Healthier animals equals healthier communities, says Julie Seidman. She is a logistic coordinator for Taveuni Animal Lovers.

In 2012, Ms Seidman started living part- time in Taveuni.

She is from California in the United States of America.

With her vet nurse background, she recognised the out of control stray animal problem.

“I’ve helped charities from Australia and Viti Levu, but recognised Taveuni, being the 3rd largest island, needed its own charity for animals,” she said.

Their services include finding homes for homeless animals, teaching villagers basic animal husbandry, instilling the importance of good nutrition, worm and flea treatment plus the ongoing promotion of “One World One Health”.

“A major part of our mission is to supply desexing to remote villages and settlements in Taveuni that do not have access to veterinary services either due to transport or expense.”

Their organisation recruits volunteer vets and vet nurses to supply professional services which are exclusively funded by donations.

How Many Places Have You Visited Around Fiji?

Mostly the Nadi and Suva areas for brief periods.

Our home is Taveuni Island

A part of the island of Taveuni.

What Is One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To, and Why?

Bouma Falls in Taveuni.

A scenic hike with 3 different waterfalls to view and swim around.

Bouma Waterfall. Photo: Paul’s Travel Pictures

What Is Your Favourite Place For Coffee / Pie and Why?

In Naqara, Taveuni’s only main town, there’s a cafe called Paradise Cafe.

Very homey feel and is managed by locals.

Their Passion Fruit donuts are to die for!

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Sport?

Playing catch with my husband or running around with the dogs.

What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List, and Why?

Would love to someday visit the Yasawas and the Mamanuca islands.

They have lovely white sandy beaches.

Taveuni is volcanic so white sandy beaches are quite rare here.

The Mamanuca Islands

Feedback: selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj

Rajesh Patel is the Managing Director of Supreme Fuel Limited. The head office is located in Mead Road in Nabua, while the other two offices are in Walu Bay and in Tavua.

Supreme Fuel has a total of 12 outlets. It is a fuel and service station operator. It is a family business that has been operating for the past 75 years.

Mr Patel is the 10th generation over- seeing the smooth running of the business on a daily basis.

The company employs 140 people.

“I love doing this business, even though it is not easy as it requires a lot of hard work,”Mr Patel said.

“The business has been passed down from generations and we have to continue the legacy with an increasingly present field,” he said.

How Many Places Have You Visited Around Fiji?

I have visited a few places such as the Yasawa Island, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, and Denarau Island.

Aerial view of the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa along Natadola Bay.

What Is The One Place in Fiji You Would Take Visitors To?

Port Denarau has a lot of places to visit and enjoy a great place for shopping and duty free.

Port Denarau, Nadi.

What Is Your Favourite Place for Coffee/ Pie, and Why?

Coffee Hub in Ba.

It’s the best place for coffee in the West.

Coffee Hub is located in the Essence Of Fiji building, next to Mobil service station, Nadi Back Road . The cafe and lounge is operated by the well known Barista “Zoro”. It has easy parking and amazing coffee.

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot?

I love to watch Television and the world news to keep myself updated.

This is my way of relaxation as I am at work six days a week from 8am to 8pm.

What Is One Place in Fiji That Remains on Your Bucket List, and Why?

Laucala Island.

I have heard a lot about it and it is my dream to visit the beautiful place one day.

Laucala Resort.

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj

National rugby union player and Fijian Drua scrum half, Frank Lomani, was a runaway child in 2015, when he first left his homeland in Vanua Levu.

“I did not return home until I made the Fiji team the very same year.”

Setting The Record Straight

“Many people claim I came to the mainland because I attended Marist or RKS, but the truth is I completed my entire high school at St Bedes College,” he said.

“I left Vanua Levu for the first time when I headed for Suva, because I did not want to take up the bank job offer my parents had lined up for me at Westpac.”

“Personnel from the bank came to school, came to see my parents, to ask that I join the bank straight after Form Seven external exams.

“But I ran away.”

Lomani sought two weeks of refuge with an uncle in the capital city. “It was a long story,” Lomani said. “But I was confident of my future in rugby.”

Business Interests

Rugby aside, business management is his next best interest.

“I want to run a kava business,” he said.

Lomani continues to assist his father in the family’s kava farming business, after it received its export licence.

“We are selling to the local market, until we have established a buyer in Australia.”

