VOLUME 17. No.1I/MAY, 2012 ISSN 1029-7316

Pageant scrutiny by EDWARD TAVANAVANUA and PARIJATA GURDAYAL scheduled for the panel to view and assess the contestants. Hoerder, who has experience as HE Miss World Fiji 2012 Pageant is under a Miss Hibiscus judge, said the fact that they scrutiny following a plethora of allegations, only had one meeting with the contestants including that the winner was pre-deter- T was extremely irregular. The assessment also mined well before the judging panel deliberated. was confined to their life story or experiences. Although the pageant concluded about two Blake has since confirmed in a press state- weeks ago, the Miss World Organisation has ment that no judging criteria or points system yet to add the winner of the Fiji franchise, was used to judge the contestants. Torika Watters, to the list of winners on its official “If you are asked to be a judge for Miss World, website. The organisation has yet to respond to then you should come with the mindset of hear- queries e-mailed to it last week. Extra ing genuine stories and not with the expecta- Fiji franchise director Andhy Blake refused requests tions of age, point’s tabulation,” he said. yards for an in-person interview. When asked over the phone He added that based on this fact that no judging whether Watters had been accepted into the interna- or points system was employed, any allegations of pay off tional competition, he said “it’s a surprise”. judging being rigged are false. He also declined to comment on whether the funds “I gave my own personal opin- raised from a charity ball, which was held to create ions on whoever I saw fitting for awareness on mental health, had been given to St Giles the title without influencing the Hospital. The Miss World pageant is reputed for its judges as to who should be the charity work. Each country chapter is required rightful winner,” Blake said. to raise money for charity. Blake said the press Watters has refused to talk statement he issued earlier was sufficient and to Wansolwara without that he would no longer give any other tel- Blake’s approval. ephone interviews. However, she was inter- Meanwhile in an earlier interview, Pacific viewed by Television New fashion designer Hupfeld Hoerder broke Zealand’s (TVNZ) Mark his silence to confirm that the six-member Sainsbury on Wednesday. judging panel, on which former supermodel She told TVNZ that she Rachel Hunter was chief judge, had no input had chosen to ignore the in selecting Miss World Fiji. negative criticism and to The panel was required to select the best three focus on the Miss World from the 13 contestants before Miss World Fiji is contest in Mongolia. selected. Hoerder said Watters was not among the She was referring to panel’s final three. He also pointed out that Watters criticism that she was will not turn 17 until next year. The international con- unsuitable because she Trust test stipulates 17 years as the minimum age for entry. did not look ‘native’ Hoerder said the Fiji contest was decided from the enough. in the start. Watters said she He said weeks before the crowning, Blake repeatedly took the criticisms declared his preference for Watters to win the pageant. as a challenge to media Hoerder also listed several other irregularities, like the showcase what she absence of a judging criteria and the lack of showings was capable of. Torika Watters is crowned Miss World Fiji in Suva on April 21. qPICTURE: Supplied Is Fiji ready for a free press

by KALESI MELE was partly to blame for the 2000 coup. eral years,” he said in his address at the school’s “What Fiji, as a multiracial country rife with World Press Freedom Day event on Friday. FIJI is not ready for a free media, says Ranjit racial conflict, needs is a form of development “As a result of the government’s tight control of Singh, a former Fiji newspaper publisher. journalism that reports on positive news regard- the press there, the same political party has held Singh, a former newspaper publisher who re- ing people and stories on issues that unite us power continually for more than 50 years,” he cently published his thesisdx, said his research rather than what divided us,” he said. said. “I think that is all you need to know about on The Fiji Times’ style of journalism, which The system of development journalism focuses the press system in Singapore.” was largely grounded in the First World or free on conditions in developing nations and ways to He added that the development model did press model, confirms that it is not suitable. improve them and Singh, highly supports this. not encourage the kind of investigative report- “As a multiracial country with lopsided compo- However, USP Journalism head Dr Marc Edge ing required to account for the expenditure of Athletics sition of media gatekeepers, Fiji was not ready disagrees. He said Fiji is ready for a First World public funds. for the First World media principles,” he said. model of a free press. “I urge journalists in Fiji to push for press free- He said a development model of media may “If it is not ready now, after the reforms of the dom to the fullest extent possible,” he said. pictorial better serve the nation. past years, it never will be,” he said. “They can be assured that, in doing so, they will Singh was responding in an e-mail to queries He said the development model, which is have the full support of us here at USP Journal- & on his research which analysed the news reports adopted by countries like Singapore and Malay- ism. US Ambassador to Fiji Frankie A Reed was published by The Fiji Times during Mahendra sia, was not a solution. the chief guest at the WPFD event. Chaudhry’s one year as the Prime Minister. The “I would be surprised if Fijians wanted the kind stories research examines whether the newspaper in- of political repression and media intimidation dulged in biased reporting and if so, whether it that have in Singapore, where I taught for sev- N More media stories on page 3, 10, 11 Campus School ponders education Expert help for fund in Fr Bonato’s honour by KALPANA KAAJAL The association said it would check the possibility of this. AN academic has called on USP to es- USPSA Vice President Layson Leve tablish an award in memory of the late said they would be glad to work with Chaplain Father Bonato. the university to fund a scholarship in students short Science lecturer Bhaskar Rao said Fr by BIUTOKA KACIMAIWAI dent was still in hospital. day sought counseling, she said. Fr Bonato’s honour. She said it was understood “There’s a lot of pressure for Bonato, who died on April 18, would be Williams spoke highly of Fr Bonato. THE University of the South Pa- that the student was trying to our team that is made up of just missed. “I have not had the privilege else- cific’s Counselling Centre, which manage a stressful phase when two people serving 11,000 stu- He said the inavaluable service ren- where to see the impact of man who is tasked with helping the univer- the incident occured. dents over different campuses,” dered by Fr Bonato, who was also a was so multi-talented, selflessly com- sity’s 11,ooo students resolve their She said there was a need to said Korocawiri. senior lecturer, warranted such an mitted to service, quality and par- issues, employs two counsellors. create more awareness among “On other campuses there honour. ticularly, student and staff welfare. Fr One of the trainee counsellors, students that they could seek are no counsellors there and But Vice Chancellor Rajesh Chandra Bonato was an educator, administra- Asinate Savu-Korocawiri, said help from the centre. now Vanuatu has requested to said the proposal would need to be tor, guide and mentor,” she said. action has been taken to recruit Savu-Korocawiri said at the do their counselling via online carefully considered given that many Williams said in many ways, he was two more counsellors. moment, the students they coun- counselling and by telephone.” members of the university who con- the living connecting thread between The news comes almost two seled either sought their help or She added that the centre’s tributed a lot have also died. the academic, spiritual, community were referred to them by the dis- proactive measures include the weeks after a regional student Deputy Vice Chancellor Esther Wil- and social lives of people at USP. jumped off a two-storey building ciplinary committee, residential dispatch of emails to raise stu- liams suggested that USPSA set up a Fr Bonato served the university for on a USP campus. assistants or lecturers. dents’ awareness on the type of Father Bonato Scholarship. more than 35 years. Savu-Korocawiri said the stu- An average of 10 students per help offered at the centre.

Fiji’s only maple Foreign students want tree at USP ‘typical’ treatment by RONISH KUMAR by KATHERINE STREFF Steph Numata is another THE only maple tree in Fiji international student from stands tall and green at the USP MORE international stu- the United States. Laucala campus. dents are seeking a cultural She found it hard to get to The tree is believed to have and an academic experi- know the locals, so she de- been planted in the 1980s, follow- ence at the University of the cided to join the USP bas- ing the completion of Faculty of South Pacific. ketball team. “I joined a sports team Sciences, Technology and Engi- Head of the USP’s In- ternational Office Michael because I didn’t want to just neering (FSTE) building. The leaf Shaver said local students go to class and just come of the maple tree is of significant needed to reach out to their back home to hang out with value to Canada, in that it is the international comrades to other Americans. symbol on the country’s national help them experience the “I actually wanted to form flag. local culture in a meaning- friendships with the people According to the Fiji Silvicul- ful way. here,” she said. ture Research office, there are no He said the international Shaver said there has recorded sightings of any other students want to be treated been an almost 10 percent tree of its kind in Fiji. like locals, not as foreigners. increase in international “We do not have it,” said for- “My advice for USP stu- students since 2009. estry officer Aisake Vucago. dents is don’t be shy. The The students come from all over the world. Shaver “We want to know who brought international students want to meet you. said the majority of stu- this in because it is not indig- “They want to know your dents come from the United enous to Fiji and that is how we language and be emerged in States. will track it down,” he said. your culture so be open with However, there has also Professor Randy Thaman, a them,” said Shaver. been a large increase in In- professor of Geography at USP, Emily Van Blaricom is an dian, Chinese, and German has confirmed that the tree be- international student from students. longs to the maple tree species. the United States who de- “My goal for internation- “It is maple specie but it does scribed feelings of isolation al students is to Study, En- not change its colour,” he said. He she sometimes gets on cam- joy, and Explore (SEE) the also added the tree is unable to pus. South Pacific,” Shaver said. produce maple syrup, because the “I feel like an outcast, like He also wants interna- weather was too hot for it to do I’m being watched over. tional students to take ad- “I want them [the stu- vantage of classes that are so. The tree is located along the dents] to be friendly like I offered at USP that are not path that runs from the ANZ bank USP students study the country’s only maple tree after learning of its significance. was any typical Fijian not available back home such as to the Communications building. an international student,” climate studies and marine n PICTURE: Maseikula Niumataiwalu she said. biology.

