Soul_Surfer by Shelvin Singh

18 A FIJIAN IN THE US ARMY 40 SHAENAZ VOSS CONTINUES TO SOAR 50 CHEF SEETO: CHINESE NEW YEAR RECIPE

Soul

FIJIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NO.1 MAGAZINE $4.95VIP No. 80 JANUARY 2014

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A farmer's story www.facebook.com/mailifemagazine

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OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

Fijian female surfer, Hannah Bennet, opens up about the rewards and challenges of being a part of the vibrant sport of surfing

Wedding Savusavu wedding bliss

INSIGHT REPORT

Elections 2014 1

JANUARYwww.mailife.com.fj 2014

FACULTY OF

ARTS, LAW & EDUCATION www.fale.usp.ac.fj School of Law

School of Education Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching (In-service) – Primary Certificate in Teaching (In-service) – Secondary Certificate in Non-Formal Education Diploma in Early Childhood Education Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) Diploma in Educational Evaluation & Assessment Diploma in Educational Leadership and Change Diploma in Library/Information Studies Diploma in Multilingual Studies (Managed from the Emalus Campus, Vanuatu) Diploma in Special and Inclusive Education Bachelor of Arts Graduate Certificate in Education – Major in Double Major: Education, Technology, Food & Nutrition Science – Minor: Education, Food & Nutrition Sciences – Minor: Information and Library Studies Bachelor of Arts & Graduate Certificate in Education Bachelor of Commerce and Graduate Certificate in Education Bachelor of Science & Graduate Certificate in Education Postgraduate Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching Postgraduate Diploma in Education Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Tertiary Teaching) Master of Arts, Major in Education Master of Education PhD

School of Language, Arts and Media Undergraduate Diploma in Pacific Journalism Diploma in Vernacular Language (Fijian) Diploma in Vernacular Language (Hindi)

Postgraduate Postgraduate Diploma in Arts: Linguistics and Literature Master of Arts, Majors in Linguistics and Literature. PhD

JANUARY 2014

Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Legal Practice Professional Diploma in Legislative Drafting Postgraduate Diploma in Law Masters of Environmental Law Master of Laws PhD

School of Social Sciences Undergraduate Certificate in Community Development Certificate in Policing Diploma in Social and Community Work Diploma in Police Management Bachelor of Arts – Majors: History, Pacific Policing, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology – Major in Double Major: History, Pacific Policing, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology – Minor: History, Pacific Policing, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology Postgraduate Postgraduate Certificate in Gender Studies Postgraduate Diploma in Arts: History, Psychology, Social Policy & Administration and Sociology Master of Arts: History, Psychology, Social Policy and Sociology PhD

Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies Postgraduate Postgraduate Diploma in Arts, Major in Pacific Studies. Master of Arts, Major in Pacific Studies PhD

Bachelor of Arts – Majors: Literature and Language, Pacific Literature, Journalism, Literature, Pacific Language Studies – Major in Double Major: Fijian, Hindi, Linguistics, Literature, Journalism, Literature and Language, Pacific Language Studies, Pacific Literature – Minor: Creative Writing, Literature, Literature and Language, Fijian, Hindi, French

Undergraduate Diploma in Prosecutions Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Bachelor of Arts – Major; Major in Double Major; and Minor In Law Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Laws (Combined Degrees) Bachelor of Commerce & Bachelor of Laws (Combined Degrees)

Undergraduate Studies Applications for admission to Undergraduate programmes should be addressed to: Admissions, Student Academic Services, Laucala Campus, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji. Tel: +679 3231444; email: helpdesk@student.usp.ac.fj Postgraduate Studies Applications for admission to Postgraduate programmes at the Faculty should be addressed to: Anilesh Singh, Administrative Assistant, Faculty of Arts, Law and Education, Laucala Campus, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji. Tel: +679 3232704; email: anilesh.singh@usp.ac.fj Dean: Dr Akanisi Kedrayate, tel: +679 3232049; email: akanisi.kedrayate@usp.ac.fj Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching: Donald Bruce Yeates, tel: +679 3232772; email: donald.yeates@usp.ac.fj Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Affairs: Dr Mohit Prasad; tel: +679 3232411; email: mohit.prasad@usp.ac.fj

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Dear readers and potential students, Bula! The Faculty of Arts, Law and Education (FALE) of the University of the South Pacific offers you a wonderful opportunity of education. If you do choose FALE, you would have joined a vibrant, devoted and talented group of academics with a profile and presence second to none in various fields. Whether your interest lies in Literature or Law, Journalism or History, Social Science or Education, you will be given every opportunity to follow your passion, to pursue your research interests and to develop your analytical, critical and creative faculties. The faculty has a longstanding tradition of cutting-edge research and teaching and offers a wide variety of programmes leading to certificates, diplomas and degrees from BA, MA to PhD. FALE graduates find employment as teachers, lawyers, writers, editors, librarians, social workers, broadcasters, civil society advocates, diplomats, translators, interpreters, journalists, academics, politicians, designers, proof-readers, directors, rights activists and public intellectuals. They are hired by respected regional and international agencies—European Union, United Nations, Forum Secretariat, AusAID, NGOs, Women’s Organizations and so on. They also possess transferable skills that allow them to change jobs with relative ease. FALE’s collaborative and supportive learning environment brings together an extended community of students, faculty, staff members and alumni who make FALE more than just a faculty. The entire team of the faculty encourages you to work hard to achieve the best training in the various fields of humanities and we encourage you to participate in the bodies established by the faculty and the different professional and cultural activities that are scheduled throughout the year. If you are considering furthering your tertiary education, then why don’t you consider joining us? We at FALE are committed to creating value for you and your future pursuits. I wish you a beneficial and stimulating 2014 and I pray that this year will help us make a better Pacific.

Dr. Akanisi Kedrayate Dean, Faculty of Arts, Law and Education The University of the South Pacific

FACULTY OF ARTS, LAW AND EDUCATION Student Learning Support

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Vision Achieve academic excellence by offering quality programmes, be internationally recognised centre for the undertaking of teaching, research, publication, and consultancy and community services and provide relevant and sustained focus on the Pacific region.

Mission To provide learning and teaching of the highest possible quality, prepare students from highly diverse backgrounds for the workplace, lifelong learning, community engagement, life and service, conduct research with collaborative focus and enhance its role in community, national, regional and global engagements, services and support. www.mailife.com.fj

JANUARY 2014

JANUARY 2014 ISSUE 80

SHAINAZ VOSS CONTINUES TO SOAR JANUARY 2014

ENVIRONMENT

WE VALUE WHAT WE MEASURE

BUSINESS

ASITA CHAND: LICENSED TO KILL

HEALTH

JOJI: THE FITNESS GURU AND BODY TRANSFORMATION SPECIALIST

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REBA MCENTIRE: SUPERSTAR SINGER AND INSPIRATION TO WOMEN www.mailife.com.fj

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Life Is Orange Published by Cover Story Ltd ISSN: 1995-8633 PUBLISHER

NAZIAH ALI

ave you ever wanted to surf but have had inhibitions of whether you could balance yourself on a surfboard out in the ocean? It certainly is so much fun watching professional surfers attack those brutal waves. It can be an exhilarating experience. Surfing is a relatively minor sport in Fiji, though some years ago when I was entertaining the idea of taking up surfing classes, I was astonished to find out that the early Fijians were one of the first surfers in the world. “Fijians surfed hundreds of years ago,” said the enthusiastic surf instructor over the phone. “We’re natural surfers so you need not worry,” he said as he tried to dispel my concerns that I wouldn’t be any good at this. Whether there was any truth to it, I don’t know but I eventually decided against it and penciled down ‘learn to surf’ on my ‘Things To Do Before I Turn 30’ notebook. Mai Life, however, met a young Fijian woman has been hitting the waves since she was 13. Her name is Hannah Bennet. Hannah’s our cover for the first issue for this New Year. Originally from Rotuma, this young surfer has represented Fiji in surfing, competing against some of the top surfers in the world. She certainly has done Fiji proud! Read her story on page 14. Isn’t it exciting that we’ve made it into another year? I hope you could look back at 2013 and honestly say that you’ve done the best you could and have worked as hard as you can to progress towards what you are aspiring for, whether it is to own your home, buy a car or land that job you’ve always wanted. With the first general elections in almost

a decade earmarked for this year, you, the voter, will ultimately decide your future by ticking the box of the candidate whose policies will affect your dreams. Thus, it is important – crucial, even – that you make an informed choice as to whom to elect and whom not to elect into positions of authority. In view of this, Mai Life Magazine will afford you all information necessary for you to make that informed choice. With every issue of the magazine leading up to this year’s election, we will cover, in a fair and balance manner, election hopefuls who are running for office. This month, we start off with ten questions that every hopeful candidate must answer, as prepared by respected academic, Dr Neelesh Goundar, before they are elected into office. Read about it on page 26 in Mai Life Insight. Elections are the seal of representative democracy, permitting your input in choices about leaders and policy so be sure to not only participate in this year’s elections by casting your ballot, but also learning about the candidate or party you’ll be voting for and whether their policy is beneficial or detrimental to yours and Fiji’s future. May 2014 be a great year for you, your family and, of course, our beloved Fiji. Happy reading!

Wame Valentine EDITOR

publisher@mailife.com.fj

CREATIVE CONSULTANT BOSEPA DESIGN bosepadesign@gmail.com

GRAPHICS DESIGNER WAISALE KOROIWASA wise@mailife.com.fj

PHOTOGRAPHY

FEROZ KHALIL feroz@mailife.com.fj

DISTRIBUTION

SHELVIN SINGH shelvin@mailife.com.fj

CONTRIBUTORS

BERNADETTE ROUNDS-GANILAU RATU KALAVETI TUICAKAU SHANI WILLIAMS NYLES SERU HOSSANA KABAKORO DR. NILESH GOUNDAR MOLLY POWERS-TORA STAN TURNER LANCE SEETO

EDITORIAL

editor@mailife.com.fj publisher@mailife.com.fj PH: 3312061, 3312044, 3312042, 3312046 fAx: 3312062

COVER

HANNAH BENNET PHOTO COURTESY STU jOHNSON

• PRINTED BY QUALITY PRINT, SUVA FIJI • MAILIFE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY COVER STORY • P.O. BOX 18357, GENERAL POST OFFICE, SUVA • COPYRIGHT MAILIFE MAGAZINE • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED • NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER

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JANUARY 2014

EVENTS

what’s on in

JANUARY

send your event listings to editor@mailife.com.fj

•Wednesday, January 1: New Year’s Day! •Monday, January 13: Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday

Regulars

Monday Hospitality night @ Vibe, Martintar, Nadi Tuesday Every last Tuesday of the month, Victoria Wines offers wine tasting for $20, 6pm @ Shenanigans Wednesday Jazz Legend Tom Mawi, 6pm @ Holiday Inn, Suva Thursday Blue Monk & Artists, 6pm @ Holiday Inn, Suva. Rako Pasifika @ Mango Café

•Saturday, January 18: The Craig McElrath Cancer Foundation sponsored by Fiji Surfing Association, McDonald's and Namotu Island Fiji will be staging an AllRound Fun Surfing Competition for all at Namotu Island. •Friday, January 24 – 26:

2014 USA Sevens Rugby – Las Vegas

Next Month: •Friday, February 7 – 8:

2014 Wellington 7s at the Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand

Friday Kulture Entertainment, 6pm @ Holiday Inn, Suva. Ladies night @ Vibe, Martintar, Nadi

•Friday, February 14:

Saturday Georgina Ledua with Kulture Entertainment, 6pm @ Holiday Inn, Suva

Valentines Day

•Friday, February 21:

The AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards

"Always the first retreat, never the last resort." Telephone + 679 890 1050 + 679 838 4365 reservations@leleuvia.com

www.leleuvia.com Only 90 minutes from Suva. Come for a day, the weekend or stay for longer, the memory of Leleuvia's friendly staff, intoxicating beauty, natural charm and organic ambiance, will stay with you for a lifetime.

JANUARY 2014

Surrounded by meadows of coral, languid tropical waters as transparent as air and situated just a short boat ride from the Eastern fringes of Viti Levu, Leleuvia Island is a true island gem, where all paths lead elsewhere and elsewhere all is beauty.

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BRIEF

HIS Excellency the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, was this month invested into the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. The ceremony, which took place at the State Room at Government House, saw His Excellency conferred this Order by the Lord Prior, Professor Anthony Mellows, the Third Great Officer from the Sovereign Head of the Most Venerable Order of St Jerusalem. His Excellency stated that he was privileged to have been invested into the Order of St John of Jerusalem and that it was due to the sterling work of the St John in Fiji.

“Even though I am the one who has the privilege of being invested today, this is in recognition of the sterling work of Saint John Fiji and I know that this work will continue,” said His Exellency. During the investiture ceremony today, Professor Anthony talked about the honor of being a part of the worldwide organisation which is St John and that it was an order of chivalry. “Membership of the order is therefore an honor. The order of St John is a working order which is actively engaged in the works of charity", said His Exellency.

PHOTO MINFO.

Fijian President invested into The Order Of St. John of Jerusalem

THE President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau is invested into the Order of St John of Jerusalem by Lord Prior Professor Anthony Mellows

Fiji’s Foreign Affairs Minister passes the G77 torch to the president of Bolivia AT a ceremonial meetbeen a year since Member States ing at the United Nations were tasked with implementing the in New York early this follow-up processes to the Rio+20 month, Fiji’s Minister of conference; a year when the world’s Foreign Affairs, Ratu Inoke political leaders had reaffirmed their Kubuabola, handed over the collective commitment to accelerate Chairmanship of the Group the achievement of the Millennium of 77 and China to Bolivia’s Development Goals by 2015. The Head of State, President Evo Millennium Development Goals Morales Ayma. require the membership to deliberate Bolivia will now Chair the heavily on the creation of sustainable G77 Handover Ceremony - Left to Right - Ambassador Thomson UNSG Ban Ki-moon Minister 133-member G77 for the dura- Kubuabola PGA John Ashe G77 Executive Secretary Ahmia. goals. 2014 is also a year in which tion of 2014, taking over from a UN Budget for the biennium 2014a Fiji leadership role that began in January 2013. During the hando2015 has to be negotiated in the face of severe financial constraints ver on the podium for the ceremonial meeting Minister Kubuabola and Minister Kubuabola expressed Fiji’s sincere thanks to the President President Morales were joined by the President of the UN General of the General Assembly, John Ashe, and United Nations SecretaryAssembly, John Ashe, and the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. General, Ban Ki-moon, for their presence and their continued support In Minister Kubuabola's handover address at the ceremonial meetin advancing the global development agenda. He paid special tribute to ing, he reported to the G77 Member States on the activities of the Ambassador Peter Thomson and Fiji’s team of diplomats who had caroutgoing G77 Chair and thanked them for the great privilege they had ried the burden of the Chairmanship with outstanding professionalism, given Fiji in leading the Group. Minister Kubuabola said that in taking on and to the hard-working team of the G77 Executive Secretariat for their that momentous role, “fiji had committed to honour the great responsiongoing support for the Chair. In closing, Fiji’s Minister renewed the full bilities you put upon us, with full respect for the duties entailed, holding support of Fiji for President Evo Morales, as Bolivia takes up the high the Group's interest sacrosanct throughout Fiji's chairmanship”. mission of Chairmanship on behalf of the Group. The Minister said that Fiji’s chairmanship of the G77 had coincided with a challenging agenda in the United Nations. He said it had

Sorry!

