A glimpse of what to expect at the Crest 2013 Agriculture Show...Department of Fisheries and Forests’ display last week at the Government Information Referral Centre in Suva. Photo: LASARUSA TURAGA

By RACHNA LAL

Preparations are well underway for the Crest 2013 Agriculture Show to start on Tuesday at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The five day annual event will be held from September 3 to 7.
Crest Agriculture Show Secretariat, Nacanieli Takele, said they will have more varying kinds of displays at the show this year.
He recommended the one to watch will be the display from the Department of Fisheries and Forestry.
Department of Fisheries and Forestry acting principal planning officer, Lasarusa Turaga, said they will be displaying a bigger variety of fisheries and forestry commodities this year.
“This would be from live specimen to value added products. We have also invited a few stakeholders also for displays,” he said.
Mr Turaga said they will also have a Fisheries & Forests “RIDGE to REEF” night where there will be drama items shown based on conservation of our mountain ridges to the coastal reefs.

Department’s plans
Mr Turaga said they intend to raise more awareness through displays and dissemination of accurate and concise information to the general public.
“This is aligned to our vision and mission which is collectively enhancing sustainable Fisheries and Forest resources management practises for the benefit of our future generation,” he said.
“Knowledge is our primary objective for the week.
“With this, we will then incorporate our Commodity Development for the next five years as a partnership undertaking with resource owners and other relevant government departments. This is a government initiative.
“We also intend to relate this to how best we together with the Department of Agriculture, can boost our contribution to gross domestic product as an economic sector.”
Bigger turnout
The department is expecting a bigger crowd turnout at the event this year compared to last year.
“We feel that apart from knowledge shared, resource owners and interested stakeholders will take advantage and venture into fisheries and forests commodity developments,” Mr Turaga said.
“Members of the public should maximise this opportunity in government’s awareness outreach programme here in Lautoka.”

Crest’s participation
Meanwhile, Mr Takele has assured that Crest has ensured this year that they will have surplus day-old chicks at the agriculture show this year.
“Last year Crest ran out of the day-old chicks but this year, they have surplus,” he said.

Mobil Service Station in Walu Bay, Suva is one of the 21 Mobil retail service stations which have been operated by Carpenters Motors. Photo: PAULINI RATULAILAI

By RACHNA LAL

Mobil Oil Fiji has confirmed that Carpenters has given notice under their agreement that they plan to cease operating Mobil’s retail service station sites in Fiji.
This has been confirmed by Mobil Oil Fiji business support manager, Yvoneta Singh.
Ms Singh said under the agreement, Carpenters Motors operates 21 Mobil retail service stations sites in Fiji.
“Carpenters has given notice under their agreement with Mobil that they plan to cease operating these sites,” she said.
Ms Singh said following this notice, Mobil Oil Fiji is now exploring options as Carpenters plans to leave next month, which is just around the corner.
“Mobil remains committed to making sure this is a seamless transition and minimise any disruption for our customers during this transition,” she said.
“Mobil has had more than 100 years of relationship and we continue to maintain that.”
Carpenters had not responded to questions requested to be emailed when this edition was printed last night.

By RACHNA LAL and RANOBA BAOA

FMF Foods Limited has acknowledged the price control on certain items by the Commerce Commission has is a way made the company competitive.
FMF Foods Limited chief executive, Ram Bajekal, made these comments at the 2013 Fiji Business Forum held at Holiday Inn Suva yesterday.
“Today, the cost at which we mill flour allows us to beat Australian flour manufacturers in the Pacific island countries,” he said.
“We have virtually replaced, I think between Punjas and us, Australian flour in the Pacific island countries and that shows how competitive we have gone in our manufacturing.”
Mr Bajekal stressed this did not mean they have become competitive without making money.
“But whatever money we need to make comes out of becoming volume driven and I think that is one of the point that Dr Mahendra Reddy has made,” he said.
“It has to be volume-driven and not profit-margin driven and so it has made us competitive.”

Looking at affordability
Mr Bajekal said one of the things he would want the Commerce Commission to look at was affordability to the people.
“I think one of the things that we have been able to do certainly from FMF is that every single product of ours can be purchased by the every one of the 800,000 people in Fiji,” he said.
“I do not think that of our product can be identified which cannot be purchased by every single one of the 800,000 people in Fiji barring Calrose Rice which is Commerce Commission price controlled.
“So that brings another question about is in some way, the pricing beginning to create inefficiencies.”

