- FIJIAN PRESIDENT VISITS FIJI EMBASSY IN INDONESIA – His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has commended the work carried out by the Fijian Embassy in Indonesia.
- FIJI CALLS FOR NEW INTERNATIONAL ORDER AT NAM MEETING– Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ratu Inoke Kubuabola has called on Member States of the Non Alignment Movement to collectively pursue a new international order.
- RATU INOKE CONGRATULATES HIS NEW INDIAN COUNTERPART- The appointment of the new External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs Minister of the Indian Government is expected to herald in a strong bilateral relation between India and Fiji.
- VOLUNTEER TEACHERS FOR TUVALU- Nine retired teachers were handed air tickets as volunteers to serve and contribute their teaching skills in Tuvalu at PSC office today. This is the fourth consignment of volunteers dispatched to serve in the pacific.
5. LASELEVU ROAD SHOW DRAWS LARGE CROWD – People of Nagonenicolo in the province of Naitasiri converged in large numbers at the Wainimala Secondary School ground to take advantage of the services offered by government departments and other statutory organisation.
- FARMERS ARE WILLING TO GROW GINGER- The Ministry of Agriculture in a bid to increase ginger production recently conducted a two-day workshop for ginger farmers at Delailasekau and Nasaivou village in the Tikina of Waidina, Naitasiri.
- AQEP RUNS WORKSHOP FOR SCHOOL HANDOVER AND MAINTENANCE TRAINING – The Access to Quality Education Program (AQEP) began a three day workshop on school handover and maintenance training at Holiday Inn, in Suva yesterday.
- BAINIMARAMA GOVERNMENT PRAISED FOR SWIFT RESPONSE – The Bainimarama government’s swift response towards the implementation of programs aimed at improving the livelihood of rural and maritime villages have been praised by the community leaders on Koro Island.
- AGRICULTURE MINISTRY’S INPUT COMMENDED- The ministry of agriculture’s contribution to the livelihood of farmers in the Bua province was again commended during the recent Bua Asco Motors sponsored 2014 road-show.
1. FIJI CALLS FOR NEW INTERNATIONAL ORDER AT NAM MEETING
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ratu Inoke Kubuabola has called on Member States of the Non Alignment Movement to collectively pursue a new international order.
Speaking at the NAM summit in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, Ratu Inoke said the order should be based on inclusiveness, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, equality and justice.
“To do otherwise clearly undermines the founding principles of the NAM and of the UN Charter,” he said.
Ratu Inoke believed that all NAM members must have a common ground and take advantage of their numbers to advance their interests as a group.
“We should take comfort in our strengths and be more aggressive in our common endeavor to ensure that we have in place a system of global governance that is reflective of our interests,” he said when delivering Fiji’s statement to the summit.
He reminded the members that peace and security continued to elude us.
“Today, we increasingly experience the tendency by States that take unilateral action, which threatens the very fabric of our community of nations,” he said.
For that reason, Ratu Inoke pleaded with the NAM member states for their unwavering commitment towards international peace and security.
That he suggested could be made possible if NAM would consider strengthening peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts since the movement was the major contributor.
Ratu Inoke told the 120 member countries that Fiji was also making its share of contribution to those global efforts.
“Our pledge to global peace is manifested through our steadfast commitment to UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts,” he said.
“It is a source of great pride that for a nation of our size, we are able to make a meaningful contribution to the international community.”
Ratu Inoke pledged that Fiji would continue to play her part and advocate for peace in the troubled regions of the world.
He thanked all the members of the Movement for their support and understanding towards Fiji over the years while the Government was carrying out changes and reforms as it geared towards true democratic elections on September 17.
“Your understanding towards our cause has lifted our spirit and helped us become a more confident global citizen,” he said.
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2. FIJIAN PRESIDENT VISITS FIJI EMBASSY IN INDONESIA
His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has commended the work carried out by the Fijian Embassy in Indonesia.
Based in the nation’s capital, Jakarta, the embassy was opened in 2011 by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and is also accredited to Singapore.
The Fijian Head of State today officially visited the mission since its opening and was briefed on its operations and the work undertaken to strengthen relations.
In the brief to His Excellency, Fiji’s Ambassador to Indonesia Ratu Seremaia Tui Cavuilati said that a key area that the embassy focuses on is ensuring that cooperation targets the development of ordinary Fijians.
With a population of more than 240 million people and a growing economy, Indonesia’s experience in market opportunities, consumer services and agriculture and fisheries production are potential areas that Fiji is keen to tap into.
Since its opening, the Fijian embassy in Jakarta has intensified areas of cooperation between Fiji, Indonesia and Singapore.
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3. RATU INOKE CONGRATULATES HIS NEW INDIAN COUNTERPART
The appointment of the new External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs Minister of the Indian Government is expected to herald in a strong bilateral relation between India and Fiji.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ratu Inoke Kubuabola yesterday (Thursday) congratulated his newly appointed Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj.
