Churchill Park re-opens

in March.
Page 4

VOLUME 7 NO: 9 SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF FIJI WITH PASSION

JANUARY 25, 2017 - FEBRUARY 25, 2017

Jubilant students of Lomolomo Public School with their teachers after receiving free stationeries for this year from the school.
Photo: Sanjay Goundar

Lomolomo Public Relieves Burden

Sanjay Goundar

A semi-rural school in Lautoka has

created history by becoming the first
primary institute to assist its students
in a major way.
Parents and students from the
Lomolomo farming community
were in an elated mood at the
beginning of the new school year
on January 17 when the Lomolomo
Public School provided the 150
students with all their exercise
books and stationeries plus school
monogram absolutely free.
School Head Teacher Ritesh
Prasad
revealed
that
upon
consultation with the school
management who were very
supportive they decided to relief this
major burden from the shoulders of
parents from this year.

Prasad informed that funds for

this initiative came from the free
education grant provided by the
Ministry of Education.
I am very pleased to inform that
from the $34,000 grant we received
last year after paying for all other
expenses we were able to allocate
around $5,000 for the free book
initiative.
In the free education grant
there is a provision for stationery
so we ensured that students benefit
from this grant.
Last year Fiji suffered a major
setback due to Tropical Cyclone
Winston and many of our parents
who are either labourers or farmers
were no exception.
Looking at the plight of the
parents we wanted to ensure that
parents are not made to run away

with the school book list at the

beginning of this year whilst they
are struggling to maintain their daily
lives.
Prasad added that last year they
were also made aware that some of
the parents did not even have money
to buy food for the family.
He informed that the school
has therefore taken it as a challenge
to lighten the burden from the
shoulders of parents.
As for next year we are
planning to add some more things to
this initiative such as lunch box and
water bottles, Prasad revealed.
One of the parents Mere Rosi
Chetty who has three children
attending Lomolomo Public School
commended the head teacher and
the school management for such a
timely assistance.

Chetty stressed that every year

it becomes a mammoth task for the
parents to properly prepare their
children with all the needed items
for the new school year.
Finance is a major problem
for parents around the Lomolomo
vicinity and many opt to take
loans from relatives to manage the
situation.
Such initiative by the school
comes as a major relief to us parents
and we would really like to thank
the head teacher and his team, she
stressed.
Meanwhile, Mr Prasad informed that
the school will soon have a proper
computer laboratory and library
after almost 57 years of existance.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

PRICE: 50 CENTS

02

NEWS

JANUARY

25, 2017

LED Neck Light for Lautoka Hospital

The LED Neck Lights donated to Lautoka hospital by Punjas Group Marketing Manager Gopal
Jadhav (2nd from left) and National Sales Manager of Narhari Electrical Paul Lal (left)
Sanjay Goundar
DOCTORS at the second largest hospital in
the country will now be able to handle matters
pertaining their patients in a much convenient
manner.
Medical officials at the Lautoka hospital
were the recipients of the first ever Panasonic
hand free LED Neck Lights through the
generous donation by Punjas and the Narhari
Electrical Company Limited on January 20.
According to Punjas Group Marketing
Manager Gopal Jadhav the Panasonic Hands
Free LED Neck Light conveniently offers light
where one needs it most.
It is easy to use and perfect for any

situation. The light can shine by simply placing

the unit around your neck, leaving your hands
completely free.
Its perfect for the Clinical Practitioners to
make use while working at the hospital during
night shifts.
Panasonic Hands Free LED Neck Light
provides 13 Lumens LED light Powerful
Panasonic battery technology delivers up to 15
hours of continuous light. The two Panasonic
lithium coin sized batteries can be used up to
6months, before a change and is also Water
resistant.
DrJimi Takiaof Lautoka Hospital said
Its advantage apart from the light quality, is
that its handsfree, adjustable, light weight&

Narhari Electrical National Sales Manager Paul Lal (left) demonstrates to the Lautoka hospital
medical staff on how the LED neck lights operate.
Photos: Sanjay Goundar
portable.
Hanging around the neck, it can assist
a Nurse / Doctor to do some procedures,
administer drugs, etc in a ward at night, without
turning on the room lights, disturbing others.
Unlike the traditional torch, itshandsfree,
which makes the work easier, DrTakia
stressed.
When attached around the head, it serves
as a good head-lamp, to work it tighter
areas eg during surgery, doing gynecological
examinations, or examining children.
Traditional head-lamps are a bit bulky and
need a carry-bag, whilst this can easily fit in a
pocket, or hung around the neck, quite portable
indeed, he revealed.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

Meanwhile, Punjas are distributors for

Panasonic batteries, torches and automotive
batteries in Fiji whereas Narhari Electrical Co
Ltd are sole importers for the entire Panasonic
range. Apart from Imports and Wholesale
business they have two retail outlets in Suva,
and one each in Nausori, Lautoka, Nadi and
Labasa.
Panasonic Corporation is a Japanese
multinational electronics company founded
in 1918, develops a wide range of consumer
products, including audio visual and
communication products as well as various
home appliances, such as air conditioning,
refrigerating, cooking and washing equipment.

JANUARY 25, 2017

NEWS

Motivating future leaders

SI Lautoka members with students during the school stationeries presentation.

Photo: Sanjay Goundar
Zareena Bi
THE start of the new school year brings about
a lot of excitement for most students as they
look forward to going to school in their new
uniforms with new bags, shoes and stationery.
Unfortunately, the reality is quite different
for those students who come from needy
backgrounds as they usually have to wait for a
good Samaritan to come forward and provide
them with school essentials and motivation.
The
non-governmental
organization
Soroptimist International Lautoka Club has

once again come to the forefront to assist the

less fortunate students from various schools in
Lautoka.
The club provided assistance to fifteen students
earlier this month with school stationeries and
uniforms.
According to SI Lautoka President Ranjini
Sanjay some of these students have been
assisted in the previous years while the rest are
new requests.
Some parents requested us for assistance
again while a number of requests came through
the Ministry of Education.

03

SI Lautoka members assisting needy students at the Lovu Hart Home in Lautoka.
Photo: Kriti Fong
We do understand that despite the fact that
that there is no school fees and the Government
is committed in its bid to provide free education
some parents are still struggling to provide the
basic school essentials to their children
For this reason we are happy to provide
the necessary assistance and motivation to our
future leaders.
The President also informed that the
students were from primary as well as high
schools and each of them had their own
difficulties due to their social background.
During the presentation Mrs Sanjay

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

encouraged the students to study hard and

make full use of the assistance provided to
them by the club.
Meanwhile, one of the recipient parents
Mrs Rakesh Deo thanked the club for assisting
her two daughters for the last four years and
reminded the students not to ever forget the
goodwill of the SI Lautoka members.
She encouraged the female students to
become members of the club once they complete
their education and join the workforce.

04

LAUTOKA CITY COUNCIL NEWS

Churchill Park reopens this March

The refurbished Lautokas Churchill Park with the new 400 metre eight lane synthetic tracks
scheduled to reopen in March this year.

JANUARY

25, 2017

LCC employees working on erecting a new fence along the new embankment of Churchill Park.
Photos: Sanjay Goundar

playoffs in Lautoka on March 25 therefore the

Group are also working on constructing the

division will definitely get a chance to train

official reopening of Churchill Park has to be

new front entrance of the park as agreed by the

on an international standard synthetic track in

SPORTING bodies will now be able to stage

done before this.

company.

preparation for the 2017 Coke Games and FMF

events at a much enhanced Lautokas Churchill

Chow Games this year.

Park from this March.

for the official opening before the world cup

in Lautoka and from neighbouring districts

Lautoka City Councils chief executive

qualifying match as the first sports event on the

will really enjoy playing or staging events at

place and is awaiting athletes to showcase their

officer Jone Nakauvandra has confirmed that

refurbished ground.