Suggestion
Therefore, Mr Bajekal has suggested items can be price controlled, but this needs to be followed up with research.
“Because then you will know then if you have made an impact or what you are seeking to do has made an impact or not,” he said.

By RACHNA LAL and RANOBA BAOA

Government’s long term vision as far as price controls and regulations are concerned, is to minimise regulations and let market forces determine prices.
This was highlighted by the Permanent Secretary for Industry and Trade, Shaheen Ali, yesterday at the 2013 Fiji Business Forum at the Holiday Inn Suva.
But, Mr Ali said, price regulation will be maintained in areas where there is a necessity and where intervention is absolutely required.
“Such sectors would include basic food items and essential services, in order to ensure all Fijians are able to afford basic necessities – which the Constitution entitles them to,” he said.
“The Fijian Government is continually carrying out assessments and reviews with the view to providing parity, accessibility and confidence in the economy.”

Commerce Commission agrees
Commerce Commission chairman, Dr Mahendra Reddy, shared similar sentiments as Mr Ali.
He said the commission wanted businesses to self regulate themselves and work according to certain guidelines on its own.
But, Dr Reddy said price controls would need to be kept in place until such time when they see perfectively competitive market throughout Fiji.
“This will be until we see smaller number of households in Fiji vulnerable, until we see the economy grows and people are doing well everyone would be happy,” he said.
“But until such time when we see less number of poverty-stricken households – we need to have someone independent look at this.”

Price control issue
Mr Ali stressed that the issue of price control was the source of serious debate not only in Fiji, but the world over and has often come under criticism in Fiji, at times, unfairly.
“Often these measures are viewed from a narrow self-interest perspective, when such policy needs to keep in mind our national interest and interest of all Fijian, especially the disadvantaged,” he said.
“Therefore, any pricing policy set by Government needs to be consistent with the supreme law of the land,” he said.
“Fiji is not alone in utilising this policy tool; countries such as China, India, PNG and New Zealand all still maintain a certain degree of price control to optimise market conditions.”
He said the main objective of price regulation was to ensure fair and reasonable prices for basic necessities, including essential services, especially in sectors where competition is insufficient.
“As policy makers, we need to ensure that there is a balance between regulation and the free market,” Mr Ali said.

By RANOBA BAOA

Sports Fishing (Fiji) have once again committed their catch to the Sigatoka Hospital as part of the fishing charter company’s Fish for Charity drive.
They have a partnership with various hotels whereby the fish caught by these hotel’s guests are given to the Sigatoka Hospital through Sports Fishing (Fiji).
The drive was themed Fathers day Healthy Eating to celebrate not only traditional day, but celebrate healthy eating habits in the community.
The hospital staff received eight ‘mahi mahi’ (dolphin fish) catches from the Sports Fishing tea, which was handed over by managing director, Ahmad Khan and his staff.
All the catches were made through fishing trips whereby Mr Khan’s company is responsible for chartering fishing boats for hotels for their guests within the Sigatoka area.
The company has been in operation for over a year and offers chartering services for fishing trips in the Sigatoka area for hotels which it deals with.
These include Rosie Holidays, Shangri-La Resort, Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, InterContinental Fiji Golf & Spa which Mr Khan thanked whole-heartedly.
Mr Khan said: “A business will only succeed in a society which does not fail to help the society.
“We encourage other fishing charters to come onboard and do the same.
“Thank you all tourism partners and hope to do more for the future. Support Sports Fishing (Fiji) and you are supporting the society.”

From left: The Attorney-General and acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Suva Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Dr Nur Bano Ali, and Fiji Business Forum chairman, Arvind Maharaj, during the Fiji Business Forum yesterday at the Holiday Inn Suva. Photo: RONALD KUMAR

By RACHNA LAL and RANOBA BAOA

The 2013 Fiji Business Forum was held yesterday with the aim of bringing together the ‘movers and shakers’ from a wide cross-section of industries to achieve national growth and development.
Fiji Business Forum chairman, Arvind Maharaj, said the coming together of policy makers and business community augured well for the emergence of creative solutions to impediments.
“These impediments are what holds back growth, sustenance, further investment, employment and national prosperity,” he said.
“At this forum we intend to positively scrutinise policies and practices of business, and expound enabling provisions to create greater awareness and compliance.
“We bring out matters of concern, so that new ideas can be included in new policy approaches for future.
“The Fiji Business Forum provides opportunities for all, to actively participate and interact with each other and to exchange viewpoints, even if they are divergent.”
This third Business Forum was organised by the Suva Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was held at the Holiday Inn Suva.

