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July 1 2016

Top Two NFP Split Over Rabuka

The two top National Federation Party officials are split over Sitiveni Rabuka, SODELPA’s new party leader.President and suspended Member of Parliament Roko Tupou Draunidalo and party leader Biman Prasad gave contradictory statements whether NFP should engage Mr Rabuka in talks.Ms Draunidalo said: “We cannot be seen in any way to endorse another party that has – as a leader – one that has brought ruin to this country for the past 30 years.” Mr Rabuka led the 1987 military coups.She said “People in Fiji are sick of coup and coup makers because they

have brought us 30 years of disaster. If our party doesn’t have the courage to differentiate itself from parties and people that have the wrong focus or those that have participated in coups then I am wasting my time in Fijian politics.”But Mr Prasad said the NFP would continue to work with SODELPA, even with Mr Rabuka at its helm.He made the comments following a resolution passed by the working committee. It authorised the NFP leadership to “engage in dialogues with all political parties, in preparation for the 2018 general elections.”

The working committee met in Nadi on Sunday.Mr Prasad said: “The NFP is a different political party and SODELPA is different so we don’t get influenced by any decision made by SODELPA or any other party.”However, Mr Prasad said since both NFP and SODELPA were Opposition parties in Parliament they would continue to engage in any dialogues as it has always.“We understand the change in SODELPA, and nothing will change from our side.”He maintained that in the lead-up to

Former PM Sitiveni Rabuka

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Continued From Page 12018 elections, NFP would seek to meet with Mr Rabuka.Ms Draunidalo said: “I know that I have said that how a party governs itself is its own business but how our party reacts to them is our business.”One Fiji Party leader Filimoni Vosarogo says they would make a collective decision through their board if they were approached to work with other political parties.This is after he was asked on whether they would be willing to work with the newly-appointed Social Democratic Liberal Party leader Sitiveni Rabuka if they were approached.“We’ve just been informed of the results of their election on Friday. I haven’t had any word or approach from them since Friday.“ I have not had any meeting with my board as well to discuss these issues,” he said.Mr Vosarogo said he was not at liberty to make a sole decision on working with

other parties.“We definitely will have to put it through our board and then the board will make a collective decision on it.“It’s just not with SODELPA; it will be with any other party should we get approached with it in the future,” he said.He said they would clarify their position

to work with other parties after their board meeting expected sometimes this week.Several calls made to Fiji Labour Party’s Mahendra Chaudhary and People’s Democratic Party’s Lynda Tabuya remained unanswered when this edition went to press.

Top Two NFP Split Over Rabuka

SODELPA To Name Candidates In April 2017

The Social Democratic Liberal Party will finalise their candidates for the 2018 elections by April next year, says party vice-president Anare Jale.Mr Jale made the announcement during the party annual general meeting last Friday.Those interested in standing for the party are expected to send in their expressions of interest by December 2016.Concerns were raised from the floor that the naming of candidates was too late leading up to election year.Mr Jale maintained that the party would follow the criteria set out in its constitution.If changes were to be made, he said this would have to go through the right process.In his annual report, party president Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu highlighted a number of issues conducted in the past 12 months.“We revised our party constitution, to position our party for victory, to enable credible leadership, and improve internal party governance.”Board members have also been levied $1000 per member.“We have set out to establish constituency

councils in all of our provinces and peri-urban and urban centres, and we have successfully managed to establish 26 of the 28 constituency councils.”Four SODELPA chapters have been formed in Australia; NSW, South Australia, Melbourne and Queensland.Chapters have also been formed in the US and Australia.He said a working committee that would sit between board meetings to map out and attend to urgent matters of the party, have produced and reviewed

various working documents including the party’s strategic plan which was launched in March, the Media Policy and the Accounting and Financial Policy.“We have also had six meetings of the management board, some of which were to resolve the Gaunavinaka impasse.”Ratu Naiqama is the SODELPA president, chairperson of the general assembly, chairperson of the management board and chairperson of the working committee.

SODELPA Vice President, Anare Jale


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Roshika Deo Criticises Rabuka Appointment

Former independent candidate Roshika Deo has criticised the appointment of former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as the new SODELPA Party Leader.She said:“It is disappointing to know that Rabuka is the new Leader of SODELPA.” Ms Deo said Rabuka started the coup culture in the country in 1987.“He escaped all accountability for his actions and has not shown the kind of leadership that is needed for our country,” she said.“He (Rabuka) represents everything we do not need or want for Fiji as we move ahead. It’s worrying for the future of Fiji to see that two of the three political parties are run by military coup perpetrators.”Ms Deo like other women praised Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa for her commitment to the party since its inception.“I want to take this opportunity to thank Ro Teimumu for her leadership and

commitment to making SODELPA a progressive and inclusive party,” she said.Ms Deo also confirmed to this newspaper

that they are in the process of registering a new political party to contest the 2018 Fijian General Elections.

Independent candidate in the 2014 general elections, Roshika Deo


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Japanese In Fiji To Seek Investment And Export Opportunities

Interests in setting up hydroponic farming, cattle and beef farming, solar energy, and student exchangeInvestment Fiji met with a five-member visiting delegation from Japan currently in the country to discuss investment and export opportunities.Investment Fiji chief executive, Godo Müller-Teut, said discussions centred on the delegation’s interests in setting up hydroponic farming, cattle and beef farming, solar energy, and student exchange programmes.“The team from Japan has been in regular contact with Fiji’s Embassy in Japan where they have been provided information on the areas they have expressed an interest to invest in,” he said.“The meeting today was to further discuss their proposals and Investment Fiji has, of course, offered it’s assistance to facilitate in any way we can.”Investment Fiji provided an overview of the business environment and attractive tax incentives including Tax Free Zone regions that Fiji has to offer foreign investors as well as the process of registering a business.The Japanese delegation will be meeting with a number of Government agencies and private companies over the next

From left: Osaka University of Arts Lecturer in Education, Human Rights and Cultural Studies Manabu Kitaguchi, Investment Fiji chief executive, Godo

Müller-Teut, MIRAI Co. Ltd director Corporate Division, Toru Kozaki, Kodou Tetsuya, Global Trading Company president Hatsumi Fukutomi, and Osaka University of Arts Lecturer in Education, Multicultural Coexistence Studies,

and Business English, Mayumi Satodays before returning to Japan.The visit is a follow-on from the initial visit in December when a high-level Japanese delegation visited Fiji to re-new bilateral ties in investments, trade and tourism.

Investment Fiji acknowledged the excellent relationship it has with the Japanese Embassy in Fiji and the Japanese trade promotion agency, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Travel Advice From Trip Advisor In NadiA seminar will be hosted by the head of Marketing for Trip Advisor, Asia Pacific, Sarah Matthews at the Fiji National University (FNU) Namaka campus.The seminar would focus on topics such as how travel has evolved over the years, travellers plan and managing online reputation.Tourism Council of Nadi board member, Tracey Farrington said: “This was an opportunity for business involved in the tourism industry to attend the seminar.”“TripAdvisor is one of the world’s leading travel website, an average of over 62 million visitors to its site per month,” she said.She said as a business operator it drove traffic to our bar and restaurant.”The new Nadi Farmers Club is ranked three out of 83 Restaurants, with 249 reviews.“Last month we were honoured to receive the 2016 Certificate of Excellence, this is our fourth year in a row to win this award.“I’m looking forward to listening to

Sarah Mathews, let’s see how Trip Advisor can help promote Nadi Town.”Toursim Council of Nadi(TCN) was launched last year, as a subsidiary to Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industries.“The main objective of TCN was to

increase tourism flow into Nadi town,” Ms Farrington said.“Most visitors that arrive into Nadi International Airport have limited knowledge on business operations in Nadi town, therefore TCN aims to raise awareness on this issue.”

Pay Tax If You Are Eligible, Urges PM

EVERY Fijian who is eligible to pay tax, must pay tax, as this will assist Government to provide new initiatives and other services that every Fijian expects, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. He made this call while opening the Fiji

Revenue and Customs Authority Office in Ba.PM Bainimarama also stated that Fiji was one of the lowest tax regimes in the world with a 20 per cent flat rate for everyone except high-income earners.


