. that resorting to such drastic measures is
She said as of the 22nd of January suicide never a solution as there is always someone
cases stand at six compared to five for the who is willing to listen and help, Ms Ana
same period last year while attempted sui- Naisoro said.
cide stand at eight compared to six.
Another two attempted suicide cases were Send us your complaints or sugges-
reported in the Western Division recently tions to:
and with the reasons linked to relationship
feedbacks@media.com.fj
problems, we are stressing the importance
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Nadi
Nadi In
In Pictures
Pictures

THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 5

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Nakovacake Work Nakovacake

on Uplifting Vanua Open Day
By ANA SOVA
The Nakovacake Develop-
ment Trust is hoping to decrease
the rate of unemployment in
the Vanua o Nakovacake which
compromises of the two villages
Navoci and Namotomoto.
The Trust is taking this bold
move after a team carried out a
nationwide survey to ascertain
the welfare and status, progress
and needs for the Vola ni Kawa
Bula (VKB) registered members
of the Vanua o Nakovacake.
The survey carried out in both
villages found a 51 per cent of
unemployment rate compared
to only 49 per cent that of em-
ployment.
In Navoci there were a total of
204 unemployed villagers while
Namotomoto recordeda total of
321 unemployment villagers, the
survey showed.
Trust Secretary, Anare Nai-
vutevute said the survey showed
there has been a rapid increase
rate, high number of school
drop-outs and a great number of
people still unemployed.
This survey was very crucial
in highlighting a way forward to
improve, rehabilitate and lift up
the standard of assistance that
could be given to the Vanua, Mr.
Naivutevute said.
He said they hope to de-
crease this rate of unemploy-
ment through utilization of avail-
able resources on creation of
unemployment opportunities
and boosting their education as-
sistance sector.
The survey also found 944 vil-
lagers have been registered un-
der the VKB while 1091 have not.
Mr. Naivutevute said educa-
tion was always an area lacking
development in most land own-
ing units in Fiji and they were no
exception.
The Nakovacake 2017 social
development plan focuses a lot
on educating our beneficiaries in
all areas of expertise to be able
to work towards developing the
Nakovacake resources,
This is also a great area of
investment for Nakovacake as it
continues to support the move
forward, to invest in its people
and create better opportunities
for members, he said.
Mr. Naivutevute said the
survey team worked tirelessly
through interviewing the benefi-
ciaries from house to house for
many days and sacrificed long
hours in order to get an accurate
ground level assessment to ob-
tain correct facts and figures and
status of their people.
Meanwhile, the survey find-
ings has assisted the Nakova-
cake Trust compile a 10 pillars
of Nakovacake social and eco-
nomic development.
Mr. Naivutevute said out of
the lease money invested for
the last 10 years the Nakovacake
Development Trust were able to
establish a organisation struc-
ture and secure few properties
which will help the future gen-
eration for business investment.
By ANA SOVA
The Vanua o Nakovacake held
an Open Day last month.
The Vanua o Nakovacake com-
promises of neighboring villages
Navoci and Namotomoto.
Secretary of the Nakovacake
Development Trust, Anare Nai-
vutevute said the main purpose
of the Nakovacake open day was
to showcase to the people the de-
velopment outputs of Nakovacake
Development Trust and its busi-
ness arm Vanua Nakovacake Hold-
ings Limited since the establish-
ment of the Trust in 2007 and later
the company in 2010.
He said Government depart-
ments and ministries were also in-
vited as part of exchanging services
towards the social and economic
development for their people.
We wanted to exchange in-
formation with the Government
agencies and see how best we can
streamline our works to the servic-
es they offer, Mr. Naivutevute said.
He said the open day was also
in line with their special general
meeting where we present our
2017 plans, our budget and way
forward to our beneficiaries.
It was also a chance for them to
discuss rising issues in the village
and ways they could curb them,
Mr. Naivutevute said.

Drivers Want Law to Curb

By ANA SOVA
Upgrade Culture Loss
By ANA SOVA

Minibus Drivers and Owners pictured at the minibus stand opposite Prine Charles Park .
Photo: ANA SOVA.
Minibus owners and drivers based at the
Minibus Stand opposite Prince Charles Park
in Nadi Town urgently want an upgrade to
the minibus stand.
Driver, Jese Cabealawa said they have
submitted a written proposal to the Nadi
Town Council seeking for an upgrade on the
stand.
He said for years they have been unhappy
about the condition of the current stand and
have proposed verbally to the council asking
for an upgrade.
Even for myself I have been based here
for four years now going onto my fifth. We
have been trying to get an upgrade because
the condition of the stand is not good espe-
cially during bad weather,
When it rains passengers cant come
here because there is no shelter, sometimes
they come anyway and are drenched from
the rain while waiting, Mr. Cabealawa said.
He said when it rained the stand became
muddy and soggy.
More than 30 drivers and owners have
signed the proposal, asking for the stand to
be paved, to have a shelter, tap and a toilet,
Mr. Cabealawa said.
He said since they were paying $70 a
month per minibus to operate at the stand
the Council should at least upgrade it.
Especially now that the council has re-
quired us to get a business license which
$200 per minibus, Mr. Cabealawa said.
Iliaseri Rasaro, a frequent minibus com-
muter said it would be a big help too for the
passengers if the minibus stand was upgrad-
ed.
Its difficult for us passengers to come
here during rainy weather because theres
no shelter and also theres no toilet provided
here, Mr. Rasaro said.
Meanwhile, Nadi Town Council Chief Ex-
ecutive Officer, Peter Dinning has confirmed
the Council will be constructing a proper
parking area and a shelter for passengers
boarding the minivans.
The plan is to better accommodate the
existing base holders and improved amenity
for passengers. This upgrade will provide a
better hard stand surface for the minivan op-
erators, Mr. Dinning said.
He said an amount of $60,000 has been
budgeted to achieve the necessary works.
Council has planned for the project to be
completed by the second quarter of 2017,
Mr. Dinning said.
Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs Saimoni Waibuta pictured left guided through
a display during the Nakovacake Open Day. Photo: SUPPLIED.
The people of Nakovacake tive or otherwise. of this year after the iTaukei
in Navoci Village, Nadi have The negative influence and Affairs had a meeting in Da-
been reassured that the pro- impact that it has brought vutukia, Nadroga to discuss
posed Village By-Law is to about has really challenged new plans for their service
protect the iTaukei people and shaken the foundation provision.
and culture. of the real way of life of the It has been clearly docu-
The law, which is in draft iTaukei people and thus this mented that the iTaukei
form, is prepared by the by-law will protect us and people do not rely heavily on
Ministry of iTaukei Affairs. our future generations, Mr. the knowledge learnt from
It will act, as a policing tool Waibuta said. school but from wisdom
in everyday village life in Meanwhile, the Deputy Sec- from traditional practices
respect to village, civil or retary also shared a new vi- of our forefathers passed
criminal laws and ensure sion of the Ministry. down to us, Mr. Waibuta
communities live harmoni- The vision is A Prosper- said.
ously with each other. ity Vanua for Better Fiji (Na He reiterated that a better
Speaking to villagers dur- Sautu ni Vanua, Na Viti Vi- Fiji could only be achieved if
ing the Nakovacake Day on naka) which is also the the land and its people were
Wednesday, Deputy Secre- foundation of the service prosperous but the people
tary of the Ministry of iTaukei provision that the Itaukei Af- could only be prosperous
Affairs, Saimoni Waibuta fairs is heading towards for if theres a clear and strong
said theres no denying that the next three years, Mr. leadership in the villages.
a lot of foreign cultures have Waibuta said.
penetrated into villages He said the new vision
along with its influence posi- came about at the beginning

