THE US FIJI TIMES World’s Largest Fiji Newspaper Out Of Republic of Fiji June 2019 Monthly Publication - Subscription Available Pages 52 Volume: 180 UN CHIEF VISIT TO FIJI HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL A-League: Roy Krishna claims US Fiji Times looks back at the first ever visit to the top Wellington Phoenix award Republic of Fiji by the United Nations Secretary-Gen- eral (UNSG), His Excellency António Guterres Photos (Fijian Government) Wellington Phoenix striker Roy Krish- erato Cacace. Williams, who is also off na has claimed the top prize at the contract, was recognised for scoring club’s end-of-season awards. In total, a hat-trick against the Newcastle Jets Krishna won three awards, including and his third in that game was voted the Player of the Year, Players’ Play- Goal of the Season. Rufer won two tro- er of the Year and the club’s ‘Golden phies, claiming the inaugural Bandage Boot’ award for scoring 18 goals last Award and Lloyd Morrison Award. season. Krishna was also recognised Former player Ben Sigmund selects for scoring his first career hat-trick the Bandage Award winner, which against Melbourne City. is awarded to the player showing the The 31-year-old was instrumental in most fight, resilience and determina- leading the Phoenix to the playoffs for tion throughout the season. the first time since 2014. The Fijian- The Lloyd Morrison Trophy goes born star is off contract and hasn’t to someone who epitomises what it signed a new deal with the club yet, means to play for the club. Phoenix but Krishna told Newshub he was striker Roy Krishna celebrates scoring “very close” to making an announce- for Wellington. Phoenix striker Roy ment. Krishna celebrates scoring for Wel- Other award winners for the Phoenix lington. Wellington Phoenix striker See Page 8 included striker David Williams, mid- Roy Krishna has claimed the top prize fielder Alex Rufer and defender Lib- at the club’s end-of-season awards. Rocky Lal defies statistical Odds in Golf Congratulations to Rocky for achieving what we all try to do it once in our LifeTime. Rocky Lal of Viti Golf Club and a member of the USA Can Am Fiji Cup Team, achieved a rare two Hole in Ones within 9 days of each other. Playing at Rustic Canyon in Moorpark Ca on May 2nd got his first Hole in One on the 17th hole from the Blue tees with a 8 iron from 155 yards. Then on Saturday 11th of May he pulled of a odds defying Statistical impossible by doing it again at The Club at La Quinta in Palm Spring from 158 yards with an 8 iron again. On both occasions he played a Titleist Prov 1x. Rocky being one of the top Fijian American Golf Players in North America will be buying drinks for all his buddies. His shout and laughter (we all are familiar with) after the Hole in One in Palm Spring caused a seismic ramble which was recorded by the US Geological Service Pasadena California. THE US FIJI TIMES June 2019 Vol. 180 4 THE US FIJI TIMES THE US FIJITIMES Phone: 650-918-0769 Direct: (510) 931-9107 Email: [email protected] www.usfijitimes.org facebook/usfijitimes Fiji Government Information Center Fax Number: 310-531-8789 TOURISM FIJI THE AMERICAS E-mail: [email protected] 5777 West Century Boulevard, Suite 220, Los Angeles, CA 90045 Telephone: (310) 568 1616 Toll Free: 1-800-YEA-FIJI (1-800-932-3454) Fax: Website: www.fijiembassydc.com (310) 670 2318 Email: [email protected] www.fijime.tv Email: [email protected] Solo Mara Ambassador to the United States of America. Ambassador Satyendra Prasad Representative of Fiji Embassy of the Republic of Fiji to the United Nations, 1707 L Street, Suite 200, NW New York Washington, D.C. 20036 USA Tel. # (202) 466 8320 Fax # (202) Nazhat Shameem Permanent Representative To The 466 8325 UN Office In Geneva Web: www.fijiembassydc.com Dr. Donald E. Vinson Honorary Consul of Fiji, Mr Bobby Naicker Mr Jay . Singh Los Angeles Consulate Honorary Consul Honorary Consul of Fiji of Fiji, of Fiji, 2301 Rosecrans Avenue, Vancouver San Francisco Suite 3185 Canada USA El Segundo, CA 90245 Telephone Number: 310-531-8784 THE US FIJI TIMES PROUD OF ITS SERVICE The US Fiji Times is ranked community. The US Fiji Times tions, they are taking up their vibrant community, so despite of USA. as the top newspaper being understands that like in any oth- challenges very effectively. the paper being issued free the published outside of Fiji for er field there is competition and The marketing strategy handled expectation of the community The feedback has been over- the Fiji American commu- competing with by the Publisher Rocky Ali is is very high. The