Churchill Park now.

speed.

the $5.5million refurbishment of Churchill

He however informed that the construction

The new embankment is also in place

Park is now in its final stages.

final stages of the refurbishment work such as

of a new 1000 seating capacity stadium will

replacing pavilion C to accommodate the large

fencing around the ground and installation of

depend on availability of funds which would

number of fans expected at the ground after its

Football team is scheduled to play New

the gates.

commerce towards the end of this year.

reopening in March.

Zealand All Whites in the World Cup qualifying

Workers contracted by the Tappoos

Meanwhile, athletes from the western

Sanjay Goundar

Nakauvadra revealed that the Fiji National

We are hoping to set a date in March

Our employees are now working on the

We are very optimistic that sports lovers

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

The 400 metre synthetic track is properly in

JANUARY 25, 2017

LAUTOKA CITY COUNCIL NEWS

LCC will also assist in the fight against Dengue Fever providing clean up during the year

05

Residents have to clear their compounds of all those items that help in mosquitoes to breed.
Photos: Supplied.

Dengue Outbreak
in Lautoka
THE citizens are advised that there have been six (6)
confirmed cases of Dengue Fever reported within
Lautoka District. Lautoka City Council therefore wishes
to advice all stakeholders and the residents to take
the following precautionary measures to prevent any
outbreak of dengue fever: Clean environment by destroying any articles or
containers likely to retain water and breed
mosquitoes such as tyres, drums, tins, cans, manmade
containers etc.
Change water in flower vases and pot plants on
regular basis.
Cover all water storage containers.
Make optimal use of councils user pay service for
refuse collection as means to dispose off all mosquito
breeding grounds.
Keep compounds and vacant lots free from
overgrowth of grass and bush weeds that is likely to
harbor mosquitoes.
Guard against mosquito bites. Sleep under mosquito
net; apply insect repellants and use anti
mosquito coils.
Citizens are advised to visit your nearest health
facility if you have signs and symptoms such as fever
(sudden onset), intense headache (especially behind the
eyes, muscle and joint pains, flushed skin and rashes on
the arms and legs, and perhaps minor bleeding of the
gums and/or nose.
Remember that dengue fever can be very deadly and
fatal. The last dengue outbreak resulted in more than
20,000 dengue fever cases and claimed 13 lives in Fiji.
Residents are advised that breeding mosquitoes is an
offence and in contravention of Section 109 of the Public
Health Act Cap 111. Offenders will be liable for legal
proceedings without any further warning
NOTE: Anti-mosquito spraying is only one of the
preventative measures to kill adult mosquitoes but to
eradicate the spread of Dengue Fever- REDUCTION
AT SOURCE by destroying breeding grounds is the best
solution. For any further information kindly contact or
visit the Health Department or call on 6660433/ 9908553
or 9908485.
LETS JOIN HANDS IN KEEPING OUR
ENVIRONMENT AND LAUTOKA CITY CLEAN,
HEALTHY AND DENGUE FREE!!!

Draining still water from objects such as old tires is one

of the easier ways to destroy mosquito breeding places
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

06

NEWS

EDITORIAL

Back to School
AFTER all the festivities and celebration, it is back
to school again.

The current government had eased some burden

on the parents by agreeing to pay the school fees

for all students in their free education policy which
began last year.

While they are relieved off their duties of paying

25, 2017

bags and stationery have gone up.

They should all take advantage of the free-schooling

children and teachers will develop close relationship

programme.

that will at the end benefit the student who has high

And then there is the zoning thing which parents

and guardians are finding very annoying.

The

knowledgeable society and this can only be attained

vicinity looking for spaces for their children but only

if children attend school from an early age.

productive and prosperous year for all and that it will

to be put on the waiting list.

bring new ventures and ideas that will lead us to an

every day and not dodge school and be involved in

eventful and enterprising new year.

schools with the first week of school gone by.

mischievous activities.

Let the journey begin.

For the sake of the education of their children, it will

only be wise for parents to be patient.

while some will be moving on to their first taste of

secondary school from primary education.

Maika Kasami

Editor.

They crawl from school to school within their

Some notable parents are still looking for

It is a strict ruling by the government of the day

for all children to attend school.

the fees, the prices of items such as books, school-

JANUARY

PUBLISHER : SANJAY GOUNDAR : PH: 9960 129/ 8493 057

EDITOR : MAIKA KASAMI
: PH: 9189 779
MARKETING MANAGER: ZAREENA Bi : PH: 9322 621
OFFICE : 15 TUKANI STREET, LAUTOKA
POSTAL ADDRESS : PO Box 4230, Lautoka

government

is

preaching

for

They should be persuaded to go to school

inspiration and goal.

As we welcome 2017 we hope it will be a

Some will be attending school for the first time

The new year hopes to bring new ideas and

T/A : WESTERN MEDIA ENTERPRISES

EMAILS: citystarnews15@gmail.com / sanjayg@connect.com.fj
Follow us on facebook with daily updates : CitySTAR-Newspaper

Mandali promotes
Printed by: Universal Print

EDUCATION
finances fall short and they look for avenues of

student while Nehal Ali Aktaris

assistance. One such family is the Ali family of

student.

assistance is a good cause.

THE gift of education is the biggest gift of all

DelaiTomuka who have two children attending

According to Mandali President Rohit

and if the assistances enhances cultural and

school but they have been facing difficulties as

Chand their group allocates some finances for

members for their kind deed during the

religious unity then it is indeed a commendable

their home was badly damaged during cyclone

education assistance every year.

presentation of the stationery and bags at their

effort.

Winston.

There are no cultural or religious

home on January 16.

boundaries for our assistance and we just look

Zareena Bi

It is the time of the year once again when

It is the good fortune of the family that the

a year 4

yearly basis as our members feel that education

Meanwhile Mrs Ali thanked the Mandali

She informed that this is the first year that

thousands of students go back to school with

Velovelo Satsang Kirtan Ramayan Manadali

at the needs of the individual families.

they had sought assistance for her children due

renewed hope and parents set aside other

became aware of this and came forward to

We are glad to assist these two students as

to her husbands illness.

financial commitments to prepare their children

assist the two students with their school needs.

their father is sickly which has added to the

for the new school year.

The students both attend Lautoka Muslim

familys difficulties.

There are those families also whose

Primary and Riya RaishaAktar is a year 8

Members of the Velovelo Satsang Kirtan Ramayan Mandali assisting the two children of the Ali
family in DelaiTomuka, Lautoka

We will continue to assist students on a

Ziya and NehalAktar will the much needed school items donated by the Velovelo Satsang Kirtan
Ramayan Mandali.
Photos: Zareena Bi

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

07

NEWS

JANUARY 25, 2017

$3million Japanese aid to rebuild schools

SOURCE: MINFO

Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum signs the agreement with Japanese Ambassador

THE Fijian Government earlier this month

signed an agreement with the Government of
Japan to provide funding worth $FJ3,163,503
for four schools under the Adopt a School
Programme.
The assistance is being provided under
Fijis Adopt a School programme which is part
of the Government of Japans on-going support
for Fijis rehabilitation after TC Winston.
The four schools that will be receiving
assistance are Koronubu Sangam School, Toko
Primary School, Balevuto Public School and
Navatusila District School and the project
will be implemented through Japans Grant
Assistance for Grassroots Human Security
Projects (GGP) Programme.
While launching the Adopt a School
program after the devastation caused by
Tropical Cyclone Winston last year Prime
Minister Rear Admiral (Retired) Frank
Bainimarama stated that the objective of this
initiative is to help rebuild Fijian schools
severely damaged by the cyclone.
Foreign governments, donor agencies,
companies, community groups, sporting bodies
and individuals were asked to adopt individual

schools and spearhead the building process.