BRIEFLY ... m USP’s Got Talent m Fiji fashion Uni pays $300,000 for ads ESETA Cokanasiga, moved FIJI Fashion Limited is the judges to tears with working with USP and the by YVETTE D’UNIENVILLE “The total budget for marketing for and Plan that is being finalised,” said her rendition of Listen by Fiji National University to USP is much below what other mod- Professor Chandra. The research by Beyonce. She won USP’s Got establish a fashion school. ern universities spend,” he said in an Anawaite Matadradra and Parishka Talent show, which was held Fiji Fashion’s Ellen Whippy- THE University of the South Pacific e-mail response to queries sent to his Sharma also found that media ad- at the National Gymnasium. Knight said the school could spends close to $300,000 every year office. vertisements were one of several fac- open by the end of the year. on advertising, according to a study “We feel that although people know tors that influenced students’ choice conducted last year. that USP is the premier university, it of preferred institution of higher m droMO event m Uni bans man The study by postgraduate stu- needs constant reminding.” education. The Drodrolagi Movement USP has banned Joshua dents from the university’s School “At this stage of our development, Most of the first year students who (droMo) will mark Nalatu Natakuru from the of Government, Development and we need to both increase expendi- were interviewed through an online International Day against Laucala Campus following international Affairs, also found that ture on student services as well as on questionnaire said they enrolled Homophobia and complaints of harassment USP’s advertising expenditure ex- effective marketing. at USP because of the quality and Transphobia (IDAHOT) of staff and students. Flyers ceeded that of the University of Fiji “We think that we can enhance standard of education. on May 17 with a panel to alert the public were and the Fiji National University. the value we get from this by better Other reasons listed were USP’s in- discussion at USP. circulated on campus. USP Vice Chancellor Professor co-ordination in the future and this ternational recognition, better learn- Rajesh Chandra said the annual ex- is being addressed in the new Mar- ing facilities and different modes of penditure was appropriate. keting and Communications Policy learning. 2 MAY>2012>Wansolwara News Network Question always: Perrottet by VILISITE TAMANI of sirens World Media Freedom Day celebra- here need to behave, or conclusions issues facing Pacific islands. As a re- JOURNALISTS should not take in- tions at USP. derived from their information that sult, it was important for journalists needed: formation given to them at face val- “Even NGOs and others who fund need more objective scrutiny,” he be vigilant about their sources of in- ue, but instead thoroughly investi- activities and projects in countries said. formation. gate them to ensure it is free of bias such as Fiji, need to be analysed He said the Pacific Media Freedom “We need to ask the questions, do Principal and agendas. and queried. All of them have good 2011: A Status Report identified lim- the background reading, do some This remark was made by Alex Per- basic information, but often the in- ited access to information, lack of background interviews. We can’t just by ARNOLD CHANEL rottet from the Pacific Media Center formation comes packaged in their internet coverage and the prevalence pass on information that is fed to us, at Auckland University of Technol- own spin, which can include conde- of mostly government-owned media even from laudable organisations,” FIJI needs a network of tsu- ogy in New Zealand, at the opening of scending dictates about how people outlets, as some of the media related he said. nami warning sirens because it is the fastest way to warn people of a tsunami threat. This is according to Veiuto Vernacular Primary School principal Mo- hammad Hanif. challenges “We really appreciate the tsunami siren which trigger the University of the South Pacific is current- exodus ly installing,” said Hanif. by YVETTE D’UNENVILLE

“This is because teachers FIJI’s English speaking cur- riculum has led many Tuvalu don’t usually check their families to enrol their chil- phones or listen to the radio dren, and even uproot their while teaching and can’t react families to settle in Fiji. immediately if there is a tsu- Tuese Latasi, a Tuvaluan nami warning.” who enrolled two of her chil- “Veiuto Primary School car- dren into Fiji schools three ried out three tsunami drills years ago, said her children’s last year and one so far this progress has markedly im- year,” he added. proved. She said her children are ex- The drills were conducted pected to master the Tuvalu- with other primary schools an language too, but “English around the area and students is the key to everything (be- moved to higher ground cause) if one knows how to along Ratu Sukuna Road. read, write and speak English “People need to know what properly and with confidence, the siren is about so that they then one can excel in school”. head to higher ground as soon Her children are at the Form as it goes off,” said Hanif. Three and Class Eight level. Her husband stayed in Tuvalu Draiba Primary School because of work. Principal Terasia Suka also PINA manager Matai Akauola, left, and Head of USP Journalism Dr Marc Edge after the meeting with Deputy Vice “We believe that a change welcomed the new siren. Chancellor’ Dr Esther Williams on Wednesday. n PICTURE: Sarah Vamarasi is possible if they come “We are the first to be affect- to schools in Fiji because ed by a tsunami so a siren to they will be bound to speak warn us would be good so we Tuvaluan less and more of the can evacuate immediately,” Friends again: PINA and journalism head English language with stu- said Suka. dents of other races in their by SARAH VAMARASI comes,” said Williams in a statement nalism advisory group to strengthen- new schools,” said Latasi. “We have had combined after the meeting. ing USP’s Journalism Program. She added that Tuvaluans drills with schools in the area FRAYED relations between the Pa- The meeting resolved that USP and The group is to help advance pro- pay a regional fee. However, and there are plans for anoth- cific Islands News Association and PINA would work together for the fessional education and improve she feels it is all worthwhile. the head of USP’s Journalism Pro- benefit of the institutions and the in- the training of students in the re- er in the new term.” Tuvalu’s Director of Educa- gramme were resolved on Wednesday dustry. Relations soured a month af- gion. PINA is to be the industry Suka said a tsunami warn- tion Katalina Taloka said she following the intervention of Deputy ter the PINA summit when Edge gave member of the proposed group. ing siren system was neces- was aware of the exodus. Vice Chancellor Esther Williams. an interview to Radio Australia on Meanwhile, 14 USP journalism stu- sary for the country because She said the country’s edu- “The meeting was very constructive the summit. The meeting also agreed dents were sponsored by PINA and cation policy was similar to it would help save lives. and fruitful with very positive out- on the urgent need to revive a jour- its partners to attend the summit. Fiji’s in that English is the language of instruction from the third grade to the end of secondary school. In Fiji, English is taught from the start. Journos to form association Taloka said Tuvaluan was by KOILA VALEMEI only used in the classroom to He was speaking to more than 60 Stanley Simpson said talks to form were better addressed by a journal- explain when students found journalists from private and govern- a media association have been ongo- ism association body, Akauola said. it hard to understand earlier FIJI’S journalists must find their ment organisations at an informal ing for years but could not get off the “One was the need for a minimum explanations. voice and speak as one on the issues discussion to mark World Press Free- ground because of lack of support. He wage rate and the second, was for a “No matter how good a lan- that concern their profession, says dom Day on Thursday at the Fiji Tel- urged all in attendance to commit to Postgraduate or Masters in Journal- guage teacher can and may be regional media advocate Matai Akau- evision headquarters in Suva. the cause. ism degree to be offered to journal- and if an ESL (English Sec- ola. “We want to form an association “Let’s get an association going, set ists who have been in the field for a ond Language) learner is not Without a collective voice on issues that will look after our interests, fight broad guidelines and keep it simple. long time,” he said. ready, learning will be diffi- that affect their practice, the local for our pay, help us get our jobs if We’ve never had these numbers, now He said PINA and the University of cult,” she said. media will be unable to fulfill its full we’ve been unreasonably sacked and it’ll work,” he said. the South Pacific are in talks about She said Fiji had the advan- potential, said the former journalist generally help us as journalists.” Netani Rika, a former editor of The offering such a programme. tage of English being spoken and manager of the Pacific Islands He also noted the irony that the me- Fiji Times who is now a researcher A task force, with representatives everywhere, allowing the News Association (PINA). dia was always highlighting the plight Citizens Constitution Forum, said from most media and Fiji’s two child sufficient exposure to “Before we can transform socie- of other professions and not their journalists need to abandon the “us journalism education institutions, practise use of the language. ties, as is the theme for this year, we own. and them” attitude for the proposed was appointed to draft the detailed should be able to speak out on issues Former award-winnning journal- association to succeed. Akauola said objectives of the proposed associa- that concern our own work,” he said. ist-turned public relations executive two resolutions of the PINA Summit tion. q See Cartoon on Page 4

Wansolwara>MAY>2012 3 Editorial Hang on to the RAIL The most basic journalism principles are to ensure that journalists Report newsworthy stories, Accuracy, SARAH VAMARASI EDITOR ‘ Identify credible sources and be Liable for your story.