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$200,000 Budget For Preliminary Works For New Airport In Seaqaqa

Government has set aside funds in the 2016-2017 National Budget to begin preliminary works for the development of a new airport in or near Seaqaqa in Vanua Levu.The Attorney-General and Minister for Finance, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, announced in his Budget address that $200,000 was being set aside for this.Airports Fiji Limited will be the state-owned enterprise responsible for conducting this exercise.Airports Fiji executive chairman, Faiz Khan, said the allocation will assist them in carrying out proper feasibility studies.However, he said they are yet to identify a suitable location which their airline partners agree to as being feasible.Vanua Levu currently has two airports, Labasa and Savusavu. However, due to the locations of the runway and the lengths, it is difficult for larger aircrafts to land.At the same time, the airports do not have night landing facilities.The tourism industry has been requesting for some time now for a new airport to be built in the North or for the runway in

Savusavu to be extended.The problem for extending the runway in Savusavu would be there is little room for expansion given a hill at one end and sea at the other.And with the smaller planes flying in to the North, this means there are fewer number of visitors travelling to a location where there are so many high end resorts.It means tourists are being deterred from visiting the North, tourism operators say.Matei AirportMeanwhile, Government has also allocated $150,000 to work together with Airports Fiji for the expansion of the runway at Matei Airport in Taveuni.The expansion would allow the runway to accommodate Fiji Link’s ATR 42 and 72 to improve connectivity to Taveuni.Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said they hope to

have this completed within 18 months.Mr Khan said: “This is good news for the people of Taveuni as Government continues to drive its vision to connect people better from main lands to smaller islands and vice versa.“It will undoubtedly create economic growth in Taveuni.”Overall reactionMr Khan said Government has announced in this budget is that it did what it had to do in the aftermath of unprecedented carnage of Tropical Cyclone Winston.“However, it is going to do more. We have to keep things in perspective. The Fijian economy is relatively small and its ability to react to a disaster of such a magnitude is limited.“Accordingly, Government’s actions and aspirations are highly commendable.”

Airports Fiji Limited executive chairman, Faiz Khan, said the budget allocation will assist them in carrying out proper feasibility studies

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No Immediate Impact On Our Sugar Exports With Brexit

With the United Kingdom having voted to exit the European Union, it is highly likely there will be some form of impact on our trade with the UK.The first thing which would come to one’s mind would be sugar where bulk of our sugar is sold to Tate & Lyle which is a London-based company.Fiji currently gets preferential pricing for sugar exported into the EU but this would either way come to an end on October 1, 2017.So will the Brexit (as it is being called now) have any significant impact on our sugar exports?Fiji Sugar Corporation executive chairman, Abdul Khan, said the impact at this stage is not known as it is still early days.He said even through the UK has voted to come out of the EU, it will take two years for the exit to really happen from the day the deal is signed and activated as per the existing Article 50.“So the initial impact isn’t there but

we still need to see what the results are going to be like and take it further from there,” Mr Khan said.“It also gives us a bit of time to analyse the market and understand what strategies to put in place.”The industry therefore is not being complacent and is taking the matter seriously.Mr Khan, along with other industry stakeholders, are expected to meet with the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, to discuss

the global issue.The other important thing for Fiji to do now Mr Khan said, was to have close discussions with the British Government and build on the relationship.“This would be to understand about the access into the UK market in terms of trade with the EU and without the so-called duty-free access, quota systems and the preferential access,” he said.“Obviously sugar is big but it will affect everything where our customer is UK.”


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Largest Business Mission From New Zealand Will Benefit Exporters Here

Close to 60 Fijian exporters could soon tap into the New Zealand export market as one of the largest business missions from New Zealand prepare to come to Fiji.Close to 24 New Zealand business people will be in the country next week as part of a business mission to build on growing trade and investment between the two countries.The delegation will be accompanied by a three-member team of Pacific Islands Trade & Invest (PT&I) NZ and a seasoned trade consultant.The delegation includes a cross-section of SMEs to some of New Zealand’s largest public listed companies. It will travel to Fiji between June 27 and July 1.The visit comes just weeks after New Zealand Prime Minister John Key visited Fiji, which was the first time any New Zealand Prime Minister had visited us in nearly a decade.The PT&I NZ team, led by trade commissioner Michael Greenslade, is hosting two workshops of the PT&I Path to Market (P2M) Programme in Nadi and Suva.P2M is an export capability building programme that combines the range of export facilitation services and expertise provided by PT&I to help export ready and export capable businesses enter new

export markets.More than 60 countries have registered to attend the workshops.The targetThe content of the workshops is specifically targeted at existing and new exporters giving further insights and overviews of getting products to market.“The programme is an extended business model that covers six methodical steps that are delivered in partnership by PT&I NZ and an Economic Development Agency in each country,” Mr Greenslade said.The Fiji Export Council is co-hosting the workshops.“The workshops are the first of a series of steps,” Mr Greenslade explained.“The key to the P2M programme is that it does not end with the workshop. In many ways, it just begins.“The overall aim of the workshops and their success would be measured in terms of actual deals made. These are the very definition of sustainability in the context of economic development.”The steps involvedThe steps include a practical assessment of export capability vis-à-vis requirements of the New Zealand market.It aims to build a strategic link to the local economic development partner; organising a sales mission to New

Zealand and documenting learning from the sales mission.Also introducing exporters to buyers and distributors in New Zealand; and feedback analyses, quantification of deals and follow up to B2B meetings.Similar workshops have previously been run in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu which resulted in 21 companies from these countries including five from Fiji attending the Pasifika Festival earlier this year in Auckland.As well as displaying their products at the Pacific region’s largest Polynesian festival, participating export companies had a range of B2B meetings with potential buyers and distributors with several positive outcomes for export sales.The PT&I team has also chalked out an exhaustive programme of business-to-business interactions, and meetings with senior government and public sector officials.The high profile business mission is led by the New Zealand Fiji Business Council (NZFBC).“To support the objectives of the mission, Fiji’s High Commissioner in New Zealand Filimone Waqabaca is accompanying the delegation – a first for such a mission,” NZFBC Chairman Chander Sen said.

$20.7m For Sugar Rehab To Bring Crop Levels Back Up

The $20.7 million allocated in the 2016-2017 Budget for rehabilitation in the sugar industry is hoped to get crop levels back up as soon as possible.Government allocated $11 million for crop rehabilitation and another $9.7 million for crop fertiliser subsidy $3 million for cane access roads and $0.6 million for the GIS system.Fiji Sugar Corporation executive chairman, Abdul Khan, believes this is a good start for the sugar sector and was very much what they had expected, especially for crop rehabilitation.“We were expecting around $11 million and it was spot on in that area,” he said.Mr Khan said the inclusion of the fertiliser subsidy was important because it would become part of that

rehabilitation programme.“If you look at last year, we had about $5 million for crop rehabilitation but that was scaled back to $4.6 million because of the Budget year changing,” he said.“This is a significant increase from last year’s allocation for crop rehabilitation and this is about $6 million increase.”

Mr Khan said the priority area would be from planting through to getting that crop into the mills.“That’s the only way we will have to improve our crop and get it to a volume that is acceptable,” he said.Mr Khan said part of the improvement would also include harvesting & transportation to mills.


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Security Response Slow, Airports Vulnerable To Terrorists

An international expert on airport security says that until security forces develop the ability to react to terrorists within seconds, airports will remain vulnerable to attacks like those in Istanbul and Brussels."If you look at the tactics used by the terrorists in Istanbul, they started by shooting. If the response would have come in a matter of seconds and was effective enough, they probably would have been dead before they detonated their devices and before they managed to cause a large number of casualties," said Rafi Ron, a former security chief at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport who now works as an airport security consultant in the United States and other countries.Ron declined to say whether that response would come in the form of police snipers, SWAT teams or other means."I really don't want to get into the technical detail. I don't think we should be discussing the defensive tactics," he said. "There's more than one way to respond in a matter of seconds."Ron points out that airports are familiar terrorism targets, with an explosion that killed and injured dozens in Moscow five years ago and the attacks in Vienna, Paris and Rome in the 1970s."There is a lot that can be done," said Ron, who was instrumental in setting up the current security system in Tel Aviv. "It's not a common practice in most of the Western world. It is more common in the areas that are identified as high-risk areas. Certainly, at airports in war zones, I assume these types of measures are happening."At Baghdad International Airport, civilian cars are not allowed to drive to the terminal. Passengers must transfer to approved buses or taxis at a parking lot at the perimeter of the airport, after which they pass through two screening checks, including one with sniffer dogs, before reaching the terminal. Inside the terminal, there are two more X-ray machines prior to check-in, another after immigration, and a final one at the gate.So far, Baghdad has avoided a major attack on its airport during the country's war against the Islamic State. But in November 2014, a suicide car bomber detonated explosives at the checkpoint at the entrance to the public parking lot on the airport's outskirts, injuring five people.Israel's aviation security - at Tel Aviv and

on flights from abroad that are departing for Israel - is among the tightest in the world.Several kilometres before travelers arrive at the main terminals of Ben Gurion airport, they first pass through a military checkpoint, where the identities of taxi drivers and passengers can be scrutinized. Travelers whom guards deem suspicious can be questioned and their baggage searched several miles from the terminals.Israeli authorities freely acknowledge that they profile passengers. Young Muslim men, including from the United States, are often subjected to second and third screenings - including strip searches and examinations of their personal electronic devices.At the airport terminal, other guards may stop and question passengers before they are allowed entry. At check-in, there are more questions by security officers: Whom do you know in Israel? What are their names?But in Europe, the United States and other regions, passengers and others have easier access to airports.After the terrorist attacks in Brussels, where a bomb was detonated in the terminal area before the security checkpoint, questions were raised in Britain over where the ring of security should be placed at an airport and whether the existing security arrangements were enough to prevent attacks. As in Brussels, passengers entering airport

terminals in Britain do not immediately go through security checks.At U.S. airports, security responsibility is shared by the Transportation Security Administration and local law enforcement agencies."You have to look at the division of responsibility between the federal government and the local government, when the feds consider themselves responsible for passengers and bags, and they expect that local government will protect the airport facility," Ron said. "In most cases, those police forces are too few, too thin and hardly present at the right place in the airport, and, in any case, too busy issuing traffic tickets rather than getting involved in the protective missions at the airport."Most airport law enforcement officers lack the "combat skills to do what is required to meet this type of challenge," he said."We have to reconsider our strategy on this [because] of the latest attacks in Brussels and in Istanbul," he said. "We have to adjust our existing resources as a way of mitigating this type of risk at this time.""If you look at the airports that serve Washington, D.C., and ask yourself the question, how long would it take for somebody to actually respond to an active shooter, and you won't be able to avoid the conclusion that the situation would be much worse than the one in Istanbul."