Hard and detailed thinking

Chamber president, Dr Nur Bano Ali, said through hard and detailed thinking on regulation and objectives, two seemingly antagonistic phenomenon will create a thriving and robust business sector.
“A robust and thriving private sector is the clear sign on a progressive economy and we need to put this agenda at the forefront of formulating trade policies and regulatory processes,” she said.
“Only with such a focus will our economy be able to truly overcome its challenges of unemployment and socio-economic development.”
Dr Ali acknowledged Fiji has huge underutilised potential for new business and investment generation in various sectors of our economy.

Objectives of Fiji
Business Forum

l A clear understanding of the mechanics of the respective government or regulatory agency
l A clear understanding of the reasons for the apathy to business concerns at the bureaucratic level
l Private sector suggestions to improve the delivery mechanism
l To agree with government on how these will be addressed and implemented

By RANOBA BAOA

Sports Fishing (Fiji) have once again committed their catch to the Sigatoka Hospital as part of the fishing charter company’s Fish for Charity drive.
They have a partnership with various hotels whereby the fish caught by these hotel’s guests are given to the Sigatoka Hospital through Sports Fishing (Fiji).
The drive was themed Fathers day Healthy Eating to celebrate not only traditional day, but celebrate healthy eating habits in the community.
The hospital staff received eight ‘mahi mahi’ (dolphin fish) catches from the Sports Fishing tea, which was handed over by managing director, Ahmad Khan and his staff.
All the catches were made through fishing trips whereby Mr Khan’s company is responsible for chartering fishing boats for hotels for their guests within the Sigatoka area.
The company has been in operation for over a year and offers chartering services for fishing trips in the Sigatoka area for hotels which it deals with.
These include Rosie Holidays, Shangri-La Resort, Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, InterContinental Fiji Golf & Spa which Mr Khan thanked whole-heartedly.
Mr Khan said: “A business will only succeed in a society which does not fail to help the society.
“We encourage other fishing charters to come onboard and do the same.
“Thank you all tourism partners and hope to do more for the future. Support Sports Fishing (Fiji) and you are supporting the society.”

The Attorney-General, Minister for Industry and Trade and acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, yesterday addressed the participants of the third Fiji Business Forum. He briefed them on the various sections in the 2013 Constitution. Photo: MINFO NEWS

By RACHNA LAL and RANOBA BAOA

The Attorney-General, and acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, used the Fiji Business Forum as a platform to highlight some of the key points from the 2013 Constitution.
He addressed almost 200 participants yesterday gathered for third Fiji Business Forum organised by the Suva Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Holiday Inn Suva.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said a specific regulatory framework for the Government of Fiji was needed to set out a legal framework.
He said the new Constitution puts to rest issues such as price control and how people get treated by the bureaucracy.
“We can then concentrate on improving the processes, the system, improving the economic growth and increasing employment,” he said.
One of the major issues highlighted was that for land and protection given to people as far as land ownership is concerned.
Of course such protection on a broader perspective can be seen as an encouragement for investment.
“Almost 91 per cent of all the land in Fiji is iTaukei land, about four or five per cent is state and the balance is freehold,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“For 95 per of land in Fiji which can be leased, there is now protection for existing tenants and tenants in future.
“No government can in any way undermine the legal or tenancy agreement you have in place with your landlord.
“No government will come along and say – you went into an agreement with iTaukei Land Trust Board and we will now increase the rent by 500 per cent or we will cut short your tenancy.
“The entire tenancy is governed by the tenancy agreement.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum emphasised the Bainimarama Government is fixing up decades long problems and remain committed to do so.

By SERUWAIA WAQASAQA

For 55-year-old Sairusi Cavula of Nasarawaqa in Bua, cattle farming is something he aspires to develop on his farm.
Mr Cavula has entered into sheep farming seven years ago on his 130 acres of farmland in Nasarawaqa and has been building his dreams one at a time.
Mr Cavula said there are other avenues in agriculture he wants to venture into but he aims to take things one step at a time.
“There are a lot of aspects of farming I want to venture into so that I am able to utilise all my land. But my sheep farm is the love of my life,” he said.
This investment has proven to be quite beneficial for Mr Cavula who at present has 165 sheep at his farm and is selling these for $7 per kilogram.
“Watching my stock grow has been tremendously satisfying. My wife and children are now realising the wonders of farming for a living,” he said.

