InterContinental employee enjoying afternoon tea last week with management.

Source: INTERCONTINENTAL FIJI GOLF RESORT & SPA

The staff at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa were recognised for their outstanding service this week as part of the resorts ‘Celebrate Service Week’ programme.
“This week-long celebration was created for our employees, to recognise their hard work and dedication to our guests,” said general manager, Scott Williams.
Celebrate Service Week, held from June 10 – 16 was created in 2010 as a way to recognise the more than 345,000 employees who work at the Intercontinental Hotel Group’s (IHG’s) Hotels and Resorts worldwide.  IHG is the management company behind the InterContinental Fiji and has over 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories
“It’s a really fun week to celebrate the great things our employees do to provide outstanding service to our guests. This year, we’re focusing the week-long programme on business, career, health and life,” said Mr Williams.
To kick of the week, the management team, welcomed employees with a traditional ‘lali’ welcome and served delicious morning and afternoon tea refreshments to start the celebrations.
Human Resources manager, Mohammed Feroz said “We’ve also invited the University of the South Pacific, Fiji National University and TAFE to give our team advice on learning and education support.  We encourage our team to develop their skills as part of IHG’s ‘Room to Grow’ initiative.”
“The Ministry of Labour, National Employment Centre and Provincial Office are also onsite to assist our teams with any enquiries they have with regards to their employment or the community,” Mr Ferozadded.
The resort is also encouraging their employees to have a free annual health check which assesses their height, weight, blood sugar and cholesterol of employees.  A dietician then consults with the employees on their results and makes recommendations on how to improve their overall health and offer healthy living choices.
A local doctor and dentist have also been brought in to assess and advise staff on any concerns they may have.
“Vodafone, Digicel, BSP Bank, ANZ Bank and Westpac are onsite to advise our team on the benefits & services they can provide for themselves and their families,” said Mr Feroz
Celebrate Service is a joint effort between IHG and the IHG Owners Association to help create one of the world’s greatest companies, delivered to the world by great people.
“Being recognised for doing great work is motivating, and we hope the team understand just how much we appreciate their hard work.
“Through Celebrate Service, we want to positively influence the pride of employees, their sense of accomplishment and their engagement, while developing goodwill throughout the resort and IHG,” Mr Williams concluded.

Staff of Holiday Inn Suva during their weeklong celebrations of Celebrate Service honouring the services of staff for the hotel earlier last week. Photo: RONALD KUMAR.

By RANOBA BAOA

Across the world in over 4000 hotels under the InterContinental Hotel Group franchise and operating brands, a weeklong event concludes thanking staff for their dedication.
Celebrating this auspicious occasion is the management of Fiji National Profident Fund-owned Holiday Inn Suva staff.
Hotel general manager Joseph Della Gatta said the event was a most significant one on their calendar.
“The event really is to thank the staff, the employees for taking care of the guests because without their support and dedication there would be no hotel,” Mr Della Gatta said.
“The hotel is mostly bricks and mortar but the it’s the staff who makes the brand come to life.”
“So for me as general manager I’m very thankful for my staff here in Fiji for the support they’ve given me and I just want to say thank you.”
The weeklong event is filled with exciting activities including a day of casual wear for all staff.
Meanwhile Mr Della Gatta said the hotel has been performing well for the better part of five month.
“Our owners are FNPF and as a hotel we have traded well this year and it’s been a very strong year and the business has been very good for Suva.
“So we have a lot of conferences, we already have a good lead of bookings coming through at the end of the year.
“We have a lot of people itineraries in the year as well so there’s a very good strong upbeat feeling of business investment in Fiji at the moment.
“Last year was a great year but this year is even better and our forward books are looking very strong.”
Today concludes with Sunday Mass thanksgiving.

