- HE PRESIDENT RECEIVES THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK -His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau today received the Archbishop of York, Metropolitan of the province of York and Primate of England, Dr John Sentamu at Government House this morning.
- SPORTS MINISTER RECEIVES FLYING FIJIANS – Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Laisenia Tuitubou, today, urged the Flying Fijians to continue its winning momentum at the Rugby World Cup which kicks off in England next month.
- MINISTER IMPRESSED WITH TISI SANGAM NURSING SCHOOL – The Minister for Health and Medical Services Hon. Jone Usamate today visited the TISI Sangam School of Nursing and acknowledged the partnership of the school with government in terms of educating more nurses for the country.
- FIJI TRADING TO MORE COUNTRIES THAN EVER BEFORE – Trade between Fiji and its partners have increased at unprecedented levels with the Government recording an increase in volume.
- WOMEN’S GROUP ON DISPLAY AT WEST AGRICULTURE SHOW – Women groups have been given an opportunity to showcase their products and talents to the public at the West Agriculture Show at Garvey Park in Tavua.
- EMPLOYERS MUST NOT DISMISS WORKERS UNFAIRLY– The Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Industrial Relations has cautioned employers to adhere to disciplinary procedures of dismissal stipulated under the Employment Relations Promulgation (ERP) 2007, before considering dismissal of any worker.
- MINISTRY PROVIDES TOOLS FOR INCOME LIVELIHOOD – Two organisations have been equipped with new income livelihood tools provided by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation.
- VILLAGERS IN YASAWA TO INCREASE SEAWEED FARMING – Fourteen families and two youths of Vuaki and Yageta village in Yasawa will now be able to increase their production in seaweed farming following the handing over of 2 boats with life jackets and equipment this afternoon.
- HE PRESIDENT RECEIVES THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK
His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau today received the Archbishop of York, Metropolitan of the province of York and Primate of England, Dr John Sentamu at Government House this morning.
Dr John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu is the 97th Archbishop of York. Prior to his current appointment, Dr John Sentamu was bishop for Stepney in 1996 and bishop for Birmingham in 2002 before being appointed as Archbishop of York in 2005.
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu graduated in law from Makerere University, Kampala and is an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda.
He practiced law both at the Bar and at the Bench before he came to the United Kingdom in 1974. In 1979, the Archbishop was ordained priest.
The position of Archbishop of York is the second most senior clerical position in the Church of England. He is a member of the House of Lords and a Privy.
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- SPORTS MINISTER RECEIVES FLYING FIJIANS
Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Laisenia Tuitubou, today, urged the Flying Fijians to continue its winning momentum at the Rugby World Cup which kicks off in England next month.
In welcoming the 2015 Pacific Nations Cup winners, Minister Tuitubou thanked the players for their performance over the past months in which the John McKee – coached side beat, Tonga, Japan, and Samoa.
“Congratulations to the team for winning the PNC title. This is an important year for rugby and Fijian rugby especially as we gear up for the rugby World Cup in England later this year,” Minister Tuitubou said.
“All Fijians and fans here, (Fiji) and abroad are proud of you for your achievement in bringing the PNC title home.”
Minister Tuitubou however, reminded the team that the work was not completed yet with the RWC beginning next month.
“The hard work begins now and Fiji will be closely following your preparation as you head to England in September,” Hon. Tuitubou added.
“We are all aware of the Pool of ‘pride’ as the President said, and the nation is looking forward to the Flying Fijians causing a few upsets when the RWC starts on September 19(Fiji time).
Flying Fijians Coach, John McKee said the boys were proud to see the Minister greet them on their return adding that the players are aware of the task at hand in preparing to carry the hopes of the nation at the pinnacle of world rugby.
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- MINISTER IMPRESSED WITH TISI SANGAM NURSING SCHOOL
The Minister for Health and Medical Services Hon. Jone Usamate today visited the TISI Sangam School of Nursing and acknowledged the partnership of the school with government in terms of educating more nurses for the country.
“I am impressed with the midwifery models and the capabilities of this school to cater for more nurses for our country,” Minister Usamate said.
Minister Usamate said the midwifery models by the institution allows the students to understand working with real life situations.
“It is very good, the school intends to raise the competency of these student nurses as they are experimenting on models.”
The Health Minister also acknowledged the school for investing in the training of nurses.
“The organisations investment will have a positive impact on the people, the students and when they graduate they are already well versed with their profession.”
Mr Usamate said he looked forward to more partnership with the school in producing more and better nurses for Fiji.