Call for people to join
Mr Cavula is urging young and energetic people to get into farming as the rewards are endless and is combined with food security all year around.
“There is so much available land but no one to toil the land,” he said.
“I am sure if people get their act together and started tilling the land, Fiji would be a much better place to live in.”
Mr Cavula showcased his sheep at the “Bula Re” tradeshow that was held in Bua in the past week.

Sairusi Cavula with his sheep at the “Bula Re” tradeshow in Bua in the past week. Photo: SITERI TALEITAKI

New York-based Concierge Auctions has announced that the auction of Rai Ki Wai estate located on Wakaya Island in Fiji will be held on October 3.
With only eight homeowners on the island, this private retreat offers a level of exclusivity that is found in few other places in the world.
Only a 30-minute flight from Nadi International airport, the residence is set within lush, tropical landscaping and on its own private rainforest and white beach.
Originally offered for $12 million, Rai Ki Wai will sell to the highest bidder at a live auction in co-operation with Laura Kalb of Hilton & Hyland, an exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate.
Ms Kalb said: “When you arrive at Rai Ki Wai, you instantly feel that you have become a part of something special, and that’s because you have.
“This is one of those unique places in the world that envelopes you in its warmth, natural beauty and pureness.
“Spending time at this magical retreat allows you to rejuvenate, reconnect and enjoy life on a level that few places allow you to do quickly and naturally.
“The Fijian’s love and way of a simple and joyful life is infectious and is something that you cannot help but absorb.
“This is pure heaven here on earth and only available to a select few in the world. You’ll never be the same after life at Rai Ki Wai.”

Oasis of spirit
Seller Giselle Fernadez said: “For us, this island getaway was truly an oasis of spirit that heightened the senses in every way and took us a world away from everything busy, cluttered and noisy.
“The seascapes and sparkling reefs and vistas embraced us with nature’s grandest offerings.
“The Fijian people’s village traditions became ours and enriched our lives in countless ways.
“The Wakaya Club and Spa offered resort luxury when we needed it, and we had so many exotic nights with elite and intriguing travelers from around the world that will be forever memories.”
– Concierge Auctions

Rai Ki Wai Estate on Wakaya Island.

OPINION

By KELVIN DAVIS

(Kelvin Davis is the director or Greymouse, a cloud service-provider that supplies high quality, time-bound and cost-efficient services through its own facility in Fiji.)

Regarded as a strong indicator of the general health of the technology industry because of its broad customer base, network equipment maker Cisco Systems has announced that it would cut 4000 jobs.
Cisco Systems employs more than 66,000 employees.
Despite a slight improvement in business environment, this is nowhere near to the pace that the company actually wants, as shares of the world’s biggest network equipment maker fell nine per cent after hours.

http://tinyurl.com/pcworld-cisco-touch-source

Why is Cisco important?
Cisco provides the vast majority of the internet switching and routing equipment that you use to browse the internet, update facebook or send an email.

Reasons for job cuts
As Cisco chief executive John Chamber’s comments regarding the performance of the global company is being closely watched by investors, the global company:

• Looks to reduce five per cent of its total workforce to reduce costs and refocus on growth areas;
• Faces uncertain demand for its networking equipment;
• Continues to grapple with an uncertain global IT spending environment; and
• US enterprise gains were offset by weakness in Asia Pacific and emerging markets.

Nothing New
Based in San Jose, California, Cisco is actually no stranger to large work force reductions:

• It announced in July 2011 its plans to shed 6500 employees;
• It started a plan two years ago to cut expenses by US$1 billion which also included 15  per cent reduction in workforce; and
• According to CEO Chambers, the company just has too much in the middle.

http://tinyurl.com/online-wsj-SB10001424127887323

Areas that drove results
Revenue in Cisco’s biggest segment, switching equipment, rose to five per cent yet sales were flat in the company’s original business of routing gear. Areas that drove results include:

• Video-delivery products such as software from Cisco’s acquisition of NDS Group Ltd; and
• Wireless equipment

The company’s forecast for current –quarter revenue growth translated into a range of US$12.2 billion to US$12.5 billion. Analysts however, had expected US$12.5 billion.

http://tinyurl.com/businessspectator-slash-cisco

Facing realities for the future
As analysts and shareholders are looking at the company’s past and present performance, current CEO Chambers together with his directors are looking well into the future.
They realise that most future work will definitely be in equipment maintenance and replacement:

• The switch-and-router gold rush days are over and Cisco knows it;
• This is precisely why Cisco has moved into promising new business;
• New focus is Cloud computing, unified enterprise IT systems, mobile device management and TelePresence;
• It is time to rethink strategies around deploying networking; and
• The largest, scale-out data centers in the world are already moving off of expensive proprietary networking and onto more open networking.