The Taylor Family Reunite By WAME VALENTINE RECENTLy, a handful of families reunited with other extended members of the family from Fiji and abroad. The Whippy family, arguably the largest family in Fiji, had their reunion in late 2012 where a tombstone was unveiled by His Excellency the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, at the family estate in Nakabuta, Wainunu in the province of Bua to commemorate their founding father, David Whippy. The Thaggard family’s reunion followed a few months later where descendants of Captain Peter Thaggard of Denmark bonded at the Hexagon International Hotel in Nadi. This month, the Taylors organized their first worldwide reunion where the descendants of Archibald Taylor met, most for the first time, in Suva. Archibald Taylor, a native of Scotland, and his wife, Mary Charlotte Pickering, settled in Udukavu, Taveuni in the 1860s. www.mailife.com.fj

Members of theTaylor family at the family reunion in Suva

The week-long event saw members of the Taylor family from Fiji to the United Kingdom and everywhere else in between, even from Kenya, re-connect with each other. “In my mum’s generation, they used to get together and then it lapsed. This reunion brings everybody back together and reunites everyone. We would have walked past each other on the streets and not know that we were related. your heritage and your family are important so we’re planning on keeping up the family reunion every few years", said one of the event organizers, Tamsy Griffen.

In our last month’s issue, we profiled a number of prominent Fijian businesswomen of which Fehrial Afzal was one of. However, it has come to my attention that we misspelled her name and we also incorrectly mentioned that she has a 7 month old son, when, in fact, Ms Afzal’s son is 7 years old. We sincerely apologize to Ms. Afzal for this. JANUARY 2014

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FEEDBACK

Letters Dear Mai Life, Would it be possible to have just a link on Ms Mereia Tuiloma's coverage available to the public? I have heard of her bravery through grapevine but I am not able to afford the magazine through other commitments. Appreciate your diligence. Shalini Lata Dear Mai Life, I haven't picked up a copy of your magazine, but was interested to know if you had a Women's Health column? Claire Abigail Young EDITOR We do not have a health column devoted solely to womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health but we do have Mai Health which covers the physical transformation of a number of men and women who wanted to lose weight and/or gain muscular density. We may consider a column solely dedicated to womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health so keep reading to find out, Claire! Dear Mai Life, A really interesting magazine to read! Bill Suli

For any feedback you may have regarding any features in this issue or should you like to share a story with us, please don't hesitate to email us at editor@mailife.com.fj.

An eye for detail

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Mai Life at Large

Seko and Kaybe with their copy of last month's issue of Mai Life on Beqa island

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Dhrupesh Rajani of Tanzania with last months issue of Mai

JANUARY 2014

HAPPENINGS 1

4 5

2014 New Year Celebrations On January 1, Fijians all across the country heralded in another year with families and friends. 1. A guest posing with the bar men at the beach party at Uprising Beach Resort. 2. New Year Celebration at Vunibaka Grog Bar 3. Staff and guests welcome 2014 New Years eve at Outrigger Resort 4. Foam Party at Eds Bar in Nadi, photo courtesy of Monica Borando 5. Grog Party 6. Its fun and more fun at the Uprising Mexican Fiesta Beach Party 7. Two guests brought colour to the Mexican Fiesta Beach Party at the Uprising Beach Resort. 8. Revelers of the night at the beach party at Uprising Beach Resort! 9. Happy New Year from Nadi Town 10 9

JANUARY 2014

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HAPPENINGS

Resort guests and santa in front of the ginger bread house

Christmas Party

at Mai Life Magaz

ine

S anta at Ou arrives o n trigge r on t a bilibili he La goon

Youth of World Harvest Centre posing under the Christmas tree

Beqa Lagoon Resort Staff's christmas party. Photo by Vasiti Ratulevu

alian

str t the Au a y t r a n as p Christm igh Commissio H

2013 CHRISTMAS PARTIES

Last month, families all over Fiji celebrated the holiday season with lovo, dancing and merrymaking. Here are just some of the photos capturing those unforgettable moments!

tralia the Aus t a y t r n as pa Christm igh Commissio H

y at th

cand ds out n a h S anta beach

trig

Guest

at the Outrigg er enjo istmas y Carols

www.mailife.com.fj Chr

ger aro staff und chr Sig istm tok a a t s car ow n oling JANUARY 2014

HAPPENING

Damodar City Centre Opening Last month, a new jewel opened in the capital city. After two years of its construction, the $30million Damodar City Centre officially opened its doors to invited guests on December 11, 2013.

Lisa Apted, Caroline Ah Koy & Elaine O'Connor

Scott & Cristina Lower

Alicia McCarthy, Merelita McCarthy & Nicole Morris

JANUARY 2014

Leena Punja, Jinita Prasad & Adria Hughes

Elvina Chaudry & Roselina Chaudry

Faraz Ali & Dr Nur Bano Ali

Entertainment by Oceania Dance Group

Mue Bentley Fisher & Neisau Tuidraki

Women In Business executives (Foto Ledua, Jodie Chang, Dr Nur Bano Ali, Laura Houlihan & Jinita Prasad)

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PHOTO: FEROZ KHALIL

COVER

India’s utility leader now in Fiji India’s leading brand in utility vehicles, Mahindra is now available in Fiji. Established in 1945, Mahindra’s core automotive and farm equipment businesses have grown into market leaders whose triple bottom line ethic is driving industry trends towards technological innovation, social responsibility and constantly improving customer satisfaction. Over the years, Mahindra has spun off into new ventures in order to better meet the needs of its customers; expanding into automotive and non-automotive components, information technology, financial services and energy. It operates in a federated structure so that each business can take risks and grow on its own and simultaneously leverage synergies across the entire Group’s competencies. The Mahindra Group employs more than 155,000 people in over 100 countries and has an annual turnover of US$16.2 billion. Mahindra has been the leader in utility vehicles for over fifty years in India since it built the first Willys jeeps under license on Indian soil in 1947. Today, Mahindra’s portfolio comprises a wide spectrum of vehicles from www.mailife.com.fj

two wheelers to heavy trucks and SUVs to buses. Its services include maintenance, repairs, customization, providing spares , manufacturing and engineering. The commonly known Mahindra UTE’s include Scorpio and Genio single and double cabs. Mahindra has also expanded its automotive range in foreign markets including the United States, Europe, South Africa, Australia and now Fiji. The all new are powered by the super fuel efficient and powerful new Mahindra mHawk Diesel Engine. The engine holds a capacity of 2.2 L with 4 cylinders that delivers impressive power to these UTEs that is equivalent to the industry’s 2.5L

diesel engines. The mHawk Technology has been well configured with an advanced top- mounted intercooler and turbo charger. Moreover, the engine is based on the Bosch Common Rail system with solenoid injectors and fuel spray designed to improve fuel efficiency. The two chain drive stage system and hydraulic lash adjuster keeps the engine quiet at all times. The ‘Made Tough to Handle the Rough’ Mahindra UTE’s are now available in Fiji from the newly opened Mahindra CarCity showroom, located at 25 Kings Road, Nakasi. All new Mahindra vehicles are backed by a 3year/100,000km warranty. Source: Mahindra CarCity

JANUARY 2014

Soul COVER

Surfer

Fiji's top ranked female surfer Hannah Bennet sits down with Mai Life and opens up about the rewards and challenges of being a part of the vibrant sport of surfing.

By HOSANNA KAbAKORO

ilence. All she hears is silence and the pounding of her heart in her eardrums. Opening her eyes, she is confronted with endless shades of azure and deep blue. Beneath her is the unknown; above her, chaos – a chaos that she loves and thrives in. As she breaks to the surface, the silence is suddenly broken by the thunderous echoes of some of the world’s most powerful, perfect and dangerous waves. Going against all human logic and instinct, she begins paddling – not away from the crashing walls of water but directly into them. She is from an elite, small group of humans known by their carefree attitude and bond with nature. She is Hannah Bennet and she is a surfer. Born in Suva and raised in Rotuma, Bennet is the youngest of three girls.

"Mum is from the small island of Rotuma, south of Fiji and my father is American from the east coast, Rhode Island to be exact. They met in Fiji thirty eight years ago. My entire family, including Dad, speaks Rotuman and Fijian," says Bennett. Her older sister Kim Bennet has also represented Fiji in numerous games, most recently the 2011 Pacific Games in New Caledonia, where she won a bronze medal. Bennet's first competition was in Hawaii. She was 13 and since has been competing and representing Fiji. For decades, surfers and big wave riders have traveled to Fiji to surf what top surfer Kelly Slater says is "the most perfect wave in the world". The world of surfing knows the wave as cloudbreak; locals know it by its iTaukei name: ‘kurukuru mai lagi’ which literally translates as ‘thunder from heaven'.

Fiji's top ranked female surfer Hannah Bennet sits down with Mai Life and opens up about the rewards and challenges of being a part of the vibrant sport of surfing.

JANUARY 2014

www.mailife.com.fj

COVER

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JANUARY 2014

COVER

Hannah duck-dives while out surfing

Fijian surfing legends like Isei Tokovou, Ratu Aca Ravulo and Paul Chong Su have the advantage of training and surfing the perfection of cloudbreak. Practicing on the world’s most perfect wave results in worldclass locally produced surfers. "Women’s participation in surfing has really grown in recent years, so it’s been exciting to watch that happen. I am proud to be able to represent Fiji in competition,” says Bennet. She explains that surfing is a rather new sport for many in Fiji and says that while the community is quite small,

JANUARY 2014

support is strong. "We are very fortunate to have such great waves here and because of that, Fiji is known for its magical waves internationally. There is a lot of potential for local surfers here in Fiji", says Bennet. When asked what some of the challenges are being a female surfer in a predominantly male dominated sport, Bennet explains that in each country she surfs in, the ‘surf culture’ varies; some places are more tolerant of women in the sport while others less so. She uses Hawaii as an example, saying that being a female surfer in

The ocean and I have an interesting connection; we have an on-off relationship. Most times I feel very confident and in my element but every now and then it reminds me of its power and that’s always a humbling experience www.mailife.com.fj

COVER

Bennet says she will always surf and that it allows her to feel such a sense of peace and calm that she couldn't imagine not doing it. Her next surfing journey will be in Australia where she will be representing Fiji once again, competing against some of the world’s best female surfers. Understanding that life is multi-faceted and exploring what the world has to offer her is also a part of the next phase of her life. “There is a fine line, though. I don’t want to make competitive surfing my career or my life. I enjoy it but there are other goals I would like to pursue also.” While she may be known for surfing, this vibrant powerhouse makes it clear that the sport is not her identity. Seeking her calm and serenity in the chaos and thunder of the ocean is the way she sits back and enjoys her life as a woman and a Fijian.

PHOTO:STU JOHNSON

currently at its highest”, says Bennet. “I grew up surfing with boys. All my surf buddies are guys, so I guess you could say I’m used to it. Spray them a couple times and they’ll either back off or want your phone number,” she says with a laugh. In high school, Bennet worked with Greenpeace Clubs, perfuming community services involving marine life and conservation. After she graduated, she enrolled in Greenpeace and continuously supports the organization’s work worldwide. Growing up on a small island surrounded by water meant that Bennet constantly was immersed in the ocean. “The ocean and I have an interesting connection; we have an on-off relationship. Most times I feel very confident and in my element but every now and then it reminds me of its power and that’s always a humbling experience.” A self-proclaimed ‘soul surfer’,

Hawaii, she is treated no different than her male counterparts. “In some instances, female surfers are more appreciated there (Hawaii) and treated with equal respect. In other areas, the response could be quite different,” says the seventeen year old Melanesian Surf Cup two-time Open Women’s Champion. “We (women) are constantly trying to prove ourselves and that’s at all levels, amateur and professional surfing. At the same time though, this pushes females to surf better and that is partly why the professional level of female surfing is Hannah and cousin Georgina www.mailife.com.fj

JANUARY 2014

DIASPORA

Finding her niche She had travelled almost 7,000 miles to meet the grandmother who helped raised her only to find out that there’s more to it than just meeting grandma. The adage ‘one thing leads to another’ could not be any less true for her. NYLES SERU tells us Lia Wright’s story.

er plans thwarted, her life changed and all thanks to one trip to the United States. An ambitious school girl while growing up, Lia Wright (nee Lasagavibau) aspired to be a school teacher. "I have always had interest in mathematics and accounting, and I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, to teach and develop the future generation", says the woman from Vanuadina, Tokatoka in Tailevu.

With three sisters and one brother, Lia was the only sibling raised by their grandmother in the outskirts of Suva. Her grandmother later settled in the US (something Lia would be grateful for years later) while Lia went on to complete her secondary education. They say many depart our shores in search of greener pastures. "Yes I do identify with this statement, everyone longs to find that opportunity to travel to one of the most influential countries in the world, become something better and achieve more in life", says Lia. "I departed for the US in 2003 and my mum who is an American citizen made it all possible", says Lia, excitedly remembering her first trip to the ‘land of opportunity’. "One of the reasons why I left for the US was the exciting thought of meeting my grandmother again after being apart for five years", says Lia. Like most first-time visitors, Lia had preconceived ideas of the US. "I thought of school, finding a job, meeting new people and of course opportunities that we never get on a day-to-day basis in Fiji", says Lia. Though a feeling of excitement flickered within, the thought of getting lost in an American concrete jungle made her nervous. But what awaited the young island girl on her first arrival

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was far greater than her dreaded f e a r s . "I was shocked that ever y o n e m o v e d at such a fast pace”, says Lia. Lia had to do away with the The Wright couple with their first born Lorenzo. ‘Fiji Time’ m o d e which many Fijian are familiar with, but embraced the ‘time waits for no man’ mindset as the new norm in a foreign land that would later become her new home. “I realized I was dealing with people from outside my comfort zone,” says Lia, though she got the hang of it later. For her, one of the best things about being a Fijian in a foreign country was the reaction from the locals. “Whenever I mentioned Fiji, the reactions are priceless,” says Lia, smiling as she recalled those moments. “What are you doing in the States?, Why do you want to come here?, the locals would ask me", says Lia. However, a handful would give her the inevitable, Where in the world is Fiji? It was on her first trip to the US to visit her grandmother that Lia wound up in the US Army. “Joining the US Forces was never in my wildest dream as my desire was more inclined towards the teaching profession”, says Lia. “It was on an unusual day while my grandma and I were walking down the street that we had a conversation on what

I was shocked that everyone moved at such a fast pace

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DIASPORA

in a foreign world I could do. I was weighing in between choosing college or a part time job. I initially wanted to attend college but did not know how I was going to finance my studies”, says Lia. While they were walking, they came upon a US Army poster offering the payment of college tuition to applicants who are enlisted. “That was an opportunity I could not resist”, Lia exclaimed but her grandmother was hesitant at the prospect of her ‘baby girl’ leaving her and joining the US Army. Nine years have passed since her recruitment and Lia could clearly recall the first day her delicate Fijian feet set foot in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. “My first day at camp was a complete shock! The yelling and screaming from my drill sergeants was nothing close to my ‘bed of roses’ expectations”, says Lia smilingly. Then there was the issue of the correct pronouncement of her name. “I had one of the longest unfamiliar names in the platoon so I was called all kinds of names. The one that everyone eventually settled with was Fiji", says Lia laughing. Lia cited t h e British English that Fiji has in its education system as something to which she was grateful for because according to h e r American peers, “I s p o k e proper English and my grammar was too formal for their understanding”, says Lia. Lia would soon discover that her enlistment with the world’s most powerful military would open a new chapter in her life. It started when she first reported to her regular unit in El Paso, Texas. “I met my husband, Wesley Wright, whilst we both served in the army; he was in the same battalion as I was. We met through a conversation about work and normal procedures around the unit”, says Lia. “After brushing shoulders regularly at work, I invited him to attend church with me at a local church. I don’t think it was love at first sight but some sort of conviction that sparked an interest. It was more of a spiritual connection”, says Lia. The two lovebirds had a lot in common: “We were both www.mailife.com.fj

The Wright kids meeting their grandpa during their recent Fiji trip. from the islands (Wesley is Bahamian) and we held great respect towards our parents and elders”, explains Lia. So how did Wesley propose? “It was on a snowy Christmas day after enjoying some delicious brunch at a park. We sat and conversed about family and friends and as the conversation grew I felt like I knew where this was heading. I had a smile on my face while he had tears in his eyes. It was an emotional yet exciting moment for us”, expresses Lia. They wed in a church attended by friends. “It wasn’t a grand wedding as both of our immediate families were in Fiji and the Bahamas respectively and with work being our priority, we just gathered our closest friends to celebrate with us instead”, says Lia. The couple now has two children. In late 2012, Wesley and Lia made a memorable trip to Fiji where they brought their two children, Lorenzo (8) and Elaine (6) to Fiji for the first time. “My children had a real village life experience in Komave, Nadroga and they enjoyed it”, says Lia. “They would wake up and help with their favourite babakau recipe for breakfast. I bet you if you were to serve pizza or babakau for breakfast, they’d go for the latter”, says Lia with a laugh. But the call of duty would soon take the Wrights back to the US where Lia serves as a Drill Sergeant in a Basic Combat Training Unit in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. “It’s a demanding job. We train, develop and lead future soldiers to be combat ready within ten weeks from their initial day of training”, says Lia. Juggling motherhood and work is no easy task. “In the army, we have nurseries and individual providers who care for your child/ children at their home so that’s good. It’s not easy to play mom, soldier and wife all at the same time but once priorities were right, we managed to get everything else organized”, explains Lia. It has been quite a journey for Lia Wright, initially traveling to America to reunite with her grandmother but then unexpectedly joining the US Army. Lia is one of only fifty Fijian recruits in the force.

