WEDNESDAY APRIL 24, 2019 l 16 PAGES l ISSUE 8 VOL 10 l WWW..GOV.FJ

Fijij FocusWOMEN FIJI CHAIRS WORLD FIJIANS URGED TO BANK’S SMALL STATES REGISTERED TAKE UP ROUNDTABLE WITH NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT BOAT MASTERS 3 TRAINING

8000 CENTRE 13

CLIMATE CHANGE’S SOMBRE REMINDER

PRIME Minister Voreqe Bainimarama shares a light moment at Wainawaqa village after issuing a sombre reminder of the impact of climate change. Fiji continues to undertake adaptation and mitigation measures for communities affected by climate change. Prime Minister Bainimarama commissioned two such adaptation measures in Naitasiri through the Riverbank Protection Projects recently. In commissioning these projects, Prime Minister Bainimarama reminded the villagers of Wainawaqa and Nadakuni of the effects of climate change and the vulnerability of their livelihood. Fiji has been vocal on the need for climate financing to meet the daunting task of adapting to the impacts brought about by climate change.

FULL DETAILS ON PAGE 5.

Photos: ERONI VALILI

$9.4b for resilience A-G tells the world of climate action measures PRASHILA DEVI Ministerial Finance Dialogue 2 – Mobiliz- they have put the cost, it will cost approxi- it out because once you are able to get that ing finance for climate action at the United mately $9.4 billion over the next 10 years level of analysis and clarity then you will IJI will need close to $9.4 billion Nations, New York, said the Fijian Govern- to be able to build resilience in our infra- be able to attract a while plethora of financ- over the next 10 years to be able to ment was already putting in place measures structure,” the A-G said. ing opportunities”. Fbuild resilience in its infrastructure. to address this. He said it was important for countries to “Then you can put in place domestic re- Attorney-General and Minister for Econo- “Fiji used the World Bank to carry out a articulate what their actions are going to source mobilisation and Fiji, for example, my, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, speaking at the climate vulnerability assessment (CVA), be- “on climate action, to be able to cost CONTINUES ON PAGE 3 email: [email protected]; @FijiRepublic; Fijian Government; NATIONAL MATTERS visit us @ www.fiji.gov.fj phone: 3301806

INSIDE Fiji engages IFC, World

Job centre registers 8000 Fijians 15 Bank to review policies Hard work pays off for NANISE NEIMILA ing the digital revolution to our country, our country in a short span of time. This has led to single mum 14 economy and into the lives of all Fijians. It continued and consistent growth of the Fijian HE Fijian Government has engaged will put essential services provided by the Fi- economy for almost a decade.” Additional payment the International Finance Corporation jian Government at the fingertips of ordinary Meanwhile, Fiji has taken the lead role in en- for sugarcane growers 10 T(IFC) and the World Bank Group to Fijians anytime from anywhere.” suring that its trade agreements advance our undertake the review of the investment policy Minister Kumar highlighted that the Minis- economic and sustainable development goals. Single-use plastics ‘the law. try has undertaken the reforms to improve the “Fiji has signed the newest version of the biggest issue’ 7 This was highlighted by the Minister for processes involved in “doing business”. Melanesian Spearhead Group Free Trade Industry, Trade and Tourism, Local Govern- “We are working in consultation with the Agreement. An agreement that stands as a cul- Quote of the week ment, Housing and Community Development Singaporean Government to review, redesign mination of the vision first set out by the lead- at the recent Fiji Chamber of and harmonize building permits process and ers during Fiji’s chairmanship of the MSG in Commerce and Industry: Business Summit starting a business process. By the end of 2011.” 2019 held in Suva. June 2019, an online information portal will “The Government is currently working with Minister Kumar said the main objective of be launched.” the parties to the Pacific Island Countries the review is the modernization of Fiji’s in- Minister Kumar said this will provide all Trade Agreement (PICTA) in reviewing the vestment laws and regulations to be up to the information in relation to building permits existing trade agreement to ensure it remains Voreqe Bainimarama international standards, as well as, adoptive of and starting a business, adding that Fijian relevant in today’s time. This review will also the global best practices. businesses are at the core of all development enable greater intra-regional trade between No Fijian should live with the “The approach is not amending the existing plans. Fiji and the other PICTA parties by simplify- terror of thinking their own home may be invaded and burgled. law but to replace it with a new and fresh law “Our efforts are to continue to strive to pro- ing the trading rules.” No Fijian should be forced to to include all investments, including domes- vide a stable and fair-trading environment, With discussions and ideas expected to de- quicken their pace while walking tic.” and to generate new business opportunities to velop through the summit Minister Kumar is our streets because they fear “In addition, the Fijian Government is im- boost our trade relations with our partners.” adamant to develop forward-looking policies they may be assaulted. No Fijian proving the way we serve all Fijians, through “Fiji has graduated from a lower middle- to expand our development frontier and sup- child should be left vulnerable the use of technology. “DigitalFiji” is bring- income country to an upper middle-income port the vision of Transforming Fiji. and exposed to those who wish to harm them.