Been Around the World

Having visited more than 15 countries in the past seven years, Lomani maintained there was no place like home.

“I can’t say I have been around the world, but I have been to some places,” he said.

He returned to Fiji from the United Kingdom in March, to join the Drua in preparation for the Rugby World Cup 2023.

“I’m based here now,” Lomani said.

“I travelled a lot between United Kingdom and Australia, before I returned to Fiji.”

“Anything can change,” he said.

Now in his mid-20s, the Nukubalavu-born rugby star who “never really left Vanua Levu” until he was 18, has the world at his feet.

He describes himself as a “normal person, easy to get along with, and down to earth”.

Teetotaller

A teetotaller, he enjoys keeping his feet on the ground.

He may order the occasional mocktail, and linger for a moment, before he heads off on his own.

“When someone I don’t know calls out to me on the street, I return the greeting to make it seem we are al- ready acquainted,” Lomani said.

“I don’t want to walk around with my head in the clouds – with all the fame that surrounds you for being a rugby star.

“That’s not who I am.”

Ticking Off Some Boxes

In the next five years, Lomani sees himself playing rugby at the highest level of the game.

“I have been ticking off some boxes to get there,” he said.

“I have achieved two of my personal goals – Super Rugby which is the highest level on this side of the hemisphere, and premiership in the United Kingdom.”

“I have played in the Rugby World Cup, that’s another tick off the box.”

Choices that Determine Change

Rugby changed Lomani’s life for the better.

“When you see me train, or when you see me in trials, I give it my all,” he said.

“If I had stuck in the village, I would have been smoking and causing trouble.

“Or I would have been a dad now, like my friends back in the village who are my age.

“I’m not saying it’s a bad thing – I just wanted to make a difference.”

Humbled by his influence and of the impact of his decision to chase his dreamsk, Lomani has an appreciation for youngsters who look up to him.

“When children back in the village to look up to you with hope of a better future for them, you know you have done something good.

“Education is important, but rugby is more important.”

“Not everyone can be a teacher, not everyone can be a doctor – to each, his own.”

“And rugby is an option.”

Where in Fiji Would You Take Friends To?

Savusavu.

You won’t know its beauty until you get there.

It is the hidden paradise.

People who visit for the first time refuse to leave when it’s time to return.

At home in Nukubalavu, Savusavu, I have fun.

Nothing else matters when I’m back at home, in the village.

When I get there, there is no telephone reception.

So I leave my phone at home, to join my family in having fun, through activities such as going to the farm early in the morning.

What Is Your Favourite Spot For a Coffee or Pie?

The Coffee Hub.

There is a special taste to their coffee.

Coffee at The Coffee Hub Nadi. Source: @thecoffeehubfiji · Coffee shop FaceBook Page

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot?

Wailoaloa.

The sunsets are glorious.

The beach is a beautiful spot to escape to for a breather and fresh air, and of course, the view.

And Sailor’s Beach offers the best ever barbecue that side of Nadi.

Wailoaloa beach in Nadi, is home to some glorious golden sunsets.

What Is One Place in Fiji on Your Bucket List?

Lau.

I have seen videos and photos of the islands, which are like the Great Barrier Reef.

It looks like a good place to go for a picnic.

The white sandy beaches are alluring.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj

Kinisimere Kula believes that nothing is impossible if the heart is willing.

Ms Kula is the pastry chef at the newly opened Bula VIP Lounge at Laucala Beach.

She did not enroll in an institute to learn how to bake, she learnt it from the internet at 17.

Ms Kula started baking at her home in Delainavesi, as a hobby, and would let her family and friends judge her work.

From those critics, the mother-of-four was able to better herself . She even wrote her own recipes.

The enthusiastic baker continued to practise to perfect her baking skills.

During the pandemic, the 26-year-old set up her baking business and named it Kula’s Home Pastry.

“My children inspired me to invest my time into perfecting my baking and to bake for their birthdays,” Ms Kula said.

With the need to expand her horizon, she applied as a kitchen hand at the Bula VIP Lounge.

Bula VIP Lounge director Melvin Pratap identifified her baking talents and promoted her to Pastry Chef.

How Many Places Have You Visited Around Fiji?

Rakiraki and Vanua Levu.

Suncoast, Rakiraki. Source: fijiguide.com/

What Is The One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To?

Levuka, Ovalau as it holds a lot of history about our country

Levuka.