JANUARY 2014

COUNTRY

ELIZABETH ARDEN LAUNCHES UNTOLD EAU LÉGÈRE Your Story. Your Journey. Experience a new dimension of UNTOLD.

Following the remarkably successful launch of UNTOLD Eau De Parfum, Elizabeth Arden is proud to reveal a new dimension of UNTOLD—UNTOLD Eau Légère. This vibrant new expression is a dazzling interpretation of UNTOLD original that reflects the more lighthearted side of today’s modern woman as she thrives in her life’s journey. Similar to UNTOLD Eau de Parfum, UNTOLD Eau Légère was designed to reflect the many dimensions of a woman, highlighting those special moments when she is truly at ease, revealing her genuine smile and effortless grace. While the original emphasizes the sophistication and grace of the modern woman, UNTOLD Eau Légère accentuates her brilliant vibrancy, spontaneity and natural femininity. A more citrus, airy floral essence, UNTOLD Eau Légère lends a new interpretation of today’s woman while holding on to the sensual and magnetic base characteristic of the original. The Fragrance: Vibrant. Spontaneous. Feminine. Mysterious. Sensual Since 1922, Elizabeth Arden has been crafting fragrances as part of the brand’s holistic approach to beauty. While past classics like Red Door, 5th avenue and Green Tea continue to delight women around the world, the brand marked a

JANUARY 2014

significant portfolio achievement with the launch of UNTOLD. As with all previous Elizabeth Arden fragrance families, UNTOLD Eau Légère will creatively continue the UNTOLD sensory journey in a new and exciting way. Crafted by legendary perfumer Clement Gavarry from IFF, UNTOLD Eau Légère boasts a new sparkling citrus and airy floral accord that works in harmony with the sensual and magnetic base notes present in the UNTOLD original. Gavarry once again masterfully brings together the highest quality ingredients to capture a vibrant new expression of UNTOLD by introducing sparkling green apple, grapefruit and purple freesia to the fragrance. Vibrant : Sparkling Green Apple fused with playful Pink Pepper exposes her vibrant optimism and joyful spirit. Spontaneous : Playful, fruity accents of Grapefruit and Blackcurrant Bud LMR evoke her light-hearted ways. Feminine : Delicate Purple Freesia and Pink Peony reveal her romantic and youthful femininity. Mysterious : Nuances of Patchouli Heart LMR1 and Sandalwood hint at her mysterious aura. Sensual : Heated Ambers cascade over the caress of hypnotic Musk unveiling her magnetic sensuality. Lingering in the air is the unforgettable essence of her presence.

The Packaging: Like its UNTOLD counterpart, the breathtakingly beautiful UNTOLD Eau Légère bottle embodies the multi-faceted, versatile nature of the modern woman. Just like the woman, the bottle is made up of many facets, which make it radiant and elegant. Due to its subtle curvature, the bottle takes on an appearance that is strikingly different at every angle, just as a woman delights those around her with a new side to her at each moment. UNTOLD Eau Légère has a light-golden hue to reflect the character of the new fragrance. The UNTOLD Elizabeth Arden Collection: UNTOLD Eau Légère EDT (3.3 fl. oz./100 ml) UNTOLD Eau Légère EDT (1.7 fl. oz./50 ml) Availability: February 2014 Where to Buy: all Tappoo Downtown and Duty Free stores.

Elizabeth Arden

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Insight FIJI'S CURRENT AFFAIRS REPORT

Ten questions aspiring politicians must answer Sector

$3.5m loan package for 50 Fijian farmers

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s s e n i s Bu

Maria: mother, wife and millionaire

JANUARY 2014

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BUSINESS NEWS

Fiji Airway’s flight path to success By SHANI WILLIAMS

Fiji Airway’s strives to heighten tourism, improve Fiji’s economy and increase employment opportunities for Fijian citizens

On the 10th of January 2014, Fiji Airways unveiled its five-year strategic plan, which was approved by the airline’s Board on the 16th of December 2013. The five-year plan will expand route networks, forge airline partnerships, heighten employment opportunities, raise operating profits and increase passenger numbers by 39% through a 25% growth in fleet size and a 35% growth in seat availability. By 2017, Fiji Airways will purchase one A330-200, two B737-800 and two ATR72-600. Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO, Stephen Pichler, explains that this is the first time a strategic plan for the airline has been developed bottom up with input from stakeholders, customers and Fijian citizens. “This is ‘our’ plan, we developed it, we believe in it and we will make it happen”, says Mr. Pichler. Fiji Airway’s financial target is to reach an operating profit of $100 million by 2017; a figure based on

current fuel process and exchange rates. “We need to be sustainably profitable and have a healthy cash flow to pay off our debts and fund new aircraft”, says Mr. Pichler. “It is our aim to be a world-class boutique airline and we must match that with an ambitious but solid financial growth plan”, says Mr. Pichler. Also imperative to Fiji Airway’s success is building and maintaining a strong, capable and loyal workforce. The five-year plan outlines a 30% increase in total employee numbers and a significant investment in Fijian-based professional training programs. These training programs will qualify local citizens in an array of roles across the expanding company, ensuring employment and career opportunities for Fijians. “As Fiji’s national airline, we have a responsibility to provide career opportunities for Fijians” says Mr. Pichler. “Part of Fiji Airway’s vision for 2017 is to be the ‘employer of choice’ for Fijian citizens”, says Mr. Pichler. In 2014 alone, 131 Fijians are expected to join Fiji’s national carrier.

Fiji Airways has already announced schedule increases. These changes include direct services from Sydney to Suva and Apia to Suva; effectively opening up Fiji’s East Coast to international holidaymakers and business travelers. Presently, Fiji Airways is the only airline to service remote countries, such as Tuvalu. As a result, the expansion of Fiji Airways will have a positive economic impact on numerous Pacific Island communities. The five-year plan outlines capacity increases across the Asia/ Pacific region including: Asia (144%), Pacific Islands (86.6%), New Zealand (58.9%), Australia (28.4%) and Fiji (12.3%). Currently, Fiji Airways flies to 15 cities and 10 countries, employs over 900 Fijian citizens, transports 64% of all visitors flying to Fiji and significantly contributes to the country’s gross domestic product. Virgin Australia is the airline’s primary competitor. “Since the 1st of January 2014, the clock is ticking. Our team is committed to succeed, we will make a prosperous future for everyone within this great airline, for everyone in this beautiful country”, says Mr. Pichler.

APPOINTMENTS: THE WHO'S WHO By DHRUpESH RAjANI

Vilimaina Dakai

Tourism Fiji

Tourism Fiji has appointed new state managers in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. The three new managers will be in control of trade support and incentives as well as agency updates and agent training. Matthew Symonds joins Tourism Fiji in New South Wales from Rail. Also, Karen Everingham has joined the Queensland branch after working in client development for Virgin Australia and David McMahon takes over the Victoria branch having previously worked at Intrepid Travel as the business development manager for Victoria and Tasmania.

Lorraine Seeto

Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) has appointed Lorraine Seeto as chief manager for the risk management and communications group effective 1 January this year. According to an RBF statement, Ms Seeto joined the bank in December 1981 as an assistant research officer in the research department and has risen through the ranks. She has represented the bank in a number of forms and in various capacities. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the South Pacific and a Master of Commerce degree from the University of New South Wales, Australia. www.mailife.com.fj

Ms Vilimaina Dakai has been appointed as the Chief Manager Financial Institutions with effect from 1 January 2014. She has been acting in this position since 15 April 2013. Ms Dakai has extensive experience in prudential supervision and policy, having served as Manager, Financial Systems Policy for three years and her present substantive post of Manager Financial Institutions Supervision from January 2007. She has also had a short attachment with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority in 2005. Ms Dakai joined the bank in July 1999 as an Analyst in the Financial Institutions Group. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the South Pacific and completed a Master of Business Administration from the same university.

Rufus Pinto

ANZ Banking Group has appointed Rufus Pinto as their new CEO in Kiribati replacing Mr Isikeli Tuituku following his three-year term in charge. Mr Pinto has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Victoria Business School as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Finance. The outgoing CEO, Mr Tuituku, is due to take on a new role within ANZ.

JANUARY 2014

INSIGHT

Ten questions aspiring politicians must answer By DR. NEELESH GOUNDER, ph.D (ECONOMICS)

(L-R) Gyaneshwari Ram (FLP), Shammi Kapoor (FLP), Ratu Is National Register of Voters.

lections are around the corner. It is that time when aspiring politicians from various political parties will hold campaigns meetings around the country. Old timers as well as first-time candidates will make appealing promises in order to convince you to vote for them or their party. The economy is one of the most important issues in any election in any country. Politicians love to make assurances about how they will manage the economy and the policies that will be implemented once they are in power. This is because the standard of living of citizens is inevitably linked to how well the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy has been performing over time. Promises by politicians abound during campaigns. Mostly, promises are based on what the party or candidate will do if elected and hardly any information is given on what will be the outcome of the policy on the economy as a whole. As a result, populist policies are usually backed by politicians and the economy and wide impact of these policies is usually not disclosed or discussed. Popular policies, however, do not necessarily make good economic policies. This article presents ten questions to ask aspiring politicians on where his or her party stands on some of the most

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critical outcomes required to promote economic growth and to improve the standard of living. The electorate needs to know what policies the party will implement for a desired outcome. This article presents ten questions based on ten desired outcomes. What we would like to know from aspiring politicians is what policies will be implemented to achieve these ten outcomes? 1. What labour market reforms and policies will you or your government implement to spur productivity? The quantity of output produced relative to inputs is the core issue about productivity. Fijiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity to lift its standard of living and boost wages and profits is inevitably linked to its ability to generate productivity growth across the economy. Investment, job creation, higher real wage growth and better standards of living all depend on productivity and competitiveness. Thus, wage increase without rise in productivity could be harmful as it may lead to flight of capital investment from Fiji. 2. What will be your policies in containing government size and improving efficiency in public service? Lifting public sector productivity

should be another important goal to achieve efficiency. Why is the public sector productivity critical? The public service is the largest employer and an improvement in productivity in such a large sector would boost the wider economy. At the same time, there is a need to control government expenditure without compromising the essential services the government cannot afford to forego. Fiscal prudence is also important as it will support the private sector investment and growth. 3. How will your government make our towns and cities more sustainable and liveable? Towns and cities are the centres of commerce and home to around 55% of the population. Our urban centres are now under strain as population expands, infrastructure is inadequate and housing remains unaffordable to many. Poor planning is evident when you visit any town. Our towns and cities require new and improved sustainable urban development models. These models of development must reduce the physical environmental footprint that includes reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with various energy uses, water demand, waste generation and management and transport services.

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INSIGHT

soa Kamarusi (SODELPA), Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Ratu Isikeli Komaisavai (SODELPA), Sat Narayan (PDP), Nirmal Singh (PDP) at the presentation of 4. What policies do you support to increase foreign direct investment in Fiji? Foreign direct investment (FDI) is critically important to promote growth in capital stock and long term economic growth. The government has to play a critical role in order to provide relevant policies that reduce barriers and provide necessary setting to make Fiji an attractive destination for investment. FDI is critical because host countries benefit through exchange of skills, knowledge and expertise, creation of job opportunities and improved productivity. numerous barriers can exist such as political instability, counterproductive economic policies, weak or overly bureaucratic institutions, corruption, lack of transparency and discriminatory policies that attempt to mandate domestic outcomes. 5. Is the current land ownership system effective in promoting development in Fiji? How? Do you think any changes need to be made to the current system to be more effective? If yes, what changes? Land ownership and the leasing arrangements have been at the forefront of the most contentious political debates. Candid discussion from all sectors of the society is required to www.mailife.com.fj

unravel the advantages and disadvantages of the current system. This will allow re-organising, if required, the systemic structure of the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) for effective utilisation of land. It should be recognised that land is an important capital and that freer proper rights will be important in providing incentives towards investment in land. 6. What specific policies are required to reduce the level of poverty? At the eve of independence in 1970, we were a nation of high hopes. At that time, the rate of poverty was 7 per cent. Since then it has increased almost 5 times. Recent Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) estimates put the poverty rate at around 30 per cent. Clearly, something is very wrong here. Millions of people have been lifted out of poverty the world over. Fiji, however, has been on reverse. With rising poverty, more and more people have come under welfare. We cannot afford to go on like this and need to create a stronger economy by creating sufficient stable employment. 7. How will you or your government ensure quality education is provided in our schools? Development of human capital Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mailifemagazine

is critical for long term growth and development. Improvement in skills, knowledge and experience of the labour force is one of the fundamental factors that promote growth and development. It should be a key priority for the new government to take stock of the current education system at both the primary and secondary levels and assess the quality of the education that is provided to our children. The focus of any reform should place emphasis on teacher quality and training as well as the national curriculum. Every effort should be made to improve the quality and effectiveness of classroom teaching for improved student outcomes. If we are to produce an internationally competitive workforce, the government must set a target for our students to excel by international standards. 8. What policies and reforms are required to accelerate job creation in agriculture? Although agriculture has declined in economic significance in the last decade, the industry has the capacity to generate more stable jobs. Fiji has rich natural endowments of arable land and good weather in most parts of the country. To reinvigorate and expand the industry, reforms related to land issues, water management, access to inputs and infrastructure distribution JANUARY 2014

INSIGHT

The author questions whether the current land ownership system is effective in promoting development in Fiji

are required. In particular, expanding large scale commercial farming on unutilised land and providing incentives towards higher value added horticultural crops would enhance the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to generate stable jobs. It will be important to identify sectors within the industry in which to compete with a rigorous, evidencebased approach. Decisions that are politically driven to target sectors that favour certain groups are unlikely to succeed if the sector is not competitive. It should be noted that incentives are not good enough when supply side constraints dominate the decision to invest or not. 9. What are some of the strategies to promote the conservation and sustainable use of our environment?

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The primary focus of any environmental policy should address issues dealing with environmental degradation. Environmental issues that require attention include deforestation, water sustainability, loss of habitat (mangroves, coral reefs and forests), loss of biodiversity and the depletion of fisheries. The policy focus must go beyond regulation and enforcement as despite several regulations, the impact is hardly visible; for instance, working with indigenous communities and recreational fishermen to ensure sustainable fishing of marine animals. For Fiji, ensuring environmental quality is even more important as it is more dependent on primary production such as agriculture and fisheries, and the tourism industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reliance on the environment.