Mr Bainimarama urged both local and
international participation as the best way to
assist the nations children recover from the
trauma of Winston.
The PM said the Governments overriding
objective is to build new facilities capable of
withstanding future cyclones. There is no
point in rebuilding our schools in the same
way just to have them damaged or destroyed
again. The reason why the participation of the
Fiji Institute of Engineers is so important is
that these experts will tell us precisely what we
need to do to build structures that last.
The PM said potential sponsors could also
be assured of the accuracy of the assessments
made by the Fiji Institute of Engineers.
The Government envisages the links
between sponsors and adopted schools will be
ongoing because of the personal relationships
that will be forged under the program. This is
a wonderful opportunity to make a connection
with a particular school and community, help
get it back on its feet and share the joy of our
young people and their families as they resume
the learning process in proper facilities, the
PM said.

Indian Tiger Roars in Fiji

Customers buy the Wild Indian Rum from the Prouds Outlet in Nadi

AFTER successfully roaring at duty-free

outlets across the subcontinent and eight other
most travelled countries in the world, the first
premium rum brand from India has finally
landed on our shores.
Available exclusively through the Prouds
Duty Free stores featured at the arrivals and
departures section of Nadi International
Airport, the Wild Tiger Rum is gaining huge
popularity amongst international travelers.
We have been receiving good response
from customers ever since the Wild Tiger Rum
has been introduced into our duty-free stores,

Prouds DFS manager Ashwin Chand says.

Available in 700ml striped bottles since
December 2016, the Wild Tiger Rum is
retailing at FJ$47.85 per bottle and $89 for two
bottles, Mr Chand added.
Produced in Kerala state of Southern India,
Wild Tiger Rum is not only unique in terms
of its avant-garde packaging but also for the
liquid inside.
Wild Tiger is Indias first rum to be
produced from a blend of molasses and cane
juice, giving it enticing aromatic notes and
depth in flavour.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the

Wild Tigers packaging is the different stripe
designs of each bottle which ensures that no
two bottle designs are alike, making each bottle
unique to its owner or gift recipient. By this
virtue it makes this a default special edition of
sorts and ideally suited for Travel Retail.
The brand has been conceptualized and is
owned by Indian drinks entrepreneur Gautom
Menon who is very passionate about the welfare
and survival of wild tigers in the country.
As a part of its core corporate social
responsibility policy - the brand donates ten
percent profits towards Tiger Conservation
in South India where they have set up their
own non-profit initiative called Wild Tiger
Foundation (WTF) which works with other
established wildlife establishments and
prominent tiger experts to save tigers and its
habitat in Southern India.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

ABOUT WILD TIGER RUM

Wild Tiger Beverages is founded by
Mr Gautom Menon with a vision to create a
winning portfolio of beverage brands that are
Indian produced but resonating international
stature and recognition. All products are
manufactured at the family controlled distillery
in the picturesque state of Kerala, India.
ABOUT PROUDS
A pioneer in Duty-Free, luxury travel retail
and fine-store shopping, PROUDS has been at
the forefront of world-class shopping in Fiji for
the past thirty-years. Associated with numerous
world-renowned and local brands, PROUDS
via its expansion plans has now extended
its retail footprint beyond Fiji following the
opening of PROUDS at Jacksons International
Airport in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea in
July 2015.

08

NEWS

New Mall in Wairebetia

Ms Asumun Nisha, mother of the Mr Mohammed Faiaz Khan does the ground breaking ceremony
of the new mall.
Sanjay Goundar
THE image of a semi-rural settlement along
the Queens Road in Lautoka will be immensely
enhanced with the opening of a new shopping
mall.
A double storey shopping complex will be
the key feature of the Wairebetia community
once its construction is completed in 14
months time.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony
of the complex project owner Mohammed Faiaz
Khan (Miki) Director of Mikis Investments
Limited revealed that once completed the $3.5
million mall will completely change the image

of Wairabetia as a whole.
Mr Khan informed that the complex
will include supermarkets, hot bread shop, a
pharmacy, hardware shop, restaurants, internet
shops and video library at the bottom flat while
the upper storey has provision for five rental
flats and two big office spaces.
He stressed that the availability of
supermarket and other key outlets will assist
the people of the community significantly and
reduces the hassle of travelling all the way to
the town to buy things for the family.
He revealed that this complex construction
being his dream project is a payback to the
community where he was born, spent his entire

JANUARY

25, 2017

Developer of the new $3.5million shopping mall in Wairebetia, Lautoka Mohammed Faiaz Khan
(Miki) with his family members after the ground breaking ceremony of the new mall.
Photos: Sanjay Goundar
childhood and now operates as a successful
Saweni is not able to cater for the growing
businessman.
demand.
Khan informed that the project is funded
Plus it is very expensive for the people of
through his years of savings and partial loan
our community to travel in a taxi to do their
from a commercial bank.
shopping in the town.
He is very optimistic that the project will
Our new shopping complex will surely
be completed within the scheduled time as his
ease all the difficulties faced by the people
own subsidiary company Mikis Construction
of Wairebetia and will also create new
Limited is building the mall.
employment opportunities for our people.
With the fast development along the Nadi
Meanwhile, Mr Khan entered the world
Lautoka corridor we need more supermarkets
of business 10 years ago with his construction
and shopping outlets in areas like ours.
company and has completed numerous resort
The Wairebetia, Saweni and neighbouring
projects around the country.
settlements have seen major increase in
population and the single supermarket in

MULTI-AGENCY TEAM COMPLETES EARLY RECOVERY WORK ON QAMEA

Source: MINFO
A multi-agency team deployed by Government
to Qamea two weeks prior to the beginning of
the new school year completed early relief and
recovery works on the island.
The team, led by the National Disaster
Management Office, was sent to Qamea Island
following landslides that caused significant
damages to homes, farms, and public
infrastructure.
Acting permanent secretary for the
Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development
and
National
Disaster
Management,
LoataVakacegu said the different agencies had
their sector-specific objectives and responded
accordingly to the humanitarian needs on the
ground.
The team conducted detailed damage
assessments and provided relief supplies and
temporary shelter to the affected population,
MsVakacegu said.
Geo-tech and land boundary surveys
were conducted by the Mineral Resources
Department and the Ministry of iTaukei
Affairs for the long-term plans for Dreketi,

which was the worst village affected.

She further mentioned that the team
also conducted minor repairs on public
infrastructure and that government will now
focus on long-term rehabilitation.
Activities accomplished by the multi-agency
team are listed below:
Health
The Qamea Health Center has been
temporarily relocated to Vadravadra
Settlement following its destruction on
Dreketi Village
Social Welfare and Empower Pacific
conducted trauma counselling and
psychosocial support group work sessions
with over 100 children and adults
A mobile health clinic of 7 health personnel
visited villages and settlements conducting
out-patient clinics and public health
awareness sessions.
Over 100 patients were seen by the mobile
health team
Mosquito spraying was conducted in risk
areas in villages and settlements
No disease outbreaks have been reported.
1,100 first aid kits distributed

82 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH

Kits distributed)Education
All schools began as scheduled
*Ministry of Education and Republic of
Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) engineers
constructed temporary learning spaces for
Dreketi District School
Naivivi Primary school cleaned and cleared
by RFMF engineers

Water
Water Authority of Fiji and RFMF
engineers conducted repairs and restored
water on Dreketi Village after 4 weeks of
limited water
9 x 5,000 litre water tanks distributed
LMC Vatulawa distributed 43,000 litres of
water
Agriculture and Food Security
Assessments of food sources conducted by
Ministry of Agriculture
5,000 planting material distributed due to
significant farm damages
5,000 grams of vegetable and fruits seeds
distributed

More food rations will be distributed

Mineral Resources Department
The Mineral Resources Department
conducted geo-tech surveys and made
recommendations on adaptation and
mitigation measures for areas affected by
landslides
Power Supply

Department of Energy conducted minor

repairs on solar power systems and held
consultations on solar home systems for
new customers
87 solar lights distributed

Infrastructure
Machinery deployed to clear debris will
continue for next 4 weeks
RFMF engineers assisted with clearing
of debris and distribution of relief items