MV Lady Sandy I (left) and MV Sandy II (right) at Port Mua-i-Walu yesterday. Photo: RANOBA BAOA

By RANOBA BAOA

Different vessels berthed at a dock may be an ordinary sight, but two look-alike ships definitely raises interesting questions.
Sea View Shipping Limited’s MV Lady Sandy I and MV Lady Sandy II were berthed at Port Mua-i-Walu adjacent to each other.
Passersby and workers alike stopped to see the sight in awe as crew of the government franchise shipping company finished the final touches on the MV Sandy II.
Operator Durga Prasad told Sun Business he was awaiting final clearance and approval from stakeholders to decide on the fate of the vessel.
But it seems the fate of the 600-tonne vessel is already underway as she now prepares for her maiden voyage to Moala, Lau today.
FBC news reported that the ship will sail on her maiden voyage to the Lakeba, Lau tomorrow.
Speaking to Sun Business last Wednesday while viewing the new Sandy II, Transport Planning director Lui Naisara said the new vessel will help solve the demands of sea transport.
“The ship looks really good and should solve the shipping problems in the outer islands. We are grateful to the ship owners for having confidence in Fiji’s shipping industry,” Mr Naisara said.
“But moreover for meeting the needs of those who need it more.”
Baby delivery
Meanwhile on her return voyage from Rotuma, the MV Lady Sandy crew and passengers alike received a welcomed surprise as a baby was born in the wee hours of June 11.
Mr Prasad said the baby girl and mother were well taken care of by the crew onboard.
This is the second baby delivered onboard Lady Sandy.

Details of new ship
qDead weight 600 tonnes
q Passenger capacity- 250
q Cargo capacity-up to 600 tonnes

By RANOBA BAOA

A newspaper article quoting MV Lomaiviti Princess owner George Goundar is causing concern amongst other interi-sland ferry operators.
They have called the quoted comments unbecoming of Mr Goundar and one has suggested Mr Goundar should look at his own operations.
The article was published in the Fiji Times last week headlined: ‘Sabotage Claims at Sea’.
Mr Goundar was quoted as saying the possible cause of a fire breaking out on a truck onboard Lomaiviti Princess could be foul play due to the tough inter-island competition.
Venu Shipping Limited owner Ben Naidu told Sun Business Mr Goundar’s accusations were “unbecoming of him” if he was quoted correctly.
He said: “George Goundar’s accusation on sabotaging is unbecoming of a fine person such as himself. This is unethical and unwarranted behaviour, stooping so low that being a sour grape will not bring him glory.
“Furthermore, it is so ironic that he has said what is in his heart and we as local ship owners should be well prepared that the inevitable does not happen to us.”
Venu Shipping’s Sinu-I-Wasa competes with Mr Goundar’s Lomaiviti Princess on the Suva-Kadavu-route. Venu is also preparing the MV Suilven – currently in Suva Harbour – to enter interisland ferry services.
In the absence of Bligh Water Shipping Limited chief executive officer William Vulivuli, a staff member – who spoke on condition of not being named – said:
“Those kinds of comments are uncalled for. He should just wait for the law to make the conclusions.
“There is no substance to those comments.”
Bligh Water operates the MV Westerland between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

Raising questions
But another ship owner says that while Mr Goundar is free to say what he wishes, perhaps a more serious matter raises question with the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.
Consort Shipping managing director Justin Smith said: “It seems strange that vehicles are not checked and secondly there was no fire detection on the bridge when the fire broke out,”
“Logically he should be working with MSAF for proper security and safety procedures.”
Consort normally operates the MV SOFE in direct competition with Goundar Shipping on the Suva-Koro-Savuasavu-Taveuni route. But the SOFE is currently in Suva Harbour waiting to go to New Zealand for repairs after hitting a reef near Koro.
Attempts to get comments from Maritime
Safety Authority of Fiji on the Lomaiviti Princess incident have been unsuccessful so far.

Hidden motive
In the Fiji Times, Mr Goundar was quoted as pointing out that there could be some motive behind the fire.
“It could be an accident or someone is behind it! I don’t know but it’s something we ought to think of and we cannot take this thing lightly especially if passengers are onboard.
“And the competition that we’re having now and the second vessel coming in next month who knows what’s behind it!
“It could also be tough competition between the truck drivers because it was the first time that the company took goods to Savusavu.”

Left: Digicel 7s team sensation Osea Kolinisau picks a name from the MH Mum’s Getaway promotions as Digicel Fiji head of Marketing Sheryl Singh and Carpenters Fiji Limited director Retail and Marketing, Kunaseelam Sabratnam look on at MHCC yesterday. Photo: PAULINI RATULAILAI