10. What trade policies will ensure export led growth and create a more open and competitive economy? Trade barriers, such as tariffs, have high costs. Producers and consumers suffer equally. While it was a good decision to join World Trade Organisation, what is important to remember is that bargaining to reduce barriers is not always the quickest solution to create a freer trade environment. Unilateral liberalization remains the first best policy. Import substitution and restricting imports will only end up increasing the cost of living for consumers. In fact tariffs are regressive as a heavier burden falls on the poor. Dr Neelesh Gounder is an economics lecturer at USP. He blogs on fijianeconomy.com. The views expressed are his own.

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FOCUS

Asco Motors Yamaha joins up with Vinod Patel

Asco Motors recently secured Vinod Patel as the second retailer distributor for its Yamaha outboard engines and generators. Vinod Patel, Fiji’s largest hardware companies has around twelve branches around Fiji and will retail Yamaha range of outboards and generator sets from these branches. At the Memorandum of Understanding signing this month, Asco Motors Manager Yamaha Mr Rupeni Matakibau mentioned “how delighted they were to sign on a new retailer company like Vinod Patel for Yamaha products. It just means we now have additional options for purchase for customers wanting to purchase Yamaha outboards and engines”. Matakibau was also thankful to Vinod Patel for engaging Asco Motors and looked forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the hardware retailer. Vinod Patel has twelve branches and outlets around the country in all major cities and towns.

Above: Rahul Amin, Chief Operating Officer for Vinod Patel with Jai Kumar, CEO Asco Motors Below: Asco Motors Yamaha's Rupeni Matakibau with Aniruddha D. Kolekar Product Manager Industrial Equipment

Source: Asco Motors

PHOTOS : SUPPLIED

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JANUARY 2014

ELECTIONS

Democracy on track:

Fiji’s electoral commission announced The Fijian Government has revealed the seven individuals who will supervise what the Bainimarama administration terms 'the truly first democratic parliamentary elections in Fiji’s history'.

By SHANI WILLIAMS

n the 9th of January 2014, the Fijian Government established Fiji’s first Electoral Commission. The Attorney General and Minister responsible for elections, Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum, guaranteed that each member of the Commission possesses a unique, individual and impartial electoral perspective and expertise. “Each of these outstanding individuals is credible, apolitical and independent from the Fijian Government. Together, they will bring integrity to the Commission’s work”, says Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum. The Commission consists of: leading legal practitioner and former president of the Fiji Law Society Chen Bunn Young, University of the South Pacific academic professor Vijay Naidu, tourism industry leader and marketing expert James Sowane, accountant and financial advisor Jenny Seeto, filmmaker and media specialist Larry Thomas, electoral expert and priest

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Father David Arms and educationalist and civil society leader Alisi Daurewa. The Elections Supervisor is yet to be appointed. After the announcement of the Commission, the Citizens Constitutional Forum published a press release, which assured that each of the seven members have given exceptional services in all areas of public and community life, as well as in private sector development. Fiji’s Electoral Commission is responsible for: the registration of voters, the registration of election candidates, the conduct of free and fair elections, the settlement of electoral disputes, monitoring and enforcing compliance with written law, governing elections and political parties, and educating voters. On Thursday the 16th of January, six of the Commission members met to commence planning Fiji’s elections. The seventh, Mr. Naidu, was not present. At a press conference held on Thursday the 16th of January, Mr.

Young, the Commission’s chair, assured Fijian citizens that the seven members have committed to holding Commission meetings at least once a week. Four political parties have been officially registered as candidates in the elections: The Fiji Labour Party, National Federation Party, Social Democratic Liberal Party and People’s Democratic Party. Each party has commenced campaigning throughout Fiji. Other parties have registered but are waiting to meet the requirements to be accepted as candidates. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has yet to launch his political party. Currently, there is limited available information regarding these parties and their policies. However, Mr. Young said that the Commission would commence voter education across Fiji as soon as possible. All Fijian citizens over the age of 18 are entitled to register to vote. A total of 543, 288 Fijians are currently registered. In addition, Fiji’s elections office is

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ELECTIONS

continuously carrying out voter registration drives throughout Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and USA. To date, 588 internationally based Fijian citizens have registered. Fiji’s elections are set to take place before September 2014. There will be no electoral boundaries and Fiji will be one comprehensive constituency. The slogan for the elections is ‘one person, one vote, one value’. 2014 will be the first time since Fiji gained

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independence from Great Britain that voting will take place without racial lines and boundaries; removing the barriers that have historically entrenched discrimination. Electoral Commission member, Mr. Naidu, feels optimistic that the elections will proceed. “The Fiji Government has made a commitment to the international community”, says Mr. Naidu. The architects of the 2006 coup endeavored to ‘clean up’ and ‘rebuild’

the country into a culturally vibrant, well-governed, democratic nation state, effectively transcending the social forces that they deemed responsible for long term ethnic disquiet and poor governance. Hopefully, Prime Minister Bainimarama’s 2006 coup was the last in Fiji’s short but turbulent political history.

JANUARY 2014

STORY

A man's dream to become a

commercial farmer

STORy & IMAGES By WAME VALENTINE

T any given weekend, chances are you will see Ratinesh Singh selling live chickens and ducks on the roadside. From his makeshift tent which he erected at the junction of Yasiyasi Road and Ratu Dovi Road, he displays his birds in his home-made, portable chicken coops. “Last weekend I made $2, 000,” he tells me, smiling. A red Toyota sedan pulls up and the driver steps out. He makes his way to a coop, pulls out a chicken and proceeds to estimate its weight by lifting the fluttering bird into the air. As he inspects it, I ask this prospective customer, “Why bother purchasing a live chicken when you’ll have to butcher it, pluck its feathers and then clean it before it reaches the pot? Why can’t you grab a packaged and frozen chicken from the supermarket?” He smiled at me understandingly, a smile of someone who pities the other for his lack of knowledge regarding the joy of consuming non-packaged chicken. “The ordeal that I would have to go through with a live chicken is worth it because the meat is fresh. nothing is better than that”, he says. And with that, he hands over $12 to Ratinesh and drives away with his chicken. As I stood there, I noticed how vehicle after vehicle would pull up to Ratinesh’s tent and drive off with a bird or two. Money w a s

JANUARY 2014

exchanged, hands were shaken in appreciation and the customers went off relishing on how to cook their purchase for dinner. I was amazed to see how much Ratinesh was making in that one hour. “Last weekend I made $2, 000”, he tells me smiling, while I was stunned at the knowledge that one can make so much by selling poultry on the roadside. Early this month, he graduated from the Fiji National University (FNU) after he successfully completed his

Certificate III in Commercial Farming course, a new agriculture scholarship program introduced by the Bainimarama administration in partnership with FNU. Last year, 50 scholarships were awarded to 50 lucky students as part of the Fijian Government’s modernization of the agriculture sector with the aim to make it more productive for the nation’s needs. Ratinesh was one of the privileged 50. “The policies of my Government are focused on ensuring that we become selfsufficient”, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama as he officially awarded the letters of scholarship to the students. “We need to be more efficient in what we already produce. We need to constantly explore new agricultural methods, intro introduce new technology, new seed varieties, new crops, new farming techniques and improve animal husbandry”, says Fiji's Prime Minister. The head of government went on to say, “In a world of scarce resources and a grow growing global population, the job of a farmer is undoubtedly more important today than at any time in history”, explains the Prime Minister. According to Ganesh Chand, the Vice Chancellor of FNU, each student who completes the course will receive a loan package of $70,000 which will cover the cost of 100 acres of farm land, a tractor, basic farm implements, fer fertilizer, a house, a shed and $2,000 start-up cash. now that Ratinesh has graduated, he is excited about obtaining his land and fur furthering his dream to be a commercial farmer. As he awaits the finalization of

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STORY

A customer purchasing a live chicken from Ratinesh the scholarship package, he agrees to take me to his farm in Sawani outside nausori where he lives comfortably with his wife and two sons. After a four minute bumpy ride from nausori in his single cab white Toyota Hilux that he purchased through the sale of his poultry we arrived at his home. Sitting on a hill overlooking lush greenery is his five-bedroom wooden home that Ratinesh and his brothers built 22 years ago. He escorted me to his large, airy living room and proceeded to make tea. Looking around his home, I marveled at his resolve to provide a better life for himself and his family despite a financially unprivileged upbringing. “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth”, says the second eldest of seven siblings. Born in Labasa to a truck-driving father and a stay-at-home mother, life wasn’t rosy for Ratinesh and his siblings, to put it mildly. “Life in Labasa was very hard for us”, Ratinesh says, as he pauses wondering whether to elaborate. Deciding to do so, he says, “every day we use to eat uto (breadfruit). In the morning, we could have uto curry with roti, lunch would be boiled uto and dinner would sometimes be tin fish with uto. Next day, we’d have uto all over again”, he says feeling embarrassed. When their land lease expired in 1991, the family moved from Vanua Levu to the mainland where they settled in Sawani, where Ratinesh and his young family still live today. “Once people come from Vanua Levu to Viti Levu, they then see life”, says Ratinesh. “Just like a frog in a well? Yes, that was my

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family’s experience when we saw the city life in Suva and life in general in Viti Levu. We saw opportunities here that we did not see in Macuata. I feel that people who were born in Viti Levu are comfortable and don’t want to take full advantage of job opportunities and incentives to make money. They just relax. But having lived in Macuata and knowing how tough life was for us there, we grabbed any opportunity that we came across to make decent money. The truth is there are opportunities out there; there are jobs available. But the thing I have noticed about the people from Viti Levu is that they’ll knock on the door once and if they get a ‘no’ they’ll knock again. If that fails, they’ll knock a third time and if they still get a ‘no’ they give up. For those of us from Macuata, we break the door the first time round because we don’t give up”, says Ratinesh. The 29 year old certainly didn’t give up upon moving to Viti Levu. He tried out his hands as a baker early on before being noticed by a school manager of Saraswati College and being recruited as their administrative office. In an amazing display of his capabilities, Ratinesh climbed the ladder to eventually become the school’s Financial Controller. However, in all of this, his heart was set in farming. Since his family moved to Sawani, he has been involved in animal rearing; particularly ducks, chickens and goats. From selling his livestock at the corner of Yasiyasi and Ratu Dovi Roads, he realized that the

demand for his livestock was so great that the supply was barely keeping up. Ratinesh dreams of expanding his clientele instead of being confined to the corner of Yasiyasi and Ratu Dovi Roads. He wants to be able to sell his livestock around Fiji, which is why he was eternally grateful to the Fijian Government and FNU for giving him a Commercial Farming Scholarship. “I almost missed the deadline to submit my application. I remember rushing to FNU, filling the form at the receptionist’s desk and attaching other relevant documents to my application and submitting it literally on the last minute”, says Ratinesh. For the next three days, Ratinesh prayed fervently that he may be considered a place in the 50 available scholarships. “When they called me informing me that I was successful, I jumped with joy. I was the happiest man in the world on that day!” says Ratinesh. With the $70,000 loan package that comes with his certificate, Ratinesh has ambitious plans ahead and believes that he could rake in a six figure return on his business in the next 10 years. “By 2019, I want to be a successful commercial farmer. That’s my goal. I have worked hard to get where I am today and with this added boost from the commercial farming certificate from FNU, I can go further. Five years after that, I want to export goat meat outside of Fiji. That is my dream and I am working towards it", says Ratinesh I have no doubt I will achieve it.”

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SECTOR

$3.5m loan package for 50 Fijian farmers By WAME VALENTINE

griculture was once a major stronghold of Fiji’s economy. Today, it comprises less than 10% of the gross domestic product. In the past, more than three-quarters of all Fijian households engaged in agricultural-related activities, Today, most agricultural workers have shifted to the service industry; creating a lack of farmers to toil the land and cater for the high agricultural demand from Fijian consumers. As a result, Fiji’s imports are greater than it’s exports. This imbalance contributes to a severe trade deficit. Climate change has had an adverse effect on the agriculture sector. The floods of January 2009 devastated areas in the central and western regions of Fiji. The majority of farmlands in the Sigatoka Valley were destroyed. Agriculture production in the Sigatoka Valley supplied 70% of vegetables to all local markets. Thus, the floods severely impeded agricultural production. However, relief was received from the Fijian government, as

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well as seedlings donated by foreign aid, which allowed many farmers to stabilize their vegetable production and make up some of the profits they lost. Although most Fijians have abandoned the farmlands in favour of white-collar occupations, government initiated solutions have been forthcoming. In response to the directive from the Bainimarama administration to motivate and attract school leavers of Fiji towards agriculture, the Fiji National University’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry proposes to offer a twelve month Certificate III Programme in Commercial Agriculture via the Department of Agriculture. This programme will focus on crop production, crop protection, soil fertility management, animal husbandry, agricultural machinery, equipment operations and agribusiness management. Dean of Business, hospitality and Tourism, Dr. Mahendra Reddy, believes that this programme is the solution to the current problems within Fiji’s agricultural industry. “We realized that the problem with Fiji’s agricultural sector is that we don’t

have young available people and we also don’t have commercially orientated people. So this program is our solution”, says Dr. Reddy. The programme is specifically designed to motivate school leavers to venture into farming and utilize the vast areas of vacant arable land available throughout Fiji. Given the high unemployment rate existing amongst Fiji’s youthful generation, this will provide an economic alternative for profitable selfemployment. This programme will also ease the rural urban drift, as students of this programme will be attracted to the rural areas where there is potential of employment. There are 50 commercial agricultural loan packages available. The scholarship is a sum of $70,000, which will be given to each student after the successful completion of the 12-month course. The $70,000 loan package will cover the cost of 100 acres of farmland, a tractor, basic farm implements, a house, a shed and $2,000 start-up cash. During the first-ever presentation of these scholarships last year, the Prime Minister said, “for too long we have dropped the ball when it comes to the task of feeding ourselves. We have relied far too much on imports. This reliance becomes even more marked when we have vast tracts of under-utilized fertile lands capable of producing the food we need. The policies of my Government are focused on ensuring that we become selfsufficient,” says the head of government. The Prime Minister also said that modernizing the agriculture sector was necessary to make it more productive for the nation’s needs. “This initiative is to increase the number of trades people in Fiji, expanding the nation’s skills base and providing jobs for our young people. We need to be more efficient in what we already produce. We need to constantly explore new agricultural methods, new technology, new seed varieties, new crops, and new farming techniques, and improve animal husbandry”, says Prime Minister Bainimarama. “This program is one of its kind in the whole world. We have had an overwhelming positive response from the public. I have received close to 500 calls from eager applicants”, says Dr. Reddy.