Real Estate Agents Act Gets Reviewed

To bring the Real Estate Agents Act in line with the changes in the market place and the policy changes undertaken by the Fijian Government, a review of the Act has been planned.Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, highlighted this during the inaugural Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB) National Workshop in Nadi.Welcoming this move, REALB chair Dr Abdul Hassan, said the review was timely as it will assist in the capacity building of real estate companies and agents in shaping the economic conditions and removing malpractices in the industry.“The current licensing laws were

enacted over a decade ago and before that some of the practices were not in the best interests of the public,” he said.“This can be achieved if all the players are prepared to embrace change.”Further policiesMr Koya also highlighted, the ministry, Solicitor General’s Office and the Fiji Commerce Commission are working closely together in finalising a draft Landlords and Tenants Bill.“The Bill will provide protection to both parties, the landlord and the tenant, in terms of prescribing the rights and responsibilities of each party,” he said.“Real estate agents also need to have an active association that will advance the interests of the industry collectively.”


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No Sympathy For Drunk DriversPeople who drink and drive deserve no sympathy. They are death threats on our roads and must be stopped.Despite the repeated warnings by Police against drunk driving, some are still defiant and continue driving under the influence of alcohol.Five people were arrested last Friday night for drink driving during Traffic Operations conducted in the Southern Division, said director traffic, SSP Mahesh Mishra.The five are being held in custody.Drinking and driving continues to be an area of concern for the Police and other law enforcement agencies.Despite the repeated pleas from authorities for drivers to practice safe driving habits, we continue to record cases of drink and drive.SSP Mishra rightly says drivers’ attitude needs to change.Drivers should not be selfish and should think of the serious consequences driving under the influence of alcohol poses to themselves, their loved ones and other innocent road users.The traffic operations continue and Police will be focusing on radar

operations, coverage of black spot areas, breathalyzer operations, snap checks, illegal operations and awareness.Those who drink and drive always say: “What’s the problem? What’s the harm? I got home safely and no one was hurt.” Because you reach your destination safely does not mean that drinking and driving is okay. Far from it. You are just plain lucky.The next time you might not be so lucky. You or other innocent victims might be maimed for life or dead. This is why you should not drink and drive.If you don’t know, it’s important to know that alcohol and driving don’t mix. Alcohol affects all your senses.It impairs your judgment and drastically affects your motor skills that enable you to drive safely.Drinking does not do you any good at all in driving. It increases your liability and poses a grave danger to other road users. How many times have we mourned our loved ones who died on our roads because of the effect of drunk driving.Many innocent lives are lost in the process. And yet we continue to see people getting caught, charged and

appearing in court.The Police have taken a hardline approach. They take people who are caught into custody to wait for their court hearing. This zero tolerance approach will act as a deterrent.Stiffer sentences by the courts will help make people think twice before they get behind a wheel under the influence of alcohol.Let’s all commit ourselves and say enough is enough, no more drinking and driving.The Police and the Land Transport Authority are doing everything they can to stop people from drinking and driving. But they can’t be everywhere.They need public help to catch those who defy the law for their own selfish reasons. If you see any suspicious activities or notice body language that might suggest a driver could be intoxicated contact the nearest law enforcement officers. A possible sign is erratic driving or over-speeding.For those who drink and drive, they are stupid and a menace to society and they must be brought before the courts to face justice. There should be no mercy.


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Sitiveni Rabuka Faces Backlash

Sitiveni Rabuka faces a growing backlash over his appointment as SODELPA’s new party leader.Some disgruntled members who vehemently opposed Mr Rabuka are floating an idea of a breakaway party.The revolt comes from members of the party who prevented him from becoming leader in 2014.They included members of the youth wing led by Pita Waqavonovono who has now resigned, some members of the women’s wing and Mick Beddoes who is expected to resign as he promised if Mr Rabuka became party leader. Mr Waqavonovono quit because the very person they opposed in 2014 because of coup involvement in 1987 is back. Some senior party officials have also expressed similar sentiments. They have accepted Mr Rabuka’s appointment with reservations.Mr Beddoes, the former principal administration officer in the Opposition Office, has questioned Mr Rabuka’s commitment to the party in a statement he posted on social media. The close confidante and adviser to Opposition leader Ro Teimumu Kepa, said Mr Rabuka had a high profile “but not for the reasons he believes.”“The only two things he is reported to

have said in recent times is, SODELPA should have a vision like Fiji First, and that ‘Frank Bainimarama’ had the right to change our current Fiji Flag. This of course is the opposite position that the SODELPA Youth under the direction of Ro Teimumu Kepa took on the flag issue and succeeded in getting it pushed back.“First of all Mr Rabuka’s commitment to the party itself is a concern. This will be I believe his 3rd attempt to try and secure our party leadership but after each previous failed attempts, he has resigned. What does this say about his commitment to the party? Is it conditional on his being elected leader?”He said another problem he had with a Rabuka leadership, was that his credentials mirrored that of Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.“The other misconception that his supporters have is that Mr Rabuka will bring to the party his huge support base. But there is no evidence of this.“In contrast to this, just 20 months ago Ro Teimumu Kepa who is, in my view,

the ‘most electable’ respected, admired and courageous leader we have, and a Paramount Chief of Fiji received 49,485 votes which is 35 per cent of the total SODELPA votes in 2014. And we think we are going forward by replacing her with someone who 10 years ago could only secure 238 votes? I mean, seriously?”Mr Beddoes said: “Displacingthe leader who polled the largest number of votes for the party and risking her supporter’s continued loyalty, after the disrespectful way Ro Teimumu has been treated by some in the executive, is an act of lunacy.”Mr Beddoes represents what Ro Teimumu stands for. She was visibly disappointed when Mr Rabuka won the leadership vote. She had hoped that MP Viliame Gavoka, one of her loyal and closest allies, would have got the nod.While she said that she respected the party process and everyone should support Mr Rabuka, she harbours her resentment against him because of his role in the 1987 military coups and the damage they did to the country.This is no secret and if there is a new leadership challenge against Mr Rabuka one can reasonably assume which side she will be on.Some party dissidents are talking about forming a new party and then compete with SODELPA to align themselves with other opposition parties.The 50-seater bus concept (representing Parliament) is still an attractive prospect which calls for a grand coalition of all opposition parties to try and topple FijiFirst in the 2018 general election.It’s a realisation that SODELPA, National Federation Party, Fiji Labour Party, People’s Democratic Party and One Fiji Party cannot win the election individually.But collectively as a coalition, they have some hope because FijiFirst is so deeply entrenched in the political landscape that it would be difficult to dislodge it.Mr Rabuka said that he was aware of the dissidents.“It’s an indication of what we have to do to reach out and unite the party,” he said.

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Affordable Housing A Priority - Koya

Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, says the real estate sector must continue to explore ways to make housing affordable to all Fijians.Speaking at the inaugural Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB) National Workshop in Nadi, he said Government was already working towards this and thus the sector must do the same.“Whilst the growth of the industry is important, it is also critical to provide affordable housing to all Fijians, as is provided for in the Fijian Constitution. This is a key priority for the FijiFirst Government,” Mr Koya told participants.“We are aware of the rising demand for housing, especially in the major urban centres.“Therefore, over the past year, various policy changes have been undertaken to ensure that affordable residential properties are available to ordinary Fijians.”This, Mr Koya said, has been done, amongst other initiatives, including rental freeze on residential properties the Help for Homes Initiative and so on.“Hence, whilst the Government is taking steps to make affordable housing available for Fijians, it is also your duty as real estate agents to work within the ambits of the law and ensure that your industry is clean of unscrupulous dealers,” he said.A platformThe workshop is a result of consultations between the board and stakeholders with the theme ‘Recognising your roles

and responsibilities in the real estate industry’ and is the first of similar workshops to be held in all divisions.Real Estate Agents Licensing Board chair Abdul Hassan said the workshops provided real estate agent a platform to further explore laws and policies in the real estate and establish a fair and just system in the context of the contemporary world.