We are also specialised in

GRAPHIC DESIGNING
Logos, Business Cards, Advertisements,
Banner s, Posters, Corporate Profiles,
Magazines, Brochures, Flip Cards,
Letterheads and many more!!!
CONTACT : Sanjay Goundar or Maika Kasami I Phone: 996 0129/ 918 9779 I Emails: citystarnews@kaiviti.com, sanjayg@connect.com.fj
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

FEATURE

JANUARY 25, 2017

Self-Awareness as Learning to Dance

09

Ravinesh Prasad

Lecturer in Education
School of Education
College of Humanities and Education
Fiji National University
prasadravinesh234@gmail.com
WHERE did the voice come from and why
is it so hard to make it be quiet? Do you ever
notice the voice in your head has a lot of selfjudgments? How come when I try to turn off
the voice in my head it doesnt seem to work?
For most people the mind has developed
into something that does nonstop describing,
comparing, and judging. When I didnt have
any awareness I didnt notice how busy it was
all the time. When I noticed it, I just assumed
that it was me thinking. I didnt think of my
thinking as judgmental. I just thought that my
opinions were the right ones. Because I was

interpretations in our thoughts, emotions, and

emotions and shift the emotional quality of

I have discovered many useful techniques that

comfortable with my opinions for a long time

conversations. Having awareness creates the

your relationships. When you can change the

accelerate this learning.

they didnt bother me. But then in times of

opportunity to make changes in behavior and

emotions in your relationships you open up

stress when the voice in my head would keep

beliefs.

entirely new possibilities in your life.

have the self-awareness to choose the criteria

Having a clear understanding of your

in your mind and change it at will. With self-

me up at night, I began to notice things were

Truly lasting happiness is yours when you

out of balance.

Why Develop Self Awareness?

thought and, behavior patterns helps you

mastery you are able to choose the emotion

Most everyone has this type of talk in their

As you develop self-awareness you are

understand other people. This ability to

you express in each moment. When you have

mind to varying degrees. The difference is that

able to make changes in the thoughts and

empathize facilitates better personal and

this level of self-mastery the obvious choice is

some people identify with it, and feel it is them.

interpretations you make in your mind.

professional relationships.

to express love. When you become more self-

Other people realize that their mind has taken

Changing the interpretations in your mind

on a life of its own and decide to do something

allows you to change your emotions. Self-

Develop Self Awareness

about it.

awareness is one of the attributes of Emotional

Self-awareness

One of the most helpful things in this

Intelligence and an important factor in

practices in focusing your attention on the

process of quieting the voice in your head (the

achieving success.

details of your personality and behavior. It isnt

or frustration, you notice many of the thoughts

Voice) is to realize where it came from and

Self-awareness is the first step in creating

learned from reading a book. When you read

and small triggers that build up towards those

what it is doing there. Understanding the origin

what you want and mastering your life. Where

a book you are focusing your attention on the

emotions. You also notice moments when you

of the Voice will help you let go of judgmental

you focus your attention, your emotions,

conceptual ideas in the book. You can develop

can change the interpretations in your mind,

reactions during this process.

reactions, personality and behavior determine

an intellectual understanding of the ideas of

or not believe what you are thinking. In this

Self-Awareness is having a clear perception

where you go in life. Having self-awareness

self-awareness from a book, but this is not the

heightened awareness you instinctively make

of your personality, including strengths,

allows you to see where your thoughts and

same. With your attention in a book you are

better choices in your thought process long

weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, motivation,

emotions are taking you. It also allows you

practicing not paying attention to your own

before an emotional reaction or destructive

and emotions. Self-Awareness allows you to

to take control of your emotions, behavior,

behavior, emotions and personality.

behavior.

understand other people, how they perceive

and personality so you can make changes you

Think of learning to be mindful and self-

To conclude, I would say that making

you, your attitude and your responses to them

want. Until you are aware in the moment of

aware as learning to dance. When learning to

changes in your behavior is much easier to do

in the moment.

your thoughts, emotions, words, and behavior,

dance we have to pay attention to how and

when you catch them early in the dynamic,

you will have difficulty making changes in the

where our feet move, our hands and body

before the momentum of thought and emotion

direction of your life.

motion, what our partner is doing, music,

has gathered steam. The changes in your mind

beat, floor space, and other dancers. Dancing

and behavior become simple and easy steps

when you develop self-awareness.

We might quickly assume that we are self-

aware, but it is helpful to have a relative scale

for awareness. If you have ever been in an auto

aware you automatically begin to see aspects of

is

your personality and behavior that you didnt

developed

through

accident you may have experienced everything

Self-Awareness in Relationships

isnt learned from books and Self Awareness

happening in slow motion and noticed details

Relationships is easy until there is

isnt either. A dancer needs awareness of their

of your thought process and the event. This

emotional confusion. This is the same whether

body movements. Self-awareness is what

is a state of heightened awareness. With

you are at work or in your personal life. When

you develop when you pay attention to your

practice we can learn to engage these types of

you can change the interpretation in your

expressions of thought, emotions, and behavior.

heightened states and see new opportunities for

mind of what you think you can change your

In my years of study and teaching with students

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

notice before.
If you have an emotional reaction of anger

10

NEWS

JANUARY

Infant school opens in Rakiraki

Education Minister DrMahendra Reddy whilst opening the Korotale Infant School in Rakiraki.
Source: MINFO
GOVERNMENT is working closely with
different communities around the country to
bring education closer to them.
One of the new initiatives by the Ministry
of Education is opening of infant schools in
areas which are mostly inaccessible.
Minister for Education DrMahendra Reddy
earlier this month opened Korotale Infant

School in Korotale Rakiraki.

Located in rural Rakiraki some four
kilometers from Rakiraki Town, the new
school currently caters for Kindergarten and
Year 1 students of Korotale and Narara.
School Manager Mohammed Abbas says
the opening of the new school will allow
students to continue their education closer to
home especially during rainy weather.
Our children usually cross the Vaileka

Bukuya Secondary opens

stream two times to attend school however the

crossings are easily flooded and this affects
their attendance and education thus the reason
to build this school to allow them to continue
their education even during rainy days, he
said.
We thank the assistance provided for the
building of the school from Government and
the vanua for allowing the school to be built.
Minister Reddy reiterated Prime Minister

25, 2017

Photo: Supplied

Voreqe Bainimaramas calls for parents to

be the key players in the education of their
children.
We have to keep advancing our country,
bringing opportunity into the lives of our people
and building a nation and society we can one
day be proud to pass on to our children.

PK hosts X-mas party

Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Retired) Frank Bainimarama with the students of newly opened
Bukuya Secondary School in Ba.
Photo: Supplied
Source: MINFO
PRIME Minister Voreqe Bainimarama opened
a new chapter in education for the people of the
district of Magodro in the highlands of Ba as he
opened the first ever secondary school for the
tikina on January 11..
To cater for students from eight neighboring
villages, the new classroom blocks for Year
9 and 10 would mean students from the eight
villages could attend school as close to home
rather then travelling long distances to attend
classes or either board at Thomas Baker High
School at Navatusila (30 kilometers) or Navosa
Central (50 kilometers) or attend school in
Nadi, Ba, Lautoka or Tavua.
Joined by the Minister for Education
DrMahendra Reddy, the Head of Government
reiterated Governments vision to enhance the

education sector.
Expanding access and improving the
quality of our childrens education has been
one of my Governments most significant
accomplishments over the past decade. It
has been a very personal quest for me, and
I consider it to be far and away my proudest
achievement that we have realised for the
benefit of the Fijian people, he said.
The academic options you have struggled
to bring into the lives of your children are
now at your doorstep, and the education
your children will receive here will rival that
received by students anywhere else in Fiji.
Now your children can dedicate their time
and effort to their studies without suffering the
stress and inconvenience and wasted time of
traveling long distances to school.

