Yes we can... France-based Fijian winger Joeli Lutumailagi, with wife Atelaite Visa at Sigatoka Valley High School yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

By WAISEA NASOKIA

I am 100 per cent fit, says 27-year-old Narbonne, France-based Joeli Lutumailagi.
The former Digicel 7s wing said despite his rugby career being riddled with injuries, it won’t deter his preparation for the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Russia next month.
The Narata, Nadroga, native is among the overseas players including Seremaia Burotu, Timoci Matanavou, Metuisela Talebula and Waisea Nayacalevu, Watisoni Votu and Vereniki Goneva, Nikola Matawalu and  Alipate Ratini who are in contention for a spot to be assembled by Alivereti Dere.
“I am happy to be selected. There are a lot of good players with a good mix of experienced and new blokes in the squad,” Lutumailagi said.
“I have never dreamt to be part of the
RWCS until I took the contract in France. I thank the selector for having faith in me.”
He knows the wing spot will be contested by Samisoni Viriviri and Alipate Ratini.
“It will be tough but not hard. I know the qualities I have but it all comes down to the selection by FRU. I have faith in the selectors to choose the best for the country’s glory to bring the Melrose Cup for the third time,” he said.
“My injury is ok, while in France I have been preparing very well.
“At the moment I am 100 per cent injury free. I got injured in the first match since I was bit nervous in that game but things looked different as the season moved on.”
Lutumailagi played three games since his debut and managed to score two tries.
“Just by looking at the 30 member squad, I don’t see any reason why Fiji has to loose the Melrose Cup. The strength is similar to the 2005 winning team.”
Lutumailagi said he will march in to camp on Monday.
Squad: Jasa Veremalua, Ulaiasi Lawavou, Lepani Botia, Jone Vota, Setefano Cakau, Nemani Nagusa, Mosese Saunivanua, Sakuisa Gavidi, Ilai Tinani, Emosi Mulevoro, Osea Kolinisau, Samisoni Viriviri, Leone Nakarawa, Donasio Ratubuli, Joji Ragamate, Vilitati Sokiveta, Manasa Nayagi, Manueli Laqai, Vucago Bainitabua, Ratu Meli Kurinisau, Sunia Kubu, Alipate Ratini, Watisoni Votu, Seremaia Burotu, Timoci Matanavou, Vereniki Goneva, Nikola Matawalu, Metuisela Talebula, Waisea Nayacalevu.

An elderly cane farmer smiles in delight as she receives the first of her monthly pension cheques from the Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, in Ba yesterday. Photo: MINISTRY FOR INFORMATION

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

Some 380 retired sugarcane farmers probably breathed a sigh of relief yesterday.
These veteran sugarcane farmers received their first pension pay cheques from the Rarawai and Penang Cane Producers Association.
The association had decided that from the $1.42 million received from the Fairtrade arrangement payout for their cane, monthly pension payments of $100 would be paid to veteran farmers.
For some of these veterans, their years of toil in the cane fields have finally been recognised.
The money was put into a Fairtrade Premium Fund and is now used to pay the monthly pension to veteran cane farmers.
Association president Gyan Singh said the 70-plus pension scheme was a result of an assessment they had carried out.
The initiative has been applauded by Government and the Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, did the honours of handing out the first pension cheques yesterday at the Ba Market hall.
Together with the pension cheque, the veteran farmers also received a pharmacy card, which would enable them to get 10 per cent discount on medication from all Island Pharmacy branches.
They were also handed a certificate of appreciation for their long service through cane farming.
ACKNOWLEDGING
THE HARD WORK
The fair-trade initiative was allowed and supported by Government, in conjunction with the Fiji Sugar Corporation and sugar buyers Tate and Lyle.
“I can think of no group in Fiji more deserving than veteran cane growers who have been the backbone of our country,” Commodore Bainimarama said.
“The Fijian economy has been built on the sugar cane industry and the sweat and toil of these farmers. I don’t believe that this fact has been acknowledged widely enough.
“Indeed I am saddened by the fact that it never was,” he said.
Commodore Bainimarama said these farmers had contributed to Fiji’s economy for nearly 100 years.
“Every Fijian joins me in paying tribute to you today and we all wish you peace and contentment.
“Today we honour the back-breaking effort of these growers that made sugar Fiji’s biggest export-earner.
“As Minister for Sugar, I have tried hard to address the years of neglect by previous governments and the politicising that almost took this industry to the brink of collapse.
“My Government and FSC have agreed to sell 60,000 tonnes of Fairtrade sugar to Tate and Lyle to ensure that the farmers still receive the Fairtrade premium price of $110 a tonne.
The Government has also guaranteed financial access to FSC to facilitate a quicker system of payment to growers.
“We are subsidising landowners for lease payments if they renew land leases. And we have set aside additional funding to assist farmers to increase production and yields.”
Commodore Bainimarama also stressed the need to depoliticise the sugar cane industry.
“There are too many self-serving old political faces that are trapped in the past and are still trying to sow doubt and fear.
“To those of you dependent on the sugarcane industry, I urge you to think about what has been achieved under my Government regarding the improvement in the sugar cane industry and the genuine efforts to improve the quality of your lives.”