History has shown that the scale-out trends can wind up in enterprise data centers in a few years as the open-source community ramps up.

http://tinyurl.com/eweek-highly-cisco-jobs-sthash

Is it re-grouping or corporate greed?
In order to be more seriously competitive internationally, Cisco has had to consider the following strategies:

• Experimenting with an open-standard SDN approach.
• Considering an entire converged infrastructure approach for blending server, storage networking and security.

And this is exactly where Cisco is planning to re allocate its resources as it lays off five per cent of its workforce.
Many may agree that there is certainly method to Cisco’s actions because it obviously didn’t just get to its current global status by making major mistakes.
Yet, on the other hand, if its current workers are capable of working on new products as well as new services, why resort to 4000 job losses next year?

By RACHNA LAL and MARAIA VULA

The Attorney-General and acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, has stressed that building a new airport would not be cheap.
He made these comments following a suggestion on Saturday during the 2013 Fiji Business Forum open discussion session whether it would be worth considering building an international airport in Pacific Habour.
This would be instead of working on making Nausori an international airport.
“Reality is, we are strangled by the inefficiencies of the past three or four decades, mismanagement and corruption,” he said.
“There has been enormous strain on Government resources.”
This third business forum held at the Holiday Inn Suva was organised by the Suva Chamber of Commerce and Industry and exclusively sponsored by ANZ.

Airport operator selection
Meanwhile, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum, confirmed they have shortlisted four well-known airport operators for the Nadi and Nausori International airports.
He said they are assessing their application and hope to finalise something by the end of this month.
“When we called for the expressions of interest for Nadi and Nausori airports, we were surprised with all the interest by well-known airport operators,” he said.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum therefore reassured delegates that major renovation to the Nadi International Airport can be expected.

Nausori airport and roads
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum further indicated that refurbishment plans for the Nausori Airport are still very much on the cards.
“We have been talking to Fiji Roads Authority and there are discussions with TLTB which we need to expedite and we need to have movement on that,” he said.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said as part of these plans is also having a four lane road connecting Nausori Airport to Suva.
He confirmed the project would start “very soon”.
“Nausori Airport already provides a good infrastructure but we would have to extend the runway,” he said.
“We also have to ensure we have better road system from the airport to the main central business district.
“The route from Nausori will be much shorter if you have four lane roads.”

The arrival foyer of the Nadi International Airport.

From left: The President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Commonwealth Veterinary Association president Abdul Rahman and Commonwealth Veterinary Associations chairperson of the organising committee, Robin Yarrow during the 15th Commonwealth Veterinary Association Regional Conference at Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

The President has stressed the need for ensuring greater cohesion and effective implementation of the import substitution programme to increase self-reliance and reduce imports.
President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, while addressing the 15th Australasia/Oceania Commonwealth Veterinary Association Conference, said there was a need to look into avenues of improvement in livestock farming.
He said the major challenge facing many countries was producing more for local consumption which would enable greater self-reliance and enhanced food security in the process.
The conference is at the Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi.
Fiji imported $68million worth of dairy products last year while animal and meat product imports reached $57million.
Government has been injecting around $4m – $5m annually to the livestock sector in terms of improving livestock research and breeding etc.
Government has also allocated $1m this year for the dairy development programme to assist farmers through subsidizing agro input cost.
“Referring to the steadily increasing demand for livestock products, this is now providing greater opportunities to producers and in some situations, regional export markets are also developing.”

More veterinarians
Ratu Epeli said there has been a need for veterinarians in the region and Fiji.
“Producing our own veterinarians will also be a better way of using the resources required – and which are available locally – for this purpose, as opposed to sourcing them from often expensive overseas institutions.
“New approaches such as partnerships with overseas veterinary schools are now increasingly “the way to go”, thereby building on their experience and knowledge.”
The faculty of veterinary science of the University Putra in Malaysia is participating in this conference.