By RANOBA BAOA

MH in partnership with Digicel Fiji and Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa  and other corporate organisations sure know what it means for a mother to be pampered.
25 mothers were successfully handpicked in MH Mum’s Getaway promotions at MHCC yesterday.
Carpenters Fiji Limited director Retail and Marketing, Kunaseelam Sabratnam said the promotion was one of the highlights of the year.
“We look forward to this promotion of rewarding mothers every year because they deserve it,” Mr Sabaratnam said.
“Every year we try to make it a little different from previous year. Last year the mums had a cruise on the famed Blue Lagoon Cruises and so this year was different.”
The 25 mothers will get to take a person of their choice on the one-night accommodation and will be pampered to their heart’s content thanks to all three sponsors.
“Also the winning mothers will go into the draw to win $30,000 worth of home appliances.”
What better way than to thank mothers across Fiji for what they have done he added.
Digicel Fiji head of Marketing Sheryl Singh also highlighted similar sentiments.
“Every year we run promotions for mothers across Fiji but this year we decided to join forces with MH,” Ms Singh said.
“In terms of gifts, mother’s usually receive regular items but mothers also need time to be pampered and so this is a totally different way of thanking the lucky mums in this year’s draw.”
The organising team have assured that the 25 lucky mothers will be contacted in due course.

The four new air-conditioned buses for Sunbeam Transport Limited. Photo: ARISHMA DEVI

By SHEIK DEAN

Sunbeam Transport Limited has added four more air-conditioned buses to its fleet as roads improve.
The two new Scania and two new Hino buses will service the now sealed Kings Road, the company said.
Sunbeam general manager Zahid Ali Wahab said the additions will give travellers a better environment to travel in.
“Our company had initially started operations servicing the Kings Highway route before embarking for the Queens Highway route,” Mr Wahab said.
“There is no major competition in bus fares as this is regulated by the Government. The only difference is the service we provide.”

Investment
The total investment was FJD$1.2million for the four new coach buses and so far the company has invested close to FJD$5million to boost its fleet.
“Sunbeam Transport Ltd has always kept up with the growing demand of commuters and this addition is also boosting our fleet.”
The company has a total of 55 buses with the inclusion of the four new buses and two more to arrive by July end.
“Our old buses are also in top conditions and we will sell out our old buses so we can have more new buses,” he said.
“Since the road condition of Kings Highway has improved the company had decided to provide our loyal customers with a clean and safe environment to travel in.
Maintenance and safety
The four new buses have added safety feature with more space between the seats and walking passage.
“Keeping in mind the safety of passengers, our new coach buses have a cut out system.
“The cut out system comes into effect if there is an electrical shorting, the throttle will cut off reducing speed letting the driver to stop the bus before engine turns off.
“These two buses are very high in safety features.
The Scania has a bigger TV screen to make viewing easier for passengers.
“Our mechanics are fully trained to keep our new and existing fl eets up to date. Mechanics are sent to New Zealand to attend trainings conducted by specialized technicians.
“Scania is the most expensive coach bus with its added safety features and durability. We also get technicians from Scania to inspect our buses on a regular basis.
“Hino is also assembled in Asia so we do not have to worry about coach works when our buses arrive in Fiji. The reason to get new buses is for a long running life on road.”

E-ticketing
And as bus companies prepare themselves to meet the e-ticketing deadline, Sunbeam is installing using e-ticketing provider Bula My Fiji’s consoles.
“The new e-ticketing from Bula My Fiji is suitable for our company especially in the long haul routes.”
But despite its benefits in countering pilferage, Mr Wahab said they will still need the services of bus checkers.
“From the implementation of e-ticketing system we will not have any job losses as we do need checkers.
“Bula My Fiji’s solution is being tested on our buses as well as other bus companies.
“We had approached Bula My Fiji to find a solution after seeing the current e-ticketing solution from Foneology Fiji.”

By David Flynn of Australian Business Traveller

(David Flynn is the editor of Australian Business Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis).

Qantas, Emirates, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines rank among the world’s safest ‘seven star’ airlines.
But you take your life into your hands when you fly with Indonesia’s Lion Air, Air India Express and Nepal’s oddly-named Yeti Airlines.
Those are among the findings of a new website which rates the safety of airlines around the world.
AirlineRatings.com, headed by highly regarded West Australian aviation journalist Geoffrey Thomas, claims to deliver “forensically researched” safety ratings based on a variety of official sources, including audits by government agencies and aviation bodies.
“We view safety holistically and objectively using only internationally recognised audits from the most respected bodies,” Mr Thomas said.
While major airlines in Australia and New Zealand airlines scored high ratings for both safety and product quality, many airlines from Africa and Indonesia rated very poorly – for example, Indonesia’s Lion Air managed only two stars.