Voreqe Bainimarama Fijian Prime Minister Numbers 300, 000 is the total number of Fijians who will soon have better access to reliable water after the signing of two contracts for the Rewa River Water Supply Scheme.

Tweet of the week

Minister for Education with more than 140 principlas from various schools around the country during the 123rd Fiji Principals Association Conference. Photo: AZARIA FAREEN

kashni Sharma said principals Be role models, must continue to inspire teachers and students for improved teach- principals urged ing, learning and optimum perfor- AZARIA FAREEN mance in all facets of education. @FijiAG “We must create an environment Only with defined #climate needs RINCIPALS around the for the successful implementation can #SmallStates attract the type country were reminded of curriculum and continuously of international, blended finance to lead their respective monitor teaching and learning solutions to fully fund green P schools in a holistic manner and and for this to happen as leaders, development. Fiji’s leading by example; we first develop the potential of every we have to be out of our comfort cost out our needs (with a climate child to their fullest. zones and be on the forefront,” vulnerability assessment), and then This message was relayed by Mrs Sharma said. took it to the global market. the Minister for Education Rosy “The focus of the 123rd Confer- Akbar while speaking to over 140 Minister for Education Rosy Akbar and permanent secretary for education Alison ence is to purely engage ourselves Contact principals from various schools Burchell. Photo: AZARIA FAREEN in Professional Development Ses- around the country during the practices and teachers to be role the Ministry of Education to an- sions and the facilitators will un- Publisher: Sharvada Sharma Sub Editor: Prashila Devi opening of the 123rd Fiji Princi- models for the students and their other level is very important. As a doubtedly inspire our thinking, Manager Vernacular: Viliame Tikotani pals Association Conference re- community. group of professionals and expe- bring innovative ideas and just as North office: Level 3 Macuata House, Labasa West office: Level 1 Ratu Nauliano House, Koroivalu cently. “Use this forum to network and rienced teachers - now principals, importantly confirm our network- “As a group of professionals and share on how we all can be on the you have a lot to contribute.” ing in leading schools.” Contacts: Suva: 3301806 / West: 6700086 / 9905965 experienced principals, you have same platform to deal with issues Minister Akbar encouraged the The two-day conference had North: 8811276 / 9905971 a lot to contribute,” Minister Ak- pertaining to your field of work,” principals to move forward on a eight sessions with reputable Fax: 3305139/3304663 [email protected] bar said. Minister Akbar said. positive note and ensured the sup- speakers to enlighten the princi- @FijiRepublic She reiterated on issues of prior- “Your suggestions and contribu- port of the ministry. pals on important aspects that af- Fijian Government visit us at www.fiji.gov.fj ity for the ministry – to share best tions towards how we can take Principal of Tavua College Vi- fect them in schools.

2 Wednesday, April 24, 2019 email: [email protected]; @FijiRepublic; Fijian Government; visit us @ www.fiji.gov.fj phone: 3301806 NATIONAL MATTERS IN Brief

PM: SRI LANKAN ATTACKS ‘MONSTROUS’

PRIME Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has labelled the series of attacks in Sri Lanka targeting churches and other locations as “monstrous acts”. Furthermore, the Prime Minister said acts perpetrated on Easter Sunday taking more than 200 lives “have no place in this world, especially on the holiest of days on the Christian calen- dar”. “We Fijians will do our part in fighting these heinous acts by con- demning any and all forms of religious intolerance in the strongest of terms. We must actively work to rise above ha- tred, and fill the world with love.” Prime Minister Bainimarama, in ex- pressing empathy towards those af- fected, also extended arms of friend- Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum (middle), chairs the Small States Ministerial Roundtable in the margins of World Bank Group (WB) and International Monetary ship to Sri Lankan friends and neigh- Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings at Washington DC, United States of America. Photo: SUPPLIED bours living among us here in Fiji. “We Fijians will do our part in fighting these heinous acts by condemning any and all forms of religious intolerance in the strongest of terms. We must ac- tively work to rise above hatred, and fill the world with love.” Fiji chairs World Bank’s