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

The Crest Agriculture Show 2013 officially starts in Lautoka today.
The show is expected to be bigger and better than last year’s very successful show, which was also held in Lautoka.
Principal Agriculture Officer Nacanieli Takele said there had been a huge increase in people interested in setting up their booths at this year’s event.
More than 100 booths have already been set up, an increase of more than 15 from last year.
Mr Takele said there had been persistent requests for more booths to be allowed, but had to be turned down.
“We are overwhelmed by the interest people and companies have shown in this year’s event. We could not facilitate everyone, however, we are hoping that people turn up in numbers to witness the Fijian agriculture, fisheries and forestry departments at one stop,” Mr Takele said.
Agriculture Minister Inia Seruiratu said the theme for this year’s show as focused on building Fiji on a strong agriculture sector.
“This year’s show will provide the opportunity to discuss, exchange views, identify practical and effective ways and means on how we could lessen the threat or impact of the factors causing food insecurity.
The weeklong programme will see on display giant clams of Makogai, peacock, floral display amongst other interesting.
Naming rights sponsors, Crest- Goodman Fielder Asia Pacific general manager Fiji Chris Zaayman said through their sponsorship, their objective was to support and help promote the agriculture industry in Fiji.
This is the fourth consecutive years that the company has had the naming rights to the show.
“The annual Crest Agriculture show has grown significantly over the past years, creating more interest and awareness on the local food available for consumption for families of Fiji and in the tourism sector.
“This underpins Government’s initiatives to promote ‘Buy Fijian Grown’ campaign.”
The show begins with a march led by the Fiji Police Bank.

Gyaneshwar Singh of Ministry of Fisheries shows a piece of what to expect for the Crest Agriculture Show 2013 at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

Fiji Television Limited announced yesterday the appointment of its new management team under the new organization structure approved by the Board.
The appointment is made on the expectation that competition for entertaining the public in the Pacific will be more intensive than ever with more entertainment platform available to the customers to access.
In making these appointments FTV chief executive officer Tevita Gonelevu stated: “Fiji Television Limited Group is placing itself at the forefront of Pacific community stakeholders to ensure that we deliver a value adding services that is comparable to more developed areas of the world.”
He further added that FTV Group is currently undertaking a full strategic review of its operations.
It is also making more tactical investment that should result in a competitively neutral environment for entertainment in the free to air and pay television industry in Fiji and the Pacific.

Head of News
Geoffrey Smith has been appointed the Head of News, where he will be responsible for Sports and Production in addition to News and Current Affairs.
Mr Smith is a very experienced multimedia journalist who has over 14 years experience in the industry.
He will be expected to build up FTV Group news coverage to be comparable to more developed countries.

Head of Sky
Nitesh Lal has been appointed as Head of Sky, where he will be responsible for Pay TV sales, operations and customer service.
Mr Lal is an accountant by profession and he will be the key driver for delivering a cost competitive service for pay television subscribers.

Head of Corporate Affairs
Nitesh Chand has been appointed as Head Corporate Affairs where he will be responsible for FTV Group procurement, corporate affairs, finance, security and stock control.
Mr Chand is an accountant by profession and is key deliverables will be ensure that FTV Group business objectives both internal and external are achieved.

Head of Compliance
Sera Roxburgh has been appointed the Head of Compliance, Risk and Human Resources where she will be responsible for FTV Group human resource training, risk and compliance for the Fiji TV Group.
Ms Roxburgh is the former FHL Group general manger human resources and she will ensure that FTV Group employees are provided the necessary resources, training and support to drive corporate success.

Head of Content
Tanya Waqanika has been appointed the Head of Content and Production where she will be responsible for FTV Group content for subscribers, local programme production and in-house production.
Ms Waqanika is a lawyer by profession and she will be tasked with ensuring that content shown on FTV Group platform is something to come home to.
These appointments will be effective from September 1st 2013.
— Fiji Television Limited

By RANOBA BAOA

For the first time, micro enterprises in the nation will be recognised for their efforts and contributions towards the Fijian economy.
The inaugural launch of the Microfinance Awards saw micro financial institutions and associated organisation representatives in microfinance businesses came together at the Reserve Bank of Fiji for the launch.
The awards are an initiative by the National Financial Inclusion Taskforce and will be sponsored by the Reserve Bank, the Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme and Life Insurance Company of India (LICI).
The event will be held on the October 25 at the Sheraton Fiji Resort concurrent with the 4th Pacific Microfinance Week scheduled from the October 21-25.
In launching the awards, Reserve Bank governor Barry Whiteside stressed that if microfinance businesses are recognised and offered necessary support they have the potential to grow.
“We believe that with an enabling regulatory policy environment and with access to affordable financial services, individual and micro-enterprises will have the opportunity to flourish and bloom,” Mr Whiteside said.
“Micro-enterprises, when managed well and in the right environment will not remain micro. They can always grow into small businesses and later on graduate to medium and large enterprises.”