What Is Your Favourite Place For Coffee/ Pie?

Bula VIP Lounge.

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot?

Baking and spending quality time with my children.

What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List?

The Lau Group.

The photos themselves are beautiful, going there will be breath-taking.

Lau Group of Islands.

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj

Rahil Roy believes in order to become successful, hard work and consistency is the key.

Mr Roy is a director at Bargain Box Fiji Limited located at Nina street Suva.

He manages various departments in the store.

He has become an expert after 10 years of experience.

He has also learnt new things in managing a business to provide better services for customers.

Mr Roy developed a keen interest in business management while pursuing his studies in tertiary school.

Managing a small business was like a hobby.

The 25 year old strives to produce excellent results to be the best father to his 3 year old daughter whom he loves dearly.

“My daughter is the reason I work hard and strive for excellence every day, challenges of managing business is quiet tough but with consistency and hard work anything is possible.” Mr Roy said.

“Also my parents are the backbone of my success today, without them I would not have been successful today.”

How Many Places Have You Visited Around Fiji?

Around Vitilevu.

What Is One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To?

Castaway Island Resort.

Castaway Island Resort. Photo: castawayfiji.com

What Is Your Favourite Place For Coffee/Pie?

The Coffee Hub Fiji in Ba.

The Coffee Hub

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot?

Spending quality time with my daughter and Jet skiing.

What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List?

Taveuni Island, the photos themselves are beautiful, going there especially visiting the Bouma waterfalls will be a different experience.

Bouma Waterfall at the National Heritage Park in Taveuni.

Feedback: sosiveta.koroibiau@fijisun.com.fj

Fiji Development Bank launched a new product, a loan facility for women entrepre­neurs on Friday.

The bank discovered that its customer base was more tilted towards the mid seg­ment and close to 11 per cent of its segment were women.

The product focuses on women and Micro Small Medium Enter­prise (MSME) segments.

FDB chief executive officer, Saud Minam said in his first year with the institution, he had seen the growth of the organisation for the last 55 years.

Mr Minam said they would continue to support the segments such as agriculture, small micro-entrepreneurs and micro, small, medium enterprises which was close to 90 per cent of their portfolio.

“Going forward, I wish and I pray that we continue to stay here for 55 more years, or maybe at least 45 more years so we can celebrate all the 100 years. I may not be here with you guys after 45 years, but I wish you all the best to celebrate the next celebration,”Mr Minam said.

Attorney-General and Minister for Econ­omy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum hopes that FDB would not only become a household name but become a key player in the economic development of the country.

Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum with Baikeirewa Investment owner, Milika Rokomada on Friday, July 22, 2022. Photo: Laisa Lui

FDB is looking at more investments in terms of strategic development assistance that has been provided to businesses.

“Today’s launch also marks the new initi­ative that was announced in the budget on the 15th of July,”Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

“The Government has allocated a mil­lion dollars to assist women in particular, to access loans from FDB in particular for the micro small enterprises where Govern­ment will contribute 10 per cent of the eq­uity requirements for that particular busi­ness.

“The loans are anywhere from $1000 to $5,000.

“This is another initiative now that we’ve started. FDB will be able to expand its foot­print in particular in the female entrepre­neurship space,” he said.

The Women Entrepreneurs Business Council praised the Bank in its effort to support women.

WEBC chairperson Eseta Nadakuitavuki was pleased to see the Bank coming up with great initiative and inviting the ven­dors to its 55th anniversary.

Ms Nadakuitavuki said they needed to collaborate as there were so many things happening at different women organisa­tions.

“I really want us to work together so that these women and even the small entrepre­neurs benefit from all the initiatives that are happening,” Ms Nadakuitavuki said.

“I’ve just noticed that one of the women is working on having the product patented so that no one else can copy,” she said.

More than 13 stalls displayed its products during the celebration on Friday.

Feedback: laisa.lui@fijisun.com.fj

Shivneel Singh believes nothing is impossible if you have faith and you work towards your dream.

Mr Singh is the Managing Director for Ordinaire Fiji.

The company specialises in skin care products sold at One Stop shop at Gor­don Street in Suva.

A pharmacist by profession the 31-year-old is also a lecturer at the Fiji National University.

This was where his passion for medi­cine and innovation to create natural products began.

“Starting off a business was an idea to create and produce natural chemi­cal free products for locals to con­sume.” Mr Singh said.