6 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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Illegal Rental Increase to

be Investigated in Nadi
By LUKE NACEI
Fiji Commerce Com-
mission chief executive of-
ficer (CEO) Joel Abraham
says they are going to run
an investigation on same-
landlords for illegal rental
increase and non-issue of
rent receipts in Nadi.
This comes after com-
plaints received during
the Landlords and Tenants
Acts consultation at the
Civic Centre in Nadi.
Mr Abraham reassured
to the public that such is-
sues will be taken to con-
sideration.
Issues of not paying the
rent on time and not being
able to recover the money
that they have spent in
terms of repair and main-
tenance, in terms of get-
ting tenancy and paying for
bonds for utilities such as
electricity, he said.
Some tenants have
brought in issues that land
lords impose various con-
ditions on their stay in the
house saying they cannot
bring in visitors and you
cant have pets or families
from outside, we respect
both land lord and tenants
are having a peace and
quiet environment.
He has called on ten-
ants and landlords to
come forth and lodge their
submission, call the of-
fice of the Commission or
reach out through social
media page.
Mr Abraham is request-
ing that all submission to
be made at an earlier stage
to help them figure out
what more needs to be ad-
dressed in the Act before it
is sent to parliament.
This is the first round
of consultation and our
aim is to come out to the
people of Fiji and get their
views on this draft that we
have so that when we fi-
nally present this in parlia-
ment we have got as much
concerns as we can and
every day Fijians have put
in their comments. Issues
that they face every day
are truly reflected to this
legislation.
For the consultation
what we are trying to do is
we have drafted a landlord
and tenants Act based on
the complaints that weve
received for the past six
years and this Act is to
cover issues that we have
seen that land lord and
tenants both face.
Issues such as illegal
increase, bond, tenants
right to peace and quiet,
there is various issues we
have received over the
past few years and what
we are trying to do is we
trying to incorporate that
into a legislation that ad-
equately address this, an
act that is balanced both
for landlords and tenants
so we found that both land
lord face issues and ten-
ants face issues, he said.
Meanwhile, more than
40 people turned out to the
consultation which was
a pleasing result as com-
pared to the ones hosted
in the Central. Landlords and tenants attending the consultation in Nadi Civic Centre. Photo: LUKE NACEI.

New Village Office School Grateful to

Civoniceva Foundation
for Natalau
By LUKE NACEI
By ANA SOVA

The Commissioner Western Manasa Tagicakibau with the government officials and some of the
village elders at Natalau. Photo: LUKE NACEI.

The Commissioner West-
ern Manasa Tagicakibau
opened a new village office
for the people of Natalau in
Sabeto, Nadi.
This newly built office will
also be used as an evacua-
tion centre and a dispensary
during natural disasters for
the village.
While officiating at the event
Mr Tagicakibau said that this
was the first village in the 14
provinces in the country to
have their very own office in
the village.
This newly built office is
the first to ever be built in
this 14 province in Fiji and
you should be proud that
you are the first village to get
this done, Mr Tagicakibau
said.
This newly built office will
also be the village dispen-
sary as well during the times
of disasters.
Village headman, Nikola
Vetawa said they are more
than happy to have the new
village office.
We had sat as village com-
mittee last year, it took us for
about six to seven months
for this office before the
government came into hand
and actually asked us as to
what we had wanted from
them,
This is a huge assistance
for us and we are so happy.
As a tribe we thank the Gov-
ernment for their assistance
to us today, he said.
This will not just be an of-
fice for the village headman
but will be our evacuation
centre. In the last tropical
cyclone we could say we
werent safe because there
were only a little space for
the villages inside the village
hall but with this new exten-
sion I believe will fit us all,
he said.
The $5500 worth project
was built through the as-
sistance of United Nations
Development Programme,
AusAid, Learn and Leave
and the Ministry of Rural and
Maritime Development.
Sabeto District School Students enjoy activities facilitated by the Petero Civoniceva Founda-
tion. Photo: Supplied.
Sabeto District School is thankful to
the Petero Civoniceva Foundation for the
health and wellness program it is current-
ly carrying out at the school.
The foundation is a charity trust that
aims to harness the power of sport to in-
spire communities and transform lives by
developing pathways and providing op-
portunities for young people to achieve
their potential through sport and educa-
tion.
274 students from the school have
benefitted from various educational and
sports activities facilitated by members of
the foundation for the past three Wednes-
days.
School Head teacher, Adriu Qio said
the activities were very educational.
The activities theyve been carry-
ing out range from reading materials on
health and wellness to taking part in rug-
by league basics. This is held from 9am-
10am on Wednesdays, Mr. Qio said.
He said the programme has also been
helpful to teachers likewise.
Not only have the students learnt a
thing or two from the programme, us
teachers have also learnt a few skills that
we can continue to teach our students for
fun and enjoyment, Mr. Qio said.
The Petero Civoniceva Foundation
which is the official charitable partner of
the Fiji NSW Cup bid is co-founded by
Chris Tomlinson and Lauren Jagger.

THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 7

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Villagers Thankful
By LUKE NACEI

The Commissioner Western Manasa Tagicakibau (centre-front row) with vhis staff members and the villagers of Korobebe. Photo: LUKE NACEI .
Villagers at Korobebe in Nadi were on cloud nine after
the Commissioner Western Manasa Tagicakibau donat-
ed four water tanks to their village.
This was made possible through the assistance of
United Nations Development Programme, AusAid, Learn
and Leave and the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Devel-
opment.
Village headman Sailosi Saukuru said this was the first
assistance they have ever received from the government
which they are thankful for.
At this point in time the government has really helped
us with something that we needed the most and that is
of essential to us, he said
The recent rain over the past few days has broken the
main water pipe to the village and if you open the taps in
every house there isnt any water and in that moment of
need the government have come in to help us.
He said it was essential for every villager to get clean
and safe water to drink or cook with.
We are using the water from this water tank for bath-
ing, cooking, and washing,
Mr Saukuru also said before they used to fetch water
from the nearby river which was unhealthy and unsafe
for them.
When there is no water then only option is to go
down to the river and fetch water for our daily use which
is not safe, he said.
This has solved our water problem we wont have
to run to the river to fetch water but instead just wait for
the water cart to be delivered to the tanks and then we
fill our buckets.
Commissioner Western Manasa Tagicakibau reas-
sured the villagers that the government of the day is try-
ing its best to meet every need of the villagers especially
those located in the rural areas.
I have heard that the main problem here is water and
I have tried my level best to make sure that every village
outside town gets access to clean and sage water, he
said.
Meanwhile, the four water tanks costs $88oo.

Sad Loss for Family

By LUKE NACEI
Mereani Naravu, 52, of Sabeto Village in
Nadi is still trying to come in to terms with
the sad loss of her grandson Taitusi Tuivanu-
avou.
Her grandson Tuivanuavou died last year
and she claims that his death was the result
of an alleged misdiagnosis by doctors in
Lautoka Hospital.
Ms Tuivanuavou with tears rolling down
her face said that she still cant believe that
her grandson is no more.
My grandson was in so much pain that
day when I took him to one of the private
doctors here in Nadi. But then the doctor di-
rected us to Lautoka Hospital as he said the
issue may be with his appendix, she said.
Our first visit to the hospital was un-
successful. The doctor who attended to
my grandson at the hospital, however, said
there wasnt any issue with his appendix.
She said the doctor prescribed her with
medication and told her that and that it
could be just a digestion problem and pre-
scribed medication and injections for sev-
eral days.
For four days my grandson was regularly
in pain so I took him to the hospital again to
inform them that the medicine wasnt work-
ing and requested that they at least conduct
a scan.
Ms Naravu then said it took the doctor for
at least an hour before a scan was possible
and approximately another six hours before
they were told that he was to be admitted as
the appendix had burst around four to five
days prior to our second visit and he needed
to undergo surgery.
Mrs Naravu is conscious that the same
thing might happen to other and did not
want a repetition as such.
We are really said for the loss of my
grandson if only the doctors knew what they
were doing they could have saved his life
but its too late. They should be well aware
that this are human beings they are dealing
with and not dead objects I only hope this is
not repeated, she said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has
confirmed theyve received a report and are
still conducting an investigation.

Council Question Mereani Naravu of Sabeto Village holds a picture of her deceased grandson Taitusi Tuivanu-
avou. Photo: ANA SOVA.