FIJI SET TO HOST 52ND ADB MEETING Small States Roundtable

PREPARATIONS are underway for economic, and cultural specificities. A key outcome of the Forum was the agree- the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) 52nd Asia Development Bank Annu- TTORNEY-GENERAL and Minister Fiji assumed the role of the chair of the Forum ment to convene a working group of the Forum al Meeting of the Board of Governors for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, in October last year during the WB/IMF An- comprising of five Ministers to provide the that Fiji is hosting. as the chair of World Bank’s Small nual Meetings and will remain in the chair’s high-level advisory support and champion the The meeting, which has attracted A 3,000 participants from 68 coun- States Forum, has highlighted the vulnerabil- capacity for the next two years. issues for small states with the objective of tries from around the world, will held ity and financial limitations of these countries. Highlighting the importance of ocean and blue achieving tangible outcomes over the next two in the jetset town of Nadi from May1- The A-G, chaired the Small States Ministe- economy, the A-G said “we are at a tipping years. 5, 2019. Fiji is the first Pacific developing rial Roundtable in the margins of World Bank point and we need to take urgent action to save Meanwhile the A-G also met with the Singa- member country to host ADB’s An- Group (WB) and International Monetary Fund our ocean”. pore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating nual Meeting, which is the largest (IMF) Spring Meetings in Washington DC, this Recognising that some of the small states Minister for Economic and Social Policies, gathering of the bank and a unique opportunity for ADB Governors, gov- month emphasised that “we must be reminded including Fiji have already declared a complete Tharman Shanmugaratnam in the margins of ernment officials, the private sec- of the vulnerability of the small states and the ban on single-use plastics that are choking our the 2019 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for tor, and development partners and financial limitations plaguing our ability to seas and oceans, he highlighted the need to Development. experts to discuss critical issues and challenges facing Asia and the achieve our development aspirations” bolster such initiatives. The pair discussed matters of mutual interest Pacific. The Forum is a group of 50 member countries The high-level dialogue saw several Ministe- and cooperation. During an earlier visit to Fiji, ADB of the WB comprising of both island and land- rial interventions on the three thematic areas of president Takehiko Nakao said, “I am impressed by the beautiful ven- locked states that share unique geographical, the Spring session of the Forum. [email protected] ues and high-quality facilities select- ed for the Annual Meeting”. The theme of the 2019 Annual Meeting is “Prosperity Through Unity”. $9.4b for resilience

able livelihoods and new livelihoods that GOVT STARTS NMW, FROM PAGE 1 they have to develop,” the A-G said. WAGES REVIEW He urged the other vulnerable countries to we’ve put in place the ECAL tax, which is do their CVA as it makes it very easy to go

THE Ministry of Employment, Pro- the Environment and Climate Adaptation into the market in terms of climate finance. ductivity and Industrial Relations Levy and we have put a specific law that The A-G highlighted how Fiji was able to continues to carry out the review of all the funds raised from this particular levy do this when last year the Fijian Govern- the National Minimum Wage target- ing employers and workers covered must only go to climate adaptation meas- ment worked with International Financial under the formal and informal sector ures and environment so it cannot go into Corporation and World Bank to develop the of the economy. the Government’s consolidated fund,” the green bonds for Fiji- first emerging market The line Minister Parveen Kumar said the exercise is in line with the A-G said. to issue green bonds which are listed in the Government’s commitment to pro- Furthermore, the A-G said Fiji has devel- London Stock Exchange. tect the most vulnerable in society oped from the ECAL idea that from the next He re-emphasised the importance of hav- and providing them a basic standard of living to alleviate poverty. budget cycle which begins in the 1st of Au- ing a blended finance approach as not The Ministry has commenced with gust, it will take a small percentage out to everything can be done by one particular the nationwide survey from April be able to set up a trust fund that will, hope- source of funding. 17th, 2019 in all divisions with Dr. Partha Gangopadhyay leading the fully, attract many interested parties. “We have a particular water environment Government’s review together with “Where we will put the trust fund, we have project, a water and sewerage project where some Ministry officials and a total of what you call the relocation trust fund be- we have blended finance approach, we 88 enumerators. “Upon the completion of the survey, cause of encroaching waters, as you would have Global Funds approximately $32m, my Ministry will hold a nationwide know we have some 43 villages that are we have ADB that has funded part of the public consultation on the outcome under threat and they have to be moved to loan and we have the Fijian Government of the Consultant’s Wage Survey Re- port. This will be then presented to higher ground,” he said. which is putting around $150 million raised the Employment Relations Advisory “So this will be a specialised fund to ad- through those revenue measures and we Board (ERAB), our tripartite mecha- dress not just relocation but perhaps some have $400m project for the span of seven nism and to Cabinet for considera- tion and decision.” Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum with adaptation measures to curb relocations but years but without that blended finance ap- Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Co-ordinating Minister for if we do relocate then we have to build in proach we would not have been able to do Economic and Social Policies, Tharman Shanmugaratnam. [email protected] Photo: SUPPLIED the holistic approach, for example sustain- it,” the A-G said.