ASSESSMENT
Mr Singh said during their assessment they had decided that they would not carry out a means test to decide who should receive the pension.
Instead, it was decided that all cane farmers, above the age of 70 from Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki, would be paid this monthly pension – as long as they live.
He said previously, these men and women were taken care of by their extended family, but this was not the case anymore.

SUGAR FUTURE
Mr Singh told Commodore Bainimarama that their farmers needed 4400 acres of land to increase their cane cultivation.
If this plan goes ahead, 12,571 additional tonnes of sugar would be produced annually.

VETERANS
Many of the veteran farmers yesterday said it felt good to know their hard work over the years had been acknowledged.
Bali Ram, 72, and Jaikaran Singh, 77, said this pension cheque was a means through which many farmers would be able to lead a somewhat comfortable life.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama meeting new home owners in Votualevu, Nadi. Photos: ministry of information

By Maika Bolatiki

The Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has reminded his New Zealand counterpart, John Key, that Fiji will have free and fair elections in 2014.
This was the Prime Minister’s reply yesterday when told of PM Key’s comments on Radio Tarana of New Zealand.
In the interview Mr Key said: “We are ready to work with Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama if he wins the 2014 elections, however the win should be free and fair.”
The Prime Minister added: “Fiji will surely have fair and free elections in September 2014 and it is them that have to change their perception of Fiji’s roadmap to democracy.”
The Prime Minister told his NZ counterpart that the Government was currently working on the new constitution that would see Fiji have fair and free elections.
Elaborating on the new constitution, he said the legal team responsible was going through the 1093 submissions and confirmed there were quite a few ideas to consider.
Commodore Bainimarama, when asked to comment on iTaukei landownership, said, “iTaukei lands and freehold lands owned by Fijians will be safeguarded in the new constitution.”
“No one can take away land from the iTaukei people and this also applies to freehold lands owned by Fijians.”
He said they would take their time in completing the new constitution and there was no rush as they wanted to make the constitution the best ever for Fiji.
However, he confirmed that elections in 2014 will not be affected.

Navy midshipmen during the commissioning parade of three of their personnel to Ensign at Togalevu Naval Base yesterday. Photo: RONALD KUMAR

By TALEBULA KATE

Twenty-two months of perseverance and hardwork finally paid off for three midshipmen of the Fiji Navy after they were commissioned to the rank of Ensign yesterday at the Togalevu Naval Base.
30-year-old Samuel Rajale said during the 22 months doing their sea time, they did theory work and fleet attachments.
“I would like to thank God almighty; without Him we will not be able to achieve what we have today,” Mr Rajale said.
The Vunisei, Naceva man from Kadavu also attributed their success to the training staff and naval officers who had contributed in teaching them the skills and knowledge acquired.
“We look forward to the challenges ahead and we cannot wait to start this new chapter in our career,” he said.
Chief of staff of the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces, Brigadier-General Aziz Mohammed, was the chief guest during the commissioning parade.
Brigadier-General Aziz congratulated the three Ensigns for their perseverance during their naval training which has proven their toughness and firmness in successfully completing the Naval Cadet Programme.
“You are now ready to take your place as officers of the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces,” Brigadier- General Aziz said.
“With this honour you will be entrusted with the solemn responsibility of leading men under your charge to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Fiji,” he said.
He advised the trio to instill a sense of purpose to the men under their command in order to mould them into a cohesive fighting unit.
“Help them to understand the importance of their contributions to the defence of Fiji and for them to always feel that they have something precious worth defending.”
Brigadier-General Aziz challenged them to be genuine in their words actions and forge strong bonds built on trust and respect in order to gain the respect and loyalty of those they lead.
“Generations of RFMF officers have served our country with honour and I charge you to live up to the proud tradition of excellence and professionalism established by those who have served before you.”
He said the RFMF was a national service force therefore it was the leadership of the men and women of the RFMF that would ultimately determine how effective Fiji is defended.
The others commissioned were Apenisa Cavuilati and Jone Vatunilagi.

The Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama will shorten his trip to China late this month. This is because he wants to be back in the country in time for the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) meeting’s preparatory committee’s final briefing.
He made the announcement during a briefing by the ISO preparatory committee at the Novotel Nadi hotel this week.
Commodore Bainimarama will be visitng China at the invitation of the Chinese government to meet Premier Li Keqiang and President Xi Jinping.
He said the change in his flight schedule would mean he would arrive back in Fiji on Friday May 31.
The chairman of the committee and Permanent Secretary for Sugar, Lieutenant- Colonel Manasa Vaniqi, told the Fiji Sun that everything would be ready in the last briefing.
He said the Prime Minister had wanted the final details of the programme especially on the prudent use of the allocated funds.
Mr Vaniqi said one of the changes to be made was that military personnel in Nadi would be meeting and greeting the participants when they arrived.
He said certain cost-cutting measures have been put in place, like using RFMF drivers who are not paid overtime like other government drivers.
Mr Vaniqi also confirmed that the traditional welcome ceremony would be done by the military.
Also there will be no guard of honour as there will be no head of state or prime minister attending the meeting.
However, there will be three ambassadors who will be accorded VIP treatment during their stay in Fiji.

Activist and youth leader ... Roshika Deo - Age: 32 Siblings: 1 sister, 3 brothers Education: Veiuto Primary School, Suva Grammar School, studied law at the University of the South Pacific Current Employment: Fiji Women’s Rights Movement Previous: G.P Lala and Associates as legal associate for five years Social Work: Involved with the Rotary Club of Suva 2005-2011, Member of Capital Toastmasters club, Paul Harris award of Rotary Club, Newmarket in New Zealand

By ROSI DOVIVERATA

She’s an aspiring politician with long-term ambitions.
Meet 32-year-old Roshika Deo, a human rights activist, youth leader, community worker and a lover of humanity.
She’s also one of what is expected to be a new wave of younger political aspirants emerging leading towards to the September 2014 elections.
Earlier this month Ms Deo was shortlisted in the Amnesty International New Zealand’s 2013 Human Rights Defender Award.
Her name popped up alongside Theva Rajan, a Tamil human rights advocate, Susan St John, a founding member of the Child Poverty Action Group, and Aussie Malcolm, president of the Refugee Council of New Zealand.
At the recent United Front for a Democratic Fiji group meeting at Nasinu, Ms Deo called for a mass peaceful protest condemning the Government’s 2013 draft constitution.
She is focused on effecting change today, for the future generations. While some young people are talking about leaving for greener pastures abroad, Ms Deo has her feet firmly planted here.
“Fiji is my home, Fiji is where I belong – whatever happens,” she says. “The younger generation can make a difference now rather than waiting for later, because we are leaders now.
“I remember when I was younger, I told my Dad, I want to be the Prime Minister of Fiji – but he said, you can’t do that, you have to be a doctor, or a lawyer.
“But now when I think about it, anything is possible.”

FATHER
Her father is Indra Deo. He was an advisory councillor, businessman and former politician with the National Alliance Party. He now lives in Australia.
The ex-Suva Grammar School student admits that her childhood had its challenges.
“My parents were quite strict, we never went to a single social at school. It’s because it was from their experiences and their cultural perceptions,” she said.
“While they supported getting a good quality education, they also held traditional views when it came to things like marriage.”
Her father, however, left a huge impression in the course she is taking today.
“Because my father was a businessman, I was always involved in his business, helping out in the supermarket, wholesale, factory – so in a way I was first involved in politics from a corporate angle.
“A lot of the policies that the Government had at that time affected the business, that’s how I became aware of a few things.
“At that time I didn’t say it was politics, I just said it was all business but now that I’m experiencing it directly, I realise that everything is political.”
Mr Deo also took her daughter to the squatter settlements, the HART in Nasinu and Narere and it was an eye-opener for the young lass.
“Today I see politics as something very personal, it affects every aspect of my life – where I live, when I’m on the streets, in the supermarket, every single day we are involved in a political act. Getting into a public service vehicle is a political act because that vehicle is operating under a certain policy.”