Dialysis Costs Councils Chief Executive Officer, Premi-

By ANA SOVA
The Con-
sumer Council of Fiji is questioning the dif-
ference in costs of kidney dialysis treatment
provided by Northern Dialysis Center in La-
basa and the Kidney Foundation of Fiji.
This comes to light following numerous
complaints received by the Council from
kidney dialysis patients on the high cost of
treatment provided to them.
The Council has noted that the Ministry
of Health was not subsidizing the cost of the
treatment or financially assisting either of
the kidney dialysis centers.
8 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Vanua Levu pays only $450.
For any kidney patient or their family, it
is financially crippling to fork out such large
sum of money just to be in good health ev-
ed by donors and good Samaritans, it is high
time they informed the public why their cost
of treatment is more. Consumers must un-
derstand why the treatment remains costly,
la Kumar said however we cannot help but
ery week, Ms Kumar said. she said.
note the difference in prices charged by the
She said the Council understands fund- Ms Kumar said however, they do com-
two organizations providing the same treat-
raising for Kidney Foundation started in 2008 mend the work of the two organizations
ment.
and they received funding from the Indian who were providing this important service
If Northern Dialysis Center of Labasa
High Commission, Australian High Commis- but Kidney Foundation needs to ensure that
can charge $150 per treatment, then how
sion, the New Zealand High Commission the treatment charges were affordable by
come the Kidney Foundation of Fiji, charges
plus other good Samaritan from the private reducing their overhead costs.
$250?
sector. She said the Council welcomed the Min-
Such costs simply mean a saving of $300
Ms Kumar adds Kidney Foundation also istry of Healths thoughts towards reducing
per week if one is getting 3 treatments per
receives international patients who pay 2.6 the cost of dialysis treatment.
week in Labasa when compared to same
times more as compared to local patients
treatment being provided by the Kidney Send us your feedbacks
and yet they were not able to reduce the
Foundation - a non-profit organization, Ms
cost of dialysis. or suggestions to:
Kumar said.
Since Kidney Foundation of Fiji is a non-
She said a patient has to fork out $750
profit organization, and over the years fund-
feedbacks@media.com.fj
per week in Viti Levu whereas a patient in
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Hospital Grateful Digicel Smile Sim

for Light Assistance Launched in the Nadi
By ANA SOVA
By LUKE NACEI

(l-R) Receiving the donations at the Lautoka Hospital are Mr Jerold Prasad, Mr Paul Lal, Mr Gopal
Jadhav, Dr Arun Murari, Dr Jimi Taria, Senior Matron Milika Narogo, Mr Kumaran and Dr Mara Vuki-
vukisevu. Photo: SUPPLIED Digicel Fiji CEODarrell McLean (centre) with his Nadi staff. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.

Staffs of the Lautoka Hospital were grate-
ful to Punjas and Narhari Electrical Co. Ltd
for donating 40 pieces of Panasonic Hands
Free LED Neck Light to the Hospital last
month.
Hospitals Consultant Gynecologist, Dr.
Jimi Taria said the donated lights had a num-
ber of useful applications.
Its advantage is mainly in, apart from the
light quality, is that its hands free, adjustable,
light weight & portable,
Hanging around the neck, it can assist a
nurse or a doctor to do some procedures,
administer drugs, etc in a ward at night,
without turning on the room lights, disturb-
ing others. Unlike the traditional torch, this
one is hands free, which makes the work
easier, Dr. Taria said.
He said when attached around the head,
it served as a good head lamp to work in
tighter areas for example during surgery, do-
ing gynecological examinations, or examin-
ing children.
So we are very thankful to Punjas for this
kind assistance, Dr. Taria said
Meanwhile, Punjas Group Markerting
Manager, Gopal Jadhav said its perfect for
the clinical practitioners to make use while
working at the hospital during night shifts
due to its portability.
Punjas are distributors for Panasonic bat-
teries, torches and automotive batteries in
Fiji whereas Narhari Electrical Co Ltd is sole
importers for the entire Panasonic range.
After successfully launching the Smile
Sim in the Northern division last year, Digi-
cel Fiji has yet again done the same for
the people in the Nadi.
This new service will enable its loyal
customers both in the Western and North-
ern division to make calls to friends and
relatives on other networks, landlines and
internationally for 21cents per unit.
Speaking at the official launching at the
Digicel store in Nadi town, the CEO Dar-
rell McLean said this initiative is not avail-
able all over Fiji.
This is not available everywhere in
Fiji it is only available in the West and the
North and it is a very special price plan.
Our research and feedback from our cus-
tomers are showing that this is going to be
extremely important, Mr McLean said.
He said the mobile network (Digicel
Fiji) doesnt penalise its customers from
having other networks to call. Therefore
through the Smile plan can be used for
any network.
Smile plan is all about getting free
credit for any network any single day of
the week. Every single day from just three
dollars you just top up to call not just any
network but internationally as well,
So when you top up by three dollars
you get six dollars credit, that six dollars
can be used for any network. You can use
your free credit to call any landline, and
10 destinations around the world includ-
ing Australia and New Zealand from just
three dollars he said.
Mr McLean said this initiative was one
of their long term goals.
He also said that the Smile plan was
also invented to help people recover from
the Tropical Cyclone Winston last year.
We are really proud with the step that
we are taking and it is something that we
have been working on for a long time. The
demand has been very strong and the in-
terest has been great and progressively
we will roll this out to new parts, he said.

Commissioner Awards
Brave Officer

Crime officer Inspector Isoa Natui (left) with Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni
Qiliho and DC Krishan Keshwan. Photo: POLICE.
The Commissioner of
Police Brigadier General
Sitiveni Qiliho presented a
certificate of commenda-
tion to Detective Constable
KrishanKeshwanof Valelevu
Police for his brave actions
which led to the successful
arrest of a robbery suspect
last year.
DC Keshwan was struck
on the head during an at-
tempted robbery at a shop
in Valelevulast November
and sustained serious inju-
ries.
Brigadier General Qiliho
said DC Keshwans actions
was indicative of the dan-
gers thousands of police of-
ficers face on a daily basis.
10 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Your actions showed the
instincts police officers have
and you are going to carry
that scar for the rest of your
life, a memory of your act of
bravery and your commit-
ment to your calling as a po-
lice officer.
The institutions token of
appreciation for your sacri-
fice will never compare to
what you did, but do know
that we are truly apprecia-
tive of your hard work.
DC Keshwansaid in-
stincts immediately took
over when he was confront-
ed with the situation on that
fateful day in November.
Working in crime sec-
tion we spend a lot of time
tracing and following leads
after a crime is committed.
However on that day the
suspect was standing right
in front me at the scene so
I had to stop him there and
then.
The twenty nine year old
sustained serious injuries
after he was struck on the
head with a knife.
I joined the force four
years ago with a passion to
be a criminal investigator
and if I face another similar
situation I cant say that I will
put myself in harms way or
not but when you catch a
criminal at the scene you
dont want to lose the op-
portunity.
FIJI POLICE FORCE
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THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 13