“My Interest in manufacturing these products is to enable locals to use chemical free products with the aim of exporting more goods abroad.”

Mr Singh said his family and the pro­fession he was in helped him recognize his capabilities which enabled him to create and invent more products for consumers.

How many places have you visited around Fiji?

All over Viti Levu

What is one place in Fiji you would take visitors to?

Savusavu

What is your favourite place for coffee/Pie?

Corner Bakery Fiji

What is your favourite backyard sport?

Football

What is one place in Fiji that remains on your bucket list?

Yasawa Islands, the white sandy beaches are the ones to look out for.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj

The first class of the Marriott Training Academy, held at Fiji Marriott Momi Bay, celebrated the completion of their two-month ho­tel operation training.

Graduating with a 95 per cent success rate, the graduating class of April 2022 consisted of 38 candidates, from local villages selected by the Land Owners Community (LOC).

Over 150 applications were received from which 40 successful candidates were shortlisted, and they then under­took an eight-week course learning the tricks of the trade from the island’s hospitality experts.

The group immersed themselves within different disciplines that in­cluded front office, housekeeping, food and beverage and kitchen and steward.

The department trainers and land owners community ensured the 38 suc­cessful graduates had demonstrated a wide range of skills and were knowl­edgeable in each training category.

The class is competent in a variety of service areas, including:

• front office as guest service agents and porters,
• housekeeping and public area clean­ing attendant,
• service team across, all five of the resort’s food and beverage outlets, and
• positions as commis chef or stew­arding.

“We hope what you achieved today will enable you to go back to your dif­ferent villages, to continue to do some­thing that we aspire to see in the next few years.

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay gen­eral manager, Silvano Dressino, said after two extremely challenging years, Fiji was busy again.

Last month over 62,000 visitors ar­rived in Fiji.

“We are on a solid recovery also for our resort and for July we expect a re­cord month,” Mr Dressino said.

Feedback: Fiji Marriott Momi Bay

Caroline Wainiqolo Cooke never dreamt that she would be running a business one day.

It was her dream to become a flight attendant.

Being independent led her to work part time while she was still schooling at the age of 17.

She loved her childhood even with her parents separated. It only made her stronger.

She is married to Chris Cooke, the owner of Down Under night club. The couple are thankful to the Government for its efforts to relax restrictions and open our border to get things back to normal. It allowed businesses like theirs to recover from the two years lockdown.

The couple has a great team who have also contributed to the success of their business. One of them is Ms Cooke’s elder brother, Donald Wainiqolo, who manages the nightclub.

Tell us about your educa­tional background?

Attended school in Tahiti and came back at Saint Joseph Secondary School before com­pleting a certificate in Business studies at the Fiji National Uni­versity.

Can you tell us about your experience in your role?

Over the years I have built my confidence.

And if you could also share with us your experiences before you joined your current position/ business?

I used to work at a coffee shop while I was study­ing before applying as a Bartender at Down Under when I was 19. I have been with the business since and have learnt a lot in the run­ning of a business.

How do you manage the demands of profes­sional and personal commitments?

I ensure that I spend am­ple time with my children.

Did your family back­ground or where you grew up have an influ­ence on your career choices?

No. I was very independ­ent at a very young age. It was my husband who be­came my mentor that moti­vated me to give everything I got on what I am good at.

What are some of the challenges faced by the club?

We wasted about $350,000 the first time we set up the club because we had the wrong people doing the job. And it took us some time to build and expand. For seven years everything was back into the business.

Apart from that, we en­counter breakages that require a full time carpen­ter for daily maintenance works so it is a safe venue for people to enjoy them­selves.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

When customers come in and have a good time and enjoy themselves, this impression makes them come back.

What is your philoso­phy about business as a whole and your vision for your organisation?

Businesses are all the same, and have the same principles.

What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?

Becoming a successful business after a lot of years of sacrifice. Being able to expand with a sports bar and a lounge.

Have you been inspired or influenced by any­one in particular?

We support each other as we are heading in the same direction.

How would you de­scribe yourself as a leader?

We give bonuses to our workers when we see them go the extra mile. We make them take ownership of their work and ensure they are well groomed with their customer service. We treat them to a barbeque and get together before the busy days. Through this we have workers that have stayed with us for more than a decade. They have been loyal to their work and always turn up for work.