LEARNING iTAUKEI

Learning the iTaukei language is a step Ms Deo is taking to help her better understand the iTaukei culture.
“One of the shortfalls of our country is that we don’t know each others’ language. It should have been done from the beginning and I think that’s one of the reasons we have a lot of conflict,” she said.
“I think that language is such that it helps to bring people closer, you’re able to understand then you’re able to relate to each other
“One of the reasons a lot of us have institutionalised racism and we have a racist upbringing, whether you’re iTaukei or Indo-Fijian is because of the barrier that we form between the two ethnic groups, based on culture, language and religion.
“Those in positions of leadership should take steps to change their behaviour and I’m doing that.”
Her parents divorced. Ms Deo is thankful for the support she gets now from her younger siblings.
“My brothers are really supportive, my youngest brother is like my best friend.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

So what are some things she will bring with her in her quest in politics?
“A feminist way of thinking, a youthful perspective and a different way of looking at things,” she said.
“I also believe in consultative approaches instead of adversarial-like approaches, we have to create a culture of independent individuals.
“In an authoritative government it’s also difficult to be able to be independent, assertive, free-thinking individuals but it is so important to do that.”

The death of infants in our communities remains a frustrating challenge that not many know how to prevent.
These deaths are a crisis not just of public health, but of ethics and morality.
I think infant deaths are strongly correlated to structural factors like general living conditions and social wellbeing.
Policies and regulations are needed to make sure we give infants the best possible care.
It will take a lot of support to lower infant deaths and improve health and development of our children.
Remember that a successful society is its ability to prevent infant deaths.

I had earlier mentioned about, and which I still stand by and will continue to highlight, the calibre of festivals that continue to be staged at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The city’s chief executive officer, Jone Nakauvadra, refuted my comments on the subject denying that such festivals were low grade.
Perhaps I can retract my statement and say the Adi Salusalu Festival is the best and most well organised in the sugar city.
The rest, and I really can’t count how many others there are, are poorly organised, with the same old same old every year.
Last weekend, the Crime Stoppers Festival began and I wonder whether Mr Nakauvadra has ever ventured down to the grounds to look at the stalls.
Almost all stalls are vacant with one fun ride machine. I was also informed by a Police friend of mine that the festival does not have the backing of the Fiji Police Force like last year.
Now if the scenery at Churchill Park does not hit home with Mr Nakauvadra about these types of festivals being staged, then I will not speculate on where our city is heading.

With regards to recent letters on the above, yes, it is nice that we are putting strange looking pictures, of things that look like roast chickens, etc. on our cigarette packets.
However, it is a total waste of time and money, as it is in Australia as well.
If someone wants to smoke they will smoke, just as they will drink, or drive a car without a licence, or drunk or without a seat belt on.
In fact there are some supposedly intelligent young men around who think that the packets that have “smoking causes cancer” written on them, are in fact stronger, so are better, and they specify that they want this one when they are buying from the shop.
Then today I thought well I’ve heard everything now – a young man was asking the shopkeeper for an Unborn B&H10! It’s scary to think that these people vote, and may be the future of Fiji one day.
So then we have the noise pollution. Preachers of every description screaming at full blast down a microphone as if they were preaching to the world instead of their small group of followers, (may I remind them that the Lord Jesus was a gentle person, who did not yell and shout, so if they propose to be a preacher of his word, please do it like he did; calmly and gently).
Buses tooting their horns incessantly at the Suva bus bay because other buses in front have to wait for other buses ahead of them to move.
Ghastly music, cheap-line Reggae, FM96 gabbles or horrible remixes, at full blast in the buses and taxis, and private cars as they pass by you on the street.
Has anyone heard the sound of the horns on the new Gold and Silver Pacific Transport Buses?
These pierce through your skull into your brain, and on top of that give most people a heart attack when they toot as they pass you on the road, and you don’t see them coming, ghetto blasters in cars, revving screeching cars, etc.
Then we have the diesel fumes. Don’t get me started on that one. I have been breathing that stuff in since the day I was born, and if anything is going to kill you, that will.
I remember sitting at the Sigatoka bus station changing buses for the Fijian Hotel, and buses would have their engines on, belching out black diesel fumes and smoke.
Things have improved a lot now, but there is still a lot of room for improvement.
We have already all been given a death sentence with all this stuff we have been breathing in, and our brains, ears and hearts have been subjected to for years.
Then there is rubbish pollution. Have you driven up between Tamavua and Nausori on Princes Road lately? Have you noticed the rubbish? Households actually bring their rubbish up to Colo-i-Suva and nearby villages, to dump. There are old refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, and all sorts of other revolting rubbish.
Travelling down my way at Korotogo on the Coral Coast, we pick up bags of rubbish daily from the side of the road; most of it thrown out of cars, buses and trucks.
What is wrong with their bags? What is wrong with their rubbish bins?
I think we need to concentrate on something a little more important than complaining about some people’s cigarette smoke.
Noise pollution is illegal. Vehicle fume pollution is illegal. Rubbish pollution is illegal.
Let’s get our priorities in the right order and get on with doing something about it.