1. FIJI AND VANUATU ESTABLISH SPORTING DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION – In a move aimed at strengthening relations with its Melanesian neighbors, the Fijian Government today signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Vanuatu to develop the sporting sectors in both countries.
2. PERMANENT SECRETARY ADDRESS PRINCIPALS’ CONFERENCE – The Permanent Secretary for the Public Service, Mr. Parmesh Chand, whilst addressing the 113th Conference of the Fiji Principal Association, reminded those present of their roles as educators and leaders in the education sector and for them to refrain from taking part in any political campaign or activity.
3. CABINET APPROVES PAID HOLIDAY ON SEPTEMBER FOR ELECTIONS – Cabinet has approved the 17th of September 2014 as a declared paid public holiday and the day set aside for Fiji’s election.
4. RENOVATED SCHOOL COMPLEX AT VEISARU, BA OPENED – The Permanent Secretary for Education, National Heritage, Culture, Arts and Library Services Dr Brij Lal recently opened the renovated Veisaru Sanatan Dharam School complex.
1 FIJI AND VANUATU ESTABLISH SPORTING DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
In a move aimed at strengthening relations with its Melanesian neighbors, the Fijian Government today signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Vanuatu to develop the sporting sectors in both countries.
At this historic signing held in Nadi, Fiji’s Minister for Youth and Sports Viliame Naupoto highlighted the importance of sports towards reducing Non Communicable Diseases. He added that the Bainimarama Government’s commitment to developing Fiji’s sporting sector took into consideration its impact on Fiji’s youth.
“The Fijian government has invested a lot in sport development in Fiji and also we recognize sports as tool for nation building as agent for social and economic change,” Minister Naupoto said.
“Sports have contributed immensely to the development of our younger generation and towards character building,” Minister Naupoto said.
He highlighted that through this mutual agreement is indicative of how the two countries can share resources, experiences and expertise in the field of sports.
Sharing similar sentiments Vanuatu’s Minister for Youth and Sports Anthony Wright said this MOU we are able to foster promote and strengthen technical assistance in the development of sports programs and physical education curriculum and activities.
“This agreement will benefit the sportsmen and women of both countries and we thank the Fijian government for this opportunity to share their experiences and expertise in the field of sports,” Mr. Wright said.
Minister Wright they are now looking at fostering bilateral relations with other Melanesian Spearhead Group countries.
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2 PERMANENT SECRETARY ADDRESS PRINCIPALS’ CONFERENCE
The Permanent Secretary for the Public Service, Mr. Parmesh Chand, whilst addressing the 113th Conference of the Fiji Principal Association, reminded those present of their roles as educators and leaders in the education sector and for them to refrain from taking part in any political campaign or activity.
“As School Principals, you occupy important positions of Leadership. I say important because you are looked up to not only by your immediate stakeholders but the community as a whole,” Mr Chand said.
He went on to commend the Fiji Principal’s Association for continuing this regular conference which enabled the sharing of ideas and knowledge.
In emphasizing the importance of their role as principals, Mr Chand stressed the need to fully observe and abide by the provisions of PSC General Orders as well as Political Parties Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosure Decree. These provisions all highlight the need for all public servants to remain apolitical and to follow the Code of Conduct which ensures fairness, due diligence, transparency and accountability for Government policy.
“Essentially, as Public Servants, we are to refrain from getting involved in political campaigns or activity. We are to remain neutral, although as citizens registered to vote, you are free to exercise your democratic right to cast your votes in line with provisions of the Supreme Law of Fiji, which is the 2013 Constitution. It is important that the aspect of neutrality is emphasized as that is also very much part and parcel of your Leadership role as School Principals.”
Mr Chand further emphasized that as principals, their positions demand that they set high examples of leadership in all areas of conduct, as they care for the welfare and interest of the staff and students that are in their realm of responsibility.
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3 CABINET APPROVES PAID HOLIDAY ON SEPTEMBER FOR ELECTIONS
Cabinet has approved the 17th of September 2014 as a declared paid public holiday and the day set aside for Fiji’s election.
The decision was made this week following the recommendation of the Minister for Labour Mr Jone Usamate in a paper tabled to Cabinet to facilitate a successful outcome to a first ever one-day General Election.
He encouraged employers and workers to secure their copies of the Minister’s Gazette Declaration of Wednesday 17th September 2014 as a Special Paid Public Holiday at the end of next month from the Government Printer or from the Ministry’s website – www.labour.gov.fj
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4 RENOVATED SCHOOL COMPLEX AT VEISARU, BA OPENED
The Permanent Secretary for Education, National Heritage, Culture, Arts and Library Services Dr Brij Lal recently opened the renovated Veisaru Sanatan Dharam School complex.
In his speech Dr Lal said the commitment by the Prime Minister towards making education accessible has been a driving force in carrying out the renovation works.
“At this juncture, I would like to acknowledge the Prime Minister for committing to this renovation and investing in the future of our children and our nation. I must also acknowledge the school management, parents and the community at large for supporting the education of our children here at Veisarau Sanatan Dharam School,” said Dr Lal.
To date, the school has managed to sustain and increase its roll to 216 and 8 teachers after it started with 110 students and 3 teachers in 1937.
The renovation of the school complex was completed within 150 days with a budget of $141,842.82 under the supervision of the RFMF engineers.
Dr Brij Lal reiterated the latest government initiative like the free Primary and Secondary school Education for all Fijian children.
Availability of tertiary education made for every Fijian student who is accepted at any of the tertiary institutions in Fiji in either through the 600 Toppers Scheme or the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS).
Likewise he reminded everyone that for the first time this September the students in secondary schools who are 18 years and above will be voting.
Further he highlighted that such initiative is directly linked to the Ministry of Education’s Vision ‘Quality Education for Change, Peace and Progress’, which is aligned to Pillar 9 of The People’s Charter for Change, Peace and Progress, as well as The Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio–Economic Development, both of which, advocate Fiji to be ‘ a Knowledge – based Society’.
Dr Brij Lal encouraged everyone that the facilities be fully used and enjoyed for the teaching and learning of our children.
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