What impact has COV­ID-19 pandemic had on your professional and personal life?

The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone across the border including club owners such as ourselves. I stayed in Suva for six months while my hus­band and children stayed at home in Pacific Har­bour and we would meet in Wainadoi to exchange goods.

On a Lighter Note:

Describe a typical day

I would rake our compound or do some gardening in the morning, then prepare my children for school before coming to work. In the afternoon I pick up the kids from school and spend time with them and prepare dinner.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love gardening and spending time with my children outdoors.

When at home, what do you like to eat?

Home cooked meals for my family, they love lamb curry.

Favourite dish to cook for guests?

I love cooking, making BBQ

MOTTO IN LIFE?

Love your job, if not you’re not going to be good at it.

Feedback: laisa.lui@fijisun.com.fj

Bouma Waterfalls is a must go to place for anyone planning to visit Fiji, says James McGoon.

Nestled in the heart of Fiji’s garden island, Taveuni, Bouma Waterfalls offers visitors and locals a taste of paradise.

Mr McGoon is from Vagadaci, Levuka, with maternal links to Lauwaki Village in Lautoka.

He is a business analyst at the iTaukei Trust Fund Board. He enjoys travelling and is committed to assisting iTaukei communities.

The 33-year-old is a graduate of Victoria University in Australia and the University of Auckland in New Zealand.

“I grew up in the beautiful Lauwaki Village and attended Natabua High School,” Mr McGoon said.

“I am proud to say that I am a young working professional with a great sense of humour and Pacific pride.”

What Is The One Place You Would Take Visitors To And Why?

The one place I would recommend to visitors is the Bouma Waterfalls.

It’s just majestical and soothing. also would recommend that they try the famous dragon passion juice at the Tutu Rural Training Centre, Taveuni is ma sa achi!

Bouma Waterfall in Taveuni.

What Is Your Favorite Place For Coffee/Pie And Why?

Delight Coffee Shop.

It is located at the Harvest Plaza in Kinoya, they make the best coffee and pies.

What Is Your Favorite Backyard Sport And Why?

It would have to be on the rugby field.

What Is One Place That Remains On Your Bucket List And Why?

Sawailau Caves remains on my bucket list.

I’ve gone close by, but didn’t get time to visit the place.

It remains a mythical place to visit.

Sawailau Caves.

Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj

Vani Catanasiga, is one of Fiji’s youngest executives, rising through the social work ranks .

She rolls up her sleeve to muscle up against heavy weights as a social worker.

The executive director for Fiji Council of Social Services, she believes in a world of great possibilities.

Hard work is everything for the Lekutu villager of Bua, who has maternal ties to Beqa.

“Nothing is impossible, if you have the passion to work hard towards it,” Ms Catanasiga said.

In decision making processes, where women are mostly left out, her position is to enable decision making to be fair a

What Is One Place In Fiji You Would Take Friends To?

Nataleira Eco Retreat.

It is magical, and offers the ideal setting to to unplug and enjoy time out with family.

Nataleira Eco Lodge.

What Is Your Favourite Place For Coffee Or Pie?

Tea Tokatoka

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Sport?

Volleyball.

What Are Some Places In Fiji That Are On Your Bucket List?

Taveuni and the Yasawas.

This I would love to do via Blue Lagoon Cruises.

A Blue Lagoon Cruises vessel anchored off an island in the Yasawa Group.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj

Maria Ronna Luna PastorizoSekiguchi is the founder for Greenhouse Studio and Greenhouse Co-working. She is from the Philippines but she calls herself a Pacific Islander.

She spent most of her childhood days in Nauru. Fiji has been her home for more than 18 years. She is passionate about social entrepreneurship, design thinking, and empowering women and children through education.

Ms Sekiguchi believes that ‘nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself and focus on your intentions’.

“I believe being an entrepreneur takes hard work and dedication with brilliant ideas you will get through,” Ms Sekiguchi said.

How Many Places Have You Visited Around Fiji?

Viti Levu and the Mamanuca’s.

An island in the Mamanucas.

What Is One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To?

Three places – Rakiraki, Savusavu, and Fiji’s highlands.

Suncoast, Rakiraki. Source: fijiguide.com/

What Is Your Favourite Place For Coffee/Pie?