P Kumar Electrical Director Pramod Kumar (middle) with his employees during their end of the
year cocktail party. Photo: Maika Kasami
Maika Kasami
P Kumar Electrical Company recorded another
good year of business in 2016.
As a result of their achievement and meeting
the target set at the beginning of the year, the
company hosted its staff for a Christmas party
at their new company premises which is now
located along Ravouvou Street, opposite Dulux
Paints in Lautoka.
2016 was a fair year for us, P Kumar
Electrical boss Parmod Kumar said.
We all witnessed the destruction caused
by TC Winston which affected everyone. But
then we all picked ourselves up and moved on
with our daily business.
Christmas and New Year is an eagerly
awaited occasion for us. We have been having

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

this Christmas party for some time now and

this is just a way to thank all the staff for their
hard work throughout the year.
Its a perfect time to get together and
socialize, when there is no business talk but
just leisure and preparing to bid farewell to yet
another year.
Kumar said 2017 will bring new challenges
and they are all looking forward to go up
another notch as a team.
We are all looking forward to the New
Year and like always we promise quality
service to our customers, Kumar added.
Parmod Kumar also has P Kumar Rentals and P.
Kumar Taxis and Tours which is the first choice
for those wanting to hire first class vehicles.

SPORTS

Rugby inaugural awards

JANUARY 25, 2017

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
PRIME Minister Hon. Voreqe Bainimarama
today presented the awards for our rugby
superstars, coaches and officials at the inaugural
Fiji Rugby Awards night. The event was held
at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay - Entertainment
Centre.
He said he is delighted to acknowledge
the tremendous accomplishments of our rugby
superstars and of the coaches and staff that help
put them on their path to success.
Our nation is blessed with abundance of
rugby talent, and with many disciplined men
and women who are committed to taking
themselves to the next level. So Im very happy
that we finally have a night like tonight where
we can celebrate and recognise the hard work
and the exceptional skill of our Fijian ruggers

the Prime Minister said.

He says when he travels the world, as he
had often over the past year, it always brought
him great pride to speak on what Fiji has
accomplished in the world of rugby.
People might not be able to place Fiji on
the map. They might not know the name of our
capital. They might not know much about us
at all. But they know that we are a formidable
rugby power, a force to be reckoned with the
Head of Government said.
He said our routine victories over larger,
more resourced nations are a testament not
only to our unrivalled dedication to this sport,
but to the tenacity of the Fijian spirit. That
same tenacious spirit has led Fiji to punch
above its weight in so many other arenas on the
international stage, whether it be in our United
Nations peacekeeping efforts or our role as a

global champion against climate change.

In a way, you are all ambassadors of
Fiji, and you represent us well through your
excellence on the field and your strength of
character regardless of victory or defeat. To
even be nominated for an award among such
a competitive group is an honour, and Id like
to begin by congratulating all of our nominees
on that achievement alone. Thank you for your
contribution to the game of rugby, and I look
forward to all you have yet to accomplish the
Prime Minister said.
2016 was a banner year for Fijian rugby
and for every Fijian. There isnt a Fijian alive
who wont always remember where he or she
was when we won that Gold Medal in Rio. The
taking of Olympic Gold by our Flying Fijians
and the very strong performance of our Fijianas
in Rio showed the world our calibre as a rugby

11

nation and the fiery passion we Fijians have for

the game. They also showed what people from
a small nation can accomplish if they have
enough determination, skill and strength of
character. But it is also fair to say that we didnt
do it alone the Head of Government said.
He also recognised coaches Ben Ryan and
Chris Cracknell for their exceptional leadership
throughout last season, along with all the
management and staff on our Sevens sides.
I know I speak for every Fijian when I
express my sincere thanks for all your efforts.
What you have helped Fiji achieve will never
be forgotten and you will always have our
gratitude. Vinaka vakalevu the Prime Minister
said.

Eremasi Radrodro was voted in as the best male player in the 15s game.

Leilani Burnes won the best female award in the 15s game.
Photos: Ministry of Information.

Osea Kolinisau and Waisale Serevi won their respective awards.

Vodafone Fiji 7s captain Osea Kolinisau received his award from PM Voreqe Bainimarama.

Ladawa recalls Dr Pillai advice

Maika Kasami
FORMER Lautoka and national rep Jeremaia Ladawa
recalls the advice given by the late Doctor Armugam
Sundaressan Pillai during his playing days.
It was in the late 70s when I got to know him. I had
gone for one of my dental check ups and he came to now
that I was a Lautoka rep.

He advised me to train hard if I wanted to play for

Fiji and thats exactly what I did. I trained hard went on to
represent the country and even played in the South Pacific
Games in
1979 in Suva.
After representing the country I went back to him to
just thank him for his advice, Ladawa added.
Dr. Pillai was laid to rest on January 21.

Former Lautoka soccer reps John Monday, left, and Jeremaia Ladawa were among those who
attended the funeral of the late Dr. Armugam Sundaressan Pillai.
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

12

SPORTS

FIFA changes format for WC 2026

JANUARY

25, 2017

Source: FIFA

THE World Cup will be expanded to host 48

teams, up from 32, Fifa has decided.
An initial stage of 16 groups of three teams
will precede a knockout stage for the remaining
32 when the change is made for the 2026
tournament.
The sports world governing body voted
unanimously in favour of the change at a
meeting in Zurich on Tuesday.
The number of tournament matches will
rise to 80, from 64, but the eventual winners
will still play only seven games.
The tournament will be completed within
32 days - a measure to appease powerful
European clubs, who objected to reform
because of a crowded international schedule.
The changes mark the first World Cup
expansion since 1998.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been
behind the move, saying the World Cup has to
be more inclusive.
We are in the 21st century and we have
to shape the World Cup of the 21st century,
he said at a news conference after the
announcement.
It is the future. Football is more than just
Europe and South America, football is global.
The football fever you have in a country
that qualifies for the World Cup is the biggest
promotional tool for football you can have.
This football promotion, in many parts of
the world where today they have no chance to
play [at the World Cup], was at the top of our
thoughts.
According to Fifa research, revenue is
predicted to increase to 5.29bn for a 48-team
tournament, giving a potential profit rise of
521m.

Germany Soccer Team celebrate after winning the 2014 Fifa World Cup.
Campaign group New Fifa Now described
the expansion as a money grab and power
grab.
But Infantino said: Its not at all a money
and power grab, it is the opposite, its a football
decision.
He added the decision was taken based on
sporting merit.

He says the decision on who will get the

extra qualification slots has yet to be decided
but this will be looked at speedily.
No guarantees have been made, he added.
The only sure thing is that everyone will have
a bit more [representation] than they have.
He says there is no rush to decide what will
be used to separate teams who finish on the

Photo: Supplied

same points and goal difference. Reports had

suggested there could be a penalty shootout at
the end of each drawn match.
But Infantino said: This will be part of the
regulations to be decided a few years before the
event, it is nothing for now.

Fiji to better Sydney 7s finish

Maika Kasami.

The national had lost to eventual winners

The teams confidence level will be

Blitzboks (41 points) and England (39).

New Zealand 14-12 in the semifinal but

determined by how they fare at the Cake Tin a

The Las Vegas leg will be next followed by

the

regrouped to end the tournament in third spot

week earlier.