“The vision of the board is to develop and administer a more vibrant real estate in Fiji with a mission to create and sustain an environment of professionalism, expertise, integrity and quality in the sector.”Mr Koya also noted that in the Western Division alone for the first three months of 2015, 355 sales transactions were worth over $180 million.

Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, with speakers and participants of the inaugural Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB)

National Workshop in Nadi


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Body Parts FoundA pair of feet, chopped off from the ankle, was found at Natadola Beach.Police have not ruled out that it could belong to either of the Russian couple who were reported missing last week.The human body parts were found by security officer Alipate Harilevu about 200metres from where the couple’s vehicle was found by Police.The Fiji Sun also established that a man was taken in for questioning on Thursday night.More revelations were unearthed by witnesses at Natadola who had seen the couple’s vehicle arrive there on Thursday afternoon.Yuri Shipulin and his wife, Natalia left their farm in the hills of Kachiquari, which is off a feeder road on the way to Nausori Highlands, in Nadi, sometime after midday last Thursday.According to a Police source, the couple were spotted a little later at Denarau Island having some drinks.Later that same afternoon, the couple’s vehicle, a grey metallic Toyota Land Cruiser, bearing the registration ‘PILOT’, was found at Natadola Beach, with the doors unlocked and the keys still in the ignition.Police have also confirmed that sand found in the couple’s second vehicle had been taken for analysis to see whether it matched the sand at Natadola Beach.Meanwhile security officer Harilevu is employed by Sea Breeze Water Sports at Natadola Beach where he looks after their jet skis for hire.Since the jet skis are kept fulltime at the beach, the company hires security officers who keep a watch on it, especially during the night.Mr Harilevu had just finished his shift at 8am when he saw the heavy surf pounding onto an object on the water’s edge.On his inspection, he found the pair of feet, wrapped in green netting, similar to ones used for greenhouses, with about five stones inside, probably used as weight and tied together with fishing line.The pair of feet reportedly belonged to a caucasian and had all the toes intact.Police detectives, led by divisional Police commander West SSP Marika Yalimaiwai and divisional crime officer West ASP Aliksio Lawakeni arrived at the beach and after investigations took the body parts with them.Afternoon shift workers spotted the

vehicle, ‘PILOT’ arriving sometime after 5pm and driving to the far end of the beach on the day the couple disappeared.It returned a short while later and parked at the spot where it was found later by the Police.Rupeni Tokavou, another security officer, began his shift at 7pm that night at the beach and noticed the vehicle parked there.“The place was bright because of the moon,” he said.“We thought some people had come to party there so we did not pay much attention.”Later that night, as Mr Tokavou and three other colleagues huddled around a fire they had lit, they noticed a fire too was lit near the vehicle.“We saw a torch light later go near the water and returned.”At about 3am on Friday morning, a man, who looked caucasian walked past and they thought he was a guest at Yatule Resort, which is nearby.“As he walked past us, he held a mobile phone up to his ear, partially covering his face and he had turned his head away from us,” Mr Tokavou said.“We saw he did not enter Yatule Resort but walked away towards the gravel road that led to the Natadola Road.”On Friday morning, the new shift of workers, including Malakai Rauqera noticed ‘PILOT’ still parked at the same spot.“I went over and checked and noticed the right back tyre was punctured, the keys still in the ignition, some lady’s clothes and a woman’s passport,” Mr Rauqera said.

Police arrived later that afternoon and took the vehicle to the Nadi Police Station.The find was about 200 metres from where the couple’s vehicle was found by Police last Friday afternoon.More Body Parts FoundAnother pair of feet chopped off in the same manner and wrapped in the same type of netting as the first pair found was discovered at Natadola Beach.The discovery was made in about one foot of water and about 150 metres from where the first pair of feet was found.The second find is believed to be that of a woman’s feet and although Police were keeping a tight lid on the discoveries, raising speculation that they could be linked to missing Russian couple who had disappeared since June 16.Gaberieli Seru, a jet ski operator and diver based at Natadola Beach and employee of Sunny Water Sports made the second discovery.Mr Seru said it was about 2pm after he had finished his lunch aboard one of their boats.“I went ashore and was making my way back to a jet ski when I stood on something and looked down and saw the similar type of netting in the water,” Mr Seru said.“It looked like a woman’s feet.”He immediately alerted Police divers, who were then searching the nearby waters; they came and took the body parts ashore.A team of detectives and Police officers were continuing to search the couple’s farm for clues which may explain their sudden disappearance.Investigations are continuing.

NZ Fijians Donate To PM’s Relief And Rehabilitation Fund

The Prime Minister’s Relief and Rehabilitation Fund received a cash donation from the Auckland Manukau Sanatan and the New Zealand Fijian Football Association.The Auckland Manukau Sanatan donated $10,000 while the New Zealand Fijian Football Association gave $2,000.

Office of the Prime Minister’s, Permanent Secretary, Yogesh Karan received the donation and thanked both organisations for their assistance.Vice President of Manukau Sanatan, Bobby Chand said he hopes the donation will assist government in their rehabilitation efforts.


15Fiji News

Solar Energy: Innovative Start-Up Puts Fiji Ahead On Renewable Energy

Fiji is making its mark as a leader in renewable energy thanks to an innovative start-up company focusing on supplying energy to the corporate sector.Sunergise is the brain-child of entrepreneurs from Africa and the Pacific and has attracted investment interest from the World Bank as well as from Australia, New Zealand, North America and China.Before Sunergise came along, the Port of Denarau Marina looked at installing solar but decided it was too difficult."As a marina business we are very intrinsically tied to the environment and climate change and we want to make a difference," said Nigel Skeggs, managing director of the Port of Denarau Marina."But for us to install a multi-million-dollar solar system was not our core complement."The installation of the first 700 photovoltaic cells at the marina was completed in 2012, just two days before Cyclone Evan hit, with winds gusting up to 270 kph.Only one panel was damaged.Sunergise has since completed two more installations at the Port of Denarau, creating the biggest marina-based solar plant in the world.Australia 'well behind'In Australia, corporate solar is lagging behind residential investment and Sunergise is something advocacy group Solar Citizens would like to see more of."Australia leads the world in terms of residential roof-top solar," Solar Citizen consumer campaigner Reece Turner said."Mums and dads have invested $8 billion of their own money in solar panels in just the last six or seven years. But we are well behind in the commercial space; comparatively we are probably 20th or 30th in the world in terms of commercial solar."That is where we are seeing some of the growth now but we really need to incentivise that uptake of commercial solar."'We sell energy'Sunergise's business model is to focus on blue chip corporate clients and to own and operate the infrastructure they put on their roof."We don't sell solar panels, we sell energy," Sunergise chairman Bob Lyon said."We install the panels, the clients get an

instant discount on their power, they don't pay anything [for the infrastructure]."Sunergise sells contracts that run for 10 or more years, with the client enjoying an initial saving of about 10 per cent and certainty on their power costs for the full term of the contract.One of Fiji's top hotels, the Tokoriki Island resort, uses Sunergise's solar power technology and has cut its power bill by 50 per cent and silenced its expensive diesel generators.The World Bank's International Finance Corporation, its private sector arm, made its decision to take a 20 per cent stake in Sunergise based on the skills of its people."Certainly for us it was high-risk but we were backing the people," IFC's Fiji country director Gavin Murray said."The one thing that has struck me continuously across the Pacific is that successful business comes down to people and people who have credibility and are known in the market."Sunergise's advisory board includes Danny Kennedy — a former Greenpeace

campaign manager who went on make millions founding Sungevity — and American filmmaker Chris Paine — best-known for the documentary Who Killed the Electric Car?Global interest in solar energyThe company's business model draws heavily on that of multi-billion-dollar US renewable energy firm SunEdison, which in April filed for bankruptcy.Like Sunergise, SunEdison was capital hungry to pay the up-front cost of the solar installations it owed but it also went on an asset-buying spree that left it overextended.Bob Lyon said Sunergise was different to SunEdison due to its innovative funding strategy."We had a lot of interest from around the world, places like the US quite a considerable amount, China, Australia, New Zealand," he said."There is certainly an appetite for renewable energy investments and there is quite a growing investment scene for renewables from superannuation funds, ethical funds."

Fiji Prepares For Specialized Emergency Doctors

FIJI will have six new specialized emergency doctors by the end of this year. Australian Emergency physician specialist, Georgina Phillips, is currently in Fiji for a short term contract with the Fiji National University and is assisting

in the teaching and training for this new specialty in medicine in our country.Ms Phillips said this was a first for Fiji to have such specialists and they would be responsible for looking after any emergency - surgical, trauma and medical condition for patients.