Commercial bank support
In light of this, Mr Whiteside highlighted the contribution of commercial bank support for the sector.
“I am pleased to report that the total value of micro deposits held by the commercial banks at 30 June 2013 was $40.3 million.”
In 2010 all commercial banks were directed to set up micro-finance units at every branch to cater for the low income earners especially in the informal sector under the Banking Supervision Policy Statement 14.

From other sponsors
Life Insurance Company of India (LICI)  acting general manager, Sanjeev Jain said: “This awards will no doubt go a long way for the betterment of the economy as a whole.
“We are very happy to be part of this initiative and hope to see many more awards in future and our partnership with the Reserve Bank will certainly continue from here.”
Pacific Financial Inclusion advisor, Jeff Liew echoed the importance of the awards to set up role models in microfinancing sector.
“It’s equally important that these role models and outstanding clients, service providers and will provide a model for others to emulate and help each other and then we can have a very vibrant microfinance sector.”

Reaching the unbanked
Meanwhile, Mr Whiteside also noted  87 per cent of the hitherto150,000 unbanked people in Fiji are now banked as at June 30 this year.

From left: Life Insurance Company of India acting general manager, Sanjeev Jain, Pacific Financial Inclusion advisor, Jeff Liew and Reserve Bank of Fiji governor, Barry Whiteside at the launch of the Inaugural Microfinance Awards at the Reserve Bank of Fiji yesterday. Photo: PAULINI RATULAILAI

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

From today, Vuda Marina near Lautoka opens as an Approved Boarding Station.
This means that arriving yachts can conveniently clear into Fijian waters, using the Marina’s floating dock.
At the official ceremony yesterday, the Attorney-General and Acting Prime Minster, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said this was a step in the right direction for the Fijian yachting industry.
“The feedback has been very positive and this is proving to be a winner with the yachties. We need to have all the checks, we need to ensure that quarantine clearances are there, that immigration and health clearances are available but we need to make this efficient,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
He said where previous Governments had failed to recognise the potential of this industry, the Bainimarama Government was keen to ensure the yachting industry grows.
“This is a huge growth area. There is enormous potential.”

Name to be intact
However, he said there was a need to ensure that Fiji’s brand name was intact.
“In order to ensure that the industry has credibility and there is a product name to it, you must stick to the rules.
“You need to adhere to the rules and good yachties understand that,” he said.
Marina Director, John Philp said Government had provided much needed support for the industry.
However, there was need for more.
“Being made a port of entry is a significant event. It makes us a partner in border control, a responsibility we don’t take lightly. We pledge ourselves to this solemn task with gratitude.
“As an industry we are always looking at ways to improve. Vuda’s new status comes at a cost – use of floating dock, office space, transport costs, monitoring, and utilities.”
Some of these costs had to be passed onto their customers.
“The costs will still compare well to our neighbours Tonga and Vanuatu.”

Areas to look at
However, he said, Government could perhaps look into lowering some of the fees attached to mooring in Fiji.
Yachties coming into the Marina will have the advantage of immediately enjoying their stay in Fiji by using the Marinas facilities, restaurant, café, bar, yacht chandlery, general store, ATM, laundry and fuel station.
With easy access to Lautoka city, re-provisioning is simple and cost effective.
Should work be needed on their vessel then access to a number of contractors is available.
Works can commence almost immediately through the use of the Marinas 63 Tonne Travel Hoist.