UBLIC trust is the most fun- just that. They asked 5o random Janet Kwalahu, editor of NBC, said not waste their time. We are most A little acronym was made up that damental part of the media, USP students what media freedom the public’s trust can only be gained fortunate that our field affords us may help journalists’ remember the Pbecause without trust doubt meant and how valuable did they if journalists do their jobs faithfully. invaluable experience even to stu- important things needed to produce will arise and take the place of being consider it to be. If journalists do this, nothing will dents. We must learn from our texts, a good stories. informed. The results were disappointing to go wrong. Fiji Broadcasting Corpo- our mentors and the practitioners The most basic journalism prin- Everyone knows the saying that say the least. If anything, it shows us ration CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum we meet, all that we can. That’s to ciples are to ensure that journalists once trust is broken it can never be that something is amiss somewhere. shares the same views. ensure quality reports that are fair Report newsworthy stories, Accu- recovered, not entirely. Is the media failing in explaining its He says if journalists stick to the and balanced. That’s how we can racy, Identify credible sources and This applies to the media. Mislead role? How can the media educate basic journalistic principles, no uphold the public’s trust. be Liable for your story. the public and they will question the the people so that they are interest- one can say anything about them. Those of us who attended the re- The easy way to remember this news presented to them. ed in the policies and decisions that ut does this really gain the public cent summit have been galvanised is R.A.I.L. Just like a bar that runs It is amazing how many young stu- will impact their lives? trust? This may be where journal- even more to excel and get on the across horizontally to form a barrier dents do not really know what press The issue of public trust in the me- ism students can step in. This is the ground to do our bit for our people. or guard. This will be a guideline for freedom really means, especially dia was raised at the Pacific Media avenue where students can make We are very grateful to PINA and stories. during a time where it is essential Summit. Does the public trust us? a difference out there in the work its partners for giving us the privi- There are other facts that can be for the media to operate efficiently. How is this measured? force. lege to attend and to meet the many considered for writing stories but It’s been a long week of analysing Can you really measure that Our commitment as aspiring jour- heroes who work to advance our re- these are the important the basic media issues. through the response you get in nalists must start now. We have to gion. ones. At one point we wondered how the Letters to the Editor columns? recognise that we must not squan- An old saying applies here. “Ac- Be a good journalist and write much did our students know, and This does not represent the major- der this opportunity. We must en- tions speak louder than words.” good stories and journalists will get to what extent did they value a free ity of the population and we cannot sure that when we are attached to The only way people will learn to a good reputation with the public. press. Two of our journalism first say these responses truly represent media companies, we have the pro- trust journalists is through the qual- And if there may be any difficul- years were tasked with finding out public trust. fessional mindset to do our best and ity of our stories. ties, remember, hang on to the rail. T a l a n o a Referendum on chiefs’ council PLEASE allow me to respond to Alumita Durutalo’s views on her interview with Nandni Vandhana (Wansolwara, Volume 17. Issue 1) in March about the abolition of the Great Council of Chiefs. I fully understand Durutalo’s com- ments in Wansolwara in regard to the abolition of the GCC and I agree with some of her opinions. She said the council’s demise was expected because of its failure to keep abreast with the times and she urged chiefs to try and educate themselves and added that “an un- educated chief is like someone who is impaired”. However, I disagree with her suggestion to have a referendum among indigenous Fijians to decide whether we want to retain the GCC. I am curious as to why a refer- endum is proposed for only indig- enous Fijians when the millions of dollars used for running the GCC was paid in taxes by citizens of all suggest that the total budget of run- all registered mataqali members reminds me of the saying “Put your CORRECTION races? ning the GCC, if voted “yes”, be ex- are to vote and only those who vote money where your mouth is”. We don’t get only half of the pop- tracted from the itaukei Land Trust in favor should have their lease In the last issue, it was incorrectly stated that ulation to decide on an institution Board leases. money deducted and given to the TIMOCI GAUNAVINAKA Dialogue Fiji organised the public lecture given that is funded by everyone. That is the only money that be- GCC. Waila, Nausori. by constitution expert Yash Ghai early this year. The lecture was organised by Dialogue Pacific. If only indigenous Fijians partici- longs exclusively to indigenous Fi- That will be a more fair, transpar- pate in such a referendum, then I Tom Roberts, who was quoted in the article, is jians. But before that can happen, ent, democratic and fun to watch. It also employed by Dialogue Pacific. The error is greatly regretted.

Editor: Sarah Vamarasi Lecturers: Dr Marc Edge Wansolwara is the student training newspaper publication of Teaching Assistant: Irene Manueli the University of the South Pacific’s Journalism Programme. It is Deputy Editor: Parijata Gurdayal Student reporters: Edward Tavanavanua, Arnold Chanel, printed and distributed throughout Fiji by Fiji Sun. Copies are also Chief-of-Staff/Chief Subeditor: Vilisite Tamani distributed to USP’s other 11 regional campuses, and soon all issues Mervin Singh, Troy Scott, Katherine Streff, Walter Gerard, Pictures Editor: Maseikula Niumatawalu will be available in pdf format on a revamped Arnold Chanel, Shivneel Narayan, Priya Chand, Gregory Ravoi, Wansolwara Online. Features Editor: Pratish Raj Neisau Tuidraki, Sian Rolls, Kalpana Kaajal, Yvette D’Unenville, Sports Editor: Ronish Kumar CONTACT US with newstips or advertising:

Business Team: Glen Vavaitamana Insight: Kalesi Mele, Parijata Gurdayal, Sherita Sharma, Sarah E-mail: [email protected] Environment Reporter: Biutoka Kacimaiwai Vamarasi Phone contacts: 3232-685/3232-186/3232-185 Special contributor: Nandni Vandhana Cartoonist: Walter Gerard

4 MAY>2012>Wansolwara News Family shares Development to blame

home by MERVIN SINGH disasters. Other measures being ex- important. “Awareness and training plored include river diversion and de- is also important as local councils and riculture which is working on various with 30 silting, which is basically the empty- communities need to be prepared,” he assessments, Forestry and Environ- by NANDNI VANDHANA THE development of agriculture, real ing of the Nadi River of mud, bridge said. ment as well as the local government.” estate and the logging industry are design, the construction of floodgates “Major challenge during the disaster He said that another major concern FOR almost a month, 30 peo- among the causes for the recent flood- and retention dams. is to get people to adhere to the warn- was securing funding for the various ple of Semo Village were ing in Nadi, says Lieutenant-Colonel The construction of retention dams ing and advises. agencies involved in the rebuilding forced to seek shelter in the Inia Seruiratu. is touted as a sure safeguard against a Another challenge is the capability process. home of Laiseyani Drodroa. “While developments are good, repeat of the floods that ravaged Nadi in terms of communication,” he said. He assured that the efforts in re- Drodroa, whose home is in there are also consequences that we in March. He said collaboration be- He said there also a need for proper building the town would continue. Nabau, said the people had need to be mindful of,” said the per- tween stakeholders, communities and gear in order to complete rescue op- He said man-made factors that nowhere to go and she did not manent secretary for Natural Disas- local councils is vital in reducing the erations effectively. contribute to the increased im- have the heart to send them ter Management. He said the Govern- impact of natural disasters. “Short term solutions are current- pact of natural disasters need to away. ment was considering the proposal to Lieutenant-Colonel Seruiratu said ly being undertaken by the various be addresses at the same time She said the villagers only relocate Nadi town to prevent further training and communication was also agencies, such as the Ministry of Ag- as addressing disaster risks. came with the clothes on their back and were transported by boat to the Nabau Village as water levels in Semo began to rise very fast. Semo is a farming com- munity. Most of the villagers’ crops were destroyed in the flood. Daylight saves the day during disaster by NANDNI VANDHANA ABOUT 200 villagers who fled their homes when flood- waters caught them by sur- prise said they were thank- ful the emergency occured before nightfall. The residents of Semo Village in Sigatoka sought refuge at the evacuation center in a nearby village af- ter the Sigatoka River burst its banks. The villagers stayed in the Mosese Kubuiqela surveys what’s left of his home. n PICTURE: Nandni Vandhana center for a month before returning to their village last weekend. When Wansolwara vis- ited Semo last Saturday, Grandad to relocate after home lost to floodwaters villagers were busy cleaning their houses and drying their by NANDNI VANDHANA was the worst natural disas- “The washroom, kitchen his home, he was helping his fident that relocating is the beddings. ter he had experienced after and one of the bedrooms is children put new carpets in only solution. They told of their relief that MOSESE Kubuiqela, 74, Cyclone Oscar in 1983. totally damaged and now we the house. “I have land on the other the floods hit during daylight counts himself lucky to be Kubuiqela, who celebrated are using a temporary built “We have to start all over side of the bridge and now I because it made it easier to alive after he lost part his his birthday a day before the toilet. All the bedding and again,” he said. want to move there,” he said. reach safety. home to raging flood waters. floods said they were lucky everything in the house was “We just want to thank the “I live near the river and if Many also expressed their “Everything is gone except lord that no lives were lost”. this happens again, I don’t gratitude for the help they the floods hit during day destroyed by the waters and received from the govern- our lives,” he said. light so everyone could es- it is all ruined.” he said. Kubuiqela, who has 20 want to go through all of this ment, locals and overseas The father of six said this cape. When Wansolwara visited grandchildren, is now con- again.” donors. They said the assistance has Semo villager Sanaila Vitau said they were touched DISMAC revises plans after ‘worst’ flood by the gifts and donations they have continued to re- by NANDNI VANDHANA He said at 4am on March 30th, the Nadi River wa- had to resort to bottled water. ceive. ter level was more than a meter high. By 5.30am, “We are now considering getting ourselves dingys THE March flood was bigger than any other flood He said on the first day the river burst its banks. to be able to travel in flood waters”. the country has ever experienced, says Director for of the floods, they received “When Vaturu Dam overflowed, all the water He said even though there were challenges, after 10 cartons of canned tuna Disaster Management in Fiji (DISMAC), Pajiliai came back into the river,” he said. the January floods, DISMAC had a fair idea on how and mutton, 25 kg of flour Dobui. DISMAC officials are now surveying evacuation to operate during these times. and oil from Food Hall in “In terms of the rainfall, this flood was much centers to ensure it is accessible to people. He said When asked about the people who were still liv- Sigatoka. worse,” he said. their surveys will help them to be better prepared ing in flood prone areas, he said that this was their “We were happy that “During the 2009 floods, there were about 11,000 when the next flood occurs. choice. we had food and clothing evacuees recorded but for these floods, 14,900 DISMAC officials were challenged with not being He said that from now onwards, before construct- donated by the people from evacuees were recorded,” he said. able to visit all the evacuation centers at the height ing a house, a risk survey will be done around the other communities,” he said. He said this number did not account for people of the floods as they did not have the right transpor- area to determine if it is safe for building a house. He described the March who stayed with friends and relatives. Many were tation resources. He said that this flood has cost the government floods as the worst to hit his caught off guard because there was no warning be- Another major challenge was access to clean wa- millions of dollars in damage and the exact figures village. fore the floods. ter as all the main pipes were damaged so evacuees will be released once it is official. Wansolwara>MAY>2012 5 Earth Sharks Web tools more for green valuable advocates by BIUTOKA KACIMAIWAI