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SECTOR Mosese Volavola, SCI General Manager

Fiji produces ‘Aglime’: benefitting local farmers and stakeholders ‘Aglime’ (crushed limestone) is now produced within Fiji’s borders, reducing soil acidity, improving agricultural yields and heightening national profits. By SHANI WILLIAMS

TANDARD Concrete Industries Limited (SCI) and the Market Development Facility (MDF) recognized the growing problem of acidic soils within Fiji and have successfully manufactured locally produced ‘Aglime’. SCI launched the new agricultural product at the Suva Civic Centre on the 28th of August 2013. ‘Aglime’ is a 100% natural product, produced by crushing limestone down to a powder-like substance. This substance can be directly applied to soils. High soil acidity levels negatively affect foliage by limiting the availability of essential nutrients and heightening the level of soil toxicity, reducing crop production levels. Soil becomes acidic through the process of plant nutrient uptake; to achieve alkalinity plants excrete acid into their surrounding soil. www.mailife.com.fj

SCI General Manager, Mr Mosese Volavola, expresses that as soil in Fiji is heavily farmed the problem of soil acidity is exacerbated. “Most of Fiji’s soils are incredibly acidic”, says Mr Volavola. ‘Aglime’ increases the PH of acidic soil, provides a source of calcium and magnesium for plants, permits improved water penetration for acidic soil, improves the uptake of major plant nutrients and acts as a natural pesticide and fungicide. Being locally produced ‘Aglime’ will be available at a fraction of the price of imported alternatives. Mr Volavola explains that locally produced ‘Aglime’ will be over 50% cheaper than currently imported ‘Aglime’; encouraging local farmers to utilize the product. “In the past, it has been uneconomically viable for Fijian farmers to buy ‘Aglime’. However, 1 ton of imported ‘Aglime’ costs approximately $750-800 Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mailifemagazine

(FJD), whilst 1 ton of locally produced ‘Aglime’ with cost $200-250 (FJD)”, says Mr Volavola. Fiji’s Minister for Agriculture, Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu, explains how increasing soil acidity across Fiji is constraining growth in agriculture. “This business initiative will expand Fiji’s agricultural sector, benefitting both companies and farmers within Fiji”, says Mr Seruiratu. We think that Fiji’s agricultural sector is only operating at about 50% of its potential, we believe that ‘Aglime’ can increase this percentage dramatically”, says Mr Volavola. The use of fertilizers, pesticides and other synthetic chemicals to address problems in agricultural production has commonly led to soil degradation and a heightened resistance in insects, plant-borne diseases and weeds. Locally produced ‘Aglime’ offers Fiji an environmental friendly and cost-effective avenue to correct the high levels of soil acidity and enable Fiji’s agricultural sector to prosper.

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ENVIRONMENT

what we value measure: We

How sea-level monitoring is changing the way we understand our oceans… and why you should care!

By Molly Powers-Tora, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)

inapa Falejiute, the Tuvalu Meteorological Service’s head technician is surprisingly tall. "Is there room for you on this island?" I joke when we first shake hands at the cosy Met Service headquarters in Funafuti. He cracks a lopsided grin and I like him immediately. In addition to his proficiency with servers, networks, hardware and software, Tinapa also does some video producing on the side, which is very useful for the purpose of my visit. I am in Tuvalu to cover the upgrade of the Funafuti sea-level monitoring station and also to interview folks around town who depend upon sealevel data. I am working on a series of

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short videos to help explain how sealevel monitoring stations work and why these devices are so important, not just to people who work in the Met Service in Tuvalu, but to everyone in the Pacific. For someone with a social science background who doesn’t understand how a blender works let alone a sealevel station, this is a daunting task. But I’m up for the challenge and fortunately I have Tinapa as my guide. I hop on the back of his motorbike and we head off for our first round of interviews. Where the magic happens As I have learnt, the Tuvalu station is one of 14 similar stations in 12 countries across the Pacific that make

up the Pacific Sea Level Monitoring Project; an Australian Governmentfunded initiative. Though it may not grab the big headlines, the Pacific Sea Level Monitoring Project has been quietly and continuously collecting data about sea levels, seismic movements, water temperature, wind direction and speed, barometric pressure, and other climate statistics at key sites around the region since 1991. Tinapa and I head to the Tuvalu main wharf, where the team of technicians from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the SPC Applied Geoscience and Technology Division (SOPAC) are busy upgrading the station with new sensors, communications instruments and solar power. Here we

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ENVIRONMENT

meet Stamy Criticos, the Bureau of Meteorology’s logistics and installation manager, who walks me through all the components of the station. "The station monitors the level of the sea with three different sensors", Stamy explains with the contagious enthusiasm of a true techie. "We have an acoustic sensor: the Aquatrak, we also have a pressure sensor, which sits under the water and detects how much water there is above it. And now we are installing a radar sensor. It uses a microwave technology to bounce a signal off the surface of the water. Similar to the acoustic sensor, it determines the height of the water by measuring the time it takes for the signal to return", says Stamy. Why have three sensors? I ask. "All these technologies back each www.mailife.com.fj

other up", Stamy explains. "The original project had two sensors, so that if one failed the other could keep sealevel information flowing. Now with the radar and improved communications systems, we have transmissions from the station every minute, so we’re able to see events in real time, whereas before it was hourly. This also allows us to use these stations for tsunami monitoring", says Stamy. In addition to sea level, the station monitors weather with digital instruments and sends all data to Australia via a satellite network. From there, data is posted directly onto the Bureau of Meteorology’s website, which Pacific Met Services can monitor in real time. The information is also archived online for the countries on Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mailifemagazine

SPC’s geonetwork database, which is accessible by request. Tinapa reminds me that measuring sea level is not just about measuring the movements of the tides. "In order to measure sea level accurately we need to have a reference point. For example, if the jetty we’re on was to rise five centimetres, it would look like the sea level had gone down", says Stamy. For this reason, the Pacific Sea Level Monitoring project has partnered with Geoscience Australia and SOPAC for the last 10 years to monitor seismic movements and link the sea-level stations directly to land-based benchmarks. The final sea-level rise numbers at the sites are thus corrected for any rising or sinking land movement. It’s all about the data! JANUARY 2014

ENVIRONMENT

'Data'. To the average person (or to me, at least) the word data sounds pretty boring. Give me a marine protected area or a new hospital wing or a scholarship programme to write about! But of course, to be successful, any of those projects would have to be founded on solid evidence of local fish populations, inpatient turnover or school enrolment rates – in other words: data. One of our interview subjects, Ms Pepetua Latasi (or Pepe), acting Director of Tuvalu’s Department of Environment, speaks passionately about the importance of having good data for her work. "Most of our work at the Department of Environment is about planning and policies, but you need reliable data to back up those plans and policies. We need data to better inform the public and decision makers so that they make good decisions" says Pepe. Pepe’s warm and friendly smile puts me at ease straight away, but she also exudes an air of quiet authority. This is a woman who knows the ins and outs of the science, politics, community-level advocacy and awareness. "It is always good to have your own specific country data. People are already noticing changes in sea level and they ask, 'Is sea level rising?' If you say, 'the tide gauge at the wharf measured this', it gives them the confidence that the data is specific to Tuvalu", explains Pepe. How else is this sea-level and climate data used in Tuvalu? GIS officer for Tuvalu Telecom, Ms Melina Ailesi, reports that the sea-level data are the most important data she uses in her work. "I plan the network for our cables", Melina explains, smiling sweetly while squinting in the bright morning sunlight. "Funafuti experiences a lot of high-tides every month and the most affected area is where our underground infrastructure is. That’s why I need this data, because if it’s high-tide I can see how our assets are affected", says Melina. The bigger picture It’s easy to see why, on a low-lying atoll like Funafuti, sea-level is such an important thing to monitor. But is the data as critical to larger Pacific Islands? According to coastal processes expert, Dr Arthur Webb of SPC, it most definitely is. "This is easily one of the most important data sets in the Pacific. It is critical, not only to better understand the rate of

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sea-level rise in the Pacific, but also for coastal development planning, navigational purposes, tsunami and inundation modelling, and formulation of maritime boundaries to name a few uses", says Dr. Webb. "The longer the data set from a single location, the more accurate the record, the more it tells us and the more valuable it is to the region. After 20 years, this data set is just starting to become really useful. After 40 years, we will be able to discern longer-term trends that we can’t see now", says Dr Webb. This trip to Tuvalu has been an insightful one for me. Driving back from the wharf at the end of the day, I see that this month’s full moon high-tides are inundating the gardens and lower levels of many homes along the borrow pits. These pits have been here since WWII when

sand and gravel were mined to construct the Fongafale airstrip. Now the people here who are mainly from outer islands who have come to Funafuti for work are living on a narrow precipice. They are particularly vulnerable, however, all of us in the Pacific live very close to an ocean, which we are only peripherally aware about. The more we understand about the dynamics of our oceans and climate, the more prepared we can be for the future. With knowledge, we can avoid digging borrow pits or building our homes within the intertidal zone. I have a renewed appreciation for sealevel monitoring data. Before this trip, I never imagined how little huts stationed on wharfs around the Pacific could help us all understand our countries, our oceans and our futures a bit better.

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OPINION Mrs BERNADETTE ROUNDS GANILAU is a former radio personality and Member of Parliament. Now retired, she continues with her nGO work and runs her own business.

New Year's greetings

very happy new Year to you and I hope this year will bring you and your loved ones great peace, a whole lotta’ love, happiness and health. Christmas and New Year was just as we wanted it to be – quiet and peaceful and I hoped that it would be a promise of things to come this year, but I was wrong; it’s been nothing but hectic since January the 2nd! Amongst the most hectic was the payment of school items for needy (or in some case not so needy!) children. Without pretending to have made a New Year’s resolution, I instead have opted to just ‘bring it all out’ and then I’m done for the year! Assisting families whose children need items for school is an honour, truly an honour, especially when the children do so well and the parents are ever so grateful for any assistance given to their young ones. Furthermore, we are all truly grateful for the payment of school fees and textbooks by the government, which is a great relief to many parents as well as organisations and individuals who assist families with their educational needs – and there are many – but holey moley, this year, the demands have been nothing short of amazing! What do I mean? Dear reader, I am being asked to pay $119 for a pair of school shoes for a growing lad in Form 3 and $69 or more for a school bag! The shops are doing an amazing job in ambush-marketing parents and children into buying these items. (My own daughter does not even have $100 shoes for her outing, let alone for school and neither has she even demanded www.mailife.com.fj

them.) Dear oh dear, where is all this coming from? Our consumer appetite is insatiable and I’m supposed to be taking care of children in need but their needs are quite high now, more so than mine. As one of our volunteers said, “they are so used to getting assistance that they’ll give it a try and the sky is the limit”. New uniforms, stationary, bags and shoes have families walking away with $400 $600 of our hard earned funds but, of course, this is all recorded and next year should the same families return wanting the same things, they’ll know what my answer will be. It’s such a pity that need has turned into greed! Another fly in the ointment is that I have been assisting children with school fees as well as other needs for eleven years now with the tremendous assistance of the Loloma Foundation and We Fiji. In all this time, schools, bookshops, uniform suppliers and shoe shops have accepted my cheques without question. This year, a local shoe manufacturer at the Flea Market rejected cheques given to him – the only iTaukei businessman we are dealing with and he doesn’t accept cheques! What a pity. Here we are trying to assist and all the mothers and children are turned back, and may I also mention they are all iTaukei mothers and children. My local friendly bank officer tells me this is a usual demand by iTaueki business owners. I guess they are stuck with bad cheques so often. What a pity when you’re trying to help the families and the local business and something like this happens! May I also give a big vinaka

vakalevu to the unsinkable International Women’s Association (IWA) for their generous donation to school children in Labasa and also in Viti Levu. They have been amazing in their assistance and the children thank them very much. A dozen thanks also goes to Edward and Vivian Costello of Brisbane, Australia, for their generous donation to assist the children with their school preparation. The kindness from organisations and individuals continues to give hope to many and I also cannot say thank you enough to the Loloma Foundation for all they do, especially with their medical missions to Fiji twice a year free of charge to the people with the visiting doctors and specialists volunteering their time and paying their own way to Fiji. Isa, before I end this tirade of complaints for this month – it’s off my chest now so February will be fresh and inspiring – heartiest congratulations to our old capital Levuka for attaining National Heritage status. At last and so well deserved! May I just make a small recommendation: could they start answering their phones please! I took my daughter to Levuka to enroll her into boarding school and tried to get accommodation. I rang four establishments and only one answered their phone! I thought there was a phone allergy happening on the island apart from the national scourge of NCD’s. All the best to Levuka, nonetheless. And all the best to our beloved Fiji and all who live within her embrace. I hope this year is everything you want it to be. Pax Vitia.

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ISSUE

As a young person journeying on their own for the first time, flying from Auckland, New Zealand, to the Fijian capital of Suva was a huge shock. These two nations have vastly different cultures and the relaxed vibe of Fiji was far removed from the hustle and bustle of New Zealand society. However, these two Pacific nations do have something in common: they are both plagued by the growing issue of bullying and violence. The purpose of my visit to Fiji as a UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassador was to discover what is being done in Fiji to stem the flow of mental and physical assaults on young people. I wanted to know whether core ideas and projects working to reduce the harm caused by bullying could be taken and restructured into a way that works for New Zealand youth.

Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC) states that: “States Parties shall take all appropriate…measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation…” 38

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Photo 1: UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassador Brad Olsen talks to Peter Waqavonovono about his work with the End Bullying Now Network © Brad Olsen

On my first day in the UNICEF Pacific Office, I met with Peter Waqavonovono, 25, a member of the End Bullying Now Network. He told me that the most effective way to engage with youth around bullying in Fiji was by connecting local celebrities and making them champions of the cause. This helps “unite the people”, as they are real, local people who are recognised as influential members of the community. Peter told me that bullying was a widespread problem; happening in schools, at home, in the community, and in the workplace, for various reasons, including religion, gender issues and cultural reasons. A Victoria University report released in April 2013 found that in New Zealand, 94% of schools surveyed bullying of some form occurred. 47% of teachers had heard of verbal bullying every week, with social bullying happening weekly in 43% of schools, physical bullying at 25% of schools, and cyber bullying at 14% every week.

When I asked Peter what message he and the End Bullying Now Network were trying to convey, he responded: “Bullying is not our culture” and that they want to “embrace all people”. Bullying takes many forms: physical, mental, social, but they all torture the victim and often make them feel small and insignificant; as if they have www.mailife.com.fj Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mailifemagazine nothing to contribute to society, and this is simply not right.

Photo 2: Fijian youth Rolio Esaroma Bale strains as he complete 50 press ups in a park in Suva, Fiji © Brad Olsen

The great thing is that, in Fiji, the young people are not just talking about the issue of bullying; they are taking action too. I went along to an anti-bullying event organised by a local youth Jordan Fuata and the End Bullying Now Network which aimed to raise awareness that bullying is NOT OK. A group of young people had run a Facebook competition whereby every ‘Like’ on a photo amounted to 5 press-ups, and subsequently, Jordan and his friends were required to perform 480 press-ups. However, as a sign of solidarity against bullying, three other areas around Fiji participated and lightened Jordan’s burden of press-ups. Even so, Jordan, along with eight friends, completed 428 press-ups at the Ratu Sakuna Park in Suva while many other young people from other centres Lautoka, Levuka, Sigatoka and Nadi contributed to the final total. The event was symbolic and one of its kind to be organised in Fiji for the first time that showed that they the Fijian youth, are ‘strong’ enough to stand up for themselves and for others against bullying It’s a poignant reminder that young people can make a huge difference in society, and it is imperative that young people realise that to some extent, bullying is ‘their’ problem which affects them the most, and as such, they need to work together toward ending the torturous bullying that has deep and long lasting emotional and physical impacts on a young people who are already going through a tough transition from childhood to adulthood. Also during my time in Fiji, I spoke to a Blue Light Fiji Ambassador, Nereo Kanasalusalu; he told me that the Blue Light is a Fiji Police Force initiative targeting young people and preventing them from coming into contact with the law as victims, offenders and witnesses. Nereo leads many other Police/youth organised activities. Blue Light targets students and young people, and strives to create the leaders of tomorrow. Members are introduced to the Laws governing their rights and the rights of others and encourage them to make informed choices. The aim is to turn members into young leaders who encourage other young people to respect the laws of Fiji, and in doing so, it aims to reduce the number of young people who come into contact with the law. The Blue Light Program provides an opportunity for young people to get together and find common ground, and create opportunity to maximise peer to peer influence By providing young people the opportunity to work with their peers, it empowers young people to make good decisions and live a more fulfilling life free of crime.