Wednesday, April 24, 2019 3 email: [email protected]; @FijiRepublic; Fijian Government; visit us @ www.fiji.gov.fj NATIONAL MATTERS phone: 3301806 PM commended for global climate dialogue

AZARIA FAREEN

IJI has championed the cause of the vulnerable FSmall Islands Develop- ing States and brought that perspective to center stage globally, in particularly using the Talanoa dialogue. This has been viewed as an ef- fective tool of communication needed to advance the global climate negotiations. These were the congratulatory words from the director gener- al of The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI), Dr Ajay Ma- thur while handing over the The new Valelevu Police Station that was opened by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama (inset) last week. 2019 Sustainable Development Photo: ERONI VALILI Leadership Award to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama recently. PM Bainimarama was an- nounced as the recipient of the $1.2m police station award during the World Sus- tainable Development Summit in February, this year, in New Delhi in recognition and appre- ciation of his Presidency of the set to ensure safety 23rd session of Conference of ROMEKA KUMARI Parties and climate initiatives. account for 15 per cent of crimes that are com- been doing a lot for the people of Fiji and is “We are proud of your prom- HE Government has spent $2.1 million mitted in the country with burglaries, robberies continuing to do more. ise that at least 10 per cent of for the safety of Fijians living in the and assault being the major unlawful acts car- “This Government has helped many people the electricity in Fiji would Tmost densely-populated corridor in Fiji ried out. around the country and it has done more by come from the new renewable as the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama “No Fijian should live with the terror of think- opening up a police station here in Valelevu sources and this is in addition opened the Valelevu Police Station last week. ing their own home may be invaded and bur- which shows that the Government is concerned to the hydroelectricity which is During the opening of the police station, Prime gled. No Fijian should be forced to quicken about its people and their safety.” already zero carbon,” Dr Ma- Minister Bainimarama said the Government their pace while walking on our streets because Shahista Chand, a tertiary student living in thur said. has invested in the safety of the people in Valel- they fear they may be assaulted. No Fijian child Valelevu for the past 20 years, said, “I think the He applauded the Fijian Gov- evu and the greater Nasinu area which has a should be left vulnerable and exposed to those opening of police station in Valelevu is a great ernment’s 4-Million Trees-in-4 population of 130,000 by strengthening the law who wish to harm them.” initiative taken by the Government and people Years initiative and noted it to enforcement in the area. Sisilia Kaveni, who lives in the Valelevu po- will now be able to report any criminal and civil be an extremely ambitious tar- “Among all the ways a nation can assess its lice compound, said the new police station is matter which bothers them.” get for Fiji. progress, I believe the most important meas- going to be a great help to the people in the For Davunoi Bolavesi, 54, Valelevu police of- “Your longer term strategy to ure of all is whether or not society is becoming Suva-Nausori corridor. ficers serve as a helping hand for the commu- go to zero carbon, the Sover- safer for its citizens. Public safety is the most “The new police station in Valelevu is not only nity members. eign Green Bond being a first essential pillar of any nation’s development and a great help for Nasinu and Valelevu people but “The police officers here at the Valelevu Police in the world, the Environment the most sacred duty of any government to up- also to those living alongside the Suva-Nausori Station will show pride while doing their duty & Climate Adaptation Levy hold,” the head of Government said. corridor,” Mrs Kaveni said. and will also catch those criminals who bring that has been put in place on He also highlighted that Valelevu and Nasinu She added that the Government has always the societies name down,” Mr Bolavesi said. plastics and tourism are things the world can learn from.” While receiving the award, PM Bainimarama said “this Medals presented to Police officers award is more than a win for me, or a win for Fiji –– it is a MARICA CAUCAU ed police outposts, new vehicles, and win for small and developing other recent investments, he said that states around the globe”. HE Government’s recognition these were tangible signs of the Gov- “We very much value the of the value of human capital ernment’s resolute commitment to work that you’re doing to pave Thas already been reflected in building a robust and modern Police the way for a more sustain- the allocation of resources to train Force. able future. Organizations like and up skill existing police officers “But from new technologies to new yours, and leaders like you, in addition to a nearly $25 million buildings, none of this investment are exactly who we need in initiative that was announced in last would matter if it wasn’t for the most our “grand coalition” in order year’s budget to regularize over 600 important factor of all: You, the offic- to really move the needle and positions. ers of this Force,” PM Bainimarama make a difference for the sake This statement was made by the said. of our planet’s future,” the Fi- Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama The head of Government also vis- jian Head of Government said. at the recent medal presentation for ited the biology and chemistry lab, the “That spirit of cooperation officers of the Fiji Police Force. pathology lab, and the Crime Scene is precisely what made Fiji’s “Our people-first approach to bol- Investigation unit and was briefed by COP23 presidency such a suc- stering the Force has been ongoing for the respective senior officers that head cess. It took an entire team of years now, and it’s starting to yield re- those units. climate champions to make sults –– over the last three years, crime Briefing PM Bainimarama the Man- sure things went smoothly has decreased by 11 per cent, with a ger Forensics, SP Margaret Marshall –– a network that has worked 15 per cent decrease in crimes against said that aside from the police officers tirelessly to help curb climate women,” PM Bainimarama said. there were 20 civilians that were em- Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at the medal presentation to Police Officers change and create a legacy of In highlighting the new and upgrad- ployed at the Forensics unit. at Nasova, Suva. Photo: NANISE NEIMILA global leadership for Fiji.”