THERE are many websites alive that are helping individu- als and organisations forge by DRUE SLATTER ahead in protecting the SHARKS are more valuable environment. alive than dead, concludes a To help those of you sift recent scientific study. through the many resources, This is a boost to efforts by below are five of the most the Fiji Shark Campaign to popular environment blogs. ban the commercial fishing of The list was compiled by sharks. Environmental Graffiti.com, The study, titled Socio- an environment website that Economic Value of the Shark compiles stories from top en- Diving Industry in Fiji, was vironment blogs and shares it conducted by the Australian on their website. Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the University of 1. TREEHUGGER.COM Western Australia (UWA) . It was done in August and Treehugger is one of the most September last year. read blogs on any subject. It cov- Coral Reef Alliance Fiji ers mostly from everything envi- Shark Campaign’s Helen Shark feeding in waters off Beqa Island n PICTURE: Malcolm Nobbs ronmental, from green news to Sykes said the research found eco-design and green products. that income generated from Treehugger has been bought shark tourism was more sus- by the Discovery Channel for tainable than commercial $10million. shark fishing. “Sharks and SCUBA div- 2. INHABITAT.COM ing is a significant part of the Inhabitat is one of the foremost reason why visitors come to No EIA yet in sea blogs on green agriculture and Fiji, with 60-80 per cent tak- design. It frequently covers arti- ing part in one of these ac- cles on sustainable architecture, tivities,” said Sykes, a marine green living, and green design. ecologist. The study determined that minerals project 3. ECOGEEK.ORG shark tourism contributed by BIUTOKA KACIMAIWAI KORDI has committed to invest Principal Scientist at the National EcoGeek specializes in writing $FJ75.4 million to Fiji’s econ- $FJ55.5million in the project. It is un- Institute of Water and Atmospheric about environmentally- friendly omy in 2010. Of this, about NO environment assessment report clear how long KORDI needs to com- Research. technology. It covers informa- $FJ7.1 million benefited the has been conducted in the areas iden- plete the first phase of exploration. “These mining operations in turn tion on anything from solar iP- local communities. tified for Fiji’s Deep Sea Minerals Concern has been raised over the would have a correspondingly differ- ods to electric cars. - (DSM) project. This financial gain is expect lack of details on the project. ent effect on the surrounding fauna, ed to increase if Fiji’s interna- This was confirmed yesterday by “We really need to get our acts to- and require different management re- 4. REALCLIMATE.ORG tional reputation for diving the Pacific Islands Applied GeoSci- gether as far as the assessment of the sponses”, he added. Real Climate specializes in cli- grows in popularity. ence Commission, the regional body possible impacts in our environment The three main seabed deposits mate science news with a twist. The report states that over- of expertise tasked with helping is- is concerned,” said Kiniviliame Ket- that are mined are Seafloor Massive Most of its content is written by fishing is threatening the sur- land nations develop the necessary eca, a University of the South Pacific Sulfides (SMS), Cobalt Crusts, and actively working climate scien- vival of sharks in Fiji. This tools required to protect its mineral lecturer on marine studies. Manganese Nodules. tists. If you need scientific com- species is extremely vunera- resources. Keteca’s comments echo the senti- The SMS are formed along mid- ble because of its slow growth However, the Department of Envi- ments of New Zealand scientist Dr ocean ridges and associated with vol- mentary on climate change, this rate and late maturity. ronment said an Environment Im- Malcolm Clark. canic activity. Clark said if there is is the place. Sykes acknowledged that pact Assessment (EIA) would only be Clark warned that further research volcanic activity caused by the disrup- laws for the ban were useless conducted if interest for mining was into how the various seabeds should tion from the mining, the organisms 5.WORLDCHANGING.COM if it is not enforced. confirmed following the exploration be mined was needed because of the living there will die out unless they World Changing’s articles cov- “The passing of a decree to phase of the demarcated areas. varying structures of the seabed. find the exact same conditions ina er tools and ideas to help build ban commercial shark fishing The Government recently issued “These differences in the structure nearby vent field. a better future. Their content is is not the final stage,” Sykes a prospecting licence to the Korean and content of the sea would call for “This is why the protection of areas very future oriented, and runs said. Ocean and Development Institute different exploration and mining close to the mined one is important,” the gamut from eco and future She added that shark con- (KORDI). techniques,” said Clark, who is the he said. friendly housing to urban plan- servation needs to be inte- ning. grated into the Fijian society. This includes stressing the ties between shark conserva- tion and local traditions, with the help of educational insti- Pacific needs ‘hybrid’ leaders: Nailatikau tutions. by PARIJATA GURDAYAL Sykes said that if the gov- “The challenge is to develop and child of USP’s Econesian Society. “Pacific indigenous knowledge is ernment passes a law against YOUNG people should become hy- engage in both the formal education It aims to promote stewardship to important for validating and legiti- commercial shark fishing, brid Pacific leaders who are able to criteria and the non-formal activities environmental issues and to deepen mising modern development activi- there would be more room for draw the best from traditional and and programs for young people and the relationship between indigenous ties in the region, including those further dialogue. modern knowledge systems. to provide them a catalyst and an ena- knowledge and modern-day conser- aimed at sustainable development, Passing such a law would At the launch of the Honor Fiji Jour- bling opportunity for them instilling a vation practices. especially in the eyes of indigenous make Fiji one of the first na- ney, the President Ratu Epeli Nailai- sense of values and cultural identity,” Meanwhile, Professor of Pacific people themselves,” she said. tions in the South Pacific to tikau challenged youths to become he said. Education and UNESCO Chair (Edu- She said there was an urgent need protect sharks, she said. hybrid Pacific leaders and to value the He said indigenous knowledge had cation and Culture), Professor Konai to integrate indigenous knowledge in Countries such Palau, blend of traditional knowledge and sustained island lifestyles for many Helu Thaman said convincing people the curricular of formal education to Guam, Tokelau and the modern-day technology in preserving generations and had proven to be bet- that traditional knowledge is impor- make learning more relevant and cul- Northern Marianas have in- and conserving the natural resources ter than many development models. tant is one of the most challenging turally democratic. corporated such laws. at stake. The journey initiative is the brain- tasks. 6 MAY>2012>Wansolwara Bisinisi ‘Right attitude’ tops criteria by MERVIN SINGH address to MBA students at the attitude. If a potential employee as the best place to start when it the managerial team at the com- YOU can never find the perfect University of the South Pacific. displayed the right attitude in an comes to finding the right employ- pany. The two CEOs also said they employee. You find one you like Both CEO’s spoke at length on interview, then both would readily ee, and in order for employees to had not encountered any employ- and train them to do the job. the importance of human resourc- give that employee a chance. grow with any company, further ee challenge that couldn’t be dealt That’s the word from the Chief es and finding the right people for With large companies to look training is a must. with in a simple, open discussion. Executive Officer of Flour Mills of the right job. With close to 2,000 after and shareholders to keep FHL went as far as sending their Finally, they said their respective Fiji Limited, Ram Bajeklal and Fi- employees, Bhajekal and Fareed happy, training is a very important best and brightest to Harvard companies have big plans for ex- jian Holdings Limited Acting CEO agreed that the most important part of both company’s success. Business School to prepare them pansion. More employment opor- Nouzab Fareed, during a recent ingredient for any employee is Both men have also identified USP for the challenges of being part of tunities are thus expected. Bajeklal BUSINESS BRIEFS m EU FUNDS charts THE European Union (EU) withdrew K4 million from the Department of Rural Develop- own ment and Implementation after it failed to set up District Informa- tion Monitoring Systems (DIMS) course last month after failing to com- ply with procurement processes. by SIAN ROLLS The DIMS was established to help improve efficiency RAM Bajeklal did not forsee a career in man- and accountability of public agement while growing up in Gujerat, India. spending at the district level. He said this was because he was from a fam- n The National ily of professionals and as such, was expected ` to study medicine or engineering. m RECORD PALM OIL PRICES It did not take him long though to realise NEW Britain Palm Oil Ltd (NB- that neither option appealed to him. His pas- ` sion instead was management. POL) Group has recorded high- Bajeklal, who is today the chief executive est ever revenues of $US780.1 officer of the Flour Mills of Fiji Group, said million (K1.6 billion), an increase of 69 per cent over 2010, stem- this was difficult because he did not enjoy for- ming from increased fruit and oil mal learning, and there were no management production, record sales volumes schools. and higher oil prices. This meant he studied to be a chartered ac- In its 2011 Annual Report re- countant instead and put in extra hours to leased this week, NBPOL Group learn what it meant to be a manager. Chairman Antonio Monteiro de Bajeklal said to be successful, one needs to Castro said “on the back of record put in a certain amount of work. production and consistent palm “What differs is the rate of work,” he said. oil prices, I am very pleased to “You could do everything in 10 years and be report that the Group has posted comfortable not to do anything for the rest of its highest ever profit. This over- your life or you could spend 30 years doing all effect of increased oil volumes the same amount of work.” and prices drove the Group’s rev- enues to a record $US780.1 mil- Bajeklal has grown to love reading. He finds lion compared to $US461.2 mil- interactive learning an easier alternative to lion (K95 million) in 2010. the traditional textbook. He said the consul- n Islands Business tative nature of interactive learning has also n ` become a part of his managerial style. Ram Bajeklal, his wife Amy and their dog Basanti PICTURE: Supplied Sharing with one another, in the right set- m FISH LEVY COSTLY ting as well as acknowledging the culture of THE reintroduction of a fish levy the organisation, is a way forward for a com- FNPF makes first payment under new scheme tax has forced foreign boats pany, said Bajeklal. off Fiji’s shores and tar- ABOUT 8,300 pensioners About 63 per cent of those ministration System, an online He said it was important to listen to what nished Fiji’s international have been paid $FJ95 million who had been paid have also pension payment platform one’s workers have to say. image, the Fiji Tuna Associa- by the Fiji National Provident opted to return to the new designed to facilitate pen- This, he said, was vital in order for a leader tion of Stakeholders said. Fund under its new age-based pension scheme, said FNPF. sion payments on schedule. to understand and make an informed deci- The association, representing pension scheme. In a press This is being interpreted This latest payment pro- sion after considering all the risks. the interest of service providers statement issued this week, as an acceptance of the new cessed was for pensioners who Among all the sports stars he had once as- to the tuna industry, said the levy FNPF said half of the recipi- scheme, said FNPF chief exec- had been validated, chose an pired to be like, he held one of this classmates of $350/tonne imposed on for- ents were new pensioners utive officer Aisake Taito.This option and complied with the eign fish exported directly from in high regard because he excelled in sports receiving their first pension last payment was processed requirements after March 1 Fiji cost locals their jobs. and in academia. payment. under the new Pension Ad- this year. n The Fiji Times New hot dog stand a hit

