THE US FIJI TIMES World’s Largest Fiji Newspaper Out Of Republic of Fiji December 2019 Monthly Publication - Subscription Available Pages 52 Volume: 186 Neal’s Coffee Shop –A ASuccessful Success StoryFijian By Jayant Singh, San Francisco, CA We sat amidst the patrons as they indulged deep into the freshly prepared lunch at Neal’s Coffee Shop in San Mateo, California. Owner Sunil Prasad ordered our light toast and coffee then opened on his successful journey into the world of entrepreneurship with least of pride and demeanor that one would generally expect from an accomplished businessman. Siting across we listened to the ever clattering of spoon and forks support full by aromatic atmosphere of toast bread, coffee and fresh prepared meals. In the first few minutes of interaction we were seeing a sense of easiness and intellect that defined the portrait of a successful business. Using- tra ditional Fijian values of simple communication and human interaction capabilities he is now an established businessman with high develop- ment potential. Coming from a small community of Caulasi, Raki Raki, Fiji in 1981, with barely anything; worked his way up to fulfill his dream that started from a field unrelated to food industry. He is a graduate in computer science from Stanislaus State University CA, majoring in Programing. Continued Page 6 & 7 Fiji Day Golf 2019 Wild Horse Golf Club 2020 TICKETS ON SALE GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW BEFORE RUGBY 7s HITS PRICE INCREASE JANUARY 1ST LOS ANGELES Email: [email protected] www.usfijitimes.org facebook/usfijitimes THE US FIJITIMES Phone: 650-918-0769 Direct: (510) 931-9107 Email: [email protected] www.usfijitimes.org facebook/usfijitimes Website: www.fijiembassydc.com Email: [email protected] www.fijime.tv Email: [email protected] 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 Embassy of the RepublicAmbassador of Fiji to the 1707 L Street, Suite 200,United NW States of America. Ambassador Satyendra Prasad Washington, D.C. 20036 USA Representative of Fiji Tel. # (202) 466 8320Embassy Fax #of (202)the Republic of Fiji to the United Nations, 1707 L Street, Suite 200, NW New York 466 8325Washington, D.C. 20036 USA Tel. # (202) 466 8320 Fax # (202) UN Office In Geneva Nazhat Shameem Web: www.fijiembassydc.com 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. er field there is competition and 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. Fiji” has been a difficult task for the world have commended the Even though they are not cause is worthy of higher rec- Sweden for Fijians abroad to tisepaper he on makes its stand toup serve for the thetoo defivisible 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 FIJI TIMES December 2019 Vol. 186 Fiji Times by contacting them at [email protected] THE US FIJI TIMES 3 THE US FIJI TIMES December 2019 Vol. 186 GO FIJI GO 4 THE US FIJI TIMES CALL: 415-617-5432 Surveillance system for commercial and residential. Guaranteed price match! SUNTECH THE US FIJI TIMES December 2019 Vol. 186 THE US FIJI TIMES 5 Editorial Comment Attack on Law Enforcement Personal Profile of the incumbent Trade Com- Officers Reflects Poorly on Fiji’s missioner – North America Society and Trending Culture Praneet K. Singh CA, CPP, BCOM, LLB, By Jayant Singh, San Francisco MTAX(HONS) There has been a trend of brutality against the po- Mr Praneet K. Singh joins the Ministry of Industry, Trade, lice and vice versa as per postings on social media and Tourism team with vast platforms in recent times. experience gained from the private sector. The change in Fiji society that had blended well Mr Singh is a graduate from the University of Auckland with the law enforcement till now can be attributed with dual Bachelor degrees in Commerce (both Accounting & Finance) and Law. Mr Singh to many reasons, but that most obvious one is the has further completed postgraduate social media influence on the nation. study in International Taxation and was awarded a Masters The impact of social media is so high, that many of Taxation (Honors) from the same nations are seriously considering strict measures to University. curb it affects on common people. Mr Singh holds professional affiliations as a Chartered Ac- Fiji is no exception, despite being a small nation countant (Australia & New Zealand) along with being enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the has come under influence strongly. It is now easy High Court of New Zealand. for anyone to air one’s views openly and aimlessly. Prior to his appointment as Trade Commissioner, Mr Singh The wider misuse of this comes from residents -liv was a Principal Consultant of an ing abroad who have are pouring venom to incite established Chartered Accounting and Management Consul- the locals to pick up foreign behavior and turn onto tancy practice. Previous to this, Mr Singh joins our team with many years its enforcement personal with no regard to its effect Praneet Singh of Corporate and Commercial Trade Commissioner on the nation’s image. Banking experience having had worked with growing enter- prises turning over between $2m - While we do agree that there have been numerous Fiji Trade Commission instances of abuse of power but that does not give $150m. Mr Singh’s last tenure in banking involved holding North America the title of Senior any citizen a right for retaliation to seek justice. 5777 W Century Blvd Adviser/Accountant to the CFO of New Zealand’s largest Ste 1585, Los Angeles Taking law and order on one’s hands means that the registered Bank. California 90045 that country is leaning towards a civil unrest. Mr Singh brings with him a keen zeal to serve the people of The enforcements agencies are legislated to cater Fiji. His passion to extend our T: 310 645 2136 nations brand and to deliver beneficial opportunities to all for any complaints against them and the public Mob: 310 291 3807 must adhere to this process. Fijians remains his key mandate. Mr Singh’s contribution, along with the support of our stake- The government must work to educate its law- en holders will enable him to bring forcement agencies to show more compassion and forward the enchantment of Fiji on a global scale. humanity towards the public, as this has been the major focus on social posting against the Police and Army. With all being said, the people in Fiji must under- stand that the Police have been vested with wider enforcement powers to execute its duties. This in- cludes taking any step necessary that it deem fit to counter an impending crime or in pursuit of a crim- inal.