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Musket Cove Brace for

another Successful Regatta China Charter Flight 3rd
By LUKE NACEI
Sailors from around the
Pacific and beyond are
already signaling their in-
in a Row for Rosie
tention to be part of the
Lgendary Musket Cove
Fiji Regatta, which will be
staged from September 15-
20 this year.
Such is the interest in
this spectacularly colourful
event, that organizers are
confident the fleet size will
exceed last years record
of 101.
This will be the 34th
running of the regatta,
which is sailed out of Mus-
ket Cove Island Resort and
Marina, an idyllic desti- Musket Cove. Photo: SUPPLIED
nation located on Malolo Tourists from Hangzhou in the Zhejiang Province of China pictured being welcomed and checked
Lailai Island and amid the Day set on nearby. land to experience the in at Hamgzhou Airportby Rosie Holidays China Team and Fiji Airways: ROSIE HOLIDAY/FACEBOOK.
beautiful Mamanuca Is- Beachcomber Island, exciting atmosphere that China Charter Flight tural capital of China and Rosie Holidays in con-
lands west of Nadi. The re- the Musket Olympics, off- accompanies Musket Cove Third In a Row for Rosie the great explorer Marco junction with ezTravel
gion is widely recognized the-beach HobieCat rac- Fiji Regatta. Musket Cove For the third year in Polo even named it heav- from Taiwan welcomed
as being the sunniest in the ing, plus post-race parties Island Resort offers special a row, Rosie Holidays is en on earth for its breath- over 300 Taiwanese tour-
entire South Pacific. and beach barbecues at accommodation packages again undertaking its char- taking natural beauty. ists to Fiji on its charter
Musket Cove Fiji Regatta the Musket Cove Yacht for the week. ter flight operations from And for the 1st time flights from Taipei that ar-
is famous for its traditional, Clubs Island Bar. The majority of com- China to Fiji under very in history, the people of rived to a typical stunning
warm hospitality, excellent For the sailors, the sig- peting yachts lie at anchor challenging conditions. Hangzhou and from Zhe- Sunday morning sunrise.
racing and a Fun Factor nature event on the wa- just off the resort, however We are very excited this jiang will get to experi- This is part of the Rosie
that remains on high ter is the 20 nautical mile some berths at the island year to be operating our ence another unique place Holidays Chinese New
from start to finish. The Round Malolo Lailai Race marina and set moorings, charters for the first from where happiness lives. Year Charter Flights pro-
program is simple: sail by which starts and finishes are available. It is suggest- the city of Hangzhou in Meanwhile, for the sec- gram that is bringing much
day and party by night. adjacent to Musket Cove ed that owners wanting the Zhejiang Province of ond year in a row Fiji Air- needed tourism revenue
Among the many high- Resort. to secure a marina berth China. ways Flight FJ2332 from to Fiji at a time when our
lights during the week are Each year, many land- or mooring should book Hangzhou is highly re- Taipei to Nadi is back on tourism industry needs it
the fancy dress Pirates lubbers also visit the is- early. garded as the art and cul- our flight arrival screens. most.
ROSIE HOLIDAYS

14 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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By LUKE NACEI
Sofitel Resort Thankful
Sofitel Resort and Spas General Manager
Alan Burrows has thanked all its partners for
ending 2016 on high.
Mr Burrows made this comments during a
party for partner organisations to thank them
for their support and welcome the New Year.
We just have the opportunity to invite our
partners along tonight to thank them for
2016 and welcome 2017 and continue our
relationship for the years to come, Mr Bur-
rows said.
He said despite the devastating Tropical Cy-
clone Winston which hit Fiji earlier last year
the Resorts ended the year on a high note.
2016 was pretty good actually everyone
was concerned after Winston where tour-
ism was going to be affected a lot more but
then everybody did alright, a good list in the
business towards the end of the year, he
said.
Mr Burrows said at the moment the begin-
ning of the year is a little slower.
However, he says the Waitui Beach Club
which was opened in 2015 as a unique
adults only feature still amazes tourists.
Our Waitui Beach Club, the adults only
area has been very good for us and it contin-
ues to get a lot of talks and so we continue
to promote that,
We will just continue to do what we do
here at Waitui Beach Club and outside the
area has been very good to us, he said.
Mr Burrows said that there were 450 staffs
of the resort and were very much content
about being nominated for the upcoming
ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism awards.
I hope we win there is a lot of good busi-
ness in Fiji and it is not easy to win but if we
do win we will be very happy, if we dont we
congratulate those who helped the overall
tourism experience, he said.
We certainly enjoy being nominated. Its a
good reward for the tam so their efforts are Sofitel Resort and Spas General Manager Alan Burrows with his staffs. Photo LUKE
being recognised. NACEI

Shangri-Las Fijian Resort He said the location of the

Resort was stunning and
was overwhelmed with how

& Spa Appoints New GM

By LUKE NACEI
Shangri-Las Fijian Resort &
Spa new General Manager is
Mr Francis Lee.
He replaces Mr Craig Powell
who has taken on a full time
role as Director of Public Af-
fairs for Fiji Resorts Ltd.
Prior to coming to Fiji Mr Lee
was the General Manager of
the Hylandia by Shangri-La
Hotel in Yunnan, China and
was part of the pre-opening
team.
Mr Lee has an extensive
international career work-
ing for Club Med properties
spanning nine countries in-
cluding Australia, the Baha-
mas, China, France, Japan,
Maldives, Malaysia, Mauri-
tius and Singapore.
He has held a number of se-
nior executive roles through-
out his career in Southeast
the Fijian people welcomed
him.
The location of our prop-
Asia, the United States and erty is so unique being a pri-
vate island but located close
Europe.
to the mainland and my
Mr Lee with his appoint-
first impression of Fiji is the
ment said that he was look-
friendliness of the people,
ing forward to his new role
Mr Lee said.
at Shangri-Las Fijian Resort
& Spa.
This is my first time in Fiji
and I am looking forward to
working with the team here
on further promoting this
beautiful property, Mr Lee
said.

Wild Tiger in Fiji

By ANA SOVA

International
HOTELS Fiji

Satendra Prakash of Batanikama, Labasa was all excited to learn about the newly arrived Wild Ti-
ger Rum of India from Ashwin Sumer at the Prouds Duty Free store in the international departures
lounge.Photo: SUPPLIED.
For the first time Indias premium rum,
Wild Tiger Rum will be sold in Fiji.
It is available exclusively through the
Prouds Duty Free Stores (DFS) featured
at the arrivals and departures section of
Nadi International Airport.
Prouds DFS manager, Ashwin Chand
said the Wild Tiger Rum was gaining huge
popularity amongst international travel-
ers.
Available in 700ml striped bottles since
December 2016, the Wild Tiger Rum is re-
tailing at FJ$47.85 per bottle and $89 for
two bottles, Mr. Chand added.
Produced in Kerala state of Southern
India, he said Wild Tiger Rum was not
only unique in terms of its avant-garde
packaging but also for the liquid inside.
Wild Tiger is Indias first rum to be
produced from a blend of molasses and
cane juice, giving it enticing aromatic
notes and depth in flavour,
One of the most distinctive aspects of
the Wild Tigers packaging is the different
stripe designs of each bottle which en-
sures that no two bottle designs are alike, * Rates include light continental breakfast www.CapricornFiji.com
making each bottle unique to its owner or *68 air- contditioned rooms
gift recipient, Mr. Chand said. *Extra bed $20.00, baby cot free
By this virtue it makes this a default *No additional charges for 2 children under 12
special edition of sorts and ideally suited sharing the same room with parents OUR ROOM RATES
for Travel Retail. * Check in time: 1.30pm, check out time: 10.30am
The brand has been conceptualized Superior $130.00
*Courtesy airport transfers 24 hours
and is owned by Indian drinks entrepre- Poolside $140.00
*1DD telephone
neur Gautom Menon who is very passion- Deluxe $150.00
ate about the welfare and survival of wild
*Sky TV & mini fridge & radio
*Tea/ Coffee making facilities Family Suite
tigers in India.
As a part of its core corporate social re- *Private balcony (deluxe rooms) 2 b/rooms $200.00
sponsibility policy, the brand donates 10 *24 hours reception *rates include TAX
percent profits towards Tiger Conserva-
tion in South India where they have set up
their own non-profit initiative called Wild
Tiger Foundation (WTF).
CAPRICORN International HOTEL
Martintar, Nadi
The Foundation works with other es-
tablished wildlife establishments and Ph: +679 6720088, Fax: +679 672 6522
prominent tiger experts to save tigers and Email: capricorn@connect.com.fj
its habitat in Southern India.
THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 15
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Together As One
By LUKE NACEI

Being Fijian is not about where our ancestors called

home, our ethnicity or the religion we choose to follow
says the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Mr Bainimarama made this comments in Suva while
opening the newly built Fiji-China Friendship Pavilion.
He said it is not about where we were born or our
standing in society to make one a Fijian.
No. To be Fijian is to be patriotic. It is to adhere to the
rule of law and to our Constitution. It is to work hard, to
be resilient in the face of adversity and to do our part in
building a better world for the next generation, Mr Baini-
marama said.
That is what defines us as a people, and that is what
you have been a part of for the past 162 years. So Im very
glad to open this new pavilion so that our appreciation of
your history in Fiji can stand for all time and for all to see.

