Bua Landowners to Get Payout

Fiji Live News - 24 February 2011

The people of Nawailevu in Bua will have a reason to smile come tomorrow as they will be receiving lease money amounting to about $986,930.

Permanent Secretary for Lands, Filimone Kau said the handover was part of the rural development projects the Ministry was engaged in.

“Through the newly established Land Use Unit unutilized land are deposited into the Land Bank and made available for productive use that will benefit landowners and investors,” he said.

Land Minister, Netani Sukanaivalu, and other senior officials will travel to Bau tomorrow to officially handover the Nawailevu Bauxite Mining to Arum Explorations Ltd.

Such breakthrough signifies the relationship bonded during negotiation period between Government, the investor and land owners.

“This is critical in ensuring investor confidence for the nation and creating a transparent and friendly environment for all in facilitating investment,” Kau added.

Tomorrow’s handover details a surface lease where by Arum Explorations can start preliminary work like building a camp site, access, bridges and infrastructure.

According to Kau, mining can only begin in a month’s time when a mining lease is issued.

Also, not only will the landowners benefit through a down payment but they will be given first preference on unskilled and unskilled employment provided they meet the criteria required.

Kau also readdressed that the ministry continues to encourage land owners to engage with government on the possibility of having their lands leased for a source of revenue.

The handover tomorrow will see the landowning units: Mataqali Naicobo, Mataqali Noro, Mataqali Nalutu, Vanua Navakasiga and Vanua Lekutu receive they payout.

By Ravai Vafo’ou

New Tui Vuda Installed

Fiji Village News - 18 February 2011

Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia has been installed as new Tui Vuda

Ratu Eparama is the brother of the late former Tui Vuda, Ratu Josaia Tavaiqia.

The ceremony is currently underway at the chiefly village of Viseisei.

It is understood that the Tokatoka Nakelo met last night to finalise who was to take up the title and their decision was blessed by the Divisional Reverend.

Spokesperson for the Mataqali, Tui Nakelo, Viliame Tekaniwaqalevu said a few names were brought up and after the final decision was made a tabua was taken to the new Tui Vuda to inform him that he was the chosen one.

All the heads of all the Yavusa in Vuda were then informed and the beating of the lali, the "Rogorogo I Vuda" was heard again, this time to inform the people that their new Chief was confirmed.

The members of the clan of the Taukei Nakelo, the traditional kingmakers were accompanied by the traditional warriors or "Liganiwau" from the Yavusa, Burevakava, and took the new Tui Vuda, Ratu Tavaiqia, to the residence of the Taukei Nakelo to traditionally bless him.

Upon arrival, kava was mixed, after which the traditional bowl carrier, Ratu Apisai Saketa, officially handed the first bowl of kava to Ratu Tavaiqia, to acknowledge him as the new high chief of Vuda.

A tabua was presented to formalise the installation and it was a sign that all the powers of the Tui Vuda was handed over to Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia

Taveuni Loss is Vuda's Unique Gain

Elenoa Baselala

Fiji Times - Friday, February 18, 2011

The vanua of Vuda mourn the loss of a great leader, former President Ratu Iloilovatu

THE Taukei Sawaieke Ratu Tevita Momoedonu has told the Information Ministry that Taveuni's loss became Vuda's gain when the former President and Tui Vuda the late Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda left the garden island to lead the people of Vuda.

Ratu Tevita, in delivering the eulogy of the vanua of Vuda at the Jone Wesele Church at Viseisei Village, related that twice, the Tui Taveuni and his chiefly Nasuva clan, rejected the traditional request for Ratu Iloilo's release from Taveuni.

Ratu Iloilo was born and bred on Taveuni and it wasn't until he was 61-years-old that he joined his father's people in Vuda.

When he was nine-years-old, Ratu Iloilo's mother Adi Melania Ciba was installed as the Tui Taveuni.

When Ratu Iloilo was 16, his father became the Tui Vuda.