Seven stars for safety
Some of the seven-star safety rated airlines operating in Oceania include Air New Zealand, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Emirates, Etihad, EVA Air, Korean Air, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia.

• (Air Pacific, about to resume flying as Fiji Airways, and its subsidiary Pacific Sun score highly for safety with a rating of six stars. This is the best of the regional airlines and ahead of such carriers as Air Niugini, Air Vanuatu and Solomon Airlines).

Most of the seven-star safety airlines also received a seven-star rating for a broader category which AirlineRatings describes as ‘product quality’.

• Australia’s Qantas, which has shares in our national airline, Air Pacific (soon-to-be-rebranded Fiji Airways), has been ranked among the world’s safests ‘seven-star’ airlines.

  (Air Pacific/Pacific Sun score five stars for product quality. This is expected to improve with the arrival of all three Airbus A330s and the launch of Fiji Airways).

Virgin Australia didn’t manage to grab a double seven-star gong, but Mr Thomas noted: “Once it has completed its extensive makeover, Virgin Australia will be a seven-star airline.
“It’s only product inconsistency on a few routes that keeps it out of the seven-star category.”

Low cost airliners
Among the world’s best low cost airlines are the USA’s JetBlue Airways and Alaska Airlines and Germany’s TUIfly, while Denver-based Frontier achieved both a seven-star safety rating and the budget airline maximum of a five-star product rating.
“In the case of JetBlue, Alaska Airlines and frontier they often offer a better product than many so-called full service airlines in the US,” Mr Thomas observed.

Rating the ratings
However, Mr Thomas’ fellow aviation correspondent Ben Sandlinands, author of the widely-read Plane Talking blog, has questioned some of the ratings.
He pointed out the fact that “Air France and Jetstar have both received the highest order of safety rating, 7/7, placing them on the same level as Qantas, Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand.”
Mr Sandilands feels that AirlineRatings’ list, “being based in part on the European no-fl y list of airlines banned in European air space”, has “no credibility whatsoever if it excludes Air France.”
He said: “Unquestioning acceptance of no fly lists, and statements by our safety regulators, can undermine the accuracy of the assessments made by this worthy website.
“If it looks like a recitation of public-relations-driven messaging from the airlines and various safety agencies it will not be credible, although for some, it may seem comforting.”

By LITIA MATHEWSELL

Following years of extensive homage to rock-n-roll with their themed outlets and vibrant music collection, the Hard Rock Cafe’s 42nd birthday celebrations was no quaint occasion even in Fiji.
Hard Rock Cafe (Fiji) is the chain’s only outlet in the South Pacific and is overseen by the Jack’s Group of Companies at Port Denarau.
An Elvis Presley- impersonator led the charge last Saturday night with a guitar smashing show before a cake cutting ceremony by the chief guest, United States Ambassador to Fiji, Frankie Reed.
Ms Reed aptly referred to the iconic chain as a museum for music.
“Cultural exchange is so important and that is what Hard Rock has done for the world,” she said.
“I’ve visited Hard Rocks posts at almost half of the places I have been assigned, most recently in Paris and it’s the same.
“In the way it presents that aspect of American culture, going back to the 1950s and the beginning of rock and roll, the history of music and traces of the social transformation in the States.
“They do an important job-it’s a museum for music and it reminds, especially younger kids, that it didn’t start with Hip-Hop and Rap, it started a long time ago and evolved.”
Pointing to Hard Rock’s extensive memorabilia collection, she said they had preserved great recordings of artists that could otherwise have been forgotten as they were not commercially viable as artists today.
Jack’s training manager, Altaab Khan, said it was a great asset and provided a new dimension to dining for the local market.
Marketing manager, Rayna Chandra, said they were also proud of their various charity projects, which extends to annual Pinktober events for breast cancer awareness and assistance to local Homes.

The United States Ambassador to Fiji Frankie Reed cuts a massive cake to mark Hard Rock Cafe’s 42nd birthday at Port Denarau in Nadi on Saturday. Photo: SHEIK DEAN

Source: DOMINION POST

Napier: A construction company in the gun over the NZ$10 million leaky Hawke’s Bay Regional Council building is building a multimillion-dollar resort in Fiji.
Napier-based Herbert Construction is fighting off an application for liquidation in New Zealand, but in Fiji it has just announced it will be the official builder of the Peppers Naisoso Island Resort.
Director Malcolm Herbert is in Fiji and has been quoted in a newspaper as saying he was proud to be involved in a development “of immense importance to the national interest of Fiji”.
The three-storey council offices in Napier have been shrouded in scaffolding and workers since remedial work began in March which will not be finished until next year.
When Herbert Construction finished the building in 2006, it was hailed for its eco-friendly construction, with natural shade, light and ventilation.

