1. FIJIAN PRESIDENT RECEIVES NEW DIPLOMATIC ENVOYS – His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau received credentials from the new Non-Resident Ambassador designate of Belgium, Mr Jean Luc Bodson, the first resident High Commissioner of the Republic of Vanuatu, Mr Nikenike Vurobaravu and the resident ambassador of Indonesia, Mr Gary Rachman Makmun.
2. FAMILY RECEIVES COMPENSATION FOR SOLDIER – The compensation payment for the late Lance Corporal Rusiate Kamikamica has come as a huge relief to his family.
3. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE CARRIES OUT DETAILED SURVEY TO ASSESS FLOOD DAMAGE – The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) will carry out a detailed survey and assessment of farmers whose crop and livestock were affected by the recent flash floods experienced in areas around Naitasiri, Tailevu, Namosi, Serua, Rewa, Ra and Nadroga/Navosa.
1 FIJIAN PRESIDENT RECEIVES NEW DIPLOMATIC ENVOYS
His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau received credentials from the new Non-Resident Ambassador designate of Belgium, Mr Jean Luc Bodson, the first resident High Commissioner of the Republic of Vanuatu, Mr Nikenike Vurobaravu and the resident ambassador of Indonesia to Fiji, Mr Gary Rachman Makmun.
Non-Resident Ambassador designate of Belgium, Mr Jean Luc Bodson holds a Masters in International Relations and was deputy chief of staff of the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2006 – 2009.
The first resident High Commissioner of Vanuatu Mr Nikenike Vurobaravu holds a Masters of Arts in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Westminster and was the first political adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office from 2008 – 2010. Prior to this, Ambassador Vurobaravu held the position of Coordinator for the Vanuatu Comprehensive Reform Program with the Asian Development Bank.
The new resident ambassador of Indonesia, Mr Gary Rachman Makmun is currently the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Sydney and holds a Master of Arts in International Relations.
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2 FAMILY RECEIVES COMPENSATION FOR SOLDIER
The compensation payment for the late Lance Corporal Rusiate Kamikamica has come as a huge relief to his family.
Late Lance Corporal Kamikamica, who was a member of the regular force in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), died at the age of 51 while undertaking a physical training in Namaka, Nadi in April, 2001. Late Lance Corporal Kamikamica was training for his tour of duty to Sinai.
The only daughter of late Lance Corporal Kamikamica, Lesila Kamikamica, while receiving the compensation cheque from the Minister for Labour Jone Usamate said they faced a lot of financial difficulties after her father’s sudden death.
The 26-year old of Namelimeli, Navua said that her father was the sole breadwinner in their family.
“My mother and I are very happy that this government has made the compensation payment possible for us. It has come about after more than a decade and we thank the Labour Ministry, the RFMF and the government for the compensation,” Ms Kamikamica said.
Ms Kamikamica, who is enrolled on a teaching course at the University of the South Pacific said she will use the money to further her studies and begin a canteen business.
Mr Usamate said today’s compensation payment is indicative of the Fijian’s Government’s commitment to social justice.
“This ministry believes in social justice. In other words, the things that people should get, must be given to them. We’ve had workmen’s compensation laws in this country that did not include a major part of our workforce like the people involved in the security services, who were sacrificing their lives,” Mr Usamate said.
“It is only since the Bainimarama Government came in that it was recognised that everybody who works, whatever your place of employment, if you lose your life or if you get injured because of the nature of your work, you should be compensated.”
Minister Usamate added that Government has set aside $1.5million for workmen’s compensation in this year’s budget.
“By the first half of this year, we hope to make most of the compensation payments for those employed in the public sector, including the police, military and all other government employees.”
The minister also stressed the need for employers to ensure safe work places for Fijian employees at all times.
Brigadier General Mohammed Aziz, who was also present during the cheque presentation, said today’s compensation payment has set the precedence for the other cases that fall in the same category.
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3 MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE CARRIES OUT DETAILED SURVEY TO ASSESS FLOOD DAMAGE
The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) will carry out a detailed survey and assessment of farmers whose crop and livestock were affected by the recent flash floods experienced in areas around Naitasiri, Tailevu, Namosi, Serua, Rewa, Ra and Nadroga/Navosa.
The Minister for Agriculture, Lt. Col Inia Seruiratu reassured farmers in Waidina during a recent visit to the area on Sunday (02/03/14) that rehabilitation will begin with seedling supply. Minister Seruiratu was accompanying the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama who also visited these affected areas last week.
“The supply of vegetable seeds being a short term crop will enable quicker return to villagers and these seeds will be delivered by our staff to all villages along the Waidina River in the new week,” he said.
Meanwhile, the estimated damage to livestock and crops as part of preliminary assessments made last week in the areas of Naitasiri, Tailevu, Rewa, Serua, Namosi, Nadroga/Navosa, Ra and the Central Division have amounted to $1.7million.
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