6 Wednesday, April 24, 2019 email: [email protected]; @FijiRepublic; Fijian Government; visit us @ www.fiji.gov.fj phone: 3301806 NATIONAL MATTERS Push for stronger climate change commitment NANISE NEIMILA ogy and leadership. Norway share a commitment to fighting addressing climate change and also seek- He shared his experience and relationship marine pollution. ing ways to mitigate the climatic effects. HERE is an urgent need for a with the ocean and his belief that it is pos- “For thousands of years we have lived by Prince Magnus also spoke on technologi- strengthened international coopera- sible to tackle climate change despite the the sea and we have lived off the sea so we cal innovation that was the driving change Ttion and commitment to enhance enormous challenges that comes with it. share common knowledge in protecting and it was happening faster than predicted the global action on climate change and “Eight million tonnes of plastic is released our oceans. like the price of setting up solar panels oceans preservations. into the ocean every year and that means “We are already experiencing the effects which has come down by as much as 250 This was the message that resonated 15 tonnes of plastic every single minute. of climate change, sea-level rise, cyclones times in present times as compared to the throughout the landmark visit by His Royal “Obviously this is not sustainable for us are occurring more often than ever before 1970s. Highness the Crown Prince of Norway human beings, our common oceans are in the Pacific and the coral reefs are being He also applauded and stressed the Haakon Magnus to Fiji recently. under threat so we, all of us who live on affected by pollution.” importance of leadership displayed by in- Prince Magnus spoke on the health of the this planet have to stop using our oceans as “For us in Norway we are experiencing dividuals like Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe planet to students, academics and members a dumping ground.” longer winters and melting of ice-bergs in Bainimarama who has brought the plight of civil societies during a visit to the Uni- He adds that international cooperation is the arctic.” of the sinking Pacific island states to the versity of the South Pacific on three key needed to address this as it is important He added that there was a need to work international arena. aspects- international cooperation, technol- and the countries in the South Pacific and collectively to achieve the common goal of

Nine-year crusade for clean oceans

Anika Thompson ( left), with Fijian kids during their clean-up campaign in Yasawa. Photo: SUPPLIED HALITESH DATT beach front and down the nearby riv- er. It was a case of the island villages OUNDED in 2010 by an Aus- not having a solution to their debris tralian sailor Ian Thompson, so they burn it. Ninety five (95) per FOcean Crusaders is on a mis- cent of the rubbish on this beach was sion, especially in Australia and Fiji from the village,” he said. to clean oceans, beaches and cam- “Our final beach clean was in Blue paign against plastic pollution. Lagoon. Again we found the most Being a frequent visitor to our para- common items were polystyrene dise, Mr Thomson considers Fiji as and plastic bottles, with other hard his second home. plastics making up the majority of However, despite being treated to the rest. One particularly interest- the white sandy beaches and a tropi- ing thing we kept finding was plastic cal island paradise with Bula smiles, toothbrushes. We found at least two AustraIian environmentalist Ian Thompson with the bags of trash he collected with the children in Yasawa. Photo: SUPPLIED Thompson was worried about the on every beach we visited.” level of pollution in the Fijian seas. Just within a week, the team collect- Mr Thompson forged a partner- ed more than 80 kilogram of trash Single-use plastics ‘the biggest issue’ ship with Captain Cook Cruises Fiji from the three beaches. These were and developed a Trash Art competi- predominantly polystyrene pieces, HALITESH DATT them. Europe has just signed into building blocks, posts and tion where students from around the plastic lids, plastic bottles and cloth- an agreement to ban them, beams. We can replace a lot of country were to create simple piec- ing and rubber materials. N Australian environ- Australia is moving towards it timber items with items made es of art from trash collected from “From the above we were able to mentalist believes the and of course it will benefit Fiji from recycled plastic. Plastic beaches. determine that the majority of the AFijian Government’s as well,” Mr Thompson said. can be melted down and ex- The top six most voted participants debris was native to Fiji, there is a move to ban single use plastics He believes that there is truded into new products, or were then invited for a four day problem in remote villages for debris by 2020 is a step in the right enough plastic in the world to- burnt and fuels recovered to cruise that also included clean-up of disposal, the Yasawa’s are likely fed direction and will benefit the day to last forever but with in- power cities.” beaches. from major rivers in Ba & Lautoka, country. novative approaches and new “We need to find ways to use “We cleaned Browns Beach first plastic bottles are an issue in Fiji, as Ian Thompson, who is the technologies, he is optimistic plastics already in existence and collected predominantly poly- with every other country in the world founder of Oceans Crusaders that our strategies to deal with and never use virgin plastics styrene and plastic bottles. Next we and polystyrene is one of the biggest says single use plastics are the plastic pollution can be headed again,” Mr Thompson added. cleaned Gunu Village Beach and this issues in the world for marine pol- biggest issue currently faced towards new direction. “The technologies are there was a real eye opener for them. As lution and Fiji is no exception,” Mr by countries like Fiji and Aus- “These plastics can be dealt and the Fijian Government we found lots of debris that was com- Thompson said. tralia. with in recycling with new needs to invest now to save ing from the village, we eventually He hopes to continue his crusade for “It is just badly managed. technology being able to cre- the future. Ocean Crusaders found a fire pit on the water’s edge cleaner Fijian oceans. He already has We need plastics for many vi- ate products from co-mingled would like to work with the where they had been burning debris. plans in place to set up a registered tal things, however, we do not plastic with up to 10 per cent Fijian Government to advise “Charred plastic and other items environment charity in Fiji to con- need single use plastics and contamination. Imagine turn- them and facilitate these pro- that hadn’t burnt littered the entire tinue his noble cause. the world is moving to remove ing all of your plastic debris cesses”