by PRIYA CHAND one especially the University of the Compared to other restaurants, our South Pacific Students. prices are affordable for an ordinary A NEW union stand at Sports City “It is a challenge to meet the student to have a decent meal, and complex Laucala Bay has attracted demand as it is very high,” she said. quickly made,” Hamid said. many USP students since it opened Hamid’s husband also runs the Re- Several students expressed their last month. dox shop at the Sports city complex. delight with the new outlet. Roshni Hamid, the owner of “While running the Redox business “The food is great. And it is Hungry Dog said this is her first op- from eight years, we have witnessed affordable especially for us stu- eration and she is happy with the the complex buzzing with students dents,” said Kelvin Kishore, a third- response she is getting from every- in and out throughout the day. year accounting student. A patron waits for his hot dog from the new eatery at Sports City, Laucala Wansolwara>MAY>2012 7 Media Support training: Khaiyum news; the public reads, watches and ceived better pay and good working shared the hardships of business to cion between media organisations,” by PARIJATA GURDAYAL listens to news and you don’t want conditions. make all his staff understand the im- he said. “There’s too much of that. THE media industry needs to sup- to create an impression that it’s “I believe that we should start giv- portance of running a business and How different media organiaations port more training, says Fiji Broad- okay to have grammatical mistakes, ing media personnel more respect how hard it is to increase revenue. treat each other.” casting Corporation Limited’s chief comprehension, pronunciation and and when we do find good jour- He said the better the workforce He said some management have executive Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. wrong spellings. It’s not okay. nalists, to have incentives to keep understood the situation, the better even banned their staff from talking “Training is perhaps one of the “We have to get it right because we them,” he said. He added that the “the workers would appreciate how to other media. He said the cama- most important,” he said. “The prop- don’t want our children to learn the responsibility of reporters was to ap- hard it is to make money”. raderie of old has been replaced by er use of grammar, getting the com- wrong things,” he said. preciate the value of hard work. Khaiyum said many media houses suspicion and fear and he hopes this prehension right, correct pro- He said the poor salaries of media “The journalists need to realise make the fundamental mistake of will change soon. nunciation, and spelling is essential. practitioners was also another issue. that the organisations they work for not communicating with employees Khaiyum said he believed reviving “Media organisations fail to The former television journalist are businesses which need to make on such issues openly. the monthly press clubs to allow me- realise that children read and watch said it was high time journalists re- a profit,” he said. He said he has “I would like to see a lot less suspi- dia to socialise would help solve this.

Diplomat Build the trust: Bhatnagar Reports by PARIJATA GURDAYAL stresses them, educate and of course enter- BUILDING a reputation of trust is tain them and they do look up to me accuracy, not easy but it is essential and as their guide, mentor or somebody worth the effort, says radio person- they can rely on,” she said. balance ality Veena Bhatnagar of the Fiji Ms Bhatnagar, who is also Radio Broadcasting Corporation. Fiji Two’s program director, feels by SARAH VAMARASI Better known as Ainaa, Bhatnagar entrusted by her listeners and even IT is important for journalists has spent 22 years on the airwaves takes an extra mile to help in solv- to remember that to maintain doing what she hopes has helped ing her audience’s problems. or gain the public’s trust, they many cope with life. “There was once a case where a must ensure their work is ac- “I know I have built strong trust woman couldn’t conceive for 16 curate and balanced, said US with my listeners over the years- years and I actually, after researched Ambassador to Fiji Frankie A just walking on street and I have no- went on air stating some ways and Reed. ticed people slowing down to smile tips of how to have babies.” She made the comment in and I feel I have a duty towards She said despite her target au- an interview following her them,” she said. dience being a very conservative keynote speech at USP Jour- “I host the current affairs talk-back society, there were no complaints nalism’s World Press Free- show “Aaina” meaning “The Mir- against her talking about reproduc- dom event on Friday. ror” every Wednesday on Radio Fiji tive health and sex positions that “Every time journalists do Two from 12pm to 1pm and the pro- aid in conceiving. their work they need to keep gram is aired on FBC TV the same “Nobody found it vulgar because in mind that they are inform- night at 10.30pm and replayed on of the way I present my informa- ing the public and need to re- Thursday at 11 am,” she said. tion and I do it in an educational port responsibly,” she said. She said her listeners often con- way with a medical point of view,” Reed said it was only right tact her for advise on a variety of Bhatnagar said. “Not in a cheap to honour the role of free and problems, from religious and mari- way.” independent media in “creat- tal concerns to reproductive health She said now with her show being ing sustainable democracies and law. televised, the need to be responsible and open, healthy societies”. “I am here for the people to inform is even greater. Reed encouraged USP stu- dent journalists to continue to persevere in journalism Accurate reports despite the challenges they may face. “All people have the right to freely express their views, vital: Khaiyum let us continue to champion those who stand for media JOURNALISTS must not only get Khaiyum. He said every reporter freedom and educate and their facts right, but they must pre- must always be mindful that any- lobby those who don’t respect sent their news in an appropriate one can be reading the newspaper this fundamental right,” she manner, says Fiji Broadcasting or watching television or listening said. Corporation Limited chief execu- to the radio, and as such, it was im- “The press should be free.” tive officer Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. portant that they hold themselves She said WPFD was also “We make sure that the grammar well. a day to remember that and comprehension is correct and Furthermore, he said FBCL sup- journalism is a calling of even spelling mistakes are avoided ports a common identity to build everyday heroes. Veena Bhatnagar is the trusted FBCL radio host of Ainaa. because we do not want to send the a nationhood during these critical n PICTURE: Maseikula Niumataiwalu wrong message to the public,” said times. Investigate corruption: Kivia by SHERITA SHARMA few newspapers Anti-Corruption Reporting ant,” he added. In a series scandal. tive reporter puts everything ever follow up Media Award for his investi- of news reports, Haiveta ex- “But the money was never on the line to get the real THE media need to become on corruption gations of embezzlement in posed that the consultant had recovered. The school till to- story out to the people,” Kivia more involved in covering stories worth Bugandi Primary School in been paid money before the day is without the land title,” said. corruption stories and have investigating. Morobe province. school board hired him for Kivia said. He added that an inves- investigative reporters, said “The role of “The school which is one of consultations. “Students were unable to tigative reporter has to en- an award-winning Papua KIVIA media is critical the top 20 in PNG, lost more His investigations into the graduate from the school in dure many challenges during New Guinea journalist. in promoting than K$370 000 in one year,” scandal led to the suspension 2010 and 2011 because of the hard-core investigating. Speaking at the an anti- good govern- Kivia said. of its then principal Ben Yana scandal,” Kivia said. “At times your family’s safe- corruption workshop at the ance and accountability and “The management had been and financial powers of the Kivia said investigative ty may be at risk, and then 21st Pacific Islands News As- exposing corruption,” Kivia trying to get a title for the school board was taken away. journalists must never give you get to thinking, is the sociation (PINA) summit in said. land the school was sitting Kivia found that the a pro- up, adding ‘persistence is the story really worth pursuing,” Pacific Harbour, Post Cou- Kivia scooped the inaugu- on, and was dealing with an vincial lands Cabinet minis- key’. “People want to know said Kivia, whose family was rier’s Haiveta Kivia said very ral UNDP 2011 Excellence in unregistered land consult- ter was also involved in the the actual story. An investiga- threatened.