16 World News

Realtors Should Face Fines Up To $250K For Misconduct, B.C. Report RecommendsAdvisory group says real estate council needs greater scrutiny and powers to punish wrongdoingAn independent advisory group tasked with reviewing a series of damning revelations about unscrupulous activity in B.C.'s overheated housing market says real estate agents who break the rules should face fines of up to $250,000.In a report prepared for B.C.'s Real Estate Council, the 11-member panel also calls for confidential lines of communication like a hotline or whistleblower programs for members of the public to report wrongdoing.Among the 60-page report's findings are recommendations for greater scrutiny of new licensees and the end of dual agency, in which a real estate agent is allowed to act for both the seller and buyer in a deal.The group says the 11 real estate boards that advance the interests of Realtors in B.C. should stop performing quasi-regulatory duties, which might discourage complainants from taking their concerns to the regulator.The chair of the advisory group, Financial Institutions Commission head Carolyn Rogers, admitted the panel was not asked to deal with the overarching concern of affordability in B.C.'s housing market.'House are no longer just homes'"Any time there is extreme price fluctuation, you have people that try to rush into the market to make a quick buck," Rogers told reporters."I think what's going on in British Columbia is that houses are no longer just homes, they are trading as investments, and that puts pressure on a regime that was never designed for that."The group "found the Real Estate Council does not consistently make use of the principles and rules that already exist, to effectively deter misconduct and unethical behaviours that impact on the reputation and confidence in the industry," the report says."In some instances, the Real Estate Council interprets its jurisdiction narrowly and appears reluctant to intervene, where it needs to be proactive and authoritative to head off problems earlier."The current maximum penalty for real estate agent misconduct is $10,000, while brokerages face a maximum penalty of $20,000. The report says

the ceiling for individuals should be increased to $250,000 for individuals and up to $500,000 for brokerages.The public perception of existing penalties is that many Realtors see them as the cost of doing business. The recommendations also call for the Real Estate Council to have the power to go after the proceeds of misconduct from licensees and brokerages.'Shadow-flipping' triggered reportThe panel was formed after a series of media stories about questionable real estate practices including so-called "shadow-flipping," in which the contract for a house sale is assigned multiple times before the final contract is settled, with profit going to other Realtors without the knowledge of the original seller.The province has since acted to crack down on shadow-flipping to ensure that sellers are fully informed about contract assignments. The panel wants to see those rules apply to all real estate transactions, including "for-sale-by-owner" deals.Rogers said members of the advisory group heard from the public about aggressive marketing practices, which include constant solicitation for sales in hot areas. The report calls for "proactive detection and deterrence efforts" for licensees who engage in those types of activities.

A number of the 28 recommendations would also require action from government, including an amendment to legislation governing the sector to require that 50 per cent of the Real Estate Council's members come from outside the industry. At present 13 of the council's 17 members are industry members elected by their peers.'Time has come to rebalance'"It is our view that some industry members voted to council may not fully appreciate that their role is to serve the council's public interest mandate and not the interests of their peers or local board," the report says."We believe the time has come to rebalance that industry voice with other perspectives."Rogers admitted the public perception is that the regulator is weak, but said the group's mandate was not to look at a move away from self-regulation. She said the possibility of independent regulation still exists, but is a choice the government would have to make.The Real Estate Council said it agrees with the recommendations and has struck a committee to consider implementation. The council is funded by licensees.Rogers said she thinks many of the suggestions — such as putting an end to dual agency — could be acted on in the next six months.

Manmeet Singh Bhullar School Named In Honour

Of Late Calgary MLAPopular Tory died in highway crash last winter A public school in northeast Calgary will be named after the late Manmeet Bhullar.The Calgary Board of Education says Manmeet Singh Bhullar School is expected to open in Martindale in September 2017.Bhullar was a popular Tory MLA who died in an accident on the QE2 last November.He had stopped on the side of the road to help another driver when he was hit by a vehicle.The new kindergarten-to-Grade 5 school

will hold 600 students.Bhullar was first elected to the legislature in 2008, at age 28. He went on to hold several cabinet posts, including Minister of Service Alberta, Minister of Human Services and Minister of Infrastructure.Born in Calgary, Bhullar graduated from Lester B. Pearson High School before earning a bachelor of arts from Athabasca University and a bachelor of law from the University of Windsor.Before running for office, he founded the Inspire Youth Development Society, which works with at-risk youth, and worked on several political campaigns.


World News 17

Chinese Bank Claims Fugitive Bought Luxury B.C. Real Estate

B.C. Supreme Court order freezes Shibiao Yan's assets while bank tries to get back $10 million loan

A major Chinese bank has obtained a court order in B.C. freezing the assets of a businessman accused of fleeing China and buying "luxury" Lower Mainland homes after defaulting on a $10 million loan.In an application brought before a B.C. Supreme Court judge last week, lawyers for China CITIC Bank claim Shibiao Yan and his wife bought more than $8 million worth of properties in Surrey and Vancouver over a three-month period beginning in June 2014.'Global significance for China'The court documents claim Yan, who was president of the Tanyuan Wood Company in Shijiazhuang, China, withdrew RMB 50 million from a line of credit he obtained on behalf of his company.The bank claims the 56-year-old provided a personal guarantee for the money.The loan came due last summer. But the bank claims Yan and his family had already fled to the Vancouver area.Yan could not be reached for comment. He was not represented at the ex parte hearing and none of the allegations against him have been proven in court. The lawyer who represents the bank, Christine Duhaime, would not comment on the proceedings, but tweeted that the case was of "global significance for China".The court case comes amid ongoing speculation about the role of offshore money and cash from wealthy Chinese investors in particular, in driving the out-of-control Lower Mainland real estate market.Last year, Canada's anti-money laundering watchdog FINTRAC claimed to have stepped up enforcement activities in Vancouver's real estate market. A report prepared for the agency suggested the real estate sector was at "significant risk" for money laundering.At the time, a representative of a company that works with foreign governments and banks to recover funds told CBC that he had been hired by a number of Chinese banks to track down money in B.C.Yan is not accused of any criminal wrongdoing.Houses in Surrey, VancouverLast week, Justice Gregory Bowden

issued a temporary Mareva injunction against Yan, freezing his assets as the bank tries to make good on an arbitration ruling it claims to have obtained in March, ordering Yan to pay RMB 50 million plus RMB 2 million interest.That amount works out to a little more than $10 million Cdn.According to the court documents, Yan incorporated a company in B.C. called TYMY Investments in March 2014, and his 36-year-old wife paid $2.5 million for a house in Vancouver a month later.The bank claims Yan applied for the loan in June 2014, but did not reveal that he had a residence or any interests outside of China. He was allegedly given a line of credit in June 2014 and withdrew the entire amount within days.The documents claim Yan bought three homes in Surrey in the next three

months, one worth $1 million, one worth $3.1 million and one worth $2.3 million.An affidavit sworn by the bank's vice-president says the loan became due in June 2015, but Yan could not be found; he is now believed to be living in British Columbia with his wife and daughter.As part of the court proceedings, the bank filed pictures of three homes in Surrey allegedly bought in Yan's name, and one bought in the name of his 36-year-old wife.One of the affidavits says a London-based investigation firm provided the bank with documents it retrieved from "the periphery" of the Vancouver home including a destroyed MasterCard in Yan's name, several torn banking letters and an undated note in Mandarin with characters identical to those in the loan agreement.

This $3.5 million home in Surrey B.C. is one of four Lower Mainland homes a Chinese bank claims are owned by a fugitive who defaulted on a $10 million

loan.

Jail For Mum Who Left Baby In Car Overnight

A woman who left her baby locked in a car in a public place overnight has been sentenced to 18 months prison.The woman, who has name suppression to protect the identity of the child, pleaded guilty in the Whanganui District Court earlier this year to a charge of neglecting a child.She appeared in the Palmerston North District Court for sentencing Thursday.

The woman was found intoxicated beside a locked car on Boxing Day. Police took her away to prevent her driving, but it is claimed she did not tell them the baby was inside. The child was not harmed.She also pleaded guilty to unrelated charges of driving while suspended, supplying methamphetamine, and supplying cannabis.