Wednesday, April 24, 2019 7 email: [email protected]; @FijiRepublic; Fijian Government; visit us @ www.fiji.gov.fj NATIONAL MATTERS phone: 3301806 School’s smart city concept tops award

EMI KOROITANOA

HE Government is work- ing towards not only Tachieving 100 per cent renewable energy supply by 2036 but wants to improve en- ergy efficiency as well. This was the information given by the Minister for Infrastruc- ture and Transport Jone Usa- mate, at the 2018 School’s En- ergy Saver Award and the 2019 Water, Environment and Energy Conservation (WE-ECO) Com- petition event held in Lautoka Staff members of Department of Information and Ministry of Forestry with their family after planting about 2000 mangrove seedlings along Nasese foreshore in Suva last week. recently. Photo: AZARIA FAREEN Minister Usamate said energy efficiency and conservation is one of the cost-effective meas- ures to address energy con- DEPTFO backs 4m trees sumption. Aside from its target on renew- able energy, he spoke on the en- ergy efficiency measure taken by the Government. in four years initiative “We are educating our people to save and use energy wisely AZARIA FAREEN launch of this initiative. there is a community incentive payment of $244 and to adopt and purchase en- Mr Nakasava, who is responsible for this pro- per hectare that we will be paying out once the ergy efficient technologies and S an initiative of Government, a na- gram, says the target for the Ministry is to plant planting is completed.” appliances,” Minister Usamate tional priority in fact, of planting 83,000 seedlings per month which does not in- Mr Nakasavu revealed that the Northern Divi- said. A4-Million-Trees-in 4-Years has been clude mangroves. sion is taking the lead in this initiative. “Government has put in place gaining momentum with various government “The target for the ministry is to plant 500-hec- “We have been using mahogany wildings for a number of programs to ad- ministries and stakeholders around the coun- tares of mangroves and we have surpassed the planting in the central and eastern division and the dress the efficient use of energy. try coming on board. threshold of 100,000 where 130,000 seedlings Northern division have been directly sowing the This includes the Minimum Stepping up to partake in this program was the have already been planted nationwide,” Mr Na- seeds as the survival rate is very high,” he said. Energy Performance Standards Department of Information staff, their friends kasava said. Department of Information’s acting director, Labelling (MEPSL) Program and family and the Ministry of Forestry offic- “We are encouraging communities and stake- Izek Lal, has applauded the efforts of his staff which came into effect in 2012 ers who planted about 2000 mangrove seedlings holders to reach out to the ministry should they for taking a lead role in the planting of mangrove to prevent the sale of inefficient along Nasese foreshore recently. wish to be part of this noble cause,” Mr Nakasa- seedlings and contributing positively towards the appliances in our markets.” Forestry officer Maleli Nakasava said a lot of va added. preservation of our environment. He said since the implemen- interest is being shown by communities, govern- “We are giving away free seedlings to those Mr Lal says this is also part of the Department’s tation of this program till to ment ministries and corporate bodies after the communities who are interested in planting and corporate social responsibility initiatives. date, an estimated savings of 2.8 million kilo watt hours in electricity has been achieved, which equates to approximately 600 tonnes of diesel fuel saved $24k boat and managed reduction of 737 tonnes of carbon dioxide equiv- boosts alent (CO2) in greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, A.D. Patel Col- fisheries lege scooped first place for the Energy Models Award under protection the national level category and also walked away with a $3000 LITIA VULAIDAUSIGA cheque. A.D Patel College had designed HE guardianship of tradi- a renewable energy saver model, tional fishing grounds has calling it the “Smart City”. Tbeen boosted in Nadi, with Amongst the group of win- the provision of a new $24,000 ners from this category was the boat and engine from the Minis- schools headboy Ricky Chand, try of Fisheries. who recounted the experience The line Minister, Semi Koroil- Minister for Fisheries and members of the vanua ko Nakovacake with their new boat at Navoci Village, Nadi. of being part of the competition. Photo: LITIA VULAIDAUSIGA avesau presented the resources to “We started this project around the Navokacake Fish Wardens As- underwent training and are now li- stretching from Akuilau Island near sues,” Ms Dawai noted. April last year, our teacher in- sociation in Navoci Village, who censed and certified fish wardens. Denarau to Lomolomo in Vuda and Minister Koroilavesau com- formed us about this competi- are the first mainland community “The Nakovacake Fish Warden’s covering the entire Nadi Bay. mended the Nakovacake Develop- tion so we were excited,” he to receive such assistance under the Association was set up by the “The first set of fish wardens ment Trust for their commitment to said. ministry’s fish warden’s program. Nakovacake Development Trust were established in 2014, with the improving the livelihoods of their Mr Chand urged other students “Usually my ministry gives boats to organize our youths into see- second lot in 2017. The wardens people and the management of to participate in such competi- to maritime communities such as ing the importance of protecting take patrol shifts to combat illegal their resources. tions as such, saying that society those in Lau, Kadavu and Lomaiv- our qoliqoli,” Nakovacake Devel- fishing. There have been reports The new boat and 75 horsepower will also benefit as renewable iti, but this is the first occasion for a opment Trust secretary, Asinate of illegal fishing and increased engine is the second to be handed energy will improve lives. village on both mainland Viti Levu Dawai said. poaching in the vanua of Nakova- out by the Ministry of Fisheries “It also gives a moment of and Vanua Levu to be handed a Nakovacake holds one of the larg- cake and this new boat and engine this year and amongst many as- pride to the schools who have boat and engine,” he said. est fishing grounds in the West- from the Ministry of Fisheries will sistance programs offered by the won such competitions,” he Some 30 association members ern Division, with their domain greatly assist us address these is- Government to help communities. added.

