- LAND INFORMATION MUST BE WELL MANAGED – Proper land management is important for Fiji where land, an important resource, is scarce and needs to be balanced with the different demands placed on it.
- International sporting events important: GovernmenT – The role of developing sports amongst Fiji’s youth is a position that the Fijian Government takes seriously.
- PUBLIC URGED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PSC DISPLAY – The move to showcase services provided by the Public Service Commission (PSC) through the Government Service Centre (GSC) in Suva has been advantageous to the public and in particular for students.
- SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION GAINS INTEREST AT PSC DISPLAY PROGRAM – Members of the public have shown a keen interest in acquiring more information about scholarships available through the Public Service Commission (PSC).
- MEDICAL STAFF TO BE TRAINED IN AUSTRALIA – Medical staff involved in kidney dialysis programs will soon be trained in Australia on the application of dialysis equipment and other medical processes related to the program.
1 LAND INFORMATION MUST BE WELL MANAGED
Proper land management is important for Fiji where land, an important resource, is scarce and needs to be balanced with the different demands placed on it.
Speaking at a two day Geospatial Information Management workshop currently ongoing at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami, Minister of Primary Industries and Rural and Maritime Development Mr Inia Seruiratu highlighted the importance of land in context of economic development.
He said good land management practices sets the platform for effective sustainable land development and is vital to create a win-win situation not only for the tenants and landowners but also for the nation.
“Unless land professionals practice good governance in land dealings, there are no bounds to unscrupulous activities where not only the landowners and tenants are affected but more importantly the impact on Government’s socio-economic activities,” Mr Seruiratu said.
Geospatial information refers to data describing the location and attributes of features beneath, on or above the earth’s surface including the proper governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forest.
These are in the form of policies and activities such as survey of land for legitimate tenure-ship of land for the sake of food, security and livelihood.
Minister Seruiratu said this geospatial information management was a tool for sustainable development planning, as it sets the platform on which policies can be formulated, implemented and sustained.
The workshop is a joint collaborative effort of the Fijian Government through the Ministry of Lands, the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) and the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management (UNGGIM).
The meeting will focus addressing inadequacy in knowledge and in technical expertise, particularly expanding on technical approach and efficient processes and good governance in land management.
The meeting is being attended by regional and global experts including FIG president Mr Chee Hai Teo.
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2 International sporting events important: Government
The role of developing sports amongst Fiji’s youth is a position that the Fijian Government takes seriously.
Opening the official start to the Trans Pacific Touch Tournament today, Minister for Youth and Sports Viliame Naupoto encouraged athletes and participants from across the region to recognise the value of sporting activities.
“I encourage our youths to take up sports, as it will help instill and develop discipline, patience, perseverance, confidence, courage and tolerance which are some of the important virtues that will help you through life”, the Minister said this morning at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
The tournament which was opened with a march by the Fiji Police Marching Band leading participating countries including Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.
37 teams are competing for top honours at the three day event.
“Make yourself at home during your days of stay and I hope that in addition to enjoying the game, you will also find time to enjoy our Fijian beauty and the warmth of our people,” Mr Naupoto said.
While, touch rugby in Fiji is considered a minor considering the level of formal competitions, informally it is the biggest played sport in Fiji played by people of all ages in village greens, beaches, schools, streets and with different kinds of balls ranging from plastic bottles, coconuts to paper balls.
“Throughout Fiji, touch rugby is an afternoon game played to burn off the day’s energy consumption, to de-stress, or just simply to meet up with friends and have fun. Touch rugby, both competitive and recreational is one of the most enjoyed forms of sports recreation here in Fiji,” he added.
Mr Naupoto concluded that touch rugby like any other sport brings families and communities together to play and enjoy themselves in an environment that offers both a competitive as well as friendly rivalry that helps to foster team work, discipline as well as social cohesion and community solidarity which are important ingredients for nation building.
Government through the Fiji National Sports Commission contributed $33,000.00 towards the hosting of the event.
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3 PUBLIC URGED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PSC DISPLAY
The move to showcase services provided by the Public Service Commission (PSC) through the Government Service Centre (GSC) in Suva has been advantageous to the public and in particular for students.