18 World News

Calgary Man Handed A Nine-Year Prison Sentence For Killing Mother

A Calgary man has been given a nine-year sentence for shooting his mother to death in her home while suffering an alcohol-induced psychosis.Justice Beth Hughes said Andrew Douglas Murray’s slaying of his mother fell into the highest range of manslaughter cases.But she also said his guilty plea, expression of remorse and desire to rehabilitate his alcohol addiction all weighed in favour of a lower sentence in that range.“The range of sentence for manslaughter with this degree of culpability is eight years and up,” Hughes said.The Court of Queen’s Bench judge said there were also aggravating factors that called for a significant term.Murray, 32, pleaded guilty last year to manslaughter in the Oct. 14, 2013, death of his mother, Lois.“The victim was Andrew’s mother, a person who (she) should have been able to trust . . . to keep her safe,” Hughes said, adding the killing was in the woman’s home.She noted the woman’s death had a devastating effect on the Murray family.“Lois Murray’s death has torn her

family apart,” Hughes said.“The impact is profound and devastating, and continues today,” she said.After pronouncing sentence, Hughes provided Murray with a transcript of his comments he made to the court during sentencing submissions, in which he vowed to rehabilitate himself.“You said that the best way that you can honour your mother is by your sobriety, I wish you all the luck,” the judge said.Murray had been in and out of addiction

centres but continued to drink up to the time of his mother’s death.On that day, he went to the basement of the Murray’s Ranchland’s home, removed a shotgun from a locked safe and then retrieved two shells from another secured locker.When his mother saw the weapon she fled, but he chased her down and, after she fell, he shot her once in the back of the neck.Following his arrest, Murray told police he had been hearing voices telling him his mother was going to kill him.Crown prosecutor Susan Kennedy — who sought a sentence in the 12- to 15-year range — noted Murray was diagnosed as suffering from an alcohol-induced psychosis, either from consumption or withdrawal.Outside court, defence counsel Jillian Williamson said while she and co-counsel Jim Lutz had sought a lower sentence, Murray was not disappointed with the outcome.“Mr. Murray was satisfied with this sentence because he felt that anything lower would upset his family,” Williamson said.

Hindu Priest Hacked To DeathA Hindu priest has been hacked to death by three men on a motorcycle in front of a temple in western Bangladesh, police say.Police said they did not know the motive behind the murder of the priest and no-one had been arrested.Shaymanonda Das, 45, was killed at the Radhamadan Gopal Bigraha Math in Jhinaidah district, 300 kilometres south-west of the capital Dhaka."He was preparing morning prayers with flowers at the temple early in the morning and … three young people came by on a motorbike and killed him with machetes and fled away," Jhenaidah district administration chief Mahbubur Rahman said."The nature of the killing was similar with the local militants, but we cannot say more at the moment."Wave of targeted killingsBangladesh has seen a surge in attacks on secular activists and religious minorities, with the Islamic State (IS)

group claiming responsibility for some of the recent killings.Friday's attack was the latest in a wave of murders of secular bloggers, gay rights activists and followers of minority religions.Last month a Hindu priest, 70-year-old Ananda Gopal Ganguly, was also hacked to death in a rice paddy field in the same district near his home.Police said a student activist from the country's largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, was arrested over the attack and he had allegedly admitted his role in the killing.Since April, more than a dozen people

were hacked to death amid a sharp spike in the targeted killings.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government has blamed homegrown Islamists for the attacks, rejecting claims of responsibility from IS and a South Asian branch of Al Qaeda.Experts say a government crackdown on opponents, including a ban on the Jamaat-e-Islami following a protracted political crisis, has pushed many towards extremism.Although Bangladesh is officially secular, around 90 per cent of the country's 160 million-strong population is Muslim and about one in 10 are Hindu.


19Health

Exercise Tips For Arthritis PatientsPeople with arthritis experience joint pain. However, using that as an excuse to avoid exercising is a very common mistake.The word 'arthritis' literally means joint inflammation.This condition may cause pain, stiffness and swelling in joints and other supporting structures. Some types of arthritis are a result of connective tissue degeneration while others are described as autoimmune diseases. There are many types of arthritis - such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing, spondylitis, gout.Should patients of arthritis exercise?Yes. Exercise reduces joint pain, increases flexibility and bone strength and improves cardiovascular fitness. It also helps with weight reduction and contributes to an improved sense of well-being.Don't get into a vicious cycle of inactivity.The most common mistake is avoidance of exercise. This, over time, leads to

more stiffness, reduced strength and compromised cardiovascular fitness. Inactivity further weakens the body, leading to a vicious cycle that accelerates de-conditioning of the body.How is it treated?Treatment has to be tailored to individual needs, lifestyle and health. It has four main goals.1.To control pain through prescribed medicines and other therapies.2.To improve joint care through rest and gentle exercise.3. To maintain an acceptable body weight.4. To achieve a healthy lifestyle.Exercise modificationsThe American College of Sports Medicine has outlined several modifications for exercise for those with arthritis.- Begin slowly and progress gradually. The hallmark of a safe exercise program is gradual progression in exercise intensity, complexity of movements and duration.- Avoid rapid or repetitive movements of

affected joints- Special emphasis should be placed on joint protection strategies and avoidance of activities that require rapid repetitions. For example faster walking speeds increase joint stress.- Adapt physical activity to the needs of the individualAffected joints may be unstable and restricted in range of motion by pain, stiffness, swelling, bone changes or fibrosis. These joints are at higher risk for injury; care must be taken to ensure that appropriate joint protection measures are in place.Simple self-help measures- Carrying extra body weight puts added pressure on the joints. So get on a healthy diet to lose those extra pounds.- Get the right kind of footwear. Well-fitting supportive shoes increases comfort and safety while walking.- Learn to listen to the body's signals. Know when to stop or slow down movement. Pain can increase by over-use or oversight.

Eat Grapes To Help Lower Obesity RiskConsuming grapes combined with a diet rich in saturated fats can lower obesity risk as well as improve gut bacteria, a new study has found.According to researchers, it may also help counter the negative effects of a high fat diet, including heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.The findings showed that the unique and diverse composition of antioxidants called polyphenols present in grapes can help reduce the percentage of body fat, subcutaneous and visceral fat deposits, markers of inflammation in the liver and improve glucose tolerance.Further, it also increased microbial diversity and decreased abundance of several deleterious bacteria in the intestinal tract.The research, published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, is based on two laboratory studies.In the first study, intake of a diet high in fat content (33 percent of energy from fat) and enriched with 3 percent grapes for 11 weeks, showed a lower percentage of overall body fat and reduced subcutaneous fat deposits.In the second study, which ran for 16 weeks, the researchers used an even higher fat diet (44 percent of energy from fat) with multiple types of saturated fat, including

lard, beef tallow, shortening, and butter similar to some Western-type diets."These two studies suggest that grapes and grape polyphenols may help offset a number of the adverse effects of consuming a high fat diet and trigger improvements in intestinal or systemic health," said lead researcher Michael McIntosh from the University of North

Carolina in the US.The researchers investigated the impact of the high fat diet enriched with extracts of either the polyphenol fraction of grapes or the non-polyphenol portion of grapes, as well as the high fat diet plus five percent whole grapes.All the high fat experimental diets were matched for sugar type and amount.

Those 'Light' Drinks, Snacks 'Won't' Shed Your Extra Kilos

Just when you thought opting for the "light" versions of your favourite foods will help you lose weight, there comes a new study to burst your bubble.As per the Wageningen University, light varieties of sweets, soft drinks or snacks only lead to over-consumption of the low-calorie alternatives, in the long-term.Past research has already shown people eat more light crisps once they have switched to them and the new findings show this behaviour persists even a full year later.On average, people buy 13 per cent more calories the year after their first "light" purchases, compared to the previous year.Team leader Joost Pennings said

that people feel guilty when they eat something that makes them fat, but if they switch to light, they seem to immediately eat more of the product. This then becomes a habit, where they not only eat the light version, but to a certain extent often also return to the regular variety.Due to these findings, Pennings and his colleagues believe that the government should be careful in its promotion of light products.He added, "Light is not bad but we must be aware of the psychological impact of the claim. If we want overweight people to actually consume fewer calories, we need to educate them better."