10 MAY>2012>Wansolwara Opinon The unclear line ERE in Fiji, press freedom His not taken for granted. From the time of the military ...not all coup in 2006 until only recently, there ALEX journalism is was strict censorship PERROTET of the press, and other ‘ ‘horse-race’ basic freedoms of association and speech were curbed. Since the lifting of the Public Emer- politics ... that’s gency Regulations (PER), which had included uniformed military in a lesson the some newsrooms, press freedom is slowly being opened up again. Pacific can However, the Media Industry De- velopment Decree is in place and it provides for tough fines and even teach its two jail sentences for journalists that step over the line. big brothers Figuring out just where that line is will be the challenge for media many times in the following months and in the lead-up to the promised elections of September 2014. over The Fiji Government has com- menced a public consultation pro- cess for its new constitution, and has promised regional leaders that ments to broadcast their agenda, as there will be no press censorship as dictator Ferdinand Marcos did’ in part of that process. the Philippines decades ago. The forming of the consultation The Philippines incidentally gives body was the trigger for Australia us a bit of perspective about media to re-engage with Fiji, according to freedom. Foreign Minister Bob Carr. In 2009, there were 34 journalists He and New Zealand counterpart in the group of 57 people brutally Murray McCully told journalists in murdered while following a political Fiji on Tuesday that even critics of event in Maguindanao, or Ampatu- Local journalists at the historic meeting on Monday to discuss the formation of a professional body. This writer com- an province. Justice is still waiting the Fiji administration had joined mends Fiji’s journalists for being able to deliver quality reports despite the trying circumstances. others to make “bold statements” to be served in a worryingly slow nPICTURE: Maseikula Niumataiwalu ensuring that democracy was well trial. on its way. Indeed journalists in developing ning around saying the sky is falling. the employee’s file, prompting the But even in a democracy, like Aus- countries have it tough and many The Convergence Review report REMARKABLE NEW PRECEDENT employee to immediately delete the tralia and New Zealand, whose re- do an amazing job toeing the un- has been released by the govern- However, even if a journalist is able Twitter account. spective foreign ministers were here clear line to bring information to ment and it recommends a more to defend themselves, a remarkable Perhaps Qantas should focus on this week, press freedom is never a the public. powerful statutory body to regulate new precedent against free speech pitching its own social media efforts fait accompli. Trawling through editions of The the media, specifically in the areas was set in Australia recently. better rather than worry about its As long as there are people in Fiji Times as part of my research of media ownership, content stand- Controversial blogger and broad- employees. After last year’s indus- power with important information, here, there is more quality journal- ards and the production of local caster Andrew Bolt was forced to trial dispute, Qantas launched its there will be efforts to suppress it ism on issues that affect the every- content. apologise for remarks of opinion #qantasluxury promotion on Twit- and re-package the truth to suit day person than I have ever seen The previous attempt was the Fin- based on fact when the Racial Dis- ter which promptly fell out of the their purposes. in a newspaper in Australia or New kelstein Report, which recommend- crimination Act was wielded against sky, crashed and burned. In New Zealand, where quality Zealand. ed government involvement. him by a class action of fair-skinned In New Zealand, in the lead-up to reporting is done on a shoestring, And that is an often-forgotten as- A bitter war of words broke out be- indigenous Australians. the Rugby World Cup last year, ma- thanks to ever-decreasing govern- pect of media freedom – the right of tween media personnel of the News The article has been suppressed. jor sponsor ANZ issued a number of ment funding for public broadcast- the public to be informed, not just Limited variety and media academ- The precedent has set a new fron- reminders and warnings to its em- ing, investigative journalist Jon the right for journalists to be heard. ics who had found encouragement tier in the war on “hate media” as ployees about what could and could Stephenson is busy reporting on Af- Sure there are difficulties here in in the findings of the Finkelstein Re- the now retired Greens senator Bob not be said on personal social media ghanistan. the Pacific with holding power to ac- port and argued that the free market Brown dubbed the Murdoch press accounts. Stringent directives ban- He is also slowly but surely re- count. could not ensure a free press. (owners of The Fiji Times until ning any criticism of any person, building his reputation after the Tradition and custom, as special The argument in favour of more 2010). team, player or event were issued. Prime Minister publicly derided his as they are, can often be a stumbling regulation came from those who But the right to be offended is not It brought a whole new meaning to record following a revealing report block for getting answers. But not have had some distance from the just a matter for journalists to take ANZ’s RWC marketing campaign of on the New Zealand military actions all journalism is ‘horse-race’ politics coalface of the profession; the shrill care about. Company executives “welcome to losing your voice”. in Metro magazine. and in fact a great deal of it isn’t. argument against from those who throw their weight around just as Thanks to Russell Brown and Me- That’s a lesson the Pacific can teach fear curbs on their own reporting. much as politicians and judges. UNPREDICTABLE MILITARY REGIME dia7 (TVNZ’s media-focused pro- its two big brothers many times But like a case of defamation, a A young employee of Qantas was Back in Fiji, media personnel are gramme), Stephenson has been over. journalist need not worry if they recently dragged over the coals for in sharp disagreement about what able to get some air time in his own have all the facts, and can argue that remarks made on a personal Twitter is the best approach to take with an country. But alas, by the middle of a story was fair, balanced and accu- account that offended a member of unpredictable military regime sup- q the year, funding will run out for Alex Perrottet is a contributing rate. the public. The offended person had posedly rolling towards a new de- Brown’s programme and the in- editor at the Pacific Media Watch. In New Zealand, the Broadcast- presumably used the Twitter name mocracy. formative public digital TV channel. He is pursuing his Masters Degree ing Standards Authority (BSA) is a to search for the employee online, ‘Development journalism’ has in Communications Studies and respected body that has issued fines tracked down the personal Face- been called for, and is a much wid- ANOTHER FORM OF CENSORSHIP Journalism, at the Auckland Uni- in the past on very revealing inves- book account and ascertained the er-respected media approach in You could argue it’s censorship of versity of Technology. Perrottet tigative stories, such as Barbara full name and employer. other developing countries in the a different sort. was in Fiji for the UNESCO World Dreaver’s controversial report from Although the employee’s direct Asia-Pacific regime. In Australia, media inquiries and Press Freedom Day (WPFD) events Samoa on “Guns and Drugs”. managers sided with the right to More cautious voices usually from reports are falling from the sky like organised by USP Journalism. He Most New Zealand journalists publish personal views on Twitter, Western media approaches see the torrential Fijian rains, and there’s was assisted by the AUT Pacific Me- would not see that action as all that the human resources department developmental approach as simply more than one Chicken Little run- dia Centre and USP. This article is threatening. disagreed and attached a report to a tool to be appropriated by govern- adapted from his speech.

Wansolwara>MAY>2012 11 Perspective USP kid scoops Peakie by RONISH KUMAR laughed and said “It is not made out of buffalo but that is the name SIMON Fraser University in Cana- of a hot sauce”. While on campus, I da was where I was for the better started to write sports stories for the half of last year. I was selected by student newspaper, The Peak, and the USP’s International office as my first assignment was to cover the lone ambassador to Canada in women’s soccer on campus because the fall semester. they were having a dreadful season. From the time I landed in Can- I also had the opportunity to cover ada on August 27, it took me four stories like “Occupy Vancouver”, weeks to get myself adjusted to life “Bear on campus”, “Potential Olym- there especially travelling in trains pic swimmer” and so forth. and the 19 hour time difference. I was over the moon when my I stayed at the residential halls editor commended me saying “I on campus and found the commu- am glad you have grasped our style. nity advisors very helpful or as we This is the best piece” referring know them in Fiji as Residential to the story on potential Olympic assistants. swimmer. My classes began on September I was also awarded the prize for 6 and like all first timers to some- the best sports writer for that se- thing new, I also struggled and mester which was like the icing on then things started to smooth up a the cake. little bit. With experiences came winter, As time went by, I realized the and I pestered my colleagues to go different mannerisms. In Canada, out with me to play in the snow. there is a queue for everything: Snowball fights, snowmen and skat- while waiting for a bus, cashing USP Journalism student Ronish Kumar, middle, poses with Austrian skii stars at Lake Louise in Calgary, Canada. ing were all part of winter. With all goods in the mall or even going to a good things coming to an end, the pub for drinks. final exams loomed and went with Friendship is something that de- so and she told me: “it is rude to just from eating at MacDonald’s. I was Everyone stands in an orderly the blink of the eye. velops organically in Canada and it stand up because it would mean the surprised to find a different menu manner at an arm’s length. Cana- The experience has taught me how takes a lot of time to be good friends females or aged population is weak”. compared to Fiji so I requested for dians cough in their arms and not to interact with people from other with someone. Food is expensive in Canada as 14 a chicken burger and the attendant in palms because they believe that places in the world and this is a huge Guys do not stand up to offer seats per cent is charged on everything. replied said they could make it with they will spread germs while shak- boost to my Journalism career as we to girls nor to the mature aged peo- Ironically, no one fancies going to a buffalo sauce. ing hands. They are always hugging deal with people all the time. ple. Firstly they ask “do you want MacDonald’s for lunch or dinner I was scared and replied: “no! I do each other every time they meet but I will certainly miss the sandwich- sit”, most of the time the reply is which is so huge in Fiji. not want to have something that is they won’t hug a person on their es from Subway and the snow in “no”. I asked my friend why this was However, this did not stop me made out of a buffalo” and they all first encounter. winter.