12 Wednesday, April 24, 2019 email: [email protected]; @FijiRepublic; Fijian Government; visit us @ www.fiji.gov.fj NATIONAL MATTERS phone: 3301806 USP, ADB model will boost economy National job centre

ROMEKA KUMARI

SOFTWARE has been developed that will better registers 8000 Fijians A equip analyst and econo- mists to make predictions on the NANISE NEIMILA for retirees especially teachers and nurses within the job market.” economy as it allows them to see “Foreign employment services is where you Mr Baleidrokadroka also highlighted the impact of policies or shocks on HERE are approximately 8000 Fijians can see a number of our Fijians going for new signing of the Pacific Labour Scheme the different sectors. currently registered under the Minis- overseas employment in Australia and New with Australia with Fiji becoming the 10th This is the newly developed Ttry of Employment, Productivity and Zealand under the seasonal workers pro- nation to join the labour mobility initiative. University of the South Pacific’s Industrial Relations’ National Employment gramme. Under the program, Fijian workers can now Computable General Equilibrium Centre (NEC). “At the centre our main focus is to provide undertake non-seasonal work for up to three (CGE) model and was brought Ministry’s deputy secretary Viliame Balei- employment to the marginalised in our soci- years, in rural and regional Australia. to the public’s attention during a drokadroka said the centre provides three em- ety so they can come to the centre and be as- “Fiji has participated for a number of years workshop on Strengthening Eco- ployment agencies namely the Fiji Volunteer sisted. We can assist in building their capacity in the Seasonal Worker Programme, provid- nomic Modelling and Policy Re- Scheme, Foreign Employment Service and within the workforce.” ing employment to almost 1000 Fijian work- search in Fiji held in conjunction the Formal Employment Service. “One major setback for us at the centre is ers since 2012.” with Centre of the Economic Poli- Formal employment focuses on the domestic trying to properly gauge the status of people “Fijian workers will now have access to em- cy and Modelling (CEPM) at USP employment services and volunteer scheme coming through the system and to be able to ployment and skills development opportuni- and Pacific Sub-regional Office focuses on getting employment opportunities provide real-time data on their movement ties through the Pacific Labour Scheme.” of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). CGE model is software devel- oped by USP’s School of Eco- nomics and Centre for Economic Policy and Modelling which helps to solve economy related math- ematical equations efficiently. Senior Lecturer and Academic Advisor for USP’s School of Eco- nomics Dr Rup Singh said, “CGE model solves 8086 equations in one go and give the results effi- ciently. It also helps policymakers to make better decisions on limited understanding of the economy”. ADB Director Masayuki Tachiri says it is very important to have a Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation with participants at the opening of the Beijing Platfrom for Action +25 Review Forum at Grand Pacific Hotel. scientific and database policy re- Photo: FELIX LESINAIVALU search to advance Fiji and the rest of the Pacific. “The Centre is tasked to conduct Push for equal participation of women high quality research to help deal FELIX LESINAIVALU with economic challenges which many Pacific island countries like ACK of women’s equal participation in deci- Fiji face,” Mr Tachiri said. sion making from community to organisation- Deputy Government Statistician Lal levels needs to improve. at the Fiji Bureau of Statistics Ka- This was highlighted by Minister for Women, Chil- mueli Naiqama said the bureau dren and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa will continue to support the CGE. while speaking at the opening of the Beijing Platfrom “The Fiji Bureau of Statistics will for Action +25 Review Forum at Grand Pacific Hotel continue to support the CGE with recently. the provision of data for economic The Beijing Platform for Action (BPA) is a landmark modelling and policy research in document for advancing the rights of women and gen- Fiji,” Mr Naiqama said. der equality worldwide. He added that there is need to “A forum such as this is crucial because we owe it to quantify data and the ways to our women to give them a life free of discrimination, measure data which reflects the violence and unequal treatment,” she said. intended ways of modelling and “The BPA is a landmark document for advancing the research in the economy. Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa with the ministry’s permanent rights of women and gender equality worldwide.” “Competentness, timeliness, secretary Jennifer Poole at Grand Pacific Hotel. Photo: FELIX LESINAIVALU Minister Vuniwaqa also said the BPA imagines a availability, the atmosphere and world where each woman and girl can exercise her the collaboration of data is need freedoms and choices. to be looked on while engaging “The BPA has connected and reinforced the activism with stakeholders regularly when of women’s movements on a global scale and since looking at the common goals of then, governments, civil society and the public have the economy to benefit all,” Mr translated the BPA’s promises into concrete changes Naiqama said. in individual countries, including Fiji.” Acting director of CEPM, Pro- She highlighted that this year Fiji is set to submit fessor Sothea Oum said the CGE the Beijing Platform for Action +25 Progress Report will perform simulation on overall which shall include an assessment of current chal- economy, sectors and industries in lenges that affect the execution of the agreements in Fiji and the Pacific. the BPA. “The underlying system has very “We are now in the process of engaging a Writer strong micro-economic founda- Consultant to assist in the consolidation of Fiji’s Re- tions and uses optimization theo- view on the implementation of the Beijing Platform ry. The models replicates on how for Action +25 Report.” markets work to determine price Minister Vuniwaqa said by the end of forum there and quantity effectively,” Dr Oum would be a steering community in place so we can our said. Participants at the Beijing Platfrom for Action +25 Review Forum at Grand Pacific Hotel. progress as a nation in terms of women empowerment. Photo: FELIX LESINAIVALU