20

AriesTwo important changes in planetary position takes place around midweek that cast long shadows. One is about Mercury shifting to a watery Sign Cancer; the other is about ruler of your Sign Mars after remaining retrograde for long, now becomes direct in motion. This change works well in resolving issues in personal life. There are good times on the card for businessmen in foreign trade and professionals working in offshore projects, thanks to change of sign by Mercury. Job holders will be relieved. Encouraging financial gains will help you strengthen your financial position. Love birds will share some enjoyable time together. With regards to health, no major threat is envisioned. Enjoy good health and a positive state of wellness this time around.TaurusYou will find it difficult to beat down the Monday morning blues at the beginning of the week. Instead you will be caught in a kind of mental inertia. Normalcy returns from Tuesday. Thank God. You will now shake off all negative vibes and get back to routine work. On Thursday, Mercury enters its own Sign Gemini in the second House. This will enhance your aptitude to earn shrewdly and budget sensibly. Around the same time, Mars becomes direct in motion. Now your routine work may progress smoothly and your performance could look up. Job holders will have to bide their time here to earn recognition. Singles could enjoy tender moments in the arms of their new found love. Those married will be in agreement during this phaseGemini The week opens on a lazy note. You may be in no mood to do any work. As Moon transits through active Aries from Tuesday, you will now become active and take initiatives to handle complex issues. And to further your cause, Mars becomes direct in motion from around Thursday. From here on, there are no more setbacks or hurdles to deter you being fully engrossed in work. On the same day, the ruler of your Sign Mercury shifts into the cardinal Sign Cancer. Those with overseas connections may benefit from this movement. Professionals handling off shore projects could sign a contract for a long term project. Likewise businessmen

with foreign trade could strike big deals. Those with chronic health problems could expect some relief in the coming days. Other can take it easy this week.CancerThe beginning of the week and a few days thereafter will be marked by confusion and uncertainty about the direction to follow. It is only around midweek that clarity will come when Mars becomes direct in motion. Now the commotion will disperse and you will be able to decide more confidently. Mars will also help businessmen here. They can go ahead without hesitation with growth plans that were conceived earlier. However, these are grim days for job holders. Around midweek, along with Mars becoming direct, Mercury enters your sign. This change is helpful for businessmen and professional with overseas interests. With Sun and Moon along with Mercury well positioned, your success is assured. But, you will need to remain focused and extend working hours to achieve desired results. Health remains good, overall.LeoMonday blues may affect many of you. After a fun and rejuvenating weekend, you will not be keen to resume work. It is from Tuesday onwards, though, that you shall become active and start focusing on relevant issues like finance and career. An important change in planetary position takes place around Thursday with Mars becoming direct in motion. This will boost your confidence. Entrepreneurs and businessmen can now actively consider plans for development. Lady luck might favour you now. However, do not have your head in the clouds; be in touch with ground realities. Job holders do not benefit with Mars becoming direct and continue to be under stress. On Thursday, Mercury shifts into a watery Sign Cancer. From now do not risk your money to earn more. Those with chronic health issues will be relieved by the positive influence of Jupiter here. Chances of your finding the right treatment get better.VirgoThis week, those married will be overcome by desires of physical intimacy with their partner for life. However, unfortunately, the same intense feelings are not reciprocated. Instead, your spouse may appear withdrawn and cold due to some misgivings and doubts about

you. The best way to put things right is by spending quality time together and having a heart-to-heart chat about each other’s feelings. Two noticeable changes in planetary positions take place around Thursday. First – the ruler of your Sign Mercury shifts from its own Sign Gemini, and moves to Cancer. It joins Venus and Sun already present there. This will work well in enhancing your financial prospects. The second shall be about Mars getting direct in motion – after being retrograde for so long. Overall, these changes will augment your success rate. Job holders will be relieved now, and so shall everyone!LibraRoutine activities will keep you busy at the beginning of the week. You will take initiatives and use your imagination to complete challenging tasks. This commitment will inspire your peers and juniors and push up your esteem. Around Thursday, Mercury leaves its own Sign Gemini to enter a watery cardinal Sign Cancer. Businessmen and professionals will benefit now. Here, planetary positions seem encouraging to help you successfully negotiate big deals. However, remain attentive about payment terms. Around Thursday, Mars stops transiting in retrograde mode and becomes direct in motion. This will bring great relief. Increase in earnings will relax you considerably. Also, for working people, everyday duties become smooth and less stressful.ScorpioMoon transiting through Aries may lead to a minor setback for you. However, good news is about the ruler of your Sign Mars becoming direct, this week. This will lift your spirits as well as your confidence. Pay heed to constructive criticism and suggestions. On Thursday, Gemini leaves its own Sign to enter the cardinal Sign Cancer, the 9th from your Sign. This change will be supportive, especially for businessmen engaged in foreign trade and professionals handling off shore projects. A short trip abroad is a strong possibility. This may also strengthen you financial position. On a personal level, you will need to be tactful, while resolving differences in meaningful relationship. Mars becoming direct should have positive effect on your personal life as well as your immune system.Sagittarius

Astrology


21Astrology

This week Moon transiting through a fiery cardinal Sign Aries will induce you to take initiatives and act swiftly, even as you feel dejected and depressed by the thoughtless attitude of someone close to you. Around Wednesday-Thursday, you could shed your guard and become a bit careless. Midweek sees two changes in planetary positions taking place. One is about Mercury leaving own Sign Gemini to enter the watery cardinal Sign Cancer. Businessmen and professionals connected with companies abroad could strike impressive deals. Job holders will be comfortable at work place. The other planetary change is about Mars after remaining retrograde for a long time becomes direct in motion. Now, you may vow to look after the welfare of the family without slip-ups.CapricornYou shall be raring to gallop ahead to make some noticeable progress, as the week begins, thanks to the Moon transiting through the ebullient Aries. So eager will you be to create an impact in your sphere that both you and your spouse will put aside all differences to be able to focus on your goal whole heartedly. Your motivation level will also be high here despite distractions.

Around Thursday Mercury changes sign to enter a cardinal sign Cancer in opposition to your sign. Gathering of Mercury, Sun and combusted Venus will have negative impact on marital life. Relations with better half could be strained. The other important change is about aggressive Mars after remaining retrograde for a long time, now becomes direct in motion. You will now be better equipped to handle domestic matters, resolve differences in crucial relationship and clear misgivings. Progressive forces will be activated effectively from this point.AquariusHaste makes waste. Try not to be at the receiving end of this idiom in the coming days. In your hurry do not lose track of your directions. You may then need to take a ‘U’ turn to get back on the right path. Agreed, life is a journey, but you cannot stop every kilometre to ask for directions. Around Wednesday, you may get busy with household matters. Thursday sees two changes in planetary positions. One is about Mercury leaving its own Sign Gemini to enter the cardinal watery Sign Cancer to join the company of Sun and Venus already posited there. This does not spell kindly for health.

Those with diabetes or cardiovascular issues will need to carefully monitor themselves. The other planetary change is also quite important. Aggressive Mars becomes direct in motion now. Businessmen and professionals will get positive results. They can look forward to striking a high worth deal.PiscesAt the start of the week, Mercury is posited in the House indicative of finances, in general. This could inspire you with some intelligent ideas to shore up your finances. However, refrain from indulging in risky speculations. Businessmen may not be happy here with the pace of progress. Those in jobs could also be adversely impacted by disturbances in day to day activities. You need to be prepared to work for extended hours to complete your tasks. Singles longing for company of opposite sex will be blessed by stars, unlike married folks who could have a horrid time accommodating whims of their partner. You need to have patience and tact to bring the matter under control. In regard to health, minor health issues could get bothersome. There also seems a possibility of getting injured on upper part of the body. Remain careful of this.

Priyanka Chopra: 'I've Never Dated And Never Will'

Actress Priyanka Chopra intends to remain a single woman until she gets married.The gorgeous 33 year old is very reserved when it comes to romance, noting her cautious approach to affairs of the heart stems from the courting tradition in her native India."I'll stay single until I’m married," she tells U.S. magazine InStyle. "I've always believed that.""I’ve never dated," she adds. "I’ve always been in relationships. It's very different (in India). You like someone, you court each other, you get into a relationship. You're answerable to each other. Whereas the non-answerability of dating (in Western countries), my god, I don’t know if I would ever be able to. I've never done it, so I don't know."Priyanka Chopra's life in pictures

Miss World. Fashionista. And an actress of merit. Bollywood diva Priyanka Chopra has taken the world by storm and is on a roll!After making it to TIME magazine's '100 Most Influential People' list, Priyanka was recently named among 'World's Top 10 Millennial Leaders' by US News. Early lifePriyanka Chopra was born on July 18, 1982. She was closest to her late father Dr. Ashok Chopra, who gave her the nickname 'Mimi.' International acclaimPriyanka was crowned Miss World in 2000. Acting debutShe debuted as an actor with Tamil film 'Thamizhan' (2002). Priyanka's first Bollywood film

Priyanka made her foray into Bollywood with 'The Hero: Love Story of a Spy' in 2003. Ticket to stardomA year later, Priyanka won accolades for her bold, negative role in 'Aitraaz.' Bollywood beginnings"I got into the movies by accident. When I got an offer, I thought let's try this too. Everything in my life has happened by trial and error. I didn't even think I would win the Miss India title so where's the question of thinking I'd come this far." Priyanka, the singerThe actress turned singer with "In My City" in 2012. Her second single "Exotic" featured rapper Pitbull. 'Quantico'Priyanka made a successful American television debut with ABC's show 'Quantico‎' in 2015.