19 year old Jashneel Goundar is pursuing a Higher Diploma in Animal Health at the Fiji National University student and enquired about the assistance he could get from the commission to further his education.
Mr Goundar is completing his first year at FNU as part of the three year programme.
He said his parents have so far paid for his education from their pockets, which has not been an easy task for the family.
“My parents are farmers in Moto, Ba and they are facing difficulties in paying for my tertiary education. If I get a PSC scholarship for my studies next year then, it would be helpful to my family,” Mr Goundar said.
“Currently, I am renting with a cousin of mine in Nakasi. I scored good grades in my studies this year and I came here to find out about the scholarships available for students like us. I am hoping to apply for a PSC scholarship. I have got the form now from the GSC display here, which is easier access to getting forms.”
Mr Goundar had opted to study veterinary science because he found it to be an interesting and challenging field.
“We also know that there is a shortage of veterinarians in Fiji at the moment and if I successfully complete my education, I would be able to assist our country in the livestock sector. It is my dream to become a successful veterinarian one day,” Mr Goundar added.
Meanwhile, Mereoni Tuisaqa (47) was also present at the GSC PSC display to collect a PSC scholarship form for her daughter, who is currently in form seven.
Mrs Tuisaga, who is a former school teacher, is also pursuing further education at the University of the South Pacific at her own cost.
She said she needed her daughter to get a scholarship for her tertiary education next year so that it was easier for her to fulfil her daughter’s educational needs.
“I am thankful that we have the GSC here so that information is readily available to us in regards to scholarships provided by the PSC. It is better for everyone to get services in the central city,” Mrs Tuisaga said.
The PSC GSC display will finish this Saturday.
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4 SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION GAINS INTEREST AT PSC DISPLAY PROGRAM
Members of the public have shown a keen interest in acquiring more information about scholarships available through the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The Commission’s services are on display this week at the Government Service Centre (GSC) in the heart of the capital city.
PSC media liaison officer, Reama Naco, said those visiting their booths at the GSC were particularly interested in scholarships offered by the PSC and the Fiji Volunteer Service Scheme (FVSS).
“Most of the people come to us seeking information about how to get access to these scholarship forms while some students need our assistance in filling out the forms. We have also given out the PSC scholarships forms to those in Form 6 and Form 7 now so that they could apply for their further education next year,” Ms Naco said.
“People are also interested about the overseas scholarships available through the PSC so we have given them information about that as well.”
Ms Naco said a scholarship team from PSC is also at the Rishikul Sanatan College, Nasinu this week to provide first hand information to students regarding the various scholarships available to them through the commission.
Some youth and retirees also visited GSC to enquire about the opportunities available through the FVSS.
“They wanted to know about the kind of activities they could get involved in through the FVSS, which was launched in March last year to engage unemployed persons and retirees who wish to serve in the spirit of volunteering in any local, regional or international undertaking. This covers areas in education, medicine and environment,” Ms Naco said.
Ms Naco added that Fijian volunteers are now serving in Pacific Island countries such as in Nauru and the Marshall Islands while some have been engaged locally in the Ministries of Health and Education.
PSC services will be on display at the GSC at the corner of Thomson Street in Suva till this Saturday, September 21st.
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5 MEDICAL STAFF TO BE TRAINED IN AUSTRALIA
Medical staff involved in kidney dialysis programs will soon be trained in Australia on the application of dialysis equipment and other medical processes related to the program.
The Ministry of Health’s deputy secretary Dr Metuisela Tuicakau said that this development is a result of cooperation between the Government and the Beecroft Rotary of Sydney.
“Government continues to find avenues to upskill its workforce to improve service delivery to people,” he said.
“And we are grateful to organizations such as Beecroft Rotary for coming on board and assisting us with the training aspect of the equipment.”
With more than five equipment now operating out of Lautoka hospital the need for specialist technicians has become more critical as government continues to invest millions into the health sector.
“Health is one of the most important sectors and Government will continue to work towards improving service delivery to all Fijians as part of its reforms,” Dr Tuicakau said.
He said apart from dialysis equipment, government had also procured equipment that at times were only available outside the country and expensive for patients to meet for treatment.
“We are now manufacturing artificial limbs here, and other equipments have also been brought in from overseas so that our people do not spend a lot of money accessing these overseas – they get treated here at home.”
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