coverage of whelming in this regard and it nity and all over the world. the hallmark of the papers cur- all major events is a must for has become a trend for many “The largest newspaper out of rent strength. Despite lacking the paper and it is very proud organizations to rely on USFT The paper’s popularity has Fiji” has been a difficult task for the front line journalist exper- to be associated with major in reaching the desired suc- grown immensely in recent newer publications. This is not tise he makes up for the defi- organizations to see that their cess with adequate coverage. years due to its critical ap- because of its magnitude and ciency with the sheer ability to functions are properly cov- proach in impressing the need coverage but because of its sta- keep the media wagon rolling. ered with pictures and stories. The paper will strive to serve for charitable organizations to bility and growth capabilities. the community with the best of rise up in all occasions to help His insatiable love to be in- The paper is being also sent to its ability and assures the com- Fiji and the people back home. The writers of the paper volved with the community countries like Fiji, NZ, Aus- munity that there will be quality Visitors from around comprise some of Fiji’s best. to cherish in this very noble tralia, Canada, England and reporting at all times. the world have commended the Even though they are not cause is worthy of higher rec- Sweden for Fijians abroad to paper on its stand to serve the too visible in social func- ommendation. We have a very also get the feel of the luxuries WE have noticed that some pictures that appear in the US Fiji Times have been reproduced in some other newspapers, magazines and web sites. Please note that all contents of the US Fiji Times are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced in any form without the permission of the US Fiji Times by contacting them at [email protected] Read Online : facebook.com/usfijitimes THE US THE FIJI US FIJITIMES TIMES October June 2019 - 2018 Vol. 180 Vol. 171 THE US FIJI TIMES 3 Eid Celebration The Meaning and Significance of Eid al-Fitr More than one billion Mus- become a better person. How- lims across the globe will soon ever, what also makes Rama- celebrate a holiday called Eid dan special is that it is only one al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr, means the month. Had it been more than “Holiday of Breaking the Fast.” that it would lose its uniqueness. It is one of the major holidays of It is a short, but high intensity, the Islamic faith. This holiday month of changing your life. spans over three day with the Because Ramadan is a month first day marking the end of the of refraining from eating and month of Ramadan. The month drinking during the daylight of Ramadan Muslims refrain hours, Eid is about celebrat- from eating, drinking, and in- ing the hard work. During Eid, timacy with their spouses from Muslims are prohibited from sunrise to sunset. In the evening, fasting and therefore must eat they gather in the mosque to and drink. Each culture through- perform a special congregation- out the world has different Eid al prayer called Tarāwīḥ. Addi- traditions, but all of them begin tionally, many Muslims spend with the morning Eid prayers in most of the month of Ramadan the mosque. These prayers are in sincere devotion, praying in usually very large and some- the middle of the night, giving times take place in a larger set- charity, and performing good ting such as a park or stadium deeds. One might imagine that to accommodate all the people. Muslims are relieved that Ra- Toward the end of Ramadan madan is over. However, for Muslims give a small amount of many, as Ramadan comes to an money in charity, approximately ing represents spiritual renewal. ing and family gatherings. Many on the day of Eid there were end they feel a sense of sadness. $10 a person, and this goes to The person leaves Ramadan, a mosques in America give toys people playing in the mosque Ramadan is a time when they the less fortunate. It is meant month of self-discipline, in a to all the children who attend and entertaining others. She draw near to God, better them- to allow those families who more beautified spiritual state. the prayers. Different Muslim sat with the Prophet with her selves, and feel a close intimacy are struggling to also celebrate Food is an important part of Eid. cultures have their own special cheek against his. Therefore, to God that cannot be explained. Eid, buy new clothes, or gifts for Eating takes the place of fast- Eid sweets.