Vancouver in early March

Wellington 7s, the Vodafone Fiji 7s team will

beating South Africa 26-12 in the third and

be out to better its finish in Australia.

fourth playoffs.

after the Dubai and South Africa leg behind the

FOLLOWING

the

completion

of

The national side (32) was ranked third

Rawaca opts out of Fiji 7s

Maika Kasami

Savenaca Rawaca in an earlier HSBC World Sevens Series match against France.
Photo: Supplied

BLOCKBUSTING runner Savenaca Rawaca

has been earmarked to join fellow sevens rep
Kitione Taliga in France and hence miss out on
the 2017 HSBC World Sevens series.
Taliga was part of the team to Dubai and
South Africa but Rawaca has not been in action
since the historic gold medal win at the Rio
Olympics in Brazil.
Rawaca was supposed to have joined a
France club after the Olympics but this did not
eventuate.
Taligas case looks similar as it was
reported in one of the dailies that the Nadi man
is still waiting for his official release from Fiji
Rugby Union whilst already training with his
new club in France.
The FRU confirmed that Rawaca will not
be playing in the 2017 Wellington and Sydney
HSBC Sevens 7s Series after he had sought
approval from Vodafone Fiji 7s Coach Gareth
Baber to be released from Camp so he can make
arrangements to pursue with a professional

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

French Club.
Vodafone Fiji 7s Coach Gareth Baber has
confirmed that Rawaca had approached and
sought to be released from the Vodafone Fiji
7s training camp to prepare for his possible
departure to undertaken a professional rugby
career with a French Club.
FRU CEO, Mr John OConnor also
confirmed today that Rawaca has advised
FRU that he would like to be released from the
Vodafone Fiji 7s Team and from the FRU to
pursue his rugby career in France.
FRU is assisting Rawaca seek the relevant
release from his Club and Province and also
ensuring that his Club complies with the
release requirements.
The Fiji Rugby Union would like to thank
Savenaca Rawaca for his contribution towards
the Vodafone Fiji 7s team and more importantly
for following due process prior to taking up his
contract.
We would also like to congratulate him
and wish him all the best in his professional
career..

13

SPORTS

JANUARY 25, 2017

You win, you will be rewarded: Patel confirms

The Vodafone Fiji Under 17 side with coaches Shalen Lal and Yogendra Dutt during the team jersey presentation at the Ba Football Academy in Ba.
Anushil Kumar/Vodafone.
YOU win, you will be rewarded. When we
have spent a million dollars for a year, it doesnt
take me for more to make sure that you bear the
fruits what you have achieved for the country.
These were the closing remarks of the Fiji
Football Association president Rajesh Patel as
they bid farewell to the Vodafone National U17
team to the OFC qualifiers in Tahiti.
We do not want to put this in your head
now because only thing there right now is to go
and win.
You qualify for the World Cup and
when you come back home, you will see the
monetary incentives for you players and the
family, Patel said.
He said Fiji Football has spent over a
million dollars on the players to be in camp for
a year and at the same time making sure their
education is not being hindered.
Football is what you love and enjoy, and
that is why we are here as a custodian to ensure
that the players get the best out of it.
You know what you have been through,
what you and your family have sacrificed; its
now to go and prove on the field what you can
do.
The onus is now on you and the coaches to
make sure you do the best.
Mohammed Naizal has been given with the
responsibility to lead as the captain of the side

Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel, players, national Under 17 coach Shalel Lal, new national senior coach Christopher Gamel and a Vodafone rep
during the presentation in Ba.
Photos: Anushil Kumar/Vodafone.
assisted by Kishan Ravinesh Sami and Semi
Matalau.
Coach Shalen Lal believes the trio would
carry out their duties at their level best.
They will be leading the boys well as they
have got leadership qualities within them both

on and off the field, he said.

Bestowing the responsibilities on them
at this young age will be a good challenge for
them in their football career.
Meanwhile, in their first build-up match
in New Zealand, the side defeated Auckland

youth selection 3-1.

Lal was particularly pleased with the
first up outing and was impressed with the
determination and commitment of the players.

Prince Charles Park closed for

upgrade

Maika Kasami

NADIS Prince Charles Park has been

temporarily closed to make way for the
rejuvenation of its playing surface.
Nadi Town Council chief executive
officer Peter Dinning said work at the park
began in late December and it is schedule to
re-open in April.
The budget for the upgrade is
approximately $15,000.
The upgrade currently is only for the
playing surface rejuvenation, said Mr.
Dinning.

The playing surface had large

infestations and areas of stone grass all over

the park. This type of grass made the surface
almost unplayable, particularly for soccer
games.
The upgrade of the playing surface will
benefit not only those playing sport on the
ground but also will be a benefit to the spectators
and the public, as it will allow players to better
demonstrate their level of playing skills, he
added.
Mr. Dinning said the upgrade work was
scheduled to commence on the 20th December,
2016, however due to the bad weather it started
on 28 December 2016 and is expected to be
completed by the end of March.

He confirmed that the work is being

undertaken by the Councils workforce and it
will take almost 3-months to be completed.
On the overall upgrade work, Dinning
stated that they would have loved to see an
upgrade to international standard but that will
not be the case in this instance.
To upgrade to such a standard, the Council
would need significantly more funding than is
currently available and being applied to this
remediation works project.
It is important to note that this work is not
a major upgrade and that it is a maintenance
program which is being implemented by Nadi
Town Council to remedy the playing surface

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

by removing the stone grass and replacing it

with couch grass (aka scotch grass) to cover
the playing area.
Nadis Prince Charles Park is an
extremely well utilised Park which is used
every weekend from Thursday to Sunday
and the rehabilitation work or time available
for such works is very minimal.
The park and grounds are also subjected
to flood waters/flash floods that bring with it
loads of silt that carry unwanted grasses and
seeds. All these works are based on being
completed to schedule weather permitting.

14

SPORTS

JANUARY

25, 2017

The victorious Fiji 7s team and Ben Ryan wave to the crowd during the national celebration to commemorate Fijis historic win at the Rio Olympics.

WELSH RUGBY UNION PULLS OFF MAJOR COUP

THE Welsh Rugby Union has pulled off a
major coup by capturing Ben Ryan, the coach
who guided Fiji to Olympic Sevens gold in Rio
last year.
The sought-after 45-year-old, who was
linked with a role in the Lions management
team a few months ago, will begin working
on a consultancy basis in the Welsh game
immediately by overseeing the preparation
and planning of all teams below Rob Howleys
senior squad, including the under-20s, other
age-grade groups, the womens set-up and, of
course, the Sevens operation.
Ryan has steered the Fiji Sevens side
since 2013, winning the highest number of
tournament titles for a single coach nine in
the teams history.
His record includes two World Series
titles and the Olympic success which saw the
islanders defeat Team GB in the final.
Ryan took charge of the England Sevens
set-up between 2007 and 2013, guiding the
team in 56 World Series competitions during
that period and reaching the semi-finals or
better on 28 occasions. He is currently working
with the National Basketball Association in
America.
Now hes on his way to Wales, a
development that is sure to set tongues wagging
everywhere in rugby.
Ryan said: Im delighted to be joining the

WRU in what is an incredibly exciting role

and I am really looking forward to all that lies
ahead.
WRU head of rugby performance Geraint
John said of Ryans appointment: He is a
much sought after high performance coach,
who has been courted around the globe since
his significant successes with the Fijian
national sevens side.
We are particularly interested in
benefitting from the meticulous attention to
detail and major planning experience which
Ben showed to maximum effect during the
Olympics in Rio and we want him to cover the
whole of our performance division from U20s,
U18s to the Womens game and, of course, his
specific experience in 7s is a huge bonus.
Ben will also be on hand to enhance our
Coach Development program where he will
support our coaches through his knowledge
and experience of the world game.
This will be done through a series of club
visits and coach development sessions.
The WRU has also brought on board former
Exeter coach Peter Drewett as performance
coach manager.
Drewett, 58, will join from the Hong Kong
Rugby Union on March 1
He will mainly manage and support the
delivery of the WRU coaching courses at level
3 and 4 and ensure coaches are right up to speed

with new developments with a continuous

programme of refresher courses to run
alongside official qualifications specifically
covering Premiership, Regional Age Grade and
national sevens, national women and national
Age Grade coaching.
WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips said:
We want attract the very best rugby minds to
Wales as well as cultivate home grown coaches
who are the envy of the rugby watching world
and we have taken significant steps towards
achieving those aims with the two appointments
announced today.
Ben brings a wealth of experience and

expertise to strengthen our performance

department and his appointment will be of
benefit to both players and coaches throughout
Welsh rugby.
He will primarily be engaged in helping
teams with their strategic planning, but his
contacts around the world game will also be
invaluable as we bid to increase exposure and
development for Welsh coaches throughout
rugby and other sports in the immediate future.
In Peter we are appointing a coach
development manager who comes highly
recommended and who has significant relevant
experience of the role on a world-wide scale.