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Along with meeting young people in Fiji, I also had the chance to talk to a Fiji Police Juvenile Bureau officer based in Suva. I was informed that a lot of bullying in Fiji occurs in schools, and that often it was dealt with primarily by schools through a Student Counsel or by a designated counsellor. The Fiji Police also have a programme called the Scholastic program, which also assists in reported bullying cases in Schools. The Fiji Police Juvenile Bureau bridges the gap between the Police Force and young people, aiming to show young people that the police aren’t scary, but in fact are there to provide assistance and protection. . Members of the Juvenile Bureau have undergone specialised training that provides guidance in how to effectively deal with young people and how to protect their rights under Article 37 of UNCROC. Similarly to New Zealand, the Police try to avoid sending a young person to jail. Instead, look for alternative ways to protect the young person from being deprived of access to better quality life and their innocence. The Police has been bestowed with discretionary powers that they can use to recommend for leniency, and these options include: • • • • • • • • •

Official Caution Oral or written apology to the Victim regular school attendance counselling rehabilitation vocational training supervision by a mentor restitution community service

The purpose is to deal with youth offending and keep them away from the formal justice system; prevent the stigma attached to a formal criminal proceedings; respond to issues quickly, have youth accept responsibility, help youth understand consequences, learning to respect local customs, and to provide for community input into the restoration of the youth’s wellbeing. Overall, I learnt that culture and family play an important role in combatting bullying; often it is family members who can get through to youth about what they are doing is wrong. If we are to eliminate bullying, we need to coordinate resources not only in schools, but also in the home; we have to inform parents, teachers and youth alike that bullying IS NOT, and HAS NEVER BEEN, part of our culture. Families are strong; they look out for each other; care for one another. They need to help young people take responsibility and work towards a future free of bullying; where young people don’t need to be scared to go to school because they are perceived as different. We are all human, and we need to instil in EVERYONE that acceptance and equality is the key to a healthy and successful life; that there is nothing wrong with being gay, or Muslim, or Christian, or Fijian, or Maori. We need to end violence, and to do this we need to strive towards equality. Once I’m back in New Zealand, I hope to share this information with youth around the country, as well as meet with experts and interested parties including youth service providers and talk to them about how best TOGETHER we can contribute to STOP/ MINIMISE bullying. UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassador Brad Olsen 11 December 2013 Suva, Fiji

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Shaenaz Voss continues to soar Shaenaz Voss, General Manager of Fiji Link By WAME VALENTINE

haenaz Voss has successfully risen to top (high heels and all) in the otherwise male-dominated airline industry. She is the General Manager of Pacific Sun, which will soon be rebranded as Fiji LINK, Fiji’s main domestic and regional airline. This sees her among the highest echelons of Fiji Airways, which owns Pacific Sun / Fiji LINK. Last year she added another feather to her cap when she won Westpac’s Women in Business Executive Woman of the Year Award, edging out stiff competition. Mai Life Insight spoke to the fashionable executive about her success in the airline industry as Fiji’s first female airline general manager. You were awarded the 2013 Westpac’s Women in Business Executive of the Year Award. How do you feel about the recognition? It was encouraging, not only to me as an executive, but also to other budding female entrepreneurs and executives. I was more excited for such an opportunity available to our women. With me receiving this award, it makes others think, ‘Hey, I can do it too!’ Additionally, I was delighted with the response from my team at Pacific Sun. We have a lot of females throughout our ranks – pilots,

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cabin crew and operations – and this would be added impetus for them to strive for greater things within the airline. Where were you born? What were your aspirations growing up? I was born in Suva. Growing up, I had thought about the airline industry as a career but was never quite clear as to which area of the industry I wanted to be involved in. I drifted towards management after I finished my studies and eventually everything worked itself out for me. When you took up the post of General Manager – Pacific Sun, the airline wasn’t in the best of shape, to put it mildly. It was struggling financially and the public didn’t find the airline reliable. With this in mind, did your family and/or friends try to talk you out of accepting that post? No one really tried talking me out of it, but naturally, they were quite surprised that I was going to take on such a challenge. I saw Pacific Sun as an airline with potential. I understood the challenges ahead of me, but at the same time realized the opportunities as well. I always knew that the team at Pacific Sun had the ability and the drive to take the airline to

a new level which motivated me to take on the challenge. Under your leadership, Pacific Sun has revamped and will soon be rebranded as Fiji Link. How is the airline doing now? These are very exciting times for us. We have a brand new ATR72-600 arriving in the second quarter of this year. That’s a huge positive step and indicates the direction the airline is heading. We’re looking at a total re-fleet programme for Pacific Sun. I do have to be mindful that it is a commercial operation, meaning it has to make more money than it spends, and at the end of the day, we have shareholders and stakeholders to answer to. Do you think that there’ll come a time when the CEO of Fiji Airways is a woman? I don’t think gender has anything to do with being a CEO of any company, Fiji Airways or otherwise. It depends on the person’s capability and desire to lead the company. Fiji Airways plays a very important role in the Fijian economy, in particular in driving the tourism industry and requires the right experience and expertise which only comes from extensive industry knowledge. What has been the biggest success

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that Pacific Sun/Fiji Link has had under your leadership? I believe our biggest achievement is improving our reliability enormously. Our on-time performance statistics weren’t up to scratch but now, due to our singleminded pursuit of operational reliability, we’re posting extremely high on-time performance. The airline business is a very high-risk industry. As much as we want to post very high on-time performance, we have to be extremely mindful that safety is paramount. If for some reason, there is a risk to safety, we do not fly. It’s as simple as that. now with safety and on time performance at the level we want it to be, we will turn our focus to our product. In particular now that we are going to be Fiji Link, we have the opportunity with a new brand proposition. What is your single biggest objective in 2014? My single biggest objective is to successfully introduce the brand new ATR 72-600 into our fleet. Who has influenced you to become the successful executive that you are today? I have worked with really good leaders in the airline industry from whom I was able to gain invaluable training and knowledge. I can attribute my achievements to these very professional, experienced executives. I am working with Stefan Pichler right now and he comes with vast experience and is very highly regarded in the airline industry. I look forward to his guidance and of course at the same time learning from him. Has there been a situation that sticks out for you as the most challenging situation that you’d have to deal with? The first six months in my role as GM Pacific Sun were indeed very challenging. The entire fleet needed revamping and the operations restructured. This meant huge disruptions to our normal operations. Managing this situation was extremely challenging not only for me but for the entire team. We achieved our goal, and this was only possible due to great support I received from not only the Pacific Sun team, but the entire Fiji Airways management and staff. When you got the award for Executive of the Year, you donated the prize money to the NGO, FRIEND (Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development). Why?

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FRIEND is an organization that Fiji Airways works very closely with and I support their cause which encourages and motivates women.

Fun Q&A with Shaenaz Q: What would be something about you that most people would be surprised to know? A: If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing today, I would probably own a flower nursery. Q: Any guilty pleasures? A: Chocolate. I also find movies really relaxing. Q: Really? So who would it be for you: George Clooney or Hugh jackman? A: (Laughs) Neither, I prefer Mel Gibson. Q: What would your all-time favourite movie be? A: Braveheart and Tequila Sunrise Q: Which book are you currently reading now? A: I’ve just finished one of john Grisham’s latest novels – The Racketeer. I enjoyed it thoroughly and was able to complete it on a long-haul flight.

Shenaaz Voss: Executive Woman of the Year winner

The Women In Business Awards will be held on Saturday the 8th of March 2014. This date coincides with International Women’s Day. The award is to honour and recognize outstanding fijian businesswomen who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their business, profession and their service to the community. If you want to nominate yourself or someone for one of the three categories, please do so immediately as the deadline for application is the 10th of february. Here are a number of tips you might want to bear in mind when completing the application form: n Provide specific examples from your past experience to demonstrate your capabilities n Make reference to ‘I’ and ‘me rather than ‘us’ and

‘we’. Your success may have resulted from a combination of teamwork and personal experiences but the judges want to know your contribution in particular. n Use the questions to display your attributes and skills. n If you have done something differently to any other business or professional in your field, highlight it. n This is the time to put your business and yourself in the limelight; don’t be shy in exhibiting your achievements. n You can use this opportunity of applying for the award as a self-assessment exercise and identify ways of further improving your business and or yourself in future. n for Businesswoman of the Year and the Aspiring Entrepreneur, financial data for your business is essential part of your application, as this will

help the judges in assessing the growth and sustainability of your business through your commercial success. Note that all disclosed financials will be held strictly confidential and will not be made public or available to any persons other than the judging panel. n And finally, be ready for an interview, you could be our next finalist! WIB has set up HELP DESKS where professionals are available to assist you in completing the application forms. for queries regarding the application forms, contact our head office at Level 8, BSP Life Centre in Suva or call 331-4044. You can also visit our office in Nadi at Level 4, Aliz Centre, Martintar or call 672-8308. We look forward to hearing your story!

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BUSINESS

Maria: mother, wife and millionaire By WAME VALENTINE WHEn it comes to successfully iTaukeiowned businesses, Ben’s Trading Limited comes to mind. One of Fiji’s largest agricultural exporters, Ben’s Trading Limited is owned and managed by Maria Moi, along with her husband, Peni Moi. During last year’s Westpac Women in Business Awards, Mrs Moi took the coveted Business Woman of the Year Award, against other strong contenders such as the general manager of Nadina Authentic Fijian Restaurant in Nadi, Emi Subam and the founder and owner of Bulaccino, Eileen Rodenburg. “The award has been a rewarding experience for me,” said Mrs Moi. “It has exposed me to a network of women who have shared success experiences that I could learn from and at the same time be able to share the same with other women out there. I thank Women In Business (Fiji) for the great vision, to recognize women’s contribution and potentials to building a better and balanced community to live in.” Having been established in 2006, Ben’s Trading Limited has skyrocketed in its relatively short period in existence. Operating out of Navua, the company now employs 285 staff; this does not include the employees in the company’s other branches in Taveuni, Savusavu, Koro, Levuka, Rakiraki, Namosi and Naitasiri. Majority of the staff of Ben’s Trading Limited is women. For Maria, being involved in business has its challenges but she credits her husband Peni, the senior pastor of Navua All Nations Christian Fellowship and the managing director of Ben’s Trading, for molding her into the woman that she is today. “I owe a lot to him,” she tells Mai Life Insight. Last month, this magazine featured the couple and their business when their company scooped the Agriculture Exporter of the Year award at the 2013 Prime Minister’s Exporter of the Year Awards, of which Westpac was also a major sponsor. In our interview, the couple mentioned that every year, they set bigger goals for the business to work towards. I asked Mrs Moi

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what the goal was for 2014. “I want to elevate this company to another level so that I could employ people who are in need of jobs. That way, the people benefit from the business’ success. I think the last time we spoke, we mentioned that Ben’s Trading is not only about exporting dalo overseas – it’s about helping the people in our communities. To prove

our commitment to the community, our company is planning on employing a total of 500 staff this year in navua – that’s almost double the staff we currently have,” she said. “Our goal this year is to rake in revenue from our exports that totals $15-$20 million.” An obviously clear reality is the lack of participation of iTaukei women in the business sector.

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BUSINESS Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;PACIFICALLY SPEAKING

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JANUARY 2014

BUSINESS

Asita Chand: licensed to kill From a $200 pest-spraying business operating from the boot of a motorcar, to a four million dollar globally recognized and demanded company, Asita Chand and her husband Vinay Chand have taken the pest control world by storm. By SHANI WILLIAMS

is a four million dollar internationally recognized pest control conglomerate. Managing huge contracts, such as: Fiji Water, BSB Bank and FMPF, Fastkil Pest Control Services is one of Fiji’s biggest success stories. Both Asita and Vinay have attained their qualifications in Urban Pest Management from Australia and New Zealand. Fastkil Pest Control Services is also certified to carry out Pest Control in food handling and manufacturing premises; obtaining an Australian HACCP certification.

ROWInG up in the lushly vegetated Sigatoka Valley, Asita Chand was the eldest of four siblings. Her father was an agriculturist and her mother was a hardworking domestic homemaker. While attending Sigatoka Methodist Secondary School, Asita had her sights set on becoming Fiji’s next top lawyer. Later, she changed her mind and completed a Diploma in Information Technology from the then Fiji Institute of Technology.

Surprisingly, law and information technology failed to satisfy Asita; instead crawling into confined spaces hunting centipedes, rats and cockroaches was her true calling. Throughout her childhood, Asita’s family faced numerous struggles. When Asita was in class five, her family’s fourbedroom home went up in flames and absolutely everything was turned into ashes. “We couldn’t save anything. We had nothing. Only the clothes that we were wearing that horrendous day”, says Asita. From this tragic and humble beginning, Asita and Vinay are now the proud directors of Fastkil Pest Control Services. Established in Suva in 1999, Fastkil Pest Control Services is Fiji’s only 100% locally owned pest control service. Asita and Vinay’s successful bond started when Vinay needed new camera batteries to document his sporting trip to New Zealand; Vinay was part of the New Zealand Veterans Soccer Club. Fatefully, the saleswoman at Tapoo Airport’s Duty Free outlet was Asita; the woman destined to become Vinay’s future wife. Throughout their 15 years of marriage, Asita became more and more fascinated with Vinay’s passion for pest control. Asita followed Vinay around, learning from him, studying his course books and browsing the Internet researching everything there is to know about pest control.

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Asita Chand with one of her many awards “Ever since I met her, Asita has completely thrown her heart into pest control services and has been such a supporting lady. She is amazing at what she does”, says Vinay. Vinay’s pest control career started in class eight, when he was an employee at Rentokil. From his first day of work, he absolutely loved the job. “You must do what you love to do and at a very young age I discovered that I love pest control”, says Vinay. Despite numerous challenges, this inexhaustible passion inspired Vinay to leave Rentokil and develop his own pest control business. Fastkil Pest Control Services started off with $200 (FJD), no employees, one junky vehicle and a can of pest spray; used to service a few locally based domestic houses. Six years later, the company employs 28 full-time staff, is equipped with the latest pest control technologies and chemicals, and

Fastkil Pest Control has been offered shareholdings with New Zealand based organizations. However, Asita and Vinay refuse to share or sell their proudly Fijian owned company. In 2013, Asita was named Aspiring Business Woman of the Year and was awarded the 2013 International Pest Manager of the Year Commendation Award in Australia. Asita was both the first Fijian citizen and the first woman to achieve this prestigious international award. “I was very proud coming from a small country like Fiji and winning an award like that in Australia”, says Asita. Asita is the only licensed pest control woman within Fiji. No other woman in Fiji has this qualification. Her next step is to get her fumigation license. Pest control is a very important issue in Fiji’s tropical, humid environment. “Fiji is an extremely productive breeding ground for many pests and bugs”, says Asita. “Cockroaches, rats, bed bugs, millipedes and centipedes are the main pests that we find in Fiji”, says Asita. Fastkil Pest Control Services offers four different services, including: healthcare, fumigation, chemical supplying and thorough cleaning. Fastkil Pest Control Service's motto is to ‘continuously expand by providing honest services’. “numerous pest control companies throughout Fiji are dishonest. They use water spraying instead of chemical