Defects and legal action
Defects were noticed soon after it opened.
The council began legal action to seek reparations costs from Herbert Construction in April last year.
This year, the council found out the cost of repairing the building had more than doubled – to $2.2m – and its legal advice suggested it could recover 70 per cent of that through the court process.
The legal action is ongoing, with Herbert Construction taking action against sub-contractors who worked on the building.

Liquidation possibilities over allegation
Adding to the construction company’s woes is an application to the High Court by Strata Engineers to put it into liquidation over an alleged unpaid debt of NZ$33,935.75.
Strata filed an affidavit with the court claiming it was owed the sum for engineering work carried out on another Napier building in 2011 and 2012.
In November, Herbert Construction applied for the statutory demand for payment to be set aside.
The application was dismissed on May 9 and the company was given a week to make payment.
“The defendant company failed to make the payment on the statutory demand of $33,935.75, or costs of $12,415.30 awarded by the court,” Strata’s affidavit said.
Herbert Construction was unable to pay its debts and “in the circumstances it is just and equitable that the defendant should be liquidated”.

Counterclaim
Mr Herbert said his company had issued a counterclaim against Strata in relation to another contract, and had offered to hold the unpaid moneys in a trust account until the arbitration was determined but Strata had refused.
Mr Herbert said he was planning to put a compromise to creditors, and was committed to paying them.
But the compromise was complicated by the regional council claims.
Strata’s case is due to be heard in the High Court later this month.

Source: TANOA HOTEL GROUP

The Tanoa Hotel Group has appointed Matthew Gillespie to the newly-created position of regional manager Fiji and Samoa.
Mr Gillespie has been the general manager at the Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi Airport, for the past three years.
Whilst managing the group’s largest hotel, he has also overseen many refurbishment projects and revenue generation initiatives.
Tanoa Hotel Group managing director, Rohit Reddy, said. “With six hotels in the region this appointment is integral to our growth strategy.
“Matthew has already been an important part of this, hence he was an obvious candidate.”
In addition to his new role of regional manager, Mr Gillespie will continue as general manager of The Tanoa International Hotel.

Tanoa Hotel Group’s Matthew Gillespie.

By RACHNA LAL

Possibilities are high for a new tourism era to dawn in Lau with yachting tourism as efforts are now being put by stakeholders to develop Lau as a yachting destination.
Twenty-five classy yachts which are part of the World Oyster Rally have started arriving to the pristine and untouched Vanuabalavu and other islands in Lau.
The arrival of these yachts has also allowed Lau to temporarily become a port of entry.
Customs and immigrations officials, together with biosecurity and health officials are present in Vanuabalavu to provide clearance to these owners of Oyster-brand yachts.
Right after the Oyster Rally, the Island Cruising Association Rally will bring another 18 yachts into Lau and then 20 more yachts will come individually.
This has been confirmed by Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association’s Marine Operators Sub-Committee national co-ordinator, John Philp.
Mr Philp said the request for customs clearance in Lau was done in collaboration with the yachting industry, hotel industry and the Lau Provincial Council.

Attractions of Lau
Mr Philp believes having a port of entry in Lau for the yachting tourists could mean positive impact for the people of Lau in terms of cash inflow and infrastructure development.
He sees the Lau group of island as Fiji’s greatest treasures which could be a huge attraction for yachting tourism.
“Yachting tourists are very conscious to untouched environment and the cultural sensitivities of people, all of which is present in Lau,” he said.
Mr Philp noted Lau is one of Fiji’s most sensitive areas with a pristine environment and a place where iTaukei culture and traditions have been preserved.
After being given the approval to go ahead with the port of entry trial, Mr Philp said they are looking forward to Lau becoming a port of entry by next year.
“We would, together with the Lau Provincial Council, write to the Prime Ministers Office seeking Lau to become a port of entry,” he said.