"In 1981, it was the decision of the vanua of Vuda for a traditional delegation to go to Taveuni to get Ratu Iloilo to come and live and be written in the Vola ni Kawa Bula of his father's people in Vuda," Ratu Tevita said.

"We went twice and were rejected twice.

"The third time we were accepted and Ratu Iloilo came to live in Viseisei for the first time.

"They didn't want to give him up because he was their blood and was also marked to be the next Tui Taveuni.

"Taveuni's loss is our gain and for that we thank the Tui Taveuni for raising our great leader."

Ratu Iloilo ascended the Vuda throne in 1997 and led the people of Vuda until he passed away at a ripe age of 90.

He was entombed at the chiefly burial ground of Naburenivalu around 2pm after a splendid state funeral that included the 21 gun salute farewell.

1000s attend service and entombment

Maciu Malo
Friday, February 18, 2011

Some of the grandchildren of the late Tui Vuda and former president Ratu Josefa Iloilo make their way across the village ground in Veiseisei Village. Picture: Jai Prasad

THE heavens opened up and a slight drizzle fell just before the casket of the late Tui Vuda Ratu Josefa Iloilo was carried out of the Jone Wesele Church to its final destination — the sautabu (chiefly burial ground) Naburenivalu yesterday.

Thousands of people from all walks of life attended the church service and entombment ceremony in Vuda.

Leading the government delegation were the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

They were accompanied by Cabinet ministers and senior civil servants which included Police Commissioner Brigadier Ioane Naivalurua.

The vanua was represented by paramount chiefs of Fiji's 14 provinces. Those present included turaga na Ratu mai Verata Ratu Ifereimi Ravoka and Bau chiefs Adi Samanunu Talakuli Cakobau and Ratu Jope Seniloli.

Head of the Burebasaga confederacy Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa was also joined by the Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Ratu Epeli Ganilau and Ratu Aisea Katonivere of Macuata.

The Methodist church were represented by former president Reverend Laisiasa Ratabacaca who also delivered the sermon at the funeral service while the general secretary Rev Tuikilakila Waqairatu delivered the eulogy on behalf of the church.

Members of the judiciary, politicians and former ministers like Mahendra Chaudhry were also at Viseisei.

And so were members of the business community; the owners of Punjas and Motibhai at the forefront of this group.

All foreign embassies were represented and some notable sports personalities like Ro Seru Tuisese, Alivereti Doviverata and Vili Satala were also part of Fiji's historic state funeral.

The village green was in a sea of black and white with an array of crimson red of the military uniform.

The soldiers accorded the highest military honour, the 21 gun salute, to the late former president before he was finally entombed at Naburenivalu.

Illegal Fiji Regime Makes Unilateral Changes to Land Laws

Cabinet approves land use law

Shalveen Chand
Fiji Times - Thursday, February 17, 2011

CABINET approved the Land Use Regulations 2011 which will see the establishment of a Land Use Unit within the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources.

The unit responsible for creating a Land Use Bank will have a deposit of land including both native and crown titled land.

The unit will also be responsible for issuing leases over all designated lands, collect and distribute rentals and carry out any other matters pertaining to all lands designed by the Prime Minister under the Decree.

Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said that Land Use Regulations 2011 were therefore intended to provide the legal framework for issuance of leases under the Land Use Decree 2010.

He said that the regulations will include the provision to lease native titled land.

The key provisions of the regulations include consent of native land owning units prior to depositing their land in the Land Use Bank including those under reserves; election of trustees as legal representatives of the land owning units whose role will be limited to matters relating to leasing of lands, the collection and fair distribution of rentals and premiums.

The provisions also include designation of land to be included in the Land Use Bank; the formulation of the State lease and forms for usage by the Land Use Unit; distribution of rentals; leasing on the market value of designated land, and valuation of designated native land by the State, government agencies and statutory authority.

Illegal PM Makes Unilateral Change to NLTB Entitlements

PM orders NLTB change

Elenoa Baselala
Fiji Times - Thursday, February 17, 2011

THE Native Land Trust Board has been directed to distribute lease monies to all landowners that were 18 years and above, confirmed a statement from the Information Ministry.

