Fiji Day Festival Shines at Santa Rosa
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THE US FIJI TIMES World’s Largest Fiji Newspaper Out Of Republic of Fiji November 2019 Monthly Publication - Subscription Available Pages 52 Volume: 185 Fiji Day Festival Shines at Santa Rosa Continued Page 6 & 7 Lomaiviti who had services of former captain and 2016 gold medalist of Olympic in Rio Oscar Kolinisau wins 7s Rugby by Nick Khelawan Oakland F.C Back To Back Champions OF Fiji Day Soccer Tournament OFC Coach MVP Mohammed Ismail Avee Naicker Oakland F.C coached by Mohammed Ismail, captained by Suva Rep Mohammed Muffin won the Fiji Day soccer tournament beating Modesto F.C by 4-0 SATURDAY FEB. 29 RUGBY 7s HITS & SUNDAY MAR.1 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 November 2019 Vol. 185 Fiji Times by contacting them at [email protected] THE US FIJI TIMES 3 THE US FIJI TIMES November 2019 Vol. 185 GO FIJI GO 4 THE US FIJI TIMES Personal Profile of the incumbent Trade Commissioner – North America Praneet K. Singh CA, CPP, BCOM, LLB, MTAX(HONS) Mr Praneet K. Singh joins the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism team with vast experience gained from the private sector. Mr Singh is a graduate from the University of Auckland with dual Bachelor degrees in Praneet Singh Commerce (both Accounting & Finance) and Law. Mr Singh has further completed postgraduate Trade Commissioner study in International Taxation and was awarded a Masters of Taxation (Honors) from the same University. Fiji Trade Commission Mr Singh holds professional affiliations as a Chartered Accountant (Australia & New Zealand) North America along with being enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. 5777 W Century Blvd Prior to his appointment as Trade Commissioner, Mr Singh was a Principal Consultant of an Ste 1585, Los Angeles established Chartered Accounting and Management Consultancy practice. California 90045 Previous to this, Mr Singh joins our team with many years of Corporate and Commercial Banking experience having had worked with growing enterprises turning over between $2m - T: 310 645 2136 $150m. Mr Singh’s last tenure in banking involved holding the title of Senior Mob: 310 291 3807 Adviser/Accountant to the CFO of New Zealand’s largest registered Bank. Mr Singh brings with him a keen zeal to serve the people of Fiji. His passion to extend our nations brand and to deliver beneficial opportunities to all Fijians remains his key mandate. Mr Singh’s contribution, along with the support of our stakeholders will enable him to bring forward the enchantment of Fiji on a global scale. Ron Bainivalu Ph: 707-304-3184 Email: [email protected] Consular/Admin Officer @ The Office of the Fiji Honorary Consul THE US FIJI TIMES November 2019 Vol. 185 THE US FIJI TIMES 5 Editorial Comment Strict Measure Needed for Growing Fatal Accidents in Fiji By Jayant Singh, San Francisco Fiji government should consider imposing strict regulations on over speeding and drunk driving to curb the growing rate of accidents in the country. It is suggested that mandatory suspension of driving license be introduced for offenses on over speeding above a certain speed limit. Example: If speed limit is 60 km/h , driving over 65 to 75 would prompt a speeding ticket, and driving over 75 would prompt speeding ticket plus immedi- ate license suspension until case is heard in court.( LTA to decide the range ) The immediate suspension enforcement for such speeding should be solely be based on the radar data determined on spot and verified by the driver and a witness. (mode to be decided by LTA) As radar data is generally taken as certified and in- disputable proof for speeding, it would be an ap- propriate certification to slap the immediate suspen- sion of driving license. The suspension should be effective till the case is formally heard in court. The revocation or retention of the suspension would rest on the court’s first hearing. Such decision will be based on the driver’s previous record on similar of- fences, if any The Suva -Nadi corridor has seen many high speed- ing chases and due to the traffic polices not being available on a regular bases, this measure would work to deter high speeding. Such measure should also be extended to all alcohol related accidents/ driving that can be appropriately verified by a senior police officer upon a request. Also such suspension should also be enforced for offenses for any driving of extreme nature posing safety risk for other motorists or pedestrians Currently the court determines suspension of li- cense after the case is heard and the driver is gener- ally left free to drive until then. Immediate suspension will see drastic drop in speeding and also prompt driver to adhere to the speeding limits. THE US FIJI TIMES November 2019 Vol. 185 GO FIJI GO 6 THE US FIJI TIMES Fiji News Fiji Day Festival Shines at Santa Rosa By Jayant Singh & Nick Khelawan By Jayant Singh and Ron Bailivalu The annual Fiji Day festival at Chief guest was Fiji’s Honor- that carried forward the jovial mon Kanahi and Lala Rupan. exciting fast paced event. Sanoma County Grounds was ary Consul in the Bay Area, mood. It is natural for Fijians Six teams had taken part in the A bay area prominent real- successfully by the First Unit- Mr. Jay Singh gave a very to swing into melody of any soccer event that finals saw tor commended the event or- ed Methodist Church - Fijian hearting plea to the commu- live band on stage, so here was Oakland FC beating seasoned ganizers saying the sporting Language Ministry of Santa nity to stay united and give an opportunity to feel the real team Modesto FC by 4 goal to event was flawless and thank Rosa on the 10th to the 13th of reverence to the forefathers beat to jive along.