“Your appointment to the important portfolio with substantial responsibilities is a manifestation of trust and confidence the Prime Minister and the people of India have vested in you,” Ratu Inoke said in his congratulatory remarks.
“As you commence your new responsibilities, I would like to assure you, Honorable Minister, of my desire and commitment to work closely with you in further strengthening our bilateral relations and development cooperation that so happily exist between our two countries,” he said.
Ms Swaraj, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party succeeds Salman Khurshid.
Ms Swaraj is the first woman to have independent charge of this top cabinet post in the Union Cabinet.
She had many firsts to her name- she was the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi and was also a first woman spokesperson for any political party in India.
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4. VOLUNTEER TEACHERS FOR TUVALU
Nine retired teachers were handed air tickets as volunteers to serve and contribute their teaching skills in Tuvalu at the Public Service Commission today. This is the fourth consignment of volunteers dispatched to serve in the pacific.
Public Service Commission’s (PSC) permanent secretary, Mr Parmesh Chand said “It is a remarkable development in our history as well as the achievement of government and we have worked together with the nine ministries to make this happen.”
“The volunteers will provide their service to further enhance their capabilities in the education sector and we are very proud of that.”
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Law and Education at USP, Dr Akanisi Kedrayate highlighted that the volunteers went through a stringent process of recruitment before being chosen.
Dr Akanisi commended the volunteers on their initiative to share their skills and knowledge with the community of Tuvalu.
“Your engagement under the Fiji Volunteer Service in Tuvalu is not just an opportunity to visit the islands but also an opportunity to use your professional experience for the benefit of others which can be immensely rewarding.”
60-year old retired school teacher, Mrs Arieta Vaiwuke has been in the teaching profession for 37-years who has volunteered her service to teach in Tuvalu.
“I hope to be of great assistance in helping the students in literacy and numeracy in whichever school I’m being posted,” Mrs Vaiwuke said.
“I am thankful to the volunteer scheme for enabling me to do what I treasured most which is teaching and helping children.”
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5.LASELEVU ROAD SHOW DRAWS LARGE CROWD
People of Nagonenicolo in the province of Naitasiri converged in large numbers at the Wainimala Secondary School ground to take advantage of the services offered by government departments and other statutory organisation.
Minister for Works, Transport and Public Utilities Timoci Lesi Natuva launched the 2 days Laselevu road show yesterday and encouraged the highlanders to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them during the event.
Speaking in the iTaukei language, the minister highlighted how Government has transformed the life of rural communities in the province.
“For the last five years Government has spent more than 26 million on development program in the province which includes road upgrading, health facilities, upgrade of schools, agriculture developments and many others,” Minister Natuva said.
“New economic opportunities have been open to make rural life easy and sustainable.”
For 71 year old Jasa Yalayala of Lutu Naitasiri, being part of the Laselevu show has made him able to apply for the new pension scheme.
“I acknowledge the road show initiative, it has allowed me to apply for the new pension scheme, instead of going to Nausori I was able to be served at the comfort of my home,” Yalayala said.
Similar sentiment was shared by Isireli Dawai of Laselevu village. The 33 year old was able to get advice from the ministry of agriculture and other agencies on how he can set up his own business.
“I am thankful to Government for this golden opportunity bringing government services to remote areas like ours and enhancing our individual aspiration,” Dawai said.
The 2 day event ends today and will be closed by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Development.
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6. FARMERS ARE WILLING TO GROW GINGER
The Ministry of Agriculture in a bid to increase ginger production recently conducted a two-day workshop for ginger farmers at Delailasekau and Nasaivou village in the Tikina of Waidina, Naitasiri.
About 40 ginger farmers attended the workshop which emphasized on ways to produce quality ginger for local and export market.
Senior Agriculture Officer (Naitasiri) Mr Adriano Tabualevu said the workshop was to inform farmers on the policy objectives of the Ministry of Agriculture particularly on the focal crops such as ginger and dalo.
“Farmers need to follow proper husbandry practices of growing ginger, from site selection to harvesting and post-harvest handling,” he said.
“The farmers were also taught on the importance of soil sampling for better crop production.
“To increase production farmers in communities should work in partnership or in groups and follow the technical advice given by the Ministry of Agriculture.
“Farmers should market quality ginger as this can allow them to have a fixed market for every harvesting season.
“We are grateful to the farmers for their hard work on ginger planting last season and are looking forward to more organized planting this year.”
Last year, Fiji exported $12million of ginger and the opening of the Australian market will be another opportunity for the farmers.
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7. AQEP RUNS WORKSHOP FOR SCHOOL HANDOVER AND MAINTENANCE TRAINING
The Access to Quality Education Program (AQEP) began a three day workshop on school handover and maintenance training at Holiday Inn, in Suva yesterday.