From left: Tui Vuda Ratu Kitione Tavaiqia, the Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and John Philp at the Boatshed restaurant in Vuda Marina yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

Students in the West parade during the Crest Agriculture Show 2013 during the official opening in Lautoka yesterday. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

By LITIA MATHEWSELL

School students have been urged to take advantage of the Crest Agriculture Show 2013 by exploring the extensive career paths in this vital sector.
The annual fete was officially opened at Lautoka’s Churchill Park yesterday by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Fiji Hwang Yong.
He alluded to continual efforts between China and Fiji for the development of agricultural here.
Minister for Agriculture, Lieutenant-Colonial Inia Seruiratu said a key objective of the annual event was to advocate agriculture as a viable career opportunity.
“The show is to also advocate the role agriculture plays in terms of food security, income generation, poverty alleviation, import substitution, export promotion and economic growth,” he said.
School students flocked into Churchill Park for the opening ceremony and for a tour of the assorted poultry, greenhouse, timber, fishing and other agriculture-related stalls on display.
Lieutenant-Colonial Seruiratu said there were numerous opportunities for viewers to learn new skills, techniques, technology and innovations, as well as be updated and exposed to the latest developments in research, science and technology.
The annual event is into its fourth year and is again being staged in Lautoka.
This, Lieutenant-Colonial Seruiratu said was also a reflection of the sector’s growing development in the Western division, particularly in dairy production.
This year’s Show is themed Agriculture for Fiji’s Health and Wealth and will continue will this Saturday.

From left: BSP country manager ,Kevin McCarthy, Ministry of Education Principal Education Officer, Narain Sharma, Sandeep Singh of US Embassy and BSP communications officer Marketing Department Salome Waqailiti (standing back) during the launch of Go Green in Suva yesterday. Photo: RAMA

By  RANOBA BAOA

As part of its commitment to the environment, BSP Group is committing a budget of $120,000 for this year’s Go Green campaign themed: ‘Recycle, Reuse, Respect’.
The Go Green campaign is an annual regional campaign run by the BSP Group to promote environmental responsibility worldwide.
The campaign has been enabled through the support of the agencies and government bodies.
These are the Ministry of Education, Depart of Environment, iTaukei Affairs Board, Local municipal councils and the US Embassy under its Pacific Regional Environmental Office.
The campaign is centred on Clean Up the World Day’ which falls on September 20.
While encouraging student participation, BSP country manager, Kevin McCarthy highlighted the surge in school and student participation since its inception in 2010.
“This year’s theme seeks to encourage people to think about recycling and reusing their rubbish before disposing it and show greater respect to Mother Nature,” Mr McCarthy said.
“This is vital in planning for a healthy, enjoyable, sustainable future.
“Our children already know it is our responsibility to ensure that they are well-prepared for taking an active role in the future.”
The campaign will for the first time include art competition for schools to raise the profile of the types of rubbish that are being carelessly disposed.
The number of participating students has increased from over 14,000 in the first year to 45,000 in 2012 and the organisers are expecting more this year.

Dr Steven Angus, Principal Veterrinary Officer of the Ministry of Primary Industries Fiji. Photo: RAEVENN BREEN

By  RAEVENN BREEN

Zoonosis, a disease which can be transferred to animals by their human counterparts, has been noted as a big problem in Fiji.
This was highlighted yesterday on day two of the three day 15th Australasian/Oceania Regional Conference hosted by the Commonwealth Veterinary Association at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi.
Dr Steven Angus who is the Principal Veterinary Officer from the Ministry of Primary Industries in Fiji discussed matters involving Zoonosis in Fiji.
Dr Angus reported through his presentation that three of the main diseases categorised under zoonosis from a human perspective are leptospirosis, tuberculosis and brucellosis.
“Typically you get about 20-100 cases annually in Fiji concerning leptospirosis. During the flooding season last year in April about 500 cases were confirmed,” Dr Angus said.
“We were testing for any leptospirosis cases in some local villages and we found out in the results from these reports and the analysis conducted the figures were horrendously high.
“For cattle we found that 80 per cent were infected, dogs 70 per cent, goats were about 40 per cent and people infected or exposed to the disease came to around 18 per cent.”
Tuberculosis
Dr Angus said in terms of bovine tuberculosis, cattle herds were more likely to be affected.
“Unfortunately quite a number of herds are chronically infected by tuberculosis,” he said.
“The problem with chronically-affected cattle is that when you try and inject a combat agent to fight against the disease it doesn’t seem to prevail.”
“We are however working on trying to provide a better control in order to conduct better testing and ensuring that these herds are less prone and less ill-affected by TB”.
Brucellosis is a bacterial disease typically found in cattle and buffalo, and Dr Angus explained they were trying to prevent the disease from spreading any further in Fijian livestock.
The conference looks at the importance of livestock, food security and the economic activities involved within the agricultural sector of Pacific Island countries.