Opening Lau Group
The Lau group used to be closed to yachting for many years and was an area not listed on the cruising permit issued by the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs.
In 2010, the Bainimarama Government opened the Lau Group to yachting tourism, however, because of the absence of a port of entry, even this has had little impact.
Statistics indicated that 56 per cent or 370 of the 662 foreign yachts that can to Fiji in 2012, arrived from ports upwind to the East name Tonga, Tahiti and Samoa etc.
All of these yachts sailed past the Lau Group nonstop on their way to one of the Eastern Ports of entry (Savusavu, Levuka or Suva).
Once cleared, these yachts would have to sail 100 to 130 nautical miles against the prevailing East/South East win fin an area of open ocean to go back to the Lau group.
For most yachts, this passage is simply not worth the discomfort and therefore continued on their journey without turning back.

Lau tourism in infancy
While Mr Philp said the World Oyster Rally is estimated to boost the Lau economy by $100,000, he said this is below the potential which exists in reality.
He said was the case as yachting tourism in Lau is still in infancy.
“So things are not well-stocked and really not set-up. Supply here has to grow to meet the demand,” he said.
Mr Philp said businesses in Lau need guidance to develop and be on par with those businesses on the mainland which are already established.
“There is a lot of potential in Lau but it needs to be carefully developed keeping cultural sensitivities in mid,” he said.

About World Oyster Rally

• Founded in 1973, Oyster has a worldwide reputation for its luxury, blue water cruising      yachts renowned for their quality and performance.
• Oyster will celebrate its 40th Anniversary this year.
• A fleet of around 25 Oysters departed Antigua in the Caribbean on January 6 this year.
• The Oyster fleet has transited the Panama Canal before heading to the Pacific.
• The fleet after Tonga and passing Fiji, will move on to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Bali and then to Cape Town in South Africa for Christmas.
• For the New Year 2014, the fleet heads for Carnival in Brazil before joining up for a final grand party with the Oyster Caribbean Regatta in Antigua in April 2014.
• With 22 planned stopovers around the 25,000 mile route, the fleet is supported throughout the event by Oyster’s own team of support staff.

One of the attractions in the Lau group of islands is the Bay of Islands in Vanuabalavu. The pristine environment in Lau is one of the factors which attracts cruising yachts.

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

The Tanoa Waterfront Hotel in Lautoka has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor for the third consecutive year.
The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews.
Director of the Tanoa Hotel Group, Kalpana Reddy, said: “Tanoa Waterfront is delighted to receive the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for the third consecutive year.
“We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience and to receive this accolade again is evidence that our hard work is translating into an enjoyable stay for our guests.”
The Tanoa Waterfront Hotel situated on the shores of Lautoka has 72 well-appointed accommodation rooms supported by a selection of conference facilities and food and beverage outlets.

By RACHNA LAL

Goodman Fielder Fiji will be opening its first Tuckers Ice Cream parlour in Damodar City Centre Complex in Raiwai, Suva.
General manager Chris Zaayman said as customary parlours, Tuckers Ice Cream will certainly bring new and exciting flavours.
He said they would have a variety of ice cream served in cones, sundaes, milkshakes and protein drinks.
“Our consumers can be rest assured of delicious deserts and drink options with the new Tuckers Ice Cream parlour,” he said.
Whilst this will be Goodman Fielder Fiji’s very first Tuckers Ice Cream parlour, Mr Zaayman has assured this will surely not be the last.
“With Goodman Fielder solely managing this project, our goal is to establish a Tuckers Ice Cream parlour within other malls and shopping centres throughout Fiji,” Mr Zaayman said.
Mr Zaayman said they first want to make sure the parlour is a success and will then go into the other areas.
Why Damodar City?
In terms of why choosing Damodar City for its first parlour, Mr Zaayman said they were looking for a premium venue to ensure they stayed in the public eye.
He said it was the potential in Damodar City which led to their decision.
“We congratulate Damodar for this extensive investment to the Fijian economy,” he said.
“A complex of this nature creates many opportunities for the locals from employment to having a safe and secured enjoyed centre.”

City complex progress
Meanwhile, Damodar Brothers (Films) Limited chief executive, Div Damodar, said the construction of the multi-million-dollar complex was progressing well.
“The contractors are expected to finish construction by July and the tenants will then start with their fit outs, while some have already started,” he said.
A staggered opening is being considered for the centre with the hope for each and every tenant to gain maximum mileage for their shop.