Prime Minister and i-Taukei Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama issued the directive also in his capacity as chairman of the NLTB.

The directive issued yesterday effectively reduced the minimum age for lease money recipients to 18 years from the previously practiced 21 years and over.

Under the existing policy and practice of NLTB, all monies received by NLTB were only distributed to those 21 years and over. The monetary entitlements of those under 21 years of age are held in trust by NLTB.

"As announced in January, the Bainimarama Government has amended the Native Land Trust (Leases and Licences) Regulations, to ensure that all members of the i-Taukei landowning units receive an equal share of the monies distributed by NLTB, regardless of rank or chiefly title.

"Given its policy under the Peoples' Charter for Change, Peace & Progress to reduce the minimum age from 21 years to 18 in all laws, policies and practices, Government has reviewed the existing NLTB policy of only distributing monies to persons of the age of 21 years and has now decided to reduce the eligibility age to 18 years.

"As such, all eligible persons 18 years and over will now be entitled to receive their equal share of the monies distributed by NLTB.

"For persons under the age of 18 years, the existing policy of the monies being held in trust by NLTB will continue, and these monies will be paid out upon a person reaching 18 years of age.

"The Prime Minister has further instructed NLTB that this directive on the reduction of eligibility age to 18 years is to be implemented with immediate effect," the statement said.

Salute to Fallen Tui Vuda

Uphold tradition, culture

Maciu Malo
Fiji Times - Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Heads bowed, Adi Cakobau Shcoolstudents pay their last respects at the presidential gates

PEOPLE of Vuda have been reminded to uphold their tradition and culture and adhere to a decent dress code during the mourning period of their late chief and former President of Fiji, Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu.

Villagers and visitors have been urged to follow protocol.

Taukei Sawaieke Ratu Tevita Momoedonu said some villagers had turned deaf ears on calls made by the chiefs of Vuda regarding the dress code.

"The people are reminded to observe this solemn period that we are going through in Vuda," said Ratu Tevita.

"The dress code is very important because it portrays the image of the vanua of Vuda.

"Women should be wear black dress while men are to wear black sulu and white short-sleeve shirts."

He said Vuda was well known for the uniqueness of its culture and it was important for its people to set a good example.

Ratu Tevita said all people that roamed around the chiefly bure and its surrounding compound should wear the traditional mourning dress. "Trousers are not allowed to be worn during the mourning period," he said.

He pleaded with mourners planning to attend the funeral to abide by the rules.

Villagers along the Queen's Highway are expected to enforce their own protocols.

The rules

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

IN adhering to the traditional itaukei protocol during the period of mourning, the vanua of Vuda requires the observation of the following taboo in the village:

* No footwear

* No jewellery

* No umbrella

* No tied hair

* No handbags to be worn on the shoulder, including camera bags.

Dress code:

For women - black-sleeved dress or sulu-i-ra or black top with long skirt

For men - black sulu vakataga and whilte short/ long sleeve shirt

Follow Traditional Protocol at Vuda says Momoedonu

Fiji Village News - 11 February 2011

Story by Tokasa Rainima

There are some rules which people must follow when they enter the chiefly village of Viseisei to pay their last respects to the late President and Tui Vuda, Ratu Josefa Iloilo.

According to the Taukei Sawaieke, Ratu Tevita Momoedonu (picture left) the Vanua of Vuda is advising people to observe the protocol by wearing the proper attire, the women to wear black dresses and sulus, men to wear white shirts and black sulus.

He added that the women are not to wear any jewellery except for their wrist watch, no footwear, no make-up, you not allowed to use an umbrella and for the women not to carry their handbags.

Momoedonu said the traditional warriors will monitor or ensure that the protocol is followed.

Meanwhile, up until the burial of the late Tui Vuda next Thursday the Rogorogo I Vuda or the beating of the lali will continue on a 24 hour basis by the traditional priest or (Bete).

NLTB urges landowners on bank accounts

FBC News -  February 07, 2011

The Native Lands Trust Board is urging landowners to appoint trustees and open a bank account if they want to receive their lease payment.