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spraying. Our main motto is honesty; companies must always think about repercussions and look towards the future, not just focus on quick money that they will make in one day”, says Vinay. “If you continue to do a good and honest job, word will get around and your customer base will grow”, says Asita. Currently, Fastkil Pest Control’s biggest concern is the extremely low value of the Fijian currency. “We buy all our equipment and supplies from Australia and New Zealand. The low Fijian currency in comparison to these countries is negatively affecting our business”, says Vinay. Another concern is the growing amount of ‘overnight built companies’, whom obtain zero pest control knowledge or licenses but continue to provide pest control services. “These corrupt businesses are ruining the reputation of pest control within Fiji”, says Asita. “As pest control chemicals are extremely dangerous to work with, we have approached the Fijian Government and requested that pest control businesses obtain the proper certification and licenses”, says Vinay. In 2014, Fastkil Pest Controls Service’s main aim is to become the first ISO certified company in Fiji. This will www.mailife.com.fj

mean that Fastkil Pest Control Services will have an internally based standardization process that will result in a top-notch, first-class service. In 2014, Fastkil Pest Control also aims to give woman a chance in this male dominated field. “We want to start hiring woman and show the world that both men and woman can do this type of work. Hopefully, other pest control companies will follow”, says Asita. In the future, Asita and Vinay hope to build a chemical laboratory and set up a training institute where local pest control technicians can learn their trade. When asked what Asita Chand would say to woman reading this article wanting to achieve success in the business world. She replied: “being a woman in a male-dominated world I faced and continue to face numerous challenges. However, I just turned the challenges into a positive. I used the hardship to encourage and drive me to succeed and be a better role model for woman across Fiji”, says Asita. “never look back at what you have failed to achieve or can’t achieve, just re-focus your goals, think positively and head in a different direction”, says Asita. Asita Chand is a living testament that women can run their own businesses Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mailifemagazine

and be successful, no matter what the industry.service. In 2014, Fastkil Pest Control also aims to give woman a chance in this male dominated field. “We want to start hiring woman and show the world that both men and woman can do this type of work. Hopefully, other pest control companies will follow”, says Asita. In the future, Asita and Vinay hope to build a chemical laboratory and set up a training institute where local pest control technicians can learn their trade. When asked what Asita Chand would say to woman reading this article wanting to achieve success in the business world. She replied: “being a woman in a male-dominated world I faced and continue to face numerous challenges. However, I just turned the challenges into a positive. I used the hardship to encourage and drive me to succeed and be a better role model for woman across Fiji”, says Asita. “never look back at what you have failed to achieve or can’t achieve, just re-focus your goals, think positively and head in a different direction”, says Asita. Asita Chand is a living testament that women can run their own businesses and be successful, no matter what the industry. JANUARY 2014

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WEATHER

2013: a year of extreme weather

A traffic sign is seen in the flooding Danube in central Budapest, capital of Hungary, June 9, 2013.The water level of the Danube river stood at 8.91 meters in Budapest Sunday night, 0.31 meters more than the record high in 2006.(Xinhua/ Attila Volgyi) By Andrew Paris Many of us may recall 2013 as the year the weather began spinning off its rails with a chaotic mixture of droughts and floods. However, the unpredictability of it all turns out to have been all too predictable. According to the National Climatic Data Centre, 2013 is tied with 2002 as the fourth-warmest year on record and the global average temperature for November 2013 was the highest for November since record keeping began in 1880. Closer to home, the Fiji Meteorological Service has reported that most regions of the country were considerably warmer than the 1971 - 2000 average, with maximum and minimum temperature anomalies exceeding 1°C at more than half of all monitoring stations. New November monthly warm minimum temperature records were set at four stations. In many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, the summer of 2013 brought record heat. Alaska tied

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its all-time heat record of 37°C during a July heat wave. As for Death Valley, California, 54°C on June 30 just might be Earth's overall heat record. Austria, Slovenia and Shanghai also all set new heat records. On 7 August, Shanghai's temperature hit 41°C. Several more countries set new all-time high temperature records this year but Australia earns a mention for its persistent record-breaking warmth. The Sydney Morning Herald wrote: “2013 was the year Australia marked its hottest day, month, season, 12-month period and by 31 December the hottest calendar year”. In January temperatures were regularly above 48°C, the Bureau of Meteorology added a new temperature colour to its maps and Sydney experienced its hottest night on record when it was still 34°C at midnight on 10 January. Meanwhile, over the equator, November also became a month to remember; where a storm system rapidly intensified to biblical proportions, passing westward over Palau and Yap before becoming the

strongest land-falling storm on record. The most deadliest and destructive weather event of 2013, Super Typhoon Haiyan’s violent winds and torrential rainfall left behind a trail of destruction as it tracked through the central Philippines. The storm caused more than 6,000 deaths and up to $14 billion in economic damage. Noteworthy weather events also include: hail falling in Cairo, snow in Israel, Syria and Jordan, and record high temperatures in Scandinavia, unseasonable heat on the Gulf Coast of the United States, the largest tornado ever recorded in Moore, Oklahoma, Brazil’s worst drought in 50 years and central Europe’s historic flooding. The World Meteorological Organisation said that it was impossible to blame climate change for individual weather events but increasing evidence emerged during the year that there was a link. Around the world, 'extreme' has become the new 'normal' and we wait to see what 2014 has in store for us all.

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KANA

Chinese New Year Foods 2014 The Year of the Horse

* LANCE SEETO is an award-winning international food writer, author, television presenter, and inspirational chef based on Castaway Island, fiji. follow his culinary adventures in fiji at www.lanceseeto.com

By LANCE SEETO

UCKY red envelopes, beating drums, lion dancing and superstitious foods. It must Chinese new Year time across the world. The Chinese New Year is celebrated on January 31 this year, saying goodbye to the 2013 Year of the Snake and welcoming in a new lunar calendar Year of the Horse. The horse is one of twelve animals in the Chinese horoscope along with the Rat, Cow, Tiger, Dragon, Dragon, Snake, Sheep, Monkey, Chicken, Dog and Pig. The Chinese strongly believe the characteristics and traits of your animal year have great influence on your life. The horse is one of the Chinese people’s favorite animals representing travel, competition and victory throughout China’s long history, and a symbol of leadership, nobility and freedom. If you were born in the Year of the Horse, you are in good company along with Jackie Chan, Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington and John Travolta. People born in Horse years (2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942)

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are bright, cheerful, popular, and fun loving. They find people and crowds exciting, and love parties. Horse’s childish innocence, sunny disposition, and natural charm attract many friends. The horse is a highly intuitive animal, so people born in Horse year follow their hunches. Their keen judgment and natural intuition often help them make the right decisions throughout their life. Usually they don’t need to struggle in order to succeed and obtain the fine things life has to offer. Lucky Red Envelopes Red envelopes are handed out to younger generations by their parents, grandparents, relatives, and even close neighbours and friends during Chinese New Year. At some companies, workers may also receive a year-end cash bonus tucked inside a red envelope. When giving someone a red envelope, use both hands to present the red envelope to the recipient. Giving and receiving red envelopes, gifts, and even business cards is a solemn act. Therefore, red envelopes, gifts and name cards are always presented with both hands and also received with both hands. If you are lucky enough,

and still single to receive a red envelope this Chinese New Year, you should not open it in front of the giver, as it is disrespectful. While the Western new Year is more about drinking and partying, the Chinese New Year is an age-old tradition to honour family and friends, and to enjoy some superstitious but delicious culinary delights.

Tangerines, Mandarins and Oranges

Displaying and eating these fruits is

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said to bring wealth and luck. The Chinese words for gold and orange sound alike, while the word for tangerine means luck. It’s even better if they have their green leaves in tact because leaves symbolize longevity. But don’t group the fruit in a heap of four, as this number is associated with death in Chinese culture.

Pomelo

These large citrus fruit are thought to bring continuous prosperity and status, as the Cantonese word for this fruit sounds similar to the words for prosperity and status

brings a sweet life in the new Year. Peanuts, coconut, and sesame are often used because they are considered good luck foods that bring long life.

Long Noodles

Boiled Dumplings Jai Nearly every Chinese banquet will feature a noodle dish because their long strands represent long life. Don’t cut the noodles before serving, as this will bring bad luck.

The Tray of Togetherness

Most Chinese families will put out a tray with multiple compartments for visiting relatives to snack on, or given as a gift, filled with things such as preserved kumquats for prosperity, coconut for togetherness, longan fruit to bring many sons, and red melon seeds for happiness.

New Year Cake

Nian gao means year cake, but gao sounds the same as the word for tall or high, so New Year cakes symbolize achieving new heights in the coming year. These steamed sweets are made of glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, and oil. Some versions have white sesame seeds, red dates, or nuts in them as dates and nuts are said to bring early prosperity www.mailife.com.fj

Is a mixed vegetarian dish that is eaten because it’s part of the Buddhist culture to cleanse one self with vegetables. It’s also packed with good-luck foods like black sea moss for prosperity; lotus seeds for children/birth of sons; noodles for longevity; lily buds for 100 years of harmonious union; and Chinese black mushrooms to fulfill wishes

Long Leafy Greens and Long Beans

Chinese green vegetables with their long stems and leaves such as Chinese broccoli, bok choy and choy sum are served whole to wish a long life for parents.

In North China, boiled dumplings are made with a pork and cabbage filling and served with vinegar and soy sauce. During New Year celebrations, yuanbao dumplings symbolize the ancient, ingot-shaped Chinese currency, and that eating them is said to bring prosperity. In Chinese astrology, the horse year is considered a fortunate year that brings luck and good things. 2014 is also known as the Wood Horse, or Green Horse year, influenced by one of the five elements of water, fire, earth, metal and water. For many, 2014 will be a year of fast victories, unexpected adventure, and surprising romance. Astrologers predict it is an excellent year for travel, and the more far away and off the beaten path the better; a promising sign for Fiji tourism in 2014. Decisive action, not procrastination, will help bring victory and success this year they say. But you have to act fast in a Horse year. If you are not 100% secure about a decision; then don’t do it. Events move so quickly in a Horse year that you don’t want to gallop off in the wrong direction and find yourself lost. Kung Hey Fatt Choi – Happy Chinese New Year!

Whole Fish

The Chinese word for fish sounds like the word for abundance, and is served whole from head to tail to ensure a good start and finish, and to avoid bad luck throughout the year.

Sweets

Like many other old cultures, the Chinese believe that serving desserts Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mailifemagazine

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KANA

LUCKY STEAMED FISH Ingredients 1 whole fresh fish with head and tail attached, scaled and gills removed 3-4 stalks lemon grass 1 teaspoon salt & white pepper, mixed together 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine one inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped 6 green spring onions, including both green and white parts, finely sliced 3 small red chillies, seeds removed, sliced thinly lengthwise 1/2 cup coriander leaves, cleaned and picked from stems 3 tablespoons Chinese sesame oil 2 tablespoon light soy sauce 1 teaspoon sugar 1 bunch Chinese bok choy or greens, stems and leaves separated, rinsed

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Directions 1. In a large bowl, rub the whole fish with salt and pepper, inside and out and soak in Chinese rice wine for at least 15 minutes 2. In a steaming basket, layer the lemongrass stalks and place the marinated fish on top 3. Steam over boiling water, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until full cooked. Transfer to a long dish. 4. In a small saucepan, dissolve the light soy sauce and sugar, set aside 5. In a wok or frypan, heat the sesame oil to smoking point and add the fresh ginger 6. Immediately pour the ginger oil over the fish, followed by the sweetened soy 7. Serve with stir fried bok choy and long life noodles

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MUSIC

Anita sings it like it is! Like the many Fijians that have graced the international arena, whether in sports or fashion, another follows suit as she pursues her newly-discovered niche in the music industry By NyLES SERU

HE Suva-born Anita is the youngest of four sisters. An aspiring Arts student at her former Bhawani Dayal Arya College, Anita climbed the corporate ladder after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Accounting and Management from the University of the South Pacific. She had a lot rolled up her sleeve and in 2009 the aspiring Chartered Accountant took a giant leap of faith that landed her at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. This was a step closer to her dream. In 2014, Anita will be a registered accountant with NZICA (New Zealand Institute of Charted Accountant). But how did the aspiring accountant make it into the music industry? Did you lose her accounting passion in pursuit of another? Apart from accountancy, I have a special interest and passion in Fashion shows/modelling and singing. My first taste of spotlight was in 2010 when I did a TV commercial for Telecom, NZ. I started doing fashion shows later in the year. But the adage ‘One thing leads to another’ came true for me as I tapped into another undiscovered talent, music. “Imagination is my motivation; every imagination has its own unique lyrics that needed to be written and played in vocal,” Anita. When and how you started with music? This whole music idea came strongly on me when I was in Kingston, Jamaica, in 2012 while participating in the Miss Tourism United nations competition. The competition Director Mr Leon Williams offered the contestants a part in a music video, to be shot at an idyllic location in Miami. Sadly, I couldn’t make it at that point of time due to visa restrictions. But that music video offer motivated me and slightly opened the door of opportunity ajar for me on an international platform.

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MUSIC

When did you decide that you’ll be a musician? It is amazing how one door of opportunity would lead to another. Upon arrival in New Zealand after the competition, I wasted no time but signed up for singing classes with ABC Studio in Auckland where I received vocal training and learnt singing notes and skills.

Is there any other passion apart from music? Yes. Apart from music, I would consider fashion shows, beauty pageants and modelling as my next best thing. And yes, I do a bit of travelling, explore nature, make friends and socialise. Leisure time is for gym and hip-hop class. And the rest of my time is spent around families.

Do you write songs yourself? What is the writing process like for you? Yes, I write my own songs and I believe imagination is my motivation; every imagination has its own unique lyrics that needed to be written and played in vocal.

How and where do you see yourself in your career in next five years? In Accountancy career- future aspiration is to be a Charted Accountant and I’m getting there faster than I thought. As for singing career, I aim to grows globally and feature in songs with international artists.

Who and what has been the chief influence on your music style and growth as an artist? My inner strength compliments my ‘I can do it’ attitude, not losing hope is what influences my music. If I won’t try then I will never know the opportunities I am missing. For a die-hard fan of Pitbull, J-LO and Nicki Minaj like me, every time I see their video, anxiety begins.

What’s your typical day like? Every day is a new day, a new beginning with a new chapter. Despite working on same routine, I like to mix and mingle and get to know the people around me.

Tell us more on your new single release? My first ever single Lets Do It is set for release in February 13th 2014 here in New Zealand. This release is an exciting song that livens up a party. You will get this on iTunes, YouTube, MTVNZ, JuiceTV and on local radio stations with the support of RAFM Ponsonby in Auckland. Are you hoping for another release at a later date? I will release another single Something

Miss Fiji, Anita, at the Miss Diversity Oceania in my Mind in late 2014. I’m pretty darn sure a lot of people will love this song. I’m negotiating my third single In My Life set for release in 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. What is your current engagement? Which songs and album, if any? At the moment I am working on an official video shoot for my brand new single Lets Do It that will be enjoyed by all. I don’t have an album yet but the idea is not far-fetched.

Please tell us about your Fijian origins and how did Fiji and being a Fijian shape your personality and style? My entire family is Fiji-born. My father, the sole bread winner, raised all his four daughters in a multi racial neighbourhood back in Fiji. That’s the best thing about it because I can’t count the many times neighbours supported and look out for the need of another. We eat from the same plate and ‘gunu ti’ from the same cup. This has shaped me to love and respect every people and every culture. Fiji Islands is my mother land and I’m proud to be a Fijian. ‘The greatest mistake in life is the mistake of never trying at all,” Anita added.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF ANITA • •

• •

She participated in New Zealand’s Miss Diversity Oceania 2012. Miss Tourism United Nations 2012, Anita scooped the ‘Miss People’s Choice Ambassador’ and ‘Best Personality’ awards 2012. One of the lively contestants at the Miss Earth New Zealand 2013. Officially the Marketing and Sponsoring manager to Diversity Culture in NZ which runs pageants such as Miss Diversity NZ, Mrs Diversity NZ and Mr Diversity international.