Mr Usamate added that in the next five years the Ministry will work on increasing the number of nurses in Fiji.
“But with this we must have quality staff who know what their work is and are passionate about the work they do,” Usamate added.
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- FIJI TRADING TO MORE COUNTRIES THAN EVER BEFORE
Trade between Fiji and its partners have increased at unprecedented levels with the Government recording an increase in volume.
This was highlighted by the Permanent Secretary for Industry and Trade, Shaheen Ali recently in Nadi at an event hosted by logistics company DHL.
“Investments amongst others have resulted in Fiji expanding its trading horizon, in the past eight years we have more trading partners than ever before and we are experiencing one of the best economic growth cycles since independence,” PS Ali said.
“Fiji has had five consecutive years of growth. With this year’s forecast of 4.3 percent, we will for the first time in history have an average growth of four percent in three consecutive years.”
PS Ali added that in keeping with the vision of an inclusive approach towards building an internationally competitive economy, the Hon. Prime Minister last month launched the Fijian Trade Policy Framework which would further strengthen Fiji as a regional trading hub.
The Framework recognizes communication, transportation and logistics as important components for creating a modern economy.
PS Ali said that Government was investing in such areas and urged companies such as DHL and others to capitalize on this growth and continue to increase investment in Fiji and expand its services in the region and the world, while maintaining Fiji as a hub.
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- WOMEN’S GROUP ON DISPLAY AT WEST AGRICULTURE SHOW
Women groups have been given an opportunity to showcase their products and talents to the public at the West Agriculture Show at Garvey Park in Tavua.
Locally made products were on display by women’s groups such as the New Advent Self Support Ministry, Tovatova Women’s group, Beauty Women Club, Lomalagi Women club, Yasiyasi Women’s Club, Tavualevu SSVM, Duavata Women’s Club, Vanuakula Women’s club, Nadolodolo Women’s club, Veilomani Women’s club and Nadelei Women’s Club.
The Nadelei Women’s club consisting of 30 women is involved in a beekeeping project and sells honey at $5.00 per bottle from their booth while the Yasiyasi Women’s Club of Tavua who sell pot plants have a yasi pot plant nursery.
69 year old, Luisa Ratu said that this is the first time these women have displayed their products during an Agriculture Show and they are looking forward to the exchange of skills and knowledge amongst other women.
“Products displayed at the Show are made from local materials resembling Fijian culture and tradition,” Luisa said.
The women sell products like fan, Voivoi basket, broom, mat and table cloth which in return earns money for their household.
Duavata Women’s club secretary Salome Koroi aged 64 year-old is an expert on patchwork with pillow cases and coffee table covers and is willing to teach other women.
“I want to share my skills with other women of other clubs especially young mothers,” Koroi said.
Meanwhile, 42-year-old housewife and mother of six siblings, Verenaisi Daveta said taking part in the show has given her the opportunity to learn about the different farming techniques in agriculture.
“I also encourage other women to take part in getting to know other skills not only crafts but to learn about farming techniques as well,” Daveta said.
The Show will be officially closed today by the Minister for Youth and Sports Mr Laisenia Tuitubou.
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- EMPLOYERS MUST NOT DISMISS WORKERS UNFAIRLY
The Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Industrial Relations has cautioned employers to adhere to disciplinary procedures of dismissal stipulated under the Employment Relations Promulgation (ERP) 2007, before considering dismissal of any worker.
This follows the Ministry recording a high number of dismissal cases, classified as unfair, during the first half of the year.
The Minister for Employment, Hon Jioji Konrote states that termination of employment contracts without justified reasons and written advice to a worker is unlawful.
“Dismissal must be pursued within the ambit of the labour laws. Under Section 114 of the ERP 2007, an employer is required to provide a worker, a written statement advising the reasons for dismissal. This includes provisions of Summary Dismissal under Section 33 of the ERP 2007,” the Minister said.
However, the Ministry says that dismissal should be the very last resort taken by an employer. Employers are urged to first, utilize their internal disciplinary procedures and provide effective counselling for performance improvements.
The Minister urges employers to engage workers in good-faith employment relations to reduce worker grievances and boost workplace productivity.
Similarly, workers are encouraged to perform their duties with utmost diligence and integrity to develop and maintain a healthy working environment.
A worker who believes the internal grievance procedure has been exhausted and is unfairly dismissed, discriminated, sexually harassed, disadvantaged, or is being forced to join or not to join a trade union, may lodge their employment grievance at any of the Ministry’s district offices in Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Labasa, Savusavu or Suva.
For better understanding of the labour laws the Ministry offers employers and workers training on the relevant laws. Employers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to reduce workplace grievances and increase productivity and profit. The contact person is Ms Devina Rao, Senior Training Officer – Ph 3303500 extension 174 or via email devina.rao@govnet.gov.fj orcallcentre@labour.gov.fj
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- MINISTRY PROVIDES TOOLS FOR INCOME LIVELIHOOD
Two organisations have been equipped with new income livelihood tools provided by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation.
In an official event at the Ministry’s headquarters, the Ministry presented 5 sewing machines to Kaba Women’s Group from Tailevu and Dilkusha Girls Home in Nausori. The request for assistance was made directly to the Hon. Minister’s office, earlier this month.
The machines were presented to the groups by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Rosy Akbar.
Minister Akbar said this assistance aims to support the skills development and income livelihood for women and young girls.
“Sewing machines are working tools, through it we instill in them the talents and skills of sewing, which become a source of income for families. The Ministry continues to provide livelihood programs to economically empower women, to raise their self-confidence and lead them towards the pathway of self-reliance and self-employment,” Minister Akbar said.
“Women are good agents of change, when we equip them with business mind-sets they will to get the job done well. The outcome will greatly impact the livelihoods of our children and families. The Ministry will continue to reach out and assist families through such initiatives.”
Minister Akbar said such opportunities are also open to individual women, particularly those who were from underprivileged families.
“Since 2009, the Ministry has so far distributed 3077 sewing machines to 1709 communities and 25 individuals. We expect the skills to be taught with solidarity and in partnership we want to pass those skills to individual women, especially those from deprived families.
The Ministry looks after 10 percent of Fiji’s population who are also known as the poorest of the poor and by helping individual families, we will be making a greater impact on their households,” Minister Akbar reiterated.
Most of the women groups who have been presented with sewing machines by the Ministry have also been selected to participate in the upcoming National Women’s Expo 2015 that will be held in October.
While thanking the Ministry, Kaba Women’s group head, Mrs Maca Toronikaba said the donation will benefit the women and children.
“We are impressed with the swift response from Madam Minister in assisting us. We will be able to sew school uniforms for some 73 school children in our village.
“The women also do weaving, make handicrafts which are sold to the tourists who visit the village every fortnight. Through these sewing machines, we will be able to sew sulu jaba, ladies dresses, men’s wear and sell it to the tourists and nearby villages. We don’t have to travel long distances now to buy school uniforms as these machines will also save us money and help our women earn an income for their families,” Mrs Toronikaba said.
Home Manager for Dilkusha Girls Home, Leba Laveti said the donation will enable the vocational students to learn sewing.
“It will be a great help to the children particularly 3 of our students who are undergoing vocational training in sewing and catering. This will also include 4 boys and currently we have a total of 34 children at the Home. These children are good with practical skills and these donations are an incentive for the students to learn sewing,” Ms Leveti added.
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- VILLAGERS IN YASAWA TO INCREASE SEAWEED FARMING
Fourteen families and two youths of Vuaki and Yageta village in Yasawa will now be able to increase their production in seaweed farming following the handing over of 2 boats with life jackets and equipment this afternoon.
This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Fisheries and Forest last year to work in partnership to increase the production of seaweed and improve the standard of living in the rural and maritime communities.
While handing over the boats at the Draunibota Fisheries station in Lami, the Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary, Mr Filimoni Waqabaca said the event was timely as it lays a solid platform for reviving the seaweed industry in Fiji.
“As part of this partnership, the Department of Fisheries will provide technical expertise to support the identification of sites and in implementation, quality control, monitoring and basic training for communities,” Mr Waqabaca said.
“Through the Integrated Human Resource Development Program (IHRDP), the Ministry of Finance is providing over $245,000 for the purchase of 25 fibre glass boats with 25 horse power Yamaha engines, fuel, marine safety equipment and seaweed planting materials.”
Mr Waqabaca said this will complement the $200, 000 provided to the department to implement its Seaweed Development Program this year.
The Department of Fisheries and Forest Permanent Secretary, Mr Inoke Wainiqolo said the equipment will boost seaweed production in the two villages and improve their living standards.
“We need to improve our support services such as the issuing of boats with engines to fishermen, construction of drying racks & dried seaweed storage sheds and ensure readily available of planting materials for the expansion of of seaweed farms,” Mr Wainiqolo said.
Mr Wainiqolo adds the department is working on sending two Indonesian experts to train the farmers on seaweed farming later this year.
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