NLTB General Manager – Alipate Qetaki told FBC News lease payments were released last week but majority were held back because many landowners had no bank account.

He says many landowners have expressed concern but the NLTB had been advising them from last year to open a bank account in order to receive payment.

Millions of dollars are being kept in the NLTB suspense account and Qetaki says it is urgent that landowners meet the requirement which is to appoint three legal trustees and open a bank account.

Report by : Sekope Toduadua

Chiefs must use influence: Police

by Elenoa Baselala

Fiji Times - Monday, February 07, 2011

CHIEFS have a vital role in fighting domestic violence and child abuse cases in their communities, a traditional meeting of chiefs heard.

Speaking to chiefs at the Macuata bose vanua last Friday in Labasa, police officer Navitalai Sereivalu asked chiefs to work with police in combating such criminal activities.

Mr Sereivalu reminded chiefs of the influence they wield and how they could use it positively in the crime prevention.

Mr Sereivalu told the chiefs of Police Comssioner Ioane Naivalurua's commitment in eradicating domestic violence and child abuse; he added the vanua should follow suite.

Considering a high number of sexual-related crimes reported in Macuata over the past, Mr Sereivalu said it was only right that the fight started from the helm of the traditional body.

He told chiefs to work closely with their people and talk to them about the importance of respecting women and children in villages.

Mr Sereivalu said while chiefs would attend to working with their own people, police and other government authorities would support them with awareness programs.

Tui Macuata Ratu Aisea Katonivere encouraged the chiefs to take the lead role in putting a stop to domestic violence and child abuse.

Ratu Aisea said the Macuata chiefs would work closely with the police and other Government departments towards the eradication of domestic violence and child abuse.

The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Spirit Level:  Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better

Authors:  Richard Wilkinson, Kate Pickett

Subject(s):  Socio-economics

Publisher:  Allen Lane

Publication date:  5 March 2009

ISBN:  978-0141032368

The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better is a book by Richard G. Wilkinson and Kate Pickett, published in 2009. This book is also published in the US by Bloomsbury Press (December, 2009) with new sub-title: "why greater equality makes societies stronger".  It was then published in a paperback second edition in the UK in February 2010 with the different sub-title, “Why Equality is Better for Everyone”, which included an Appendix of some of the statistical data which had previously only been available on the Equality Trust website.

The book claims that there are "pernicious effects that inequality has on societies: eroding trust, increasing anxiety and illness, (and) encouraging excessive consumption."

It claims that for each of eleven different health and social problems: physical health, mental health, drug abuse, education, imprisonment, obesity, social mobility, trust and community life, violence, teenage pregnancies, and child well-being, outcomes are substantially worse in more unequal rich countries. Statistics are given for 23 of the top 50 rich countries and also for 50 states of the United States of America. The book contains graphs and charts, also available online.

In 2010 the book was subject to a volley of criticism from a variety of sources. Wilkinson and Pickett released a response to questions about their analysis on the Equality Trust website.

As of August 2010 the book has sold 36,000 copies in the UK.

Click here for more information

Watch a Video about the Book

The Spirit Level - slides from The Equality Trust

Ba Province fights for people

by Maciu Malo

Fiji Times - Monday, January 31, 2011

THE Ba Provincial Office will target the grassroots level in a bid to promote the wellbeing of its people.

Roko tui Ba Ratu Sireli Vananalagi Vesikula said they had set a three-year strategic plan to work on.

He said priority was the promotion of good governance on the part of traditional leaders and tikina representatives.

Ratu Sireli said the council would educate leaders on the importance of every decision they make regarding the wellbeing of their people.

He said the provincial office in consultation with the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji would hold trainings for the tikina representatives next month on the objective of their roles.

"We have just selected a new set of tikina reps and they will be there for a period of three years," said Ratu Sireli.

"These reps will have a lot of training mainly to update them on their responsibilities."

He said the representatives would deal with grassroots people and whatever was learnt from the workshop would be relayed to their people.