Im delighted to be here today among so many lead-

ers in our Chinese-Fijian community to join in your cel-
ebration of the Chinese New Year.
He said this years celebration bears special signifi-
cance.
This beautiful new space open to all stands as a mon-
ument to the enormous contribution our Chinese com-
munity has made to our development as a nation and as
the name suggests, to the strong bonds of friendship that
Fiji and China have always shared.
The pavilion itself is constructed in the traditional
Chinese style that can be found in temples, parks and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama feeds the dragon for good luck at the official opening of the Fiji-China Friendship Pavillion at
gardens all throughout China today. Terry Walk, Cumming Street, Suva. Photo: DEPTFO
In the Chinese lunar calendar, 2017 is the Year of the
Red Fire Rooster. ing fireworks, exchanging gifts and enjoying the dramatic give our nation every day. Because our greatest asset as a
All over the world, people are coming together with parades, costumes and performances that are the hall- nation has and will continue to be the ability of the Fijian
their families and their friends to say goodbye to the Year mark of these celebrations each year, he said. people, he added.
of the Monkey and welcome the new ideas and new op- We owe our unprecedented success as a country to
portunities represented by the Year of the Rooster light- every Fijian. We owe it to the effort that ordinary Fijians

Celebrate 2017 Year of the

Rooster with Pandora
By ANA SOVA

In celebration of the Chinese Year or the Spring Festi-

val, Prouds Fiji has added special designs to its PANDORA
collection.
Continuing PANDORAs annual tradition of creating a
special design to celebrate Chinese New Year, Prouds
added a gorgeous Chinese Lion Dance charm which
brings luck to the wearer, an adorable Rooster charm
to celebrate the Year of the Rooster and a Chinese Junk
Ship known for its durability and versatility on sea voy-
ages.
These designs are available at Prouds Fiji outlets na-
tionwide.
The Chinese New Year is the most celebrated tradi-
tional festival for the Chinese community around the
world.
According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2017 is the
Year of the Rooster and will begin on 28th January 2017.
The rooster symbolizes the dawn and awakening and
people born under this sign are said to be brave, loyal
and hardworking.

Year of the Rooster(left), Chinese Lion Dance Charm (middle).and Chinese Junk Ship(right). Photos: PROUDS

Sweet Tweets: How would you celebrate Valentines Day?

Amrita Singh
Kolora Kalisito Fugawai Bulivou Laisa Baleikadavu
Lautoka Adrian Koroi Tito Elo
Lautoka Nadi Lautoka Nadi Lautoka
Since its Tuesday and i have I would use the day to thank
We really havent decided yet Valentines Day will be extra Spend it with my loved ones
a distance relationship ill a special someone for shar- Ill spend it with the most
I think we are just going for a special for me as I will be get- at home since my love bird is
be home baking a choco- ing and making wonderful important woman in my life,
dinner with my husband but ting married. in Suva.
late cake for my mum and memories with me in a nice my mom.
this time I will want to take
celebrating valentines with home cooked meal by me and
my son with me.
red wine. a nice Valentine movie.

16 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 17

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Beware of Counterfeit Products
By ANA SOVA
The Consumer Council of
Fiji is reminding consumers
to be aware of counterfeit
products.
This is especially dur-
ing such times when con-
sumers are engrossed in
shopping for their children
attending schools and uni-
versities.
Consumer Council of Fiji
Officer In Charge, Bindula
Devi issued the reminder
as many parents would be
shopping for their children
attending universities from
later this month and next
month.
Counterfeiting is preva-
lent in Fiji in the form of
electronic goods, spare
parts, cosmetics, clothes,
shoes, bags, movies, music,
etc,
Counterfeit products are
goods that are often of infe-
rior quality, made or sold un-
der anothers brand name
without the brand owners
authorization, Ms Devi said.
She said in terms of
school bags and backpacks,
Once Upon BK Upskill Staff
a Time
The Dumbest Police
Calls in America
From the police blot-
ter, or, what a beat cop
deals with every day:
A deputy responded
to a report of a vehicle
stopping at mailboxes. It
was the mail carrier.
A woman said her son
was attacked by a cat, and
the cat would not allow
her to take her son to the
hospital.
A resident said some-
one had entered his home
at night and taken five
pounds of bacon. Upon
further investigation, po-
lice discovered his wife
had gotten up for a late-
night snack.
A man reported that
a squirrel was running in
circles on Davis Drive, and
he wasnt sure if it was sick
or had been hit by a car.
An officer responded, and
as he drove on the street,
he ran over the squirrel.
Three Dumb ER Sto-
ries Youre Allowed To
Laugh At
Patient in to ER at
0400 with no complaints:
I have been having chest
pain for 4 months but I
am not having chest pain
now. The reason Im here
Send us your feedbacks or
suggestions to:
feedbacks@media.com.fj
18 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
brands that are being target-
ed and produced as coun-
terfeits include Adidas, Rip
Curl, Quiksilver, Nike, Billa-
bong, etc.
Consumers, who wish
to purchase branded items
such as school bags, must
know the authorised distrib-
utors of these brands and
purchase items from their
shopping outlets only,
They should make in-
formed decisions and not
be lured by the traders.
Consumers can spot coun-
terfeit by looking out for the
following: Inspect the pack-
aging carefully: Reputable
businesses typically take
great care in packaging their
products, Ms Devi said.
She warns consumers
need to be aware of flimsy
packaging, packaging with
substandard printing or run-
ning colours, or packages
that appear to have been
opened.
In addition, take a mo-
ment to actually read the
package. Spelling or gram-
now is because I
heard that 4am is
the best time to
come cause there
are not that many
people. the casino asked to rub my
Had a woman
call 911 because she had
dj vu in the shower and
got nervous.
Got a frantic call from a
woman who claimed she
had overdosed and need-
ed help immediately. We
arrive on scene, and she
hands us an empty mint
container, saying she took
them all. That night she
learned that you cannot
overdose on mints.
Guilty of Annoyance
A defendant isnt happy
with how things are going
in court, so he gives the
judge a hard time.
Judge: Where do you
work?
Defendant: Here and
there.
Judge: What do you do
for a living?
Defendant: This and
that.
Judge: Take him
away.
Defendant: Wait; when
will I get out?
Judge: Sooner or later.
Weird Things Librar-
ians Hear
Librarians may be shy,
but their patrons arent.
Look at their oddball re-
quests:
A patron offered me
$100 to steal a cactus from
matical errors are common
on the packaging of coun-
terfeit goods,
Look carefully at the
logo and its quality. Counter-
feits will usually have differ-
ent fonts or sizes and slightly
different colours, Ms Devi
said.
The Council is warning
traders selling counterfeit
goods to refrain from mis-
leading consumers about
the standard and quality of
products sold by them.
Ms Devi said this conduct
of the traders constitutes a
breach of Section 77(1) (a)
of the Commerce Commis-
sion Act 2010.
The provision states, A
person shall not, in trade or
commerce, in connection
with the supply or possible
supply of goods or services
or in connection with the
promotion by any means of
the supply or use of goods
or services falsely represent
that goods are of a particu-
lar standard, quality, grade,
composition, style or model
somebodys yard.
A patron wanted me to
find a book to teach her
dog German.
A patron on his way to
red hair for luck.
A patron once asked me
for my home phone num-
ber so she could call me
with reference questions
when I wasnt at work.
And The Lord Sepa-
rated His Paper From His
Plastics
My sister-in-law was
teaching Sunday school
class. The topic for the
day: Easter Sunday and
the resurrection of Christ.
What did Jesus do on
this day? she asked. There
was no response, so
she gave her students a
hint: It starts with the let-
ter R.
One boy blurted, Re-
cycle!
New Year, Old Prob-
lems
Its New Years Eve, one cannot please every customer but as
and the restaurant is hop-
pingrevelers, band, over-
worked waiters. Wending
his way through the crowd
is a drunk, staggering back
to his seat. Spotting an at-
tractive woman sitting
alone, he says, Pardon
me, miss, did I step on your
feet a few minutes ago?
Yes, she says testily, new knowledge and training them is al-
you did.
Good! I knew my table
was around here some-
where.
www.epapergallery.com/thejet
or have had a particular
history or particular previ-
ous use which they do not
have.
The sale of counterfeit
products constitutes an in-
fringement of the trademark
for the respective intellec-
tual property rights holders.
Ms Devi warned traders
of such goods can be said to
infringe on either the trade
mark, patent or copyright of
the brand owner by passing
off its goods as made by the
brand owner.
The Council is urging
consumers to be vigilant
whilst shopping.
Consumers can call the
National Consumer Helpline
toll-free number 155 to seek
advice or to lodge any com-
plaints against traders who
are found selling counterfeit
products.
Consumers can also
seek assistance from Fiji
Commerce Commission in
relation to their grievances.
Counterfeit products being sold at local stores.
Photo: CONSUMER COUNCIL OF FIJI.
By ANA SOVA
Burger King Fiji Staff attending an upskilling session.Photo SUPPLIED.
Burger King Fiji is committed to deliv- He said staff members were really im-
ering better customer service. pressed with the outcome as positive re-
Burger King Fiji General Manager, sults were already being seen in their two
Akash Narsey said being part of an inter- outlets in Nadi.
national franchise requires a lot of hard Meanwhile, Ms. Kumar said the train-
work and staff training is an essential part ing had geared up Burger King Staff with
of the entire business experience. exceptional customer service skills dur-
A well trained workforce will ensure ing the peak festive season to ensure their
the best customer service and this will customers have a complete buyer experi-
result in repeat business and everlasting ence in both outlets.
positive impression on our customers as Key learning outcomes were to see
well, Mr. Narsey said. that the staff deliver that superior service
He said it was universally accepted that with a smile and make customers enjoy
the BK factor,
an international franchise, Burger King Listening skills, overall communica-
continuously invested in training its staff tion skills, maintaining BK standards, first
members to stay on top of the game. impressions, and professional etiquette
Recently the fast food chain facilitated were some of the objectives of this train-
a training and up skilling session for 48 ing session, Ms. Kumar said.
staff members that was conducted in She commended Mr. Narsey for being
Nadi by Ranju Kumar, Proprietor and con- so passionate about customer service
sultant of Smart Train. standards.
BK employees are enthusiastic, com- Narsey initiated these two sessions of
mitted and have a positive mind-set to customer service training and engaged
Smart Train for this project. He is keen to
ways a rewarding experience, Mr. Narsey invest more in his teams learning and de-
said. velopment in future as well, Ms Kumar
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CONSUMERS SUPERMARKET
Cheapest in Namaka

THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 19

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10 Interesting Facts about

Chinese New Year
1. The date varies!
The date for Chinese New
Year changes each year. It always
falls between January 21 and
February 20, determined by the
Chinese lunar calendar. Chinese
New Year 2017 is on Saturday
January 28. See why on our page
for Chinese New Year Dates.
2. The holiday is oddly
called Spring Festival.
Though in winter, Chinese call
their New Year holidays Spring
Festival (chnji /chwnn-jye-
ah/), because Start of Spring
(418 February) is the first of
the terms in the traditional solar
calendar. While wintry weather
prevails, Start of Spring marks
the end of the coldest part of
winter, when the Chinese tradi-
tionally could look forward to the
beginning of spring.
3. Every Chinese New Year
starts a new animals zodiac
year.
Chinese zodiac years: A very
old custom is to name the years
by one of 12 animals in their zo-
diac cycle. For example, 2017 is
a year of the Rooster. Many Chi-
nese still believe in astrology and
other New Year superstitions.
People focus on priorities:
making amends, reconciling
with people, avoiding offence,
and re-establishing old ties. They
buy and wear new clothes, give
gifts, and clean house.
4. It is a festival for 1/5 of the
worlds population.
Its Chinas winter vacation
week, like between Christmas
and New Years Day other coun-
tries. Schools in China get about
a month off, and universities
even more. China, Hong Kong
and Macau, and nine other Asian
countries have public holidays.
China: 1.3 billion in Chi-
na get three days of public holi-
day.
Indonesia: 250 million
people in Indonesia get one day
of public holiday.
Philippines: 100 million
get one day of public holiday.
Vietnam: 90 million
people get at least three days of
public holidays, but the holidays
sometimes extends for an en-
tire week by taking away week-
ends, as in China.
South Korea: 50 million
people get three days of public
holiday.
Malaysia: 30 million
people get two day of public hol-
iday.
North Korea: 24 million
people get three days of public
holiday.
Taiwan: 24 million peo-
ple get four days of public holi-
day generally.
Brunei: One day of pub-
lic holiday.
Singapore: Two days of
public holiday.
Hong Kong: Three days a variety of cultural performanc-
of public holidays, extending to
four days if the holidays fall on a
Sunday.
Macau: Three days of
public holiday, extending to four
days if the holidays fall on a Sun-
day.
5. Billions of red envelopes
are exchanged.
These red envelopes with
cash are given out from older to
younger, from bosses to employ-
ees, and from leaders to under-
lings. It is a special New Years
bonus. Read more on How to
Give Chinese New Year Lucky
Money (Red Envelopes).
6. its big in London and HK.
500 thousand people con-
verged for Chinese New Year in
Londons Chinatown, Trafalgar
Square, and central London
streets in 2015.
In Hong Kong, a big holiday
custom is horse racing: The most
popular races of all in the city
happens on the third day of the
Spring Festival holidays when
100,000 excited fans crowd into
Sha Tin Racecourse. The spec-
tators watch a grand opening
show, a featured lion dance, and
New Years Eve until the Lantern
es and entertainment.
7. 4% of the worlds popula-
tion is on the move.
200 million Mainland Chinese
travel long distances for these
holidays, and it is estimated that
there are 3.5 billion journeys in
China. For comparison, less than
100 million people travel more
than 50 miles during the Christ-
mas holidays in the US according
to the American Automobile As-
sociation.
Tens of millions of people
travel in other countries too.
8. There is the worlds big-
gest annual fireworks usage.
No single hour in any other
country sees as many tons of fire-
works lighted as in China around
the midnight beginning Chinese
New Year. China produces about
90% of the worlds fireworks!
Fireworks are used to scare
evil spirits: Most mainland Chi-
nese believe that the flash and
bang of firecrackers and fire-
works scare away demons and
evil ghosts.
9. The Lantern Festival once
ended 16 days of festivities.
Traditionally, the 16 days from
Festival each had a special cel-
ebration activity.
The Lantern Festival: In the
evening of 15th day of the first
lunar month, on the night of the
full moon, families gather for din-
ner and go out and see fireworks
and light lanterns. Lanterns are
put up for decoration, let loose
to fly, and floated in rivers.
10. Xinnian Kuaile means
Happy New Year.
Xinnin kuil! . Thats pro-
nounced sshin-nyen kwhy-luh,
by the way.
CHINA HIGHLIGHTS

Prouds Celebrate
By ANA SOVA
The Prouds Downtown Nadi Store was hyped in celebration of the
Chinese New Year this year with specials, draws, door prizes, and

Year of the Rooster

Chinese entertainment.
Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival in China, is the
most important traditional holiday in China.
Each year and animal is assigned using the classification scheme,
the Chinese zodiac, in a repeating twelve-year cycle and this is
year is the Year of the Rooster.
Motibhai Group Manager Public Relations and Corporate Market-
ing, Shalendra Prasad said although in Fiji the Chinese New Year
may be celebrated at a smaller scale they were happy to have
been one of the first outlets to initiate such a celebration for their
Chinese customers over the years.
All our customers are very important to us and the Chinese cus-
tomers are definitely not an exception, Mr. Prasad said.
He said while they had many Chinese customers who have lived
in Fiji for many years, many even being born here, they were also
seeing a huge influx of Chinese tourists in the country.
We want to give them a home away from home feeling and
make them feel comfortable in a foreign land which is thousands
of miles away from their homeland, Mr. Prasad said.
He said in celebration theyve invited basically every Chinese cus-
tomer they have in Nadi and also had the pleasure of serving new
Chinese customers including tourists.
China is the largest emerging market for Fiji tourism and we are
happy to be able to provide a world-class shopping experience
for them at our various outlets situated at towns and cities, resorts
and duty-free stores at the arrivals and departures of the new-look
Nadi International Airport, Mr. Prasad said.
He said Prouds thanked all the inbound tour operators who
worked tirelessly to market Fiji as a destination in such key emerg-
ing markets as with China definitely leading in numbers.
All these events are our small contribution towards enhancing
the visitor experience and complementing the hard work of our
inbound tour stakeholders as well, Mr. Prasad said.
The Prouds chain of stores is run by a Motibhai Group Company,
Stinson Pearce Limited.