12 MAY>2012>Wansolwara Review Viral Life in all its frailties video MMA, the frail He feels or the head of the house. wooden door. The his book ad- This is a great read and untold story is a dresses is- shows a closer look into the fizzles short novel which sues that problems that families face Atells the story of should be but we never get to hear about a Fijian family that goes talked about it. It is sure to make you cry out through the hardships of life more so that and if you really understand by NANDNI by NEISAU TUIDRAKI that many of the families in VANDHANA abuse of the the book, you will not feel our society face but never feel sort is not bad for the fact that Amma ALMOST a month ago social the urge to talk about . suffered by died and left her children so media websites like Twit- This book is written by Am- others. helpless and vulnerable, you ter and Facebook exploded itesh Deo, a young author The book is entitled Amma feel good that Amma at least overnight with the viral video originally from Suva but who after one of the main charac- finds some peace and rest and ‘“Kony 2012”. resides in Lautoka . ters. found her light at the end of People across the globe were The book, which is his first, Amma faces issues preva- the tunnel by taking her own asking the question, who is took him three months to lent in a patriarchic society life. Kony? If you had access to the complete and is his way of such as abuse and neglect Internet, that question was creating awareness about the from her grog obsessed hus- quickly answered. abuse that exists in Fiji. band. She commits suicide So the question is, what has The author, pictured right, and life becomes different for the penetration of the Kony associates himself with one her children. campaign been like in the Pacific? According to Alex of the characters in the book, The eldest leaves school Perrottet and David Robbie’s Somu, who is teased and as- to upbring her siblings and Pacific Media Freedom 2011 saulted by his own brother for faces the same hardships that report, Pacific Island nations being different. Amma faced, she falls victim have limited Internet access. He had to take abuse from to incest and this makes her If one stops a wheelbarrow his family and also from his understand what Amma went boy at the market and asks, peers at school. through. “Who is Kony?” it’s a blank “I am still scared to go to the The neglect results in mur- look followed by the sheepish public conveniences to this der and abuse. response of “Ocei Ya” (Who is day because of the abuse I The community ignored the that?). received when I was young,” issues that the family was fac- It is evident that the Kony said Deo. ing which is similar to mod- Campaign, though brilliant, Writing has provided him ern communities where such failed to make any sort of an avenue through which to issues are one’s own business. mark in the Pacific. work through some of the Deo said that it was typical If you watched the video, the experiences and issues that in an Indian family for the end game that co-founder of continue to haunt him. women to look after the males Invisible Children Organisa- tion, Jason Russell is selling PICTURE: Supplied is the ‘Cover the night’ event. Hundreds and thousands of supporters were to cover cit- ies across the globe with ‘Stop Kony’ posters on the 20th of April. The weekend after the cover- Film explores the role of teachers age on the so called ‘big event’ has been dismal. Newstalk650.com reports TEACHING is a friend cannot have lunch each that in Saskatoon, over 1,000 gift and only a day and together with their other people were expected only six few can motivate friend Aman (Nuuman Sheik) showed up. and inspire stu- they help Stanley by getting him They chalked “Kony 2012” in dents. food. Unfortunately, cunning front of City Hall. In Hamil- The movtie Khadoos finds out about the se- ton, Ontario, over 4,800 com- Stanley Ka cret food deals and steps in once mitted to join, only 20 came. Dabba clearly PRATISH more and manages to stop Stan- There were an equal number by portrays this RAJ ley from getting free food from his of police officers. In Sydney, idea. friends. This impacts on Stanley’s Australia, 19,000 said on Fa- The movie is school work and he stops coming cebook they would partici- aboutn the school life of a young to school. pate, in the end, only 25 peo- Indian boy who cannot afford to Fortunately, the movie ends ple were there. have lunch at school and is con- well with Stanley returning to In Fiji, there no were planned events to mark the event. stantly bullied and ill-treated by school, this time with food for According to Megan Garber, his teacher. lunch break and Khadoos quits a staff writer at, The Atlan- The movie shows how the pro- teaching. tic, the hyped event’s meagre fession of teaching should be Partho Gupte plays the charac- turnout could have a number done by those who have the heart ter of Stanley so well and it was of causes: our fleeting digital and soul for children. easy to connect with the way he attention spans, or viral con- The lead character, Stanley feels in the movie. tent’s fireworks-to-fizzle tra- (Partho Gupte) is a four-year-old As a child actor, he portrays the jectories, or the challenges of boy who is a pupil at a school in various elements of innocence, translating online activism to Mumbai. his imaginary world and his ver- real-world change, or Invis- For certain reasons, Stanley satility to adapt to situations. ible Children’s failure to capi- goes with an empty belly for His co-actors also seem very talise on the attention it had lunch and makes up by drink- professional. once it still had it. ing lots of water to stay full. His The children display friendship The end result for the Stop friends try to come to his help by with no barrier or judgment. Kony campaign may have offering their lunch however their They display true friendship, been dismal and Jason Rus- ignorant teacher Khadoos (Amol kindness and how pure their sell’s public meltdown may Gupte) steps in and forbids this, hearts are. have contributed to that. leaving Stanley all the more lone- Teachers at school play an im- However, Russell has proved ly and hungry. portant role, not only in provid- that the power of an evocative Abhishek (as himself) is one of ing knowledge but also to provide video can create awareness Stanley’s friends who manages to care while children are away from and get people talking about A screengrab from the movie Stanley Ka Dabba. n PICTURE: ultimatereview.com uncover the reasons to why his home. social issues that matter.

Wansolwara>MAY>2012 13 Sports

QUICK TRACKS Compiled by: RONISH KUMAR, Tabete fulfills dreamWALTER GERARD and by ROSEMARY MASITABUA age of nine. Her mother, Alice Tabete, she said. Tabete said her favorite mo- challenging but she was able to over- SHIVNEEL NARAYAN was the former chief executive of Fiji ment was being the youngest play- come the strain. JACINTHE Tabete has achieved her Sports Council and a prominent fig- er in the Saint Joseph Secondary “The day started off a bit nervy for m TRUE FAN childhood dream of representing her ure in Fiji Netball. Her sister, Kalesi, School’s open grade team in 2008, in me as I felt quite pressured, but as the SAINIMILI Naivalu, 26, country at the international level. was one of the top umpires and won which the team won the Millennium day went on and when I got on court who is disabled since Former Westlake High School net- the Kiwi Umpire Award in 2008. Shield beating Adi Cakobau Second- I just played my own game whilst try- birth, loves watching the baller Adi Kulamailagi Jacinthe Ta- Tabete described her netball days in ary School. ing to adjust to the girls’ style of play Coca-Cola Games. She bete saw the trials for the Netball Fiji as a stepping stone to developing “The experience was great and that around me,” she said. was at the tfl National Championships as an opportunity to her technique and skills. season really boosted my confidence Tabete fulfilled her childhood dream Stadium to watch the be a part of the Fiji U21 team to Scot- “Playing netball in Fiji would have before I left for New Zealand and that by making it into the final team to the games last week. She said land. had to be the most enjoyable days be- helped me heaps as confidence is a Netball Championships in Glasgow, her presence also helped Tabete, 19, is no stranger to the cause everyone was so relaxed and we key factor in netball,” she said. Scotland in August next year. to raise awareness that sport and has been playing since the all had fun but were still competitive,” Tabete said trials were mentally Currently taking a gap year Tabete “we are normal”. m MEDAL GIRLS NOTHING matches lovely red sulu-jaba Rain hampers Game’s growth is with beautiful buniga. soccer meet significant, says vendor A group of girls from Gospel High School by SHIVNEEL NARAYAN by WALTER GERARD were part of the medal THE USP Indian Students’ presentation after Association’s soccer tourna- KITIONE Kama, a father of four, was busy every event. Six girls ment last weekend was re- mixing dough for roti in the chaotic bustle of the Coca-Cola Games. and two teachers had scheduled because of the poor a long two days. ground conditions caused by The native of Yale, in Kadavu, said he has the heavy downpour. been selling food at the Games for the past ten m AWE-STRUCK MEDIA Play was disrupted by heavy years and business has been very good. “The money I earn every year from selling POLICE officers had to rain which affected ground remind media officials conditions and general play. food at the games increases because the event Organisers were not able to grows every year also,” he said. to stay away from finish the tournament proper Kama works as a machine operator at Star the tracks. This was because of the closure of one Printery but keeps this particular weekend after the cheerleaders of the grounds and the time every year free to sell food. fascinated them constraint. He said he would keep returning every year so much that they All pool games could not fin- to sell food as long as the Games were held. ended breaching the ish on Saturday as planned. perimeters. The final round of pool games had to be played on Sunday m HIDDEN IN NUMBERS morning. Advocates warn against THIEVES made use of the The tournament was origi- crowded environment nally scheduled for April 21 teenage pregnancies to walk away with three and April 22. The semifinals THE Reproductive and Family Health Asso- bags, containing track and finals will now be played ciation of Fiji had a stall set up at this year’s shoes, from the Labasa at a later date. games to make known the issue of teenage Sangam College tent ISA Sports Chair Ranveer pregnancies as a result of the major sporting during the 400m finals on Singh confirmed that one of event. Day 1 of competition. the two grounds was closed Amini Tudrau, a volunteer, said that the on Sunday by grounds men purpose of the organisation was to empower due to unplayable conditions. m CLUB SEEKS HELP young women and inform them of the reality of teenage pregnancies. THE USP Islanders Ca- “We have recruited student athletes and noe Club seeks financial other sporting personalities to act as ambas- support for upcoming Touch club sadors for our association,” he said. tournament at Leleuvia Tudrau also said that once these volunteers later this semester. aims to were trained, they were sent out to schools to The Club has 30 mem- speak to their peers. A two-year research on bers. enjoy first large events, such as the Coca-Cola Games and This year the club is Kitione Kama smiles as he looks after the BBQ at the Games. by GREGORY RAVOI the Hibiscus festival, found a sharp increase preparing for 21 tourna- n PICTURE: Maseikula Niumataiwalu in teenage pregnancies after such events. ments. USP’S Touch Rugby Club is more focused on enjoying the m sport rather than winning. “I cannot be strict on the team to be focused on win- Surfers to tussle ning, mainly because they are students first then touch rug- by players,” said coach Trevor Cleary. for wildcard entry The club has a men’s team by TROY SCOTT and a mixed team in the Sat- perience under his belt and as a regular foot urday competitions at the surfer, names his local right hand reef break LOCAL Fijian surfers are set to compete this ‘beachhouse’ as one of his favorite waves. Dudley grounds in Toorak. weekend, Saturday 5th of May, in a bid to win The competition features Paul also enjoys his backhand and has no a coveted wildcard spot into an international problems with competingm at Cloudbreak, a teams such as the Roosters, surfing competition being held in Fiji, in June. Raiwaqa Flyers, Sixers, First famous left hand reef break. The first of two local competitions will With wins there in the past, Paul says he touch and the P.C Barbarians decide a final four who will then get the to name a few. is always comfortable at Cloudbreak and is chance to compete in a pre-heat before the hoping for a good result. Cleary said he hoped stu- June competition, the Volcom Pro-to be dents’ interest in the sport I asked Paul about dream destinations and held at Cloudbreak. he said he’d love to travel to Peru one day would increase. The winner of that pre-heat will get the He believes their stand on to surf the mythical Chicama, one of the chance to compete in the main event. One longest waves in the world. He’d also love ensuring it’s not all about surfer hoping for a good result is Sigatoka’s winning, will allow students to come to New Zealand too for some surf, Paul Chong Sue. even though the water is cold, and would to enjoy themselves and learn Paul, pictured, has 20 years of surfing ex- the sport. love to get some snowboarding in. 14 MAY>2012>Wansolwara Sports Jump record falls Minnow after 12 years by SHIVNEEL NARAYAN schools A 17-YEAR-old from the soc- cer-crazy town of Ba smashed a 12-year-old record in the Coca-Cola Games at the weekend. Form Seven student, Malakai Kaiwalu of Xavier raise College, set a new interme- diate boy’s high jump record of 2.01m. The old record of 1.96m was held by Antonio Rahiman and was set back in 2000 when Rahiman was the bar representing Saint Thomas High School. by RONISH KUMAR ers High School, 25, Suva Grammar, 22, Xavier Col- “I was very excited when MINNOW schools are gain- lege, 10) while 85 medals I cleared the bar at 2.01m,” ing confidence to compete were won by other schools Kaiwalu said. neck-to-neck with other combined. The lad from Vatulele al- dominant schools and win In the girls division, top ready broke the Games re- medals, say the experts pre- three finishers shared 41 cord at the Ba Zone when he sent during the 2012 Coke medals only (Adi Cakob- jumped 1.97m. games. au, 12, Suva Grammar, 14, “When I realised that I had jumped 1.97m at our Zone Athletics Fiji coach Albert Jasper Williams 15) while Miller said smaller schools meet, I was confident that I others combined grabbed a would break the national re- winning medals was one total of 94 medals. thing that has caught his at- cord so I just concentrated on Another expert and of- tention during the two day improving my jump here,” he meet. ficial, Gabrielli Qoro says added. “I have always been glad the game has moved to an- Kaiwalu dedicated his re- to see smaller schools other level with the coach- cord-breaking feat to God, picking up medals and that es doing their homework his mother, who is a medical is what this championship well. doctor by profession, his rela- is about,” Miller said. “We can see that with the tives, staff of Xavier College He said there was too unknown schools winning and all his mates back home. much focus on bigger medals which show the “The recent flooding in Ba schools which deprived the level of competition and it disrupted my training but I newcomers but now it was is good job from the coach- Nadarivatu import... Mereseini Naidau (right) of Jasper High School during the junior girls 4x400m tried maintaining my fitness fascinating to watch the es. Whoever is mentally relay. n PICTURE: Maseikula Niumataiwalu by doing other types of train- games. and physically prepared, ing.” Track referee and life will win on the day when it Apart from athletics, he also member of Athletics Fiji, matters the most,” he said. Banz on Olympics dream likes playing soccer and rug- Paul Yee also said other Former national 7’s coach by with friends. schools were taking the and games official, Alifer- by RONISH KUMAR have made it past the second chances for the Olympics “I hope to continue with my “challenge head on”. eti Cawanibuka said cham- round,” said Tabakaucoro. were good. athletics career if I am given “The games are not domi- pionship has become more TRACK star Banuve Tabakau- He said he wants to clock Miller said what the athlete an opportunity. “I am just re- nated by a few schools. efficient with development coro remains keen to take better times before trying for needed was to be in constant ally happy that I got to finish There are smaller schools of athletics reaching to all part in the Olympics. the Olympics. high-level competition. my athletics career on such a winning medals,” Yee said. schools. Speaking to Wansolwara “The Olympics will always “He is a special athlete but high note,” he added. He said all the athletes “My observation is that at the Games, Tabakaucoro be an aim,” said Tabakauc- he needs to see what his pri- Kaiwalu said believing in were enjoying themselves things are shared now, and said he has chosen to focus oro, who pulled a hamstring orities are and making it to God and doing our best in on the track and they were potentials are everywhere,” on studies because he did not just before the Coke Games. the Ol­ympics is not his prior- everything we do brings out performing well. he said. think his chances at the Lon- However, Athlet­ics Fiji ity right now,” said Miller. the best in everyone. In the boys division, 57 “Outside schools have don Ol­ympics were good. President Albert Miller be- Tabakaucoro reiterated Everyone should always try medals went to top three greatly improved and med- “...With the times that I lieves otherwise. that his top priority was his to strive for excellence, he was running, I wouldn’t finishers (Marist Broth- als are spread out.” He says Tabakaucoro’s education. said.