Ratu Sireli said they wanted the village structure to be in order.

He said the provincial office would assist the villagers in their fight against poverty.

He also encouraged villagers to engage in income-generating businesses to help with their daily survival.

"Our aim is for all households to have income generating business," he said.

No plans for Rewa Bridge

by Verenaisi Raicola

Fiji Times - Thursday, January 27, 2011

THE Ministry of Works maintains they have not made any plans regarding the old Rewa Bridge.

Suggestions to build a flea market on it have not progressed although the historical landmark was still sturdy.

The structure that had survived cyclones, hurricanes and floods since it opened on June 12, 1937 was no longer used for cars but remained a fishing base for people at night and an exercise spot by early morning joggers and walkers.

Ministry of Works spokeswoman Sainiana Waqainabete said the ministry had not planned out what they would do with the bridge.

"There has been no decision made by the ministry and the future of the bridge remains unknown at this stage," she said.

The Fiji Procurement Office had placed an advertisement calling for tenders to dismantle the old Rewa Bridge in one of the dailies at the beginning of the year.

Ms Waqainabete said earlier there were many factors to consider like the need for an environmental impact study on the removal of the bridge.

Plans to convert the bridge into a flea market concept were earlier pursued by the Nausori Town Council.

In July last year, the Ministry of Works had set aside $1m for the dismantling of the bridge.

The ministry said earlier the project would be carried out by the United Kingdom Company Roughton International but nothing was finalised.

Public Works Department bridge engineer John Luveniyali in 2008 estimated the annual cost of maintaining the bridge at around $300,000.

He said apart from the cost, the Government would have to consider if it was worth maintaining the aging structure.

Mr Luveniyali said materials from the bridge could be used to construct a similar infrastructure in rural areas.

Water and sewerage lines run under the bridge.

Village Bylaws Debate

by Verenaisi Raicola

Fiji Times - Thursday, January 27, 2011

+ Enlarge this image

A village sign at Lami Village advises that women are not allowed to wear pants and men are not allowed to wear hats, stemming from the proposed village bylaws. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU

Roko Tui Ba Ratu Sireli Vesikula said while some villagers supported the draft village bylaws proposed by the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, he cautioned them not to apply the penalties as they had not been legalised.

Ratu Sireli has however suggested that all disciplinary issues villagers presently faced or had to deal with should be referred to police.

Ratu Sireli said some villagers agreed to promote the draft village bylaws to encourage discipline in some areas of village life that seemed to be deteriorating.

"I am telling the villagers to be careful because they have no authority to apply the penalties," he said.

Ratu Sireli said what was important was for villagers to improve on their behavior.

"Things like being drunk and disorderly, turning the volume of music high and wearing nonrespectable clothes in the village needed to be discouraged," he said.

Ratu Sireli said overall, there is a need for some form of order in village settings.

He said homes in some villages were constructed too close to one another.

The proposed draft village bylaws states that there should be a space of 12 metres between homes. All homes should contain a sleeping space, bathroom, toilet and a kitchen.

The law also prohibits smoking in any village public places.

Police spokesman Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said the village bylaws was not law so the village elders and turaga-ni-koro were prohibited from exercising it.

He said the turaga-ni-koro who were 'disciplining' villagers were effectively commiting assault.

They have been charged and will face the full brunt of the law, Inspector Sokomuri said.

State halt of bylaws good

Fiji Times - Thursday, January 27, 2011

THE Citizens Constitutional Forum (CCF) welcomes the suspension of the proposed village bylaws by the state.

CCF chief executive officer Reverend Akuila Yabaki said they were informed at a meeting by the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs last week that Cabinet had decided to suspend the implementation of village bylaws pending further wider consultation with stakeholders.

"This government move will receive wide support from civil society organisations (CSOs, particularly because the village bylaws was incompatible with United Nations Conventions on Human Rights which Fiji has ratified," Mr Yabaki said.

In a letter signed by Mr Yabaki and addressed to deputy permanent secretary Indigenous Affairs Department Colonel Apakuki Kurusiga last year, CCF shared its fears and reservations about the draft bylaws.