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Tusshar Kapoor Becomes Father, Aunt Ekta Shares First Picture Of Nephew

Laksshya

Tusshar Kapoor has become father to a baby boy on June 27, 2016. The actor – who is unmarried – fathered the new born through surrogacy using IVF. Elated at turning a single parent with the aid of medical technology at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai, Tusshar is understandably ecstatic and has named the baby Laksshya.Laksshya is the first grandchild of Tusshar’s parents, Jeetendra and Shobha Kapoor. The proud grandparents said in a statement, “We could not be more excited to be grandparents to Laksshya, and are completely supportive of Tusshar’s decision. This is certainly a tremendous blessing, and an exciting time in our lives. Tusshar is a wonderful son, and he has proven, with responsibility, independence and kindness, that he will be a great father

to Laksshya.”Dr Firuza Parikh, Director of IVF and Genetics at the Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, who led the treatment said, “I am impressed with Tusshar’s determination to be a father. He maintained a keen interest in the baby’s health at every stage. He will surely be a sensitive and nurturing parent. Recently, we have had many single men and women approved for parenthood. As a public figure, Tusshar’s brave and bold decision will open the field of assisted reproduction making it accessible to not just single parents, but also to many who fervently desire to have a baby.”

While the whole Kapoor family was excited with the news, newly become aunt Ekta Kapoor couldn’t hold her excitement for long and took to Twitter to share the first picture of the newly born with his proud grandfather and veteran actor Jeetendra who is seen kissing the forehead and showering love on his first grandchild.Jeetendra and wife Shobha Kapoor said in a statement, “We could not be more excited to be grandparents to Laksshya, and are completely supportive of Tusshar’s decision. This is certainly a tremendous blessing, and an exciting time in our lives. "

OBizz.com


23Recipe

Szechuan Peppercorn Chicken Stir-Fry Ingredients:Entree1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin and cut into 1-inch thick strips 1 tablespoons ginger, minced 1 tablespoon garlic, minced ½ medium onion, ½ red bell pepper½ green bell pepper5 green onions cut thinly and diagonally with bulb pieces separated 1 cup Shitake mushrooms, sliced 1 ½ teaspoon or 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns, sorted and toasted 2 tablespoons high heat oil for stir-fry.Marinade2 teaspoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine 1 teaspoon corn starchStir-fry Sauce2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon Hoison sauce 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (can substitute dry sherry) 1 tablespoon chile paste Garnish (optional) 1 green onion 1 teaspoon chile oilDirections:Marinade chicken strips for a minimum of 20 minutes.Sort and toast peppercorns by placing them in a small, hot pan. Stir or swirl peppercorns constantly until the aroma is released. Remove to a bowl and cool. Grind peppercorns in a clean spice grinder or use a mortar and pestle. Coffee bean grinders work great for this purpose, but make sure it is clean otherwise you will impart a coffee flavor to the dish. We have a dedicated grinder used only for spices. You can also use a rolling pin and baggie.Add ground peppercorns back to a working bowl, add a pinch of salt and mix. Coat the chicken pieces in the peppercorns and set aside.Heat a wok to high heat. When hot, add the oil, ginger and garlic and stir-fry to release the aromatics--about 20 seconds. Add the chicken and sear for about 1 minute. Add the onions, peppers and the bulb portions of the green onions and stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and stir-fry sauce an additional 1 minute until chicken is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are softened but still crisp. Add the green portions of the green onions and stir-fry about 15 seconds.

Remove to plate, garnish if desired and serve with rice or noodles.Garnish plate with finely chopped green onion ends--just the green portion--and a scallion flower - click here to learn how to make a scallion flower. Drizzle chili oil around the edges of plate.Notes:Szechuan peppercorns have a strong and unique flavor. If this is the first time you are making this dish, you might want to start with 1 ½ teaspoons peppercorns.Szechuan peppercorns have an aromatic, woody, citrusy flavor that creates a tingling, and lightly numbing, sensation in the mouth. In small amounts, this is pleasurable and enhances the dish. In large amounts it overwhelms the dish and is unpleasant.

Look for high-quality peppercorns and sort them before using. The berries used to make the peppercorns are sun-dried until they split open, so they appear to be just husks. The berries naturally have a small black seed in the middle which you do not want to uses as it is bitter and gritty. Even in high-quality peppercorns, some seeds and stems slip through so sort your peppercorns to make sure you only use the flavorful husk. This image shows the peppercorns we bought before sorting.The first time we made this dish, we did not sort and the resultant dish was not pleasant tasting. Then we did our research and can now pass it along to you so you don't make the same mistake.


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Chiefs Keep Super Rugby Title Hopes In Good Shape After Beating Crusaders In Fiji

The Chiefs have given their Super Rugby title hopes a boost after securing a vital win over the Crusaders in Fiji and leapfrogging them at the top of the New Zealand conference.The 23-13 victory in a scrappy affair in Suva was full of determination, as the 'home' side outdid the Crusaders for game-smarts and execution.This match was vital for the Chiefs, who have now moved one-point clear of the Crusaders on 46, which coach Dave Rennie felt was the cutoff line to make the finals."I think 46 is enough to be in the playoffs, and now it's about positioning," he said. "Obviously to deny the Crusaders a bonus point right on fulltime was pretty important too."Only the conference winner gets a home quarterfinal, and the Chiefs finish the regular season with away games against the Reds and Highlanders, while the Crusaders host the Rebels and Hurricanes."It puts us in a position where our destiny's in our own hands, and a loss tonight would have meant we'd be relying on others," Rennie said.This latest win continued the Chiefs' dominance over the Crusaders, making it four on the trot and six of the last seven against their big rivals.The fixture was a Chiefs home game, which they took abroad thanks to the Fijian government contributing NZ $1.6 million. Ironically, on a stunning winter's night in Hamilton, heavy rain in Suva made conditions tricky, as 20,000 fanatics packed into ANZ Stadium for the country's first taste of Super Rugby.The sucking humidity, coupled with it being the first game back, had the players heaving early, with the ball tossed about with vigour but resembling a cake of soap, on a ground which was cutting up badly.In what was a largely scrappy affair, the vaunted Crusaders pack had their chances to roll up their sleeves and stamp their mark, but while they dominated the numerous scrums and enjoyed lineout drives, their team was just too scrappy in their execution, as the Chiefs enjoyed a lower error count despite still throwing

the ball around, along with playing the percentages well.Rennie hailed the work of his forwards, who were led well by returning All Blacks Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick, for their efforts in shutting down the Crusaders' big weaponry."I think, up front the boys were outstanding. We knew that the Crusaders have got a really strong scrum and they drive probably better than any other New Zealand side, and that was going to be their go-to tonight. So I thought we defended really well in those areas, and then we got off the line and we made a lot of tackles and created a lot of turnovers."Two of those came not long after Hika Elliot had, instead of lead the team out, run through a guard of honour for his 100th Chiefs game, with the 'hosts' getting on the wrong side of referee Nick Briant and the Crusaders setting up camp in the corner, only to be denied.The Crusaders were made to play catchup all night, having briefly led from Richie Mo'unga's 18th minute penalty, before the Chiefs respond in stunning style, as a left-foot nudge from local boy Seta Tamanivalu had an unmarked James Lowe sliding in for the game's first try.While the Crusaders became sloppy, the Chiefs, on the other hand, were smart, with Lowe and Stephen Donald - who controlled things well in his 46 minutes before a hamstring strain forced Aaron Cruden's introduction - clearing strongly, with several kicks also sent over the top into open space.Rennie acknowledged the kicking game was a tactical ploy."We certainly talked about it, even if the ball was dry there was opportunities to kick in behind the Crusaders side, we thought we could find some space in behind their wingers, maybe even little nudges in behind their backline who blitz a bit, we probably didn't do that part so well but we did find space down the edges. James Lowe's got just a massive kicking game and he can relieve a hell of a lot of pressure for you, so rapt with what he did."The key to counter attacking is choosing

the right moments to do so, and the Chiefs did just that, no more so than when Damian McKenzie broke the game open with one of his trademark sizzling scoots upfield, his twinkling toes getting him round Israel Dagg then his brilliant offload had Brad Weber do the rest.McKenzie's three lovely kicks at goal, where he judged the wind expertly, had the Chiefs primed for a 17-3 halftime lead, but with time up the Crusaders suddenly halved the deficit, as a shonky kick from David Havili saw the ball take turns in the arms of Fijian flyers Nemani Nadolo and Jone Macilai, with the latter dotting down in the corner.The Chiefs' endeavour and slick skill level continued after the break, with the crowd robbed of seeing one of the tries of the season because of a McKenzie foot on the touchline.With Andy Ellis and Kieran Read both lucky not to be marched for cynical ruck play on their goal-line, McKenzie restored the margin to double digits.Mo'unga narrowd the gap to seven with six minutes left, but when Tawera Kerr-Barlow milked a penalty well the Chiefs opted to kick for the corner, and while they didn't score, some vital minutes wound down.The match was soon made safe when young Mitchell Brown won a turnover and was mobbed by his delighted mates, with McKenzie knocking over the penalty to ensure the Crusaders left Fiji with nothing.Chiefs 23 (James Lowe, Brad Weber tries; Damian McKenzie 2 con, 3 pen) Crusaders 13 (Jone Macilai try; Richie Mo'unga con, 2 pen) HT: 17-10.

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