Goodman Fielder Fiji general manager, Chris Zaayman (left), signs a tenancy agreement with Damodar Brothers (Films) Limited chief executive, Div Damodar, for leasing space in the Damodar City Centre Complex in Raiwai, Suva. Photo: RAMA

Source: TOURISM FIJI

Tourism Fiji has announced the appointment of Wayne Deed as regional director New Zealand.
Tourism Fiji chief executive, Rick Hamilton said Mr Deed was a well-respected industry professional bringing with him more than 20 years’ experience.
“It’s great to have him on board and his wealth of knowledge plus his long-term relationship with the trade will be an enormous asset to Tourism Fiji,” he said.
Most recently, Mr Deed was regional manager for Destination New South Wales.
He previously held a position on GO Holidays’ senior executive team as product marketing manager for the Pacific Islands, Australia and GO Sports and Events.
Mr Deeds said: “I’m really looking forward to joining the Tourism Fiji team and developing closer ties with the trade, working across all the distribution channels to develop and grow their business to Fiji.
“We’ll be focused on delivering value at all level of the retail trade, in particular, our Matai agents.
“There aren’t many jobs that are about making people happy, so I’m very lucky that one of the objectives of my new job is to bring that special Fijian happiness to as many Kiwis as possible.”
Mr Deed will be based in Auckland from mid-July.

By SITERI TALEITAKI

Twenty members of the private sector in Labasa attended a workshop organised by the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation and Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO) yesterday.
The workshop was the Hotel Takia and aimed to create awareness of the roles of both organisations amongst other things.
PIPSO communications and research officer Erica Lee said, their presence in the North was also to address the issues raised by the business sector of Labasa and Savusavu.
The facilitators did some advocacy on the corporate governance and new legislation that have been implemented and the implications are as on the private sector.
In the talks was also incorporated, the proposed changes that government intended to implement on the Employment Relations Decree and the effects it will have on the cost of doing business.
Ms Lee said the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation consulted with the private sector on the views on these proposed changes.
“We also created awareness on the types of technical and funding assistance that PIPSO provides to business for development and growth,” he said.
PIPSO will remain in the North till Friday to continue to consult with businesses on private sector issues and how best to assist them.
Ms Lee said the workshop was a great success as they had received a great feedback from the private sector about the areas where they need support.
She also said they received a lot of interest in PIPSO’s Business Development Fund.

Industrial Relations Consultant Noel Tofinga of the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation.

By RANOBA BAOA

As a corporate body, Westpac Fiji recognises the need for women to be educated in order to secure a successful career.
In this respect, Westpac Fiji launched the Westpac Women Education Grant 2013 at its head office in Suva yesterday.
This is round four of the grant scheme which offers women and girls a chance to gain financial assistance to help them afford the cost of their education.
Six women- two from each categories, primary, secondary and tertiary, will once again have the chance to continue or further their education this year thanks to this grant.
Each successful recipient will receive a grant of $500 for primary, $1300 for secondary and $3500 for tertiary levels.

Strong role of women
Westpac Fiji general manager Adrian Hughes highlighted the bank’s role in linking education towards a successful career.
“We believe that our great country can only reach its full potential when women have stronger leadership and economic opportunities,” Mr Hughes said.
“An important part of the reason we’re committed to these Grants is because we believe education is the key to achieving these aims.
“Women and girls who benefit from education have far stronger chances of entering the workforce and enjoying a strong and stable career.
“The Westpac Women’s Education Grants provides the helping hand they so deserve.”

How to enter
The grant scheme is achieved by way of interested applicants answering to an essay question and this year is: What are you doing to make a difference in the community?
Entries close July 19.

New appointment
In recognising the significance of grants and other corporate social responsibility (CSR) across the board, Westpac also announced the creation of a new post, manager Sustainability.
This new manager Sustainability, Eseta Nadakuitavuki, previously held the position of Retail Area manager.
Ms Nadakutavuki said the role is imperative to ensure that not only does Westpac consider its position to help customer grow with them but also recognises customer needs in other areas as well.