Wednesday, April 24, 2019 15 WEDNESDAY APRIL 24, 2019 l 16 PAGES l ISSUE 8 VOL 10 l WWW.FIJI.GOV.FJ

Fijij FocusWOMEN FIJI CHAIRS WORLD FIJIANS URGED TO BANK’S SMALL STATES REGISTERED TAKE UP ROUNDTABLE WITH NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT BOAT MASTERS 3 TRAINING

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President Major General (Ret’d) with players and officials of the Fijian Under-20 Men’s rugby team after presenting their itatau at the State House in Suva. Photo: ERONI VALILI ‘Be good envoys’ PRESIDENT MAKES PLEA TO U20 RUGBY SIDE RUPENI VATUBULI “Prior to that, was the national team of Special Athletes (People with De- BE good Ambassadors, on and off termination) who performed exception- the field and always display good ally well and created history during the “sportsmanship by accepting victo- recent Special Olympic Games held in ry with humility and defeat graciously” Abu Dhabi last month.” These are the words of the President “These “People with Determination”, Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote at our special athletes created history and the itatau ceremony by the Fijian Un- made us all proud to be Fijians as did der-20 men’s rugby team to the Junior our gallant, victorious and globe-trotting World Championship. National Sevens Rugby Team, creating President Konrote congratulated the 28 history by winning the much coveted players and six officials for making it to Hong Kong 7s Championship trophy the team. five years in a row recently.” “On behalf of our rugby passionate President Konrote reminded the play- and loving nation, we commend and ers to be fit and well by maintaining a congratulate you on being selected into healthy lifestyle – by eating well and our national U20 team this year – well exercising daily as the Government had done!” been spent over $400 million annually President Konrote highlighted that the on Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) U20 men’s rugby team are the third related ailments. team to visit and present their itatau in “These much needed funds that could this refurbished and renovated Conserv- be directed into other sectors like edu- atory – following in the footsteps were cation and sports to ensure that you our the National Team for Touch Rugby to young athletes of today can continue to the 2019 Touch Rugby World Cup, in represent our country as fit, well trained Putrajaya, Malaysia who presented their and motivated Fijians in years to come” Fijian Under-20 rugby player Osea Natoga greets President Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote as his team members itatau yesterday. he further elaborated. look on at the State House in Suva. Photo: ERONI VALILI