That would be either Ginger Kitchen, Farmer’s Daughter, or Mana Coffee – the mocha and quiche at Farmer’s Daughter are yum, the drinks and food selection plus Thurston Gardens where my daughter loves to run around is a drawcard for us at Ginger Kitchen, and the Tiramisu is my favourite at Mana while my son loves the popcorn chicken and my daughter enjoys the play area there.

Mana Coffee.

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Sport?

We’ve got a little basketball ring at home and a little space for my husband and kids to practice some hockey – that’s my husband’s sport.

I’m more of a book by the sea sort of girl but quite love running around with the family when the sun is out in our backyard or at Albert Park.

What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List?

Definitely the Yasawas and Taveuni (via Blue Lagoon Cruise.) – I’ve never been to both and have been wishing to go!

Blue Lagoon Cruises offers trips to the Mamanucas and Yasawas.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj

South Seas Club’s Aamira Restaurant is one of Lautoka’s most sought after eateries. When you enter the restaurant, you will be greeted with a big bula smile from its manager, Asilika Maria.

The 31-year-old has been working at the eatery for about seven years. She had a dream to work in the Tourism and Hospitality field. This motivated her to join the Femmus School of Hospitality in 2007 where she completed a one year general course in front office.

Few years after graduation she went to the Western Division in search of a job.

“I got my first job at Aamira restaurant, since then I continue to love my work here,” she said.

“I meet a lot of people from all walks of life, from pilots, engineers, politicians, chiefs, medical personnel, scholars, lawyers and media personalities,” Ms Maria said.

The Naqali, Viria, Naitasiri native is married with six children, her eldest is in Year Seven and the youngest is six-month-old.

She attended Naqali District School before moving on to Vunimono High School and Saraswati College respectively.

What Is One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors And Friends To?

South Seas where there is food, beer and a dip in the swimming pool.

Ice cold beers, food and service is splendid at the great Sugar City outdoors, away from the hustle and bustle of the main streets.

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot?

There is one mango tree where I do love to sit with my children and talk about life and enjoy the beautiful breeze.

What Is Your Favourite Place For Coffee/ Pie?

I am not into that, but duck or goat curry.

What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List?

To visit the Yasawa group and see for myself the magnificent caves.

I have heard a lot about the beauty of Yasawa Islands.

Group of islands in the Yasawas.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj

Vodafone Fiji wishes to inform its customers that some M-PAiSA customers have lately been receiving calls from unknown persons claiming to be Vodafone staff asking for their M-PAiSA account details.

Some people have also been contacted through social media such as Facebook for customers to message them their account details in order to claim prizes or collect their financial rewards.

Vodafone wishes to inform and at the same time warn all its M-PAiSA users that no one from Vodafone including its customer care team will ever ask you for your M-PAiSA account PIN or OTP (one-time password) either over the phone or through text message and email. The PIN must always remain a secret to the account holder.

Therefore, under no circumstances, should M-PAISA users disclose their account PIN or OTP over the phone or in-person to anyone whatsoever. If you disclose your PIN to anyone, you risk losing your account balance at your own peril.

“It has come to our attention that some customers have been victims of fraudulent acts after giving out their M-PAiSA account details to unknown callers”.

We would like to advise the customers that these hoax calls are NOT facilitated by Vodafone Fiji. We urge our customers to exercise caution and not to partake in responding to any calls and messages from unknown sources and parties.

It is always in the customers’ best interest if they are not sure to call Vodafone on its customer care helpline to seek clarification before they give any information about their account details to anyone.

Feedback: selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj

Josie Prasad, was recently named the Chief Executive Officer and managing director of Bula Outsource which opened in April this year.

She has more than 20 years of experience in the residential and commercial lending industry while holding executive positions in well-regarded broker companies.

Her appointment comes as an exciting chapter in her career. She looks forward to building strategic partnerships and continuing to build on the Bula brand.

How Many Places Have You Visited Around Fiji?

Quite a few but mostly in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. My father is from Asiasi, Tavua and mother is from the village of Natuva in Naitasiri.

All school holidays prior to my move to Australia were spent on the Western side and the interior of Viti Levu.

I have yet to venture too many of the outer islands.

Although I have been to Taveuni, an island I can only describe as lush, green, and so beautiful.

A part of the island of Taveuni.

What Is The One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To, And Why?

Tivua Island off the Port of Denarau. The day trip there is wonderfully relaxing.

The island is not only serene and beautiful but is fully catered with a BBQ lunch.