Mr Yabaki said some villages, according to media reports, had already embarked on the implemention of the said bylaws; offenders of the bylaws are actually punished.

"CCF believes that the goal of national unity compels us to move away from racial or communal approaches."

Ana Does Fiji Proud in NZ

by Kelera Serelini

Fiji Times - Saturday, January 22, 2011

Iliseva Ravoka, Ana Waqairawaqa (centre) and Reverend Kalivati Ravoka

There was no sweet sailing for Ana Waqairawaqa during her journey as a nurse. But she fought all odds and has now done well for herself.

Ms Waqairawaqa is the lone Fijian nursing lecturer at the Waiariki Institute of Technology, Rotorua, New Zealand.

Her career, she said, was carved from an early age when she left home to pursue her education.

"I guess leaving home at an early age has taught me a lot about being independent," she said.

"I feel great being a Fijian woman and the only Pacific Island lecturer on the whole campus.

"The students have a lot of respect for me even though some of them are quite older than me. The staff are very supportive and I don't feel being the only different one.

Ms Waqairawaqa is originally from Nabalabala Village, Tokaimalo, Ra and attended Tokaimalo District School and later pursuing secondary education at Ballantine Memorial School, Suva.

She graduated from the Fiji School of Nursing, Tamavua in 1987 and had worked at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital for 13 years before migrating to New Zealand in 2000.

Ms Waqairawaqa then joined Lakes District Health Board, Rotorua Public Hospital from 2000 to 2008 before joining Waiariki Institute of Technology, Rotorua in May, 2008 as a Bachelor of Nursing Lecturer.

"Life then was a bit tough trying to settle into Kiwi lifestyle and at the same time face reality of culture shock," she said.

"The hospital staff and the few Fijian family here are very supportive in helping my family to settle.

"Life has been challenging for me, having my daughter in 2002 and beginning my post-graduate studies in 2003 as part-time student and a permanent shift staff. It's being quite a rough road to success when I have to juggle work, family and studies.

"I just thank God Almighty for what I have achieved and where I am today. If it wasn't for Him, I don't think I would be able to achieve anything and most importantly the breath of life. I resigned from the hospital in 2008 and accepted this job as a Bachelor of Nursing lecturer here at the school of nursing.

"I like the working hours and it works out well for my daughter who is still at primary school.

"My two boys are both working and very independent."

Despite the challenges, Ms Waqairawaqa holds the nursing profession close to her heart.

"Nursing is a caring profession and if someone does not possess that caring attitude in herself, she is not fit to be a nurse.

"I still do casual shifts at the hospital during school holidays, because I love to help sick people and to see them get better and be independent.

" It gives me a feeling of satisfaction that I have helped someone who needed my help when they were sick, I do believe in holistic nursing so you do not only cure the physical being but spiritual and psychological as well. Commitment is also a major aspect of the nursing profession.

Her advice to young individuals is to put God first in everything they do and there will be no problem.

"If you let Him guide He will also provide there is no question about that.

"My work hours now are quite flexible with my daughter attending primary school it works out well for both of us, I must admit I did struggle during my first year of study but if you have a goal to achieve then you need to sacrifice in some areas."

She said it was because of her parent's commitment towards her education and upbringing that got her to the lifestyle that she lives today.

Ms Waqairawaqa said family support is integral and is grateful to have had people like Reverend Kalivati Ravoka (Talatala qase Suvavou) and her aunt Iliseva Ravoka, cousin Inosi Colavanua and her late aunt Ana Colavanua as he mentor.

"I left home at the age of 6 to attend primary school I had to stay with my aunt (mum's older sister) because she lives closer to the school, I used to feel homesick all the time. We had to walk to school and crossed rivers.

"My parents worked so hard to get me to where I am today with my four siblings, I am the eldest child so my parents' expectations were so high and seeing them working so hard to cater for the five of us encourages me to move forward and achieve something in life.

"Both my parents have passed away in 2007 and I would like to dedicate this article to them, " she said.