Relief ... an elated student at the end of the relay. n PICTURE: Maseikula Niumataiwalu A cheerleader executes the choreography with ease. n PICTURE: Maseikula Niumataiwalu

Wansolwara>MAY>2012 15 WANSOLWARA Sports Mum Poor vision’s no barrier weeps as by RONISH KUMAR because sometimes I cannot see the Narara said he could not have bro- guidance from his school teachers. tracks properly. However, I close my ken the record if Ravana did not test After the two medals, he was de- son beats MARIST Brothers High School’s left eye to focus,” he said. his limits and that he was “really dedi- lighted and felt “great”. Ravana now trackstar Roy Ravana’s impaired vi- He said it was the hunger for a win cated in training”. wants to concentrate on Seventh the odds sion forces him to run with one eye and the spirit to work hard that kept “I thank him (Ravana) for giving me Form Examination to live his dream closed. him going as he also pushed team good competition. If he did not push of being a pilot. by RONISH KUMAR The 400m record holder and mem- mate Ratutira Narara to the limit in me in last 100 meters then we could The 18-year-old from Kadavu said DESPITE the overwhelming ber of the victorious 4x400 meters re- the 400m finals. not have broken the record,” Narara he gets his motivation from 400 me- lay team says he closes his left eye to hardships that came his way, Narara won gold in 47.74s while Ra- said. ters champion Michael Johnson, and Ashneel Nand vowed to suc- help him focus. vana settled for silver clocking 47.79. Ravana said he had been training “wants to be running his time one ceed. He did just that at the “There are problems when I run The two broke the record of 47.84 s. from the beginning of the year with day”. Coke Games last Saturday when he won the Open Boy’s 3000m race. Verekauta His mother, Meena Wati, was at home, watching the special moment on live tel- hopes to evision. She said she wept as she emulate watched her only child make her proud. Niko “I am so happy. It is like God coming directly. I was pray- by RONISH KUMAR ing all throughout his race,” EPARAMA Verekauta wants Wati said. to follow his cousin’s foot- She said Ashneel was so fo- steps but was disappointed cused that he wanted nothing to have lost out on the gold in else but to win gold to make the 100m junior boys final at her proud. the Coca-Cola Fiji Secondary The win, she said, was extra Athletics Championship last special because the family has weekend. been through much hardship Eparama, of Queen Victoria since her husband died. School, clinched the bronze Ashneel was in Class 2 then. instead. “We are very poor and I He is the first cousin of have brought him up with the Digicel Fiji national 7’s great difficulty,” she said. team’s newest member, Niko There were times too when Verekauta. they had nothing to eat. Niko, who is the former na- “Ashneel always comforts tional blue ribbon champion, me, saying he would make a was named in the Fiji 7’s side difference,” Wati said. to take part in the final leg of Ashneel started the race the HSBC World Sevens Se- on a slow but steady pace. ries in Glasgow and London. At one point he was among Verekauta finished with a the last chasing the pack. He time of 12.03 seconds behind made his move in the second Simon Lilicama (11.73s) and lap and steadily passed other Samuela Dakunivosa (11.79s). athletes to set him at fourth “I spoke with Niko during place. their pool session before the In the second last lap, he meet proper and he gave me picked up his pace to secure helpful tips as to how to plan the win. my race,” said Eparama. “This gold goes to my mom, “He told me to give my 100 teachers and whole of Tavua per cent effort in the first community but especially to 30m, then maintain the lead my dad who is not with me.,” for the next 70m.” said Ashneel. Eparama said he looked up “When I was on the track I to Niko because of his hum- thought of him and he would ble nature and his willing- have been so happy if he were ness to help others. alive today.” He said he aims to repeat He said his mum was his his cousin’s feat and be a blue biggest supporter and he ribbon champ. could not have achieved any- “I want to win the blue rib- thing without her. bon when I am in the senior “I knew that I would win be- grade then go on to represent cause I trained very hard with the Fiji national sevens side, sand bags, hill running and just like Niko did. I want to walking to home from school follow his footsteps,” he said. for endurance,” said Ashneel. “I tripped when I started the “My coach, Ajesh Gosai, race which slowed my start a helped me with my training bit and I am not happy at all, as well. however, this bronze is for In the senior boys 1500m my parents and Niko.” event, Ashneel won a bronze Eparama said he wished his medal. cousin all the best and hoped Tavua College won gold, a the sevens team returns High flyer... Ratutira Narara tapes the senior boys 4x400 meters relay final for Marist at the Coca-Cola Games 2012. silver and bronze medal at with the world sevens series the Games. n PICTURE: Maseikula Niumataiwalu crown.

16 MAY>2012>Wansolwara