Former Fiji 7s coach Ben Ryan and team manager Ropate Kauvesi pictured with fans in
an earlier photo. Both gentlemen have moved on with the Fiji 7s team now under a new
management team. Photos: Supplied.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

15

SPORTS

JANUARY 25, 2017

Arieta is second Punjas HK Mai winner

Maika Kasami

IT was an early birthday gift for 21-year Arieta

Kaloucava who became the second Punjas
Hong Kong 7s Mai promotion December
winner.
A die-hard seven rugby fan, Ms. Kaloucava
said she still could not believe that her named
was picked from the 26,000 plus entries that
were received.
Im a very committed sevens rugby fan
and I still cant believe that Im actually going
to Honk Kong to watch the boys play- and
for freeall expenses paid for by Punjas HK
Maiwhat more can I say!!.
My birthday is in April and this is just
perfect and the best ever birthday gift for me,
said Ms. Kaloucava who is single, lives in
Lami and works as a nanny.
Punjas Group Marketing Manager Gopal
Jadhav said the HK Mai consumer promotion
on their Breakfast Crackers continues to draw
growing entries and interest.
The December draw saw twice the number
of entries than we received for November. And
we at Punjas congratulate Arieta for being the
second winner of the HK Mai promotion.
There will be two- more monthly lucky
draws and a final March draw.
To stand a chance of witnessing the much
anticipated annual Cathay Pacific HK 7s
tourney, all you have to do is text-in the unique

Arieta Kaloucava of Lami, pictured here with Punjas representatives, became the second Punjas Hong Kong 7s Mai promotion December.
Photo: Sanjay Goundar.
code found inside the Punjas Breakfast Cracker
packs to 700 70 70.
The first winner for the promotion for the

month of November was Peniasi Nasusu of

Lautoka.
A total of 10-winners will be flying to Hong

Kong to watch the HK 7s at the Happy Valley.

Vodafone Premier League to kick-off

2016 National League champions Ba will be defending their title this year.
Photo: Anushil Kumar Vodafone.

The Rewa soccer team finished second in the VPL last year and will accompany Ba in the 2017
Oceania Champions League. Photo: Anushil Kumar- Vodafone.

and the league fixtures as a whole.

Nadi where the board will discuss about the

demotion when Nadroga lost a third party

Fiji Football Association competitions

entire competition and approve the fixtures,

protest hence the latter side dropping down to

BA is set to defend their title when the Vodafone

manager Amitesh Pal confirmed that the

he said.

feature in the Senior League this season.

Premier League (VPL) kicks-off.

launching of the 2017 VPL was scheduled

for January 27 at the Fiji FA Headquarters in

table last season to confirm a spot in this years

division replacing the Coral Coast side.

have their meeting on January 22 in Nadi where

Vatuwaqa, Suva.

OFC Champions League along with Rewa who

the board was to discuss the entire competition

finished as the league runner-up.

top flight and will make their second historic

2015 League champs Nadi escaped

appearance in the elite competition.

Maika Kasami

The National League Board was due to

We will be having the National League

Board meeting this Sunday (January 22) in

Meanwhile, Ba finished on top of the points

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

Rakiraki makes its entry into the Premier

Dreketi survived the first season in the

16

SPORTS

JANUARY

25, 2017

New soccer coach watches local games

Under 17 Western Zone Winners Lautoka receiving winning trophy.

Maika Kasami
NEW Vodafone national football coach
Christopher Gamel got his first taste of local
football after arriving into the country in the
first week of January.

His first up assignment was watching

the Vodafone Under-17 Youth League 2016

western zone final between Lautoka and Ba at
the Fiji FA Academy grounds on January 8.
Lautoka thumped Ba 6-1.
The former Paris Saint German (PSG)
Football Club assistant coach had also
witnessed the national under 17 versus Ba
friendly encounter a day earlier.

Though impressed with the level of football

displayed by the youths, Gamel said there were

a few weak areas he saw which will it will take

some time to improve the weak areas.

to make it to the first (national) team.

to the U17 FIFA World Cup.

Both games were really interesting;

I enjoyed the two games played last

however there are few areas that the team lacks

weekend and if the football continues to

four matches in New Zealand, will depart for

on.

grow like that in Fiji, I can see in the future

Tahiti for two more friendly matches before

There are only few areas to work on

we will have a good outcome in the bigger

playing Solomon Islands in its first qualifier on

because there is good creativity for the striker

competitions.

February 12.

but the midfielders have something to learn

Meanwhile, the Vodafone Fiji U17 side

more, he said.

departed for New Zealand on January 15 for

days later before battling New Zealand in its

build-up matches to prepare for OFC Qualifiers

final qualifying match on February 18.

I have seen in the national team two good

The Shalen Lal-coached side, after playing

They face Samoa in its second game three

midfielders. One was really interesting; he

came off the bench and displayed some good
football.

The first one also had really good qualities

but for me he is too lazy.

If you are a midfielder and lazy, youre

not compatible. So I will follow them all and

maybe in two to three-years, they will be able

Vodafone national football coach Christophe Gamel with assistant coach Yogendra Dutt at Fiji
FA Academy grounds in Ba. Photos: Anushil Kumar- Vodafone.

Action from the Western Zone U17 final between Ba and Lautoka.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

SPORTS

Team 3 wins Presidents Shield

JANUARY 25, 2017

Maika Kasami

TEAM 3 comprising of Dev Anand, Ili Seru, Sony and Ram Chandar took home the prestigious Presidents Shield title during the Lautoka Bowling Club season closing event.

Team 1 David Bennion, Mereani Nasedra, Susana and Kaushik.

Team 2 Vinod, Nadan (front) and Kanda M and Mansoor (back).

Team 3 Sony, Dev, Ili Seru and Ram Chandar were the overall winners.

Team 6 Mrs. Bennion, Meiva, Anil and Rajnesh. Photos: Maika Kasami.

Team 4 Victor, Sheila, Rudy and Asaeli finished as runners-up.

Team 5 Permal Krishan, Satya and Simon.

CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

17

18

SPORTS

Dr Pillai laid to rest

JANUARY

Maika Kasami

Vimal Pillai (front) leads the pall-bearers in carrying the casket of his late dad Doctor Armugam
Sundaressan Pillai.
Photo: Maika Kasami.

THE late Doctor Armugam Sundaressan Pillai

better known as Dr. Pillai was a master of
dental.
His sudden demise according to close
friend Pusp Raj was a big loss to the City of
Lautoka.
Close to 300 people were at the Girmit
Centre to pay their final respect before he was
cremated at at Lovu crematorium on January
21
Mr Pillai was an ardent fan of the Lautoka
soccer team and even represented the district
in 1957 to 1959 when Lautoka won the Inter
District Championship three-years-in-a-row.
Mr Pillay attended Saint Thomas Primary
School and Lovu Sangam School for his
Primary School education. He attended
Natabua High School for his secondary school
education.
Mr Raj recalled knowing Dr Pillay for over
40-years. He became their family dentist.

25, 2017

He was a straight shooter, at times a bit

shrewd, a very kind hearted person if you knew
him very well.
He was first elected to serve as a councillor
in Lautoka City Council for three-years in
1978.
After a three-year break, he came back as a
councillor in 1984 for three-years. In 1986 he
was elected as the mayor of the city. When the
council was dissolved in 1997, he was elected
by the Ministry of Local Government to serve
in the council as an administrator.
One of the land mark of Lautoka is the
palm trees planted along Vitogo Parade which
I came to know was planted by him and the
Apex Club members he was part of.
He played for Service Club. He also
became the president of Lautoka FA for twoyears.
The late Dr. Pillai is survived by his fivechildren Vimal, Shobna, Geetanjali, Vini,
Yogesh and grandchildren.