Westpac Fiji general manager, Adrian Hughes (right) and Eseta Nadakuitavuki (left) with last years award reciepients of Westpac Women’s Education Grant cut the cake during the launch of this year’s Westpac Woman’s Education Grant in Suva yesterday. Photo: RAMA

By RACHNA LAL

As construction activity and investment in the country is growing, so are the businesses.
One such company is Carptrac, a subsidiary of Carpenters, which is currently going through a growth phase because of recent activities in the industry.
Carptrac manager, Ivan Lauri, said they are receiving a lot of inquiries for new Caterpillar equipment across the complete product range including generators.
In response to this growth, Mr Lauri said Carptrac has invested heavily in training and new equipment for their workshop as well as two new field service vehicles.
“Carptrac is committed to providing the best possible aftersales service to our customers through staff training,” he said.
“This is to ensure Carptrac and Caterpillar are the first choice when it comes to heavy equipment and generators.”
Mr Lauri said Carptrac was established in Fiji in 1928 and this year 2013 marks their 85th year in operation.
He said this makes Carptrac one of the oldest Caterpillar dealers in the world.

Winning Government tender
Last month, Carptrac supplied first of three Caterpillar equipment to the Dreketi Agriculture Office in Macuata.
This was through a Government tender which had been awarded to Carptrac to supply a Caterpillar D4K bulldozer in Dreketi.
Carptrac supervisor, Shalveen Maharaj said a second Carptrac equipment has been delivered in Sigatoka with a third delivery expected in Rakiraki in due course.
Mr Lauri said it was a great honour that Carptrac was chosen to be the preferred supplier of the Cat D4K bulldozer to the Government.
“We look forward to building on our relationship and the opportunity to supply many more machines in the future,” he said.

The new Caterpillar D4K bulldozer delivered to the Dreketi Agriculture Office last month. Photo: LOSIRENE CHAND

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

Construction firm, Pacific Building Solutions (PBS) is currently in talks with One Hundred Sands Limited regarding the construction of Fiji’s first casino.
Managing director Michael Fairfax yesterday confirmed that discussions were ongoing.
“We are in negotiations, nothing confirmed at this stage,” Mr Fairfax said.
The company did not wish to further discuss the casino project.
Meanwhile, as per first hand observations, work has started at the new casino site in Nadi.
The new site is off Denarau Road, just before Denarau Island entrance.
The site has been the family property of architect Adrian Sofield.
Mr Sofield was present at the site yesterday, overseeing fencing work by Greenscape (Fiji) Limited.
The crew of the landscape construction company said they were there to do basic fencing.
One Hundreds Sands chairman, Larry Claunch, had also confirmed last week in an interview with the Fiji Sun that fencing works would start this week.
Upon the completion of the fencing, construction of Fiji’s first casino resort is expected to begin.
Mr Sofield said they were working to see that the perimeter is secure soon.

The new site for One Hundred Sands Limited Casino and Convention Centre which will be built near the entrance of Denarau Island. The property has been secured from the Sofield family. Fencing works are being carried out to secure the perimeter. Photo: SHEIK DEAN

New brand chicken known as BEST CHICKEN will soon be available at selected supermarkets and stores in the North.

By SERUWAIA WAQASAQA

People in the North will be able to see a new brand of chicken in the supermarket fridges from next week.
Best Chicken is being introduced by Siberia Halal Meat.
Government had funded the project on the new brand chicken and was approved by the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development & Statistics in December 2011.
Integrated Human Resources Development Programme project manager Mohammad Aslam Khan said the installation of a meat bird packaging machine had been completed.
Mr Khan said the total cost for this project was about $40,000 including the purchasing of machines, building of chicken sheds and packaging.
Mr Khan said the idea of implementing this project is to encourage other smallholder farmers to enter into layering and meat bird production.

Meeting demand, urging farmers
“Several supermarkets run out of Crest chicken or still did not have enough chicken in their freezers,” he said.
“So this idea was brought up to meet the needs of the people in the Labasa and it is a way of one processing in the North.
“This will encourage small daily, focal market and cluster farmers raise meat birds to the company.”
Mr Khan said they expected the meat bird to be released at Saihad & Sons, Jims Supermarket, Basha Shop and RB Patel next week.
“We have acquired a big market in terms of meat bird processing,” he said.
“Vanua Poultry in Siberia,Labasa, will act as a market which farmers in the North can easily access and sell their products to them.”

Top: Fiji Sugar Corporation workers clearing the tramline at Sabeto in Nadi yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

By WAISEA NASOKIA

Work is underway by the Fiji Sugar Corporation clearing and manning railway tramlines in the Western Division, ahead of the cane crushing season.
Government is also looking at developing the railroad in the Western division.
This is expected to roll out by 2016.