Lots of fun activities to amuse old and young alike.

Tivua Island

What Is Your Favourite Place for Coffee/Pie, and Why?

Farmers Daughter Café, Disraeli Rd hands down.

Not only great Lattes and Blueberry muffins but a great morning meet place for Suva siders starting off their day.

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot, and Why?

Under the Baka tree, a breezy shaded very Zen spot… Time out from the Finance world and Computer screens.

What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List, And Why?

Yasawa Group.

The white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters and the majestic Sawa-i-Lau caves is a must-do with its iconic natural attraction and beauty. Who could ask for more!

Sawa-i-Lau Caves

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj

Embracing on a new journey as an Investment Promotion Agency (IPA), Investment Fiji has committed itself to become one of the leading and an effective economic development agency, by ensuring increased sustainable levels of investment and exports.

While addressing the staff, Board Chair Jenny Seeto said as the organisation settles into its new role, it is imperative to deliver high-impact results as an Investment and Trade promotion agency.

“The competition will be challenging but I am sure we will gain the upper advantage with the capabilities of our staff and management and show the world the vast untapped possibilities that Fiji has to offer,” mentioned Ms Seeto.

Investment promotion and facilitation and aftercare support are the key priorities for Investment Fiji.

Other changes as per the Investment Act 2021 and Investment Fiji Act 2022, include; foreign investor(s) will need to register in line with the Companies Act 2015 and register a tax ID, the investor(s) will no longer be required to have a Foreign Investor Registration Certificate, the foreign investor(s) must within 3 months bring into Fiji the minimum $300,000, and foreign investor(s) from all sectors that are not classified reserved and restricted; will have to meet the minimum threshold of $300,000 while remaining capital to be paid within a year of registration.

Investment Fiji in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport organized an investment seminar for Government officials and the representatives from the private-sector organizations in the central, northern and western divisions to update the stakeholders on the new investment legislations.

During the seminar session at the Suva’s Civic Centre Auditorium on Monday, Chief Executive Officer Kamal Chetty said the agency aims to provide a positive economic impact on the lives of Fijians through creating employability and providing premium investments and export markets.

“We also seek to diversify the economy such that it is dynamic and less susceptible to global economic shocks. Hence, Investment Fiji is a key factor in the Government’s efforts to ensure a Fiji of the future where a good and sustainable quality of life is accessible to all,” highlighted Mr Chetty.

“The fundamental aspect of any country is its ability to capture investment and trade opportunities which is central to its growth and sustainable development. It expands an economy’s productive capacity and drives job creation and income growth,” he said.

Feedback: selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj

Alesi Viliviliyawa Kunaura Simmons is the face of the Tour Managers Group. The 26-year-old was the Group’s first Bulanaires.

The ‘Bulanaires’ initiative ties into Tourism Fiji’s brand ethos of “where happiness finds you”, focusing on what sets Fiji apart from other destinations; its people who are rich in happiness.

She is one of the desk relations agents and is very passionate about sharing Fiji’s rich culture, history, and traditions.

“I want travelers to be inspired to book their holidays to Fiji so they can experience first-hand why Fijians are regarded as the happiest people living on this planet called earth,” she said.

Her special attribute is her outgoing friendly personality. She always goes out of her way to ensure that clients are well taken care of and with her, it’s always service with a smile.

“I love meeting new people; enjoy fashion, spending quality time with family and friends,” he said.

Mrs Simmons is from Yavulo, Nadroga , and has maternal links to Dakuivuna, Tailevu. She attended St Joan of Arc, in Sigatoka and then Jasper Williams High School.

She is currently pursuing her Diploma in Tourism Hospitality and Management at the Fiji National University, Namaka campus. She loves playing netball.

What Is The One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To, And Why?

Savusavu, also known as the hidden paradise of Fiji.

It is a beautiful place to live in and they are the friendliest people I have ever met in my life.

Savusavu Bay & Town.

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot and Why?

There is one mango tree where she sits and does her reading.

What Is Your Favourite Place for Coffee/Pie and Why?

It is La Parisienne Café, at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau, embraces Sofitel’s French heritage, and exhibits a full immersion into the Sofitel universe, the café tempts you with expertly brewed coffee, and glorious pie which I love.

What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Your Bucket List, And Why?

Yasawa-i-Rara for their pristine Blue Ocean and its peculiar grain of white sand.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj