1. ROTUMA COUNCIL RECEIVES NEW VEHICLE – Government will be able to better address issues faced by the people of Rotuma following the handing over of a vehicle today to the Rotuma Island Council.
2. WORKSHOP TO BETTER ADDRESS COASTAL AND INSHORE FISHERIES -Twenty officials from the department of fisheries will be attending a four day workshop to learn more on monitoring, control and surveillance of coastal and inshore fisheries.
3. HEALTH RECEIVES PROSTHESIS BREASTS -The Ministry of Health and Medical Services today received a total of 140 prosthesis breasts from Breast Cancer Network Australia in efforts to raise awareness on breast cancer amongst women.
1. ROTUMA COUNCIL RECEIVES NEW VEHICLE
Government will be able to better address issues faced by the people of Rotuma following the handing over of a vehicle today to the Rotuma Island Council.
Office of the Prime Minister, Acting Permanent Secretary Naipote Katonitabua handed over a 4 by 4 twin cab vehicle to the Rotuma council this afternoon.
Mr Katonitabua said the vehicle will make a big difference for the council of Rotuma by delivering safer, most cost-efficient travel for council members and visiting government officials.
“By helping the Council of Rotuma with their transportation needs, helping Rotuman leaders to serve citizens they represent. This vehicle will allow the council to travel to various villages to hold meetings and consultations, a critical component of participatory and inclusive democracy,” Mr Katonitabua said.
“By giving council members more direct access to Fijian people, our government will be able to address the issues you face. Direct access to government officials promotes greater transparency and accountability between Government and the people.”
Mr Katonitabua added that Government believes that all Fijians must be able to voice their concerns directly to Government.
Rotuma council chairman Tarterani Rigamoto thanked government for the assistance made towards the development of the island.
“We are grateful for the vehicle that is being handed over today and we can assure government that it will greatly assist the people of Rotuma,” Mr Rigamoto said.
“Currently government has provided assistance for the construction of the new hospital, development of infrastructure in particular roads and the upgrades of Rotuma High School,” Mr Rigamoto said.
2. WORKSHOP TO BETTER ADDRESS COASTAL AND INSHORE FISHERIES
Twenty officials from the department of fisheries will be attending a four day workshop to learn more on monitoring, control and surveillance of coastal and inshore fisheries.
Speaking at the opening of the 2015 Coastal Fisheries, Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) training today, Ministry of Fisheries and Forests, Permanent Secretary, Inoke Wainiqolo reminded the officials of their roles as regulators in the management of Fiji laws.
“While you strive to enhance skills in the MCS activities, it is important to understand the links between why or who we are managing our coastal fisheries resources for,” Mr Wainiqolo said.
“Recent surveys indicate Fiji’s coastal fishery contributes enormously to the nation’s economic wellbeing, with an estimated 27,000 tons of fresh fish being produced from coastal fishing associated contribution to GDP, food and nutrition and the creation of employment.”
Mr Wainiqolo also highlighted to the participants that their role as fisheries managers not only contributes to the economy of our country but makes a difference to the daily livelihoods of the people.
In addition, the ministry has endorsed initial planning and discussion process in the establishment of coastal fisheries management division that is intended to spearhead the department’s efforts in resource management and better respond to issues in coastal fisheries sector.
Mr Wainiqolo said that this commitment is made towards the increasing efforts to improve the management of coastal fisheries and invertebrate resources.
Senior Fisheries Officer, Mere Lakeba said that the training is a great opportunity to learn more on monitoring processes of coastal and inshore fishing grounds.
3. HEALTH RECEIVES PROSTHESIS BREASTS
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services today received a total of 140 prosthesis breasts from Breast Cancer Network Australia in efforts to raise awareness on breast cancer amongst women.
The Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Veena Bhatnagar received the donated items on behalf of the ministry and thanked Ms Heather Tait, one of the members of the Breast Cancer Network Australia who had initiated the donation for assisting women in Fiji.
The items were handed-over to the Women’s Wellness Centre based at Colonial War Memorial Hospital who would be distributing prosthesis breasts to women visiting the clinic.
The prosthesis breasts would be used by women who have had a mastectomy. The prosthesis breasts have been distributed to 30 women at the Wellness Centre so far.
“We need to be strong advocates for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Those who have received timely treatment and are enjoying the use of breast prosthesis, your own personal testimony would boost the morale of many women and assist others in taking advantage of the available service,” Hon Bhatnagar said.
The Minister added that in Fiji, breast cancer remains top two causes of cancer in females with a total of 179 cases in 2013.
“The high mortality rate is due to late detection and diagnosis since most women present to the clinic at a very late stage. I would like to reiterate my gratitude to Ms Heather Tait and her team for availing yourselves at your own cost to assist women in Fiji who would benefit by living dignified lives post-surgery.”