LFA to form coaching association

Maika Kasami
LAUTOKA Football Association will make
use of the coaching expertise of Kamal
Swamy and Ajinesh Prasad to spread the
gospel of coaching within the association.
This was revealed during the LFA Annual

General Meeting on January 22.

LFA secretary Muni Rajan said this will be
a new initiative that they will be undertaking to
boost all affiliated clubs.
Rajan said it will be compulsory for all
clubs to be part of this coaching association.
We think this is a great initiative for all

clubs to be well versed with modern coaching

techniques and we have two-great minds
in Kamal and Ajinesh who will share their
knowledge to the club coaches.
Also LFA is planning to have an Under 17
team feature in the Local League competition.
The association revealed that Fiji FAs Ravinesh

Kumar has tapped on the importance of

having teams play in the Youth League.
Lautoka U17 had defeated Ba 6-1 to win
the Western Zone Youth League.
Even new national senior coach
Christopher Camble was on hand to witness
the baby Blues triumph at the Ba Academy
grounds.

Player selection fair

The Fiji Barbarians 7s team celebrate after winning the Sudamerica 7s tournament.
Photo: Supplied.
Maika Kasami
THE sevens players in the national team have
been given a fare ground of selection for the
Wellington and Sydney leg of the HSBC World
Sevens series.
This was after five of the players from the
Fiji Barbarians side selected in the 14-member
team.
Mesulame Kunavula and Nacanieli
Labalaba will make their debut, while Kalioni
Nasoko, Amenoni Nasilasila and Alivereti
Veitokani make a return to the side.
The five were part of the Fiji Babaas to the
tournament in Chile and Argentina.
Retained from the last leg are Jasa
Veremalua, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Setareki
Bituniyata, Nemani Nagusa, Jerry Tuwai,
Osea Kolinisau, Samisoni Viriviri and Joeli
Lutumailagi.
Vatemo Ravouvou who missed out on the
first leg of the tournament has also been named
in the team.
Vodafone Fiji 7s Coach, Gareth Baber said
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

that the players from the Fiji Baabas 7s team

deserved to be selected as they played really
well and impressively. He also congratulated
the two debutants in the team.
We believe that we have selected a very
good team which has a mixture of experienced
and youthful players. I am confident that the
team will do well in both tournaments.
Some of the senior players are still
recovering from injury and will be considered
for the next leg once their rebab has been
completed.
FRU CEO, Mr John OConnor
congratulated the players on their selection.
I would like to congratulate you on
your selection especially the two debutants.
However, I would like to remind the team that
you face a huge challenge in both tournaments.
All eyes will be on the team as you take
the field because you now have a new coach.
But be reminded that this is the same as any
other tournament only a different venue and the
game plan do not change. So go out there play
to the best of your ability and make Fiji proud.

JANUARY 25, 2017

Chandra eyes Fiji team spot

Maika Kasami

Lautoka Golf Club chairman of Trustees Raymond Singh

with Anuresh Chandra who flew in from Christchurch to be
part of the Gecko Trucking/ P. Meghji-sponsored Summer
Cup event.

19

SPORTS

FORMER national rep Anuresh Chandra wants win back a

national team spot after a 10-months layoff from local golf.
Chandra, whose national title winning record speaks
volumes is aware that he needs to meet certain criterias if
he is serious of forcing himself back into the national team.
The former fireman based at the Nadi Airport took a
bold step when he decided to move to Christchurch with his
family in February last year.
It took me almost 10-months to settle in Christchurch
and I am back into golf now with my new job which allows
me to play golf on Saturdays and Sundays.
Im planning to come back for the national trials
hoping to play either Fiji Amateur or Fiji Open. This is as

part of overseas based criterias which I will liaise with Golf Fiji.
Chandra said he still had a couple of years left in him to play for the
country.
I think I still have it, experience wise, I just need to polish up and I
should give a good go to the local boys here.
Chandra have many sweet memories and unforgettable moments of
tournament wins whilst playing in Fiji but of them all one clearly stands
out.
Yes I have won a lot of tournament under national golf banner and
won lots of tournaments including the Fiji Amateur, Nadi Open, Lautoka
Open, Vatukoula Open. Denarau, Fiji Open, Fiji Open Mens amateur.
Of all this record winning the Ba Open seven-years-in-a-row is the
most memorable one.

Kumar, Chandra
boost Summer
Cup

Lautoka Golf Club

ELITE national squad members Asish Kumar and Rohit Chandra are on
track to give their best this year for a place in the national team.
The duo produced sterling performances during the first round of
the Summer Cup at the Lautoka Golf Links last Saturday. They shot an
impressive two under par 67 and are eagerly awaiting to participate in the
second round of the Gecko Trucking/ P. Meghji-sponsored Summer Cup
event.
Former national rep Anuresh Chandra is also eager to win back his
spot after representing the country for over 10 years.
I will wait and see the criteria set by Golf Fiji so that I can be part
of the national trials to fight my way back to the top, he said.
National rep Roneel Prakash, Olaf Alen Jr, and Abid Hussein
dominated in the national events last year.
Meanwhile, a lot of interest has been generated at LGC with the
staging of the Summer Cup. Club vice-captain Suren Pillay confirmed
that the five-week tournament will see a very strong rivalry in end of the
A,B and C grades.
The course is playing well and new members are invited to join the
club and taste top level competition. Apart from the main weekly prizes,
each of the Summer Cup champions will receive engraved trophies after
the completion of the five rounds of competition.

Rohit Chandra (right) and Ashish Kumar (left) with former national
golf rep and New Zealand based Anuresh Chandra during the Summer
Cup week 1 of competition.
Photos: Maika Kasami.
CITY STAR - THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FROM LAUTOKA

20

JANUARY

25, 2017

Kadar is new Lautoka FA president

Maika Kasami

ABDUL Kadar was officially elected as the

new Lautoka Football Association president
during the Annual General Meeting on January
22.
He was elected unopposed.
Along with Kadar, Rukshan Ali and Rajnesh
Naicker were elected as the new vice presidents.
There are two-more vacant VP posts still
available and this will be decided during the
next LFA Council meeting.
Kadar had been acting as the interim
president since 2015.
Fiji Football Association had elected new
sets of executives following the ongoing crisis
within Lautoka soccer and this included Kadar
who took on the role as the interim president
replacing businessman Babu Rattan Deo of
Shop N Save Supermarket who stepped down
citing work commitments.
Under the leadership of Kadar, the Blues
won the Inkk Mobile Battle of the Giants after
a lapse of 31-years.
When we took over in 2015 the morale of
the soccer team was very low. It was not easy
to revive the district pride because association
was in a lot of disorder.
But despite all odds our current executives
managing the affairs of LFA managed to bring
to bring the lost glory to the district in the just
the second major tournament of the year.
We have managed to regain the confidence
of the soccer fans in the district by working
together as a team with no hidden agendas,
Kadar said.

Sports

Abdul Kadar (middle) with other Lautoka FA executives after the AGM.
He thanked major sponsors like Singhs
Rental, Shop N Save Supermarket, Design
Engineering, and KBL for their continued
support together with the other sponsors.
Meanwhile, LFA clarified the qualification
process for the presidency post.
The qualification for the position of the
president would be in line with FFA amended

article NO: 13.7 which states that To be eligible

for nomination as a candidate for the office of
President, Secretary or Treasurer of the District
Association, the candidate should have served
the district as a VP or as an executive member
for at-least 3 out of five years.
LFA secretary Muni Rajan revealed that
Kadar had only served two from two-years

Photo: Sanjay Goundar

which makes him ineligible.

But since he applied for the post and there
was no opposition, Kadar was elected as the
new president of Lautoka Football Association
for the next four-years.

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