Customers taking advantage of the Chinese New Year sale at Prouds Downtown Nadi. Photos: LUKE NACEI.

20 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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Taveuni Complete Fairytale

at Lawaqa
The Garden Island of Taveuni is celebrating their sta-
tus as the Mana Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens Champion.
The debutants scored two tries to win 12-10 in a close-
ly-fought Cup final against Wardens and walk away with
$20,000.
Captain Lemeci Tulele was awarded the Campese-
Serevi Medal for Player of the Tournament.
Taveuni, who qualified for the Coral Coast Sevens via
the Final Four in November, made it to the Cup final with
an impressive 17-10 win over Crows Nest Yasawa in the
semi final, while Wardens defeated Army 19-5 with a
solid performance.
Tulele said this win means everything to the team,
their families and their island community.
We always call them (families) after every game as
they watch it on TV back at home and they go around in
the green colours all over Taveuni, he said.
We play locally, sometimes we go to Vanua Levu but
this is our first time here we are really happy. Taveuni with fans after their win at the Mana Whey Coral Coast 7s at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Photo: LUKE NACEI.
Defending champions Police claimed the Outrigger ment has to rank up with the highest standard across end they got the rewards.
Beach Resort Plate after being beaten by Taveuni in the board of all tournaments Ive ever been to in 14 years. Te Nana called the Coral Coast Sevens the premier
quarter final while Saunaka won the Tourism Fiji Bowl The top eight teams here could easily go and com- tournament in Fiji given the eight womens and 24 youth
over Germany. pete on the world series and its just been a phenomenal teams that also made up the event.
Germany, one of two international teams which had experience. The MANA Whey Fiji Coral Coast Sevens is proudly
faltered on the first day, hit back on the second securing As a senior manager with the union at Hong Kong Ill supported by Goodman Fielder Fiji, Sigatoka River Safari,
wins over BLK Iron Courage 17-14 and Shangri-La Da- certainly be bringing the players back and I have an Tourism Fiji, Outrigger Beach Resort, Uprising Beach Re-
veta 22-19 before coming unstuck against the Pio Tuwai- ambition to bring down a junior team and even a wom- sort, Shangri-Las Fijian Resort & Spa, The Naviti Resort,
inspired Saunaka. ens team. Crows Nest Resort, Geckos Resort, Bedarra Beach Inn,
Their win the semi was one of the all-time great come- Former New Zealand Sevens captain Karl te Nana Fiji Times, Viti FM and Fiji TV.
backs. Scoreless in the first half, the visitors overcame a echoed Rees comments. CC7S
19-point deficit to defeat Daveta 22-19 at the final siren. It really has become a top-class event and the way RESULTS OF THE MANA WHEY FIJI CORAL COAST
Hong Kong went no further than the Bowl semis going its run, the way the people have come in and supported SEVENS
down to Saunaka also by two points and missing a con- it from Sigatoka and all over Fiji, I think is a real credit to I-wau (Cup)
version on the last play of the day. all the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes, First Light Taveuni 12 Wardens 10
Hong Kong RFU High Performance manager Dai Rees he said. Plate
was not at all fazed by the teams performance over the There are lessons in the performance of Taveuni that Police 19 Uluinakau 17
competition and sang the praises of the tournament of youre willing to work hard, believe in each other and Bowl
overall. do the team work then things will come. It was a tough McDonalds Saunaka 21 Germany 19
Its my first visit to Fiji and Ive got to say this tourna- Cup final and they showed a lot of resilience and in the Shield
CORAL COAST SEVENS

Japanese Womens Te Nana Grateful

Team here to Learn to be Back
By LUKE NACEI
By LUKE NACEI

Japanese womens team. Photo: LUKE NACEI.
The Japanese women`s team did their
best in the four days Mana Whey Fiji Coral
Coast Sevens team tournament in La-
waqa Park.
And coach Hitoshi Inada was proud
with her girls preformance.
The team has been preparing very
well. We were just doing training and we
have never played a tournament in Japan
before coming here, he said.
Hitoshi said her girls needed all the
exposure they can get from the four days
tournament.
The side needs to learn from other
22 THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
foreign countries some skills in rugby and
that`s why we are here to compete in this
local tournament.
And this is a very good chance for us
to get to another country. We always get
tough competition from the Fijian team
and we are looking forward to that in this
competition. But we vow to do our best.
The team was made up of young wom-
en athletes.
Karl Te Nana with his family (far right) Jay White, Special Adminstrator for Sigatoka.
Photo: LUKE NACEI.
Former New Zealand rug-
by sevens captain and World
Rugby 7s commentator, Karl
Te Nana is happy to be back
in Fiji.
A regular face on our
shores, Te Nana was accom-
panied by his family for the
2017 Mana Whey Fiji Coral
Coast Sevens.
He forestalls a good show
of sevens skills at the tour-
nament and wont let him
down as the Uprising Youth
Sevens kicks off today.
To be honest it is quiet
brutal, it is a level that some
of the other tournaments
have never touched and
that is one thing I took away
when I first came here, he
said.
Fiji played their own
style and sees how other
teams such as Germany
come across this year to
play against the Fijians is go-
ing to be quiet unique and
interesting to see, he said.
We are looking forward
to it has grown and grown
the young fellas playing first
and the Mana Whey Coral
Coast 7s after.
Te Nana said he still loved
the way the tournament is
played every year.
To see how good the
boys are and especially
coming back from our na-
tional 7s back in New Zea-
land how they performed
and to come and see how
the next bunch of how the
Fijians players are going to
perform is going to be excit-
ing.
I love Fiji and I love com-
ing back here. For I love the
history of sevens, I respect
the game and respect the
people that play. I always
love to come back here and
enjoy the tournament.
The Mana Whey Fiji Sev-
ens Coral Coast 7s ended on
a high note with under dogs
First Flight Taveuni winning
the tournament.
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Tabakaucoro Guns
for Experience
By LUKE NACEI
Pacific Sprint King, Banuve Ta-
bakaucoro is trying to gain as much
experience as he can in trying to be-
come a better rugby player.
Playing for the BLK Iron Courage
7s team, the Bauan bullet scored two
tries in the tournament so far.
Tabakaucoro says the competi-
tion was a learning experience and
he hopes to pick the brains of former
national and overseas based reps.
Its really tough and these are the
top 14 or 16 teams in Fiji and Id say
top teams in the world and playing
in a country like Fiji where 7s is the
national sport, its going to be tough
to make it into the national team. So
Im just out here to do my best and
focus on what I have to do.
The former Marist Brothers High
School student believes such com-
petition will help him grow in the
sport.
Its good, For me if I want to
make it out far in this sport, I have to
have to try and play more in the west
where its more hot and go overseas
and compete there. It will be an eas-
ier transition for me.
Meanwhile, Germany scored their
first win in the tournament after beat-
ing BLK Iron Courage team 17-14 in
the first Bowl Quarterfinal. Banuve Tabakaucoro at the Mana Whey Coral Coast 7s at
Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. Photo:LUKE NACEI.

Ratuvuki PavesWay Naholo Inspired Me:

By LUKE NACEI
Kunavula
By ANA SOVA

3D Nararo Fiji Water Team after their tournament in Australia. Photo: SUPPLIED.

When people come together around vi-
sion they can complete things.
And this is exactly what Ratu Peni Ratu-
vuki of Savusavu in Vanua Levu did to help
assist youths of Savusavu.
Ratuvuki had a vision for these talented
local rugby boys who have much to deliver
in the field of rugby.
He is the coach of a rugby team called
the 3D Nararo Fiji Water Rugby Club a team
which is now playing in Melbourne, Austra-
lia.
Speaking to this newspaper from Mel-
bourne, Australia via email Mr Ratuvuki ex-
pressed how happy he was for team.
He said the boys were to prove their
worth locally before they could go overseas.
I have got a vision for the talented play-
ers in Fiji especially for them to play locally
and if they prove themselves locally and if
they are good than I will take them overseas
and try and secure some contract for them
since I have been in contact with couple of
club representative and officials, Ratuvuki
said.
Ratuvuki in August 2007 received his Per-
manent Residence (PR) in Australia and
later became an Australian citizen in 2010.
He said at first when the news of playing
overseas circulated his village the youths
were not interested at all until he bought jer-
seys for the boys.
So whenever I came to the village I told
the boys in my village that opportunity to go
and play overseas is there. The players in
my village were not motivated or moved by
what I told them,
I got the boys to come to Australia by
putting together an invitation letter for them
to come and participate in October 2016 and
played and Bendigo Gold 7s which they
won the plate final by defeating a Melbourne
Rebel Selection side in semis and defeat the
Melbourne Fijian 7s in the plate final.
God has called me to work with these
players in order for them to play and at the
same time be a good ambassador for the
gospel of Jesus Christ wherever they go and
participate.
Ratuvuki said their group is mainly con-
sisted of young boys as young as 18- 20 years.
The boys are here until all their papers
are done than they will return and for the
time being they have the legal rights to work
and live here indefinitely.
We have also secured a local club (En-
deavor Hills) to play for this season. The club
is also providing for their accommodation
and employment, he said.
Meanwhile, a player in the club Jone Vuli
of Navuniasi Naitasiri said he was grateful to
God for the opportunity.
I cant say how happy I am to be part of
this team. I have always dreamt of playing
overseas and God has opened doors for me
and my fellow colleagues in places I can
expand my knowledge in something I love
doing the most which is playing rugby, he
said.
All in all it is God that we give the glory
to, we wouldnt have made it without him
our job, the club and the accommodations
we are in now is through God alone and for
that we give him the glory.
The side so far has won the 2016 Bendigo
Plate and also the Darwin Hottest 7S Bowl
finals 2017.
Mesulame Kunavula with his cousin at the Nadi International Airport. Photo: ANA SOVA.
At form five he dropped out of school,
staying at home in the village with no em-
ployment the future seemed bleak for Me-
sulame Kunavula.
But there was one thing he could hold
onto, his golden ticket out of unemploy-
ment, the one thing that most young men
from the Vanua o Nakuruvarua did best, play
rugby.
The Nadroumai native from Nadroga was
one of the two latest inclusions into the Fiji
Sevens National Mens side, alongside Ma-
lolo speedster, Nacanieli Labalaba.
Kunavula said if there was someone that
inspired him, it was Fijian born New Zea-
land Union Rugby Player and Highlanders
Wing, Waisake Naholo.
He is a close cousin of Naholos father,
Aporosa Naholo.
I know Naholos background, were
relatives and I know the struggle hes been
through with his family before he went to
complete his studies in New Zealand and
before he became what he is today,
I come from an average family too, Ive
struggled a lot too and Naholo inspires me
that if I have the talent than I can achieve
that too so I worked hard, Kunavula said.
The former Lomaiwai Secondary School
student said after leaving form five he
started playing for the village rugby team,
Tovolea then joined the Nadroga Under 20
team before playing for the Fiji Warriors.
I then was selected into the Fiji Babas
this year and upon returning I never dreamt
I would be selected into the National 7s side
and Im very thankful to God for giving me
this opportunity, Kunavula said.
The 21 year old looks forward to playing
for his family and country.
I will be playing alongside very experi-
enced and talented players and I have so
much respect for them but I look forward
to proving myself and the potential I have. I
want to make my parents proud, Kunavula
said.

Naca Makes Dad Proud
By ANA SOVA
The inclusion of Nacanieli Labalaba into
the Fiji National Sevens Mens side to play
in the Wellington and Sydney Sevens has
made his father very proud.
The Malolo speedster is the latest inclu-
sion alongside Fiji Babarians teammate, Me-
sulame Kunavula.
Malakai Vitilau along with family mem-
bers saw his son off at the Nadi International
Airport as he flew out to Wellington with the
Sevens team on Tuesday.
The 60 year old said he was very happy
and thanked God for what he has done for
his son.
When he started out in the Malolo team
I was always urging him to work hard so that
one day he could wear the white jumper,
Mr. Vitilau said.
The former hotel worker said he would
Naca with his family. Photo: ANA SOVA.
go out to watch in any tournament Labalaba
played in regardless if it was in Viti Levu or
Vanua Levu.
My son is going to wear the white jer-
sey this weekend. Im really proud of his
achievement, the whole family is, Mr. Viti-
lau said.
Meanwhile, Labalaba who is from Solevu
in Malolo, Nadroga said he never dreamt
that he would one day play for the national
team.
I was schooling in the Fiji National Uni-
versity then I just stopped wanting to go
to school and came back to the Village.
I played for Malolo in the B Division then I
played for the Fiji Babas but I never dreamt
I would one day get here, Labalaba said.
But then Gods plan for our lives is al-
ways better than the plans we make and I
believe it is him that brought me to this level
of my career.
The former Maharishi Sanatan College
student said he was ready to play for his
country.
Labalaba is related to former Fiji Rugby
Union Player, Sunia Banuve.

THE JET - FIJIS FIRST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 23

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Page 23 Page 23
Taveuni Complete Ratuvuki Paves Way
Fairy Tale in Lawaqa
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017. ISSUE 88 www.thejetnewspaper.com

NADI PRESIDENT RESIGNS

Outgoing Nadi Football Association President Navneenda Goundar with a Nadi fan Reddy Mahendra in Nadi. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.
By LUKE NACEI
The Nadi Football presi-
dent Navneenda Goundar
has officially resigned from
his position as president.
The association will be
having its Annual General
Meeting this month where
he will officially hand in his
resignation and step down
from his position.
Speaking to this news-
paper Goundar said he
was delighted to be part of
a dynamic team.
Nadi is a very good
football team and my years
with Nadi has been really
enjoying, he said.
Goundar said him hand-
ing in his resignation is due
to personal reasons.
It nothing big, its just
that I need to spend more
time with my family now I
have grandchildren which
I need to spend more time
with.
I will always show my
support for the team, he
said.
The outgoing president
has been serving the team
for the last four years. His
service with the team has
made them achieve and
win big tournaments.
This he says was the
major highlights for him.
During my president
with the Nadi team, they
have won three Pacific
Cup titles, two Fiji Facts,
one National League
and the Champion of the
Champion title for the first
time ever, he said. League and Inter-District
Goundar was well
known for his lethal right
boot and is well docu-
mented in an incident
where his powerful volley
led to a fractured hand of a
Rewa goalie.
He was part of the
champion Nadi team
which ruled the soccer
fraternity in the late 70s
and early 90s. Incidentally,
it was in his reign as the
President of Nadi F.C. that
brought the glory days to
the Nadi Soccer.
Under his leadership
from 1995, Nadi managed
to win the Fiji Fact, Battle
of the Giants and Girmit
Tourney. In addition to
that, Nadi team also were
triumphant in the National
worked very hard and I
Tournament.
The 59 year old has fore-
seen a good feature for the
Green Machines.
Nadi will become bet-
ter and better with many
young talented soccer reps
representing the team.
He said the side has
much to offer this season.
After successfully re-
taining the Pacific Cup on
their home soil last year,
the Jet Setters have set
eyes to end their 14 year
drought by winning next
years (2017) Inter District holder of the Fiji Fact, Pa-
Championship (IDC).
It is now the teams aim
to try and get hold of the
IDC trophy, we had senior
players playing for the sea-
son, our senior boys have
his leadership.
applaud them for their ef-
forts.
He said 2016 was chal-
lenging yet tremendous
year for them in terms of
football development for
the youngsters fielded in
the team.
We had many young
players who were playing
in the league like Afraz Ali
who is the student of Nadi
Muslim College, but we
plan to improve from that
as well.
Nadi are the current
cific Cup and Champion
versus Champion title.
Goundar has thanked
all those who have been
behind the success of Nadi
Football team throughout
He also thanked the co-
sponsors like Jacks Handi-
craft and other sponsors.
Meanwhile, Goundar
has also confirmed that a
new coach will be named
after their AGM.
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