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Anita Miss Tourism United Nations second from left Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mailifemagazine

JANUARY 2014

It's the Sweet Life for

Jeremy&Raewyn By STAN TURNER

n azure hued ocean, palm fronds rustling in the breeze, a colorful array of tropical flora, brilliant sunshine, good food, great music, family, friends and jovial atmosphere. In terms of an idyllic setting for a wedding, you can’t get any better than what Raewyn and Jeremy Woo got on their big day at this scenic and pristine haven along Savusavu’s Hibiscus Highway. The afternoon of november 30 was perfect, the weather held and the guests

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relaxed in excitement and anticipation for a memorable ceremony on 50 acres of landscaped greenery called La Dolce Vita Holiday Villas. This Italianstyle property with a private beach, a large outdoor swimming pool, spectacular man-made lake and a 6-hole golf course was the perfect marriage setting for the couple who had both yearned to get hitched in tropical style. And they weren’t disappointed. Jeremy Woo, a Video Editor born and raised in Suva hails from a small family whose great-grandparents migrated to Fiji from mainland China. His stunning bride Raewyn nee

Cornish, a Massage Therapist, currently a full-time student engaged in a Bachelor of Physiotherapy program with Fiji National University. Also Suva born, Raewyn has maternal links to Levuka. The ceremony brought together prominent families of Part European descent from Savusavu and Suva, along with other distinguished guests that included former Fiji Sugar Corporation stalwart and retiree Gerald Barrack and Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Barry Whiteside. The expectant group of around 100 guests waited with baited breath until

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WEDDING

the bride finally arrived in all her splendor with an equally impressive posse of bridesmaids. The groom with his own band of best men, all decked out in fine style completed the entourage and the ceremony progressed, without a hitch, as proud parents, family and friends looked on. Jeremy choked back tears during the exchange of vows as the weight of the occasion set in but all that was left at the end of it was sheer jubilation as the wedding party ended the elaborate but stylish procedure with a jovial march to Bob Marley’s Is This Love, perhaps a fitting choice given the groom’s love of reggae. The wedding party was a sumptuous gastronomical dining experience – fusion food personified, the Mediterranean meets the Pacific – prepared by the La Dolce Vita staff, whose service echoes the legendary charm and friendliness of the people of Savusavu. As the evening wore on guests loosened up in typical “Kailoma” style and danced away, soaking in the magical atmosphere that pervaded this little piece of paradise.

A Relationship Built Over Time

Young and full of life, the Woos looked stunning in their marriage attire and it was the culmination of a long term relationship, one which isn’t too dissimilar to other pairs in Fiji, revolving mostly around established social networks, dance and music. Jeremy, like other Fijian men his own age loves playing touch rugby yet has a proclivity for (grogging) and loves listening to Reggae music. “Keeping fit is my sport,’’ he offers simply. “Zumba is as close to sport as I get and I love it,’’ she admits. “We both like to keep fit, we are both very practical, our goals are mostly aligned,’’ the couple jointly stated. While attraction can be instant, Jeremy and Raewyn’s bond has been one long ride, unusual in that they knew each other from primary school days. “Our relationship developed over time but there was always something there; we’ve known each other since we were about 8 years old, so it took a while,’’ the pair revealed. A typical outing for the lovebirds would normally involve movies, hiking, running around town on errands for parents in Savusavu and the inevitable chat over a coffee.

Dream Wedding Venue

For Raewyn, there was no other place www.mailife.com.fj

The couple with families and friends.

When I popped the question, she said yes! Cried, then smiled then she cried some more... to be married other than Savusavu and it was a natural choice considering her family’s roots in the township, and the fact that her mother, Margaret Giuliani nee Whiteside, and husband, Luigi, operate and own one of Savusavu’s most superb tourism set-ups in La Dolce Vita located 34 km from Savusavu town. Known as Fiji’s Hidden Paradise, Savusavu offers a brand of tourism that is unique in a distinct lack of commercialization and a bit of nature in the raw. La Dolce Vita, or “The Sweet Life” in Italian, delivers a microcosm of what Savusavu has to offer Fiji tourism, superbly blending Western-styled concepts with a pristine natural backdrop. Designed and created over the last seven years by Luigi Giuliani, La Dolce Vita Holiday Villas is an ecofriendly, 24-hour solar powered resort that strives for a carbon neutral impact on a little piece of Fijian paradise with five exquisite bures. “I had always thought that if I ever got married, it’d be in Savusavu at La Dolce Vita. I’m very lucky my groom agreed,’’ she stated. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mailifemagazine

Getting a great wedding dress for her big day took a lot of planning an effort which paid off in the end, evident by the gasps from the guests when Raewyn walked down the aisle. “A lot of thought and time went into the designing of my dress by Andrew Powell (parents also from Savusavu). Time and effort was also invested in my bridesmaid dresses by Christine Evans of ‘huudaverti’. Both extremely talented and hardworking designers, I am so grateful to them,’’ said the proud Mrs Woo. Popping the question can be stressful and for Jeremy this transpired on September 1st 2012 at the Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbor. “She said yes! Cried then smiled then cried some more,’’ a visibly more relaxed Jeremy related. Planning for the big day can be a long drawn out process which the Woos can readily attest to. “Well we have had meetings and discussions for maybe the last 12 months – it has been quite stressful but Rae had a plan which helped keep the ball rolling, as weddings are a girl’s thing! My job was to put it together at La Dolce Vita when we got there.” After their stunning wedding, the beautiful couple spent an extra week in beautiful La Dolce Vita, Savusavu and decided to “relax to the max”. “We have been blessed with overwhelming support from our families, our Yat Sen classmates, and dear friends. We wouldn’t have been able to pull the day off without them. They know who they are. They’re our favorite people in the world and we love them very much.” JANUARY 2014

HEALTH

Joji: the fitness guru and body PHOTO: FEROZ KAHLIL

By FEROz KHALIL

ITH almost 15 years experience as a trainer, Joji Sole is the go-to trainer for that physique you've been longing for. The name 'Joji' is synonymous with physical performance results and advanced body transformation. Excellence is what Joji strives for when aiming to take his clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; health and fitness goals to new heights and what his clients themselves have come to expert from Joji. And results and excellence are probably responsible for the Fijian fitness guru and body transformation specialistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation and success as a personal trainer. What separates Joji from other personal trainers is his experience: he has 15 years experience training a wide range of people, from housewives to local elite sporting stars. By its very nature, a body transformation necessitates a strong will to overcome some kind of physical flaw, whether perceived in the muscular bodybuilder who sees himself as being small, or the startlingly overweight housewife in dire need of an effective fat-loss program. Regardless of how extreme, every body transformation requires professional intervention from one who has both the experience and the desire to really help. With almost 15 years experience, Joji has learned many lessons. As a trainer he has had experiences most of us can only dream about. In the following Mai Life interview he shares his knowledge and his experiences.

Joji training a client at the gym training at YMCA in Auckland, New Zealand. With that, I have carried on until now.

How long have you been a personal trainer? I've been a personal trainer since 2004 at Polaris Gym in Suva.

Who was your first client? Daniel Goundar, former high court judge, who was based in Fiji. I trained him for four years.

Was personal training a gradual progression for you or was this something you started out doing? I have obtained my YMCA training certificate after completing phases of

I understand you have also worked with multiple elite sporting stars. What specifically did you do with them? Yes I have trained many elite sporting personalities. Including Lote

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Raikabula (New Zealand 7s rep), Oscar Kolinasau (Fiji 7s captain), Villame Waqaseduadua (former All Black, former Auckland blues 15s rep). I trained them while they were in high school. I trained them to build up their muscle weight and tone. Did you specialize more in body transformation? Yes, absolutely - body transformation and also getting the job done.

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HEALTH

y transformation specialist As far as training goes, do you have a specific approach for all males who want to gain muscle mass or do you design each program based on the individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal requirements? Everyone of my clients, whether they are a professional athlete or a stay-at-home mom, learn the same basic system. This system is basically called the LIFT system (Lift Integrated Systematic Training) and I approach everybody in this way, whether they are a bodybuilder or non-bodybuilder. I start with taking their shoes and socks off and I look at the arches of their feet. So I start from there and depending on how the arches look, I will get a complete map of the chain of the rest of their body. If somebody comes to me and says, "I can't get my back and triceps up or my rear deltoids just won't develop", the chances are that they probably have a more collapsed arch and a forward head carriage that they aren't aware of. The training that I do really focuses on all of the postural stuff, the postural muscles and the whole kinetic chain; it's very biomechanics-based.

Now that you are an established personal trainer, do people seek you out to train them, or are you always looking for potential clients? How does that work? It is usually word of mouth. At any local gym, we have a team of people, so generally it is like a network of people. Part of it too is if you work with that population, you respect their privacy and 'get' that it is just part of your job. You are not the rock star; you are working with them.

How long do you train an average client? For an hour. And how long would their transformation take, on average? My average client stays with me for about 1 to 3 years. Visible changes will depend on the consistency of training. People who want to train are generally the easiest to train. Right? Yes they are and it also depends on the individuals efforts. Have you had a client who was especially difficult to work with? Oh God, would I say that out loud. Sure, there is nobody (laughs). Well you know I honestly don't feel there is anybody I could not work with. I'm able to do my work and not be as emotionally involved as I think some people might be.

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JANUARY 2014

PHOTO: FEROZ KAHLIL

HEALTH

I suppose on one level you are a counselor, helping people to make positive lifestyles changes and developing their mental approach. This in turn, assists their training efforts and enhance their life in general? Oh definitely because I feel like, for myself because I had such a mental change, I had to change my life and how I approached everything. I really feel like many people have disordered eating, not necessarily an eating disorder, but do not eat properly. You need to keep a journal. That is one big thing I have my clients do - always keep a journal. Even if they just set an egg timer and write a stream of consciousness for 10 minutes, at the end of the day, they will be a lot less likely to binge or overeat because they are able to stop their feelings somewhere and not have them be in their food, which is usually a huge trigger. Also they can see in their own handwriting how great they feel when they are training and eating well. Your own handwriting is a much better way of identifying. If somebody comes to you with a body image problem, what would you do? Have you ever encountered this in any of your clients? Oh yeah. The body image problems I encounter with men are usually: they either think that they are way smaller than they are. They want to be bigger or they don't see themselves as big as they actually are. Also men, or women, who are heavy their whole life growing up, is the same thing: they look in the mirror and see themselves as that overweight little kid still, even if they have an incredible body. That's why I think a lot of it is the mixture of the mental and the physical; you kind of have to heal both. No matter what they achieve in the gym they are never really satisfied with how they look? Exactly. Do you make diet plans for your clients? Yes I do. I make various diet plans for each of my clients depending on the body size and what their fitness objective are. Can you share what kind of training programs do you have?

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HEALTHY TIP A Quick & Healthy Skipper Tuna Salad

Mix together & season with salt and pepper and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready to eat.

Ingredients 1 can skipper tuna 1 bundle of watercress 1/2 carrot grated 1 small onion sliced 2 tomatoes (cut in quarters) 2 chillies (as per preference) Juice of 1 lime or lemon I do cross feet training, bootcamp classes and high intensity workouts. Any final thoughts for new members who are interested to join healthy fitness lifestyle? They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be shy to join any gym. Joining mine or any fitness program will definitely change their life. nowadays we have latest machines just like here in USP Fitness. Once you start, you wont feel like quitting.

name: Joji Sole Email: bodybygeorge@gmail.com Ph: 710-9249

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Rewa Fresh Yoghurt is a natural yoghurt, that is made from the freshest milk, right here in Fiji. And it’s a great source of essential nutrients to keep your family healthy, including calcium, which is vital for strengthening kids’ bones and teeth, and protein, giving kids, and grown-ups, the energy they need throughout the day. With seven fantastic flavours, and made with real fruit pieces, everyone will love the delicious, creamy taste of Rewa Yoghurt, and you will love the goodness it provides. Choose Rewa Fresh Yoghurt - It’s theFollow natural is deliciously good for you! www.mailife.com.fj us onchoice, Facebookthat at www.facebook.com/mailifemagazine

JANUARY 2014

STAR

Reba McEntire

Superstar Singer &

Inspiration to Women is 'A little bit of hard work never hurt no one'. With that hard work and tireless commitment has earned her many honours. Her favourite was being inducted into the Hollywood Walk Of Fame where she was given her own star for her contribution to music, theatre, television and film. As I have found out with many extremely successful people, there is usually tragedy lurking in the background and with Reba this was no different. Disaster struck on March 16 1991 after a

Reba McEntire with Ajay Bhai Amrit. By AjAy bHAI AMRIT

he is one of the highest selling female singers in history with over 100 million records sold. She has sung duets with the who’s who of the music industry, such as Justin Timberlake, Leann Rimes, Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Andrea Bocelli and Dolly Parton. She is a mega-star in the US, having routinely been interviewed by talk shows hosts such as Oprah Winfrey and David Letterman. In addition to this, she has had a huge hit comedy television series named REBA of which she was the lead actress. REBA ran prime-time on one of the biggest channels in the United States for six years winning her numerous awards. Just when you think being an incredible singer, songwriter, film and television actress was enough, this woman is also an accomplished and respected Broadway performer and live musical performer. Her name is Reba McEntire and I was fortunate enough to spend a long time with Reba. I found her to be a fascinating yet incredibly down-to-earth person. She told me about her Christian faith and her very strong sense of justice, respect, loyalty, compassion and forgiveness. She also noted that whether you are a Christian, Hindu, Muslim etc., all the scriptures advocate the same principles but it is up to the individual to practice what is preached. The many facets of Reba’s work may seem a lot for one person to handle but she takes it all in her stride and told me her simple philosophy

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With that hard work and tireless commitment to her many professions she has earned so many awards and honours, but one of her favourites must be her being inducted into the Hollywood Walk Of Fame performance in San Diego, when Reba’s management ordered two private charter jets to fly them back to Los Angeles. Reba’s private jet took off first with her and some of her team onboard; the second private jet took off later with her eight member band on it. That was the last time she ever saw any of them. The jet crashed and killed everybody on board. Losing eight of her most loyal and trusted friends and team members devastated Reba. Reba dedicated her 16th album, For My Broken Heart, to her deceased and tight-knitted road band. Released in October 1991, it contained songs of sorrow and lost love about 'all measures of suffering'. With the mental scars still with her, Reba continues to perform at the highest level and today sits at the very pinnacle as one of the most accomplished singers, songwriters, television and film actresses in history. She is truly an inspiration for all women in the world. I must also add on a personal note that Reba McEntire is right up there as one of the most inspirational and wonderfully talented people I have had the pleasure to spend time with and interview.

AJAY BHAI AMRIT OFFICIAL

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PHOTOS: COURTESY OF AJAY BHAI AMRIT

STAR

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JANUARY 2014

2 BAGS

Taki to the new year! 2

Bags recently came across a sign on new Year’s: "We sell Grog & Kava" it read. Segai, same difference! Happy 2014 everyone and with the year kicking off on a wananavu start, I hope everyone's ready for what 2014 has to offer. Resolutions, resolutions, resolutions. This year 2 bags is just taking a day at a time – slowly and yet surely – what with daylight savings ending, the school term starting and the upcoming elections, it’s going to be a 'faster than a speeding bullet' kinda year. This year 2 bags is going on a 'tabu' unless there's a soqo then we’ll grog it till there's no matakas. Grog is great for unwinding with friends and/ or relatives or distressing from a hard day’s work but not something you should

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overdo or abuse resulting in a vampire-like lifestyle of sleeping during the day and takiing during the night. Kaila! I promise not to mention names. Grogging should be fun and a learning experience especially sharing traditional ways of preparing grog and so on and especially networking. It doesn't hurt having a few jokes now and then to lighten the mood. On that note, here 's a few jokes for the peoples. Kaila Korner

Overhead at the bus stand was a conversation between two tauvu ladies: Lady in Red: Bu, have you read Fifty Shades of Grey? Lady Qaqa: Io man! Nearly burnt our dinner the other night reading it. It should be renamed '50 Shades of Rebuke' because of the amount of stuff in it. Lady in Red: No lewa,'50 Shades of Sh*t' ga. Tini ga na durrrr!

A Kadavu man had already taken a day off from work but he wanted to take another day off the next day, so he wrote this letter to his supervisor: “Dear Boss, I would like to request for another day off tomorrow. I am not sick. I just want to spend time at my plantation and repair it”.

2 Bags wishes you all a great 2014.

Wara na motoka! Sa tukuni gona mo vuli qai vaqiqi tyre tiko. Kaila out loud!

Taki responsibly and live everyday as if it was your last.

Beware not to 'noka vakalialia' at the Suva Bus stand and other public places as there's a new Facebook page called Blackout noka Plan taking pictures of people knocked out and posting them up.

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