The eight schools selected are from the Northern and Central Division. The participants represented at the workshop include head teachers, managers and Divisional and District Education Officers.
The participants will be introduced to the new School Maintenance Manual and trained on school maintenance planning and practice. These eight newly renovated AQEP Cohort A schools will be handed over to the school management.
The workshop will also include practical sessions on planning and budgeting of funds which will further equip participants to be well versed with the appropriate knowledge and skills to make schools more conducive to teaching and learning.
”This training workshop and the one planned in the Western Division next week will ensure that schools actually develop a maintenance plan based on the projected MoE maintenance budget provided to the schools as part of the Free Education Grant,” said AQEP Team Leader, Dr. Priscilla Puamau.
She added that this partnership between the Ministry of Education and AQEP provided a great example of synergy and complementary that contributed to sustainability of output and impact.
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8. BAINIMARAMA GOVERNMENT PRAISED FOR SWIFT RESPONSE
The Bainimarama government’s swift response towards the implementation of programs aimed at improving the livelihood of rural and maritime villages have been praised by the community leaders on Koro Island.
This has been conveyed to the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni during her official visit to Koro Island from Saturday 24th to Wednesday 28th May 2014.
Dr Luveni met with the women’s groups in Nacamaki, Tuatua and Sinuvaca where she presented them with Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) project equipment.
She also visited the Navaga and Mudu villages, making her the first minister to set foot in these two communities. Through talanoa sessions Dr Luveni provided information on her ministry’s programs and at the same time attended to the queries raised by the villagers.
Mr Manoa Vunivanua,the village headman for Sinuvaca described the discussions with Dr Luveni as interactive and very informative.
“We are indeed grateful to Dr Luveni for responding to our request to have this one to one session with us. It is a great way to openly discuss the potential development projects for the village and we applaud the clarity and comprehensive presentation that she made on various women and welfare programs. The talanoa session has also enabled us to secure ministry’s assistance will help the Soqosoqo Vakamarama Sinuvaca with the new Virgin Coconut Oil project.
The mata-ni-vanua (spokesman) for Navaga village, Mr Sereti Tidrai said a new resource centre to be constructed by the department of Women will promote production of export oriented products like Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) by Navaga women.
“Dr Luveni’s presence to hear us out and to assist the women’s groups with various income generating project shows that Bainimarama government is serious about developing the women particularly those in maritime islands like Koro,” he said.
Expressing similar views, the president of Navaga women’s group Mrs Kesaiya Toga said that minister’s visit to their village has enabled them to be well informed about women’s programs, which makes it easy for them to access those services.
“We now feel that women are treated as important agents of change in their communities and there are new opportunities created through events like National Women’s Expo to reinforce the leadership role of women,” Mrs Toga added.
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9. AGRICULTURE MINISTRY’S INPUT COMMENDED.
The ministry of agriculture’s contribution to the livelihood of farmers in the Bua province was again commended during the recent Bua Asco Motors sponsored 2014 road-show.
The annual road-show held last week provided an ideal platform for farmers of the 9 tikinas and 54 villages of the province to display their harvest.
Senior agriculture officer, Bua, Ilisoni Banuve said the farmers of Bua have greatly improved in root crop production such as dalo, yams and cassava.
“The quality of the crops on display for competition reveals that farmers are spending more time on their farms,” he said.
Meanwhile, the winner of the best dalo farmer award in last year’s Crest Agriculture Show Ratu Isoa Bulikiobo of Wainunu, Bua said he is grateful that the Ministry of Agriculture has recognized the potential of farmers in the Province.
“This competition is beneficial for farmers as it not only provides awards but also opens markets for our produce,” he said.
At the competition, the winning yam weighed 9kg brought by farmer Meli Raba of Sawani, Nadi, Dalo weighed 9kg by Josaia Tabua of Nadua Settlement, with the longest yam of 1.74 meters produced by Inoke Rabuli of Nagadoa, Dama and Yaqona 3.9 meters produced by Tomasi Dyer of Nadua Village.
In crop farmers category the awards were given to Valama Vusoni of Nawave for best dalo farmer, Iowane Tubalevu of Vunivava Settlement for best yaqona farmer, Ram Naresh of Soti for best rice farmer and Mohammed Hanif of Droca Settlement for the best vegetable farmer.
While Best Farmer Group award went to the Yadramo Diva farmers of Kavula and the Best Farmer of the Year went to Mesake Naiviti of Saolo, Wainunu.
In the livestock category the awards were given to the Bee farmer Lusio Tanoa from Makolei, Solevu, Sheep farmer Archie Whippy from Wainunu Bua, Goat Farmer Retareki Nadani of Navakasiga, Poultry Farmer, Jone Rasuaki from Vunivau, Dama while Beef and overall livestock farmer of the year award was given to Ovini Tuiwainunu of Vanabu, Nadi.
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